Big Eyes, Small Mouth (BESM): Monster Academy - Chapter 5: Festival

[Toby Lupin]

Darrik sighed, knowing how expert his grandfather was on the matter. "Let's just say it's been getting worse." Once he'd Shadow Stepped himself and Grandfather Marius into his room for privacy, the two sat down and Darrik gave him an overview of all that had transpired since the previous visit.

[Katrina DeWitt]

Katrina moves about, looking around at the auditorium wile keeping an eye on the two down near the stage when some buckles on one of her bags hits the metal of one of the seats in the audience section... with the auditorium empty and no sound muffling, it becomes obvious she's there.

"Oh crap."

Her ears go back, and if it were visible through the fine fur on her face, she's blushing.

[Justin OOC]

Marius nodded. "So, you're dating a succubus. Apple doesn't fall too far from the tree after all."

He chuckled. "And We have Shinigami on the loose creating a massive black magic spell that could kill us all? I smell at least 4 uses of necromantic spells, and Several celestial ones. Let's not even get into what the RavenWitch is doing here. She's one of the most dangerous and unpredictable of our kind. Someone has some serious pull over her to get her to stay here."

He shook his head. "And the Human, let's not forget him."

[Toby Lupin]

"Kyohei is a friend, not just a human." Darrik returned in a mild reproof. Leaving aside his ununttered question that if they weren't human like Marius implied, then what were they? "And what's that about my grandfather dating succubi? Not something I've believed to be in your past."

[Delilah Synn]

For a second, Delilah's purple eyes flared with a dangerous light, hearing another woman with designs on her man, and wanting nothing more to make sure her claim was understood, clearly. Though to be fair, she could well understand the interest. Still, if Serena had been a cheerleader, Delilah would have given her some sharp words on the Cheerleaders' Code, senior or no.

Then her eyes brightened for another reason entirely. If they were being fair, she'd think Kyohei would only be allowed to chase other boys, if she was bound to chase only after other girls... But if they were sharing the same girl, well! That was a whole other game, and one she would totally love to play. She had a lot of passion to share.

"Oh, ho! I love the sound of that!" Delilah giggled, pinning Serena against the set with her hands on her hips, her massive breasts pressing firmly against Serena's much more modest - though certainly still very pleasing - endowments. "It's a good thing you told me, y'know. I might have had some words for you poaching on my Mate of Fate, but sharing is another thing entirely. I just have to propose it to Kyohei in the right way."

Delilah licked her lips with a coy tongue, and with her keen emotional sense, she tasted their hidden watcher up in the stands. She gave Katrina a wave with her spade-tipped tail as her beautiful, sable-feathered wings flared wide. Succubae rarely had issues with privacy, at least in sexual matters, and Delilah less than most.

"Now, the question isn't whether Kyohei has stamina enough for the both of us, but whether you have stamina enough for Kyohei and me," Delilah teased, a hand sliding up Serena's flank, full lips spreading into a playful smirk. "I think it's only fair you give me a little demonstration, don't you? I'd be able to tell enough just from a kiss, y'know." The over-endowed succubus leaned even closer, her lips right next to Serena's ear. "And we can give our shy observer a little show, too."

Delilah might not have been aware of Katrina's sharp hearing, but then again, the way she waved her fingers over her shoulder at the seats and exaggeratedly wriggled her delectable ass certainly seemed like an invitation.

[Katrina DeWitt]

Katrina steps from the shadows, lit by the stagelights, and walks to the stage to present herself. As she shows herself in the light she considers switching back to her human form... beings she had seen Delilah in her other form, she decides to stay in her were-cheetah like form.

Appearance

Katrina is wearing the proper full uniform for the time of year, neatly pressed and cleaned. She has a very large rucksack over one shoulder and a large dufflebag in one hand. She definately seems she's strong enough to carry that load as well. Although her lithe runner's frame would suggest otherwise. She is a Nekojin, a cat shifter. Her twin tails are an interesting mutation of her breed, suggesting her lineage is close to an ancient clan of Nekojin from Japan who were called "Demon Cats" by villagers at the time. But looking like a Werecheetah at the moment suggests perhaps a genetic quirk due to being an odd breed? But none the less the way she carried herself showed of professionalism, perhaps she spent a couple years in a military school? At least that what it would look like with her cleanly cut hair. She is still oddly cute...

"Well, That could have went better... I'm sorry for playing mysterious, but I like to as the internet crowd says... "lurk more". I just got enrolled here a little while ago and today's my first day here. I see you're troupe will be playing... The Princess Bride isn't it? Funny Movie. Didn't know it was a play."

She straightens herself out, shifting back to Human form.

Appearance in human form

Her blonde hair is kept short, to the shoulders, her eyes are a piercing blue like the sky. She still held herself in the same manner her were-cheetah form had, but now it was obvious they had the same figure... would make getting clothes easy that is for sure.

"I'm Katrina DeWitt. And you are?"

Special note

As it says in the signature, she speaks in a accent that is sort of between Cajun and Southern, but it is quite intelligible. Like a refined southern belle.

[Justin OOC]

"Succubi were not as rare in those days, and indeed many of us knew them. "You grandmother wasn't one, so quit worrying. I know your Dad dated one as well. Just shows you have similar tastes."

"As for Kyohei, he's more than that as well, while a friend he's no simple human."

--------------

"You'll find I am more than up to the challenge Delilah." She moved away a sly smile on her face. "I am not given to public shows." however, and a demonstration shall have to wait."

She looked to Katrina and nodded. "I am Serena Aida, President of the Theater club. It is nice to meet you, Katrina." Her english was perfect, though in truth it had a slight briish accent.

[Delilah Synn]

"Oh, poo!" Delilah said with a pout, taking a step away and folding her arms beneath her dramatic bosom in a huff, but her eyes still danced with mirth. "We have nothing to be ashamed of. Who cares who sees, right?" She blew her perspective girlfriend a kiss and winked. "But i'll wait for that demonstration... for a little while."

The curvaceous succubus turned towards Katrina on a graceful heel, shooting her a bright, friendly smile - that was hardly predatory at all - as she languidly shifted back to her Human Form, wings, horns, and tail receding out of existence. The Human form Delilah habitually wore - compared to the one she put on for the play - likewise had very similar measurements to her succubus form, though far more dramatic than Katrina's svelte figure.

Sleek and athletic and cute, she could be a cheerleader. Not that much on top, but it's a rare Nekojin who has anything more than average and not a succubus or nymph average either...

"Hi, Katrina! I'm Delilah Synn, captain of the Cheerleading Team - fine, co-captain," Delilah said, her voice exuberant, but sultry, with a faint accent that somehow combined SoCal Valley Girl with sensual Mediterranean. "You're new here, hmm? You should totally try out! And pfft! 'Lurking'! Way too many people do that. The internet is awesome - not many here really know about it - it's, like, ninety-eight percent naked people and porn - what's not to love, right? And yeah, the Princess Bride isn't a play, but we made it one. Not my first choice - and I didn't get the part I wanted - but that the show must go on, hey? So, you do the best you can so every it turns out awesome for everyone. Anyway, welcome to the Academy."

[Karren Gaunt]

A few minutes to shower and clear Yuuki's head for her duties to follow. A few minutes after that to dry off and absent-mindedly sooth those of her allies within range of her telepathic voice, the caregiving half of her Clan's stewardship role over an area. The thought troubled her, an internal debate between Hina Fued Law and her relative inferiority in this time and place. It bothered her, having to have such a debate over a course of action that should have been as harmonious and reflexive as a sunflower tracking the sun if she were at home with her Cousins and Aunts.

The young dryad sighed and reluctantly put the issue aside, emerging from the bathroom in a robe and offering a murmured thanks for Kyohei's patience as she crossed over to her room and changed into a fresh uniform, a few strokes of a brush putting her hair in proper place before emerging for a second and final time ready to leave for the theator.

[Justin OOC]

Kyohei led her out, and smiled at the sunny day. "Such a nice day outside. "

"Indeed it is a good day." Standing there was an older woman, looking to be eighty. though not bent with age as so many would be. She smelled faintly of Ironwood, and smiled warmly at the two of them. "Hello Yuuki. It's been a while." Standing before them was one of the Hina Elders, Chaya, one of those who'd selected Yuuki to come to the Academy."

[Karren Gaunt]

There was an almost audiable mental click as Yuuki paused upon hearing the older dryad, a blink as she gathered herself and avoided the hard-driven kowtow that would be inapropriate for so public a setting. She responded after a deep, heartfealt bow, "It is an unexpected pleasure to see you. I was under the impression I would not be meeting another member of the Clan until my recall at the end of the school term. Elder Chaya-Sama, this is my roomate, Kyohei-San. Kyohei-San, this is my kinswoman, Elder Chaya-Sama."

The presense of Kyohei was a distant third concern in Yuuki's thoughts, a furious 'why are you here?' flaring behind her perfect and unquestioning social mask, the Hina nuetral fascade. What had changed? Kyohei? His old family history that had something to do with hers and possibly prompted her orders to protect him? The incident last night? No not that one, she hadn't had the chance to convey those events home yet... In fact, needed to recover her messenger seed from her sword-wielding teamate... Had she failed somehow, and if so what could she do to make up for her failure... Yuuki forced her tumbling thoughts and nervousness to a halt, exhaling. If she needed to be told, she would be told. And truth be told, if she was not being censured, she would apreciate the oppurtunity to make her report in person.

"What can I do to make your visit more comfortable, Elder Chaya-Sama?"

[Justin OOC]

Elsewhere, Aoi, Shizuka, and the head master stood in his office. "This will not stand."

"Agreed. We're being taunted. You and I cannot seal another for what feels like half a year. There is no one else here aside the Raven Witch who can seal and not die from it. With your permission, I will summon a new student for you, one with unique talents pertinent to this task." Aoi sighed, knowing this was something that would cause trouble.

"Very well, we MUST not let further harm come to the children. We cannot incite panic, so things will continue onward. Still, we must excercise Caution. I will smoothe the way for this new arrival, and you Shizuka, will take her under your wing as with the others. Miss Ichimonji will be leaving soon, and as you have no homeroom assignment, I will put her there, to have all of them together."

"I will do whatever I must to safeguard the students and the school headmaster."

"Good. Now, Lady Aoi, who are you going to call?"

Aoi raised her hand, and nodded. Celesitial magic filled the room as the Headmaster allowed it. "Lumah Hansah, heed the Call of the Lord of all Angels, First of Seven. Stand before me that I may task thee, perform a service for all that live in the name of the Most High."

There was a blinding flash, and a small Athletic young woman stood before them, and Aoi sagged into Shizuka's arms. "Not going to be worth anything for some time..."

Lumah found herself in a large room one that smelled of magic, ancient texts, and an unknowable power. Lady Aoi was being steadied by a Member of the Weretiger Yokai, with another hooded figure sitting at a desk. Behind him stood the young looking woman known as Ruby, the Raven Witch. All of them looked intently at her, as if something was expected of her.

[Justin OOC]

"Be yourself child, that is all I ask. The headmaster personally invited me to come last week, and until yesterday, I didn't know if my duties would allow. That is why this is a surprise. Kyohei, I am glad to see you. Yuuki has told us much about you. I trust you have no complaints regarding her behavior. Thank you for being kind and understanding regarding our ways."

He bowed. "It is my pleasure to call her friend, ma'am. If there's anything I may do to help you while you're here, do not hesitate to ask."

She smiled looking at them both. "Show me around, I've never set foot on this academy before."

[Lumah]

Like a statue, Lumah stood for a second, her body getting used to being...somewhere else. The chill of the summons disappeared from her flesh, and the protective wards woven into the golden markings on her skin quieted. Within the confines of this place, her body conformed to the will of the school rules - curly raven-black hair, dark skin like caramel and eyes like honey.

She bowed deeply before those gathered, and in particular to Lady Aoi, who held her call and bond.

"Lumah bows before the will of the First, and will perform her services are requested. How may I be of service to the radiant host?"

[Katrina DeWitt]

...The curvaceous succubus turned towards Katrina on a graceful heel, shooting her a bright, friendly smile - that was hardly predatory at all - as she languidly shifted back to her Human Form, wings, horns, and tail receding out of existence. The Human form Delilah habitually wore - compared to the one she put on for the play - likewise had very similar measurements to her succubus form, though far more dramatic than Katrina's svelte figure.

Sleek and athletic and cute, she could be a cheerleader. Not that much on top, but it's a rare Nekojin who has anything more than average and not a succubus or nymph average either...

"Hi, Katrina! I'm Delilah Synn, captain of the Cheerleading Team - fine, co-captain," Delilah said, her voice exuberant, but sultry, with a faint accent that somehow combined SoCal Valley Girl with sensual Mediterranean. "You're new here, hmm? You should totally try out! And pfft! 'Lurking'! Way too many people do that. The internet is awesome - not many here really know about it - it's, like, ninety-eight percent naked people and porn - what's not to love, right? And yeah, the Princess Bride isn't a play, but we made it one. Not my first choice - and I didn't get the part I wanted - but that the show must go on, hey? So, you do the best you can so every it turns out awesome for everyone. Anyway, welcome to the Academy."

"How many times have you stepped into a new social situation blind and regretted the situation? Lurking is a completely logical tactic at that point... Wait... you seem to be pretty adept at navigating the social landscape." Katrina says as she scratches her head in a bit of embarrassed look. "Actually, my skills are more apt to swimming... I mean, here I am a catgirl... a darn Cheetah looking one and and I love water. Heck if the school takes volunteer lifeguards, I'm signing up... I plan on joining the coast guard once I can enlist."

She sighs. "Long story on that, Delilah. Let's just say once you've seen things from the side of the rescued, you tend to admire those that do the rescuing."

She smiles, but the feel of someone who's seen more than a teenager should is expressed in her tone. "Then again, I am sure you're story is far more interesting." Katrina says, to lighten the mood. She manages to smile, even.

[Delilah Synn]

Delilah's large purple eyes narrowed for a moment, and though Katrina couldn't read what was in them, she could tell she wasn't the only one who had seen more than a carefree teenager should. Delilah was thinking of the girl they had... not rescued - it had been too late for that - but recovered from the foul monsters, who was resting in a cabin by the pond. Then her bright smile returned in full force.

"I hear ya! Oh, and I'm sure you're right, Kat. My story is far more interesting," Delilah readily agreed, straightening her shoulders with a smirk, a hand held primly to her chest above her abundant breasts. It could have been extremely arrogant and condescending, but the succubus' tone was playful and teasing, her manner easy-going and friendly.

She exaggeratedly looked around, then held up a hand, her voice dropping to a stage whisper. "My mother is Lilith. Yes! that Lilith." She giggled. "All sorts of fun growing up with the Succubus Queen and the biggest pornstar in the Human World. You wouldn't believe how many people she knows."

Delilah struck a dramatic post, and quirked a fine brow. "Personally, I was going to become the biggest popstar ever before going into movies," she claimed with exuberant confidence. It could have been obnoxious, but instead was rather contagious and warm. Her lips curled into a small pout. "But then mom insisted I come here. It's been fun though - and crazy - and I wouldn't have met my Mate of Fate otherwise and I can always become the most famous popstar-actress-pornstar-cheerleader later, right?"

The teen temptress nodded over her shoulder, her long hair rippling like a wine-coloured waterfall. "C'mon, I can show you the pool and pond and hotsprings, if you want, maybe get you signed up as a lifeguard." She mischeviously waggled her eyebrows and laughed. "You can give me mouth-to-mouth any time. I have time before I have to be back for the play, since someone doesn't want to occupy my time in another manner." She stuck her tongue out at Serena and blew her raspberry, then turned back to Katrina, her head tilted at a questioning angle. "Hey! You have a tour of the campus yet?"

[Katrina DeWitt]

"Nope. All I know is what I've memorized of the map. My Japanese is lacking as well, so I'm probably not even properly translating the source material." She giggles. "A place like this would have fit in a place like New Orleans but Japan? This has to be neutral ground or something..."

She starts to analyse the situation. She's a bit sharp, but not a genius. Then again, she is of a tactical mind. "...whoever set up the deal for this academy's existence must have been powerful. Very powerful."

She straightens her uniform, practically standing at attention. "And I would be honored to save your life. Or anyone's. The greatest honor is to serve others in their time of need."

It was obvious she has lived a regimented life, but she seemed content, as if she had a purpose and drive to her actions. It wasn't one of rote drill, but disciplined focus. An air of reliability was there, not of rigidity. Even her tone was still warm, assuring even. Then again, her deep southern accent would soothe even a angered dragon. Even with her close cropped and well pressed manner, she was as cute as she could be. But her eyes shone a mischievous streak. One that craved adventure, excitement... one that loved living on the raggedy edge.

"Right... the tour... never got one." She says with a smile.

[Justin OOC]

Aoi stood there steadied by Shizuka. "You are here at the Yokai academy should you be needed to seal an entity that is a danger to all that live, one known as a Shinigami. Until you are needed, you will go "undercover" as any other yokai attending this university. You will abide by the rules as much as you are able, and Lady Shizuka here shall be one you answer to, should I be forced to leave you here for a time. She is a teacher and sponsor of the newspaper club, which you should join, as many students of interest that I wish you to get along with are members."

Aoi stopped catching her breath. Do not reveal your true nature unless you must. You and the Raven Witch are the only ones capable of sealing magic, and The Half Angel, Skye, should be an ally to you as well. The rest I will leave to your discretion, as no one can plan for everything."

-----------------------------------

Serena smiled. "Until then."

She looked at Katrina. "They are, I assure you. those who are still alive."

[Katrina DeWitt]

Katrina looks askance at Serena's remark.

"Wait... Delilah, What was that in reference to?"

"Maybe there are worse things than my Mother... Oh dad what have I gotten into this time?" She thinks.

[Lumah]

Under other circumstances, Lumah would have little difficulty following Aoi's orders, but things seemed...hurried. Nevertheless, a command was a command.

"As you wish, I shall assume my role as a Yokai student of this school. I may be called on to seal a Shinigami, and until then at least my true form shall remain hidden. Lady Shizuka shall stand in for you as my liege in your absence. Lumah obeys, I thank you for your faith in me."

As she spoke, a golden glow emanated from her eyes and the simple black clothing she wore shifted, stretched and reshaped itself into a close approximation of the school uniform. "I am ready, Lady Shizuka. You mentioned a newspaper club?"

Lumah's not asking just yet to not seem out of place, but she's trying to think of what she knows of "Shinigami" - Mind Based Occult Roll (19)

+3 (2d6=10)

[Justin OOC]

"That references the fact that some of the Yokai lords who helped create this place have since passed on. Nothing more or less than that."

--------------

Shizuka looked to the Headmaster, who nodded. "Go on. Ruby will see to lady Aoi and myself for now. Go and be with the students. I'm trusting in you."

Shizuka nodded, and looked Lumah. "Let's go then." With that she led her from the office, and headed for the door of administration building. "So Lumah, do you have questions for me? Ah yes the club. Essentially the club reports on various happenings around the campus, as well as on occassion taking a trip to the human world and reporting on things there. It is nothing fancy, but I have a great bunch of students. I also sponsor the theater club, who's putting on a adaptation of "The Princess Bride" as a play for the school festival."

(OOC Lumah knows little about the Shinigami as they are such an incredibly guarded secret. What she does know is that they are said to be a force of balance between all things. For one to have gone astray is a crime against the natural order, and one of only a few things that could possibly cause Yokai and celestials to work hand in hand.)

[Karren Gaunt]

"Be yourself child, that is all I ask. The headmaster personally invited me to come last week, and until yesterday, I didn't know if my duties would allow. That is why this is a surprise. Kyohei, I am glad to see you. Yuuki has told us much about you. I trust you have no complaints regarding her behavior. Thank you for being kind and understanding regarding our ways."

He bowed. "It is my pleasure to call her friend, ma'am. If there's anything I may do to help you while you're here, do not hesitate to ask."

She smiled looking at them both. "Show me around, I've never set foot on this academy before."

"As you wish, my Elder," replied the young dryad with the deep content bow of Hina given an instruction by one of her senior kinswoman, "I have several hours to spare before I must arrive at the theator for my performance there. It would give me pleasure if you might be able to spare the time to observe it."

Her tone was stiffly formal and subdued, her gaze a mirror giving nothing away. It was one thing to unwind around a school official. Or even one of the Monster Lords. But this one of the Elders of her Clan, they who decided the course of the Hina Valley's future. Kyohei volunteeering to accompany them made her outwardly relax a little, if only for aperance's sake, but still...

She led the way from the boy's dorm, pointing out the highlights of the grounds as seen from her perspective. The classrooms. The administration building. The student store. A slightly-hesitant mention of the library. And through all of it, a encoded in plain sight cypher regarding the plants they passed, a review of which plants were hardy and faithful enough to be counted on in a crisis and which needed to be coddled through weakness and uncertainty until they were ready to take their place defending a protectorate of the Hina Dryads, an entire sub conversation delivered by slight hand gestures and echoed words only one attuned to green a growing things could pick up.

I most respectfully request the chance to speak with you in private before you depart was the undertone, the request from one of the least of her clan to one of the most high.

Yuuki paused her tour in her place of pride, the student garden maintained by her other afterschool activity the Gardening Club, a half football field worth of ediable and decorative folliage. A garden was a dryad's armory, the pool from which she maintained the ranks of her allies and while she and the rest of her clubmates had made the garden hearty as they could without access to long-term magic, she was outwardly nervous again, waiting for a sign from the Elder as to what she thought, her fitness that might influence her rank over her sisters when they came to the Academy in the next term.

[Delilah Synn]

"Huh? Hmm, oh, what Serena was saying? Yeah, some of those who started up the Academy are still around and totally scary powerful. Like, the Headmaster? I don't even know what he is, other than being completely immune to boobie-magic... Which isn't really fair, y'know?"

Delilah chatted effusively as she showed Katrina around the school, pointing out the various rooms with varying degrees of accuracy and secluded nooks and crannies perfect for making out with uncanny skill. She gave nearly everyone they passed a cheerful wave or grin in greeting, whether she knew them or not. It was obvious the co-captain of the Cheerleading team was well known, and if more than one girl glared daggers at her back, when face-to-face with her good cheer and high spirits, most couldn't help but smile in return... or drool in abject lust.

The succubus led the Nekojin to the Baths, even peeking into the Boys' Baths - and disappointed that no one was currently using them, then showed her the large pond as they skirted it on the way to the indoor pool, which was adjacent to one of the larger gyms and sports fields. "The pond is always warm," Delilah revealed, "just perfect for skinny dipping."

The pool proved to be an Olympic-sized affair, with several diving boards and platforms at various heights. Delilah moved over to an office that sat between the pool and the gym, liking in through the window than knocking on the door. Without waiting for an answer, she opened it and strutted in, pulling Katrina along behind her.

"Hey, Ms. Thudoski!"

"Delilah..." the woman said in a harsh growl rich with long suffering patience for the excitable girl. The woman was huge, well over seven feet tall and heavily muscled. Ms, Thudoski appeared to be somewhere between thirty and forty, with a somewhat long and pointy nose, yet was surprisingly attractive, in a rugged and powerful way.

“There’s a new student who wants to sign up to be student lifeguard.” Delilah dragged Katrine into the office then pushed her ahead of her to present her to the Cheerleading Coach. “This is Katrina DeWitt.”

Coach Thudoski glowered at Delilah, then turned her astonishingly pretty green eyes on Katrina, a faint hint of approval breaking through her habitual hard glare.

[Katrina DeWitt]

"Ma'am."

She stood at attention when seeing Ms. Thudoski. The way she handled herself demanded respect.

"I am fully certified by the American Red Cross for CPR and have taken numerous first aid, rescue swimming, and lifeguard courses and have the proper certifications in each, Ma'am. I would be willing to submit to testing at your soonest requirement."

She offers her hand for a handshake.

[Lumah]

Lumah followed with a steady pace, her face taking on the typical excited expression of a new student. Under the guise of being impressed by the buildings and the new environment, she took note of the school's layout and the passers-by.

"A newspaper detailing the goings-on in school? Sounds like fun, count me in."

Not to mention, Lumah thought to herself, the benefits of legitimately poking your nose in other people business, hihi.

[Togashi Kagato]

He bid Skye a quiet goodbye and went to 'get changed' which, for the young prince, mainly meant bathing, as his clothing was an extension of his essence. Apart from his 'Butternut' costume, of course. But he wouldn't need to wear that until later, surely. He hoped not, anyway. He was sure the tight riding britches were a source of some perverted interest to the succubus... But then, that was the nature of succubi. And there were a few of them at the school, and they would all see him on stage wearing those ridiculous garments tonight. He could almost imagine the wolf-whistling...

For now, at least, he donned his human shape, the pale boy with windblown black hair clad in the school uniform. Still gorgeous, still lordly and dignified, and therefore tolerable, if not as perfect as his true seeming. He went to bathe.

If one could call it bathing, he thought snidely to himself half an hour later as he soaked in the barely large enough tub. Where was the musician? Or the handmaidens? Or the lotus petals? After a night of bloodshed and demonic activity, he could have really gone for a massage to soothe away the distress of viewing that unfortunate human girl's torment. He found such things distasteful, to say the least. Most hengeyokai did, though ironically Kuromaru failed to see the corrolation between the demonic torture of that girl and the habit some hengeyokai had of running their terrified prey down slowly. One way was natural for predators, the other wasn't, that was his view. Though he was growing in understanding enough not to express that view to his mostly human-raised associates and girlfriend. Even Delilah was very human sometimes, probably a function of living in the human world so much, like his sister.

It was no good. This so-called 'bath' was already cooling. With a sigh, Kurosoroshiimaru rose from the water and dried himself before donning his uniform and pondering what to do next. Ruby had said to meet at the theatre... So he supposed that was where he was going, though it galled him. He would rather sneak away with Skye and enjoy this festival day under the open sky in a forest glade somewhere. He sighed: the duties of a prince were never done, it seemed. Kuromaru, walking with his habitual straight-backed, silent grace, left his dorm room and made his way to the theatre, his feelings as always masked under the cool glitter of his green eyes.

[Justin OOC]

Chiaya smiled, taking in everything Yuuki and Kyohei would show her. She'd replied that there would be time to talk later. Standing there,, looking at the garden, she smiled. "You and the other students, you grow these by hand, without the use of abilities?"

Kyohei nodded. "Yes Ma'am. It's pretty fun. It isn't easy work, but with the great company of the other club members, well I can't help but enjoy it."

She smiled at him. "You have an interest in gardening, Kyohei?"

"Well back home I tended the gardens, and the trees at the...." He caught himself, and knew he was screwed. "...Shrine." he continued in a much softer voice.

"Ahh, I see." was Chihaya's reply. "And your interest here?"

"Well Yuuki and I are roommates, it wouldn't do to not take interest in what she enjoys as well."

"I see." Yuuki for her part couldn't get a straight read off of her Elder. She was testing Kyohei herself, seeing if this human was as she'd been told.

-----------------------------

For Katrina staring up at a woman built like Coach Thudski was a unique experience. "So you want to be a lifeguard, do you have any training, any actual proof of certification? Not just for humans mind, but yokai as well, do you know how water affects us all?"

the Coach eyed Delilah suspiciously. Normally she brought girls to join the cheerleading team, not something else. She shook the young girl's hand, her own hand fully engulfing Katrina's.

---------------------------------

Shizuka smiled. "Good to hear Lumah, I hope you actually enjoy it. They're a lively bunch, the newspaper club, and a good bunch of kids." As they walked, Miss Nekomone gave Lumah a rundown on each member of the newspaper club, and a tour of the primary facilities of the school.

---------------------------

For Kuro, He found himself in a nearly empty theater, with only Serena on stage. She looked up, seeing him at the back and smiled. "Good morning, Kurosoroshiimaru. I trust everything is alright?" She wore work clothes, and it was clear that she'd been at work putting the last final touches together, and it seemed from the scripts he could detect, making revisions.

His nose told another story. Delilah had been here, and been her usual self. What was more though, there was another hengeyokai, a feline one at that who had been present as well.

[Toby Lupin]

"I know that." Darrik stated firmly. "I learned about this well before the actual admission by Aoi. I don't think though, that he's going to be anything less than a friend and won't be against us. Anyway, what do you think of the Academy, having come here?"

[Erilynn]

She had filled her pad, she had enough to now produce full art of her new environment, she smiled, a slight pinkish tint took to her cheeks. Eri blinked, she totally forgot to get information about the place, or even where she would be staying. "Shit," even such a vulgar word, left her lips sweet as honey as she began looking about for someone who looked official enough to perhaps glean information to the end of figuring out her place.

[Justin OOC]

"It reminds me of better times Darrik. Many of my students are teachers here now. Oh the stories I could tell you..." It was a rare smiled on Marius' face. He looked to Darrik. "So show an old man around, let me meet some of your friends."

-------------------------------------------------

Behind Eri, the world grew colder, but not freezing. A woman of stunning stark beauty, like the Frozen fields of the Arctic, was walking up the path. She reached Eri and smiled. "Hello, Erylinn. I see your mouth still insists on spweing such vulagrity."

[Lumah]

Lumah followed obediently, listening to quite a list of names and accomplishments from the club members - all given with the enthusiasm of a proud parent. She was sure she'd forget half the names by the next dawn, but it was the thought that'd count. She nodded at the descriptions of the buildings, reminding herself to draw a map for herself if there wasn't one available at the administration center. Half-way throught, she began to give thought to the things she'd probably have to fill in on her 'admissions form'.

"Lady Shizuka, I am noting quite some excitement and a lot of people seem to be very busy. Is the school always this lively or is something special at hand?"

[Karren Gaunt]

Chiaya smiled, taking in everything Yuuki and Kyohei would show her. She'd replied that there would be time to talk later. Standing there,, looking at the garden, she smiled. "You and the other students, you grow these by hand, without the use of abilities?"

Kyohei nodded. "Yes Ma'am. It's pretty fun. It isn't easy work, but with the great company of the other club members, well I can't help but enjoy it."

She smiled at him. "You have an interest in gardening, Kyohei?"

"Well back home I tended the gardens, and the trees at the...." He caught himself, and knew he was screwed. "...Shrine." he continued in a much softer voice.

"Ahh, I see." was Chihaya's reply. "And your interest here?"

"Well Yuuki and I are roommates, it wouldn't do to not take interest in what she enjoys as well."

"I see." Yuuki for her part couldn't get a straight read off of her Elder. She was testing Kyohei herself, seeing if this human was as she'd been told.

Guessing what she could of her Elder's intentions and wanting to help, the young dryad offered with a smile, "Perhaps Kyohei-San would like to take over the last part of the tour? I've certainly done more than enough talking so far today when there are two us and we have so little time left before we have to head to the theater for the play."

She bowed slightly, tone hopeful and amused, "Elder Chihaya, I would be honored if you would attend. I am playing the role of a human noble, and even if the work's take on the balance of virtue and duty is far too simplistic to be taken as a true model of statecraft, it is interesting in what it presents as human ideals. i have learned alot from it alone."

[Katrina DeWitt]

For Katrina staring up at a woman built like Coach Thudski was a unique experience. "So you want to be a lifeguard, do you have any training, any actual proof of certification? Not just for humans mind, but yokai as well, do you know how water affects us all?"

the Coach eyed Delilah suspiciously. Normally she brought girls to join the cheerleading team, not something else. She shook the young girl's hand, her own hand fully engulfing Katrina's.

"Well, that is a complication. One that will need to be addressed, I'm sure, Ma'am." Katrina says, knowing full well she's ignorant of this but accepting that and showing a willingness to learn. For the size of Thudski's hand, Katrina's retort in her handshake only showed she was ready. Her success is up to her.

"What do I need to know? Who do I see? And most importantly, when do I begin?"

Her smile shows one of the few things that are retained by a Nekojin of her mixed heritage. The teeth show the pronounced cat-like fangs. She would shift, but she's not sure yet of which areas are safe to reveal your true form. Being accustomed to human society, seeing everyone in human form she takes as a sign to keep the cat in the bag.

[Justin OOC]

"It's always somwehat busy, with close to ten thousand students, from first grade through highschool, but we manage. This is actually a special time, as we are having one of our school festivals. It's sorta like our Parent/student appreciation festival. It also serves as a fundraising opportunity, as many booths sell foods or memorabilia, and of course the theater club's production always sells out. It makes them enough money to go the entire year with other reasonable shows."

----------------------------

Kyohei nodded. "You've done really well, considering how Serena's changed things up." Chihaya nodded. "I'd like that. I've not been to a human theater in many, many years."

Kyohei lead them past the gymnasium, and the library of course. In the end, they came to the main school area, where most of the classrooms, were, and the entire courtyard, the halls, it was as if they'd come to a bazaar. Each class of the junior and high school grades had set up booths, either with little games, cafes, snacks, or memorabilia. The sight of it made Kyohei beam. Reminds me of my school when growing up."

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"I'll put you in touch with Miss Ichinose, She is in charge of the swimming club. She'll vet your abilities, but that will wait till next week, right now all focus is on the festival. And it would behoove you to remain in human form. No sense in starting a chain reaction."

[Katrina DeWitt]

"Understood."

She smiles, knowing things aren't going to be boring. "And of course, unless otherwise obviously shown necessary we keep the cat in the bag."

"Thank you for your time, and I am sure I'll look forward to any physical education classes I attend with you. Should be a challenge."

She welcomes challenges, more readily than most. Then again, Dad always taught her that it's the road not the destination that's important.

[Toby Lupin]

"Your students?" Darrik was surprised. Apparently his grandfather still had some secrets. "Well, something new I've learned. Let's go see who's at the Festival." That was a thought then, perhaps, as he led his grandfather around, the group would have a powerful ally for certain. For once, this shouldn't be a mistake in these past few days.

[Karren Gaunt]

Kyohei nodded. "You've done really well, considering how Serena's changed things up." Chihaya nodded. "I'd like that. I've not been to a human theater in many, many years."

Kyohei lead them past the gymnasium, and the library of course. In the end, they came to the main school area, where most of the classrooms, were, and the entire courtyard, the halls, it was as if they'd come to a bazaar. Each class of the junior and high school grades had set up booths, either with little games, cafes, snacks, or memorabilia. The sight of it made Kyohei beam. Reminds me of my school when growing up."

"You've attended human theater before, Elder Chihaya-Sama?" inquired Yuuki as she trailed along behind Kyohei, taking in the sights with a measure of intriqued interest. The Hina Valley had it's celebrations, summer and winter equinoxes, planting and harvest festivels, Guardian Trials, and other releases from the labor of keeping their home the serene paradise it was, but nothing this elaborate. A small part of the young dryad wished the elder wasn't here so she could partake more freely. It made her guilty to even think that way, so when she spotted Darrik across the way, she waved him and the older man with him over, eager to introduce him if he had no other business before the play.

The Warlock had proved a useful individual to know so far.

[Justin OOC]

Marius smiled, allowing Darrik to lead the way. looking at the bazaar, he smiled. "Some things do not change."

When the young dryad waved at them he smiled even more. "Well, that beats most everything. A Hina, hell two of them if I'm any judge. And that boy with them, that's Kyohei isn't it?"

He nodded. "Do you realize how rare it is to see a Hina? They seldom if ever leave their valley, and there's two of them who seem to know you Darrik." He nodded. "You have some interesting acquaintances."

[Katrina DeWitt]

A flash of realization snaps the chain usually keeping her more childish impulses in check.

"Oh man, I almost forgot, the festival has a Bazaar, right? I've always wanted to see one of those! Wanna head over there, Deliliah?"

She smiles, wanting to take in some culture before things get more interesting and busy in her life.

[Toby Lupin]

"Technically, I think I've met Yuuki. And yeah, that's Kyohei." Darrik clarified as they approached. The warlock boy seemed very happy now, in a much better mood as he approached his friends. "Kyohei, Yuuki..." He noted the deferential manner of Yuuki towards the other dryad and made the logical assumption. "Respected elder of the Hina. Hello." He indicated his grandfather, "My grandfather, Marius."