Kurumu paused upon entering the cafeteria at Yokai Academy. All of the tables were down, creating a center aisle which ran the length of the wall dividing the seating area and the serving line. Every table had a set of red, green and white placards standing on them. The green placards all had the number four while the red had five and the white had six.
Kurumu glanced back at the slow moving couple as other students passed by her. Every student was dressed in school uniforms for the welcoming ceremony which would start at one. Kurumu had even worn her school jacket with a red bow tied at the collar of her dress shirt for the occasion. Her keys and lunch card were stored in the pockets of her jacket.
Mizore was one of the few exceptions, foregoing the jacket and bow. The snow girl had only bothered with the skirt and blouse which was strained by her swollen abdomen. It was a miracle she had been able to button it up. Leaning heavily upon her properly dressed fiancé, Mizore shuffled forward slowly.
Suspecting that Kurai dining hall would be crowded for lunch today, Kurumu had enjoyed a meal cooked by Mizore's mother in their new kitchenware. It had been delicious and their suite had felt like a genuine home with the new furniture. Hearing the cost of everything had made Kurumu aware that her seventy thousand yen refund would barely cover a new bed frame and mattress.
Kurumu had to at least replace her bedding. That had already reeked of sex before last night's escapade. Moka had thankfully allowed her to undress before making her drench her sheets from a stimulating nip of her neck. She had barely been conscious for everything afterwards, dimly recalling kissing, cuddling and encouraging Moka to explore her own body. She genuinely had no recollection of being carried back to the suite, waking up on Moka's pink couch completely disoriented.
"Maybe you should just carry her."
"I would but she would just complain."
"Nothing is comfortable these days."
There was a break in the tables on the right, allowing access to the doors for the practice gym. Four more pairs of tables were on the right, leaving an open space between the tables and the corner of the room. In that corner was another set of doors for the practice gym and a set of doors on the other wall for the auditorium. A second set of auditorium doors was behind the four podiums with registers. Those were the check out for the cafeteria serving line. As second years would be in the middle of the auditorium, Kurumu drifted towards the doors in the corner on her right.
A pair of dark haired guys hurried by them, failing to notice Kurumu. They had to be first years, thinking they needed to be here early. Kurumu had left around noon and the walk to school was less than twenty minutes. Even with Mizore's slow pace, there was no way they could be late.
As they entered the crowded auditorium, Kurumu started to doubt herself. Hundreds of students were already gathered in the space. The six basketball hoops had been drawn up into the steel rafters. The shutters of the high windows were all up, filling the room with natural light. The cacophony of hundreds of conversations saturated the cavernous chamber.
"Can we go home?"
Umizake chuckled, steering Mizore over to an aisle between the gathered students.
"Kurumu!"
Kurumu grinned, waving at Moka whom stood with the second years of Aranoiji. Hiboshi was chatting with Yaisoku and Kumiko while Irewata fussed with the kitsune's hair. Kumiko had plum, chin length hair while Yaisoku had her black hair done up in a multitude of braids. While Kumiko was in the PSC, she was wearing the standard school uniform like Umizake was.
A buxom girl with puffy, black hair and pink eyes caught sight of Kurumu and waved with a bright grin. That was Meisai Nadako and the buxom girl with short, charcoal locks beside her was Hazumi Furiko. As they were all in class twelve, they would remain here by the doors.
Kurumu was startled when Moka bounded over and wrapped her up in a soft embrace. She returned the squeeze, breathing in the scent of peppermint. They had bathed together before Kurumu had made breakfast. The silver haired vampire drew back to arm's length, regarding Kurumu with turquoise eyes.
"Are you behaving yourself?"
Kurumu giggled, detaching from the vampire. She could feel guys taking notice of the interaction.
"I've only been away for a couple of hours."
"Do not let Yukari in on your plans for the other girls tonight."
"Did she mention it when she made you lunch?"
"Yes. She may be a genius but she's still only twelve."
"I know. I have to go."
Moka murmured a farewell as Kurumu retreated to the aisle between the second year students and the new first years. The dour Mr. Hiramatsu stood at the end of his class, sporting a black suit and tie. His slate black hair was styled in a crew cut while his hazel eyes kept watch over his students.
A familiar woman with glossy black hair plagued with cowlicks stood at the other end of this gap by the new first years. That was Ms. Shiryou whom Kurumu had met during the cultural festival. Her long hair in the back had been braided into twin tails. She was garbed in a faded pink, short sleeved blouse and a black skirt which clung tightly to her hips and legs. Black hose swept up from her black flats, slipping beneath the skirt halfway up her calves.
Strolling up the aisle, Kurumu paid more attention to the returning second years and their homeroom teachers. The lovely Ms. Kuwabara with vibrant, carnation pink tresses and baby blue eyes was standing by the second year students of class eleven. She had on a long sleeved, white blouse and black pleated skirt which fell well below her knees swathed in black hose.
Tsukune was the only guy in this class of any importance to her. All four harpies of Hankyouta were here. Ontoriki Ritsu was the buxom girl with the fluffed and feathered strawberry tresses. Ontoriki was dating Ichida Taka. Beside her was Kagami Kaede whom had short brown hair which was peppered. Kagami was Michiko's half-sister, resulting from a fling Michiko's father had before graduating from Yokai Academy.
Umou Saezuri looked very much like her older sister whom had just graduated. Her cinnamon tresses were curled up in drills which touched her shoulder. She was in choir with the short blond beside her. That was Bouzuki Kanari whom Kurumu found adorable.
Two other choir girls were in this homeroom. Natsudera Sayuri had her dark blue hair pulled back in a simple ponytail while the girl beside her had inky black tresses that almost reached the bottom hem of her school skirt. That was Akushita Natsume and both girls had gone to the junior high in Chirasu with Hinoko and Ishiko. Fukai Ishiko was also present with her goggles drawn over her caramel eyes. Her short, dark hair always was a mess.
The next teacher was the forgettable Mr. Ishihara. He had short, chestnut hair and was wearing black slacks and a brown vest over a pinstripe dress shirt. His class had several short students with glasses whom were most likely gnomes. The one with her silver locks braided into buns was Ishikure Iwa, little sister of the student council treasurer. She was arguably the quiet leader of the kids from Touboe.
The girl with her obsidian locks pulled into handlebars was Anko Kaori while the tiny girl with black tails coming out of her twin buns was Katahara Tomiko. The last of their group was Tsuchiyama Chiriko with her dark slate hair pulled in a curled ponytail. All three had brothers whom had graduated last year.
Two other girls in this class were the salamanders from Moegara. Asakira Yume had fiery orange curls which touched her shoulders. She was from the fencing club and had been a class representative. The other with the long and wavy, magma tresses was Kaimura Yuko. She had been in Kokoa's lunch group.
Mr. Kazeken was in charge of the next class. Hired after summer break alongside his brother, the dark haired man with silver whiskers beneath his nose was a slimmer version of his twin, Mr. Ashibue. The stockier twin was down this aisle with the first year students he would be teaching. Both men had on long sleeved, white dress shirts and black slacks.
Mr. Kazeken's class included the four tengu boys from Hongu. It also had the four sylph girls whom Moka had befriended towards the end of last school year. Aori Tomo was the tall girl with the sky blue locks pulled into dog tails over her ears. She was in track while the other three were in band. Reiki Himari had bouncy, pistachio curls while Odayaka Sagiri had her cornflower blue tresses pulled into side tails. The last was Hayate Chirimi with her platinum tresses swept over to the side. Hayate was engaged to an older boy on the baseball team whom was nicknamed Hiro.
The kids from Umishiro were also in this homeroom. Yamabato Kamitsuku of the film club was probably Tsukune's best male friend on campus, having lived on the same floor in Chikara. The stocky guy had his black hair slicked back. Kurumu had shared lunch several times with the trio of undine girls he had come to Yokai Academy with. The girl with the greenish blond tresses was Masataka Midori while the sandy blond was Yarimizu Eika. The one with the frosted blue curls reaching the small of her back was Utsumi Chisui. Utsumi was dating Numasaki Fumio, Ayame's cousin.
This lady in the black suit jacket over a white blouse coupled with a black pencil skirt must be the new Ms. Umakuro, homeroom teacher for class eight. She had rich black hair that was held in a ponytail with a white elastic band. Her mahogany eyes noted Kurumu's presence.
Nerume, Satsuki, Goto and Chisa were absent at this moment. Tora had on normal school attire and was chatting with the two okami girls from the track team. Uchikawa Akari had her mahogany locks tapered to the nape of her neck while Bikiyama Nozomi had peppered, dark curls which brushed her shoulders.
Class seven would be under the guidance of the quirky Mr. Kamihara. His russet tresses were gathered up in a ponytail which rested on the back of his pink polo shirt. Textured gray slacks completed the tall man's ensemble. The dance club he was the advisor for did not care for his help in their practices.
The girls whom would have to suffer under this English teacher's gaze included Michiko and Hatoko. The girl with her russet tresses pulled up into five different tails was Honda Kiki. Tobuyoku Suzume stood beside Kiki, having her obsidian hair braided down to a large golden ring which rested on her rump. The buxom blond Nomura Airi was with her friend, Kazehana Tsubaki. Kazehana had her jet black hair styled in long twin tails. Both of these tengu girls from Hateshinai were on the track team.
"Afternoon, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu shivered when she caught the attention of the mischievous Mr. Fujita. The second year math teacher favored her a fanged grin which was trademark of his inugami race. His silver hair was styled up in a pompadour and his hazel eyes devoured her curves. His short sleeved, mint green dress shirt was tucked in at the waist. A black belt was fed through the loops of pristine white slacks.
"Dirty old man."
His class included Asuka and Taijin. The girl with the black headband keeping her cherry curls out of her pistachio eyes was Akegawa Hikari. Beside her was the golden blond Kisurusu Miho whom was chatting with Morisato Juri, a brunette. Thankfully neither noticed her.
Kurumu knew very little about the mysterious Mr. Sekiguchi whom was advisor to the paranormal club and homeroom teacher for class five. His ruffled, white hair had an eerie glow and his face was gaunt. The language arts and literature instructor was always wearing a kimono with the right flap crossed over the left. Today the colors of his kimono were orange and yellow.
The girl Kurumu wanted to see the most in this class was Antai Hotaru but the sylph was absent. Two girls from the choir were here though. Chousei Akiko had her greenish blond hair done up in braided twin tails while Utachi Fumenko had her raisin colored tresses swirled into twin buns. This class also had the tall, stoic Arashimideru Maihime with her silvery white locks styled in two tufted tails. The sylph was from Hateshinai and had joined the tennis club. She and Chousei had been in Tsukune's homeroom.
Obviously the dryads of Shizukana were all present. The girl with the bubblegum colored curls resting on her shoulders was Nemoto Nikki, the smartest of the lot. The girl with her honey tresses styled in an updo quite similar to Kurumu's was Naratoki Izumi of the fencing club. Akebara Kaori was also part of that club, having her rust locks styled in a hime fashion with pigtails. Kurumu mildly wondered if Kaori and her older sister would reprise their roles as class representatives.
This husky gentlemen in the tweed tan suit was Mr. Wada whom would be Kurumu's history teacher. His sludge black hair was cut straight across his brow but was longer in the back. He was telling Wanibuchi and his trio of bowling club buddies to settle down. The bleach blond Wanibuchi had been the class representative of Yukari's homeroom until Ichida and Yukari had taken over his role.
Several familiar faces were in class four. Akenuma was with his two friends from the math club. Kokoa hovered by Nagisa whom was chatting with Ayame and Umiyama. Umiyama Chiharu had aquamarine tresses pulled back in a ponytail while her long bangs threatened to hide her eyes. Manami was also present, having a conversation with Tarumi and Hasegawa.
This curvy woman with her olive tresses cinched in a ponytail was Ms. Nakamura, Kurumu's teacher for Japanese literature and language arts. The buxom lady had on a sleeveless, yellow blouse with a black cardigan draped over her shoulders and a ruffled black skirt which almost touched the floor.
Machida and Yokokara were in this homeroom alongside Kinusawa Ren, a tall kappa with wavy dark locks. Kinusawa was another guy whom probably qualified as a friend to Tsukune. The rest of the guys in this classroom were also kappas whom did not interest Kurumu in the slightest.
Doronuma was supposed to be in this class but she and her roommate, Usabara, were absent. Endo Eriko was with her two friends. All three of them had dark hair. Endo was the tallest while Matsuri Moe had long, curly bangs. Sugimoto Yukino was a short, chubby girl with a top knot.
Mrs. Unsei was the next homeroom teacher. She had on a short sleeved, yellow blouse with a glossy black skirt. Her amethyst eyes noticed Kurumu. The English teacher nodded as Kurumu sauntered by.
Her son, Keiji, was quietly keeping to himself as the other guys goofed around. Hitomure Satoshi was the guy with the ashen gray locks styled in a mullet. The inugami was a baseball player and often boasted about being the most popular first year guy since Tsukune only got votes because of his connections to Moka and Kurumu. Senyou Nobuyuki was a hazel eyed okami from Kurumu's former homeroom whom had shaggy, charcoal locks. Both guys were from Ashikantai.
The trio of local girls had all ended up in this homeroom. Mikomi was openly chatting with Bunii and Tokori which was not something she had often did last year. This girl with the shaggy, dark gray locks was Matsudera Nikki. She was fending off the antics of her childhood friend, Kiba Enoko. Kiba had black curls which only reached her shoulders. Her tresses had been much longer a month ago. These two were also from Ashikantai. Nikki had been on the track team all year but Kiba had joined only recently.
"It's about time you got here."
Kurumu smirked at Yukari whom stood by Mizore and Umizake in the very front of the gathering. She strolled around Ms. Atsumoto whom was wearing a textured gray suit jacket over a salmon pink blouse with textured gray slacks.
"Moka wanted to be reassured that I wouldn't let you participate in our activity tonight."
"She says this after sharing a night of passion with you."
Kurumu huffed, stopping by the witch.
"I was barely coherent."
"Kurumu!"
A girl with yellow hair which curled up in refusal to touch her shoulders bounded over to Kurumu's side. This was Zukkutani Kana, the dryad from the Fukui prefecture whom provided illustrations for the school newspaper. Her baby blue eyes sparkled with excitement.
"I have some earth shattering news for everyone!"
A girl with glossy black hair chuckled, strolling over to place a hand on Kana's shoulder. Yochimaru Riku was one of Kana's friends from junior high. The other two girls with glossy black hair moving to join them were also tanuki from that junior high. The one with the ponytail was Itazura Fuyuki while the one with the cheesy grin was Touzoku Ran.
"Save the mind blowing stuff for after the assembly."
"Yea. You don't even have the evidence on you."
Kurumu frowned at Touzoku's addition.
"Evidence?"
"I'll show you later. You should come too, Ms. Shirayuki!"
"I'm going home to rest after this."
Umizake chuckled at Mizore's exhausted response.
"You'll have to bring your news to our doorstep, Ms. Zukkutani."
"Maybe I will."
Touzoku grinned, stepping around and grabbing Kurumu by the arm.
"We don't have much time but I want to introduce you to our juniors."
Yochimaru grabbed Touzoku's arm, gesturing up at the nearby stage. Headmaster Sendou had already taken his place behind the podium. A rich green kimono with a crimson hem was worn over his torso. All of the faculty whom were not homeroom teachers were sitting in chairs on either side of the podium.
"The headmaster is going to start this any second now."
"This won't take more than two minutes. Do you want to meet two girls from our junior high, Kurono? You might not see them after the assembly."
Kurumu looked at Yukari whom shrugged nonchalantly.
"I don't care what you do."
"Okay. I'll be right back."
Kurumu turned about and Touzoku adroitly released one of her arms before grabbing the other. The tanuki grinned, steering her back around Ms. Atsumoto whom favored them a curious look.
The bald Mr. Hirojima stood across the aisle from Ms. Atsumoto. Somehow he had stretched that gray suit jacket over his girth. His gut hung over the hem of his matching gray slacks. The young man with the glossy black hair standing next to the teacher was Unsei Etsuji, the younger son of Mrs. Unsei.
Nyuuwa Ageha stood in the middle of a large group of girls, chattering away without a care in the world. The tiny girl had her black hair pulled in an offside ponytail favoring her right. Koyomi stood at the far end of the line, not engaging with her classmates.
It was obvious that Kusamoto was employing the same tactic. The tall girl towered over her classmates whom were fine with ignoring her. Yukari's two apprentices were gabbing with two local girls. Onodera Tifa was the buxom girl with her burgundy tresses pulled in an offside ponytail. The taller girl with the chestnut hair braided in pigtails was Kumatani Kairi.
This blond in the chocolate blouse and textured gray slacks was Komeshita Nabiki, a first year English teacher. Her bangs hid her left eye but left her other indigo hued eye alone. The ikebana club advisor nodded with a slight smile as they passed by.
This tiny beauty standing at the edge of the aisle had to be a teacher despite her slender and childish appearance. Her vibrant and full hair was a bright cyan hue which spilled across the shoulders of her short sleeved, white blouse. Her cream skirt billowed out, nearly touching the floor. The only student in this class shorter than this lady was Shiraike whom was glued to Hiyori's side. Takikawa and Umisame chatted next to them.
"Aya!"
Touzoku waved furiously to catch the attention of the girls near Mr. Hino. The undine math teacher had whitish blue locks with a swath braided to the side which reminded Kurumu of the jedi from Star Wars. He was dressed in a brown suit and slacks with a pale blue dress shirt beneath.
"Ran!"
A girl with glossy black hair which was tufted up like fluffy dog ears returned the wave with equal enthusiasm. She stood with a taller, buxom girl with mint tresses braided in loops about her ears. The remaining fine tresses brushed her shoulders as she smiled at them with lavender eyes.
"Ms. Kurono!"
Kurumu grinned when a familiar girl with puffy, moss green curls waved. Kurotaki Mami stood with a blond whose bangs covered her left eye and a taller girl with short, obsidian locks. Both of these girls were as slim as the undine. Kurumu stepped over to the trio as Touzoku greeted the other pair.
"Hey, Kurotaki. Did you enjoy the rest of your spring break?"
"Other than a trip to Kuminagawa, it was the usual boredom. I should introduce my friends. This tall girl is Yoshikawa Fuyuki and the other is Kawakami Shizuka."
"I heard that they were practicing with Ms. Mizudake and that Ms. Yoshikawa was very tall."
The tall girl blushed, reaching back to fiddle with a braided tail down her spine. A white bow was tied at the end near the bottom hem of her school jacket.
"Yea. At least it will make me more useful to the tennis team."
The other girl snickered, nudging her side.
"We have to learn how to play first."
"Weren't you two practicing all break?"
Kawakami grinned, shrugging nonchalantly.
"Hard to practice in a forest clearing without a proper net or flat ground."
"Ms. Mizudake did the best she could under the circumstances."
"If Kurono finishes gabbing, we can actually introduce you two."
Kurumu smiled apologetically as Touzoku sauntered over with the two girls.
"Sorry about that. I've met Ms. Kurotaki before."
"You have? Don't you live out of prefecture?"
Kurumu laughed at Touzoku's confusion.
"I did spend spring break with my boyfriend."
Touzoku's sapphire eyes lit up.
"Oh, that's right. You must be a fish girl."
Kawakami huffed up, touching the very subtle hint of her bosom.
"We are proud undines. Not fish girls."
Mr. Hino clucked his tongue loudly.
"No talking about your true forms, young ladies."
The girls all murmured an apology.
"Anyways. This is Watakuma Aya and Kinuhana Cho. They were both at my junior high in Tatekanai."
Both girls bowed slightly, murmuring a standard greeting. Kurumu smiled, mirroring the bow.
"I'm Kurono Kurumu and will be in the same homeroom as Ms. Touzoku."
"I've already told them all of that. I also mentioned that you are in the choir and the president of the broadcasting club. Both are better clubs than the one she wants."
The mint haired girl smiled pleasantly.
"You can't change my mind, Ms. Touzoku. I've always wanted to be a news reporter."
"But they don't do that."
Touzoku lifted both of her hands up in a predatory manner.
"They write articles under the direction of a shameless womanizer."
"Ms. Zukkutani did not mention any issues with Mr. Morioka."
Touzoku huffed, gesturing at Kurumu.
"Kana is clueless. There is a reason why most of the girls in that club have either quit outright or are only involved as part timers. Even their advisor resigned."
Kurumu giggled, wondering what Touzoku had against Ginei.
"Ginei is a nuisance but not the reason why I left the club. And Ms. Nekonome got married. That was why she resigned."
"That guy was promoting thongs as part of his campaign for student council president."
Mr. Hino snickered though quickly regained his composure. Kurumu forced a smile for the polite girl.
"Mr. Morioka would be delighted to have you."
"Thank you, Ms. Kurono."
Touzoku sighed dramatically, draping her arm over the shoulders of the dark haired girl.
"Well I tried. Aya here is going to follow in my footsteps."
"But I don't know anything about gymnastics."
"Don't worry about it. We got lots of girls to show you how it's done."
Kurumu smirked at Touzoku.
"You never mentioned bringing more girls from Tatekanai."
"I had to convince these two over winter break. I wasn't sure if either were coming until last weekend."
Watakuma nodded at Touzoku's boast.
"Yea. My parents would have preferred me going to Sekisei High."
"Mine were thinking about putting me in a human school but couldn't get my citizenship in time. Fairy Tale has been in shambles since the start of the New Year."
Kinuhana's excuse was reasonable, making Kurumu wonder how many other people were affected by the sudden change in Fairy Tale leadership.
"I believe we are ready to begin. Will the homeroom teachers have the students line up properly?"
"Guess it is time for us to go. Hopefully we'll see you in the dining hall for dinner."
The girls murmured a farewell as Kurumu walked off with Touzoku. They hurried back to the front where the boys for class one had already lined up behind the girls. Yukari was standing between Ms. Atsumoto and Kana while Musousaki was behind the witch. Burumoto smirked at her, standing tall behind Kana.
Itazura smiled softly, making room for Touzoku between her and Yochimaru. Behind Yochimaru was an effeminate guy with curly pink hair loosely held in a ponytail. That was Ichiboku Naoki, another dryad from Tatekanai whom harbored a crush for Kana. Next to him was Nukugata Okiniiri whom had a mess of grayish spotted locks hiding his eyes. Both he and Ichiboku were in the manga club with Yochimaru.
"Do you mind?"
Itazura shook her head, allowing Kurumu to take a spot between her and a tiny girl from the choir. This girl with her grayish locks braided about her head was Dakuhime Mayumi. Beside Dakuhime was her friend, Yokumoto Toshiko, whom was also in the choir. Yokumoto had sable hair which cascaded down her back, almost reaching her ankles.
Nakai Iyashii nodded at Kurumu as she took the spot in front of him. He was the shortest guy in their homeroom but still tall enough to see over her. His grayish black hair was braided down his back in a tail. Like Ichiboku, he had been in Kurumu's homeroom last year.
To Nakai's left behind Itazura was a quiet tanuki boy by the name of Tsukihara Yori. Like the other two tanuki boys in their class, he had glossy black hair plagued with cowlicks. He was in band with Itazura.
To Nakai's right were the other two tanuki guys. First was Boyogaro Fukito whom had taken over Nijiro's math club. The other was Yakuza Kazuya. Kurumu barely knew anything about that guy. Umizake was the last guy in their class and he intentionally stood behind Mizore, leaving a space between him and Yakuza.
Between Yokumoto and Mizore were two buxom gyokuto girls from Aserutani. Shinayaka Momiji had white spotted curls which graced the swell of her bosom. She was on the volleyball team while the other girl was in gymnastics. Kochimaru Usagi had long, chestnut tresses reaching the back of her knees. As she was short and had a pair of pink framed glasses, many gnome boys idolized her as the expectation of what a gnome girl would mature into by their late twenties.
"Where is Kosame?"
"Don't know. She lives with her sister."
Anagume Kosame was the last student in Kurumu's homeroom. That shy girl was taller than Dakuhime, standing about Hiboshi's height when Kurumu had seen the girl a month ago on her sixteenth birthday. Her older sister was the captain of the cheerleader squad and they lived together in suite 312.
"Greetings and welcome to Yokai Academy!"
Kurumu snapped her attention to the podium. She arguably had the best view in the auditorium.
"I am Headmaster Sendou Seitou. Though this is my first year as the headmaster of this school, I was a science teacher here from 71 to 97. I want to thank you for choosing Yokai Academy as I am well aware of the troublesome reputation this school has. I know some of you are only here because we still have our prefectural status, but I promise that things are changing for the better."
Yukari's grandfather paused, shifting a sheet of paper on the podium.
"You most likely recognize the young men and women in your homerooms. This is a deliberate change from how things have been handled in the past. I want all students to be focused on their academics. While learning how to interact appropriately with strangers is a valuable skill, it should never interfere with the school's primary function of bringing our younger generation up to par with human schools."
Headmaster Sendou pounded the podium firmly with his fist.
"College should be your goal. None of you need high school to function effectively in the villages your parents reside within. You are here to be able to integrate and coexist in the human world. You will do your best to behave like humans here. Treat each other with respect and dignity."
The silver haired man shifted about behind the podium.
"All prefectural schools backed by Fairy Tale require students to maintain a human appearance in public settings at all times while school is in session and at school functions. That does not mean that students are permitted to revert into their true forms when the last bell sounds. You are to show up at the dining hall in your human appearance and shall attend all club activities as a human."
He peered at the assembly with firm determination.
"This includes trips to the nearby town. School is considered in session during the weekends. You are only permitted to be in your true forms in the comforts of your own dorm rooms. No wandering down the halls of your dorms with your true forms hanging out. School is not in session during the breaks, so you may do whatever is acceptable in your own home communities."
His eyes settled on Kurumu and he smirked.
"We also discourage the use of any powers your race may possess during your time at Yokai Academy."
He glanced up at the rest of the assembly.
"The purpose of these rules is to make you practice blending in with humans. We want you to be able to coexist. These rules are for your sake. Any violations of these rules can be reported to the faculty and disciplinary action will be executed according to the guidelines written by Fairy Tale."
Headmaster Sendou paused once again to take a deep breath.
"Another rule that Fairy Tale insists prefectural high schools to adhere to is in regards to relationships. Fairy Tale has always discouraged the cross breeding of races in order to preserve the purity of each individual race. Therefore no students at Yokai Academy shall engage in sexual relations with another student, faculty member or a person native of Mononoke without written parental consent."
Kurumu shivered at the firm tone of his words.
"I'm aware that Yokai Academy has been historically lax regarding this matter, but Mimori High strictly adheres to this rule and Headmaster Sugahara of Hisoshi High intends to implement this rule this school year. As the recognized prefectural school of Niigata, Yokai Academy must start enforcing this rule. If evidence of such behavior from a student is found, disciplinary action will be performed."
The old man nodded solemnly.
"Just like the rules concerning the concealment of your true forms, this ban against relationships is not limited to school grounds. I know this may be difficult for some young couples whom are already dating, but please be discrete and private with your affairs. Forms will be available in the office for students to send to their parents for proper signatures. We will verify with your parents if their signatures are valid so please don't bother making forgeries. I don't want to expel anyone from this school."
Kurumu grimaced, thinking this was horrible news. There was no way Nijiro's mother would sign off on their relationship. Would the school actually expel her over this?
"I have a few quick announcements before we start with introductions. In May, the latest yearbooks will be available in the school store for returning students. At that time our store will also start carrying new school jackets of a higher quality to match that of what Hisoshi High and Mimori High provide. The old school jackets will be discontinued at the end of this first term."
Headmaster Sendou paused, flipping over his sheet on the podium.
"Some schools like to do a roll call of the new students but since we don't have parents here, we will move straight to relevant faculty introductions for the first years. We will start with Mr. Hirojima Kazuki whom was also hired in 71 with me. He will be homeroom teacher for class one, teaching Japanese literature and language arts."
The grandfather stopped for a breath.
"Homeroom teacher for class two is Ms. Komeshita Nabiki. She's been serving at Yokai Academy as an English instructor since 97. Class three will be under the care of Ms. Umiawa Jiki. This will be her first year as a teacher, covering history."
Kurumu glanced over her shoulder but she was unable to see the short teacher.
"Mr. Hino Yukiro will be the homeroom teacher for class four. Brought on for the last school expansion in 94, he will be teaching algebra. The chemistry teacher whom will be working with classes one through four is Ms. Shotou Haruka. This will be her first year working at Yokai Academy."
He gestured to his right and a woman with her dark green locks styled in a pixie cut stood up from her chair. Wearing a black blouse and black A line skirt, the woman had been sitting beside the other first year chemistry teachers. Mr. Hakuru had that crazy scientist look down with his flared up white hair and white lab coat. Mr. Katai looked like a common business man with his dark hair kept properly in a business cut. A black suit and tie matched his black slacks and shiny dress shoes.
"Starting the next group as homeroom teacher for class five is Mr. Nagamushi Maki. He was also brought on in 97 to teach English. Next is Mr. Ashibue Tsuki whom will be homeroom teacher for class six. He is a Japanese literature and language arts instructor and was hired during the middle of last school year."
Headmaster Sendou paused, adjusting his sheet on the podium.
"Homeroom teacher for class seven is Mr. Umatobi Ribi. Hired in 2000, Mr. Umatobi will be teaching history. Class eight will be under the guidance of another instructor hired in the middle of last school year. Ms. Shuzen Kuzu of the esteemed Shuzen family will be teaching algebra. Handling the chemistry course for classes five through eight is Mr. Katai Yuichi whom has been at Yokai Academy since 81."
Mr. Katai stood up at the brief gesture from the Headmaster. He remained standing with Ms. Shotou.
"For our last group of students, we have Ms. Houkai Seiko. She will be homeroom teacher for class nine. Her subject is English and this will be her fourth year as a teacher. Class ten will be under the care of Mrs. Sunao Nezumi. She was hired on for the 94 expansion, teaching Japanese literature and language arts."
Yukari's grandfather paused once again.
"Homeroom teacher for class eleven is Ms. Zaiten Sai. She has been teaching algebra at Yokai Academy since 1980. And our last homeroom teacher in class twelve is Ms. Shiryou Kurumi. This will be her first year at Yokai Academy and she will be teaching history."
Headmaster Sendou paused with a grin, gesturing to his right.
"Classes nine through twelve will be under the tutelage of my good friend and colleague Mr. Hakuru Shin, whom was also hired in 71. I married his daughter so you could say that we are on good terms."
Kurumu giggled along with others as the elderly chemistry teacher stood up.
"Although this does not pertain to first year students, I would like to mention that we have another new face in our faculty. Ms. Umakuro Shina has joined us as a second year history teacher. I trust that our returning students will be kind to her."
Kurumu smirked as the headmaster moved aside another sheet.
"I have a few more lists of instructors to introduce. Continuing to my right are the gym instructors. The first year girls will be under the care of Ms. Hoshineru Fumiya and Ms. Kibashiro Mizuki. The first year boys will be instructed by Mr. Enkan Koujiro and Mr. Yuutan Houbi."
The four gym teachers in question had been seated beside the science teachers. Each stood up when their name was called. The blond in the white suit was Coach Hoshineru of the volleyball team. The lady wearing the track pants and white shirt was Coach Kibashiro of the track team. She had a shaggy mess of short, brown locks. Coach Enkan of the basketball team had short orange curls. He was wearing khakis and a mint green polo. The last guy wearing black slacks and a yellow dress shirt was Coach Yuutan of the soccer team. His dark hair was short and scruffy.
"To my left are Mr. Tagami Rengin, our band instructor, and Mrs. Tomarigi Kyouko, our choir teacher."
Standing up beside the silver haired Mr. Tagami whom was wearing a black suit, Mrs. Tomarigi offered the assembly a slight wave. She had on a short sleeved, chocolate dress.
"For the shop elective we have Mr. Enjin Tsuchiiro. In charge of home economics is Ms. Hitori Miko."
The crimson haired phoenix stood up when called. Her sides were trimmed short with her tresses pulled back in a ponytail. She had on a short sleeved, blue blouse and white capris. Ms. Hitori was much taller than the forgettable dark haired man between her and Mrs. Tomarigi. Mr. Enjin had boxy glasses.
"Mr. Shirakawa Ketsuro is the first year instructor for Fairy Tale's business program. For the computer program, the first years will have Mr. Karatsuki Nagano. And lastly we have a new art instructor by the name of Ms. Suda Tomi. Please be kind to her."
Mr. Shirakawa was the stocky guy with stringy black hair. He was dressed in a navy suit with a matching tie and slacks. Mr. Karatsuki was garbed in a white dress shirt and black slacks. His short, obsidian locks matched his professional appearance. The young woman with her ebony bangs hiding her eyes was Ms. Suda. She had on a cream blouse and a ruffled black skirt reaching her ankles.
"My final introduction of this assembly will be for your next speaker. Would Ms. Sawayaka Mikomi please come up to the podium? She is your student council president and has some words for the first years."
Kurumu perked up at the announcement, glancing to her left as Mikomi came into view. The local girl swiftly moved across the row of first year girls in class one, heading for the passage between the end of the stage and the gym storage rooms. Mikomi disappeared into that passage that ended at the door to the girls' locker room.
Mikomi's footsteps could be heard as she ascended the short flight of steps up to the elevated stage. She strolled around the assembled teachers, closing in on the Headmaster by the podium. He stepped aside when she arrived. Mikomi smiled at him before slightly adjusting the microphone for her height.
"Thank you, Headmaster Sendou. And thank you all for being here for the Welcoming Ceremony."
The elegant beauty flashed the first years a genuine smile.
"Hard to believe that only a year ago I was just a first year student like yourselves. Full of anxiety. Not knowing what to expect. My father had done his best to prepare me for high school as I am sure your own parents did. My father was a teacher here so I did have a slight advantage. I was able to become a class representative with relative ease."
Mikomi paused with a thoughtful look.
"He would have been proud to see me now. The first student council president born and raised in the town of Mononoke. And I'm only a second year student. My high school journey isn't even halfway over."
The young girl cocked her head slightly, smiling again.
"I promise to help in any what that I can. Your homerooms will soon decide upon a class representative whom will be in direct contact with me. Pass along your concerns and I will do my best to address them."
Mikomi paused to take a long breath.
"The student council has meetings almost every Saturday at nine in the student council building. This is an old dorm building southeast of the school entrance. There is a trail which will take you directly there. Our first meeting with class representatives will be two Saturdays from now. This is the day after the first year assessments and the same week as the club recruitment showcase."
Mikomi glanced down for a moment before looking back at the first years.
"It is Yokai Academy policy that all students are registered with a club. Most of you are living in dorms so this is an attempt to keep you occupied for that time between the end of school and the opening of the dining hall. Hopefully you will all find a club suited to your tastes."
Mikomi paused again, turning her attention to the older students.
"Next Saturday the student council will have a meeting with the club leaders. Please come prepared to discuss your plans for the club recruitment showcase on the following Monday and Tuesday. It will be an afternoon event with sixth period being the last hour of school. We shall all work hard and try our best to give a home to our new first years."
The local girl turned slightly to address the first years.
"You have a bright future ahead of you. Your high school journey has just begun. Thank you all."
Mikomi backed up and bowed stiffly for a long moment. She straightened up and nodded at Yukari's grandfather before turning on her heel. As she retreated from the stage, Headmaster Sendou moved back in front of the podium.
"I have a few comments to make before we conclude this assembly. After Mrs. Tomarigi sings our school song, the first years will accompany their homeroom teachers to their classrooms where they will be informed of classroom expectations and given an example of their typical school day."
The Headmaster paused as Mikomi slipped back into the aisle between the first and second years.
"I'm sure that the first years can find the gym, so they won't be brought back here. Once the homeroom teachers have finished their discussion, the first years will be guided to their electives. The instructors of the electives will have a brief talk before dismissing the first years to enjoy the rest of their weekend."
Yukari's grandfather turned his attention on the older students.
"The rest of you are dismissed after the first years have left the auditorium. Mrs. Teisen would like club leaders to stick around in the cafeteria. It is her to desire to assign tables to clubs for each period of our newly structured lunch hour. That should not take too long."
Kurumu smiled, guessing that was the name of whomever was in charge of the cafeteria. Having seen many of the ladies working the kitchen, she was mildly curious which one was this Mrs. Teisen.
"I believe that we are ready, Mrs. Tomarigi."
Mrs. Tomarigi floated from Mr. Tagami's side, prompting Headmaster Sendou to yield the podium. The buxom harpy placed her hands on her navel as she smiled at the assembly. Taking a deep breath, she started singing a brisk and lively tune that Kurumu had only heard a few times before. Several students tried to join in but most were mumbling the words. Kurumu kept quiet, hoping she would learn the lyrics soon in either her choir elective or the choir club.
Yukari probably knew the words but that little brat was not even trying to sing. Her perfectionist attitude is what made karaoke sessions with Yukari more troublesome than they should be. She refused to sing anything a male artist performed, declaring such songs as not meant for her voice.
Mrs. Tomarigi warbled through the last lines of the song which Kurumu was familiar with. Let us coexist and change this world with strength, honor and integrity, Yokai Academy will win. The choir instructor bowed her head slightly, retreating from the podium so that Yukari's grandfather could address them.
"That concludes the Welcoming Ceremony. Your class will leave first, Ms. Shiryou."
Kurumu sighed as the exodus began, stepping out from the line of her classmates. Kana quickly bounded to her side but Kurumu saw little Nyuuwa encouraging the girls of her class to come with her.
"Come with me to my room. I have to show you the big news."
Kurumu smirked at Kana as Yukari and Yochimaru drifted over to join them.
"I will eventually. Are you coming with us, Yukari?"
Yukari shrugged nonchalantly as the first year girls closed in on them.
"I have nothing better to do."
"Ms. Kurono!"
Kurumu grinned at Nyuuwa and her throng of companions. Nyuuwa was the shortest of the bunch but there was another girl whom might be shorter than Kurumu. This slim girl had ashen gray locks that were braided in a thin swath down her back. Her eyes were pitch black as her pert nose twitched.
The two girls behind Nyuuwa had glossy black hair typical of tanuki. One girl had two tails pinched at the nape of her neck while the other had pink and blue clips holding her bangs out of her emerald eyes. The twin tailed girl had eyes sparking like topaz gemstones.
The trio in the back were all taller and more buxom. The shortest of those three had auburn locks which were wavy and hid her ears. Her eyes were a shade of pink just like the tallest girl's eyes. That girl was the most endowed and had her black tresses braided in a wide single tail down her back. The last girl had tawny yellow locks which were cut short in a boyish manner.
"Afternoon, Ageha."
Nyuuwa gasped, touching her flat chest.
"You remembered my name."
Kurumu smiled softly, knowing that this girl was named after her mother. Nyuuwa's father had been the president of the broadcasting club during mommy's last year of high school.
"Of course. Are these all your friends from Aserutani?"
Nyuuwa puffed up her imaginary bosom.
"More like associates. My bestest friend is Mukai Suki. I'm trying to convince her to join our broadcasting club but she is very shy."
The short girl beside Nyuuwa bowed her head slightly.
"Pleased to meet you, Ms. Kurono. I've heard so much about you."
"I'm not sure how much Ageha could tell you but I hope you enjoy your time here, Ms. Mukai."
"She's also welcome in the choir."
Nyuuwa huffed when Dakuhime came up beside Kurumu with Yokumoto in her shadow.
"No way, Mayu. Suki is my friend."
"If your selling point is Ms. Kurono, you should mention that she is in my choir."
"Suki is too shy to be singing."
"Suki can make up her own mind."
Kurumu giggled as the two tiny girls glared at each other. She gestured at the other girls.
"Whom all do we have here?"
The tall girl with the boyish haircut flashed a fanged grin typical of inugami.
"We haven't met but Kousuke has mentioned a Kurono that he's been wanting to join the PSC forever. I can now see why with how stacked you are."
Kurumu laughed, guessing this was Koike's little sister she had heard about at Ms. Nekonome's wedding.
"He's mentioned you but I don't remember him saying your name."
"It's Ryouki. What cup size are you?"
The auburn haired girl gasped, swatting Ryouki's arm with the back of her hand.
"That's rude."
Ryouki grinned, cupping her assets confined in that green school jacket.
"My girls are getting too big for a B. Are you still a C, Hiyori?"
"That is none of your business."
A hand tapped Kurumu's side, drawing her attention to Shinayaka. The buxom girl gestured at the group.
"That tall girl is Hiromori Natsue, little sister of that creep on the basketball team."
The tall girl smirked, crossing her arms below a bust that might rival Shinayaka's. It was hard to tell with them both wearing school jackets.
"Einosuke graduated so we don't have to deal with him."
"That's true. This other one is Kishugin Hiyori. She's Ms. Haneru's cousin."
The auburn haired girl offered a slight nod at the mention of the former volleyball team captain.
"I am. If only we were closer in age. I would have liked to go to school with her."
"My big brother also graduated from Yokai Academy last month."
That announcement had come from the tanuki girl with the twin tails.
"Oh? What is his name?"
"Zaisan Tomi. I'm Kobato and this is my friend, Ichiban Saiko."
The other girl smiled, bowing her head slightly.
"Pleased to meet you, Ms. Kurono."
"Did they put all of the kids from our junior high in your homeroom?"
Hiromori shook her head at Shinayaka's question.
"Not everyone. Two of the guys and four of the girls are in class two."
"Ladies! Time for us to go!"
Mr. Hirojima waved grandly. The class behind him were already following Ms. Komeshita to the doors for the cafeteria. Nyuuwa sighed dramatically.
"Time for our school tour. Maybe I'll see you in the dining hall, Ms. Kurono."
"Maybe you will. It was nice meeting you all!"
The girls sounded an affirmative as they joined Mr. Hirojima on his retreat from the auditorium.
"Are you ready to see my big news?"
Kurumu smirked at Kana.
"I'm a club president, Kana. I have to see what Mrs. Teisen wants first."
The elevator door drew open, giving them access to the second floor of East Dorm. It felt silly taking the elevator up one floor but Kana's suite 214 was near the center. It would have been a lot more walking to use either of the stairwells at the ends of the dormitory.
Kana and her three friends filtered out of the elevator first. Kurumu exited next with Tora and Yukari on her heels. Directly ahead of them was the opening for the common bathroom. It was the same layout as the fourth floor which she had spent much of her Thursday on. Nerume, Goto and Chisa were also all up on the fourth floor with Hiboshi. Goto and Chisa were at the end of the other wing in 401 while Nerume shared room 403 with Satsuki whom had not been around that day.
"I'm telling you, Ms. Nazohashi. This is going to blow your mind."
Tora shrugged indifferently as they followed Kana around the corner on the left.
"So you have said several times."
Yochimaru snickered as they made the short walk down the hall. The door for their room was the first one on the right. The nearby door was for room 216 which was shared by Touzoku and Itazura.
"It's probably just a prank by that creepy bus driver."
Kana shook her head, fishing her key out of her pocket. Holding her school loafers in her other hand, the dryad unlocked her door.
"This has to be genuine. No way could he pull this off on his own."
Yochimaru followed Kana into the suite, dropping her loafers in the small alcove.
"So he had help. It can't be real."
Touzoku snickered as she opened the door to her own room.
"Don't start the fun without me. Let me put away my things."
"Come inside!"
Kurumu smiled at Kana's invitation, sharing a look with Tora and Yukari as Itazura and Touzoku slipped into their own room. Taking a deep breath, Kurumu stepped into the alcove. She dropped her school loafers next to the other shoes before entering Kana's main room.
Kana was standing by her shelves which were stuffed with comics. The blond had four shelves in total with one being dedicated to figurines that Kurumu lacked the courage to ask about. One of those shelves was a mix of CDs, DVDs and comics while the other two were simple comics.
Two writing desks were pushed against the wall shared by the corridor. One was black and had portraits of Kana's family while the mahogany one belonged to Yochimaru. Kana's desk had a square stool with a white cushion tied to it. The other desk had a simple wood chair with no cushion on the seat.
"Neither of you have beds?"
Yochimaru shrugged, kneeling in the center of the room.
"We can manage with the futons that the room came with."
Kana was pulling several comics off that mixed shelf as Yukari and Tora drifted over to Kurumu's side.
"Where do we sit?"
"Wherever you want. You better get in here, Ran!"
Touzoku sounded an affirmative as Kurumu and her friends settled on the floor near Yochimaru. The tanuki came bounding through the open door as Kana turned about with a stack of comics in her arms.
"Okay. Try not to wet yourselves when I show you this!"
Kana pranced over, kneeling near them. She placed most of the stack beside her, turning one volume about in her hands. She held it out as Touzoku took a seat by Tora.
"Allow me to present the Rosario Vampire Comic!"
Kurumu gasped at the image on the cover. A pink haired girl was kneeling with her legs a bit too far apart. The pleated skirt and school jacket matched the colors of a Yokai Academy uniform. But the real shock was that this girl had a silver cross dangling from a black choker about her neck.
"Is that my Moka!?"
Kurumu laughed in disbelief when Yukari snatched the book from Kana. That character certainly could have been made in Moka's likeness.
"Where did you get this?"
Kana grinned at Tora's query.
"The bus driver gave the whole series to me. Ten volumes in total."
"I can't imagine Mr. Nurari being an artist."
Yukari huffed at Kurumu's disbelief. She was already flipping through the pages.
"The artist is Ikeda Akihisa. The character designs aren't too bad but could be better."
Kana grinned broadly, picking up the second volume.
"He puts more effort for the serious scenes. I'm just a little sad that he didn't have a character for me."
Kurumu frowned at Kana's remark.
"You're not in the comic?"
Kana smiled, holding out the second volume so the cover art could be seen.
"Nope. But you are."
Kurumu blinked, struggling to process what she was seeing. A buxom girl with a sleeveless sweater vest was posed in a manner that gave way too much view of her thighs beneath the school skirt. A purple tail and wings were attached to this vixen with a purple lace ribbon in her blue hair.
"This isn't porn, right?"
Kana laughed, setting the volume down in the center of the circle they had made.
"No. He draws many shots of panties but nothing here is adult rated. It's mostly a romantic comedy with some fights mixed in."
Yukari set the first volume down before picking the second one up.
"Romantic comedy? Unless this focuses on Kurumu's antics, there wasn't anything funny about our fight against Alucard."
"My antics? I had a lot of serious things going on this year!"
"You and Rubi could easily be comedic relief characters."
Kana giggled, wagging the third volume at them. The cover art this time was a silver haired vampire in a red corset dress with white laces.
"Believe it or not, you are the silliest character in the series."
Yukari frowned at the revelation.
"How? I'm the most mature and rational person of our group."
Touzoku grinned, reaching over to grab the fourth volume. She handed it over to Yukari.
"They put you on a cover too."
Taking the comic, Yukari frowned at the image of a dark haired girl wearing a witch hat and cape. Her hands were beneath her knees swathed in yellow hose with a dangerous view of her under thigh. A heart shaped wand was loosely held in one of those hands.
"This looks nothing like me!"
"He got your hairstyle right."
"I have bigger breasts than that!"
"No you don't."
"This is character assassination! I'll sue for defamation!"
They all giggled as Yukari fumed. The witch flipped through the pages.
"I swear if I'm just some stupid kid saying a childish catchphrase, I'll hunt this Ikeda down and make him rue the day he was born."
"I'm a little worried what my character is like."
Kana favored Tora an apologetic smile.
"I'm afraid you weren't in it either. You and I just didn't fit the mold."
"Mold?"
Kana shrugged, picking up the fifth volume and holding it out. This cover featured a purple haired girl wearing a white sweatshirt with black sleeves. The purple and black striped stockings going up over her knees and the white stick nestled in the crook of her mouth was the general image of Mizore.
"The harem mold. Basically a story where one completely unremarkable guy somehow wins over the hearts of several beautiful girls. Often these guys don't ever do anything special, making it easy for male readers to insert themselves in the main character's shoes."
Kurumu nodded slowly, glancing at Tora.
"I see. Since Tora had a thing for Ginei, she doesn't make the cut."
"I did not have a thing for Senior!"
Kana giggled, picking up the next volume which had the artwork of a dark haired boy. His white shirt was open with a red tie loosely about his collar, revealing his torso was wrapped up in bandages. In his hand was a string of white beads connected to a silver cross.
"Mr. Morioka does have a few appearances but he's clearly not meant to be Tsukune's rival."
"Maybe you should have crushed on Aono to get added to this farce."
Kana smirked at Yochimaru.
"Technically we both had a cameo. There is a scene of the girls turned to stone by Ms. Ishigami. Two of the statues have hairstyles matching ours."
"Seriously?"
"It's only one panel though. Those girls never make another appearance."
Kana picked up the next volume which had the character designs of Moka and Kurumu but the colors were slightly different than the former covers. She tossed it into the center.
"Did Rubi get her own cover?"
Kana nodded at Yukari, picking up the next volume from the diminished stack. The cover art was of a young woman with dark hair and crow wings. Her torso was wrapped up in a light pink corset which became a black skirt at the waist.
"This is a very elaborate prank by Mr. Nurari."
Yochimaru chuckled at Tora's declaration.
"That's what I'm saying. He probably knows this Ikeda guy and has been having this guy draw the series since the start of last school year."
Kana smirked, pushing aside the next volume to pick up the last one. She showed them the cover art which was the first one to include all of the girls with Tsukune near the center. Yukari was without the witch hat and was clinging to Moka.
"Impossible. Nobody can draw ten volumes of manga in a year. Just check out the publication date."
Kana flipped the book open and pointed at the text.
"October 2007. This book hasn't even been released yet."
"Let me see that!"
Yukari snatched the volume out of Kana's hands, turning it over.
"The first volume was released in October of 2004. That's months before our first day of school."
"That can be faked."
Kana pouted at Yochimaru.
"I'm telling you this is legit. You know how long it takes to make a comic."
"It was probably more than one guy, Kana. A team could do it."
"You think a team would make an entire comic series for the bus driver just to fool with me?"
Yukari smirked as she set aside the comic.
"He might but there is a simpler explanation."
Her smug expression became more confident when all attention turned upon her.
"Mr. Nurari is capable of bending the laws of space and time. He probably saw a parallel universe in which a comic book of our adventures existed and decided to tease us with it."
"That bus driver can do that? Wouldn't he be like super powerful?"
Yukari smirked at Touzoku.
"He probably is more powerful than Alucard but thought it would be more interesting to let us deal with it. In most literature about gods, they tend to be bored and indifferent towards the struggles of mortals."
Tora sighed, fussing with the ribbon at her collar.
"I prefer to believe in the God whom loves us and died for our sins."
Yukari snorted, rolling her eyes.
"That god did nothing for us. At least Mr. Nurari gave us a ride."
Tora smiled thinly with her jade eyes unfocused.
"Well God works in mysterious ways."
Kana giggled, gesturing at the comic volumes.
"If you couldn't guess, I've read the whole series in the last two days."
Yochimaru snickered, thumbing at the blond.
"I had to drag this dummy out of the room for meals."
"I wanted to see how much of the story was covered."
"I would also like to read this fiction."
Kana grinned at Yukari's declaration.
"I don't mind but you need to give it back. The Shonen Jump of our world didn't publish this so I can't buy myself another copy."
Kurumu smiled, regarding the volumes left in the center of their circle.
"What did get covered?"
Kana paused for a moment. She leaned forward and started stacking the volumes in the correct order.
"The pacing of the story is different. That trip we made with the film club where we met Ms. Toujou happens over summer break instead of after midterms."
"But we went to Okinawa over summer break."
Kana shrugged, gesturing for Yukari to return some of the volumes.
"There isn't a trip to Okinawa or a battle with Alucard."
"What!? No Alucard!?"
Kana shrugged again, resuming her task when Yukari surrendered the comics.
"It's a harem story with a little bit of fighting. It isn't about saving the world."
Tora nodded thoughtfully.
"Makes sense. You can't really claim that Ms. Otonashi was part of Tsukune's harem."
"We are not a harem!"
Kana giggled at Kurumu's denial, scooting the stacked volumes over to Yukari.
"This series ends with the cultural festival. Ms. Ishigami makes a surprise return, being the reason why Tsukune's cousin has that mirror wreaking havoc upon the school."
"But we didn't have a fight with Ms. Ishigami."
Touzoku snickered at Yukari's comment, gesturing at the comics.
"But there was a crazy incident caused by a mirror."
"Yea. The story has versions of several things that happened throughout the year. It even had the time where Moka was kidnapped by the Outcasts and Tsukune lost control of himself."
Kurumu flinched, glancing at Yukari. The witch was trembling.
"Did anything happen to Yukari in that?"
Kana smiled softly.
"It's not a serious comic. No rape. No killing. Just a few fights."
Tora sighed, placing a hand on Yukari's shoulder.
"If only that were true."
A knock drew their attention to the open doorway. This girl was Miyazaki Yurie. She had her raven locks braided in two tails which slipped over her shoulder and ended on the swell of her ample assets.
"Excuse me. Would any of you know if my roommate will return before dinner?"
Touzoku hopped to her feet.
"That depends. Who is your roommate?"
"Antai Hotaru. I believe she left the assembly with Ms. Shuzen."
Kurumu grinned, standing up.
"I saw that too. Kokoa plans to spend all of today and tomorrow with her girls."
Yukari huffed, remaining on the floor by the stack of comics.
"Not all of them."
Kurumu smirked, aware that Nagisa had not been with the group.
"I don't know what exactly she has planned but Kokoa didn't ask me to help with a sleepover."
"Sounds like she'll be back tonight. Do you need her for something?"
Miyazaki smiled apologetically at Touzoku.
"Actually I do. I didn't bring my keys with me to the ceremony so I can't get back in my room."
"But you have your meal card, right?"
Miyazaki nodded with a slight laugh.
"Thank goodness I did or I wouldn't have been able to get upstairs."
Kurumu smirked, knowing the locks in the stairwells and the first floor elevator lobby only responded to the lunch cards issued to girls living in the East dorm.
"She has to come back. None of Kokoa's girls had a bag of spare clothes with them."
Miyazaki smiled, fussing with the hem of her school jacket.
"I know. I just wish she would have said something to me before taking off."
Touzoku hopped over to the girl's side.
"Did you want to hang out for a bit? You could talk about band with Itazura."
"I guess I wouldn't mind that."
"Cool. We're right next door."
Miyazaki laughed as Touzoku steered her out of the room.
"That's nice. I'm across the hall in 413."
Kurumu smiled when she heard the other door close. She noticed that Tora had pulled out her silver flip phone to check the time.
"Are you wanting to stop by your room?"
Tora shrugged, slipping her phone back inside her pocket.
"It's a quarter to four. When were we starting that sleepover with Mizore?"
"Six and it will be in my room."
Tora nodded, gesturing at the stack of comics.
"Then I suggest we help Yukari discretely bring this work of art to her room. We don't need other people knowing about this."
Kurumu agreed with that.
"Kurumu. Do not give Yukari those memories."
Kurumu sighed at Moka's repeated warning. She sauntered out of Moka's suite to join Tora outside.
"I've already said that I wouldn't. Trust me."
"I want to. Keep her behaved, Tora."
"I will. Good night."
Moka murmured her own pleasantries before closing her door. Kurumu let out a long sigh, sharing a look with Tora. The sphinx held a bag with clothes for tomorrow.
"Hotaru better get home soon for Miyazaki's sake."
Tora smirked, stalking off which prompted Kurumu to follow.
"I'm sure that Ms. Touzoku will take her in if that doesn't happen."
Kurumu nodded as they passed under the balcony to her suite.
"If Kokoa wants to spend the night with her girls it will be in Hikari's place."
"Which I understand is next door to Ms. Antai's room. It will be fine."
Arriving at the door to suite 315, Tora knocked before stepping aside. She looked Kurumu over.
"I'm sensing that something happened between you and Moka very recently."
Kurumu laughed nervously, suspecting her sheets still reeked from last night.
"We did sleep together last night. She took my blood and I was in a kissing and cuddling mood."
"Hopefully that is all the two of you did."
Kurumu knew that she would get scolded if she brought up Moka pleasuring herself for the first time.
"Moka just felt down because she didn't know about Tsukune's situation with the town elders."
"That's right. Yukari's grandfather was going to speak to them after the Disney trip."
Kurumu glanced at the door as she heard the deadbolt drawn back.
"Everything is fine though. Tsukune isn't leaving Yokai Academy."
Umizake smirked, having opened the door in the middle of her sentence. He had parted with the school jacket but was still wearing the long sleeved shirt and slacks.
"Should I ask why he would?"
"Just the town elders giving him grief over killing those boys that kidnapped Moka long ago."
"I thought that was resolved before summer break."
"It was but they are still holding a grudge."
Umizake nodded, glancing at Tora.
"You must be here for Mizore."
"Yes. Can we come inside?"
"What for?"
"I'd like to see your room. Kurumu says you got a lot of stuff now."
Umizake chuckled, motioning them to follow as he retreated from the door.
"Sure thing. They're here for you, Mizore."
Kurumu followed the sphinx inside. Umizake moved out of the entryway to stand by the stove, giving them a clear view of the room. Mizore was lying on a powder blue couch pushed up against the middle of the far wall. The snow girl was still dressed in her school attire. The back of her wrist was on her forehead while the other hand rested on her belly.
In the corner away from the closet and bathroom doors was a new bed with a solid black frame which was simple in design. A foldable mattress was placed on the black framing with a powder blue comforter drawn over it. Two pillows were stuffed into white cases which matched the sheets while the other two were in powder blue cases. Like Hiboshi's new bed, it was clearly meant for two.
Tora wiggled out of her loafers, stepping into the room as Kurumu's eyes moved over to Mrs. Shirayuki whom was sitting at a low table with a varnished, black surface. The mother was garbed in a dark blue kimono with pink blossoms. She sipped from a black yunomi.
"You really filled up the space."
Umizake's black varnished writing desk had been moved to the space between the bathroom and closet door. His books were stacked beneath it while his silver laptop and family portraits were arranged on the top surface. A square backed chair matching the desk had its square seat pushed under the top surface. His CD tower was on the floor next to the couch, plugged into an outlet behind the couch.
"Do you want me to open up the cabinets and cupboards to show all of the junk her mother bought?"
"No. That won't be necessary."
Kurumu grinned, pointing at the wall space between the closet doors. A crib with white wood slats was fitted with a pink sheet over a tiny mattress.
"They even bought a crib."
"I already noticed. Did you buy baby clothes?"
"We did, Ms. Nazohashi. It's in the closet with the diapers."
Kurumu glanced at the kitchen counter which included a rice cooker and microwave.
"It's too bad you didn't get a television."
Umizake snorted, crossing his arms.
"We would have to pick up a DVD or VHS player to get any use out of it."
"I spent enough money as is. Saisho will scold me when he sees our account balance."
"Which I will have my mother reimburse half of that cost. I kept the receipts."
"You will do no such thing. Hopefully Mr. Aono will understand my position."
"He's not going to give you the receipts, stubborn woman. He knows that you would have destroyed them if I had kept them here."
"She's my only daughter."
"And you have two younger sons."
"Your mother has other children."
"Two of which are married and my other sister is starting her fourth year of college. My Mom is widowed but she's not broke. Father had enough money set aside for my college. We can cover half. That's fair."
Mrs. Shirayuki gave him a look that declared this matter was not over.
"Get up, Mizore. You need clothes for tomorrow."
Mizore groaned at her mother's order, rolling off the couch onto her feet.
"Fine. Did you want to see the cute baby clothes we bought?"
Tora pranced over to assist Mizore to the closet.
"If it's no trouble."
Mizore tugged open the door and both girls slipped out of sight.
"I don't know what is cute about a bunch of onesies."
"Only women can understand the joys of having a baby."
Umizake smirked at Mrs. Shirayuki.
"I did offer to participate in the memory sharing session."
Kurumu grinned in the ensuing silence, still lingering in the entryway with her shoes on. She heard Tora make appreciative sounds from the closet.
"I didn't ask earlier but where is everyone sleeping?"
"I've been banished to the floor."
Mrs. Shirayuki clucked her tongue as she held her drink.
"My daughter doesn't need you troubling her while she sleeps."
"She's not any more comfortable sleeping alone."
Kurumu smirked, wondering if these two always squabbled like this.
"Does Mizore like the new bed?"
"She actually prefers lying on the couch."
Mizore shuffled out of the closet with a black plastic sack. Tora followed the snow girl out, closing the door behind her. Kurumu grinned, backing up to the open door.
"Are you going to try sleeping on the couch?"
Mizore glanced over at the couch as she shuffled over to the entryway.
"Don't know if I can. I'd be too worried of rolling off to actually sleep."
Tora chuckled as they arrived by their shoes. The sphinx wiggled her feet into her loafers.
"Understandable. Beds usually are more comfortable."
"Nothing is comfortable."
Kurumu giggled, retreating outside. Tora soon joined her and Mizore was stopped by Umizake. Leaning over, he gave her a brief kiss which caused the snow girl to let out a little moan.
"Will you be okay the whole night without a kiss?"
Mizore backed away with him following her to the door.
"I can drink some water if I start feeling too good."
He patted her head, regarding her with loving eyes.
"No kissing Kurono. It will only make things worse."
Mizore smiled thinly.
"Okay. See you in the morning."
He nodded, closing the door and locking up.
"You better behave yourself."
Kurumu pouted as Tora walked off, prompting them to follow her to the stairs up to Kurumu's suite.
"Me? I had no intentions of kissing her."
"How can you say that to the girl carrying your child?"
"Don't you start. You are getting English lessons. That was the agreement."
Mizore smiled softly, clutching her bag of clothes as they started up the steps.
"Nerume spoke well of it."
"Did Nerume see your place yet?"
"She came over for a short while with Ms. Unari after the welcoming ceremony."
Kurumu chuckled, slipping around Tora once they reached the top landing.
"Satsuki actually went to the welcoming ceremony?"
"Ms. Unari and her three friends slipped in during the headmaster's introduction of the staff. They took too much time at the dining hall."
Kurumu snickered, unlocking her door.
"Here I was thinking she would work the whole weekend."
Kurumu pushed in the door and was greeted with an indignant huff.
"It's about time you got here."
Yukari was sitting on her bed with a comic in her hands. The witch was still in her school blouse and skirt. Shaking her head, Kurumu shuffled over to the edge of the half wall.
"I am not giving you a pregnancy experience."
"Don't mind me. I'm having my mind blown by other things."
Kurumu snorted, having slipped out of her loafers. Emptying her school jacket's pockets, she set aside her keys and lunch card on the half wall. She noticed the wall between her room and Yukari's vacant closet was open. She wandered over to the center of her room as Tora closed the door behind Mizore.
"Enjoying that comic?"
Yukari huffed with her attention fixed on the pages.
"This author treats me like a completely useless character."
"What is that?"
Yukari glanced up at Mizore's curious gaze. She held up the volume with the silver haired vampire on it.
"Fan fiction."
"That's volume three?"
Yukari nodded at Kurumu, turning her attention back to the comic.
"I'm in the middle of the Kuyo arc. Kana wasn't kidding about the pacing being off."
"Kuyo arc?"
Tora smiled at Mizore's confusion.
"That bus driver gave Kana a comic book that tells our story as a romance comedy."
"According to this author, I didn't meet Moka until midterms. The incident with Ms. Ishigami happened around Tsukune's birthday."
"Ishigami?"
"The art teacher, Mizore."
"Are we starting?"
Rubi came bounding through the arcane opening in just her birthday suit. Kurumu's eyes widened in shock. Rubi clearly had not trimmed her garden since that time she had her cotton patch singed off during summer break. Her perky tits had hard, dark nipples standing proudly out.
"Why are you naked?"
Rubi frowned at Tora's breathy query.
"Am I not supposed to be?"
"We've never been naked for Kurumu using her powers."
"But I've never had Ms. Kurono use her powers on me."
Yukari looked up from her comic, making a shooing gesture.
"Go put some pajamas on. I swear it's stupid antics like this that made our story into a joke."
Rubi turned slightly, bowing to Yukari. Her back had dimples above her waist.
"I'm sorry. I'll be right back. Don't start without me!"
Kurumu laughed when the witch darted back through the opening. Grinning, she moved to her closet.
"We should all dress down for bed."
The other girls sounded their understanding as Kurumu opened up her closet. She flipped on the light, removing her jacket and dropping it into her almost empty hamper. She tugged on her bow, loosening the knot. Freeing it from her collar, she tossed the red accessory onto the shelf by her lingerie. Pulling her blouse out from her skirt, she started unbuttoning the shirt.
Having bared her black lace bra, Kurumu unhooked the front clasps which caused her breasts to spill out. She slipped out of her bra like removing a jacket, dropping it inside the hamper. She snatched up her silky black chemise from her pajama pile. Shaking the garment out, she pulled it on over her head. She smoothed it out over her curves before reaching under it to loosen the band of her skirt.
"Okay! I'm back!"
Rubi had bounded back into the room, sporting a burgundy chemise with black lace stitched about the upper and lower hem. The thin straps of the satin garment rested on her pale shoulders.
Mizore was now garbed in only a white shirt with the words Faith Hope Love scrawled down the center. As the fabric was stretched out by her belly, the shirt failed to cover her ass and hairy crotch. Her garden was obviously as neglected as Rubi's.
Shaking her head, Kurumu wiggled her skirt down to her knees. Letting the thick fabric fall to the floor, she pulled down her black lace panties next. She stepped out of both, tossing each into the hamper before removing her socks.
"Mizore. You should have picked a nightgown."
"But I got this from Tora."
Kurumu smiled, supposing that was a good reason. She chucked her socks into the hamper, turning off the lights before exiting the closet. She closed the door as Tora chuckled softly.
"I remember that shirt being bigger."
The sphinx was sporting a lush green, spaghetti string tank top with a pair of shorts of the same color. Those cotton shorts clung tightly to the sphinx's body like a pair of boyshorts.
"Maybe it shrunk in the laundry."
"Maybe I just got fat."
Yukari huffed with her attention still fixed on the comic.
"You're pregnant. Not fat."
"How do we do this?"
Smiling at Rubi's question, Kurumu moved to the center of the room.
"We can sit in a circle. I'll hold hands with Tora and Mizore."
"Am I being left out?"
Kurumu giggled at Rubi's pout. She knelt down as the others joined her.
"No. You'll also hold hands with Tora and Mizore. That way we'll all be connected."
"Not that you need a physical connection to do this. You could include me."
Kurumu stuck her tongue out at Yukari, taking Tora's right hand in her own. She shivered slightly, feeling the chill of Mizore's palm in her other hand.
"Someone should be watching over us. The English lessons with Ms. Kiyomizu took over three hours so I'll try to give you as many pregnant memories as I can within that time frame."
Yukari snorted, glancing up from her comic.
"I could probably read three more volumes before you are finished."
"Are you trying to finish that series before the weekend is over?"
"It's not like I have anything better to do tomorrow."
"You could come with us to church."
Yukari huffed at Tora, returning her attention to the comic.
"I'd rather finish this tragedy than pay my respects to a fictional god."
Kurumu squeezed Tora's hand.
"Is everyone ready?"
"Hold up."
Kurumu frowned when Mizore let go of her hand. The snow girl groaned, pushing back on her feet.
"What's wrong?"
Mizore sighed heavily as she got upright. Placing her hand on her side, she started shuffling away.
"If this is going to take three hours, I better empty my bladder first."
Kurumu laughed, thinking she might need to do that as well.
