Slipping her lunch card into the pocket of her jacket, Kurumu grabbed her tray and sauntered away from the podium with the register. As she made her way over to Dakuhime and Yokumoto, Kurumu noticed that most of the students had already taken their seats in the cafeteria.
Imai and Tanaka were at the usual table, waiting for Yukari and the first year girls from class one. Kurumu had asked Yukari to give her bento to Koyomi but Nyuuwa and Mukai would have to go through the line. Mizore was already being pampered by Umizake at the nearby table which they shared with Ginei and Koike. Kusamoto was with the local girls at Mikomi's table while Nijiro was with his math club colleagues.
Dakuhime said nothing as she headed down the center aisle with Yokumoto in tow. Kurumu followed on their heels, passing by the kappas at the first four tables on her right. Then they passed by the lizardmen of the bowling club and the mermaids of the swimming club.
The next aisle table had Jouromura Taki, president of the chemistry club. The whitish haired guy was an undine from Ikinakawa. At least one of the guys at the table with him was a kappa. The other table on the right which was against the wall dividing the seating area from the serving line had been claimed by the poetry club. Endo was with her two junior high friends.
Torokiboshi Kameko and Umigame Okarina were sitting at the next aisle table on the right which was across from Nijiro's math club. These two kappa girls had been in Kurumu's home economics last year. Umigame had curly, black, shoulder length hair while Torokibishi's black locks were stringy. This duo had joined the travel club which had formed last year. They were accompanied by two guys and three girls whom were probably first years as Kurumu had not seen any of them before.
The table by the dividing wall near the travel club's table had been claimed by the cycling club. Senyou Nobuyuki was the most familiar of this bunch but Kurumu recognized them all. Two were third years whom she had met with the rugby seniors but she could not recall their names.
Kokoa was sitting at the next aisle table across from Nagisa. They shared this table with Mizudake Yuri, the blue haired undine with pink highlights. Her short hair was wavy with her bangs held out of her mint eyes by a cat shaped barrette. The senior sat between her friends, Uta and Kirisame, whom were both from the volleyball team. Kirisame had wavy, indigo locks which brushed her narrow shoulders. She was an undine from Umiman. Across from the third years were Kurotaki, Yoshikawa and Kawakami.
Recalling Kurotaki's plans, Kurumu glanced at the aisle table behind Mikomi's table which had been claimed by the cheerleader squad. The tiny girl with her dark locks braided into pigtails was Anagume Arukune, Kosame's big sister. Tsubuyama Kosuru was sitting beside Arukune. The nekomusume had short, spiky hair the hue of amber. Shinayaka usually joined this pair, bringing Kosame along.
The other side of the table had been claimed by four buxom gyokuto girls and one guy whom were all from Aserutani. Shirenai Yuuki was this lucky devil, having short locks of a creamy chocolate hue. There was nothing blatantly special about this gyokuto guy but the same could have been said about Tsukune.
The girls pressing against his sides were Kyubane Mizuki and Juntaku Masami. Both had been in Kokoa's homeroom last year. Juntaku had vermillion locks that she had spent the time to pleat and crimp while Mizuki had wavy, platinum blond locks just like her older sister whom had graduated last year. Those two were probably trying to win Shirenai over before he graduated.
Garakuta Etsuko was the only gyokuto whom could boast having G cup breasts which rivaled Kurumu's. The senior had short, cloudy gray locks and was seated at the end of the aisle. The other senior with the short, cinnamon curls sitting at the other end of the table was Kukioba Tappuri. Kukioba had picked up a boyfriend, Funsui Juubei, shortly after the cultural festival but he had graduated. As far as Kurumu knew, the two were still together.
"Mayumi!"
Dakuhime grimaced at the greeting from a short girl with fluffy, tortoiseshell tresses. That was Fujihara Asami of the karaoke club. The nekomusume had a pinkish left eye while her right was a frosted blue. Sitting next to her was Gizamimi Mao whom had short, silky black locks which threatened to hide her ears and yellow eyes.
"Must you make a scene?"
Fujihara snickered as Kurumu's group closed in on the girls at this aisle table on the right. These two girls from Aserutani were joined by the first year girls in Kurumu's choir elective. Glancing over her shoulder, Heida offered a slight wave while her companion, Tobihaneru, kept her focus on her meal.
"Must you have an attitude? Nobody will join your choir if you act like that."
Mayumi huffed, claiming the spot at the end of the table favoring the aisle. Yokumoto silently squeezed into the small space between Mayumi and Heida.
"Choir is better than karaoke."
The next aisle table after this one was being used by familiar faces. Numasaki Ayame, Umiyama, Usabara and Manami all had their backs to Kurumu which made things easier. Sitting across from them were the Doronuma siblings, Takikawa and Hiyori. Hiyori scowled at Kurumu but said nothing to alert Manami.
Kurumu's attention wandered over to the last table hugging the dividing wall. Hasegawa was at that table with Shiraike and a taller, unfamiliar girl with wavy, navy black tresses which cascaded down her back. The other tall girl with wavy, indigo hair was Shitchi Hogo whom had lived in suite 320 last year. Shitchi had already set aside her black bento, suggesting she was finished with her meal.
Kurumu settled in at the end of the table with her back to Manami's group. She looked beyond the vacant table behind Dakuhime to the one belonging to the softball team. The two girls with the whitish gray locks were the nekomusume cousins living in suite 319. Hiyoshi was slightly taller than Hidarimeki and had straighter hair. Takameru from yesterday was with them and so were the Takeuchi twins from Kurumu's grade level. One had a ponytail while the other had twin pigtails.
"And I say karaoke is better since it allows you freedom with your elective."
Kurumu smiled at Fujihara's rebuttal.
"Are you enjoying home economics?"
"We haven't done anything special yet, but it beats standing around singing tunes I have no interest in."
"What does your club even do?"
Fujihara sighed at Dakuhime's tone.
"Not enough. We finally had a club meeting and our president said we needed a new advisor."
"Whom was your advisor?"
"Mr. Hirata. I guess he wants to focus on the rugby club which he had to take over because those creeps were hitting on Ms. Idatsu."
Kurumu snickered, vaguely recalling that switch being mentioned in the article Tora had written for the rugby club months ago. As that change had happened before the cultural festival, it probably had played a part in his nephew becoming the new captain of the rugby team.
"Do you have any new advisors in mind?"
"No but we have the next three weeks to find a new one."
"Why should they bother joining a club that might get disbanded?"
Fujihara clucked her tongue, wagging a finger at Dakuhime.
"Because they might want to take home economics next year. I was only in choir because I didn't get my first choice of electives."
Heida nodded with an apologetic smile.
"That is the case with us."
"I could care less what my electives are. Makes no difference to me."
Kurumu smirked at Tobihaneru's gruff remark.
"Are you joining the same club as Heida?"
"No reason not to. I promised her parents that I'd look after her."
"No bento today?"
Kurumu smiled at Fujihara's observation.
"I asked Yukari to give mine to Koyomi."
"That's the mute girl from choir."
"You have a mute girl in choir?"
Kurumu giggled at Fujihara's confused response to Dakuhime. She pushed her disposable chopsticks out of the clear cellophane wrapper.
"Yes, though she's switching to band as of today. I loaned my flute out to her."
"You have a flute?"
Kurumu nodded at Dakuhime.
"It was a gift from my father that my grandmother was keeping for years. One of the good things that came out of my trip to Yukimura."
Fujihara frowned at her explanation.
"Yukimura? Where is that?"
"It's Mizore's home. My father came from her village. These earrings I'm wearing are also a gift he left behind for me. He promised that they are real emeralds."
The confused looks from Dakuhime and Fujihara were worrisome. Managing a smile, Kurumu opened up her white box of nikujaga with rice. She had snatched up this last box from the shelf. Kurumu hoped that it was as good as it normally was as she mixed the contents up with her chopsticks.
"Did your parents not live together?"
"Do you know nothing about Ms. Kurono?"
Fujihara pouted at Dakuhime.
"I've only spoken with her a few times. The longest was at Unari's birthday almost a year ago."
"Ms. Kurono was living with her mother until she recently passed away. I had the impression that her father died many years before that."
Kurumu nodded, swallowing down her first morsel. The nikujaga was as good as the kind served at Kurai dining hall. Maybe not as good as hers but not something that warranted Yukari's avoidance.
"My father passed away when I was nine but I never met him. Due to health issues, my mother had to leave him when I was only a few months old. My father and grandparents had no idea where we lived so my grandmother kept all of the gifts he had been buying for me over the years."
"That's kind of sad."
Kurumu smiled at Fujihara.
"It's unfortunate but my mother didn't understand the dangers succubi pose to their mates. We have to be careful with how much we kiss because of our opiate. That's why I've never tried to monopolize all of Nijiro's time as I don't want to make the same mistakes."
"You shouldn't be around him at all."
Kurumu shivered at Manami's remark.
"I'm aware of the rules and your mother's stance on that matter."
"Then break up with him! He deserves better."
"I'm all for that."
"Shut up, Shin."
Kurumu had to laugh at the exchange between the Doronuma siblings. Shaking her head, she snatched up a chunk of potato.
"I only told the truth, Manami."
"You didn't have to."
"Her whole trip to Aranami was a mistake."
Kurumu sighed at Hiyori's contribution.
"Yea. I often think that."
There was a moment of tense silence in which Kurumu progressed through half of her meal. She noted that two first year girls had joined the softball team's table. Koike's little sister and that Zaisan girl. And Shinayaka was over at the cheerleader table with Kosame. That Kishugin girl was with them, leaving no space for anyone else to sit at that table.
"It's a full moon tonight."
Kurumu laughed at Yokumoto's random declaration.
"Is there a reason for you bringing that up?"
Yokumoto nodded solemnly.
"Women often give birth during full moons."
Fujihara snickered at the serious tone. She waved a dismissive hand over her finished lunch.
"That's just superstition. They also claim women are hornier during full moons."
Kurumu smiled softly, glancing in the direction of Mizore but not seeing the snow girl.
"I bet Mizore would be thrilled to give birth tonight."
"She isn't the only one. Coach Yaisoku also seems eager to be done with her pregnancy."
Fujihara chuckled at her own comment, gesturing at the first years.
"Almost done with the first week of school. I hope the two of you have enjoyed it thus far."
Heida laughed politely, nodding with a smile.
"It has been interesting. While I know they have grouped us with many kids from our junior high, there are so many new faces in the cafeteria."
"Yea. I still can't get over how huge this school is."
Dakuhime huffed at Fujihara.
"I hope you two are ready for your assessments next week. These two dummies did so poorly that they were in Saturday school the entire first term."
Fujihara huffed back with equal disdain.
"That isn't true. Mao only had Saturday school up to midterms."
"But she was going with you every Saturday."
Gizamimi laughed softly, nodding.
"I was but only to keep Asami company."
Fujihara grinned, reaching over to toy with Gizamimi's hair.
"Because she loves me."
Heida smiled, glancing at Tobihaneru.
"I'll do the same for Taiga if she needs Saturday school."
Tobihaneru huffed, wagging her chopsticks at Heida.
"Assuming you don't need it too."
"That is true. While I am working on my English vocabulary, it wasn't stressed in junior high."
Dakuhime nodded sagely.
"Toshiko and I barely scraped through that part. It was the most common subject to fail all year round."
Kurumu giggled, scraping up the last vestiges of rice in her box. There was no denying that English was the hardest subject but only because of how little the junior highs had prepared them. Stuffing the last morsel into her mouth, she noticed that Ginei and Koike were coming this way with the rugby team.
She obviously knew Yajima and Arukage but could not recall the names of Yajima's two friends. The stouter fellow had charcoal locks that obscured his eyes while the other had a rugged mess of dingy black curls. The two unfamiliar guys were shorter. One had short, jet black hair while the other had sandy blond locks. The dark haired one had a fierce look in his steel gray eyes.
"Kurumu. Would you be interested in watching a fight?"
"It's a challenge, Morioka. We can't be calling this a fight."
The dark haired, unfamiliar guy scoffed at Koike as the group gathered behind Dakuhime.
"It's the same thing to me."
"The PSC can't be allowing fights on school grounds."
"Since when does the PSC care about rules? Nothing but a bunch of killers."
The sandy blond guy chuckled, shaking his head.
"That isn't true, Kensuke. The PSC is different now."
"Just because your girlfriend joined them doesn't change anything."
Kurumu smirked at how flustered that accusation made the sandy blond. Picking up her can of fruit punch, she lifted the tab up to break the seal.
"Afternoon, Arukage. Care to introduce me to your friends?"
The angry guy scowled, throwing a look at the senior with his frosted blue locks styled in a faux hawk.
"He's not my friend."
Arukage huffed, gesturing at the pair.
"This unpleasant fellow is Takagi Kensuke and the other is Kinoshita Zuiichi. They're from Mononoke but I get the feeling you already know that."
Kurumu grinned, taking a sip from her sweet drink.
"Tokori mentioned this pair when Sabaku was looking for new PSC recruits."
"As if I would join that group?"
"But it wouldn't be a bad idea."
Takagi scowled at Kinoshita.
"It's just a publicity stunt. If you want in Meirowasa's panties that bad, just join them already."
Kinoshita laughed, holding his hands up defensively.
"It's not like that, man. She was barely speaking to me last year after the Hinagiku funeral."
"Because she knew it would happen and did nothing!"
Ginei laughed in a flamboyant way that cut through the tension. He favored Kurumu a roguish grin.
"As you can see, this young man wants to pick a fight with Tsukune and the PSC."
"Tsukune? What does he have to do with the PSC?"
Takagi snarled at Kurumu.
"He's a murderer whom should have been brought to justice months ago! The only reason Fairy Tale pardoned him was because his victims were monstrels!"
Koike snickered, shaking his head.
"They weren't victims. They were killed in the middle of committing a crime. That's called collateral."
"They were systematically slaughtered. It was all a ploy made by those vampires wanting to purify the school for the new PSC under Lady Hineri's rule."
Ginei snorted, crossing his arms below his chest.
"I heard you the first time and it's still nonsense. In no scenario does Yukari get raped if that was true."
"Who the fuck is Yukari?"
"The little girl whom called you an idiot deserving to have your teeth kicked in."
"That's bullshit. Nobody would rape that scrawny kid."
"It happened so shut the fuck up before your mouth writes a check it can't cover."
Takagi whirled on Arukage.
"That bastard killed your friends!"
Arukage shivered but crossed his arms, staring down at Takagi with his mint eyes.
"Whether Sendou was raped or not isn't up for discussion, boy. That brat was hospitalized and gone from school for a whole month, coming back with braces. Tensai didn't tell us everything but I heard enough to know that was no falsehood being spread around to justify those murders."
"You can't trust the hospital!"
"You didn't know Midou, boy. He was my friend, not yours. My brother and I toyed with the idea of going after Aono but the timing was never right. We also had to think about our mother."
"You're both cowards!"
Arukage cocked his head.
"Do you want this match or not? It's the best offer you're going to get."
"What match are we talking about?"
Yajima chuckled at Kurumu's confusion.
"We were thinking of having an impromptu rugby game with Ginei, Aono and the PSC. Naturally we will need Mr. Hirata to fetch the equipment and watch over the game to make sure we don't get too carried away while roughing each other up."
Ginei snickered, favoring Yajima a wolfish grin.
"You'll need him around or I'd run you into the dirt."
Yajima responded with a snaggletooth grin common among okami.
"That was almost two years ago, Morioka. You've grown soft hanging out with women."
"At least I know what a soft woman feels like."
The guy with the curls snickered.
"Keep talking, dog. Rugby is our game and you're just a tourist. We're going to run circles around you."
"I didn't even realize you were an okami, Muzai. You've always been a slowpoke."
Kurumu managed a smile, thinking this was better than letting Takagi fight Tsukune.
"When exactly are you going to do this?"
"We were thinking of doing it right after school."
"Ginei. I have choir practice."
Dakuhime snorted, rolling her eyes.
"As if you take that seriously. You just goof off with the harpies."
"Because our meetings haven't been remotely organized this week."
"Ms. Bouzuki would be more focused without you around."
Kurumu sighed, glancing at Ginei.
"I guess skipping choir practice one day won't make a difference. How are you planning to break this news to Sabaku?"
Koike grinned, thumbing at his chest.
"I can handle that. I'll just slip out of class during last period and let Mr. Sabaku and Mr. Kitajima know."
Yajima chuckled, pounding his fist into his palm.
"This will be fun. Takeda will have his work cut out for him."
The guy with the bangs over his eyes frowned.
"Me? You want me to step up against Mr. Sabaku?"
"You've got the most weight to throw around."
"No way. Get Tomera to do it."
Arukage grinned wide at Takeda's emphatic refusal.
"Now that is an idea. Tomera would love to lock up with Sabaku again."
"How many guys do we need for our team?"
"At least seven. Hard to play rugby with a team smaller than that."
Ginei and Koike shared a look and nodded.
"Mizore's fiancé is obligated to help out. He is PSC."
"Yea. That makes six with Aono. Do you want to ask him or shall I?"
The bell sounded, signaling the end of the lunch hour.
"He would definitely do it if Kurumu brings his little sister to cheer him on."
Kurumu smirked, knowing exactly whom they were talking about.
"Doesn't he have a karate club to teach?"
"Haiji will make the time. I leave fetching the little sister to you."
Kurumu rolled her eyes at Ginei's smug grin, gesturing in Kokoa's direction.
"She's right there. You can ask her yourself."
"Yes, but the bell has rung and I only have so much time to make it to choir. Very important class."
Kurumu favored his wolfish grin an unamused look.
"I have choir too."
"She'd never do it for my sake. Plus you have a whole gym period to talk her into it."
Kurumu sighed as Kokoa walked by them, heading towards her computer class with Nagisa. Shaking her head, she got up from the bench.
"Fine but no promises."
"I knew that I should have checked your eyes."
Kurumu chuckled, walking alongside Kokoa as they made their way across the grassy area between their wing and the far line of the forest. Umizake trailed behind them with Mizore, moving at a slow pace.
"Kokoa!"
A young man garbed in a karate gi waved enthusiastically. Miyamoto Haiji had short, rugged hair which was an ashen gray hue. The senior trotted away from Ginei's side to intercept them. His sky blue eyes sparkled with joy.
"It's been far too long since we last spoke."
Kokoa huffed as they stopped short of the captain of the karate club.
"Not long enough."
"I heard from Ginei that you won your fencing tournament."
"I did. Did you do anything over spring break?"
"Nothing special. Just hung out with my mother and my friends at Master Tsuyoshima's dojo. Were you able to spend any time with your family?"
"Father was too busy but I did see both of my older sisters."
Kurumu snorted at Kokoa's dismissive tone.
"We went to Disneyland with Akua."
"I suppose that we did spend a lot of time with Akua in the second week. The first week of our break we were in Iromori with Lord Ruben's family. Moka was learning how to drive."
Miyamoto grinned, glancing over to Moka whom was standing with Yukari clinging to her side. The girls were having a chat with Tsukune.
"That might be a skill I should consider pursuing over the summer."
"Do you have a vehicle?"
"I don't but Master Tsuyoshima does. I'm sure that he would assist me if I asked."
Kurumu smirked, glancing at Umizake as he arrived with Mizore.
"Don't forget that these two are getting married over the summer."
"As much as I would like to be there for that occasion, I would have no place to stay."
"Mizore's family has a loft that we could use."
Miyamoto smiled, shaking his head.
"I don't want to spend the whole break in Yukimura, Ms. Kurono. Just take a few pictures for me."
"Can I leave Mizore with you?"
Kurumu chuckled, nodding at Umizake's request. She offered her arm which prompted Mizore to detach from her fiancé. She shivered slightly when the snow girl snuggled up against her side.
"Thank you. I'll go check what our team's strategy is."
Kokoa huffed as Umizake trotted off. Ginei had drifted over to the trio of PSC third years. The big guy with his dark hair braided into tight rows upon his massive scalp was Sabaku Akira, leader of the PSC. Hailing from Australia, he may not have gone home over the short spring break.
The guy beside Koike whom looked like a middle aged man due to his sharp widow's peak was Kitajima Danuja. Though he was wearing a PSC uniform, Kitajima spent more time with the kendo club. Having shared his first year homeroom with Ginei and Koike, he was a regular acquaintance whom had even gone to Okinawa to help the situation with Otonashi San.
"Shouldn't you be with your team?"
"I think we have plenty of time before Mr. Hirata has things ready for us."
The guy sporting a yellow polo shirt and black slacks whom had his cherry red locks styled in a crew cut was Mr. Hirata. He was making measurements in the grass while being followed around by his nephew, Kuji, and two other guys. Kuji looked very much like the third year teacher, even having his cherry red hair styled in the same way. He was taller than his uncle and the two guys he was chatting amicably with. One guy had shoulder length, bright orange hair while the other had his burgundy tresses swept up in an impressive pompadour.
"Did you visit your sister's grave?"
Miyamoto smiled softly at Kokoa's mention of Hina whom had passed away over a decade ago.
"It wouldn't feel right not to."
Kurumu recognized two of the rugby seniors whom had participated in the attack on Kokoa which they had thwarted as little girls. One had shaggy, bleach blond hair while the other had his platinum blond locks styled exactly the same was as Midou had his. These two guys stood apart from each other and every other person on the field.
Scowling at the PSC, Takagi stood with Arukage and the rest of the rugby team. The huge guy with the ebony mullet was Tomera. His class had been doing a dunk tank for the cultural festival and he had been teasing them over being too weak to knock him into the water. Yajima and his two friends stood slightly apart from them, having a private conversation.
There was one more group of spectators standing around a woman with knee length, jet black tresses. That woman wearing the black blouse and tan slacks was Kiyomizu Hori. She was a third year English teacher and the advisor to the PSC. Tora, Satsuki, Kumiko and Tokori were all dressed in their PSC outfits, making Kinoshita look out of place.
"I guess that makes sense. While we didn't see Father, Kahlua had us go to the family cemetery so we could see Mother's grave. Lost most of our Sunday plans in Fukuoka for that detour."
Kurumu frowned at the revelation.
"You didn't mention doing that."
"Was I supposed to?"
"How is your sister Kahlua doing?"
"Fine, I guess. She was upset that she couldn't go with us to Disneyland because of work. She has to rebuild the entire Okinawa branch that you guys destroyed."
"They picked that fight and got what they deserved. It's not like we walked out of that unscathed."
"Will she be too busy with work to come to Mizore's wedding?"
Kokoa snorted at Kurumu.
"Considering how many people she killed in Yukimura, I doubt Kahlua would attend that wedding even if she had the free time."
Kurumu flinched, realizing that should have been obvious.
"How was she at the cemetery? Was she depressed?"
Kokoa regarded Miyamoto with a flat expression.
"She was melancholy. She blames herself for Mother's death."
"I feared that was the case."
"Mother chose to die because that was the best future for all of us. All of my sisters share some guilt in this matter. We were not strong enough."
"It's not your fault, Kokoa."
Kokoa shrugged nonchalantly at his reassurance.
"Fujisaki killed Mother. I simply did what I was told."
The following silence felt oppressive. Kurumu noticed that the two guys with Mr. Hirata's nephew were now standing apart. The teacher and his nephew were over by the other rugby players.
"They might be starting soon."
Miyamoto looked over his shoulder and nodded. Tsukune had also left Moka's side to join Ginei and the other members of the PSC.
"Guess I should see what their plan is. Hope to hear you rooting for me."
"Don't take too long beating these guys. My sister still needs to turn in that form for the softball team."
Kurumu giggled as the two took off in different directions. She gave Mizore a slight squeeze.
"Do you want to chat with Tora or Moka?"
"Is going home an option?"
Kurumu smirked, starting towards Tora's location. The shuffling step of Mizore made her progress slow.
"You'll never make it home walking like this."
"Maybe that full moon rumor is true."
"Are you feeling okay?"
"I feel fat. Bloated. I might have to pee."
Kurumu snickered as they closed in on the group.
"Tell me if you have any labor pains. I'll fly you to the hospital."
"Boldly talking about breaking the rules?"
Kurumu breathed in deep, regarding Tora's amused expression.
"I'm sure it would be allowed in the case of an emergency."
"While I understand your reasoning, I do have a vehicle, Ms. Kurono. Getting her to the hospital won't take that much longer within the limitations of the school rules."
"But what if she goes into labor?"
"Clearly you don't know much about labor. That process takes hours."
"Mom says I took the longest because I was her first."
Kurumu nodded at Mizore's response to Ms. Kiyomizu.
"How long was that?"
"She said about twelve hours. Both of my brothers took around eight."
"See. Plenty of time."
Satsuki snorted at Tora's comment.
"My mother would often bring up how many hours of pain she put up with bringing me into the world. The number was bigger depending on how angry she was with me."
"Having me took several days for my mother. It's her own damn fault she ended up crippled."
Kumiko's sour contribution made Kurumu feel uneasy.
"Hopefully Mizore doesn't have to put up with that."
"I do have a uniform for you, Ms. Kurono. I would like you to wear it when you are officially helping the PSC and to any meetings we decide to have."
"Almost forgot about being a part time member for the PSC."
"And I forgot about ordering your uniform. The clerk reminded when I bought my lunch from the school store this morning. I have it at my desk in the teachers' lounge. You can pick it up after this silly game."
"Speaking of meetings, when are we going to have one?"
Ms. Kiyomizu shrugged at Satsuki's query.
"That is entirely up to Mr. Sabaku."
"We used to have it during lunch but now we all have different lunch periods."
Kumiko nodded at Tora's statement.
"Mr. Sabaku is the only PSC member in my lunch group. I've ate with him twice only because I feel weird eating with my other friends while wearing my PSC uniform."
"I feel the same way. It's just Nazohashi and me since Kitajima prefers eating with the kendo club."
"You don't eat with Nerume?"
"Naw. That brat is at a full table with her astronomy club and those tall girls Kakeru is always with."
Kurumu nodded thoughtfully. Kakeru had always been shy so it was understandably why she would be with Nerume and Goto instead of with the track team.
"I take it that Goto's little sister and her two friends are with them."
"Yea and the astronomy club has a new girl with them."
Tora nodded at Satsuki's response.
"Takurami Ina. Her brother is in our homeroom. You might remember him from class three."
Kurumu nodded, recalling the guy. He had always carried himself with a sour attitude.
"Andou is in charge of that club. Is she in your lunch group?"
"She's in class six and Mr. Kokutan is in class seven. He looks out of place being the only guy at the table."
Satsuki snickered with a slight shake of her head.
"Though that Zanzou girl is still trying to be a man. She's already back to doing weights in gym."
"I don't understand that girl at all or why the gym instructors let her do that instead of participating."
Kurumu chuckled, thinking about Zanzou Miya. That girl had decided years ago that Ginei was an ideal man to look up to, similar to her older brother whom had graduated before Kurumu's time. Zanzou had bought Ginei several of his nice outfits as she had money to waste. She had also helped them out on a few occasions like infiltrating the prison ran by Lord Chiki and infiltrating the abandoned city pool. She was very good at getting into places she was not supposed to be.
"Well I have choir after school so I don't know if I can attend any meetings."
"It would only be once a week."
Kumiko huffed at Satsuki.
"That was the minimum and was also when we all could have lunch together. We need a proper time for meetings just like any other club."
"But if we do it after school, that would interfere with my newspaper club, Mr. Kitajima's kendo club and your softball team."
"Are you still on the team?"
"I have no reason to quit yet, Ms. Kurono. That might change by midterms."
"The PSC could always share a meal in the Kurai dining hall. If you choose dinner over breakfast, I could join you on such a meeting at least once a week."
"That would work a lot better than breakfast in my case."
Kurumu laughed at the sudden contribution from Tokori.
"Too hard to get here for breakfast."
"Not even worth trying. At least with dinner I can talk someone into staying late to walk home with me."
"I believe we are ready to get this game started!"
Mr. Hirata motioned for the group around Ginei to come over.
"Do you boys need an explanation of the rules?"
Sabaku chuckled as he strolled over with the others in tow.
"I tried explaining a few things. How are we doing kicking without the soccer goals?"
"We're not doing kicking."
Mr. Hirata gestured at his nephew's friends.
"Mr. Omohi and Mr. Terukama are standing at one end of our play area."
The teacher turned and gestured at the other pair.
"Mr. Nibuoto and Mr. Muramatsu are at the other. Five points are awarded for each goal. While there normally is a time limit, we will call this game when the first team reaches fifty points."
"And we score a goal by running by these guys?"
"Correct, Mr. Umizake. Your team will be running towards Mr. Nibuoto's goal. Unlike soccer, this is a game you play with your hands. You pick up the ball and run with it. You have to drop the ball if you are taken down to a knee. A ruck will decide whom gets possession of the ball."
"What is a ruck?"
Sabaku laughed heartily at Umizake's confusion.
"I just explained that. Guys from both teams gather around the ball and have a pushing contest. The goal is to shove the opposing team away from the ball. Another player from your team can grab the ball and run with it if the ball is behind the feet of your teammates."
"Correct. As this is only a seven on seven, I'm going to require the ruck to at least be two guys from each team and they can't be guys involved in the tackle. Initial rucks after a goal will be three on three. Come over here and I'll put the ball down."
Mr. Hirata wagged a black ball shaped like an egg as he started walking.
"And passing can only be done backwards, right?"
Mr. Hirata nodded at Tsukune's query, making his way to a spot between the designated goals.
"That's right. It's a fast game and with me being the only official, I'm bound to miss some roughhousing. It might be a good idea for you boys to lose the shirts."
Yajima snickered, unbuttoning his school shirt.
"Do you want us to take off our pants too?"
"Only if you got something on underneath. We got ladies present."
"Don't worry. I predicted this possibility and kept my gym shorts on."
Ginei sighed dramatically, folding his long sleeved shirt up in his arms.
"It feels so unnatural to wear anything beneath my slacks."
Tsukune chuckled at Ginei, shaking his head.
"You're lucky. I only got boxers."
"Hey, Uncle. Can I play in my boxers?"
"Only if your dick doesn't fall out."
Tomera guffawed loudly, stalking over to Mr. Hirata. The big guy had a massive, muscular chest which was smooth without a hint of hair. He was keeping his slacks on while the rest of the rugby team guys were stripping down to their red gym shorts.
"Dear Lord. What is Mr. Miyamoto thinking?"
Kurumu snorted upon seeing the karate club captain. That moron was wearing a white samurai diaper. She shook her head as he helped Koike undress.
"He's always been weird, Tora."
"When did Aono get so ripped?"
Kurumu smirked at Satsuki's query. Tsukune's chest was as impressive as Tomera's, though Tsukune was quite shorter and thinner than the big guy. Standing so far away, it was hard for Kurumu to tell if Tsukune still had the scars on his chest from his skirmish with Midou.
"Do you like what you see?"
Satsuki snorted, rolling her eyes.
"I was just not expecting that."
"No kidding. He looks more muscular than Senior."
Kurumu resisted the urge to tease Tora over comparing Ginei to Tsukune. Tsukune was still wearing his slacks while Hirata was down to his black boxers.
"I will need three from each team to start things."
Tomera chuckled, standing by Mr. Hirata. He beckoned to the other players.
"Come on. I want to lock up with Akira."
Sabaku laughed heartily, stalking over to Tomera while still wearing his black slacks. His muscled chest was as chiseled as the big guy's.
"Go easy on me, Ryoku. I'm a little rusty."
"Has the PSC made you soft? You should have stopped by and practiced with us at least once a week."
Sabaku huffed, crossing his arms about his thick torso.
"You guys don't practice much to begin with."
Yajima snickered, stalking over with his two pals. The trio were all garbed in red gym shorts. The big guy with the bangs obscuring his eyes had more flab than muscle.
"Can't be helped. We have to share the field with the soccer team."
"Hopefully that will change with Uncle in charge."
Mr. Hirata laughed, shaking his head.
"Mr. Fukushima was trying to get a rugby field since he formed this club back in 95."
"Yea but the town is working with us again. It shouldn't be too hard to put up some fencing and a pair of goal posts. Those new bleachers for the track field didn't take long."
"Why should the town care about a stupid field?"
Arukage huffed, jostling the angry Takagi.
"Shut up, dude. Rugby team was one of the few sports monstrels could compete in. The town has every incentive to sponsor us."
"Get your butts over here! Mr. Sabaku can't contest this ball on his own."
Sabaku chuckled, beckoning to his teammates. Tsukune had kept his school slacks while Kitajima had on a black pair of slacks. Koike, Ginei and Umizake were wearing red gym shorts.
"We should start this thing out with PSC pride. Be on my right side, Mr. Koike. It will make things easier with your handicap."
Koike snickered, moving under Sabaku's directions.
"I'll try my best but there's only so much I can do with one arm."
"You'll be fine. You're on my left, Mr. Kitajima."
Kitajima grunted an acknowledgment, lining up beside Sabaku. The trio stood in front of the ball which had been placed in the grass between Sabaku and Tomera.
"Where do the rest of us stand?"
"Behind us. Be ready to grab the ball and run."
Tomera snorted as Takeda and Arukage moved to his sides.
"As if you are going to win this ruck."
"Be ready to start on my whistle."
Mr. Hirata trotted away from the group, pulling a whistle on a white cord out of his pocket. He turned about and put the whistle on his lips.
The moment he sounded the start, Tomera bulldozed over Sabaku, causing Kitajima and Koike to also fall flat on their asses. Kuji darted in to snatch up the ball, running around the scuffle.
Ginei darted over to intercept the nephew but Kuji flipped the ball back to Yajima at the last second. Ginei tried to alter course but Yajima was already clear of him. The quick guy got several meters down the field before Miyamoto grabbed hold of him, spinning him about.
With surprising awareness, Yajima chucked the ball to Muzai whom was running alongside Ginei. The curly haired guy stopped, allowing Ginei to overtake him before cutting at a sharp angle down the field.
"You'll pay for your crimes, Aono!"
Kurumu's attention was drawn away as Takagi attempted to strike Tsukune. Tsukune effortlessly avoided the attack as the whistle sounded.
"That's five points for the home team."
"Is this allowed?!"
Mr. Hirata chuckled at Tsukune's protest as Takagi continued his futile assault. Tsukune easily dodged a series of telegraphed punches which prompted the teacher to blow his whistle again.
"Stop that nonsense, Mr. Takagi. You don't tackle with your fists."
Takagi panted, staring at Tsukune with furious eyes.
"Fine! Take this!"
Takagi dived at Tsukune. Tsukune hopped aside, causing the young man to land face first in the grass.
"I'm sorry but what exactly are the rules regarding this."
Mr. Hirata laughed as Muzai trotted back to the group with the ball in hand.
"You can only tackle the guy running with the ball. Any other instances of roughhousing are limited to the ruck. I'd call a foul on the kid if he actually lands a hit on you."
Takagi scowled, picking himself up from the ground.
"I will have my revenge."
Muzai snickered, tossing the ball to Mr. Hirata.
"Then get in this ruck with Tomera. I'm sure that Takeda would happily let you take his spot."
Takagi growled, stalking over to Mr. Hirata whom was moving to the center of the field with the ball.
"Fine! You better face me, Aono Tsukune!"
Tsukune rubbed the back of his neck, wandering over to where the next possession would be decided.
"What did I do this time?"
Koike snickered, gesturing to Sabaku.
"You can have my spot, Aono."
"Hopefully you'll do something this time."
Tsukune frowned at Ginei as he moved to Sabaku's side.
"I barely understand this game."
"You just run with the ball. Very simple."
"But I didn't have the ball."
"You run with the guy holding the ball, either planning to tackle or to protect."
Yajima snickered, swatting Ginei in the back of the head before moving to his side of the field.
"You can't prevent tackling. You run nearby so you can either help out in a ruck or be passed back to."
"Well I got two guys whom just stood in place that whole possession."
"You picked them. Not me."
"We start on my whistle."
Ginei nodded at Mr. Hirata's warning. He gestured at Umizake.
"Move this time, buddy."
The whistle sounded and Tomera proved once again that he was too strong for Sabaku to counter. The big guy bulled over Sabaku which caused Kitajima to also fall down. Tsukune stood firmly in place as Takagi grunted against him. The guy's face turned red in exertion.
"You're going down, Aono!"
Tsukune twisted and gave Takagi a simple hip toss that put the young man in the dirt. But with his back to the opposing team, Kuji was able to grab the ball uncontested. He pitched the ball over to Takeda whom shuffled forward with surprising speed for a guy his size.
Koike moved to tackle the big guy but got plowed over. Takeda stumbled into Umizake's grasp. The fat guy staggered forward and was about to be hit by Miyamoto.
"Takeda!"
Takeda lobbed the ball over to Muzai whom was literally knocked out of his shoes by Ginei. Kurumu had to laugh as the guy dropped the ball nearby. Yajima called out for a ruck as Arukage and Kuji arrived by the ball first. They locked up with Miyamoto and Umizake whom happened to be nearby. Their lack of experience showed as they were quickly pushed back, allowing Yajima to secure the ball while Muzai crawled around to retrieve his shoes.
"Over here!"
Yajima chucked the ball to Tomera the moment before Ginei laid him out. The massive guy shoved Sabaku aside, hustling down the field at a steady pace. Sabaku laughed, shaking his head as the whistle sounded the goal.
"We are sorely mismatched."
Ginei snorted, helping Yajima up from the ground.
"Our team lacks focus. Stop fooling with that kid, Tsukune!"
Tsukune shrugged, still standing back at the line. Takagi was wrapped around his waist, trying to push him over to no avail.
"He keeps grabbing me."
"You will pay for your wickedness, Aono! I will make you suffer!"
"Cut the crap, Mr. Takagi. I don't want to start calling fouls."
Takagi scowled, letting go of Tsukune. He panted as he stepped back.
"How can all of you be so civil around this murderer?!"
"Because we're not stupid. Give me the ball."
Tomera chuckled heartily, striding back to the center at an easy pace.
"Step aside, little boy. I'll show you how a man does it."
"Aono is mine!"
Tomera's expression soured as he arrived. He lobbed the ball to Mr. Hirata and glared at the youth.
"Get off my line, twerp. You and me, Aono. Akira needs a break."
Sabaku snickered, walking over to Tsukune's side.
"Not just yet, Ryoku. I want to see how I fare against Takeda."
"Fine. Takeda! You're back up."
Takeda grimaced, sauntering over with Arukage. The coach placed the ball in the usual starting position before walking off to the side.
"Over here, Kitajima. Try to stand your ground."
Kitajima huffed as he moved to the line to face off against Arukage again.
"I am doing the best I can but you keep falling down."
"You got this, Aono?"
Tsukune stood across from the towering Tomera.
"Guess we will find out."
"Wait for the whistle."
Kurumu tensed up in the following second. The shrill sound signaled the start and Tomera instantly grabbed hold of Tsukune's shoulders. He bellowed out and his face turned flush as he grunted. Arukage and Takeda were also making no progress against their opponents.
"So you can dig in. But that means nothing!"
Tomera shouted louder but failed to push Tsukune back.
"Are you even pushing?!"
Tsukune chuckled at Sabaku's labored protest.
"I will on three."
"Don't flatter yourself. I have size and weight on my side!"
"Two."
Tomera groaned, leaning in with all his might.
"One."
Tsukune shot forward, forcing Tomera back. The guy stumbled and staggered, losing his footing when Sabaku forced Takeda back. Both big guys dropped, causing Arukage to also go down to a knee.
The possession was over in the span of a few heartbeats. Ginei snatched up the ball and shot by the startled rugby players. Kuji turned about and started a halfhearted pursuit but Ginei blew by the two rugby seniors marking their goal. Mr. Hirata sounded the whistle.
"That was unfair usage of power!"
Ginei snickered at Kuji's complaint. He trotted back with the ball clutched to his chest.
"Nonsense. I wasn't even going all out."
"I'll let the score stand but discourage Mr. Morioka from going too fast."
Ginei huffed, lobbing the ball over to Mr. Hirata.
"Yajima could have easily caught me at that speed."
Yajima laughed, shaking his head.
"I was still shocked that Tomera was bested."
Muzai nodded with wide eyes.
"No kidding. Didn't expect to see that."
"Gather about for the next ruck."
Tomera scowled, wagging a thick finger at Tsukune.
"I want a rematch!"
Sabaku chuckled, draping an arm over Tsukune's shoulder.
"Sure thing. I just need to share some advice with Aono."
Sabaku whispered something in Tsukune's ear, causing the young man to nod. Withdrawing his arm, Sabaku moved to his spot near the ball across from Takeda. The lines quickly formed the same as they had been last possession as Mr. Hirata stalked off to the side.
"On my whistle."
The moment it sounded, Tsukune darted under Tomera's grasp, hitting the massive guy in the waist. He lifted up, carrying Tomera a few meters before dumping the brute on the ground.
There was a mad scramble with Ginei getting flattened by Yajima and Muzai the moment he picked up the ball. As this was still close to the original starting line, Arukage and Takeda were ready to push back against Sabaku and Kitajima. Takagi joined in, helping the pair shove back the duo so that Kuji could recover the ball.
The rugby captain managed a few meters down the field before he was intercepted by Miyamoto. Having nobody to pitch it back to, Kuji took the knee and let the ball down. Another huddle quickly formed by the ball, consisting of Ginei and Umizake against Yajima and his friends. The trio easily overpowered the pair, allowing Arukage to take the ball.
Arukage broke through Koike's tackle attempt, getting several meters before Kitajima wrapped up about his waist. He staggered, lobbing the ball over to Yajima when he heard his teammate's shout. The nimble guy took off at a sprint with Ginei hot on his heels. Yajima slowed the moment he passed by the pair representing his goal, getting bodied the next instant by Ginei. The whistle sounded the score.
"Mr. Morioka."
Ginei chuckled at Mr. Hirata's tone, offering Yajima a hand.
"Sorry. Couldn't slow down."
Yajima snickered, taking the help.
"I'll remember that when I'm chasing you."
"Told you we would run circles around you."
Ginei huffed at Muzai as the guy picked up the ball.
"I can't help that half my team doesn't keep up with the ball."
Sabaku chuckled, standing several paces away.
"I can't change directions as fast as you."
Yajima smirked, trotting after the big PSC guy.
"Yea. You won't see Takeda or Tomera making any crazy evasive tactics."
"That's not the issue. Our most athletic player on our team just stands around like an idiot."
Miyamoto nodded solemnly, joining the walk back to the center line.
"Agreed. Mr. Aono needs to get his head in the game."
Tsukune frowned, returning to his spot as Tomera limped behind him.
"Hey. I'm doing the best I can."
"Did me dirty there."
Sabaku chuckled heartily at Tomera's protest.
"Want to go a third round?"
"Not with Aono. He's too short. I might land on my head next time."
"That's your fault for being too tall."
"You and me again, Akira. Clearly Takeda can't handle you."
"I don't want to go against Aono."
Arukage chuckled, pounding his fist into his palm.
"I wouldn't mind giving it a shot."
"No. I got other plans for Tsukune. Get over here."
Tsukune frowned, complying with Ginei's gesture.
"What do you have in mind?"
"Just guard the goal. Don't let anyone get by you."
"Hold on. That's not allowed."
Kuji chuckled at Yajima's protest.
"Sure it is. It's called a fullback."
"I know that but can they do that with only seven players?"
"We may as well with him standing around half the time."
"Won't they just pass it if they get close to me?"
"Just grab them and don't let them take a knee until we get there."
Sabaku nodded, motioning to his team.
"Sounds like you're back on the line, Mr. Koike. Put your back into it this time."
"There is only so much I can do with one arm, man."
Sabaku chuckled as Mr. Hirata set the ball down in the center. Sabaku turned to face Tomera as Takeda and Arukage joined the massive rugby player.
"Don't throw in the towel just yet. I'm finally getting back into the groove."
"I'll knock you out of that groove soon enough."
Sabaku smirked as Kitajima and Koike flanked him.
"I know what to do, Ryoku."
"Wait for the signal."
This time when the whistle sounded, Sabaku was firmly planted in his spot. Tomera grunted and pushed but was unable to bowl over the bulky PSC leader as he had before. Despite his efforts, Sabaku had to adjust his footing as Kitajima and Koike lost ground to their opponents. Eventually their line was pushed back from the ball, allowing Kuji to grab it up.
"Don't let him pass!"
Miyamoto veered in on Kuji, forcing the captain to flip the ball over to Yajima. The guy twisted out of the path of Ginei's tackle, weaving around Miyamoto and Umizake with skill.
"Stop him!"
Tsukune darted over to intercept but Yajima grinned, tossing it across the field to Muzai. The curly haired rugby player sprinted towards the goal line uncontested.
It happened in a blur. Tsukune was suddenly in Muzai's path. He grabbed hold of the guy and twisted about in a sharp circle. Kurumu flinched when Tsukune suplexed Muzai, causing the dazed guy to lose the ball. The whistle sounded as Tsukune hopped back up to his feet.
"That's a foul, Mr. Aono."
"Sorry. That was a reflex."
"Shouri! You dead?!"
Muzai groaned, making a weak gesture as Yajima trotted over.
"Yea, man. Can I be a hot chick in my next life?"
Ginei snorted, drifting over to Tsukune's side.
"That would be the only way you ever get your hands on a hot chick."
"Can you still play?"
Muzai grumbled at Kuji's query, making a dismissive gesture at Yajima's offered hand.
"I need a moment to digest my lunch again."
"What part of grab them did you not understand?"
Tsukune frowned at Ginei's amused expression.
"It wasn't intentional. We were both moving so fast that I just did what felt natural."
"Natural for a killer."
Arukage swatted Takagi in the back of his head.
"Give it a rest."
"Just because you've given up on justice doesn't mean I have to!"
Mr. Hirata sighed heavily as he stalked over to the location.
"We are well aware of your complaints, Mr. Takagi. Do we need a short break before we start up again?"
Muzai grunted, pushing up into a seated position.
"Yea. How close was I to scoring?"
"You have to talk to girls before thinking about scoring."
Kuji laughed at Ginei's joke, gesturing at his two friends whom were only a few more paces away.
"Close enough that a penalty would guarantee a goal."
"Work on those tackles, Mr. Aono. I don't want you concussing my kids."
"Concussing? What will it take for someone to punish this fiend?!"
Tsukune sighed at Takagi's ire.
"What exactly do you want from me?"
"I want you to die for what you did to the Outcasts!"
Tsukune leveled a flat look upon the fuming youth.
"I don't even remember that fight. I was just going to rescue Yukari and Moka and it nearly cost me my life. I was in the hospital for days."
"Don't lie, vampire. You were clearly strong enough."
Ginei clapped a hand on Tsukune's shoulder.
"Tsukune wasn't used to his powers, kid. He went berserk and was even attacking friends. Sabaku had to calm him down."
Sabaku grunted, nodding as he crossed his arms.
"Mr. Aono was nothing but a primal beast at that point, lashing out at anyone he deemed a threat. The whole mess was caused by the Outcasts so I find it hard to sympathize with their fates."
"Because the PSC has never cared about monstrels."
Sabaku glared at Takagi.
"They raped a little girl. The result would have been the same even if those bastards weren't monstrels."
A sharp whistle cut through the tension. At some point Mr. Hirata must have recovered the ball. He was walking off, motioning for them to follow.
"That's enough of that bickering. Nothing in the past can be changed. Now line up. Even if Muzai has to sit this possession out, I'm sure that my boys will stay ahead."
Kuji chuckled, trotting after his uncle which prompted Takeda and Tomera to follow.
"Yea. Even if they score, I bet we have double their points by the end."
Sabaku grumbled, walking off with Kitajima and Koike in tow.
"Hopefully we don't lose that badly."
"This is all pointless!"
Takagi scowled, pointing a finger at Tsukune as Umizake also wandered off after the others.
"I demand that we fight! One on one!"
Yajima snickered, helping Muzai to his feet.
"Are you crazy boy? You'd lose in a heartbeat."
"Go ahead and clock him, Aono. At this point, I wouldn't even fault you for it."
Tsukune laughed softly at Arukage's suggestion.
"I shouldn't do that."
"Die!"
Takagi rushed Tsukune but he effortlessly sidestepped, causing the guy to fall on his face again. Arukage sighed, shaking his head as he walked off.
"I'm serious, Aono. Some guys only learn when they get their asses handed to them."
"Just like Ginei is going to learn that he isn't the top dog around here."
Ginei huffed at Yajima, gesturing at Muzai.
"Tell that to your buddy whom still looks like he can't count to ten."
"Die!"
Tsukune grabbed hold of the offending arm, stepping in and sweeping Takagi's feet out from under him. He threw the guy on the ground, stepping away from the winded assailant.
"Just stop, Mr. Takagi. I refuse to be punished for that incident."
Takagi whimpered in frustration.
"It's not fair!"
"Just play the game. You'll most likely win at this rate."
Ginei laughed at Tsukune's remarks, retreating as Miyamoto started trotting away.
"Don't give up yet. We could still win."
Tsukune's head suddenly exploded in a gory mess. Kurumu gasped and several girls cried out. Ginei darted back to Tsukune's side, catching him before he fell to the ground.
"Tsukune!"
Moka sprinted across the field with Kokoa not far behind. Yajima looked about wildly as Muzai fell back to his knees. Miyamoto gestured to the trees as Takagi looked at Tsukune with wide eyes.
"Over there!"
Kurumu staggered when Mizore fell to her knees. The temperature dropped sharply as the snow girl began sobbing. Kurumu stared at the developing scene with disbelief and detachment.
"Tsukune! Tsukune!"
Ginei growled when Moka arrived. He surrendered Tsukune's limp body to Moka, hopping to his feet.
"Haiji, Taiga. We're going!"
As the three guys took off at a dead sprint for the line of trees, Moka dragged Tsukune up into her lap.
"Moka! Give him blood now!"
Moka hauled Tsukune up higher, revealing a good chunk of his head was missing. She buried her face into his neck as Kokoa knelt beside the couple.
"Is he dead?!"
Kurumu blinked at Tora's startled cry. She shook her head slightly.
"No. He can't be."
"Half of his brains got splattered across the ground. He has to be dead."
Ms. Kiyomizu snapped her finger at Satsuki's remark.
"Get all of these boys inside the auditorium."
"Me?"
"All of you. You are the PSC and this is an official PSC investigation. Mr. Hirata!"
The man looked over at Ms. Kiyomizu, clutching the ball against his chest.
"Get these boys inside the auditorium. Nobody is to leave school grounds without permission from Mr. Sabaku. I'll stay out here with Mr. Aono and Ms. Akashiya until Mr. Morioka and the others return."
Mr. Hirata nodded, gesturing at Nibuoto and his buddy all the way at the other end of the field.
"Everybody inside! I know whom all is here so none of you better think about running off!"
"Ms. Kurono. Help get Ms. Shirayuki inside. She's making things too cold."
Kurumu shivered as she still refused to believe what she had just seen. Muzai was back on his feet and was helping Takagi up. The first year was shaking his head in disbelief.
Kurumu flinched when Yukari crashed against her. She dumbly returned the embrace as the witch wept against her side. As she absently caressed Yukari's shoulders, Umizake came rushing over. He knelt in front of his fiancée, prompting the snow girl to throw her arms around his neck.
"I got you."
He hefted Mizore up while getting to his feet. Cradling the pregnant girl in his arms, he jogged out of Kurumu's line of sight. She kept staring at the blood in the grass near the vampires.
"Go inside, Ms. Kurono. I'll need your expertise."
Tora swallowed nervously, grabbing hold of her shoulder.
"Come inside with me."
"Have her check the minds of the boys before letting any of them go. Don't be obvious about it."
Feeling like she was in a dream, Kurumu allowed Tora to steer her away.
"This is all just a waste of time."
Kurumu glowered at the man that Ginei had apprehended in the woods. They had tied the culprit up in a chair which they had placed in the middle of the auditorium. This suspect was Kizen Tsuyoshi, the head groundskeeper at Yokai Academy. He was dressed in a flannel shirt and denim jeans.
Yukari was familiar with him, having spoken with Mr. Kizen back when she had done her first article on the Tsuchinoko. He had streaks of silver in his short, black locks which were parted down the middle of his head. His dark eyes held no remorse for the heinous act he had committed.
"You're staying here until Ms. Kiyomizu returns. End of discussion."
Mr. Hirata stood nearby with his nephew and Yajima. The rest of the rugby seniors had been sent home by Sabaku after being discretely cleared of any suspicion by Kurumu. Most of the PSC had stuck around but Umizake had taken Mizore home almost immediately. Considering her presence had been making everyone uncomfortable due to the drop in temperature, Sabaku had allowed that.
"I was just doing my job. I have no idea whom that rifle belongs to."
Ginei snarled at the groundskeeper, causing Miyamoto to grab him by the shoulder.
"You were the only person near that weapon! Stop playing innocent, coward!"
"I have no idea what you are talking about."
"That wasn't what you promised me."
Mr. Kizen glared at Takagi whom stood with Kinoshita and Tokori.
"You were the one making plans to kill that boy. They should be tying you up."
"We should just kill him now."
Mr. Hirata huffed at Yukari's cold declaration. Her eyes were red and her face was still flush. Tora had an arm draped over the girl's shoulder, holding Yukari close to her side.
"We wait for Ms. Kiyomizu."
"Why? Kurumu would have told us to let this guy go if he was innocent."
Kurumu shivered, knowing the truth was obvious to Yukari. There was a good chance even Mr. Hirata realized the situation but she was not about to admit using her powers without Ms. Kiyomizu around.
"I'm the one calling the shots here, little lady."
Yukari scowled at Sabaku as he stepped away from the stage where Kitajima and Koike lurked.
"When has that ever done us any good?"
"It's not his fault, Yukari."
Yukari whimpered in frustration, allowing Tora to tug her back.
"He's always been useless when it counts. Tsukune's dead and they don't care."
Kurumu swallowed thickly, hoping that was wrong. Ginei had said that Ms. Kiyomizu was taking Tsukune and the vampire sisters to the hospital. That had to be promising.
"I thought Aono was like an invincible vampire now."
"Nobody is invincible."
Satsuki grimaced at Kumiko's curt response.
"Yea but isn't his senses heightened? Didn't he feel murderous intent?"
Ginei scowled, thumbing at Takagi.
"He probably didn't notice with this asshole right next to him."
"He used me. This whole thing was a setup."
"I did no such thing."
But that was exactly the truth. Kurumu had already seen everything in Mr. Kizen's memories. The guy had worn gloves to limit the possibility of any of his fingerprints being found on this rifle which he had recently acquired over spring break. Though he had not planned to be caught so quickly, he was fully prepared to deny everything.
The door to the cafeteria opened, causing Kurumu to glance over her shoulder. Ms. Kiyomizu stepped into the auditorium, making a beckoning gesture.
"Over here, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu turned about and started walking. The woman smiled when several others followed suit.
"Just Ms. Kurono and Mr. Sabaku. The rest of you can wait here."
Kurumu hoped for good news with her heart fluttering anxiously. She quickened her pace but Sabaku caught up with her long before she reached the open door where the PSC advisor remained.
Kurumu followed Sabaku into the cafeteria, noting that the tables were all folded up and pushed aside. Headmaster Sendou stood in this space, wearing a black robe over a white one. As Ms. Kiyomizu closed the door, the headmaster nodded at them.
"Ms. Kiyomizu has informed me of the situation. I have sent Ms. Toujou to the speakers' office with the purpose of requesting Lord Inazuma's assistance in dealing with this matter."
Kurumu shivered as Ms. Kiyomizu fetched a plastic bag that was resting on the floor near the door.
"How is Tsukune? Is he okay?"
Sabaku snorted at Kurumu's desperate queries.
"He's dead. That was obvious."
Ms. Kiyomizu chuckled softly, stalking over with the bag in her hands.
"That will remain the official story for now. It's safer for him if the enemy believes that."
"Agreed. I've also told Ms. Toujou to visit the hospital and to request for Aono's presence in their facility to be kept secret. I will explain to Mr. Murase tonight over why this situation is so delicate."
Kurumu shuddered at the headmaster's mention of the owner of the hospital.
"Because Mr. Kizen's father is Elder Kunai's servant."
Headmaster Sendou nodded solemnly.
"Yes. Kizen Makoto was working under Elder Kunai even before I was a teacher. Considering how Elder Kunai has objected to Mr. Aono's continued enrollment here, I see a motive though I am surprised that he would authorize such an execution."
"Was he following orders, Ms. Kurono?"
Kurumu grit her teeth, shaking her head.
"No. His father encouraged him to do this but there was no direct communication with Elder Kunai."
Headmaster Sendou nodded thoughtfully.
"I hope you haven't been too reckless with your powers, Ms. Kurono."
"I only told Sabaku when it was okay to let people leave. I figured you did not want me telling everyone that this guy pulled the trigger."
"Though her friends clearly believe us keeping Mr. Kizen here is indicative of his guilt."
"I can't help that. Yukari knows me too well."
Ms. Kiyomizu sighed, presenting Kurumu the bag.
"Here is your PSC uniform. I want you wearing it when Lord Inazuma responds to our summons."
Kurumu managed a smile, taking the bag from the teacher. She glanced inside, noting the short sleeved, black jacket. She hugged it against her torso.
"But he's alive, right?"
"Mr. Aono has a heartbeat."
"Seriously? How did that not kill him?"
Ms. Kiyomizu smiled thinly at Sabaku.
"I don't know. But there is no guarantee that he will recover from this."
"How soon do you think it will take Lord Inazuma to respond?"
"I have no idea, Ms. Kurono. I would prefer Lord Inazuma to come here personally and soon as I perceive this unfortunate event as a good opportunity for Fairy Tale to establish a foothold here."
"You want Fairy Tale to take advantage of this?"
"Yes, Ms. Kurono. The absence of Fairy Tale has always been an issue in this town. We have no authority or means of detaining any individuals suspected of a crime."
Sabaku chuckled softly as Kurumu stared in disbelief.
"Well Lord Kuyo did try to run a makeshift prison at the shrine."
"That was never authorized, Mr. Sabaku. The school only put up with it because his paperwork regarding their crimes seemed valid."
"Are you saying that you plan to let this guy go?"
"Yes, Ms. Kurono. We don't have a prison and we don't have anyone to watch over Mr. Kizen in the time it takes Lord Inazuma to respond."
"One of the few benefits that Lord Kuyo did provide was supervision of our supposed prisoners. I swear that man never slept."
"What if he flees Mononoke?"
"I have magic, Ms. Kurono. I will be able to track him down."
"I believe it is time to confront our suspect. After you, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu grumbled at Ms. Kiyomizu's prompting. This whole situation was crazy. As she opened the door to the auditorium, she shook her head. They were actually going to let this killer go.
"How did things go at the hospital?"
Kurumu grimaced at Mr. Hirata's query as she arrived with the others behind her.
"Mr. Aono is dead so the charges against this man would be murder."
Mr. Kizen huffed at Ms. Kiyomizu's declaration.
"Well that's just unfortunate. Maybe you should ask this kid whom he hired to shoot Mr. Aono."
"I did no such thing! You were the one that came to me, offering protection!"
"I have no idea what you are talking about."
"You said the Kunai family would protect me!"
"That story is no more believable than the first time you said it. My father is the one with ties to Elder Kunai. Not me. I haven't spoken with either of them in years."
Kurumu snorted, knowing that was a lie. He had spoken with his father and recently. It was his father whom had suggested finding someone to cover up the murderous intent.
"Will your father validate that claim?"
Mr. Kizen shrugged as best he could while tied up.
"I don't know what that old man will say. Does it matter?"
"This man is a killer, Grandfather! We should have the right to execute him!"
Koike chuckled nervously, making a placating gesture with his one hand.
"Calm down, Sendou. That was the kind of thinking that Mr. Takagi had which got us into this mess."
Kitajima nodded solemnly.
"What happened is terrible but there is a remote chance of his innocence."
"Nonsense! If he was innocent, Kurumu would have let him go!"
"And I've already said that I'm the one in charge."
Yukari scowled at Sabaku, turning her fierce gaze upon Kurumu.
"Tell us he did it. I know you won't lie."
Kurumu bit her lip as Ms. Kiyomizu placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Ms. Kurono won't be making any such accusations at this time. The most she is allowed to do is help us with our investigation using her insight."
Mr. Kizen snorted, glancing at Kurumu.
"Everyone here, including that pretty girl, is distraught and looking to blame someone."
"We have the weapon. We can give it to Fairy Tale and they can check it for fingerprints."
Headmaster Sendou nodded at Mr. Hirata's declaration.
"That is a start."
"Unless Fairy Tale is planning to frame me for a murder I didn't commit, my fingerprints won't be on it."
Kurumu grimaced at the disdain in Mr. Kizen's voice.
"Only because you fired that gun with your work gloves on."
"Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu brushed Ms. Kiyomizu's hand away from her shoulder.
"You asked for my insight and that's what I'm giving."
"I didn't pull the trigger, girlie. Anybody could have fired that weapon. I was just the unlucky bastard closest to it when these boys jumped me."
Ginei snarled, thrusting a finger at the groundskeeper.
"You were the only person in the woods."
Miyamoto nodded stoically.
"And you were not doing anything resembling the duties of a groundskeeper."
"As if a pair of idiots like you two would have a clue what my job entails."
Kurumu shivered, deciding it was time to take this guy down.
"Does that include stealing Lord Sendou's works from the library?"
Mr. Kizen frowned at her but his thoughts were swirling in confusion.
"What are you talking about?"
"During the chaos of the cultural festival, Ms. Bakudai reported several books written by Lord Sendou which explained the strengths and weaknesses of several pureblooded monsters, including vampires."
Headmaster Sendou perked up.
"Ms. Bakudai did make me aware of this. There were no clues as to whom the thief was."
"The books are at his home. You should reclaim them before he destroys them."
"I have no idea what you are talking about."
"Then you would not object when we escort you home to verify this claim."
Ginei scowled at Ms. Kiyomizu as Mr. Kizen shivered.
"Are you letting this man go?"
"Yes, Mr. Morioka. We have no means to detain him."
Headmaster Sendou nodded, stepping over to the bound groundskeeper.
"Though we will put a tracking spell on him. I would like you to go with Ms. Kiyomizu, Mr. Hirata. That way Mr. Kizen can't claim that we are planting evidence in his home."
Mr. Kizen scowled when the headmaster plucked a strand of hair from his head.
"Maybe that girl already put those books in my home."
Yukari's grandfather chuckled, wrapping the strand about his finger.
"Why would she do that, Mr. Kizen? Are you claiming that she helped murder Mr. Aono?"
Mr. Kizen grimaced, looking away.
"Fine! I took those books months ago because I was curious about the other races. It's not like our town has a library with your works. But stealing books doesn't make me a murderer!"
"It proves you are a liar."
Mr. Kizen huffed at Ginei.
"So what? I bet you've lied plenty of times."
"You should also talk to Elder Hogo. He was the one whom acquired the rifle for Mr. Kizen."
Mr. Kizen trembled, looking up at Kurumu with wide eyes.
"Is Elder Hogo involved in this assassination?"
"No. He was curious what Mr. Kizen wanted with the rifle but accepted the excuse of hunting durian."
Headmaster Sendou nodded at her answer to his question.
"Fairy Tale executes murderers, Mr. Kizen."
"That isn't my rifle! I don't know what you are talking about!"
"Will Elder Hogo lie for you?"
Mr. Kizen grimaced, shaking his head.
"Anyone could have ditched that gun. Plenty of monsters are experts at masking their presence."
"There is no point in running, Mr. Kizen. My spell will track you down."
The groundskeeper looked up at the headmaster with terror in his eyes.
"I didn't do it. I swear on my life!"
Kurumu understood his fear. He realized that he was caught.
"Untie him, Mr. Hirata. I want those books back in my library tonight."
Mr. Hirata nodded, moving behind the groundskeeper.
"You're a lucky man, Mr. Kizen. If Lord Kuyo was still around, you wouldn't get to go home."
"He should die right now."
Headmaster Sendou chuckled, gesturing at Kurumu.
"Take my granddaughter home. Comfort her with the truth."
Kurumu smiled softly, knowing that was permission to tell Yukari everything.
