My Precious

by Ravenhale1

This is the fifteenth installment of the AU continuation of Rosario Vampire told through Kurumu's POV. This story covers the first three weeks after Hatsue's birth (May 6th - May 29th, 2006). Not strictly canon.

1. Just Another Day

Kurono Kurumu stopped in front of the shelving which lined the wall inside the gazebo of the student council building. Her large breasts were barely contained within this pastel green tank top which had a center strip of fabric in the back. The black elastic strings of her khaki shorts were tied in a bow at her navel while the strings at the sides of her thighs had been left alone.

Kurumu stepped on the heel of one of her white platform sneakers which lacked laces. Freeing one foot, she leaned down to remove the other. Her socks were pushed down and bunched up at her ankles. Like her outfit, the socks were from her junior high days. As she stowed her relatively new sneakers inside an empty compartment, she wondered if she should consider getting new socks.

Sendou Yukari stuffed her brown loafers into a nearby compartment. The twelve year old witch had on the green school jacket of Yokai Academy. A red bow was fastened at the collar of her long sleeved, white school blouse. The pleated school skirt had a subtle tartan pattern which was primarily tan with lighter shades of brown. The skirt's bottom hem was barely below her knees which were swathed in black hose.

"I think we are here too early."

Yukari huffed, strolling around Kurumu to step up through an opening between the shoe shelving and the exterior wall of this wraparound gazebo.

"You can never be too early."

Kurumu followed the witch down this short corridor which had black iron sconces mounted to the walls. They immediately passed by a hall on their left which had several doors on either side, giving access to small rooms which had been bedrooms back when this building had been a dormitory.

The corridor emptied into a large, domed chamber. A circular counter enclosed the vacant, empty space in the center of the room. This counter was framed with black wood and topped with a white surface. Twelve chairs flanked this circle with the head chair being directly in front of a moveable chalkboard. This chalkboard had been strategically placed to hide the door to an abandoned kitchen.

"Good morning, Ms. Sendou."

The greeting came from Sawayaka Mikomi, the dark haired beauty sitting in the head chair. Mikomi was the student council president and had been born in Mononoke, the local town which was also enclosed in the barrier about Yokai Academy. The monstrel was a second year, just like Kurumu and Yukari, and was dressed in full school attire.

"Good morning, Ms. Sawayaka."

To Mikomi's right was Amatsu Riki, a golden haired girl from Okataiyou. The third year was the student council secretary and had been in the choir club when Kurumu had joined back in December. She was in Kurumu's choir elective, though she was not in Kurumu's lunch group like Mikomi and Nijiro were. Like most of those in attendance, Amatsu was wearing the full school attire.

To the left of Mikomi was Amesuki Nijiro, Kurumu's boyfriend. He was the student council vice president and was wearing a red tie with his school uniform. The third year was an undine from Aranami. His blond hair was styled in a crew cut. He regarded Kurumu with periwinkle eyes as she approached with Yukari.

"Good morning, Kurumu."

"Good morning, Nijiro."

To Nijiro's left was Jouromura Taki, president of the chemistry club. He was an undine from Ikinakawa and he had short, whitish locks. In the next chair over was Tekikawa Nigiri. The arcade club president had his dark locks styled in a bowl cut. His roommate, Machida Ebisu, was sitting beside him. Machida, whom was the president of the chess club, had his dark hair groomed in a rigid crew cut. Both Machida and Tekikawa were kappas from Tsushimi village.

Kurumu had visited both of these villages over spring break which she had spent in Aranami. There were jump stations in Tsushimi and Ikinakawa which instantly took people to Umiman. All three of these guys had gone to the junior high in Umiman with Nijiro.

As they walked around the counter behind the chairs, Kurumu noted that Meirowasa Tokori was lingering in the corner of the room behind Nijiro. Tokori now lived in Mikomi's home since her family had lost their home in a fire and Mikomi had been orphaned. Tokori had shaggy black locks which were peppered with white splotches. Though Tokori was a member of the PSC, the second year had on standard school attire.

Beside Tokori was Sabaku Akira, current leader of the PSC. The swarthy, bulky guy looked like if he flexed he would destroy the tight fitting, black, PSC jacket which he had paired with black slacks. His dark hair had been braided tightly to his scalp. Hailing from Australia, Sabaku was always on campus even during the school breaks.

Sabaku was chatting quietly with two other guys whom were not in school attire. Hosokoun Habiki was the guy wearing the blue robe of the kendo club which he was captain of. His sable hair was braided in a tail which hung over his shoulder. Hosokoun was currently the valedictorian of the third years.

The guy in the white karate gi was Miyamoto Haiji. The tengu was the captain of the karate club and was from Koutoukumo. He was a close friend of Ginei and openly admired Kokoa.

"Any reason why you aren't wearing a school uniform?"

Kurumu shrugged at Mikomi's question as she came to a stop with Yukari behind her boyfriend.

"I don't have six school blouses."

Mikomi smiled, regarded Kurumu with powder blue eyes.

"I don't have that many school blouses."

"Well I don't feel like doing laundry twice a week."

"Kokoa bought her a new blouse last week. She'll have her sixth one in a week or two."

Mikomi nodded at Yukari's response.

"You both realize that we are only handing out fund request forms today. I could have given you those forms any day of the week. You didn't have to be here."

As the president of the broadcasting club, Kurumu was aware that only the third years were expected for this meeting. With Yukari being the president of the new Arcane club, they both had extra duties that required them to be in contact with the student council.

"Yukari and I have things to do right after the meeting."

Nijiro sighed heavily, slouching in his seat.

"And apparently I do too."

"You don't have to help if you don't want to."

Nijiro rolled his eyes at Yukari's comment.

"Neither does Kurumu. Going on a date with her would have been preferable."

"I thought you were unable to secure parental permission."

Nijiro sighed at Mikomi's statement. At the start of the year, Yukari's grandfather, whom was the new Headmaster of Yokai Academy, had declared the school's intentions of enforcing Fairy Tale's strict policy against dating in high school. This was a policy aimed to discourage mixed breeding which most parents and elders agreed with. Public displays of affection would only be tolerated if the students in question had submitted documents to the school that proved the relationship had parental permission.

"That is true but it would be more enjoyable than what she wants to do."

"That makes me wonder what this activity is if it is less desirable than breaking school rules."

Kurumu pouted at Mikomi's curiosity.

"It isn't that bad."

"She wants to do something for Mr. Aono."

Kurumu sighed, knowing they should not go into details of what they were doing for Tsukune.

"It's not like this will take the whole day. We could go on a date afterwards."

"That's entirely up to Ms. Okimune and Mr. Shiname."

Kurumu smiled softly at his reference to a couple whom were facing their own troubles. Shiname Nureto was an undine from Ikinakawa and was a member of the tennis club. He was also Nijiro's roommate. His parents were fine with the relationship but Okimune was getting resistance from her father whom was one of the men in charge of Umishiro. Okimune Hitsumi was an undine and a member of the choir. She had a very striking resemblance to Kurumu.

In the following silence, Kurumu took note of the remaining students in the room. There was a vacant chair between Machida and a buxom girl with her auburn tresses pulled back in twin tails. That pink eyed girl was Nazenara Wakana, a gyokuto from Aranoiji. She was the volleyball captain and had been dating the former captain of the cheerleader squad whom graduated recently.

The last occupied seat at this counter had been taken by Yaisoku Modoka. Her short, dark locks were pulled out of her eyes with a clip carved in the shape of an arachnid. She was a jorougumo from Aranoiji and was the captain of the tennis club for the girls.

Her aunt was the coach of the tennis team. Since Coach Yaisoku was expecting to give birth soon, the gym teacher had officially handed over her duties to Ms. Kurohane yesterday.

Standing behind Yaisoku was a guy with his greenish blond hair braided into a tail. That was Kanri, a sylph from Koutoukumo. He was the captain of the tennis club for the boys.

"There is Mr. Ishikure."

Ishikure Yama had arrived with Doroishi Ryoushi and Jishin Iwao. All three of these guys were gnomes from Touboe. Ishikure was the guy with the squared glasses with green frames. The student council treasurer had short, silver locks which were carefully groomed. Doroishi had the boxy black glasses and was the president of the computer club. Jishin had glasses shaped like a scuba mask. He was the current president of the auto club which had been run by Doroishi's cousin last year.

"I'm more interested in the arrival of Mr. Boyogaro."

Kurumu smirked at Yukari's mention of their classmate. Boyogaro Fukito was a tanuki from Aserutani whom happened to be in charge of the math club which Nijiro had been a member of. Boyogaro also happened to be in room 109 of West dorm, making him Tsukune's next door neighbor.

"I told you that we were here too early."

"Not that early, Ms. Kurono."

Kurumu smirked at Mikomi before movement caught her attention. Morioka Ginei had arrived with a few third year girls. His jacket was left open and the top buttons of his school shirt was undone, betraying the wolf head pendant dangling about his neck. His dark bangs were pushed back by an indigo hairband.

His left arm was draped over the shoulders of Hajihachi Mika whom was his girlfriend. Hajihachi was an okami from Morihochou and was the president of the fashion club. Her smoky black tresses were styled in twin tails. She had been dating Ginei since last September.

The girls whom had accompanied the couple quickly claimed the remaining vacant seats. The brunette whom was almost as tall as Ginei was Sangi Mitsuki, president of the film club. She took the chair beside Yaisoku while her roommate, Koe Mari, took the chair on the other side of Sangi. The short brunette had attended the junior high in Chirasu with Sangi and was the president of the English club.

Yasumono Kichou was one of the few girls shorter than Kurumu on campus. Yasumono, whom was the president of the kimono club, took the seat between Koe and Amatsu. She had her raven hair swirled in a bun secured with silver needles. Being a gnome, she wore glasses which had tiny oval lenses held in a silver wire frame. Yasumono was from Chirasu.

The last girl settled in the vacant chair between Machida and Nazenara. This short haired tengu with the feathered, cinnamon locks was Shikichi Akatori, captain of the fencing team. Shikichi hailed from Hongu of the Okayama prefecture and had been representative of Ginei's homeroom for the last two years.

"Mr. Morioka. Please keep a respectable distance between yourself and Ms. Hajihachi."

Ginei chuckled at Mikomi's instructions as he guided his girlfriend around the table.

"No need for that, Ms. Sawayaka. We both got good news in the mail yesterday."

Kurumu perked up when the couple stopped near Yukari.

"Is this true?"

Ginei regarded her with feigned disbelief in his left eye which had a smoky gray iris. His right eye with the mint green hue was a fake. He had needed a new one after their incident in Okinawa.

"Would I lie?"

Hajihachi giggled with amusement in her amethyst eyes.

"Yes, but not in this case. I saw the letter from his parents last night."

"Even so, I would encourage the two of you to refrain from such behavior. You can do as you please after your paperwork has been processed by school officials."

Hajihachi smiled at Mikomi's advice. She pushed Ginei's hand off her shoulder but the werewolf casually let his hand descend to make a firm grab of her derriere through the skirt.

"Don't do that!"

Ginei snickered, withdrawing his hand when the okami turned and swatted his chest.

"Since you were so eager to help Yukari with her articles, are you going to rejoin my newspaper club?"

Kurumu rolled her eyes at Ginei's smug look.

"I only helped because Yukari isn't comfortable around strangers."

"Could you at least convince Koyomi to join?"

Hajihachi swatted his shoulder.

"You don't need that girl in your club."

"I'm sure that I could find a position for such a charming lass."

Hajihachi frowned at his playful tone.

"Knowing you that would be down on all fours. I swear if I had not gone with you on that outing last Sunday, you would have bent that girl over in a dark alleyway."

Ginei gasped in false indignation.

"Why I would never do such a thing when I have you around to keep my balls empty."

Hajihachi blushed, shaking her head.

"That girl is too receptive to your flirting. Stay away from her."

Hajinai Koyomi was the granddaughter of an infamous matchmaker. The succubus was actually a month older than Kurumu but had enrolled as a first year due to her lack of high school experience. Koyomi came from Toukai of the Shimane prefecture. That was the succubi village that Kurumu had been born in, having lived in the Tottori prefecture until her graduation from the junior high in Kengamine.

"Are you done with your articles?"

"I have them drafted if that is what you are asking."

Jouromura chuckled at Yukari's response to Ginei.

"I'm still shocked that my club was selected to be recognized in your first newspaper of the year."

Yukari shrugged nonchalantly.

"I was already doing the bowling club on the basis that it had historical value. The only active clubs that are older than the bowling club are the math and chemistry clubs."

"I'm still surprised that the bowling club is that old."

Kurumu giggled at Nijiro's admission.

"Yes. It was established the same year that Mr. Takagi started up the band."

"My great grandfather, Mr. Hakuru, was the initial advisor of the chemistry club before he gave it over to Mr. Miyanohara in 1993 due to his intent to retire."

"Did he not retire?"

Yukari nodded at Jouromura's query.

"He did for six years but came back to work after his wife passed away. Didn't like being at home alone."

Kurumu glanced about, realizing that others had arrived during the conversation. The girl with the wavy, scarlet tresses which threatened to touch the floor was Zoushiki Koufuku whom had taken over the sewing club. She was a salamander from Nenshouchi which was the same village that Kitamura Kurumi, the girl beside Zoushiki, hailed from. Kitamura had waist long, chestnut hair and was the president of the calligraphy club that her sister had been in charge of last year.

Three tengu guys stood near Kanri. The one with the mahogany hue to his feathered locks was Fuyunaga of the skiing club. He was from Koutoukumo. These other two were from Hateshinai which was near the border of the Niigata prefecture much like Nenshouchi was. Nenshouchi was actually in the Fukushima prefecture and Hateshinai was in the Yamagata prefecture. Hateshinai was near Oguni which was where Yukari's parents lived. Tsukune had hailed from the city of Yamagata.

The guy with the tawny, feathered locks was Kuchikaze whom was in charge of the leisure club which had been renamed to the Daifuugo club. The other guy with the fawn, feathered locks was Suzuki, president of the ping pong club. He had a younger sister whom was still in her last year of junior high in Uchimori which was in the Niigata prefecture. This was because the village of Hateshinai did not have a junior high. That made Kurumu curious if Nenshouchi had a junior high. She had never thought to ask.

"Where is Moka, Kokoa and Rubi?"

"None of them have to be here."

Ginei laughed at Yukari's huffed answer.

"I know that but I figured they might help."

"Rubi left early this morning to prepare things for us in town. As for my Moka, she went to Tsukune's place to help him tidy up."

"What does he have in his room that will take hours to tidy up?"

Kurumu smirked at Ginei's halfhearted question.

"I'm sure they will do something with their time. As for milady, she is spending the day with Nagisa. She might even spend the night with her so we might not see Kokoa today."

Taniguchi Nagisa was one of four girls whom Kokoa took blood from to become stronger. Nagisa was an undine from Ikinakawa and had spent the night at Kokoa's place yesterday. Kurumu had made the two breakfast this morning to help Nagisa recover from having her blood taken. Moka, Kokoa's older sister, had spent the night with Yukari and Rubi whom shared the suite next to Kurumu's.

"That's fine. It sounds like we have enough help as is."

Nijiro huffed at Ginei's remark.

"I wholeheartedly agree. There was no reason for Kurumu to be involved with this."

Kurumu sighed, knowing her contact with Tsukune still bothered Nijiro.

Movement was a welcome distraction. Several girls whom lived in the apartment building next to hers had arrived. Udetama Imi was the one with the sandy blond locks styled in a boyish manner. The girl was even wearing tan slacks and had her school jacket open and blouse buttons undone just like Ginei. Her lack of a bosom furthered her gender neutral appearance.

Anagume Arukune was also challenged in the breast department. The new captain of the cheerleader squad had her dark hair braided in pigtails. Hailing from Aserutani, the mujina was slightly shorter than Kurumu. Like the other three girls, she had on the complete school uniform including the red bow. Her younger sister, Kosame, was in the same homeroom as Kurumu and Yukari.

Samurakami Atae was a tanuki from Aserutani. She had short, charcoal locks and was the captain of the track club. This girl with the straight tresses that were the shade of teal was Fujino U, captain of the archery club. Both of these girls had roommates whom were on the softball team.

The last of the group was Tochimaru Asemi, captain of the softball team. She had her platinum tresses pulled up in a high ponytail. She was a sylph from Hateshinai. Moka had recently joined the softball team and had only good things to say about her seniors.

"What brings your scrawny ass in here?"

Udetama scowled at Ginei's cheerful insult.

"Mr. Unsei dropped out."

The byakko held up a sheet, wagging it.

"Parting gift was a revised form withouts his name on it."

"He quit your club?"

"Yes. He joined mine."

Kurumu nodded dumbly at Machida's firm answer.

"Lucky have only a year left of this nonsense."

Kurumu giggled at Udetama's drawling accent. Udetama had such a boyish voice to go with that look. She had been delegated as the leader of the outdoors club but she never attended the meetings. She was more involved in the fencing club.

"Did your club get any new members?"

"Gots two. No idea how."

Kurumu laughed softly, shaking her head. She had tried to get new members for the broadcasting club but had only picked up one during the club showcase event. Doronuma Shin would probably be just a member on paper as he would be more involved with his sister's music club. Thankfully she had only needed one to keep her club status.

"Mr. Shunsen has arrived."

Yukari's declaration brought Kurumu's attention to the group of guys entering the room. Shunsen was roughly Ginei's height but looked taller because his dark hair was swept up into a spiky mohawk. The bowling club president was one of the few guys not bothering with the school jacket or tie. Beside him was Tokage whom had taken over the manga club. His short, dark locks had been carefully groomed.

On their heels were two familiar kappa guys. The shorter, stocky one with the stringy, greenish black hair was Shimanuma, president of the diving club. The other guy with the ashen black, shoulder length hair which covered his eyes was Nurekawa whom was in charge of the fishing club. These four guys headed around the back of the table, intent on standing by the opening for the other corridor which led to an identical wing of this old dormitory.

Trailing behind these guys whom had all attended the junior high in Umiman was Hirata Kuji, captain of the rugby team. The salamander had his cherry locks styled in a crew cut and had left his school jacket open to betray his lack of the red tie. He was the nephew of a third year teacher whom had taken over the rugby club after the former club advisor had resigned last July.

The next two guys entering the room were familiar but Kurumu only could recall the name of the guy with the short, copper locks which were always a mess. That was Sakakihara Inoji whom had been put in charge of the judo club. He was dating Tachioujou Maya of the track team whom he had grown up with in the Sekikawa region. They were kakuen just like Sangi whom knew the couple through her cousin. The taller guy with the wiry build was Sakakihara's roommate whom had also grown up in their community. He was the president of the wrestling club and had short, cinnamon curls.

"Things might get crowded in here soon."

Ginei wrapped his arms about Hajihachi's waist. The okami sighed, leaning back into him as she rested her hands upon his.

"Behave yourself."

"That's not what you requested last night."

"I requested you to go home. This dummy was trying to spend the night."

"Why not? We both have permission to make babies."

Hajihachi blushed, patting his hands.

"My mother said that we could date. She said nothing about making puppies."

"Though you often bring that up in the throes of passion."

"Get your hands off her!"

Shuryou Kenshin fumed at the couple. He was an okami from Morihochou whom was the captain of the basketball team. He had jet black hair but had frosted the tips of his bangs with silver highlights. The tall guy was being held back by Kusahase Takeru, another okami from Morihochou. Kusahase was stockier than his friend but shorter. He had shaggy, peppered locks and was the captain of the soccer team.

"Calm down, man."

"How can any of you allow this?!"

"We have warned Mr. Morioka of his behavior."

"And I have told you about obtaining parental permission."

"Which we have not seen."

Hajihachi pouted at Nijiro's prompt response while detaching herself from the werewolf.

"We're not lying, Mr. Amesuki."

"Are you serious?!"

Hajihachi favored Shuryou's incredulous remark with a slight smile.

"It's true, Kenshin. I got the paperwork back from my mother yesterday."

"You already know that her mother is cool with Morioka."

Shuryou scowled at Kusahase.

"She wouldn't be if she saw how he treats Mika!"

"I'm not doing anything that she doesn't like."

"While that may be true-"

"It is true. I like being around Ginei despite how aggravating he can be at times. I love him."

Mikomi smiled politely at Hajihachi's earnest interruption.

"Even so, I still want the two of you to keep your hands to yourselves for now."

"You deserve better."

Hajihachi sighed at Shuryou's declaration.

"Kenshin. I'm sure that you will find someone else."

"This isn't about me."

Kusahase snickered, shaking his head.

"Everybody can tell that you're just jealous."

"I'm not!"

Mikomi pounded a tiny gavel on the table, quelling the mirth created by his denial.

"This matter is closed, Mr. Shuryou. You can save this personal argument for after the meeting."

Several third year had arrived during this exchange. Tadayo Hotaru was the most familiar since she was the president of the choir. The sprite had shoulder length curls the hue of a carrot. She was from Kabashita which had a junior high that also served the students from Okataiyou and Hisomuri.

Karada Karin had her chocolate locks styled in a right side bob with her longer tresses pulled in a tail to her left. She had taken over the poetry club and was chatting with Utagemori Chinatsu whom was in charge of the Sadou club. Utagemori had thick, banana blond hair. Both girls came from Shizukana.

The tanuki girl with the glossy black hair styled in a pompadour was Yamakusa Chiharu, president of the gymnastics club. She was from Aranoiji and was making her way over to the two girls seated at the table. Another new arrival was a girl with her smoky black hair styled in braided loops. This was Kazashimo Yuuga of the karaoke club. The harpy from Hankyouta seemed content to linger by the chamber's exit.

A tall guy with short, tangerine curls was standing beside Kazashimo. That was Himura, captain of the baseball team. The salamander from Tochimoeru was dating Kusou of the kimono club whom hailed from Bokuseki, a gorgon community. The two had attended the same junior high serving the Sanjo area.

Kurumu grinned at the arrival of the next trio. The shortest of this group from Aserutani was Shikusa Negi whom was in charge of the drama club. He was a mujina with long, dingy gray bangs obscuring his eyes. The other two were tanuki with glossy black hair plagued with cowlicks. The older guy was Morita Kane whom was the official captain of the band. The other was Boyogaro and she waved animatedly to catch the attention of her classmate.

"Over here, Boyogaro!"

The young man perked up, excusing himself through the crowd to get around to Kurumu's location. He eventually arrived, absently fussing with his school jacket.

"Did you bring the revised form?"

Boyogaro nodded at Nijiro's prompting. He tugged a folded sheet of paper out of his jacket's pocket.

"I have it right here, Mr. Amesuki."

"Cutting it a little close."

Nijiro smiled at Mikomi's amused remark.

"We had a new member join just yesterday."

Kurumu smiled, knowing this new member was Musousaki Shinji, another guy from her homeroom. He was Yukari's co representative and hailed from Hokkaido. He was still a member of the travel club but it was not like he had ever attended any of that club's meetings.

"Perhaps we should begin?"

"Is it nine?"

Smiling at Mikomi, Amatsu tapped her wrist which was hidden behind the sleeve of her school jacket.

"Two minutes after."

Mikomi laughed pleasantly, pounding the gavel firmly. All chatter within the chamber diminished.

"Thank you all for showing up despite so many of you having turned in your club registration forms. As stated in yesterday's announcement, we will be handing out fund request forms and getting an update on the senior class trip."

Two guys skulked in during Mikomi's short pause. The one with the fluffy, sienna locks was Horiguchi of the cycling club. The other with the short, scruffy dark hair was Kiba Akito, president of the badminton club. Both were from Ashikantai. Horiguchi was an okami while Kiba was an inugami.

"As some of you may know, Ms. Mizudake is in charge of putting your senior class trip together. She left yesterday with Mrs. Senda and the Akebara sisters to obtain pricing and information for trips to places like Kyoto and Tokyo. Hopefully they will have good news for us next week."

"Please keep in mind that there will be no school funds allocated for our class trip."

Attention shifted to Ishikure whom had made this announcement.

"All funds from our last cultural festival were figured to go towards club expenses and materials needed to host our next cultural festival. Once we have an idea of what a class trip will cost, we can adjust the prices of our activities at the next cultural festival to make future class trips more affordable. We will be voting on which trip we will take so I ask of you to keep the pricing in mind. You will have to contact your parents immediately through the speakers to get money to attend this trip."

"Thank you for your advice, Mr. Ishikure. Midterm exams will be held a week earlier this year on the first and second of June. That puts the senior class trip on the following week. We don't have much time. You may want to contact your parents in advance to warn them about this activity."

As several students murmured their understanding of Mikomi's comments, Amatsu leaned over the side of her chair. The blond pulled up a massive black binder, placing it on the white surface before her.

"I've rearranged the active clubs into this new binder according to the club's origination date. That will prevent future secretaries from having to reorder the club folders whenever a club changes advisors."

The blond leaned over, retrieving another folder from the floor. She set it beside the binder.

"I will be collecting any missing club registration forms now while handing out fund request forms. We want your fund request form back by the twenty seventh."

"That is in three weeks, everyone. This will be your last chance to make a case of why you need funds before summer break."

"The soccer team's season begins on the twenty eighth. We need our money soon."

Ishikure nodded at Kusahase's remark.

"I have been told about the change in the soccer team's schedule. We will release the usual amount to your coach after you have turned in your fund request form."

"You don't have to wait for the meeting on the twenty seventh to turn in your fund request forms. The student council will be available after school each day in the third floor conference room."

Amatsu chuckled at Mikomi's statement.

"I would prefer that over getting everything at once. That Saturday meeting will take forever if every club waits for the last minute to argue why they need funding."

"Will this be like a first come, first serve basis?"

Amatsu glanced up at Horiguchi's query.

"Not exactly. Established athletic clubs will have priority over leisure clubs."

"The rugby club isn't a leisure club."

Amatsu smiled politely at Hirata's sentiment. She opened up the first folder inside the massive binder.

"Duly noted. I'm going to start down this list. The chemistry club is first."

Jouromura chuckled, lifting up from his chair. He held out a sheet of paper which Nijiro took and passed along to Mikomi. The student council president gave the sheet to Amatsu whom quickly looked it over as Jouromura sat back down.

"You have four new members?"

"That is correct."

"I'm surprised they got so many."

Yukari huffed at Kurumu's comment.

"Chemistry is a respectable subject. More people should find it interesting."

Amatsu giggled, tugging a fund request form from the smaller folder. She gave it to Mikomi whom passed it along. The secretary closed the folder in the massive binder before turning to the next one.

"Math club."

"Here!"

Boyogaro surrendered the folded sheet to Mikomi. The girl nodded, passing the sheet over to Amatsu whom unfolded it. The blond glanced it over.

"Two new first years and one new second year."

"Sorry we didn't turn that in earlier but I've known about Mr. Musousaki's consideration all week."

Amatsu nodded, giving a fund request form to Mikomi whom passed it along to Boyogaro.

"That's fine. Just don't wait for the last moment on getting that form back to us."

"I won't."

Shutting the math folder, Amatsu turned it over to the next one.

"I believe I have the form for the bowling club."

"Yes, Ms. Amatsu."

"Come over here and get your fund request form."

Shunsen complied with her instructions, taking a form from the blond. The secretary turned the folder over, revealing the massive one for the band beneath it.

"I also have the one for band."

Morita grinned, sauntering over to the secretary.

"Yes, Ma'am. We have eighteen new members."

Amatsu giggled, presenting the tanuki with a fund request form.

"It always amazes me how the band gets so many members. I wish the choir was as lucky."

Morita smirked, taking the sheet. As the tanuki stalked off, Amatsu turned the massive band folder over to open up the next one. The secretary smiled, glancing up.

"Seems that I'm missing the form for the sewing club."

"Have it here!"

Several students chuckled as Zoushiki weaved her way through the crowd to Amatsu's location. The salamander grinned brightly as she presented a sheet to the secretary whom promptly took it.

"Sorry for not getting this to you sooner."

Amatsu shrugged, glancing over the sheet.

"It's fine. You have four new first years."

"That I do. Any chance that we will get those funds we requested last year?"

Amatsu smiled, tucking away the registration form. She pulled out a fund request form out of the other folder, handing it over to the salamander.

"You will have to chat with Mr. Ishikure about that."

"This will be the same as my last form."

"I'm aware that everybody filled out these forms last year and there might be no differences. If that is the case, just come see me after school. I have your old fund request forms in my budget folder. We can discuss the amount I feel that we can give you at that time."

Zoushiki smiled at Ishikure's lengthy response.

"Can't we do that now?"

Ishikure chuckled softly, shaking his head.

"I intentionally did not bring my budget folder today. There are clubs that have new members, new activities and even some new clubs. I want those clubs to have the chance to modify their numbers before we make any firm commitments in how we spend our money this year."

Zoushiki sighed, retreating.

"Guess I'll see you Monday after school."

"Okay. Is Mr. Bujiyo of the ikebana club here by any chance?"

Silence answered the secretary's question concerning the second year in charge of that club.

"We did say third years."

Amatsu nodded at Mikomi, turning the folder over.

"It's fine. I have his club registration form. We will just have to speak with him later about funding. Next is the Sadou club. I have your form showing three new first years."

"Yes! I'm here!"

Utagemori slipped through the crowd as Amatsu fished a fund request form out of the other folder. The blond presented the sheet to the dryad the moment Utagemori arrived.

"Do I really need one?"

Amatsu chuckled when Utagemori took the sheet.

"Did you request any funds?"

"Nope. Never have."

"Well maybe discuss that with your new members before resigning yourself to that."

Utagemori nodded, retreating back to her spot with the sheet in hand.

"Film club."

"Here you go."

Sangi stood up, handing a sheet with crease lines over to Yasumono whom passed it along to Amatsu. The secretary glanced it over with a nod.

"Three new first years. Is this other Sangi a relative?"

"My cousin. He was taking pictures at the meeting before the last one."

Amatsu sounded her understanding, tucking the form away before retrieving a sheet from the other folder. The blond held the sheet out to Yasumono whom passed it over Koe to Sangi.

"Looking forward to that article in the paper."

Ginei chuckled heartily as Amatsu turned the folder over in her binder.

"Yes. All thanks to the generous donations of the town sponsors."

"Newspaper club is next. Naturally we have your registration form which you brought to us when you confirmed your new advisor. I assume you still only have one new member."

Ginei sighed dramatically.

"Alas. The shooting of Mr. Aono frightened all of my beautiful prospects away."

Amatsu smirked, beckoning at the werewolf.

"Sure. Come get your form."

Ginei snickered, sauntering over as the blond tugged a sheet out from the other folder.

"Will the school paper get funds this year?"

Ishikure scoffed as Ginei took a form from the secretary.

"You know my stance on this matter. You should charge a price that will offset production costs."

"The school paper should be free."

"That's an opinion, Mr. Morioka. I'm sure that the drama club also wants to do their play for free but if they have costs, they should include that in an admission price. I've looked at our budget and we can't be doing too many extra things."

Ginei smirked, stalking back to Hajihachi's side.

"Clearly, considering you won't put any funds towards our school trip."

"That is a large expenditure that we did not account for when we ran our last cultural festival."

"We can discuss budget matters at another time, gentlemen. We have many more clubs to go."

Amatsu nodded at Mikomi's statement, turning to the next folder.

"Broadcasting club is next. I have your registration form but I understand that Mr. Tatsumaki is wanting televisions for your club."

Kurumu laughed, shaking her head.

"I am not asking the student council for help with that."

Amatsu shrugged, tugging a sheet out of her folder.

"You should look into it. While we most likely won't authorize funds for that, it would be a good thing to provide the school."

Kurumu sighed, shuffling over to the table. She took the form from Mikomi as Amatsu turned the broadcasting club's folder over to the next one in her massive binder. The next folder that Amatsu opened up was one of the bigger ones.

"Auto club. I'm missing your form."

Jishin Iwao chuckled, stepping away from the chalkboard. He took a folded sheet out of the pocket of his jacket, handing it over to the secretary.

"Sorry about that."

Amatsu nodded, unfolding the sheet. She glanced it over.

"Eight new first years. Are they going on that trip you want to do?"

Jishin shrugged as Amatsu tugged a form out of the smaller folder.

"Possibly. I still don't have pricing for that trip."

"When will you have that?"

"Right after summer break."

"I'm thinking that the auto club will have to do that trip out of their own pocket."

Jishin sighed, holding the fund request form against his chest. He wandered back to the chalkboard.

"Are you really going to do us like that, Yama?"

"That trip looks like it will be in October. We can't allocate funds to other activities like that with the cultural festival happening later in that month."

"The lei… Daifuugo club."

Kuchikaze made his way around the table to the blond. He held out a creased sheet of paper which Amatsu took the moment it was within reach. The secretary turned the sheet about, looking it over.

"Three new first years."

"Yes. Do I have to stay for this whole meeting?"

Mikomi smiled politely as Amatsu put his form into his club's folder.

"No, Mr. Kuchikaze. We've already shared all of the relevant information that we can about the class trip already. You can stay if you have any other questions for us."

Kuchikaze shook his head before taking a fund request form from Amatsu.

"Nope. I'm good."

"In that case, I'm out of here too. Someone else is welcome to this seat."

Kurumu snickered as Jouromura scooted back his chair and got up. The undine made his way around the back of the table as some of the other guys like Shunsen and Morita started for the exit.

"Paranormal club. Would Ms. Yumihara happen to be here?"

Kurumu smiled at the mention of a second year girl from Okataiyou. It was not too much of a surprise that there was no response as the guys left the chamber.

"Well I do have her form. I can give her a fund request form during lunch when I see her on Monday."

Amatsu paused, turning over to the next folder in her binder.

"Literature club. Is Mr. Nukushime here?"

A guy with short, wavy, silver locks chuckled, raising his hand. That was Zensou of the billiards club.

"He's not but he's in my homeroom."

Amatsu nodded at the guy lingering in a corner by a young man with his ebony hair pulled back in a top knot. That guy was Suda of the origami club. His older sister was the new art teacher.

"I do have his registration form so his absence isn't that big of a deal. Do you want to give him a fund request form or just tell him to come pick one up from us?"

"It's all the same to me."

Amatsu shrugged, turning the folder over. The secretary chuckled, shaking her head.

"Looks like your billiards club is next."

Zensou slithered over to the secretary with a grin. He produced a folded sheet from his jacket's pocket.

"How convenient. I suppose that I will take two fund request forms then."

Amatsu smirked, unfolding his sheet to look it over. She nodded, stuffing it into his club's folder.

"Four new first years."

A forked, black tongue darted out as Zensou took two fund request forms from Amatsu.

"That would be correct, Ms. Amatsu."

"Thank you, Mr. Zensou."

Zensou nodded, taking off as Amatsu turned to the next folder in her binder. The blond glanced in Kanri's direction as she patted the folder.

"I have the registration form for the Ping Pong club. Come here for a fund request form."

Suzuki chuckled softly as he made his way over.

"I still need to talk with Mr. Kikuchi about finding opponents for us to play against."

"If you can get a competitive schedule put together, maybe we can work it into the budget."

Hirata scoffed at Ishikure's remark.

"The rugby team has a schedule."

Sabaku snickered with a shake of his head as Suzuki retreated with his fund request form.

"The rugby team only plays against the nearby high schools. Not a single trip needs a hotel stay."

"We still had costs that Mr. Fukushima was never reimbursed for."

"Rugby isn't a competitive sport."

"The hell it isn't!"

Ishikure frowned at Hirata's sharp rebuttal.

"We don't even have a rugby field."

"Or a pool for that matter."

Amatsu giggled at Machida's offhand remark, turning to the next folder in her binder.

"We have a pool."

"We have a kiddie pool. It's not big enough for our swim club to ever become a competitive club."

"Since when did you care about the mermaids' club becoming competitive?"

Machida shrugged at Ginei's rhetorical question.

"I just recall that being something they desired."

This conversation made Kurumu aware that Gouhara whom was in charge of the swimming club was not present for this meeting. She wondered if that blond mermaid was helping her childhood friend, Niiya, with her babies. Kurumu had not been paying attention back in April but it sounded like Niiya had not attended school all year. Gouhara had only been at lunch twice last week.

"We are getting sidetracked. I have your form for the drama club, Mr. Shikusa. Nine new members."

The short guy nodded vehemently as he made his way to the Amatsu's side. The blond tugged a sheet out of the other folder to present to him.

"I trust that you heard Mr. Ishikure's stance on that play you want to host."

"I did, Ms. Amatsu. We would like to have a meeting to discuss what sort of price would be acceptable."

"Of course, Mr. Shikusa. You can even talk with me during lunch if you like."

Shikusa managed a nervous smile at Mikomi's offer, clutching the form against his chest.

"Thank you, Miss President."

Shikusa scurried off as Amatsu turned to the next folder in the binder.

"Diving club. I see that you have four new members."

Shimanuma grunted, waddling over in their direction. Kurumu shivered, grabbing Yukari as she moved out of the portly kappa's path.

"Yes. Not planning to ask for funds but you probably want me to take a form."

Amatsu giggled, freeing a form from the thin folder.

"That's correct. At least discuss matters with your other club members first."

Shimanuma snorted, moving behind Mikomi to acquire the sheet Amatsu presented him.

"Not likely to get approved even if I asked for funds."

"That depends on what you need funds for."

Shimanuma shrugged at Ishikure's remark, resuming his waddle towards the door. The students all parted as Amatsu resumed her task.

"I have the form for your chess club, Mr. Machida."

Machida nodded as Amatsu tugged a fund request form out.

"That you do. One new first year and Mr. Unsei."

Amatsu laughed softly, letting Mikomi take the sheet and pass it around to the kappa. The secretary turned his club's folder over to the next one. The blond took in a deep breath, opening it up.

"Music club. I have their form but I don't see Mr. Kaiketsu here."

Zoushiki giggled, lingering beside Kitamura.

"Do you need someone to take a fund request form to him?"

"No. We can have this mentioned in the announcements on Monday morning."

There was a pause as Amatsu turned the folder over to a thicker one.

"Soccer team is next. I have your registration with eight new players. Come get your fund request form."

Kurumu was mildly surprised as the okami bounded over with a snaggletooth grin. If that binder was arranged in the order of club origination, all of those other clubs were older than the competitive sport programs. She knew that the sport programs had started up around the time of her mother's graduation but had not expected the music club and diving club to be older than the soccer team or the choir.

"Just a warning, Mr. Kusahase. The funds allocated are always less than what is requested. Concession stand sales are supposed to cover the difference."

"Seriously?!"

Ishikure smiled at Kusahase's surprise.

"I had the same reaction when Mr. Yokoyama explained it to me. That's just how it is."

Kusahase shook his head, holding the sheet against his chest as he wandered back to Shuryou's side.

"If you say so."

"Baseball. You're reporting seven new members."

Himura chuckled, sauntering over to the secretary. He passed by a girl whom had pulled all of her indigo hair which included her bangs into a thick braid. That girl with the salmon pink eyes was Sairyuu Meguru, an undine from Umishiro. She was the leader of the dance club.

"That would be correct. I'll probably give that fund request form right back since it won't be any different than the one I submitted last year."

Amatsu smiled, presenting him a sheet which he promptly snatched up.

"I'm aware that might be the case for all of our sports programs. Just have your coach confirm that there will be no changes before returning this."

Himura sounded an affirmative as he walked off, prompting Amatsu to turn to the next folder.

"Basketball. You also have seven new recruits."

Shuryou nodded, stalking over to the secretary. His mint green eyes were fixated upon Ginei as he waited for Amatsu to free a fund request form from the other folder. He took the sheet without moving his gaze.

"You watch yourself, Morioka. I'll be there when you fuck this up."

Ginei smirked as Shuryou backed off.

"Hopefully not. Mika doesn't like an audience or she would have let me spend the night with her."

Hajihachi swatted his chest, rolling her eyes.

"I still can't believe you even suggested that while Chiku was around."

"She would have spent the night with Korogaru."

Kurumu smirked at the mention of their respective roommates. Roniushi Chiku from the gymnastics club and Korogaru Kajiru from the baseball team were okami from Morihochou. They were cousins but that did not seem to matter to Roniushi.

"I'm not joking, Morioka."

"Come on, Kenshin. We should go."

Shuryou nodded, walking off with Kusahase. The room was starting to feel emptier.

"Track team is next. Missing your form."

"Have it here!"

Samurakami brandished a creased form as she skipped around the backs of the chairs occupied by Koe and Yasumono. She grinned broadly as she presented the sheet to Amatsu.

"We got eleven new girls. Hopefully more than one of us will make it to nationals this year."

Kurumu smiled as Amatsu took Samurakami's form. The girl whom had made it to track nationals last year had been Ohira Natsue, an albino okami. It was her second time to nationals, having gone the year before with Kettou Akina. Both girls had graduated.

"That would be nice. Here you go."

Samurakami beamed brightly, taking the fund request form.

"Thank you. I'll wait for you outside."

Anagume giggled at the comment directed at her as the tanuki bounded out of the room. Amatsu turned to the next folder, looking over in Anagume's direction.

"Softball. I have your form with eight new first years and Akashiya Moka."

Tochimaru laughed softly as she strolled over to the secretary.

"That's right. She officially joined us."

"I've seen how athletic Ms. Akashiya was in gym. Your team will be good this year."

Tochimaru smirked, taking the fund request form that was offered by the blond.

"It's a team sport, Ms. Amatsu. If word gets around, they'll just intentionally walk her."

Amatsu grinned, turning the softball folder over.

"Hopefully that won't happen. Volleyball is next."

Nazenara hopped out of her seat as Tochimaru sauntered off. The buxom girl wagged her finger at the secretary as she headed over.

"Did I list eight new first years on that form?"

Amatsu nodded, fishing a fund request form out of the other folder.

"Yes. Is that the right amount?"

Nazenara laughed, stopping beside the blond to take her form.

"Yea. I couldn't remember if I included that Maruyama girl that joined this Monday."

"You have her listed here."

"Okay. Will we have an update on this class trip next Saturday?"

Mikomi smiled pleasantly.

"No later than that. We will hear Ms. Mizudake's report on Monday and might be able to put that in the announcements next week."

"Cool. I'm looking forward to that."

Amatsu giggled as she turned to the next folder.

"We all are. The cheerleader squad is next."

"You should have my form!"

Amatsu smirked as Anagume bounded over. The blond patted the open folder.

"Yes. I see that you have five new members."

"That's right. You sound like you are going to be really busy on Monday if every club wants to discuss the budget and you need that report from Ms. Mizudake."

Amatsu chuckled, presenting Anagume a fund request form.

"We know. The class trip report will come first and everything else will be first come, first serve."

Anagume giggled, backing away from the secretary.

"Right. In that case, I'll see you Tuesday."

Mikomi laughed pleasantly as the small girl retreated from the chamber. The president smiled as Amatsu flipped to the next folder in the binder.

"Tell me that we are halfway done."

"We might be. Dance club. Missing your form."

"Which I have right here."

Amatsu grinned as Sairyuu pranced over.

"I don't recall seeing you here when we were discussing the class trip."

Sairyuu shrugged, handing over her club registration form.

"Sounds like I didn't miss much."

"I suppose you didn't. You have four new first years and two new second years."

Sairyuu giggled at Amatsu's observation.

"To be honest, I don't know how serious those second year guys are."

Amatsu cocked her head as she tucked the form into the folder.

"Are you okay with guys being in your club?"

"I'm not going to run this club like Ms. Akiramochi. The girls need dance partners. Wanda would never forgive me if I refused their applications simply because their motives might not be pure."

Amatsu snickered, tugging a fund request form out.

"It's your club. Keep an eye on them."

"I'm having Mr. Fuwatori mentor them. He's always been good with Ms. Tonda."

Kurumu smiled, recalling that guy had grown up with Tonda. One of the new girls was Tonda's cousin while two more were friends of that cousin. They were all from Ikegahara, a tengu village in the Gifu prefecture. Kurumu was mildly curious whom these new second years were, knowing that the former president, Akiramochi, had been so strict that the club had recruited nobody last year.

"Manga club. I need your form."

Tokage walked with purpose towards the secretary. He pulled a folded sheet out of the pocket of his tan slacks, handing it over. Amatsu unfolded the sheet, glancing over the contents.

"You have four new first years."

"Yes. We still want to release a comic before the summer. How do you want us to absorb the costs?"

"How does Ms. Sano feel about this?"

Kurumu smiled at Ishikure's mention of the harpy teacher whom was the advisor for the manga club.

"She agreed with your suggestion of selling the comic to cover the costs. But we can't sell a product before we make it."

"Of course you can. It's called preordering."

Tokage frowned at Ishikure's statement.

"But then they would be buying something they might not like."

"You purchase a movie ticket before seeing a movie."

Tokage chuckled, taking a form from Amatsu.

"I see your point, Mr. Ishikure."

"Ms. Sano owns your little manga studio. That is not owned by the school nor is any of that equipment school property. Maybe she would be willing to cover the costs and be reimbursed with your profits."

"But this is a club sanctioned by the school."

"Doesn't mean shit. Look how they treat the rugby club."

Ishikure smiled thinly at Hirata.

"We have limited resources. We either need to raise our prices at the cultural festival or we need to have more fundraisers for the school."

"Like my comic."

Ishikure laughed at Tokage's persistence.

"Yes. But you could fund that through preordering."

"What do you want me to do? Go door to door in Mononoke?"

"We really need to save this discussion for another time. We still have many clubs waiting."

Amatsu nodded at Mikomi's urging, patting the open folder.

"I agree. The choir is next."

Tadayo giggled as a disappointed Tokage retreated. The sprite sashayed over to the secretary.

"I know that you have my application."

"Mhm. Eight new members."

Amatsu tugged a sheet out of the other folder. She handed it over to her friend.

"Don't be in a hurry to give this back to me."

"I'll make sure that Mrs. Tomarigi sees it but we both know that our costs will be the same."

Amatsu smiled as her friend walked off with the form. She turned the thick folder over to the next one.

"Looks like the gymnastics club is next. I need your form."

Yamakusa perked up at the request, standing beside Nazenara and Tochimaru whom were still here. The tanuki pulled a folded sheet out of her jacket's pocket as she approached the secretary.

"I got four new girls in our club."

Amatsu took the sheet and unfolded it. She glanced it over, nodding before tucking it away in the folder. She tugged a form out of the other folder.

"Is your club still using the study rooms in East dorm?"

"We have to. The studio in Mononoke was Ms. Rin's residence. I doubt we have permission to use it."

Amatsu laughed softly, handing a fund request form to Yamakusa whom promptly took it.

"I'm sure that you could find alternatives."

"But it works."

Amatsu nodded, clearly lacking the heart to pursue the conversation. Ms. Rin had been the gymnastics club advisor but had been killed back in September. The secretary turned to the next folder in the binder as Yamakusa stalked off. The secretary forced a smile as she looked in Kurumu's direction.

"I have the form for the PSC. Four new members."

"Yes. You already gave me a fund request form this morning."

Amatsu laughed at Sabaku's response, glancing down at the binder. She nodded, turning it over.

"That I did. Rugby team is next."

As Hirata grumbled and started towards the secretary, Kurumu realized that all of the remaining clubs would have been established after the last school expansion in 94.

"I've got seven first years joining my club."

Kurumu glanced at Tokori as he handed over a folded up sheet to the secretary.

"Did your two friends join the rugby team?"

"Wouldn't exactly call them my friends but I know that Zuiichi didn't."

"Kinoshita and Takagi joined my club."

Kurumu laughed in disbelief at Suda's declaration. The thought of Takagi joining the origami club was ridiculous. That kid had wanted to kill Tsukune before the assassination attempt.

"Are you serious?"

"His mother wanted him out of trouble so the rugby team was off limits."

Hirata snorted, taking the fund request form that Amatsu offered him.

"Those two were dead weight anyways. We better get some funding this year."

"You'll have to take that up with Mr. Ishikure."

Hirata scowled at Amatsu before stalking off. The secretary sighed, turning to the next folder. Forcing a smile, she looked in Kiba's direction.

"Cycling club. I'm missing your form."

Horiguchi chuckled, hurrying over with a creased sheet in hand.

"I know. We got two new first years."

Amatsu nodded, taking the application from the guy. She glanced it over before tucking it into the cycling club's folder. She tugged a fund request form out of the other folder.

"Try not to wait for the last moment to turn this back in."

Horiguchi favored the blond a snaggletooth grin as he took the presented form.

"I won't. Would having my club advisor around help when we discuss getting funds?"

Amatsu shrugged as she flipped to the next folder in her massive binder.

"It can't hurt. Karate club."

Amatsu paused, looking in Miyamoto's direction as Horiguchi drifted away from her.

"I'm missing your form."

Miyamoto nodded solemnly, reaching into his gi to pull out a creased sheet. The tengu walked stoically around the table, handing his club's application over without a word. Amatsu took the sheet and smirked shortly after opening it.

"Are you seriously letting Mr. Kyuushutsu join your club?"

Kurumu grimaced at the mention of the incubus. That troublesome guy had recently helped a psychotic first year girl from the Tottori prefecture try to kill her.

"I am. Ms. Kurono requested that I keep an eye on him."

"I didn't mean for you to force him into your club."

Miyamoto regarded Kurumu with sky blue eyes that betrayed no emotion.

"No force was required. He needed a club and none were interested in taking him."

Amatsu snorted, stuffing his form into the karate club's folder.

"Probably because he was applying for clubs with girls."

Kurumu nodded, supposing that made sense as Amatsu handed a fund request form to Miyamoto.

"I find it hard to believe that he would join club that only had guys."

"We made him an offer he couldn't refuse."

Hosokoun's statement startled Kurumu. The kendo captain had been present with Ginei and Miyamoto when she had made that request concerning Kyuushutsu.

"What did you guys do?"

Hosokoun's face was an impenetrable mask as Ginei snickered.

"It's taken care of, Kurumu. Don't worry."

Kurumu bit her lip as Miyamoto strolled back to his original position.

"The judo club is next. I'm also missing your form."

As Sakakihara hastily rattled off his apologies while approaching the blond with his creased sheet, Kurumu realized that they still had more than twenty clubs to go. This was going to take forever.

---

"That hit the spot!"

Atsumoto Hotori placed her emptied bowl firmly upon the white, lacquered table in the center of this brown, plastic booth. The salamander was Kurumu's homeroom teacher, specializing in math. Her wavy, rust colored tresses were unbound, spilling across her shoulders which were bared by that pea green tank top. The woman was still wearing black pajama pants with drawstrings about her waist.

Kurumu sat across from her teacher in this booth flanking a white framed window inside the tiny dining area of the Dip and Sip ramen shop. There were three other booths, positioned with their tables directly in line with the other windows. The only other available seating were the stools flanking the lacquered counter. None were currently in use as most customers walked out with their orders.

The dark haired Mr. Godo stood by the register, speaking with three unfamiliar guys whom were too old to be students. Black fans spun lazily, hanging from the exposed rafters. The white walls were covered in a layer of grime that had developed over years of neglect.

"Thanks again for the meal."

The gratitude came from Toujou Rubi, sitting beside Kurumu. The witch had her dark tresses gathered up at the sides of her head with white ribbons securing the tails. She was wearing a sleeveless plum blouse with a ruffled hem running down the center which hid the black buttons. A skinny pair of black denim jeans hugged her long legs. Simple black flats adorned her feet.

"Think nothing of it."

Ms. Atsumoto stacked her bowl on top of the others which rested near the end of their table. A small pile of disposable chopsticks and used napkins flanked the emptied bowls.

"I would have treated the others if they had wanted."

Aono Kasumi smiled politely, sharing that side of the table with the teacher. Tsukune's mother had on the faded blue shirt dress and white stockings that she had been wearing when she had been brought to Mononoke for protection. Having been pronounced dead, Mrs. Aono and Tsukune had been given new identities by Fairy Tale for when they would eventually return to the human world.

"Well the others have access to the dining hall."

"Did we give Ms. Sendou enough time to have that spell ready?"

Rubi nodded emphatically at Ms. Atsumoto's query.

"Definitely. She's not jumping around the barrier so there isn't as much preparation needed."

"Then we should get going."

Rubi got up first under Ms. Atsumoto's prompting. Once the witch stepped free of the booth, Kurumu scooted along the bench to the end while Mrs. Aono followed Rubi to the glass door behind their booth. Kurumu grabbed the small pile of trash before standing up. She smiled at Ms. Atsumoto, strolling around the teacher to put the trash inside the bins flanking the back side of their booth.

Rubi had pushed open the door, allowing Mrs. Aono to exit. Kurumu murmured her thanks, leaving the establishment next. The three story building across this narrow street was the apartment building in which Ms. Atsumoto resided. The upper level suites had small balconies flanking sliding glass doors.

Kurumu breathed in deep, glancing about as Rubi and Ms. Atsumoto joined them. The Dip and Sip was a squat structure with burgundy siding. It was about the same size as the neighboring structure with white paneling which was Meals to Go. The other neighboring structure was the Fresh Press dry cleaner which stood on the corner of the nearby intersection. Almost the entire wall of that facility which was facing the apartment building was glass.

Ms. Atsumoto walked purposefully in a direct line to the main entrance of her apartment building near the intersection. Kurumu quickly fell in step with Mrs. Aono, arriving at the glass door as the teacher tugged it open with its steel handle. Kurumu slowed only a little to allow Mrs. Aono to enter first.

The apartment building's foyer had two benches pushed up against the opposing walls for guests. The wall across from the main entrance had a window beside the door which gave access to the interior. Behind this window sat a silver haired man with tusks jutting out of the corners of his mouth. His dull eyes focused upon Mrs. Aono as she approached.

"It looks like this will be goodbye, Mr. Teppeki."

The manager of the building leaned back in his chair which was hidden by his girth. His gray suit strained against his broad chest.

"I am sorry, Mrs. Aono. I would let you stay if I thought that was safe."

"Though security was the main selling point of your suites."

Mr. Teppeki regarded Ms. Atsumoto with a neutral expression.

"I've never had any tenant receive over a dozen anonymous death threats in less than a week."

Kurumu scowled, knowing this was because Elder Kunai had declared where Mrs. Aono was living in the town meeting held last Sunday.

"Bunch of cowards. They didn't dare go after Tsukune for months and the one time someone did, they shot him from the woods."

"Which hopefully won't happen again. At least I have somewhere to go."

Kurumu grimaced at Mrs. Aono's remarks.

"You had nothing to do with this."

"I know. But I understand why I'm not wanted here."

"And she will be safer with her son."

Kurumu sighed, having had this discussion last Thursday. It had not been a surprise for Mrs. Aono to still be on campus since the mother had been given a job in the cafeteria and left with Ms. Atsumoto at the end of the day. But everything else had been. Kurumu had never expected Elder Kunai to be so petty or for so many people to threaten Mrs. Aono. It had been the mother's idea to live with Tsukune which he had immediately agreed to.

"Couldn't you have done something?"

Mr. Teppeki regarded her impassively.

"Mrs. Aono has no rental agreement with us. She is only a guest."

"You act like I don't pay my bills."

Mr. Teppeki huffed at Ms. Atsumoto.

"I have three tenants whom work for the Kunai family. One is a bank teller while the other two have jobs at the power plant. What if they lose their jobs over this?"

"Elder Kunai wouldn't do that."

"Tell that to Mrs. Hara."

Ms. Atsumoto chuckled at his quick response to her.

"Fair enough. I'm just going to miss having company."

"Yes. It has been pleasant living with you."

"Are you going to let us in, Mr. Teppeki, or is there something else you want to say?"

"I only wish that I could have been or more help. Good day."

A loud buzz sounded the release of the door. Rubi hopped over immediately, tugging the portal open. Murmuring reluctant pleasantries, Kurumu followed the older women into the tiny alcove between two secure doors. Once Kurumu was inside, Rubi stepped in to join them, allowing the heavy door to close under its own weight.

"This was evil. Elder Kunai was basically giving the townspeople permission to murder Mrs. Aono."

"He just wants me out of his town."

Kurumu scowled as a buzz signaled the release of the other door.

"He could have discreetly talked with Mr. Teppeki. He doesn't care about your safety."

Ms. Atsumoto sighed, having opened the other door.

"No point in discussing that now. Come along."

Kurumu grumbled, following Mrs. Aono into the open space. To her left were two doors, one of which was for Mr. Teppeki's office. Ahead of her was a corridor running down one wing of this building while another corridor on her right ran between the suites of the other wing which faced the street they had been in moments ago. She walked in Mrs. Aono's wake as the mother made her way down this corridor.

As Kurumu passed by the doors for the stairs and the elevator, she wondered why peace never seemed to last at Yokai Academy. Last week had been so uneventful that she had not needed to add anything to her letter written for Kabuki which she had mailed Thursday morning. Then this happened.

She sighed, stopping in front of the door to suite 109. Mrs. Aono knocked firmly as the others gathered behind her. This was the end of the corridor. Across the hall was the door for suite 110 while this other door opened into a small alcove with an exterior door which was alarmed.

The door opened, revealing Yukari. The witch sighed theatrically, motioning for them to enter as she retreated from the door.

"Come inside. Don't mind the couple making out in the kitchen."

"They better not be making out."

Kurumu snickered at the teacher's remark as she followed Mrs. Aono inside. She paused in the small entryway which had a closet on her right. She leaned over as she stepped out of her platform sneakers, picking them up as Mrs. Aono did the same with her flats. The mother stepped up onto the tatami flooring with Kurumu only a second behind her.

There was an indent to the right which had the doors to the two bedrooms. Both doors were presently closed. A black shelf stacked with movies, music and books stood against the wall of this indent.

Around this indent was a shiny black stand holding up the television. A DVD player and VHS player were stored in the cabinet of the stand. A stereo rested on the floor beside the stand.

"We have all of your belongings ready."

Mrs. Aono nodded at Nijiro whom stood by a dark green table flanked by three chairs painted the same color. This square table was held up by a fluted, central pillar. A box containing memorabilia from the Aono household rested upon the smooth surface.

Boyogaro was sitting in one of these chairs which had rounded seats and backs with a dark wicker weave between the sturdy framing. A textured gray suitcase rested on the floor by his feet. Another black duffle bag was on the floor near Nijiro's feet.

"Good. Get your hands out of her skirt, Mr. Morioka."

Ginei laughed at Mrs. Aono's reproach. He stood by the counter with his arms about Hajihachi whom was shifting to be in front of him. The flustered girl moved his hands to her belly.

"My fingers were barely in the hem."

"They didn't need to be at all."

Ms. Atsumoto huffed, locking the door behind her.

"Don't know why you two even came."

"I honestly expected that she would have more stuff."

Mrs. Aono smiled politely at the werewolf's remark.

"We could only fit so much in Ms. Kiyoshi's sedan."

Kurumu smiled softly at the mention of the succubus in charge of the Tohoku region. That woman had been very kind to Kurumu, helping her through the loss of her mother. Ms. Kiyoshi had taken Tsukune and Mrs. Aono to their home around graduation so that they could retrieve a few things, attend Kyoko's graduation and receive their new identities.

"Could the two of you not flaunt your relationship?"

Ginei snickered at Ms. Atsumoto's protest, allowing Hajihachi to move away from him.

"I should have brought my letter. You would see that my mother did condone us making babies."

"I doubt that she meant for you to do that right away."

Ginei favored Mrs. Aono a fanged grin.

"You don't know my mother. My father is the one demanding that I marry Mika first."

"Which my mother would also prefer. She still needs to clear things with the elders if we want to get married in Morihochou."

"Once you get citizenship, we can marry in the human world without permission from your elders."

Hajihachi sighed at his dismissive remark.

"I suppose that is true."

"You will have to charge the spell, Rubi."

Attention shifted to Yukari whom had moved to one of the closed doors to Kurumu's right.

"If I did it, I might be too exhausted to participate in our afternoon club activity."

Kurumu smiled, knowing that the newspaper club would be doing the final edits of their articles today. To make things convenient, Ginei had reserved a study room in the East dorm.

"Are we taking off now?"

"May as well. Which of those is the heaviest?"

Nijiro shrugged as Ginei sauntered over.

"I think the box is."

"It's also has fragile things. Handle it with care."

Ginei grinned at Mrs. Aono's warning as he prepared to grab the box off the table.

"I'll treat it as gently as I do my girlfriend."

"Which isn't reassuring at all."

Ginei laughed at Hajihachi's remark, hefting the box up.

"But you like it rough."

"Shut up!"

Kurumu giggled as Nijiro picked up the duffle bag. Boyogaro scooted out of his chair before grabbing hold of the suitcase handle. He hauled the suitcase up into his arms, holding it against his chest.

"Is my purse in that box?"

"Yes, Mrs. Aono."

"I will come home immediately once I have recovered from this spell."

Yukari nodded as Rubi placed her hands on the door of the room that lacked a bed.

"Yes. If the other girls are interested, we may even have a sleepover at our place tonight."

Kurumu smiled, feeling a little envious. The other girls of the newspaper club were Nazohashi Tora, Zukkutani Kana and Kinuhana Cho. Kana was in Kurumu's homeroom so she saw the dryad regularly. She was an illustrator whom provided a simple comic for every newspaper. Ginei had to screen Kana's ideas as the girl had a tendency of using too much innuendo. Kana hailed from the Fukui prefecture.

Kinuhana was a first year whom had gone to junior high with Kana. Kurumu lacked any strong opinion about the girl, having seen her only a few times. But Tora was a dear friend. Like Moka, the sphinx was a member of a different club. Tora had been asked to join the PSC shortly after Lord Kuyo's dismissal. Tora had been in Tsukune's homeroom but was now in a lunch group separate from all of them.

Kurumu shivered as she felt power drawn from the surrounding environment. Rubi staggered slightly, withdrawing her hands from the door.

"It should be ready."

Yukari pushed open the door, revealing a corridor on the other side. Holding the knob, the witch stepped out into the space and beckoned to them.

"Hurry. We don't want to draw any attention."

Mrs. Aono responded first, walking through the portal with her shoes in hand. Boyogaro shuffled quickly towards the opening with the suitcase in his arms, intending to be next.

"Get our shoes."

Hajihachi nodded at Ginei's instruction as the werewolf followed after Nijiro. Thinking she should do the same, Kurumu drifted back to the entry. She could tell which pair of loafers belonged to Nijiro, picking those up with her own sneakers and Yukari's loafers.

"Are these Boyogaro's?"

Hajihachi shrugged, picking up the other set of loafers.

"I believe so."

"Where are we?"

"The corridor outside the study rooms in East dormitory. Hurry up you two."

Kurumu sounded her understanding, following Hajihachi to the door. Once they had stepped through, Yukari closed the door. The power fueling the spell rapidly dissipated.

"That was magic?"

"Yes, Mrs. Aono. Follow the others."

Mrs. Aono nodded dumbly at Yukari's commands. The three guys were already down the corridor.

"We need our shoes."

Hajihachi hurried down the hall with the footwear. Kurumu grinned, walking slowly beside Mrs. Aono. Yukari nudged her side, nodding at Kurumu's burden.

"I'll take those."

Kurumu chuckled, letting Yukari take her loafers. Mrs. Aono shook her head in awe as they passed by the door to the Housemother's office on their right.

"So we're on campus now?"

"Yes. East dormitory is where the second year girls live. Ms. Takahashi is the housemother."

After passing by the alcove with the mailboxes on their right, they were at the main entrance. The guys had already stepped down in this space. Hajihachi was down on her knees, helping Boyogaro into his shoes since his hands were busy with that suitcase. Ginei's shoes were already on. Nijiro had set aside the duffle bag, gesturing at Kurumu.

"I'll need mine."

"Do you want me to get down and put them on for you?"

"I can manage without that."

Kurumu surrendered his loafers before dropping her shoes on the floor. She bent over to put them on, feeling his eyes appreciating her ass. Unfortunately she could also feel Ginei's approval. A succubus was like a sponge for male attention, soaking up everything even when it was unwanted. Straightening up, she gestured at Boyogaro.

"Are you going to be able to pull out your card to open the other dorm?"

Boyogaro chuckled, still clutching the suitcase against him.

"Not without help. My card is in my pocket."

"You can grab that for him, Mika."

Hajihachi sighed heavily, stalking over to him. The okami was about the same height as the tanuki.

"Just hand me the suitcase."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm not fishing around in your pants for your card."

Boyogaro chuckled, letting go of his burden once Hajihachi had a firm hold on it. He reached into the right pocket of his jacket, tugging his card out.

"I didn't say it was in my pants."

"Whatever. Can we go?"

Boyogaro snickered, stalking close enough to the entrance to trigger the sensor that opened the glass doors. He walked out first with Hajihachi and Ginei not far behind him.

"After you."

Kurumu smirked at Nijiro's prompting, sashaying out. Despite his sour disposition over this being a favor to Tsukune, Nijiro did enjoy the way she looked in these shorts despite them not being as tight or form defining as her jeans. He also really liked how her ass looked in her red spandex gym shorts.

This clearing had two ell shaped buildings which provided housing for the second year students. Both buildings were four stories high with twenty four rooms on each of the upper floors. As most rooms had two students in them, barely any students lived on the first floor. There were no students living on the first floor of East dorm this year which was unusual. In other years, many guys would stubbornly refuse to pair up which would result in some living on the first floor of East dorm.

According to Yukari's grandfather, this originally had been planned to be a four building complex with an open courtyard in the middle. That was why these two buildings were arranged with the ends of their wings only a dozen or so meters apart. East dorm was supposed to have been South dorm as it would have been the southernmost structure in the clearing. The proposed East dorm had never been built.

There were two trails leading out of this clearing. The nicer trail was between the two wings. That level path wrapped around behind West dorm, cutting up to the main trail between the dining hall and the main school gate. This was known as the jogging path which would cut south of the first year boys' dorm before turning north. The path ran by the chapel and student council building before finally ending near the school's main parking lot.

The other trail had been made by students refusing to take a long walk to the dining hall. That rugged, uneven path cut through the woods, intersecting with the well maintained path that went to the bus stop. This unofficial trail continued through the woods on the other side of the bus path, eventually ending in the clearing about the Kurai dining hall.

As they approached the inside juncture of the two wings of West dorm, Kurumu gestured to her left.

"I've never asked but who is the Housemother for West dorm?"

Nijiro shrugged, holding the strap of the duffle bag.

"I think her name was Sugano."

"Sugano? Did she teach art?"

"I wouldn't know."

Kurumu mulled this over as they neared the main entrance. Boyogaro held his card up, triggering the glass doors to part for him.

"Sugano was the name of the art teacher whom retired right before the last school expansion. That was why Mrs. Senda started out as an art teacher before getting a position as a science teacher."

"These dorms were built around that time."

Kurumu nodded at Yukari's remark as they entered West dorm. Ginei and Hajihachi had already shuffled out of their shoes, waiting on the elevated portion of the gathering space.

"Exactly. Mrs. Sumitomo became the housemother of Baratoge after she retired."

"But Ms. Takahashi was never a teacher. She was just a student."

Kurumu made a dismissive gesture as she stepped out of her sneakers.

"That's different. I'm just thinking that this must be the same Sugano."

"If you guys don't need me, I'm going to head to lunch."

Mrs. Aono smiled at Boyogaro's announcement.

"We should be fine. Thank you for your help."

"No problem. If you need help with anything, don't be afraid to ask."

Mrs. Aono bowed slightly to the young man whom backed out through the open doorway.

"I look forward to being your neighbor."

Boyogaro nodded, turning on his heel. After a few steps, the doors closed on their own.

"Room 111, right?"

Ginei chuckled, nodding at Hajihachi.

"Lead the way, gorgeous."

Kurumu snickered, stepping up onto the corridor and following the couple off to the right. It was only a short walk before they arrived in a lobby which had two elevators. The wall ahead of them had the usual opening but it was for a laundry room. Every other floor that opening was for the communal bathroom.

"Ginei."

Ginei glanced over his shoulder as he started down a corridor for the other wing. Kurumu smiled as she sauntered after him.

"You lived on the first floor. Where was your bathroom?"

Ginei chuckled as they passed by two doors on their left which were for rooms 110 and 112. The first door on the right was for 111 which was right next to the door for 109.

"The laundry room has a toilet, but if you want a shower or a bath, you have to make a trip upstairs."

"Seriously?!"

"Yup. And since I was living in East dorm, upstairs was off limits. I had to swing by West dorm or use the school showers if I needed them."

"Not that that was ever an issue for you."

Ginei shrugged nonchalantly at Hajihachi.

"I didn't say that it was."

Kurumu smiled thinly as Yukari stepped by her. The witch knocked firmly on the door.

"Maybe that isn't an issue for you guys but I'm worried about Mrs. Aono."

"Maybe she could make friends with Mrs. Sugano."

Mrs. Aono laughed at Nijiro's suggestion.

"Maybe. I could also stop by any of your suites for such needs."

"You are more than welcome to use our bath."

Yukari knocked firmly again.

"Tsukune. I'm here with your mother."

Kurumu smirked at the muffled response. She had no idea what was going on but it was probably not innocent with it taking almost a whole minute before the door eased back. Tsukune smiled sheepishly, wearing a black tee shirt and gray sweat pants.

"Sorry. I was thinking you would be here around one."

"You're not even dressed."

Tsukune chuckled at Yukari's statement as the witch entered his room.

"It's not even twelve thirty."

Ginei snickered, stepping in next. He took in an exaggerated breath.

"I smell sex."

Tsukune grimaced as the werewolf slipped out of sight, allowing Hajihachi to enter.

"Could you not say that with my mother here?"

"I agree that was uncalled for but you need some air freshener. I'd never have my mother over with my room smelling like this."

Tsukune smiled thinly at Hajihachi's remark as Nijiro crossed his threshold.

"Well my mother is human so her sense of smell might not be as strong."

"Were the two of you having sex all night?"

Kurumu's eyes widened at Yukari's query. She drifted into the room on Nijiro's heels.

"Night? You said Moka left before you had breakfast."

Kurumu quickly spied the vampire in question. The blushing Moka had her arms about Yukari. The silver haired beauty was wearing a black chemise with a gray sleep pant. Judging by how thick the aroma of sex was in here, neither of these two had been wearing their pants the whole time.

"Which technically is true. You never asked if Moka spent the night with me."

Moka bit her lip, glancing aside.

"Well with his mother moving in, last night was the only chance for us to sleep together in his room."

Mrs. Aono clucked her tongue as the door shut behind them. The mother strolled by Kurumu, shaking her head as she made her way to the center of the empty room. Tsukune's TV and gaming system that they had recovered from his home were placed on the floor against the far wall.

"I did not sign that form with the hope that you two would start making grandchildren right away."

Tsukune chuckled with flush cheeks.

"I know, Mom. We were using protection."

"Though it feels better without."

Mrs. Aono shot Moka a look, causing the vampire to pout.

"You're not even dressed. Now I have to send these boys whom have agreed to help me move away."

"I don't mind if she changes with me here."

Hajihachi snorted at Ginei.

"Shush. Where do you want your things?"

Tsukune chuckled, slipping behind the couple. He slid the closet door open.

"I'm assuming that she would want her clothes in here."

Mrs. Aono nodded, gesturing at the closet.

"The duffle bag and suitcase can go in there. You can put that box over there in that corner."

"We really weren't expecting you here so soon."

Mrs. Aono sighed, turning on Moka as the older students moved to put away her things.

"I'm well aware that your father has not yet endorsed this relationship."

"He will have to. I can't best Tsukune in a fight."

The mother sighed again.

"Vampire traditions aside, you two need to slow down. You both have long lives ahead of you."

"Assuming nobody takes another shot at me."

Mrs. Aono favored Tsukune a quieting look.

"Nobody should be living like they will die tomorrow. That is a recipe for disaster."

"Did the two of you have lunch yet or were you too busy making out?"

Moka pouted at Yukari's playful question.

"I wanted to have lunch but he had other things in mind."

"I guess that I did get carried away."

Ginei chuckled, sauntering back over to Hajihachi's side.

"I know what you mean. Happens quite often when I'm around Mika."

Hajihachi huffed, retreating to the entry alcove.

"Don't act like you're not the one starting everything."

"As if you would ever let me stop halfway."

Hajihachi whimpered, casting a look at Mrs. Aono.

"I feel bad leaving you here like this. With our activity starting at two, you'll be alone in here for hours."

Mrs. Aono shrugged, stalking over to the box in the corner.

"I'll take my time putting away my things. Tidy this room up a little."

The mother grabbed a wastebasket resting against the wall nearby.

"Throw out the trash."

"Wait!"

The reason for Tsukune's sudden alarm was quickly apparent when his mother pulled out a plastic tube from the wastebasket. Kurumu snickered at the used condom as the mother regarded her flustered son.

"I better not be finding any of these while I'm living with you."

"You wouldn't if it was up to me."

Mrs. Aono dropped the condom in the basket, wagging a finger at Moka.

"You shouldn't yield so easily to my son's whims."

"I'm his woman. It's not my place to deny him."

Mrs. Aono turned an exasperated look upon her son.

"You don't have the means to support a family. Are you expecting her family to pay for this child like the last girl's family is?"

"Last girl's family?"

Kurumu chuckled nervously, tugging on Nijiro's sleeve. She realized that Ginei and Hajihachi had already slipped out into the hall.

"We should step out so those two can get dressed."

Nijiro nodded dumbly, allowing her to pull him back to the alcove.

"Right. We'll be going now."

In the midst of that chaos, Kurumu doubted their departure was even noticed.

---

Kurumu sighed with disappointment as she arrived in the clearing where her apartment building stood. Despite spending most of the day with Nijiro, he had not held her against him even once. It was like he was content with admiring her body from a distance. He had acted like holding her hand was some great risk he was taking that she should appreciate. She despised this rule against student relationships.

This clearing was the same as the other three reserved for third year housing. Each had a squat, single story building in the center which was the commissary. The glass door entrance faced the trail that she had arrived from. The commissary was where she could get her mail and do her laundry.

An iron stair came down from each of the four apartment buildings surrounding the commissary. This stair which ended shy of each of the commissary's corners was for the landing of a single occupant suite on the upper floor of these two story buildings. This stair on her right went up to 305 which was where Udetama lived. The one on her left was for a building that had no occupants this year.

As Kurumu angled for the gap between Udetama's stair and the commissary's corner, she wondered why these suites and the second year dormitories lacked windows. While she understood this might be safer, it made the housing feel more intimidating. It reminded her of the grim atmosphere of Aranami.

Her attention drifted to the iron stairs anchored to the side of the building up ahead. A dedicated stair went up the landings of the upper corner suites. She had no idea if anyone lived in that upper double suite facing the woods but the other one was suite 316 which belonged to Yukari and Rubi. The double suite 313 below Yukari's home belonged to Moka and Kokoa.

Kurumu glanced up at the landing for 317 which was her new home. It had belonged to Chouda Sumire of the film club for most of last year but had belonged to Yukari for most of the first term. As Yukari had saved her life, Chouda had eagerly traded her double for Yukari's single.

It was late. Late enough for everyone to be at that sleepover in Yukari's suite, assuming the other girls had agreed to it. Kurumu breathed in the crisp night air, tempted to find out. That was more desirable than going to her own room alone.

Her attention shifted to the door of the lower double suite farthest from her in this building. That was suite 315, home to Shirayuki Mizore. She grinned with a thought, altering her course. If Kokoa was right, there was a very good chance that the snow girl would still be home.

To everyone's surprise, Mizore had shown up to their Tokyo Disney outing with her fiancé and mother. This had happened only a few days before the start of their second year. As Mizore had been in the late stages of her pregnancy, her mother had remained on campus to help the snow girl with the baby.

It was not common knowledge but this baby inside Mizore was not the child of Umizake Aoi, her fiancé. This little girl was actually the child of Kurumu and Tsukune. When a succubus found a compatible mate, she would take that man's sperm inside her which would be processed by a special organ that made new sperm. A succubus would then flood a woman's womb with that altered seed, making a baby succubus.

Due to unfortunate circumstances, this baby had been doomed to die. In order to save this child and the soul within Moka's rosary, Yukari had cast a soul swapping spell which moved the tsukumogami into the baby. It was still unknown if Hatsue, this soul, would retain her memories of her time as Moka. But even if Hatsue did not, they had all vowed to love this girl whom had deserved a real chance at life.

Kurumu stopped at the door, rapping her knuckles firmly against the solid wood. This secret was one of the few things that Nijiro did not know about. All of her close friends understood the situation, including some friends like Kana whom were not particularly close. Not wanting to complicate things for Mizore, Kurumu had decided to tell Nijiro the truth after Hatsue's birth.

Hearing the turn of the deadbolt, Kurumu stepped back. The door eased out, revealing the tall, gangly figure of Umizake Aoi. The young man was wearing a black tee shirt and black sleep plants. He had a tangled mess of short, inky black locks. His height allowed his steel blue eyes a generous view of her cleavage, filling her up with delicious sexual approval. She absently lifted a hand over her bosom as she looked up, intentionally avoiding eye contact as she did not wish to trouble him with her reflexive charm.

"Evening, Ms. Kurono. Mizore has been napping most of the day but I could wake her up for you."

"That would be nice."

Taking his gesture as an invitation, Kurumu stepped into the small entryway inside their suite. A half wall on her right separated this space from the stove.

"We've already had dinner but I could make you some tea."

Kurumu grinned at the offer from Shirayuki Tsurara whom was making her way to the sink in the center of the counter along this exterior wall between the stove and the refrigerator. The mother was garbed in a soft yellow kimono with a gray sash. Her hair had the same purple hue that her daughter's possessed.

"Thanks. I had dinner with Nijiro at Okimune's place tonight."

Umizake chuckled softly, closing the door behind her as she wiggled out of her sneakers.

"Sounds like you're always eating at her place as of late."

Kurumu smiled, drifting into the room. A low table with a varnished black surface was positioned in the center of the room with a powder blue couch pushed up against the far wall. Not seeing Mizore on the couch brought Kurumu's attention to the black framed bed in the corner of the room away from the doors for the bathroom and closets.

Sure enough, the snow girl was lying on her back on the foldable mattress with a white sheet drawn over her swollen belly which her pale hands rested upon. The powder blue comforter had been tossed on the floor. Her head was nestled upon the white pillows.

"Yea. I like making breakfast for Nijiro. I should have been doing that ages ago."

As Mrs. Shirayuki filled up a kettle, Kurumu drifted over to the side of the bed. She noted Umizake's writing desk was in the corner near the bathroom door. His silver laptop and family portraits rested on the varnished surface while his CD tower was on the floor next to the nearest outlet. A square backed chair was pushed in with the seat beneath the desk.

Between the doors for the two closets was a baby crib made from white wood slats. A pink sheet had been fitted over a tiny mattress.

"How is that other couple doing?"

Kurumu smiled at his question, sitting down on the mattress beside Mizore.

"They are persevering in the face of adversity. Okimune sent her father a letter yesterday, telling him that she was determined to marry Shiname and had no interest in marrying anyone else."

"Seems rather bold when they could just wait the year out."

Kurumu shrugged at his sentiment as Mrs. Shirayuki placed the kettle on the stove.

"Love isn't for cowards. But it helps knowing that Shiname's family will take her in if her father decides to stop paying her school costs."

"What have you been up to today?"

"Not much. We helped Mrs. Aono move in with Tsukune. Then we hung out with Okimune since Nijiro was not in the mood to walk back to Mononoke. She does have plenty of things to do at her place."

"This oaf could have helped you."

"They had enough help and there was a chance that Mizore might go into labor today."

"A slim chance. Even if she did, I would have been quite able to handle it."

"I want to be there for my daughter's birth."

"She is not your daughter."

Kurumu frowned at that harsh retort which caused the tall guy to flinch.

"You should be nicer to him."

Mrs. Shirayuki collected herself with a neutral expression.

"We have no idea what this pregnancy will do to my daughter's body. I don't want this boy rushing to knock her up again in some childish desire to have a true biological heir with my daughter."

Kurumu grimaced, knowing that remark was directed at her just as much as it was to him. There had been no guarantees that carrying a succubus baby was safe for Mizore. Many stories Kurumu had heard involved the birth mother getting addicted and overdosing on the opiate succubi naturally produced.

"And here I thought your kind encouraged to have many babies while young."

"I'm being serious, young man. I want a professional opinion that she is healthy and safe."

"It's not like I can have sex with her while you are around."

Due to their constitution, snow women lost their ability to have babies before the age of thirty. To make matters worse, half of their pregnancies became miscarriages. That might have happened to Hatsue but the pregnancy with a succubus baby was much shorter. Twenty four weeks was the average and they were hitting the twenty six week mark today.

"This young lady you are hanging out with. Is she an only child?"

Kurumu smiled softly, nodding. Okimune had talked about her family while making breakfast earlier this week. Kurumu had also learned about Odayakana Suteki, Okimune's older cousin, being the youngest of three. The former Sadou club president had two older brothers.

"Hopefully her letter isn't too harsh. Parents can be very protective of their children, especially when they only have one."

"You have two sons."

"But only one daughter. Wake her up, Ms. Kurono. I'll warm up that meal she skipped out on."

Kurumu chuckled as the mother opened the refrigerator. Mizore often complained about her mother's cooking, resorting to sleeping through meals to avoid them. Twisting around, she grabbed hold of the snow girl's chilly arm. She gave it a firm wiggle.

"Time to get up, Mizore."

Mizore groaned, stubbornly keeping her eyes closed.

"No. Wake me up when she's born."

Kurumu snickered, scooting higher on the mattress. She reached up, brushing the sweaty, purplish locks free from Mizore's frigid forehead.

"I doubt that you can sleep through labor."

Mizore sighed heavily, slowly opening her eyes to betray the sapphire iris.

"Don't let Aoi kiss me."

Kurumu snickered, knowing that was how Umizake washed the opiate out of Mizore's system.

"We can't let you get addicted to Hatsue."

"I can't sleep if I'm in pain."

Kurumu smiled, trailing her finger down to the green strap on Mizore's pale shoulder.

"Wearing your velvet nightie?"

"Yea. It's too short when my belly is this big."

Kurumu smirked, guessing this brat was not wearing any panties beneath this sheet.

"Ready to go outside tomorrow?"

"Is this something that I was supposed to be told about?"

Kurumu smiled at the sharp tone from Mrs. Shirayuki whom stood by the whirring microwave.

"Tomorrow is Taijin's first day of work. Since Kokoa guaranteed that Mizore would be in the hospital on Sunday, we were planning to walk with Mizore to town first thing in the morning."

"That would have been nice to know."

"It's not like we would have been able to get out the door without you knowing."

"That's not the point, young man."

"Aoi needs to carry me."

"And I will be there too."

"I wouldn't dream of leaving you behind."

Kurumu smirked at the lack of sincerity in his voice. The microwave sounded the completion of its task, causing Mizore to groan.

"I'm not hungry."

"You will eat something, young lady. That is not negotiable."

Kurumu laughed as the mother pulled the meal out. Tomorrow was going to be a big day.