Kurumu flinched when something patted her cheek firmly, scattering the jumbled images of her chaotic dream. Her eyes fluttered open in the darkness, feeling warmth against her.
"You awake?"
Kurumu breathed in deep, hugging the small girl in her arms. Yukari gagged, pushing against Kurumu's shoulders. Their legs were entwined beneath the cerulean comforter covering Yukari's mattress. Yukari had on sleep pants which matched her top while Kurumu's legs were bare.
"Don't squish me!"
Kurumu sighed, relaxing her grip. She dragged her arm beneath the witch up, rubbing her hand against the silk fabric of Yukari's top. The sky blue shirt had short sleeves and a white cloud pattern.
"I don't hear an alarm."
"It's time to get up. Let go of me."
Kurumu yawned, rolling onto her back. When Yukari lifted up which pulled the comforter away, Kurumu noted that her nipples were blatantly pronounced against the damp, cotton fabric of this old pink tee. They ached with arousal despite her dream being too weird and tame to warrant such a state.
"Were you sucking on my nipples?"
Yukari huffed indignantly, swinging her legs over the side of the bed.
"You have only yourself to blame. You were trying to suffocate me with those massive mammaries."
Kurumu giggled as Yukari tugged open a drawer of the nearby dresser. The witch pulled out a pair of hipster panties and a bra. Since it was blue day, that would be Yukari's teal and turquoise set. Having bought those at Keep it Casual, those undergarments were simple cotton without any lace.
"I should get dressed."
Yukari stalked off, heading for her closet which had her hamper and clothes.
"You might want to shower."
Kurumu breathed in deep, sitting up as Yukari disappeared into her closet. Guessing she had no reason to dally here, she dragged the comforter the rest of the way down to bare her legs. Scooting over to the edge, she swung her feet over the side of the bed and touched down on the floor.
Rubi was slumbering in her own bed nearby with the black covers drawn all the way up her chin. The witch was flat on her back with her arms hugging a pillow beneath the sheets. Judging by her peaceful expression, Rubi was having a pleasant dream.
Kurumu pushed off the mattress, stepping around Tora whom was sleeping on a futon in the middle of the room. The sphinx was lying on her side with her sheets wadded up along with her pillow which she was spooning between her legs garbed in a yellow sleep pant. The thin straps of her lavender top hung loosely upon her tan shoulders and her raven locks were unbound.
Reaching the other side of the room, Kurumu opened up the empty closet. Not wanting to deal with the darkness, she turned on the light before she stepped over to the shelf. She felt up the wall, finding the hidden device in seconds. The room hummed with energy as the wall was pulled apart, giving access to her suite. Her body shuddered when she darted through the arcane opening.
Striding across the room, she grabbed the hem of her long shirt and dragged it up over her head. She pitched the garment over to her closet door before tugging open the door to her bathroom.
Flipping on the light, she stepped onto the cool tiles. Her sink was directly in front of her while the door to her shower was on her right. To the left was her toilet with plush, pink towels stacked on top of the tank. She grabbed her toothbrush which rested on the sink next to her tube of toothpaste. Turning on the faucet, she ran the bristles under the stream before twisting off the cap of the tube of toothpaste. She added a dollop of mint before putting the cap back on.
Kurumu brushed her teeth, thinking about the events from last night. She had walked home with Tora, Satsuki, Kumiko and Yukari. Not knowing whom all she could tell the truth to, Kurumu had kept quiet. It was not until after they had parted ways with the other girls that she had finally told Yukari the truth about Tsukune's condition.
Kurumu spit out the white paste, running the toothbrush under the stream until it was clean. Setting the toothbrush aside, she turned off the faucet. She turned to her right, tugging open the shower door. She stepped over the lip and closed the door.
Kurumu kept her toiletries in her lavender mesh tote hanging from the fixed showerhead. The tote had her cherry red loofa and her set of peach scented shampoo, conditioner and bodywash. Spinning the chrome dial on the wall, Kurumu shivered when her body was struck by cold water. She promptly turned her back to the spray, waiting for the water to warm up.
Yukari's mood had improved upon learning the truth. She had encouraged Kurumu to share the news with Mizore, thinking the stress caused by this incident might be bad for the baby. While Kurumu was giving the truth to the distraught snow girl, Yukari had used her magic to contact Tora. The sphinx had agreed to Yukari's unusual request for a sleepover.
Mizore had been in bad shape. Unless something had changed over night, the snow girl was unlikely to show up at school today. Mizore was frightened that even if Tsukune survived, his brain might be too damaged. There were too many uncertainties to make Mizore feel better. The cold was so bad that Kurumu could not stay in their company for too long.
Deciding the water was warm enough, Kurumu turned about. She lifted up on her toes, fetching the shampoo first. She squeezed a dollop out into her palm, putting the bottle back. She vigorously rubbed the gel into her arctic blue locks, causing it to soap up. Her tresses were touching her shoulders now so she had been using her conditioner this week. Hopefully in a month or two, she would no longer require an illusion to give her hair more length to wear it in an updo with her purple lace ribbon.
Kurumu seized her loofa and the bodywash next. She generously squirted out the peach scented goo into the loofa, not wanting to do it again. Returning the bodywash bottle to the tote, she turned about and started scrubbing the loofa along her arms. Finishing that in seconds, she moved the loofa against the swell of her breasts. Her fat pink eraser like nipples were standing proudly upon her massive assets. They ached and tingled when she brushed the loofa against them. It was annoying.
Kurumu lowered her loofa down her belly, scrubbing it against her womanly curls gracing her navel. It was crazy how they were already getting long despite having trimmed them before her trip. Bending over, she scrubbed down her thighs and legs as the stream of water struck her back. It only took a few seconds before she straightened upright. Turning about, she rinsed the suds off.
Tora had arrived a little before Rubi had returned from her tasks in Mononoke. The sphinx had also been relieved with the truth about Tsukune's condition, understanding why it was being kept secret. Rubi had reported successfully delivering her message to the speakers and confirmed giving the hospital staff the instructions to keep Tsukune's presence in the hospital unverified.
Having rinsed the shampoo out of her hair, Kurumu lifted up on her toes to acquire the conditioner. The gel from this bottle was clearer than shampoo. She absently rubbed it in her tresses while putting the bottle back up in the tote. Turning about, she worked the gel into her hair with both hands.
Kurumu had shared everything she knew about Mr. Kizen. Yukari was convinced that the town elders were behind this and that they would cut ties with Mr. Kizen the moment any suspicion was leveled against them. She wanted Kurumu to invade their minds and expose the truth. Tora felt they should let Lord Inazuma handle things but wanted to be around for it.
Kurumu counted softly to herself, letting the conditioner do its job. The only person she wanted to know the truth about was Elder Kunai. He hated her, blaming her mother for his grandson's death. Even if he had nothing to do with this attempt on Tsukune's life, she wanted to know his secrets.
Believing she had given the conditioner enough time, she ducked her head into the stream of water. She worked her fingers through her locks, rinsing out the gel. Once her fingers felt no trace of the substance, she spun the chrome dial to cut the flow of water. Turning about, she pushed open the shower door and stepped out. Closing the door, she padded over to the toilet to retrieve a towel.
Kurumu heard the chime of her phone alarm as she picked up the towel. Giggling, she vigorously rubbed away the countless beads of water upon her skin with the towel. Satisfied that she would not add to the tiny puddles at her feet, she wielded the towel against her dripping locks. Sauntering out into the main room, she moved around her desk. Freeing one hand from the task of drying her hair, she pushed the button which would silence her phone.
Kurumu returned to the doorway, rubbing the towel against her locks for a few more seconds. Hoping that would be good enough, she dropped the towel on the floor. Stepping onto the towel with one foot, she moved it about to absorb the puddles. Once that was accomplished, she bent over to pick up the towel before turning off the light. Backing out of the room, she closed the bathroom door.
Sashaying over to the door to her closet by the refrigerator, Kurumu leaned over to snatch up the pink shirt she had discarded earlier. Shifting it and the towel to the crook of her elbow, Kurumu tugged open the door and flipped on the light. She pitched the towel and shirt into the hamper as she entered the closet. She snatched up her cornflower blue lace bra which was on top of her depleted pile of lingerie.
"Kurumu?"
Kurumu turned about as she slipped on her bra like a jacket. Bringing the cups together, she fished the hooks through the clasps as she stepped back out into the main room. Tora smiled politely, standing at the foot of Kurumu's bed while Kurumu adjusted her breasts into the custom ordered bra. A sweet sensation tickled her core as Tora appreciated her body. The sphinx gestured with her schoolbag.
"Do you mind if I take a shower?"
"Go right ahead. You can use my shampoo."
Tora nodded, padding across the room in her pajamas.
"Thanks. I'll also need a towel."
Kurumu retreated back into the closet as Tora tugged open the bathroom door.
"They are on the toilet. Just put the towel in my hamper when you're done."
Hearing Tora's simple response, Kurumu picked up her sky blue boyshorts with the white cloud pattern. Shaking them out, she stepped into the cotton fabric. She pulled the white lace hem up over her waist, smoothing the fabric out about her thighs and navel.
Content with how it felt against her skin, Kurumu freed her last clean school blouse from its hanger. Slinging it around behind her, she thrust her arms through the long sleeves and started buttoning up from the bottom. She heard the start of Tora's shower before completing her task.
Lacking any desire to tie a ribbon, Kurumu retrieved one of her school jackets. She draped it over her arm before picking up her last school skirt with the damaged lower hem. Having worn a school outfit for the Welcoming Ceremony, she would actually have to wear this thing for the first time in months.
As she stepped into it, she wondered if she should use that refund from Akenuma to pick up some new skirts. She pulled the pleated fabric up to her waist, adjusting the band as she tucked in her blouse.
No. She had to replace her bed. Since she was foregoing the comforter, maybe she would have enough money for one new skirt to replace this one.
Leaving the light on, Kurumu returned to the main room. She noticed that Tora had closed the bathroom door as she made her way over to her dresser. Tugging the top drawer open, she fetched a pair of socks. She closed the drawer before opening up the jewelry box which started to play a simple tune. Selecting the sapphire studs to match her lingerie, she also grabbed her purple lace ribbon before closing the box.
Kurumu breathed in deep as she headed over to the foot of the bed. She shivered upon passing through the magical gap connecting her room to Yukari's empty closet. Hearing the sizzle of food cooking, she sauntered out of the closet into Yukari's suite which had the lights on. The witch was already dressed and making breakfast in front of the stove.
"Where is Rubi?"
Yukari huffed as Kurumu crossed the room to set her jacket down on Yukari's bed.
"She's taking a bath."
Kurumu frowned, sitting on the mattress.
"Didn't you both do that yesterday morning?"
"She knows not to wash her hair this time."
Kurumu nodded, taking the backs off her studs. Tilting her head, she effortlessly pierced her left lobe. Putting the back on, she tilted her head to the other side. The right earlobe was always more difficult because it healed every night. It took a few seconds but she had the other stud secured.
"Do you think Lord Inazuma will come right away?"
"There is no use speculating. You should save those questions for the girl whom can see futures."
Kurumu smiled thinly, wondering how Kokoa and Moka were doing. Neither had been home last night when they had checked around nine. Lifting her tresses up, Kurumu fixed her lace ribbon about her hair. Believing it was long enough to manage an updo was all it took for the illusion to work.
"I see that Tora already put away the futon."
"Yes. Could you get the table out?"
Kurumu sounded an affirmative, getting off Yukari's mattress. She crawled over to Rubi's bed, reaching beneath the bed frame for the table. Grabbing hold, she backed up with the table in hand. She steered it over to the center of the room.
"Did you sleep well?"
"When I could breath."
Kurumu chuckled, crawling back to Yukari's bed. She retrieved her socks and jacket before returning to the table. She sighed, settling in at her usual place.
"How are we supposed to go to school at a time like this?"
"The same way we did when the world was about to be destroyed by Alucard."
Kurumu smirked, shaking her head.
"That doesn't even feel real to me."
"I would like to visit Tsukune at the hospital but I don't know if that is safe. As we are his close friends, we should avoid drawing too much attention."
Kurumu nodded, hearing water displaced in the bathroom. She looked at the open bathroom door.
"Are you doing okay in there, Rubi?"
"I'm fine. Are you sure you don't want to join me?"
Yukari huffed loudly, moving things about in the skillet.
"I'm in no mood for that."
"Then I'll drain the tub."
Kurumu smiled softly as she heard more water displaced. There was a loud slosh and then the touch of feet upon the tiles.
"I'm tempted to take the day off school like Mizore. That would make more sense if I'm grieving."
"Mr. Amesuki is your boyfriend. You need to be at school or people might claim you are taking comfort in his bed when rumors of Tsukune's death spread."
Kurumu grimaced, knowing that was possible.
"Nijiro has a roommate."
"Doesn't matter. We might also get a response from Lord Inazuma today so it would be best if you are on campus. Clearly Ms. Kiyomizu wants you involved in the investigation."
Kurumu nodded as Rubi strolled into the room with a towel wrapped about her torso. Her locks were dripping on her shoulders as she made her way over to the dresser.
"You could have dried your hair."
Rubi laughed softly, opening up the dresser. The witch pulled out a dark red bra made with a floral lace pattern. The stockings and bikini cut panties were of the same color and style.
"I only had one towel."
Kurumu sighed, having no interest in explaining things to Rubi.
"It's only the first week of school and there's already been an attempt on Tsukune's life."
Rubi managed a smile as she pulled the panties on beneath the towel. Once she had that secured, Rubi turned her back to Kurumu. She loosened the towel, setting it aside before putting on her bra.
"Hopefully he will recover from this soon."
"Kurumu. Do you need anything from your room?"
Kurumu smiled, turning her attention to the open closet door.
"I don't think so. My schoolbag and shoes are over here."
"What about your phone?"
"I won't need that."
Tora sounded an affirmative as Kurumu looked back at Rubi. The witch had donned the stockings and was drying her hair. Kurumu smirked at the scantily clad witch.
"What are you planning to wear over that?"
Rubi giggled, bringing the towel down to her bosom.
"School acceptable attire. I'll get dressed."
The older witch pranced across the room, disappearing into the closet she shared with Yukari. Moments later, Tora emerged from the vacant closet. The sphinx was garbed in a normal school uniform with the sleeveless beige vest and pleated skirt. Her raven locks were still unbound as she turned off the light and shut the closet door.
"No PSC outfit today?"
Tora chuckled softly, coming over to the table. She lowered down, setting her schoolbag aside.
"Didn't feel like it."
"You should leave your hair down more often."
Tora smirked, absently touching her wavy locks resting upon her shoulders.
"People would never take me seriously. I'm already shorter than most girls in this school."
Kurumu managed a smile, lacking any desire to argue with that.
"Are you sure that we can't tell Satsuki? She's good at keeping secrets."
Tora took in a deep breath, glancing aside with her jade eyes.
"There was a good chance that I was not meant to know. We should respect Ms. Kiyomizu's wishes."
"When you finish getting dressed in there, get the plates down for me. Breakfast is almost ready."
"I'll be out soon. Give me a moment."
Kurumu smiled at the exchange, turning her attention back to Tora.
"I'm glad that you spent the night."
"Well I wasn't in the mood to be alone. I'm glad that I was invited."
"I should have made her sleep with you."
Tora laughed at Yukari's protest.
"Maybe. We should avoid talking about Tsukune today."
"That shouldn't be too hard. Most of us won't see his classmates."
Kurumu nodded at Yukari's response.
"Yea. I have a few of the girls in choir but they're not in my elective. I could tell Mrs. Tomarigi that I need to skip club today."
"I doubt this issue will be limited to his classmates. Those boys from the rugby team are unlikely to keep quiet about a murder they witnessed. Be prepared to be asked about what happened."
"There isn't much we can do about rumors, Tora. I'll just say he was shot and taken to the hospital."
"He's officially dead, Kurumu. We shouldn't be ambiguous."
The closet door opened as Rubi sauntered out. The witch had on that long sleeved, burgundy blouse with the layer of black lace stitched over it. The lace had a similar floral pattern to her lingerie. A black satin bow was tied at a conservative collar. The accompanying burgundy skirt also had that layer of black lace, billowing out at her hips with the pleats reaching her ankles.
"A little overdressed."
Rubi smiled apologetically at Yukari as she wiggled the zipper up to the back of her neck.
"But it is acceptable."
Yukari snorted, gesturing at the overhead cabinet with her spatula.
"Get the plates."
As Rubi moved to comply with the instruction, a knock sounded at the door. Rubi paused with a frown.
"Whom could that be?"
"Answer the door and find out."
Rubi laughed, moving around Yukari. She stepped into the entryway, moving to the exterior door. She turned the deadbolt back and pushed the door open. Her face brightened up with a smile.
"Ms. Shuzen! Good morning!"
"Good morning. May I come in?"
"Of course!"
Yukari sighed as Rubi motioned for the vampire to enter.
"I'll need to make more if you want breakfast."
Kokoa stepped over the threshold, wearing the sleeveless vest over her school blouse. Her schoolbag hung by its strap upon her shoulder as she shuffled over to the end of the half wall. She wiggled her feet out of her school loafers.
"That's fine. I'm not hungry."
"Morning, Kokoa."
Kokoa nodded at Kurumu's greeting as Rubi closed the door. The older witch turned the deadbolt back in place as the vampire sauntered over to the table.
"Morning. Didn't expect Tora to be with you."
Rubi laughed as she moved around to open up the cupboards.
"Can't you see the future?"
Kokoa sighed, settling down at the table between Kurumu and Tora.
"Not my own."
"You look tired."
Kokoa nodded at Tora as Rubi fetched the dishes for Yukari.
"I am tired."
"How is Tsukune doing?"
"He'll be out of commission for at least a week. Maybe more."
"Will he be okay?"
Kokoa shrugged, turning her attention upon Kurumu.
"Hard to say. I didn't see him dying in any of Moka's futures but I only looked to her birthday. There were some scenarios that had him still in the hospital at that point."
"But most of the time he is released, right?"
"Yes. The earliest I saw him being released was around the end of the month."
"So he will miss Rubi's birthday."
Kokoa nodded at Kurumu's conclusion.
"That appears to be the case. I'm sorry, Ms. Toujou."
"I understand."
Yukari huffed, portioning out the meal onto the plates.
"You would think with your powers that you could have warned us about this possibility."
"This is why my mother hated this gift. People always blame you because you didn't see it coming. I'm fairly sure you have divination magic so why didn't you stop this?"
"Because divination magic is self fulfilling, moron. That's why most witches avoid using it."
Kokoa grimaced, shaking her head.
"I don't like using this power. But I am now, so you can leave me alone."
"What do we have to do to get Tsukune out of that hospital quickly?"
Kokoa sighed at Kurumu's query.
"I don't know all of the variables but I think giving blood is our best option. Unfortunately we can't do that too much as it weakens us. I had to stop Moka from doing it a third time."
"Could I give him blood?"
Kokoa managed a smile as Rubi strolled over to put plates down in front of Kurumu and Tora.
"He's unconscious right now but I think Kurumu can rouse him for that."
"I can?"
Kokoa shrugged, regarding Kurumu with emerald eyes filled with exhaustion.
"It was something that frequently came up in Moka's futures. You do something to Tsukune that wakes him long enough to take Rubi's blood. Those scenarios often had the best results."
Yukari huffed, wandering over with the other two plates.
"How is my Moka faring?"
Taking the hint, Rubi hurried to the counter to fetch the flatware as Yukari sat beside Kokoa. Yukari pushed one plate across the table while leaving the other in front of her.
"I eventually convinced her to leave the hospital. She's staying with Ms. Atsumoto."
"Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu nodded, taking chopsticks from Rubi before the witch gave a set to Tora.
"I'm guessing that Mrs. Aono knows about this then."
"Yea. I went to fetch her before Rubi gave the staff the order to pretend Tsukune wasn't there. It was quite annoying getting back upstairs to see him."
Rubi smiled apologetically, sitting down at her meal across the table.
"I was only doing what I was told."
"I figured that much. Having Mrs. Aono there allowed me to look into Moka's futures. Then we had Mrs. Aono go get Ms. Atsumoto so that Moka would leave."
"What time did you get home?"
Kokoa groaned at Tora's question.
"I don't know exactly. It was after two."
Yukari sighed dramatically, scooting her plate over to Kokoa.
"You should eat."
"I need blood. Don't forget that you have obligations."
Kurumu frowned at Kokoa.
"Are you wanting a sleepover with your girls tonight?"
"Just Ishiko. I need to recover what I gave him."
"You gave Tsukune your blood?"
Kokoa smiled weakly at Kurumu.
"How else could I convince Moka not to do it again? If I take Ishiko's blood, I can give him more."
Yukari huffed, getting to her feet. She headed back to the stove.
"That same logic can be applied to my Moka. If she takes my blood, she can give more to Tsukune."
"I'll mention that to her when I see her again."
"You better. We all need to do our part."
"Can I go to this sleepover tonight?"
Kokoa shrugged at Tora's request.
"I don't have an issue with that. Kurumu will probably want company while doing laundry."
Kurumu laughed, unable to deny that.
"Are you sure you want to help out with my maid duties?"
"I didn't say that. But my friend was shot right in front of me. If something does happen with Lord Inazuma over the weekend, I want to be around for it."
"Go ahead and eat that. I need to make more anyways for my bento boxes."
Kurumu grinned at Yukari's order as a thought crossed her mind.
"If you're short on supplies, you don't have to make one for me."
"It's your funeral if you want to eat that cafeteria slop."
"I'm just saying that you should eat breakfast too."
"You must really enjoy socializing in line."
Kurumu smirked, glancing at Tora.
"I actually have something else in mind."
The bell sounded the start of the lunch hour, prompting Mrs. Unsei to close up her portfolio. The woman was wearing a navy jacket over a pastel blue blouse with a conservative collar. Her pleated navy skirt fluttered about her calves swathed in tan hose as she made her way to the front door.
"We will be having a test next Friday over the new vocabulary. Please study over the weekend."
Kurumu hopped out of her seat as the English instructor opened the door. She skipped around Kosame's desk, making her way to the windows where Umizake sat. He was unsurprisingly wearing the black slacks and black jacket of the PSC. The desk between him and Yokumoto was vacant.
"Hurry up, Umizake. I want to see how fast we can get through the line."
Umizake smiled slightly as he finished putting away his things. He got up from his chair.
"It feels odd not having Mizore nearby."
"I'm sure that her mother is taking good care of her."
Umizake sounded an acknowledgment, striding by her. Kurumu turned about and hurried to fall in step with him. Burumoto chuckled, standing by the open doorway as they passed.
"You're always welcome to sit with me."
Kurumu stuck out her tongue, making a dismissive gesture as she followed Umizake out into the bustling hallway. Many second year students were exiting their classrooms, heading towards the developing line.
"I'll let you explain things to Ms. Meirowasa."
Kurumu frowned, keeping up with Umizake's longer stride as they passed under the crossover between first year classes five and eight.
"What if Ms. Kiyomizu wants things to remain a secret?"
"I meant with Mizore. She was walking with Ms. Meirowasa to their culture class after lunch."
"I didn't realize Tokori was doing that."
"Ms. Sawayaka and Ms. Wanibuchi are also in that class and since all of them have gym together, they were walking to and from the greenhouse with Mizore."
Kurumu smiled, having known about the local girls having the culture class together since they were last to gym. Mizore should have mentioned that they were walking with her.
Continuing at a steady pace, they were already passing by the doors to the home economics room. With there being no lab, nobody was troubled by the line blocking the doors to Ms. Yumeito's lab.
They turned the corner where the second years of class four were allowing third years to mix with the line. Manami was with Umiyama and Numasaki, gesturing for the buxom Ikesuima Sakura and her friend, Yoshida Kinoko, to go ahead of them. The kappa girls from band graciously accepted the invitation.
Having walked alongside the diagonal stretch of line, they turned left towards the serving area. Machida Ebisu stood in front of Kokoa and Nagisa while Akenuma, Yamashita and Takanuma were ahead of him. It was mildly surprising to see Watakuma and Kinuhana of first year class four grabbing trays from the cart up ahead. Their class must have been in lab last period.
Umizake arrived at the door by the cart with the lunch trays, holding it open for Kurumu. She nodded at him, turning left into a short passage which ended in an employee break room. This area had a double door to the exterior which was probably for bringing in goods though the nearest road access was in the parking lot on the other side of the school.
The sounds of dishes being washed and food being cooked filled the air as Kurumu turned into another corridor on her right. The freeze and cooler were on her left while a pantry full of dry goods was on her right. The first space which opened up on her left was where the lunch trays and dishes were washed.
A woman wearing a hairnet over her black locks was tending to that chore which Mrs. Aono had been delegated. Like all other cafeteria staff, the lady was garbed in a green blouse with matching green slacks. A black apron was tied about her waist to shield her from her task.
Before them was the cooking line with dingy hoods sucking up the fumes from the stoves. Kurumu would have never realized that woman tending the stove was Mrs. Teisen, the cafeteria manager. The head chef was wearing the same outfit as the other workers and had a red hairnet over her dark green locks which were styled in a pixie cut.
Having no reason to disturb the woman, Kurumu drifted to the right where a worker dressed in white was stationed by a silver cart laden with prepared meals for the clubs requesting them. The lady nodded at Umizake before grabbing a tray from the shelf. Each tray had two white boxes and a white cup.
The lady presented the tray to Umizake but he prompted her to give it to Kurumu instead. Taking the tray, Kurumu murmured her thanks as the lady retrieved a second tray for Umizake. With their trays in hand, they headed to the door in the corner of the room on their right. Using his longer stride to get there first, Umizake held the door open. Kurumu exited the noisome kitchen.
Umizake walked by her prompting her to follow him behind the podiums. Akenuma and his friends were in the lines for the registers on her right with the doors to the auditorium on her left. Umizake turned right, heading down the center aisle of the cafeteria seating area which was mostly vacant. Some third years like Shitchi and Myaku brought their own lunches so they were already at their respective tables.
Kurumu sighed upon seeing a familiar young man lurking at their usual table. Murakami did not notice them until they had placed their trays upon the table. The bell sounded the start of the next period.
"Ms. Kurono? Is Ms. Sendou coming soon?"
Kurumu looked into his dark eyes, watching them glaze over with her charm.
"Go to class, Mr. Murakami. Yukari has other things to deal with today."
The guy nodded as Kurumu sat on the bench in front of her tray with her back to the band tables.
"I see. I will try talking with her Monday morning."
Umizake smirked, sitting beside her as Murakami took off.
"Did you charm him into leaving?"
"I don't have the energy to deal with his nonsense."
"I understand that Ms. Sendou was giving him a second chance on that club he was proposing."
Kurumu nodded, pushing her chopsticks out of their cellophane wrapping.
"He has to rank first on the assessments."
"For his entire grade? That sounds excessive."
Kurumu snickered as Akenuma joined Wan and Urafune whom were already sitting at the nearby table. Yamashita and Takanuma claimed the spots beside Akenuma across from their first year associates.
"Not to Yukari. She had a perfect score on the assessments."
"Well the assessments weren't difficult but I didn't bother studying for them. I could have done better."
"How did you do on them?"
"I only recall being in the top ten. You would have to ask Ms. Sendou what my score and place were."
Kurumu smirked, having no intention of doing that. She opened up one of the boxes, pleased to discover it contained katsudon. She had not seen a box of this meal on the lunch shelves yet this year. Thanking the heavens, she fetched a slice of breaded pork cutlet with her chopsticks.
"Now this is a surprise."
Chewing on the delicious morsel, Kurumu looked up as Ginei settled down across the table from her. The werewolf favored her a toothy grin as Koike carefully placed his tray on Ginei's right. She swallowed the cutlet down as the one armed inugami claimed a spot on that bench.
"What news do you have on Tsukune?"
Kurumu frowned at his hushed tone, glancing aside. She fetched another slice of cutlet from her meal.
"You know what Ms. Kiyomizu said."
Koike chuckled, opening up the box of his entrée.
"We know that things aren't quite what they seem."
"Yea. Haiji and Kousuke went with me on a trip to the hospital shortly after we were all dismissed. We were having quite the argument with the staff over Tsukune being in their facility when Kokoa showed up with Tsukune's mother."
Kurumu frowned, wishing Kokoa had mentioned that this morning.
"I don't know what sort of news you expect me to have."
"Ms. Kiyomizu called you over to discuss something before confronting that guy. I'm guessing you knew before us that this death was a ruse."
Kurumu took her time, chewing on her next morsel. She glanced at the guys at the nearby table, noting they were busy with their own conversation.
"Sabaku was with me and I've already explained things to Yukari, Tora and Umizake."
"Mizore?"
"She knows but she wasn't feeling up for school today."
Ginei nodded, stroking his chin.
"I saw Kokoa at the registers. Is Moka also at school?"
"No. Moka didn't go home last night. She's staying with Mrs. Aono."
"Did Kokoa have any news?"
Kurumu sighed, wanting to enjoy her meal. She brushed the cutlet across her lips.
"She said at least a week. Maybe more."
"But he will recover?"
Kurumu nodded, putting the morsel in her mouth. She glanced up, smiling as she chewed. She made a slight wave to Imai and Tanaka as the witches walked briskly towards the table.
"I feel so damn useless!"
Ginei was grimacing as he opened up the box of his lunch. His smoky gray eye betrayed his frustration.
"I should have taken that kid's anger more seriously."
"We both knew that he stood no chance in a real fight. What happened wasn't normal."
"Neither was that blind hatred."
"What's this about blind hatred?"
Kurumu smiled, gesturing for Imai to sit beside her.
"Just some guy picking a fight with Tsukune."
Imai cackled, taking Kurumu's invitation.
"Does everybody challenge that guy?"
Ginei chuckled mirthlessly as Tanaka moved over to join him on that side of the table. There was enough space for her on this side but she was probably leaving that for Yukari.
"It seems that way. At least this will make for a good article."
"What article are you working on now?"
Ginei turned his attention upon Nijiro as the undine took his seat at the end of the table beside Urafune.
"An article about murder."
"Murder? What happened?"
Ginei shrugged at Imai's confusion.
"Our groundskeeper decided to shoot Tsukune."
"Mr. Aono?! Is he okay?"
"No. He's not."
"But he should be fine, right? He is a vampire."
Kurumu grimaced at Nijiro's remarks, knowing she was not supposed to contradict the story.
"The headmaster contacted Lord Inazuma yesterday to open up an investigation."
"Yea. We need to find out if this groundskeeper was taking orders from the town elders. It could be a pretty big article if that is the case."
"When you say shoot, you mean with a gun?"
Ginei nodded at Imai, maintaining a neutral expression.
"Right to the head. I was standing by Tsukune when it happened."
Imai's eyes widened while the guys at the other table shared looks of concern.
"I am so sorry, Kurumu. Are you okay?"
Kurumu managed a smile for Nijiro's concern, wishing she could tell him the truth.
"Right now I'm just anxious. I want to help Lord Inazuma in this investigation."
Nijiro nodded thoughtfully.
"Are you certain that the prefectural officer will personally come to investigate this?"
Kurumu shrugged, absently poking at her meal with her chopsticks.
"I understand that he is in Uchimori. I didn't get the impression that Uchimori was that far away."
"How are you friends taking the news?"
"Well Mizore and Moka didn't come to school. Everyone else did."
Nijiro nodded as the four rugby guys came over with their trays in hand.
"I understand. If there is anything I can do, don't hesitate to ask."
"Hey. Didn't think to say this yesterday but my condolences for your loss."
Kurumu forced a smile, nodding at Arukage.
"How is your brother?"
"You mean Shinji?"
Kurumu laughed softly at his confused expression.
"Yea. He graduated and I'm curious what he planned to do next."
"He took a job with Mr. Tensai since they are hiring right now."
"Are they finally building the school?"
Arukage managed a laugh, shaking his head.
"Not yet. Shinji got to help with the new bleachers. That construction trades elective apparently isn't useless. I'm glad that I took it."
Yajima snickered, bumping shoulders with Muzai.
"Same though I don't think we will be sticking around Mononoke."
"Yea. Heard there are lots of construction jobs in the human world. Easy to get paid off the books."
"Are these dogs giving you trouble?"
Kurumu smirked as Tokori strolled over with a lunch tray. Judging by the two boxes and cup, the local girl had grabbed herself a PSC meal. As she was wearing her PSC uniform, it looked like she had been able to extend that courtesy to the young guy following in her shadow.
"Naw. We could take them."
Yajima chuckled at Koike's declaration.
"Big talk when you were losing hard."
"I was fighting you with one arm behind my back."
"You only have one arm."
Tokori snorted, shaking her head as she made her way over to the table behind Nijiro. She settled down on the bench while Kinoshita claimed the spot beside her.
"I hope that you boys aren't spreading any unnecessary rumors."
"We have already heard about Mr. Aono's fate."
Tokori sighed at Nijiro's statement.
"Try to keep that information to yourselves. The last thing we need is a student deciding to take matters into their own hands before Fairy Tale gets here."
Ginei sighed dramatically.
"Yukari is the only loose cannon here and it sounds like she made it to school."
Kurumu nodded, gesturing behind the werewolf with her chopsticks.
"She'll probably be joining us soon enough. She hates walking through crowded hallways."
"We're going to our table. Sorry again for what happened."
Kurumu smiled at Arukage and nodded.
"Thanks for the apology."
"We're ready for a rematch when you boys are in better moods."
Ginei grunted, waving dismissively at Yajima.
"I'll whoop your asses when I have the time. Right now I have a mystery to solve."
"Whatever, Morioka."
The rugby seniors took off as Mikomi arrived with Bunii. The two girls shared an indecisive look before claiming spots across from Tokori.
There was a stretch of silence in which Kurumu was able to eat the rest of her cutlet slices. She was halfway done with the eggs and rice when Ginei gestured at Tokori.
"Where is that Takagi boy?"
Kinoshita smiled politely as Kusamoto sat down beside him. Onodera and Kumatani claimed spots across the table from the tall girl.
"Kensuke wasn't in the mood for school today."
Tokori nodded, stuffing her mouth with a slice of pork cutlet.
"I plan to check up on him after school."
"I take it that this is in regards to what happened to Mr. Aono."
Ginei nodded solemnly at Mikomi's remark.
"Yes. I'm a little worried about that kid. He might be in danger."
"Why is that?"
Ginei turned his attention upon Nijiro.
"Because the groundskeeper was using Takagi's hatred towards Tsukune to hide his own murderous intent. Allowed him to take that shot without Tsukune realizing the danger."
"How is Ms. Akashiya doing?"
Kurumu managed a smile for Mikomi's query.
"She is staying with Mrs. Aono."
"We should check on her too. If I understand things correctly, both of them have lost so much recently."
Tokori nodded at Mikomi's declaration.
"That's fine by me. I'm in no hurry to get home."
Imai groaned, leaning back on the bench.
"What is taking Yukari so long? I'm starving."
Tanaka giggled, resting her hands politely on the table.
"We can always go through the line if you want."
"No. The moment we get in line is when she'll show up."
Kurumu chuckled, deciding to finish her first entrée. In less than two minutes, she was taking the top off her white cup. Fragrant steam wafted off the broth contained within the cup. She took a sip to test the temperature. It was hot but not unbearable. She lifted the cup up, swallowing small amounts.
"There she is!"
Imai hopped to her feet, waving animatedly. Lowering her cup, Kurumu saw that Yukari was approaching with her white satchel. Accompanying the young witch was Rubi.
"If Rubi is here, that should be good news."
"Why is that?"
Kurumu smiled at Ginei.
"Headmaster Sendou sent her to the speakers' office this morning with the hope of getting a response from Lord Inazuma today. No other reason for her to be here."
"Yukari! We need sustenance!"
Tanaka giggled as Yukari walked around the math table with Rubi in tow.
"Don't be so dramatic, Rin."
Yukari favored her cousin an apologetic smile as she arrived. The witch placed the satchel on the bench, opening it up.
"Sorry. I went upstairs to ask Grandfather about the situation and Rubi was already meeting with him."
"I have news from Lord Inazuma. He intends to be here tomorrow morning at nine."
Ginei chuckled softly, gesturing at Mikomi.
"That's a little inconvenient. Club leaders are supposed to be giving their plans for the club showcase at the student council meeting at that time."
"Your absence will be understood, Mr. Morioka. Could you share your plans for the event right now?"
Ginei shrugged at Mikomi's inquiry.
"I wasn't planning anything special. We were just going to set up in the printing room. Maybe make a few signs to point students in that direction."
"That should be acceptable. I'm assuming you will also miss the meeting, Ms. Kurono?"
Kurumu smiled, nodding.
"Yea. We were just going to use our broadcasting room. Maybe let potential club members try out the equipment a little."
"Only if Mrs. Senda is with you. We don't want anybody making embarrassing announcements."
Kurumu giggled, noting that Yukari had already handed out bento boxes to the two first years. Having her own bento in hand, the witch moved the satchel off the bench before sitting down.
"Hey, Tokori. Could you join us for this meeting with Lord Inazuma?"
Tokori pulled her chopsticks out of her mouth, chewing thoughtfully. The local girl shrugged.
"I suppose that I could. The boss didn't schedule me any hours this weekend for some reason."
"Well that's good. Lord Inazuma might want to interview Mr. Takagi and I don't know where he lives."
"No problem. I'll just tag along with Mikomi tomorrow morning."
"I would appreciate the escort."
Kurumu smiled, sipping down the rest of her broth.
"Good. Hopefully our troubles with the town elders will finally come to an end."
"I do hope that nobody is spreading rumors about the town elders being involved. The actions by Mr. Kizen should be regarded as his own agenda for the time being. We shouldn't complicate this situation with harmful speculation."
While Kurumu understood Mikomi's concerns, sometimes the truth cared little about convenience.
