"Are you sure you don't want to come with us?"
Kokoa shrugged at Kurumu's question. A vermillion tube top was holding the silver haired vampire's bountiful assets in place. Dangling from its strap upon Kokoa's pale shoulder was a schoolbag full of clean clothes for her sister. This schoolbag dangled against Kokoa's hip which was swathed in a black, pleated skirt ending below her knees. Glossy black, high heel boots were zipped up over her ankles.
"It will only be problematic if we joined you."
Kurumu frowned as they all came to a stop where the paths diverged. Like Tora, Kurumu was wearing the short sleeved PSC jacket. This custom made, black garment had a close fitting collar with a white zipper below her chin. The zipper's path descended less than a finger's length below her neck before cutting over to her side above the swell of her right breast. The path continued down her side to the thick hem at her waist. Three rows of button pairs were stitched to the front of this uniform but had no functional purpose. While the exterior of the jacket was silky smooth, the interior fabric was abrasive. She should have worn a shirt over her bra beneath this uniform.
"What makes you say that?"
Kokoa laughed softly, draping an arm over Ishiko when the girl drifted over to join her. The gnome was garbed in her pumpkin colored dress shirt with the black snaps down the front. The ends of her black utility pants were stuffed into the black boots gracing her feet.
"My sister isn't awake yet so getting to Mononoke early doesn't benefit me at all. Besides. I don't mind spending more time with Ishiko. It's a lovely morning for a walk."
Yukari sighed dramatically, gesturing down the trail on the right which continued on to the school. The young witch was sporting a pink blouse with a crimped midsection and puffy, short sleeves. She was wearing a pair of black denim jeans just like Kurumu was. Yukari's black sneakers had white laces while Kurumu had on her shiny black Mary Janes with the silver buckles.
"We should keep going."
Kurumu smiled as Kokoa retreated a step down the trail which would end at the level path which ran between the town and the school grounds.
"Say hi to Moka for us."
Kokoa chuckled, turning Ishiko about. Her shorter hair was held in a simple ponytail with a black ribbon which was probably her shapeshifting familiar.
"You can do that yourself when Lord Inazuma checks on Tsukune at the hospital."
"Then we'll see you then."
Kokoa sounded an affirmative, putting more distance between them. Tora placed her hand on Kurumu's back, pushing gently.
"Come on."
Kurumu nodded, following after Yukari whom had already taken off. The sphinx withdrew her hand, walking alongside Kurumu. She had braided up her hair today in a ring above her ears.
"Do you think Moka is okay?"
Tora shrugged, wearing a black pencil skirt with her PSC uniform. She had on black dress shoes instead of her usual school loafers.
"She will at least appreciate having clean clothes."
Kurumu chuckled, knowing that Moka was probably still wearing her uniform from Thursday.
"I still feel silly about not realizing you did your laundry twice a week."
"Nobody would accuse you of being an observant person."
Kurumu pouted at Yukari's jab.
"I just thought Tora had more PSC uniforms. It blows my mind that her and Satsuki only had two of the sleeveless uniforms before Ms. Kiyomizu took over."
"It was nice of her to give each of us girls two of the jackets and a skirt. I highly doubt we had club funds set aside for that so she must have paid out of her own pocket."
Kurumu snorted, recalling how often Tokori had worn black leggings or sweatpants with her uniform.
"I think that complimentary skirt was because of Tokori. I never understood why she was always wearing something else when I know she has at least one black skirt which she wears for her weekend job."
"If she needs it for her work, she's not going to wear it during the week, Kurumu. As for Ms. Unari, she wears her skirt and one of her PSC uniforms twice so she only has to do laundry once a week."
Kurumu smiled, having noticed that months ago.
"Yea. I did ask her about wearing that new skirt of hers twice a week way back in December. I figured she only had the one since I know how much she hates skirts."
"And you didn't realize back then that we only had four uniforms to get through the week?"
Kurumu pouted at Tora.
"I just knew that Satsuki was wearing that skirt twice a week by choice. She told me that she had bought enough black slacks over the summer that she didn't need to wear that skirt twice but she felt obligated to because of Kumiko. That girl always wears a skirt."
Tora nodded thoughtfully.
"Well this is the only skirt in my wardrobe and I only have two pairs of black slacks. I was actually doing laundry three times a week before Ms. Kiyomizu's generosity."
Kurumu sighed, glancing over her shoulder at the silent witch trailing behind them. Rubi was garbed in that pink corset bustier with the black cord mesh stretching up from the hem above her bosom to the black collar about her throat. The black skirt fluttering about Rubi's ankles was stitched directly into the bottom hem of the tight garment. Her black leather weave purse hung from her elbow.
"I wish I could do something for Rubi's birthday."
"Senior is arranging something."
"I know that but I would like to get her a gift."
"Don't you have money?"
"A refund of money that I didn't earn. I should get a job."
"We are all like that, Kurumu. Just get her a card. It's the thought that counts."
Kurumu groaned at Tora's suggestion, hating her lack of agency in her financial situation. She knew that most kids her age had the same issues. It was understandable why Ishiko had not been allowed to go to Disneyland despite her parents having the ability to take her there. That was part of being dependent on your parents. They had more say in what you could do.
It was not long before they walked through the open school gate. Headmaster Sendou stood in front of the main doors, wearing a dark green robe with crimson hem. To his right was Ms. Kiyomizu. The lady was sporting a short sleeved, white blouse with a pair of textured gray slacks. Tokori was also present, wearing the short sleeved PSC uniform with black slacks.
"Good morning, ladies."
"Good morning, Ms. Kiyomizu."
"I see that Ms. Kurono has on jeans."
Kurumu smiled apologetically as they came to a stop in front of the trio.
"I don't have any black slacks."
"Don't you have a black skirt?"
"It's a ruffled skirt. Not the tight fitting sort that Tora has on."
"Very well. I'll get you one like that today."
"You don't have to do that."
"Nonsense. We will be in town most of the day and I did want you to have a PSC uniform."
"Thank you, Ms. Kiyomizu."
Yukari's grandfather tugged the sleeve of his robe back, regarding a silver watch secured about his wrist.
"Seems like we still have about fifteen minutes before our guest arrives."
Kurumu smiled when he lowered his hand.
"I'm surprised that Tokori is already here."
"Mikomi wanted to be at her meeting early today. There is like sixty clubs so she wanted to start early if she could, knowing it will take hours."
"Perhaps we should wait for Lord Inazuma at the parking lot. It would be troublesome for him to come all this way when most of our business shall be in Mononoke."
Ms. Kiyomizu frowned at the headmaster's suggestion.
"What about the rifle?"
Headmaster Sendou chuckled, starting off to his left.
"I have that in my pocket. Come along."
Yukari hurried after her grandfather with Tokori falling in step with the shorter witch. Kurumu frowned, walking beside Tora across the grass away from the school.
"Shouldn't we wait for Ginei?"
"Senior should be able to find us quickly."
"Is there an update on Tsukune's condition?"
Tokori snorted at Rubi's query.
"I'm pretty sure that he's still dead."
The headmaster chuckled, shaking his silver haired head.
"That isn't entirely true, Ms. Meirowasa. He is at the hospital."
Tokori's soft caramel eyes lit up in astonishment.
"He survived that?!"
"He is in critical care, Ms. Meirowasa. As far as I know, he is still unconscious."
Headmaster Sendou nodded at Ms. Kiyomizu's declaration.
"That is my understanding as well. I did speak with Mr. Murase and he understands how important it is to keep Mr. Aono's presence in his facility a secret until the young man has recovered."
The perimeter wall on their right had already ended with the trail on the other side cutting diagonally towards the student council building. They continued towards the curving line of the woods ahead of them. These woods swept up to the greenhouse where the culture elective was taught.
"Did you see Takagi last night?"
Tokori nodded as they drifted to the left on a more direct line for the greenhouse. Two large warehouses stood near the greenhouse, flanking a gravel trail which came from the school's main parking lot. Those identical structures were where the shop and construction trades courses were held.
"I found out that it was his mother keeping him away from school. She skipped work, refusing to let him out of her sight. She's worried that Mr. Kizen might kill her son."
"If anything had happened to that boy, it would have only been worse for Mr. Kizen."
"With all due respect, Sir, that isn't any comfort to a mother whom has already lost one son."
"I understand, Ms. Meirowasa, but Mr. Takagi is the least of Mr. Kizen's concerns. His only value is his testimony against Mr. Kizen, which Mr. Kizen can always claim isn't true. It was clear that he intended to frame the kid for this crime so doing anything to him at this point is purely illogical."
Tokori sighed as they steadily approached the greenhouse. The structure was similar to the warehouses, having corrugated steel walls. The main difference was the greenhouse had a curved glass roof.
"His mother is worried that Fairy Tale might accuse him of attempted murder."
"Hopefully Lord Inazuma realizes that Mr. Kizen would have taken that shot eventually, with or without the distraction provided by Mr. Takagi."
It was clear that the headmaster was intending to walk through the wide gap between the greenhouse and the nearest warehouse. Kurumu could already see the parking lot beyond the buildings. Only a few cars remained in the massive paved lot.
"Headmaster Sendou. I know this is off topic, but did you know that Tuesday was Rubi's birthday?"
"Yes, Ms. Kurono. I have been informed."
"Oh? Congratulations, Ms. Toujou."
Rubi smiled at Ms. Kiyomizu's remark.
"Thank you. I'll be twenty one."
"Ginei is putting something together for her birthday."
"Assuming he isn't distracted by recent events."
Kurumu frowned at Tora's response to her remark.
"I'm sure that won't stop him. This is Ginei we are talking about."
Yukari snorted indignantly as they stepped into the shadows cast by the greenhouse.
"Considering he isn't even here, he may have remembered that he had other priorities today."
Kurumu smirked, recalling the conversation from lunch yesterday.
"It didn't sound like he originally planned to ditch the club leaders' meeting today."
The greenhouse was not nearly as big as the warehouses with the line of trees flanking its side and back. On their left after the warehouses was a single story building with white siding and a flat, black roof. That was where the mechanic elective was taught and where the auto club met.
"I believe that is our man."
Kurumu looked in the direction Headmaster Sendou indicated. A silver sedan had pulled into the parking lot. It cruised to the end of the pavement, stopping in one of the many spaces marked with white lines.
They steadily approached the lot, passing by a gravel trail cut through the woods on their right. That was the jogging path which would pass by the student council building and the chapel.
It appeared that the headmaster was correct when a tall man with silver tresses got out of the vehicle. Lord Inazuma had golden tassels on his Fairy Tale uniform, signifying his importance. He stepped away from the sedan as two other men exited through the vehicle's back doors. One guy had short, feathered locks while the stockier fellow had a rugged mess of short, dark curls.
"Good morning, Lord Inazuma! Thank you for your prompt visit!"
Lord Inazuma nodded at the headmaster's greeting, moving away from the running vehicle to intercept them. His two companions in common Fairy Tale attire followed their superior down the gravel trail.
"Good morning, Lord Sendou. I needed a break from the stubborn elders of Uchimori. They fail to understand how my ambitions are beneficial to their town."
Yukari's grandfather chuckled, stopping shy of the advancing trio. In seconds they had all gathered near the men from Fairy Tale. The guy with the feathered locks had the golden eyes typical of tengu. The other guy had hazel eyes beneath his mess of hair.
"Officer Yoshikaze informed me of your hopes to establish a Fairy Tale office in Uchimori."
"That is not all I hope for, Lord Sendou. I want a new junior high and a hospital built there. The residents of Uchimori and Moegara have to travel all the way to Agano for medical attention. That is no easy feat when time is of the essence. Too many women of those villages die needlessly in childbirth."
"Doesn't childbirth take hours?"
Lord Inazuma chuckled, turning his attention upon Kurumu.
"It does but not every resident has a vehicle. Try moving a woman in labor without that luxury."
"You mentioned a new junior high. I take it that this will be open to the residents of Moegara."
Lord Inazuma nodded at the headmaster's conclusions.
"Correct. It will be a proper boarding school on the outskirts of Uchimori. It will only be for junior high students, much like the facility in the Sanjo area. They won't mix with the primary school students."
Kurumu smiled, thinking of Hotaru.
"I bet the residents of Hateshinai would prefer a boarding school over a daily commute."
"Technically they are residents of the Yamagata prefecture and not my responsibility. But it would not surprise me if they do take advantage of these services."
"Have you spoken with the elders of Moegara and Atsuen about this?"
"The people of Moegara have been wanting to go to Uchimori for decades. It's closer and spares them the trouble of finding people in Atsuen willing to take in their children. They might not even have to use the proposed dormitories."
Kurumu frowned at his remark.
"But if they don't use the dormitories, wouldn't it only be students from Hateshinai using them?"
"We are considering closing down the junior high in Atsuen. I need to speak with the elders of Touboe to confirm that they have the space to take these kids in. That way the parents would have the option of sending their students there or to Uchimori."
"A bold decision. Why do you wish to close it down?"
Lord Inazuma shrugged at Headmaster Sendou.
"Because it's not a true junior high. It's just a small addition to their primary school."
"The junior high in Umiman is part of the primary school."
Lord Inazuma smirked at Kurumu.
"I heard about your misadventure from Officer Kizunai, Ms. Kurono. Something about you making his nephew confess to attempted murder."
"Well he did try to kill me."
"He had no doubt about that. He still wasn't happy with how you handled it."
Kurumu sighed, wondering what she could have done better in that situation.
"And I wasn't happy about getting locked up while that guy was let go."
"Fairy Tale does have policies on how to handle rogue succubi."
"Rogue succubi?"
He nodded when Tora echoed his words.
"Ms. Kurono doesn't work for Fairy Tale. We are to detain such individuals until someone can vouch for their right to freedom."
"It's not like I didn't have my passport on me."
"That's not good enough, Ms. Kurono. I've become very aware of how much scrutiny our government has towards your kind. Succubi are strongly encouraged to work for Fairy Tale in some capacity."
Yukari's grandfather cleared his throat.
"Doesn't Uchimori currently have a junior high?"
"Yes. But like Atsuen, their junior high is only a small extension to their primary school. By building this new junior high, both Uchimori and Atsuen will be able to use those additions for their primary schools. We might even see growth in these communities."
"Are any towns growing? I got the impression that Ikinakawa and Aranami were getting smaller."
"It's difficult to say, Ms. Kurono. The elders of many villages are reluctant to take a census. Some regard Fairy Tale as an enemy since we strive for all races to coexist with humans. All I know for certain is that we are not seeing the growth that Fairy Tale wants."
"What sort of results do they want?"
"Monster population across Japan doubled within a decade after the fall of the Taizai regime. It doubled again by the late eighties but has stagnated ever since. We might still have not doubled our numbers by the end of this decade."
"That is assuming you are getting accurate numbers."
"Precisely, Lord Sendou. But we can only blame reluctance of town elders so much. It's not like these men became stingier with their numbers over the years. They were always hesitant with the census."
Kurumu smirked at a passing thought.
"Are you shopping for a wife while you are in Uchimori?"
"I have not, Ms. Kurono. My agenda has nothing to do with making children at this time."
Kurumu snickered at his stiff response, gesturing at Rubi.
"Sounds like you still have a chance."
"Rubi has no interest in this guy. Could you stop trying to put these two together?"
Lord Inazuma chuckled at Yukari's admonishment.
"Agreed. I believe it is time that we discuss the matter which brought me here today. I understand that someone attempted to kill Aono Tsukune."
"Yes. Mr. Aono is currently in the hospital. He was shot in the head with a rifle by Mr. Kizen Tsuyoshi."
Lord Inazuma nodded thoughtfully at the headmaster's explanation.
"It is a miracle that he survived that."
"That is most likely due to him being a vampire and that Ms. Akashiya gave him blood immediately. We have no guarantee that he will recover from this."
"Have you taken this Mr. Kizen into custody?"
"We lack the means to do such a thing but I put a tracking spell on the man. Short of him finding another witch, he won't be able to escape your search."
"Search? Do you not know where he is?"
Headmaster Sendou reached into his robe, pulling out a black leather cord.
"Mr. Kizen has managed to leave the barrier. You will need this to track him down."
Lord Inazuma nodded, taking the cord.
"What is this?"
"It's been enchanted. The closer you get to Mr. Kizen, the more it will pulse."
"How did he leave the barrier?"
Kurumu grimaced at Tora's question.
"He probably asked Elder Kunai for help."
"That is what I suspect, Ms. Kurono."
"Sounds like we should have a chat with this Elder Kunai."
Headmaster Sendou nodded at Lord Inazuma.
"Yes. I spoke with Mr. Murase whom owns the hospital about this matter. The town elders often have a weekend meeting which will be tonight. You are welcome to attend."
"I most certainly shall. I will need to stop at the hotel first and reserve a room for the weekend. Is there anything else we should do in the meanwhile?"
"I do have the rifle which I can surrender to you now. You will need it for fingerprinting and ballistics."
"Of course. I can secure that in our trunk and have it ran to our office in Agano tonight. I believe we have the means of doing those tests there."
"You believe?"
Lord Inazuma chuckled at Yukari.
"I'm new, young lady. If Officer Yoshikaze doesn't have the facility for this, he will know where to send it."
There was a hum of power as the headmaster pulled out the rifle from his robe. The black barrel was mounted to varnished wood. The metal trigger was below a black cylinder scope. The grandfather kept pulling the long weapon out of his robe, eventually revealing the butt end of the rifle. Shaking his head with a chuckle, Lord Inazuma took the rifle when it was presented to him.
"I'll never get over the wonders of magic."
"There will be several prints on the weapon, though Ms. Kurono believes our suspect's prints won't be."
Lord Inazuma frowned, handing the weapon over to the tengu guard. The man silently walked away.
"Why is that?"
"He was wearing gloves when he fired the weapon. He was trying to claim that Takagi must have hired someone to execute Tsukune, but I know that he bought that weapon from Elder Hogo."
Lord Inazuma smiled thinly, regarding Kurumu.
"I take it that you've already done your own investigation."
Kurumu nodded, feeling like the man was disappointed in her.
"Some. I haven't spoken with Elder Hogo or Elder Kunai."
Lord Inazuma turned his eyes upon the headmaster.
"You believe he was working under orders."
"I believe that is possible. It would be wise of you to use Ms. Kurono's abilities."
"She's not a member of Fairy Tale. I can't."
"But she is part of my PSC and we are charged with investigating crimes committed on school grounds."
Lord Inazuma glanced at Ms. Kiyomizu.
"Interesting that Ms. Kurono would end up in Lord Kuyo's former group. Is it safe to assume that there will be no bias on Ms. Kurono's part?"
"No. Elder Kunai has been quite vocal recently about how Kurono's mother killed his grandson seventeen years ago. She has every reason to find him guilty of this."
Kurumu pouted at Tokori's assessment.
"Then it sounds like I should be very hesitant to accept her insights to this situation. I will bring in Ms. Ohno if I feel such examination is necessary. Whom is this Takagi you mentioned?"
"He's a local kid whom just started high school this week. He says that Mr. Kizen encouraged him to pick a fight with Aono and that the Kunai family would protect him if he killed Aono."
Lord Inazuma nodded at Tokori's explanation.
"Sounds like I should have a chat with this young man."
"We figured you might. I can take you to his place."
The curly haired guy let out a startled cry, backing away from the sudden arrival of Ginei. The werewolf chuckled with a pant. He was wearing a long sleeved, burgundy dress shirt and black corduroys. A dark red headband pushed back his bangs. He flashed them a fanged grin.
"What did I miss?"
Every home in the new residential district built in the late eighties by Mr. Tensai's construction firm was the same style. Each of these single story homes had a sharply pitched, black tiled roof which swept from one side to the other. The higher side would have the upper loft above the bedrooms while the kitchen, living room and bathroom would be on the other side. Most of the homes were white but some owners had painted their exterior walls different colors.
This residential district consisted of three streets behind the large estates of the town elders. This used to all be farm land that Mr. Tensai had bought up to make homes for the town's expanding populace. The forest between the end of these streets and the town's largest parking lot was sparse and on relatively level ground. It had been easy to pick their way through the woods after leaving the vehicles behind.
Tokori's home had been at the end of the street with woods behind and to the side of it. Her house had been burned down by Yoshii Kiria during the mess with the Outcasts, forcing Tokori's family to live with Kurumu for a short time before moving in with Mikomi after Mikomi's father died. Mikomi's home was on the last block of the middle street, four homes down.
There were only four blocks for each of these streets with eight identical homes on each side. Wooden fences of differing levels of care encompassed every home, mounted to a masonry half wall which ringed the perimeter. A gate was in the center before each house. Flanking this gate was a slot for mail and a button to notify the residents of guests.
They were already on the last block of the street flanking the forest. Ahead of them were the rice fields belonging to the Kurosawa family. Only the middle street continued to a paved road which cut back to the old residential district. That road became gravel as it passed between fields before disappearing into the woods to their right. That gravel path went to the farms where Shibutani kept livestock.
Tokori came to a stop at a house on their right with two more to go before the rice field. Favoring Lord Inazuma a smile, she pressed the white button.
"This is where they are staying."
"They don't live here?"
Tokori shook her head at Kurumu's confusion.
"Takagi and his mother have a small apartment in town. This is where his grandparents whom run the Sour Breeze live. His mother felt it would be safer for them here."
"Where does that Kinoshita guy live?"
"He lives at that last house at the end of this street over there."
Tokori pointed across the street to the brown house on the end.
"And they have their own shop in the market area?"
Tokori nodded at Kurumu, pushing the button again.
"Yea. Mari's Berries. Takagi and his mother should be home. I doubt that they would leave for lunch."
Lord Inazuma chuckled, glancing back at his two associates. Their driver had already left Mononoke with the task of taking that rifle to Officer Yoshikaze.
"Hopefully some places are open soon as none of us have had breakfast."
The tengu fellow huffed with a slight shake of his head.
"You should add building a hotel in Uchimori to your list of improvements."
"They don't have a hotel?"
"They have one but it doesn't serve food."
"Hopefully the hotel here has such accommodations."
The tengu nodded at Lord Inazuma.
"They do. My parents stayed here a couple of times back when I was a student."
Kurumu smiled, doubting it had been much longer than an hour since they had left the school premises. The drive to town was less than ten minutes and the stop at the hotel had been brief.
"What year did you graduate?"
The guy smirked, glancing her over with approval of her appearance.
"Four years ago. Doesn't look like much has changed."
"Who's there?"
The woman's voice on the other side of the barrier drew Kurumu's attention to the gate. The fencing about these homes prevented a view of the yard.
"It's me, Mrs. Takagi. I'm with some men from Fairy Tale whom want to talk to Kensuke."
"I've already told you everything I know."
There was a tremor in the voice during her response to Tokori.
"This is Headmaster Sendou, Mrs. Takagi. We have come for an official chat with your son."
"My son did nothing wrong."
Lord Inazuma sighed heavily.
"I am Inazuma Jinrai, head officer of Niigata prefecture. I will need an official statement from your son since the primary suspect is likely to incriminate him."
"He just got a little carried away in a game. He had no intentions of killing that boy."
"I was there, Mrs. Takagi. You weren't. Your son may be innocent of this but he was definitely harboring enough ill intent to make things easy on the real murderer."
There was a long pause of silence after Ginei's gruff statement.
"Whom is this speaking now?"
"Morioka Ginei. I was participating in that game and was standing beside Tsukune when he was shot. Your son was lying on the ground next to us. I saw his expression. He wasn't expecting it."
"If you know he is innocent, then why must you persist? He knows nothing!"
"It is mostly a formality, Mrs. Takagi."
The unseen lady huffed at Lord Inazuma.
"A formality that puts my son in danger. The town elders don't like people making deals with Fairy Tale."
"Have you been threatened?"
"No. But if Mr. Kizen was working with the Kunai family, I want no part of this."
"That certainly is a possibility, Mrs. Takagi. It would seem that Mr. Kizen has fled Mononoke, most likely with one of those limited passes which only Elder Kunai can provide."
"Then you must understand why I can't help you."
Headmaster Sendou chuckled softly.
"There is always the possibility that Mr. Kizen played on Elder Kunai's hatred of Fairy Tale to get him out of town. We intend to determine if that is the case at tonight's town meeting."
"Then you can come back tomorrow after you determine this is safe for my son."
Lord Inazuma scowled at the gate.
"Mrs. Takagi. You don't live on this property. I can have my men apprehend you and your son right now."
"Are you threatening me?"
"Are you wasting my time? I just need an official statement from him."
"This home belongs to my husband's parents!"
"Whom I can't verify to have given you permission to be here. That means I can detain you until I can confirm that you are not trespassing. I will talk with your son, one way or another."
"Fine. I will let you in."
Lord Inazuma grumbled as the angry and frustrated woman unlocked the gate.
"It is always like this."
The stocky guard chuckled.
"Try having a chat with the common folk of Moegara. Half think Fairy Tale is plotting to kill them."
The gate eased back, revealing a woman in a cream shirt dress with pockets on the subtle swell of her breasts. She had jet black hair brushing her shoulders and dark, angry eyes. She scowled as she looked them over, holding the gate open.
"Why are there so many of you?"
Headmaster Sendou chuckled, gesturing to them.
"This is my granddaughter, Yukari. She lives with Toujou Rubi whom works for the school. This other lady is Kiyomizu Hori, a third year English teacher. She is the new advisor for the PSC."
The mother's expression remained sour as she glanced over at Kurumu.
"Are these girls Tokori's friends?"
"Yes. I'm Kurono Kurumu and this is Nazohashi Tora. We are also friends with Aono Tsukune."
The lady's eyes turned upon Ginei.
"And this young man must be the witness speaking earlier. Why is he here?"
"Because I'm the president of the school paper. I'm going to write an article on this."
"Your friend gets killed and you want to share the news."
Ginei scowled at her tone.
"Well, yes. What happened was wrong and I want people to know that."
"Senior's club was shut down by Lord Kuyo when he published their crimes against monstrels."
The mother's eyes lit up.
"Oh! You're that kid. I have heard about you. I suppose you all can come inside."
"Thank you, Mrs. Takagi. This shouldn't take long. My two associates will remain out here."
The tengu grumbled and the stocky guard chuckled as Lord Inazuma strolled through the open gate. Headmaster Sendou passed through next with Yukari and Rubi behind him. Ms. Kiyomizu prompted Kurumu and the others to go ahead of her.
Kurumu passed through the open gate on the heels of Tokori. There was a covered stall to their left where the mailbox was mounted. A paved walkway flanked the fencing shared by the neighbors, leading to the back yard. Polished stones split the tiny front yard, making a path up to a small covered porch. Numerous potted plants were stacked about the porch and dangling from the rafters.
"Go inside and sit wherever you can."
Lord Inazuma nodded at the mother's instructions as she closed up the gate behind them. He ascended the two steps up the porch, tugging open the door and holding it ajar. Headmaster Sendou thanked the officer, walking inside without breaking stride. The grandfather shuffled out of his sandals as Rubi and Yukari entered the residence behind him.
"Let me hold that."
Lord Inazuma chuckled at Tokori's offer, leaving the door in her care. Kurumu entered the genkan space ahead of him, bending over to loosen the buckles of her Mary Janes. She shivered from the sudden interest the officer and Ginei both had from the sight of her ass. She finished her task quickly as the silver haired officer moved beside her to remove his own dress shoes.
Kurumu stepped up from the genkan, taking note of the space. The layout was the same as Tokori's old home which was the reverse image of Mikomi's home. The loft and bedrooms were on her left while the cream colored counter for the kitchen was on her right. The rest of this open space on her right was for both the dining and living rooms.
A dining room table flanked by six chairs was standing closer to that kitchen counter. The chairs were all simple framed and the table was supported by two central squared pillars. The wood was painted a dull white or maybe the paint had simply faded.
Headmaster Sendou had claimed one of the brown armchairs while Rubi and Yukari were sitting on a couch which matched the design. Kurumu sauntered over to the back of the couch, facing a stand upon which a boxy television rested. A VHS player was hooked up to it with stacks of movies stored in the open compartments of the stand.
Tora drifted over to join Kurumu. Lord Inazuma had elected to remain standing in front of the other armchair, preventing anyone from claiming it. Mrs. Takagi was closing up the door as Ginei and Tokori removed their shoes. Ms. Kiyomizu tugged back a chair behind Kurumu, settling down on the seat.
"Kensuke! Come down from the loft! Would any of you care for some tea?"
Headmaster Sendou chuckled, making a dismissive gesture.
"We hope to not be here too long, Mrs. Takagi."
Footsteps plodded down the steps, drawing Kurumu's attention to the back of the house. She smiled when Takagi stepped into view. The young man had on a plain black shirt and denim jeans. He forced a smile as he sauntered over to the gathering. His steel gray eyes betrayed his concerns.
"I see a Fairy Tale uniform."
Lord Inazuma chuckled, gesturing at the open spot beside Rubi.
"Yes. I'm Inazuma Jinrai, head officer of Niigata prefecture. Have a seat."
The young man swallowed nervously, complying with the instruction. Once the young man had sat down, the officer also took his seat in the armchair.
"Don't look so guilty, kid."
Ginei chuckled at his own remark as he strolled over to join Kurumu. Tokori remained by Mrs. Takagi whom lingered behind the chair Lord Inazuma had claimed.
"I understand that you spoke with Mr. Kizen before this incident."
"That is correct, Sir. He promised that the Kunai family would protect me if I managed to kill Mr. Aono."
"So you were supposed to kill Mr. Aono yourself."
"Mr. Inazuma! I did not let you in to accuse my son of a crime!"
Takagi flinched at his mother's sharp tone.
"Mrs. Takagi. I am simply looking to understand your son's involvement in this situation."
"It was a setup. He just used me. He claimed that I must have arranged for someone to shoot Mr. Aono."
"But you wanted Mr. Aono dead."
Takagi grit his teeth, clenching his fists.
"I wanted justice. Lots of people in this town do after what Mr. Aono did to those boys."
"What boys?"
"Mr. Aono killed several school kids last June. Fairy Tale pardoned him of those crimes but not because he was innocent. They argued those guys got what they deserved."
"You didn't even know those boys."
Takagi scowled at his mother.
"That isn't true. I knew Moroha and Hideo very well."
Tokori grimaced, glancing aside.
"Hideo was killed separate of the others, Kensuke. Everybody knows this."
"It was Aono's doing!"
Kurumu swatted the guy in the back of his head, drawing a scowl from him.
"You don't know what you're talking about. Yoshii Kiria killed that boy and his family. That was why Yakumaru murdered Midou and the other survivors at the hospital."
"What?!"
Tokori sucked in a breath.
"It's true, Kensuke. The rumors you've heard around town don't have things completely right. Midou and two others survived but were killed in the hospital by Mako."
Takagi frowned, staring at the television.
"What about Moroha?"
"He was killed in Aono's rampage. That much is certain."
Takagi shivered as his resolve returned.
"The simple fact is Mr. Aono murdered some of those boys and was never punished for it."
"How exactly did you come in contact with Mr. Kizen?"
Takagi glanced up at Lord Inazuma.
"It was at the Welcoming Ceremony. He was surprised to see me at school."
"Did he mention any plans of wanting to kill Mr. Aono?"
Takagi flinched, shaking his head.
"No. I was venting my frustrations since I thought he might have some information about the slaughter. He is the groundskeeper of the school after all."
"So it was your idea."
Takagi let out a frustrated sigh.
"I was just angry! I didn't expect the guy to offer protection or encourage me to pick a fight."
"Did he encourage you to kill Mr. Aono?"
Takagi grimaced, sitting back against the couch cushion.
"I don't remember. I know he phrased it that I would get protection if I killed Mr. Aono. But I can't say with any certainty that he told me to do it."
"Mr. Kizen never expected you to succeed. All that he wanted was for you to be close enough to Tsukune so he could take the shot without his intentions being detected."
Takagi clenched his fists, scowling at Ginei.
"I didn't expect Aono to be that strong. He was literally pushing a guy twice his size around like nothing."
"Did you try fighting Mr. Aono?"
Takagi snorted at the officer's question.
"Failed miserably. I just wanted a man to man fight, consequences be damned. I didn't want him dead like that. The people Mr. Aono killed deserved more than that kind of death."
"I only agreed to send Kensuke to school because I thought this was all over. No more Outcasts and no more PSC. You were promising us peace."
Headmaster Sendou smiled thinly at Mrs. Takagi's complaint.
"I can't give peace to students seeking fights."
"I know that. Kensuke has disappointed me thoroughly."
"The PSC are still around, Mrs. Takagi."
The mother smiled thinly at Ms. Kiyomizu.
"I was meaning Lord Kuyo's PSC."
"Lord Kuyo isn't the villain so many people want to make him out to be."
Mrs. Takagi scoffed at the officer's declaration.
"I lost my first son to that monster."
"My condolences, Mrs. Takagi. But Lord Kuyo can be reasoned with."
"Maybe if you are a pureblood. But people like my family are nothing to him."
"Perhaps that is true. But my experiences with him have always been quite beneficial."
"Do you interact with him often?"
Lord Inazuma glanced up at Kurumu, offering a shrug.
"I wouldn't say that but he has helped me adjust to my new position. He even recommended a young man to handle things for me at the main office in Watasora."
"Ah yes. Officer Yoshikaze mentioned this person. He was worried about your decision to give such an important role to a young man with no experience in Fairy Tale."
Lord Inazuma nodded at Headmaster Sendou's remark.
"Hiame Masaki. He was the valedictorian at Mimori High in 2004."
"Really? That makes him very young."
"Yes. But he is very smart and shrewd. I also don't have any concerns of him being tainted by the antics that were going on in Watasora under Lord Chiki's rule. He will follow the rules to the letter."
"Why is a valedictorian not in college?"
Lord Inazuma shrugged at Yukari's question.
"Because he is kitsune. His parents didn't bother applying for his citizenship as they wanted him to spend his whole life bettering things in Aranoiji. Lord Kuyo convinced Mr. Hiame to join Fairy Tale to get out of the job he had been expected to fulfill."
Kurumu smirked, thinking about Lord Kuyo's own quest to get out of that village.
"He must have sensed that this guy was a kindred soul."
"Everything I've ever heard about Lord Kuyo has been negative."
Lord Inazuma shrugged at Takagi's remark.
"He is stubborn and prideful. He also challenged Mr. Aono to a man to man fight under the premise that Mr. Aono was responsible for the death of his mentor."
"And he lost?"
Ginei snickered at Takagi, holding up two fingers.
"Twice. The first time is how Kuyo lost his job here."
Lord Inazuma stood up with a deep breath.
"Well I have men outside whom I shouldn't keep waiting. I believe we have discussed this issue more than enough. If Mr. Kizen refuses to confess, I will need you to appear before a court as a witness."
"Will I be arrested?"
Lord Inazuma shook his head at the young man's concerns.
"No. Wanting to commit a crime isn't the same as doing it. I understand that it was just a game of rugby and you just happened to talk to our primary suspect before this murder was committed. It sounds like you had no actual plans with Mr. Kizen to carry out your misguided desires and no clue that he had an agenda of his own."
"Will my son be in any trouble?"
"Not with Fairy Tale. Does the school have any punishments in mind?"
Headmaster Sendou chuckled, getting up from the armchair.
"What for? It was just a game of rugby."
"Then it is settled. We will hopefully be able to determine tonight if Elder Kunai has any involvement in this scheme and then we go on a search for Mr. Kizen. Thank you for your time, Mrs. Takagi."
"Then we are done?"
Lord Inazuma nodded at Mrs. Takagi.
"Yes. Now it's time for me to find a meal."
"Kurumu! Tora!"
Ginei waved enthusiastically, standing in front of the town hall on their right. Kurumu shared a glance with Tora before turning at the intersection. She gestured at the young man as they approached.
"Did you finish your important afternoon tasks?"
Ginei grinned, pulling a folded piece of paper out of his pocket.
"I did. Mr. Kasahara will put up a notice today to let the regulars know that his place will be reserved for a private party on Tuesday. As most of our expected guests will be students, we have to bring our own food and drinks. I also have this."
Kurumu smiled, taking the sheet from him. She unfolded it, noting that it was a list of movies.
"You spoke with Tashikana."
"I figured it would be better if we brought our own music to Rubi's party."
Kurumu nodded, folding the paper back up and stuffing it into the pocket of her jeans.
"Yea. You could have come with us to the hospital."
Ginei grimaced, making a dismissive gesture.
"I've never liked hospitals."
"But you went that night."
"That was curiosity and Haiji wanting to check on his little sister. How is Tsukune doing?"
Kurumu managed a smile.
"Unconscious with no signs of that changing soon. Moka was there."
"Was she okay?"
"I guess. She's taking turns with Mrs. Aono watching over him."
"Where is that Fairy Tale officer and the witches?"
"They were going to have dinner at Mr. Murase's estate. Tora and I decided to eat somewhere else and do a little shopping."
"I was fine with picking out a card for Mr. Toujou."
Kurumu pouted at Tora.
"I wanted to get her an actual gift."
"Kurumu forgot that Rubi already had a bracelet."
"I didn't remember her being with us when we bought our friendship bracelets."
"I talked her down to getting a little bird shaped charm for that bracelet."
"I didn't realize you girls had friendship bracelets."
Kurumu smiled, absently caressing her wrist.
"They are kind of fragile. I don't like wearing mine that often."
"I keep mine in my schoolbag. I can't say that I've seen any of the other girls wearing theirs."
"Look at whom we have here."
Fujita Kyouji strolled over, sporting a black dress shirt and tan slacks. The math teacher favored them a roguish grin, having his silver hair up in his usual pompadour.
"I see Kurono in a PSC uniform. That can't be good."
Ginei chuckled, turning to address the inugami.
"Evening, Mr. Fujita. Would you care to resume your duties as advisor for the newspaper club?"
"I am tempted. Rumors around the school is that Kurono has kicked up the hornets' nest."
"What did I do?"
Mr. Fujita chuckled, crossing his arms about his chest.
"I heard that you aggravated Elder Kunai shortly before graduation. And now you are here at the weekly town elder meeting, most likely to see if Elder Kunai had something to do with Aono Tsukune's murder."
"An accurate deduction, Mr. Fujita. Our club will be setting up in the printing room during the showcase. I'll have our club registration form with your name as the advisor prepared for you."
"Don't get ahead of yourself, Morioka. I'm only interested in this particular development since that old grouch claimed I played a part in his grandson's death. The badminton club was actually my idea to help out kids from my home village. I'm not going to abandon it."
Ginei sighed dramatically.
"It would be terrible if the newspaper club that you founded almost three decades ago will lose its official club status due to lacking an advisor."
"You knew about Mrs. Takizawa's retirement for months. I don't feel sorry about your lack of planning."
"Mr. Fujita. Surprised to see you here."
Approaching them was Ms. Kiyomizu whom was in front of a larger group. Yukari was between Rubi and her grandfather while Lord Inazuma was flanked by his two guards behind the witches. Two more men trailed behind the Fairy Tale representatives.
This man with the blond locks and fair eyes was Tensai Shigure, the one responsible for much of the construction around town. He was wearing a navy suit jacket over a white dress shirt with a black tie. Black slacks were held up by a thin silver strap about his waist.
"And I'm surprised to see you keeping company with unsavory individuals."
"I hope that wasn't directed at me."
Mr. Fujita smirked at Lord Inazuma's polite remark.
"I was more focused on that vulture over there."
The last man in the group chuckled at Mr. Fujita's comment. This guy with dark eyes had short, ebony locks styled in a proper business cut. He was wearing a pale green polo and khakis.
"I see your rivalry with Mr. Tensai remains strong."
"I would hardly call us rivals. My wife never saw him as more than a friend."
"You had no business with Norika. You're more than twenty years older than her."
"And you should have stopped chasing her tail thirty years ago."
"I haven't been doing that. We have barely talked since the funerals."
"Isn't it about time for you to settle down, Kyouji?"
"Are you my mother now?"
"We should be going inside. I just saw Elder Tsuda and Elder Shibutani."
"I concur. Pleasure seeing you, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu nodded at Mr. Tensai whom headed for the door. Lord Inazuma and his two guards followed after the prominent businessman, prompting Headmaster Sendou and Yukari to follow suit.
"I should introduce you to Murase Yukihiro, the hospital director."
The unfamiliar guy halted his walk to the door, grinning at the introduction from Mr. Fujita. He nodded at them as the others continued inside without him.
"Pleased to meet you. I'm guessing these ladies are with your PSC."
Ms. Kiyomizu nodded, gesturing at them.
"This is Kurono Kurumu and Nazohashi Tora."
Kurumu bowed her head slightly, uttering the standard response to introductions.
"What does bring you here, Mr. Fujita?"
The math teacher grinned at the query from Mr. Murase.
"Curiosity. A student was killed on campus earlier this week by Mr. Kizen."
"So I have heard. Lord Inazuma intends to determine if the town elders were involved."
"We really should go inside."
Mr. Fujita nodded at the suggestion by Ms. Kiyomizu.
"By all means after you."
Kurumu chuckled softly, walking alongside Tora as they made their way to the doors. Ginei arrived first, holding open the heavy wooden doors for them. Kurumu nodded at the grinning werewolf, entering the building ahead of the others.
There was easily more than fifty men gathered in the main hall. Kurumu spied Mr. Tensai was standing off to the side of the crowd, chatting with a dark haired man wearing a dark green polo and black slacks.
"Where should we stand?"
Kurumu shrugged, glancing at the men within the crowd. None were familiar faces. Headmaster Sendou was having a chat with some dark haired individuals while Yukari clung to his side. Rubi was with them.
"Now we shall see what the elders have to say to Lord Inazuma."
Kurumu smiled as Mr. Murase walked by. Grabbing Tora by the arm, Kurumu kept close to Mr. Murase as he navigated around the crowd.
"Whom is that guy Mr. Tensai was chatting with?"
Mr. Murase glanced over his shoulder and grinned. He came to a stop near the front of the crowd which stood behind a line marked by a row of posts connected by chains. On the other side of these chains was a long table with seven chairs arranged to face the crowd. Each of these chairs had been claimed.
Kurumu's interest in her question was lost when she saw Elder Kunai in the central chair. The gaunt elder had his silver locks swept up in a faux hawk and was wearing a black robe over his frail body.
"That is Mr. Yanagita, Shigure's neighbor. He's a man of many investments."
"Investments?"
Mr. Murase nodded at Tora's remark as Ms. Kiyomizu joined them.
"He owns a few businesses like the hotel and the banquet hall beside it. He also has been known to give out loans which Elder Kunai has never been happy about."
Kurumu doubted that old codger was happy about anything. To the elder's right was a stocky man with his silver locks swept up like a broomstick. The guy had a broad face and a huge nose. Like many of the men at that table, he was wearing a black robe.
On Elder Kunai's left was a frail man with streaks of silver in his black locks. The man had a hooked nose and beady eyes. His fingers were steepled while his elbows upon the table were hidden in the sleeves of his black robe. His attention was fixated upon Lord Inazuma whom stood in front of the crowd with his two subordinates at his sides. Ginei and Mr. Fujita were behind him.
"Whom are these six men seated at the table with Elder Kunai?"
"That's the town council. They tend to make most of the decisions for the town."
"I thought all citizens voted on town matters."
Mr. Murase chuckled at Tora's remark.
"People are always allowed to show up and can participate in the votes but this committee decides on what gets voted on. It's quite the chore to get anything done around here, especially considering we are all at Elder Kunai's mercy when it comes to acquiring goods from outside sources."
"Because he holds the key to making passes through the barrier."
"Correct, Ms. Kurono. It sounds like you are familiar with this situation."
"Mr. Fujita enlightened me that the headmaster and Mr. Nurari weren't the only people with the means to leave Mononoke on a whim."
"Yes. Other than a few permanent passes that Headmaster Mikogami gave to some Fairy Tale higher ups, the majority of passes through the barrier are temporary. And since the headmaster didn't want to be troubled with town politics, he gave Elder Kunai the means of making those passes."
Kurumu regarded the other men at the table. One stocky gentlemen had silver streaks mixed in with his scarlet curls. He was not as wide as his colleague but was taller. His black robe had a crimson lining. The man to his right at the end of the table had a black, boxy glasses perched upon his narrow nose. This guy also had silver streaks in his ebony locks which were all swept to the side. He had on a black suit and tie.
The white haired man at the far end of the table was garbed in a white robe with a black sash. His long beard was pointed and his moustache shot out to each side like rods. The last member of this council was sporting a dark green robe. His silver locks were pulled back in a top knot as he regarded the crowd with a neutral expression.
"Which men did Elder Kunai allow to sit with him on this council?"
Mr. Murase chuckled, gesturing at the table.
"The man on his left is Ito Ryousuke. I understand that he is related to Elder Kunai's first wife."
"First wife?"
"Yes. Before the Great War. It was the death of Elder Kunai's second wife which inspired my proposal to build a hospital here. My small pharmacy at the time could not help the people of this community for the more serious illnesses."
"How long have you been in this town?"
"A little over forty years. I thought my hospital would make a big difference in this town but these elders are stubborn. That old man lost his only daughter to childbirth because he refused to let her have her baby in my facility."
"That's terrible."
Mr. Murase managed a smiled, gesturing again at the table.
"I should correct that statement. He does have an older daughter from his first wife. She married Elder Kurosawa's third son before the Great War. That's why he keeps that man by his side."
Kurumu nodded, supposing it made sense for the elder to keep the men with family ties closest to him.
"Which one of these men is Elder Tsuda?"
"That would be the priest in white. He's offered to step down from the council many times but only if he is allowed to pick his replacement. Every successor he has brought before the council has been voted down by his colleagues. His only ally is Elder Shibutani."
Kurumu nodded, aware that Elder Tsuda was in charge of the temple.
"Which one is Elder Shibutani?"
"The man beside him. Shigure's brother married Elder Shibutani's granddaughter which has always been good for us. It makes it easy for Shigure to get his concerns brought up for a vote. Most people end up taking their matters through Elder Tsuda since he is the most lenient of the town elders. That's why nobody can agree on whom he picks for his successor."
Kurumu nodded, having heard four of the five names of the elders whom had formed this town. Elder Motegi was the last but he had passed away recently.
"Is Elder Motegi's son here?"
"Yes. Motegi Hiroshi is the man wearing the glasses. He isn't officially a member of the council as Elder Kunai avoided having a vote last week on that. I hope that will change soon as I certainly don't want his spot being taken by Mochizuki or Tsukamoto."
Kurumu recalled hearing about Tsukamoto recently from Ms. Idatsu. The guy owned the waste disposal company and the donation center.
"I've never heard of Mochizuki."
"A weasel of a man. He owns the pawn shop and the laundromat. That opportunist took out a huge loan to buy the property by Elder Kunai's estate before Shigure even finished building it. He's arguably even more of a sycophant than Mr. Hogo. We don't need two of those flunkies on the council."
"So the guy with the reddish hair by Mr. Motegi is Mr. Hogo."
"Yes. Hogo Akio. He was a soldier in the Great War and somehow got into the construction industry. After he got rich, he opened up a paint shop to humor his wife's ambitions for interior decorating. He agrees with everything Elder Kunai says. It's like he doesn't have a thought of his own."
"Is his wife related to Elder Kunai in some way?"
"No. His wife passed away in childbirth. He has three sons. Or had. His youngest committed suicide."
Before Kurumu could question the way he had said that, a sharp rap on the table inspired the murmur of the crowd to diminish. All attention became focused on Elder Kunai whom glared at the assembly.
"Seeing that we have a prestigious guest in our midst, we should address his concerns before things that actually matter to our town."
"My thanks, esteemed elders of Mononoke. I am Inazuma Jinrai, head officer of Niigata prefecture and successor to Chiki Masaru whom I am sure you are familiar with."
"Nobody mourns that man's passing."
Lord Inazuma nodded at Elder Kunai's sharp retort.
"Understandable. I am here at the request of Headmaster Sendou. There has been a murder at Yokai Academy which he wants Fairy Tale to investigate."
"The school has always handled such investigations. We don't need Fairy Tale."
Headmaster Sendou cleared his throat.
"And I don't need my teachers handling matters that should be left up to law enforcement."
"I am the law of this town."
"Is that a fact? Then what sort of investigation have you made thus far concerning this murder?"
"Headmaster Sendou has not bothered to inform me of any murder."
"And yet you gave Kizen Tsuyoshi a pass to leave the barrier about Mononoke."
Elder Kunai scowled at Lord Inazuma.
"Giving someone permission to leave the town is not a crime."
"What reason did you let him leave?"
The elder stood up, thrusting a gnarled finger at the officer.
"He informed me of a plot being made to frame him for murder!"
"So you do know about the murder."
"My statement about Headmaster Sendou refusing to inform me is valid."
Lord Inazuma took in a deep breath.
"I am requesting permission to establish an office in Mononoke."
"Denied! I won't have Fairy Tale trying to take over my town!"
"A young man has been murdered and you have already assisted the escape of the primary suspect."
"Are you threatening me?"
Lord Inazuma regarded the elder with a cold expression.
"You have many vacant buildings. Fairy Tale needs a presence in Mononoke to investigate serious crimes of this nature."
"I refuse to hand over any property to Fairy Tale."
"You will be compensated."
"I don't care!"
"I can sell you a warehouse on the outskirts of town."
Elder Kunai turned his scowl upon Mr. Motegi.
"You will do no such thing!"
"It is my property and I can do what I please with it."
"Your position on this council is tenuous."
"You and this council have no say in how I conduct my business."
"But we should have a vote."
Mr. Motegi huffed at Mr. Ito.
"Why? Do we need the town to vote on what we do with our personal property?"
"We do if it involves selling it to Fairy Tale."
Mr. Motegi glared at Elder Kurosawa.
"Then I will just allow them to rent the facility. I will remain the owner and they will just be a tenant."
"A tenant whom has no business being in my town!"
"You can't intimidate me, Elder Kunai. And this tantrum you are throwing makes it look like you planned to murder a student and don't want Fairy Tale to find that out."
"I have only protected the son of my servant whom was being framed for a crime he did not commit!"
Lord Inazuma sighed heavily, nodding at Mr. Motegi.
"My thanks, Sir. I will have to see this facility to decide if it will be suitable for our needs."
"Understandable. I can show you the property to you tomorrow."
"I can even remodel it for your tastes!"
Lord Inazuma chuckled at Mr. Tensai's shouted offer.
"Thank you, Mr. Tensai. I will make sure that you are both well compensated for your troubles."
"You are all traitors to this town!"
Elder Shibutani huffed at Elder Kunai's accusation.
"Quiet, you old fool. Before you make things worse."
Elder Kunai scowled, gesturing towards Yukari's grandfather.
"This is your doing! Why would you invite the enemy to handle this investigation? The school has always handled these matters in the past!"
"Because the school has never had the authority to punish criminals."
"You didn't even try to find the real murderer! Your students just grabbed the first person they found!"
"He pulled the trigger!"
Elder Kunai turned his attention on Kurumu and his eyes blazed with contempt.
"I see now. You have this bitch deciding what is truth."
Ms. Kiyomizu place a hand on Kurumu's shoulder.
"Ms. Kurono is part of the PSC which I'm in charge of. We only did a preliminary investigation, finding the rifle which we understand was purchased through Elder Hogo."
"Is this true?"
Elder Hogo shrugged at Elder Kurosawa's query.
"I sold a rifle to Mr. Kizen but this is the first I've heard about a murder."
"Why would you sell this man a rifle?"
"He's a groundskeeper at the school. He claimed that he wanted it to cull the durian population. The number of students helping out with that task diminishes every year."
Satisfied with that response to Elder Kurosawa, Elder Kunai turned his gaze back to Lord Inazuma.
"Selling a rifle is no crime. Now take your bitch with you when you leave."
Lord Inazuma sighed at the venomous statement.
"Ms. Kurono does not work for me."
"Lies! Fairy Tale has used succubi for decades to control the monster races! They probably used that whore's mother to make Headmaster Mikogami take back the school's prefectural status."
Headmaster Sendou chuckled loudly as the crowd murmured with concern.
"Nonsense, Elder Kunai. My predecessor was under a lot of pressure from the parents of multiple towns and villages. Many did not want Mimori High to remain as the prefectural school."
"We can't just let Fairy Tale handle criminal cases. We all saw how Lord Kuyo operated."
Lord Inazuma nodded at Mr. Ito's declaration.
"I understand there was issues with how he dealt with criminals. No sentencing will be carried out here. All prisoners will be taken to Agano where they will be seen before a court."
"Which is what Headmaster Mikogami did before Lord Kuyo's tenure. The only difference is that I won't have my staff needlessly participate in an investigation that would be repeated by Fairy Tale. My faculty should be focusing on education and the occasional instance of disciplinary measures."
"Are there any guarantees that monstrels will get a fair trial in a Fairy Tale court?"
Lord Inazuma sighed at Elder Kurosawa's seething inquiry.
"I have a feeling that any answer I give would be ignored. The simple matter is that investigations of this nature should be handled by law enforcement. And while your colleague claims to be the law, it is clear that he doesn't plan to give a fair investigation."
"Elder Kunai was never interested in justice. He just wants reality to align with his prejudices."
Elder Kunai scowled at Mr. Fujita.
"Shut your mouth, dog."
"Or what? You'll have someone shoot me?"
The crowd began to murmur louder, sharing speculations on whether or not the town elders had killed a student on campus. Many were curious whom the victim was and what they had done to warrant Elder Kunai's fury. Some were looking at Kurumu, harboring fantasies of raping her if they got a chance.
As the argument between Elder Kunai and Lord Inazuma continued, Kurumu kept her gaze on the angry old man. She pushed out her awareness, wanting to find his guilt. Despite knowing she was breaking the rules, Kurumu was upset that he had used such foul language towards her.
Elder Kunai was distracted, demanding for Mr. Fujita and Kurumu to be removed as they had caused the death of his grandson. She pushed through his burning hatred towards her kind, feeling a name behind that raw emotion. This woman was the source of much grief, anger and bitterness.
Mizukawa Ai.
As tempted as Kurumu was to pursue that name, she first chased down the most recent events within his consciousness. It was not long before she stumbled across the encounter with Mr. Kizen. She was seated in her reception room where she liked to meditate. The sound of running water soothed her as her body ached from the many decades of life it had endured. Smooth wood flooring was beneath her.
"I need that pass."
She grumbled, seeing the desperation in her visitor's eyes. It had been years since she had last seen the son of her head servant. Tsuyoshi was no longer the young man she had remembered.
"Why would they frame you? You've been working at that school for thirty five years."
Mr. Kizen paced nervously, garbed in a flannel work shirt and canvas pants.
"That doesn't matter to Sendou. He'll just believe those stupid kids."
"As frustrating as that man is, he is a scientist. Surely he knows how to check for fingerprints."
"He's not even going to bother doing that. He's just turning things over to Fairy Tale!"
Kurumu shivered with anger, wondering why Sendou would do that.
"Has he lost his mind?! Fairy Tale would never give you a fair trial!"
"Which is precisely why I need that pass."
Kunai Kyouhei grumbled, disliking this turn of events. While he cared little for the death of that vampire whom had slaughtered a bunch of monstrels last year, he did wonder whom that rifle belonged to. The only person he knew with ties to the human world that could get weapons like that was Hogo. He had no idea why Hogo would sell a rifle to that boy.
"I need to talk to Takagi's kid."
"He's not going to admit to anything. He's already pinned everything on me."
Kurumu looked directly into Mr. Kizen's frantic eyes.
"Tsuyoshi. Did you kill that boy?"
The hesitation in his eyes made her certain of his guilt.
"My father has worked for you longer than I have been alive. I have no chance of getting out of this. It's exactly how things worked when Kuyo was in charge. Grab the first monstrel they see."
Kyouhei sighed, picking up the bell by his feet. Kurumu wagged her wrist to sound the bell, alerting this man's father to come.
"I suppose it was a good thing that you never settled down. It makes it easier to leave."
The paper door was drawn aside, revealing a servant whom looked much like Mr. Kizen but older. The silver haired man was garbed in a navy robe.
"Yes, Elder Kunai."
Kyouhei set down the bell. Kurumu reached to her neck, pulling up a leather cord. A black iron key hung from the cord which she drew over her head.
"Give your son a pass to leave Mononoke. I suggest that you get your wife and say your farewells. It is unlikely that you will ever see Tsuyoshi again."
"I understand, Milord. Thank you."
The servant hurried over, taking the key from her old hands. As the man walked out of the room with his son, two hands planted firmly on her shoulders. Kurumu glanced back and was momentarily confused by the sight of the wizened Elder Kunai above her.
"Someone isn't where they belong."
That claim was not just in the mind. Elder Kunai scowled, pointing in her direction while standing at his place behind the table in the town hall.
"That bitch is using her powers on me as we speak!"
"I assure you that is not under my authority."
Kurumu cocked her head slightly, regarding the Elder Kunai above her in his memories.
'You seem to know much about succubi. Whom is Mizukawa Ai?'
The vision of Elder Kunai retreated as she stood up in the room of his house. The elder himself staggered back in the real world, scowling as he wagged his gnarled finger.
"Cease this attack at once!"
Kurumu's awareness swept about him like water, embracing him from behind.
'No. I want to know the truth.'
Kurumu dove deeper into his memories, seeking specifically for her encounter with him in the bank. He would have memories within that memory which would take her even deeper. She skimmed through the days in a blur, finding that furious moment when she saw her own image in the security cameras. Filled with anger, she headed to confront that little bitch whom must be related to her grandson's murder.
The conviction of that belief startled Kurumu. This was no ruse. He firmly believed in her mother's guilt. The only succubi allowed to live were ones under Fairy Tale's control. That bitch had started the town fire and had murdered her son.
Kurumu trembled with grief as she stood over the grave of her grandson. She was in the town cemetery. Her servant, Kizen Makoto, remained by her side. She peered at the stone, bearing the name of Kenji and the very short span of his life. It hurt so much. Kenji was all that she had left of Inori.
Her precious little girl.
Her eyes turned to the other names written on the stone. Kunai Inori. September twentieth, 1953. June sixteenth, 1970. The same day Kenji was born. Her only child. Kurumu shook with immense loss. The last name on this stone was Akemi whom lived from October twelfth, 1933 to January fourth, 1968.
"We should go, Milord."
She clenched her fists, wondering why she continued living. No man should outlive his grandchildren.
"Why did she kill him? She could have just made him walk away."
"Because he had proof that Fairy Tale was responsible for the fire."
Kurumu shook her head slowly, recalling her last conversation with Kenji.
"That's not what he said."
Kurumu dove deeper into Elder Kunai, finding herself once again in the reception room.
"Did you authorize staring the fire?!"
Kyouhei flinched at the accusation from his grandson. The young man regarded him with piercing blue eyes so much like his mother's. His rich dark hair was too long. It was almost touching his shoulders. The boy was wearing a black jacket over a white shirt with black denim jeans.
"Why would you even think such a thing?"
"Because it's all about control with you. Was the town betting too big?"
"I have no reason to dignify that with a response."
"Yet you seem all too eager to blame Fairy Tale."
Kurumu scowled, thinking this boy was too naïve.
"Of course it was Fairy Tale! They've always hated monstrels."
"If they hated them so much, why were they planning to take over the school?"
"Complete nonsense. Lord Chiki made no offers to buy the school. Even if he had, the principal had no authority to sell it to Fairy Tale."
"Ah yes. The principal whom is conveniently dead along with half of the teachers working that school."
"The work of Fairy Tale-"
"Just stop! This was done by your people, Grandpa!"
Kurumu frowned, wondering why this boy was so convinced.
"Most of the victims were monstrels, Kenji. People whom turn to me for help."
"A calculated sacrifice to unify the whole town against Fairy Tale. You just can't stand the fact that Yokai Academy is going to be under Fairy Tale guidelines again."
"What Headmaster Mikogami does with the school is his problem. I don't know why he wants to be under their thumb again but it better not cause issues with my town."
Kenji rolled his eyes, moving to the door. He drew it open, revealing Mr. Kizen on the other side.
"I don't have time to deal with your nonsense. I have a witness and plenty of evidence on the people responsible for this disaster."
Feeling frustration, Kurumu got to her feet.
"I have done nothing, Kenji. That fire must have been the work of Fairy Tale. It was too massive for a bunch of stupid school kids to be responsible."
Kenji shook his head, turning his back on her.
"Whatever, old man. I got to meet someone before they leave Mononoke."
"Meet someone? Nobody can leave this town without my authority."
"It's Kurono. And once she gives my findings to Fairy Tale, your little kingdom is over."
Kurumu scowled, feeling the hatred of succubi welling up inside her. She stalked after the young man as he started down the corridor. Her servant dutifully kept in step with her.
"You will not have any dealings with that whore!"
"She's not a whore."
"Because you are charmed, Kenji. That's why you are saying all of this nonsense!"
Kenji turned around, thrusting a finger in her face which caused Kurumu to halt.
"You're just lucky that the evidence doesn't directly implicate you!"
"There is no evidence! This is all a Fairy Tale plot!"
A sharp slap caught Kurumu by surprise, bringing most of her attention back to her real surroundings. Ms. Kiyomizu was regarding her with a stern look. As Kurumu withdrew her presence from the elder's mind, she saw Kenji turn away from her, uttering a phrase that caused Elder Kunai to feel doubt.
"Ms. Kurono. Stop."
"I wasn't-"
"Then why are you crying?"
Kurumu reached up, feeling the sign of tears upon her cheek. She trembled as she recalled the profound sorrow in the cemetery. She bowed her head, shaking her head.
"Sorry. His grief is genuine."
"That girl should not be in your school, Headmaster Sendou. She is a Fairy Tale spy."
Lord Inazuma huffed indignantly.
"Working for whom?"
"Obviously for you!"
"I was working for Lord Chiki last year."
"That doesn't change the fact that she reports directly to you."
"Utter nonsense. Most succubi working for Fairy Tale in this capacity are under the direct command of the prefectural officer."
"That's what I just said!"
"Are you saying that she worked for Lord Chiki then? You clearly don't know how things worked out the last time Lord Chiki visited this school."
Elder Kunai scowled at the officer.
"I'm sorry. I was busy sitting in a prison cell."
"She was apprehended and wasn't trusted at all by my superior."
"The only succubi allowed to live are the ones working for Fairy Tale."
"That's not true, Sir. As much as we would like that to be the case, many refuse. Nowadays we monitor such individuals and arrest them if necessary."
Kurumu felt fingers on her chin, lifting her face up. She sniffled, managing a smile for Ms. Kiyomizu.
"What exactly did you uncover?"
"He did give Mr. Kizen the pass despite thinking he was guilty."
"Meaning he did not command Mr. Kizen's actions."
Kurumu nodded when Ms. Kiyomizu withdrew her hand.
"Correct. If there was an assassination plot, it would be with Mr. Kizen's father."
"That bitch used her powers against me which I know is against your school policies!"
"As her advisor, I authorized her to use her powers on behalf of the PSC."
Mr. Motegi laughed, shaking his head.
"On a town elder? That's quite a bold statement, miss …."
"Kiyomizu."
"You should be fired immediately!"
"I won't be terminating my teachers acting under your direction."
"My direction?!"
"Yes. You claimed that you wanted my staff to handle the investigation at the start of this argument. Now that she has done as you demanded, you want her fired?"
"You are twisting my uncle's words, Headmaster Sendou. At no point did he authorize an investigation against himself."
Mr. Fujita snorted at the remark from Mr. Ito.
"Because he thinks he is above the law. That is why we should let Fairy Tale handle it."
"I agree. It seems Ms. Kurono has cleared you of any involvement with this murder beyond the fact that you helped our primary suspect escape. I won't hold that against you."
Elder Kurosawa huffed at the officer.
"We see how Fairy Tale handles their investigations."
"As your colleague has stated, I do have access to a succubus whom could sort this out. If you want, I could bring her in to examine each of you."
Elder Hogo chuckled, gesturing at the officer.
"And you wonder why we are hesitant to let Fairy Tale into our town."
"As the seller of that rifle, you will be under more scrutiny than the others."
"I said what I said. I was told that rifle was for durian."
Kurumu nodded, taking in a deep breath.
"He speaks the truth. When I checked Mr. Kizen's memories, hunting durian was the reason he gave to Elder Hogo for buying the rifle."
Kurumu clenched her fists, knowing she had to air the whole truth. She turned her eyes upon him.
"Elder Kunai is also not responsible for the death of his grandson or the fire in the summer of 88."
A hush fell over the crowd which lasted several heartbeats. Elder Kunai trembled with fury.
"Of course that is true! Nobody in their right mind-"
"Why did you never suspect Kizen Makoto?"
"What nonsense-"
"He was with you the last time you saw Kenji alive."
This grief Kurumu felt was not her own but still so real.
"Stubborn old fool. There are vipers in your nest and you're too blind to see them."
The elder faltered upon hearing the last words of his grandson thrown back at him. His following words lacked their usual fire.
"Get her out of my sight."
