Zu's reemergence sparked a new well of anger in her heart. School was a drag for the restless beast, poor thing, as she turned Harumin's new over and over in her mind. I hate that girl with all my heart, said Zu to herself. If I could kill that wretch, I would be most delighted. She sank ever deeper into her own pit of malice as the day went on, pondering how she could most destructively imprint her hatred on Mei's mind. At last, she came up with a plan. That afternoon, as class was dismissed, Zu decided to approach Himeko in her old, cheery form. "And how is the Student Council President today?" asked the masked monster. "I'm quite well, Aihara Yuzu," she replied. "Was there something you wanted to ask me?" "Actually, yes," said Zu. "So remember when Harumin and Matsuri asked you for permission about using the indoor auditorium last week for our band project?" "Uh, yeah," said Himeko, briefly looking away for an instant as she saw Matsuri passing by with a little smirk on her face. She then turned back to Zu. "Was there something relevant you wanted to ask me about?" "Mm-hmm," Zu nodded. "Would you like to... attend our first concert?" "Well, it depends on how good you guys sound," the president replied with a smile. "But I certainly wouldn't mind!" "Good," said Zu, "because I can give two VIP tickets to anyone I like, but I'm sure Mama wouldn't like to go, and Papa's abroad." She was careful not to mention Mei lest her demon form burst out and scare Himeko. Zu pulled out the tickets (which, by the way were real), much to the other's pleased surprise. "And since you are our student council president," she said with a smile and a tight squeeze, "you should be taking it easy. Enjoy!" "Oh, how nice, Aihara Yuzu!" the unwittingly beguiled president beamed. "Just when is this concert?" "It's on Saturday," Zu replied. "I have to go and study now, so I'll see you later! Bye!" And with a little whisk she was out the door. But her plan was beginning to take shape. She had just manipulated the school president into taking Mei with her, without even knowing what kind of dissing the poor girl was about to get thrown in her face.

Later that afternoon, Matsuri and Harumin were sleeping over at the latter's house. Mitsuko had gone out, so getting dinner was no problem for the two. They had just finished their meal, staring down at their empty plates, lost in thought. Harumin broke the lengthy silence. "I really do wonder what's been getting into Yuzucchi's head lately," she began. "Has Mei's leaving the house hit her that hard?" Matsuri rolled her eyes. "I was going to tell you about it at the café last week, but then you said you couldn't care any less. Isn't Yuzu-chan your best friend?" "Of course she is!" the third-year gyaru screeched apprehensively. "Although," she said in a softer tone, "that's why I don't think you should tell me about it..." "Onee-chan's always been the big sister I never had, senpai," Matsuri responded. "I know everything that she goes through, and I think you should, too." Harumin had opened her mouth to reply, when her phone rang. It was Zu. "Yuzucchi?" she said. "Harumin?" Zu said. "It's me. Are you out?" "No," she replied, giving a little smile and beaming at Matsuri. "Why?" "Okay, so the concert is gonna be on Saturday, right?" "Right." "Well, do you happen to know how many are going to be there?" "I don't, actually. Matsuri and I have invited a total of more than seventy students already, but I'm not sure about how many Nene's invited." "Oh, ok. Let's hope we get even more in the next few days!" "Me, too. By the way, how's your schoolwork?" "Hard, but I'm getting it done," Zu said with a wry smile. "What are you up to?" "Well," Harumin replied, "I'm here at home. Mitsuko isn't here, fortunately, so I'm actually here with Matsuri." Zu was a little stunned. "Matsuri? I thought she had an essay tomorrow." Matsuri snatched the phone, having eavesdropped on the entire conversation. "Ah, Yuzu-chan," she said, "studying flies when you're having fun, doesn't it? In fact, I completed the essay during lunch break today, just so I could have some bonding time with Taniguchi-senpai over here." Harumin's face reddened as her girlfriend teased about their relationship. "Stop it!" she exclaimed, trying to take the phone back. But Matsuri wasn't finished just yet. "Oh, and by the way," she continued before a dumbfounded Zu could respond, "you and Mei should get back together soon. I'm sure she's out to find you this time, so be sure to give her a warm welcome, along with some hugs and smoochy kisses..." here she ended the call and left Zu hanging. The monster in her now reemerged, once again darkening her appearance to that of a literal fiend. Only this time, in the center of her chest was a large orb, resembling a glass ball, murky and enshrouded in shadow. Her hair stood up, almost as if a powerful wind were fanning it. Her crimson eyes grew reptilian slits as they struck fear into the hearts of whoever dared to look her in the eye. "MEI IS NO MORE," Zu muttered to herself. "I WILL SEE TO IT THAT HER BLOOD IS UPON MY HANDS. "