Chapter 21: The Future

"Yaga, where is Santa-Clara?"

"Lord Aldric, if I knew where she was, I would drag her into this meeting."

"If I could add a suggestion to the present problem."

"What is it, Principal Gakuganji?"

"Why don't we hold off the meeting until tomorrow? We have noticed her adjustment to Jujutsu Tech has been rough. Would you not agree with my statement, Yaga? As her primary instructor, you spend more time with Santa-Clara and have a better understanding of her life as a student."

Yaga's eyes harden as he looks from person to person.

"Lady Fabrice, Lord Aldric, and Principal Gakuganji, I am not at liberty to discuss the well-being of my students without them present. I do agree on holding off the meeting until we get a hold of Santa-Clara. May we disband for the night?"

Meanwhile...

A chill runs down my spine as I turn the handle on the back door. While my ability to sense out opponents is diminished, I can pick up some information on whoever is upstairs. They are roughly Simon's height, lack curse energy, and have a nearly undetectable heartbeat.

I stay by the door for what feels like an eternity before heading toward the stairs. The individual upstairs has made it to the third floor. I bolt for the end of the hallway while echoes of shoes bounce off the floors and walls. As I round a corner, the emergency exit door insight, a pair of red eyes catch me off guard, and the environment turns black.

Swish, swish, swish.

Why does it feel like my body is bobbing up and down? And this breeze! It is saturating my bones with a cloak of winter frost. I have never consumed a drop of liquor in my life, but the buzzing in my head makes me nauseous.

I am pulled underneath the water so quickly that my heart rate shoots up! My arms punch upwards as the surface grows further and further away. A soft pair of arms hug my torso, their weight crushes my lungs.

Suddenly, I feel light as a feather. Butterflies and fear still have a firm grasp on my reality. Think of Me from Phantom of the Opera dances in my ears. I can't help but whistle to the music as my body drops to the hardwood floor.

Let me get myself ready for the day before everyone else wakes up. A morning walk should do the trick!

4:30 am

"Why am I in the middle of a staircase?"

"I was running away from something last night while you were sleeping. Please meet me outside in five minutes."

.....

"What are you planning to do, Blaze?"

"Escort you back to Tokyo. Unless you want to hang out in Kyoto and miss school. The choice is for you to make."

....

"Hey, I told your parents you would be spending one night here. I did not specify whether or not you would be missing school. Could you stop looking at me with a furrowed brow? It is not like you."

"Can we get a coffee or tea on our way to the station? And why do you insist on escorting me?"

"Yes, we can get coffee, and I can explain my reasoning on the trip back. Hurry up. The first train leaves at six."

Train Ride: Destination, Shibuya Station

"Start talking." Simon glares over his coffee cup

What is there to lose or gain?

"I am a sorceress, Simon, and have different abilities involving magic."

"Keep going."

"I can see things that other people can't. They are called curses. I can use cursed energy to kill curses and perform spells. The school you spent the night at is one of two facilities in Japan that educate people who can see curses.

I am taking you back to Tokyo because someone tried attacking me last night at the abandoned hospital. The attack happened shortly after you, Geto, and Gojo left. There are no visible injuries on your person. Whoever attacked did not accomplish their goal. What is your question?"

Simone's face turns pale yellow.

"Am I in danger because of you? Why did we switch bodies?"

"Do you feel as if you have seen a curse?"

He does not answer my question and presses me for more information. I explain he may be in danger because of our relationship. His eyes sink deep into their sockets as he grinds his teeth. Once we reach our destination, we give each other silent nods while exiting the train.

After ensuring Simon reaches his taxi in one piece, I take out my phone and turn it on. Seven messages pop onto my screen.

Gojo: Where are you? Suguru and I have been searching the campus for thirty minutes. We can't find Simon either.

Geto: Good morning, Blaise. Satoru and I are trying to find you. What is your location?

Gojo: Seriously, where have you gone? Yaga is ticked off and wants to see you as soon as possible. Call me!

...

Gojo: You are ignoring me because I am annoying. Well, Yaga is furious, the Principals are worried, and one of the Kyoto students is looking for you too. Get it together and call someone!

Geto: Sorry to bother you but, please call someone when you are able.

Simon: Hey, thank you for explaining what happened yesterday. I still don't fully understand what is going on or what curses are. I made it home safely and will call you later today. My parents bombarded me with questions regarding you. Stay safe.

Send me to Kyoto Curse Technical College!

8:30 am- Kyoto Curse Technical College, Dorm Hall

Once my classmates come into view, I put on a smile. Today will be a long day, and I want as much moral support as I can get.

"Good morning, everyone. I do apologize for not responding to you all's texts in a more timely manner."

"Mind explaining to us where you have been this whole time?"

I am about to answer Suguru but, shut my mouth when Yaga rounds the corner.

"Santa-Clara, come with me. Do not argue, and do not run away."

Meeting Place

"We appreciate your patience, Lady and Lords Bonnfort. Miss Santa-Clara should be joining us any minute."

"For our sake, we hope you are correct."

Before walking through the double doors, the same uneasiness and euphoria hit me like a wave. I grit my teeth and take a few breaths, trying to calm myself down.

The amount of energy inside the room causes my eyes to change color three times. An individual wearing a pair of dark wash jeans, a pressed linen shirt, and sunglasses puts me in fight or flight mode. I recognize the other individual, presumed male, from day one of the exchange events.

"If I may ask, who are you?"

The individual with sunglasses eyes me like a hawk as I sit down. His counterparts speak up first.

"You can relax, my dear. My name is Lady, Fabrice Bonnfort and these are my brothers: Cyril and Aldric Bonnfort. We assume you have heard of us?"

I shake my head no. And stay quiet while Lady Bonnfort continues talking through gritted teeth.

"Very well then. I will keep this brief. My brothers and I were impressed by your performance during the individual battles and want to discuss your future."

My eyelids start drooping toward the floor while my head bobs up and down. I bite my tongue. Yaga looks over at me, making me sit up straight.

"Lady Bonnfort, thank you for the introductions. As you can tell, Miss Santa-Clara here is a bit under the weather. Perhaps, Yaga and I can bring her up to date and set up a meeting for another day."

I get up without a second thought and high-tail it to the door. As I reach for the handle, the individual named Aldric says something to me.

"Miss Santa-Clara, please enjoy your time at Tokyo Curse College while you can. We will be in touch."

My frazzled state of mind nearly drains me of proper friend etiquette. I send a quick group text telling Suguru and Satoru not to wait for me. Yaga is sent the same message. I take one last look in the mirror noticing how dark the bags under my eyes have gone. I nearly cry out when I see my father's face reflect across the glass.