Chapter 9: Family Gem (Secrets)

January 8, 2007: 5:30pm

Prepare for new adventures and don't worry about making allies. You have people rooting for you.

"What a strange note. Must be a sign I should move." I fold the paper in half, placing it on my kitchen counter while walking into my bedroom.

Meanwhile

"What are your thoughts on Bella?"

"You mean Blaise, Satoru?"

"Bella, Blaise, both names start with B."

"She is tight-lipped, emotionally distant, and protective. It will be interesting watching her develop while at Jujutsu Tech."

Satoru cocks an eyebrow at Suguru's words before smiling.

"It will be more than interesting! The Higher-Ups will have fun with her."

"Have fun with whom?" Satoru and Suguru jerk up as a salt-and-pepper-haired individual sits across the table from them. "Did those rusty screws find their target?"

"They did, grandpa, want some tea?"

"Only if it's sweetened to infinity, yes. Suguru, you are looking pretty good. Now tell me, what does your new classmate look like?"

"Purple eyes, average height, light brown skin. Highly skilled at her craft." Suguru sips from his mug in between words.

Haruren Gojo, the current Gojo head, bobs his head up and down while Suguru talks. His grandson produces the object retrieved from Abitha School for Young Minds.

"Why are you here, grandpa?"

"I just missed Santa-Clara while coming to visit you." Harurun stares at the ceiling, contemplation dances across his dark-blue irises. "Hopefully, she will not run off, like the other Carbella Clan members." His eyes shut while his hands clutch tight against the object.

The grandson and his friend look at each other, wondering what is up with the elder.

"I have to get home. Your mother will berate me with questions if I am late. See you suckers later."

"The Carbella Clan? Have you heard of them, Satoru?"

Satoru shakes his head left and right.

January 8, 2007, 8:30pm

"Stay where you are. I am on my way to you."

Rain violently hits the ground as I excuse myself from the French lesson. My attention focuses on the approaching bus, ignoring my phone's whines.

Thump, thump. Thump, thump.

If only you answered your phone, selfish girl! HE would be alive today had you responded to his message. Shame on you! Shame!

Knock, knock.

"Shut up! Shut up!" I scream into the darkness. The blood swooshing in my ears suppresses the sounds coming from the front door.

"Hey, are you home?"

Why would anyone be visiting at 9:00 pm?

I throw my sheets off, sensing Satoru's and Suguru's presence.

"Leave the stuff she is asleep."

The smell of scallion pancake makes my taste buds salivate. And the uniform looks nice. I open the door, looking in either direction before grabbing the items. Had I paid more attention, I would have felt the drop in temperature.

While brushing my teeth, I hear a crash from the kitchen. I roll my eyes to the ceiling and shut the water off. Once outside the bathroom door, I spot a creature around my height, with its back turned to me. A pile of food rests at its pruney feet.

Slam.

"I don't mean to disturb you but, you to leave."

Crash!

"Gagh."

Red fluid fills my eyes and mouth as the creature retreats.

January 9th, 2007: 6:30 am, Tokyo

The ceiling in my living room greets me as my eyes flutter open. While sitting up, I place my head between my knees to keep myself from throwing up.

"Give me a minute. I am in the middle of something."

Satoru's hand freezes mid-air.

"Good morning. How are you doing this morning?"

"What an honor. Come inside and help yourselves to whatever you wish."

My classmates look at each other before entering the front room.

"Woof, this is where she lives? No, memories or pictures?" Satoru states while taking in his surroundings.

"There is no need to judge someone by their habitat. Would you like coffee or tea today?"

I put on a white t-shirt with jeans and a black jacket. The smell of fresh coffee invites me into the kitchen.

"Care to tell us what happened when we left last night?" Suguru asks while looking at his phone.

"I got into a scuffle," I replace the coffee pot. "Nice job with the coffee, Suguru. Thank you."

Suguru's ears perk up while Satoru glares at me.

"How do you know I did not brew the coffee?" He folds his arms over his chest and pouts.

"You put your needs above other people's needs." I sip from my mug, leaning against the counter on one elbow.

"She is not wrong, Satoru. We need to head out." Suguru walks to the door and waits for me to grab my stuff.

I can't help but notice how tall Satoru and Suguru are.

"Have you heard of the Carbella Clan before?" Satoru asks while keeping his eyes forward.

"No, and why are you asking?" I ask between bites of apple. Suguru looks at Satoru, making a slicing throat action in the air.

"Are you always this uptight when interacting with others? Tell us about your abilities." Suguru face palms himself. while Satoru rattles off questions.

"I can see human and non-human souls, heal, and track." I put my hands in my pockets and avoid eye contact while talking.

"And what can you do with seeing souls?" Satoru looks at me from the corner of his eye.

I simply shrug my shoulders before addressing Suguru.

"Suguru, I don't know who or what attacked me last night. Rest assured, it was not Naoya or another sorcerer."

"Why respond to an un-asked question? I am standing right here and have feelings, kid."

I stop short of the walkway as the pedestrian signals stop. I look Satoru dead in the eyes, my purple orbs turning deep plumb, "do not call me kid ever again!"

I pick up my speed and make it to campus before Satoru and Suguru. Shoko greets us while putting out her cigarette. I march past her with a dismissive wave of my hand. She looks at Satoru, then Suguru, and closes her eyes.

"She is not upset because you asked about the Carbella Clan. She is upset because you called her kid."

"That is a childish thing to get upset over. Do you not agree, Shoko?"

"Don't drag me into your argument. Let's go."

I am sitting by a window, staring at the blackboard, trying to translate the characters without much success. Satoru and his friends sit by the door, leaving three open seats between us.

"Nice to see everyone is on time for school this morning." The middle-aged sorcerer starts, his hands gripping the podium in front of his stocky frame. "Our other first-year students will be here momentarily."

"Nope. The other first-year students are right behind you." Wonderful! Another ball full of energy has entered the room.

"Haibara, how about we hold back on the cheerfulness for a few hours?" I go back to translating the board.

"Santa-Clara, enough writing in your notebook. Get up here."

Six pairs of eyes follow me while I walk to the front of the room. Once stationed by the podium, I clear my throat and look at the stern sorcerer for further instructions.

"I am Masamichi, Yaga, instructor for the second-year students. Do you mind telling us about yourself?" Yaga does his best to smile and fails miserably. His teeth grind together as his left-hand shakes slightly.

"Firstly, I go by the name Blaise. Secondly, I enjoy reading and learning languages. Finally, I...I...dislike Brussel sprouts." My eyes fix on the wall behind my classmates. They turn around, raise their eyebrows, and stare back at me.

"If that is all you have to share, please sit down." I move without a second thought, feeling faint once seated.

Yaga goes on about the does and don'ts at school while Haibara waves at me, catching my attention.

"Hey. Are you feeling alright? You look grey around the gills."

"I am fine. Thanks for asking." I fold my arms around my chest and rest my head on my right shoulder.

"Santa-Clara and Haibara. Save your chattering for the car ride to your mission."

I bolt up in my chair at Yaga's words, and a jolt of energy slithers down my spine. The same feeling I got in Miss Daikon's office.