The Training: Meet the Witch Meisters of the DWMA
Neo burst through the doors of the Death Room with labored breathing. Lord Death turned sharply to find a disgruntled girl out of breath. She walked forward, her concentration on the holes of his mask where his eyes should be? What did he look like without it?
She shook the thought out of her head. She stood in front of him with her head bowed. "I'm sorry for barging in. I have to ask you something."
It took her several reasons to convince herself to come here so she didn't feel... awkward. She was going to tell him her dream before she even told her partners and this alone made her more nervous than usual. She bit her lip. "What's the Book of Eibon?"
Lord Death cocked his head. "Come again?"
She let out a breath and shakily got another one. "What... is the Book of Eibon?" she repeated with a little more confidence.
He straightened his head. "What brought this on?"
She closed her eyes. "Dream..." she told him about the first half. "Noah had the book. Brown, thick hardcover book with gold piping and S-shaped designs. They said it was a grimoire. What is it?"
The Lord of Death stared. He didn't expect her to find out so quickly. Hardly two weeks and she was already tuned to it. "All of Eibon's knowledge."
She wanted to ask how much and what kind of knowledge but she didn't. "Who's Eibon?"
It sounded familiar to her but she didn't know where from. "He's a sorcerer. The teacher of witches. You see, he knows basically everything. The book is like a physical embodiment of his knowledge."
"So it's like his brain."
Lord Death would've smiled if he could. "You could say that."
Her eyes widened. "Holy crap. That shit's important."
He flinched, not used to her language. Annaka cursed just like that but it'd been years since he'd heard her. Centuries, in fact.
Neo purposely didn't tell him about the second part. Telling you headmaster about the torturing of his son the second time they talked would be very weird and very awkward. She let out a relieved breath. "Curiosity. Sorry again."
Lord Death patted her head. "Already forgiven. Come by any time to talk if you need something."
She smiled brightly. "I'll hold you to that! Later!"
As she skipped out of the room, she grinned to herself. That wasn't so hard!
Eibon stepped on the stage a second after she walked out. "She's already tied to it, I see."
Lord Death nodded. "I would've expected it to be later. She mentioned the two people who worked with Arachne and two people called Noah and Gopher. I'm assuming they stole the book."
Eibon cocked his head ever so slightly. "We need to start training her for the book before we can formulate a plan to get it."
Lord Death would've grinned at the moment. "You already have one, right?"
Eibon chuckled. "Yes, I do. But we do have to train her in magic."
The reaper sighed. "Yes, yes, we do. While we're at it, we should train the other two witch meisters. Three birds with one stone."
Eibon turned to him. "That should work. When should we start?"
Lord Death clapped his hands together. "After their first class, I'll call them in here! You shall train them here since we have no more room and I don't know anything about training witches."
Eibon shook his head. "You never change. Please do so. I'll get prepare for them."
He walked away a few steps before stopping. "By the way... she was hiding a portion from that dream from you. She's excellent at hiding things."
Lord Death looked at the door. "I didn't notice."
Eibon chuckled. "Just like Annaka. Hiding things she didn't want to reveal if it would hurt you. I'm curious to see if she'll ever trust us enough to tell us."
Lord Death hmmed. "From what I've seen, she probably will."
Eibon walked away without another word. That was more true than his friend would ever realize.
Neo pushed her glasses up her nose, biting her lip to keep her concentration. Crona, who was sitting on her left, wrinkled her nose. Neo grinned then tapped it playfully. "You're like a little mouse! Well, not little since your about three inches taller than me."
The pinkette looked at her in alarm. She relaxed at Neo's easy, friendly smile that didn't hold any malice. Like Maka's.
Artemis, on the other side of Neo, looked at Crona, remembering something Neo mentioned as a passing thought. She grinned and when the bell rang, she grabbed Crona after getting her things then led her out of the room.
Crona shrunk a little but didn't stop her. "Where are we-"
Artemis chuckled. "Don't worry. You'll be fine..." her voice trailed off, sending shivers down Crona's spine. It reminded her a lot more of Medusa than was okay for her.
Artemis shoved her into a closet, pushed her into a chair and closed the door behind them. She switched on the lights while Crona looked around. "W-W-W-What are we d-doing here?"
Artemis smirked. "Tell me: do you know where babies come from?"
Crona innocently shook her head. "N-N-No."
Ragnarok came out of her back and perched himself on her head. "Well, when a mother and father love each other very much-"
Artemis interrupted. "They don't need to love each other. They just need a reason for fantabulous sex."
Crona furrowed her eyebrows. "What's sex?"
Ragnarok and Artemis shared a look. The weapon sighed. "This... is gonna take a while."
*~*~*~*Two Hours Later*~*~*~*
Crona blankly stared at the wall, shaking uncontrollably, tears close to falling, fear pumping in her veins. Artemis grinned. "And that's how babies are made with vibrators!"
Ragnarok laughed at her reaction as Neo opened the door. "Crona! There you are! I've been looking for you everywhere! We've been called to the Death Room."
Crona stood up abruptly. Neo smiled. "C'mon... why did you look so scared?"
Artemis shot her a mischievous look. "I taught her where babies come from with a vibrator!"
Neo understood immediately and she pulled Crona behind her. "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!"
Artemis smirked. "Exactly what I did. Don't worry I have experience. I told Matthew."
Crona hid her face behind her hands. "Poor Matthew!"
Neo glared at Ragnarok. "You bum! Why didn't you do anything?!"
Ragnarok chuckled. "I was helping."
Neo growled. "Never mind. Let's go before our asses are kicked. Arty, I will get Jonah to ruin your dreams later! Now, let's go!"
Neo took Crona's wrist and ran with her to the Death Room as fast as they could, Crona easily taking the lead since she was naturally faster and knew a short cut. Ragnarok retreated into her back during this time.
They walked into the room to see Lord Death standing with the pink-haired girl named Kim who was also called and a man (probably) wearing a full-length robe.
He wore a steel mask attached to a protruding hat with a visor, on top of the robe were linear patterned panels accented by metallic plating, from his sleeves were angular projections and a long triple-wrapped scarf. There was also a weird triangular sections that came out of his chest with steel panels shaped into the letter "E".
They walked towards them and Lord Death clapped his hands together. "Good! All of you are here!"
Neo cocked her head with a smile. "Hello again... what am I doing here?"
Lord Death chuckled. "Well... I know that the three of you are witches!"
The man sighed. "That was a terrible way to handle that."
Crona froze from the pure shock that she was a witch, Kim stared horrified and Neo glared, animalistic instincts taking over instead of shock. She growled. Lord Death held up his hands in defense. "Don't worry! I'm not mad! I won't do anything! This is Eibon."
Neo's instincts shut down and her knees buckled. She fell and landed on them, her eyes wide behind her glasses. She froze. "Holy crap... this can't be happening." she mumbled.
Eibon faced her. "It is."
She smiled weakly. "Thought so."
She pulled herself up and smiled brighter. "Sorry 'bout that! So, why is this relevant?"
Lord Death phewed. "He is going to train you! In magic!"
Kim finally reacted. "Wait. What?"
The reaper cocked his hand and held up a finger. "Well, you three are witches but have almost no training. Eibon has trained hundreds of witches and you three will be added to the number. In case of an emergency, we found that if completely necessary, we'll fight fire with fire."
Crona nodded, understanding the tactic. "No one would ever see that coming since no one thinks that witches can be meisters."
Lord Death nodded. "Exactly! So do you agree to this? You will be excused from a class every day for this training and the teachers don't know. All they know is that the three of you have a special class. You don't have to tell anyone about it."
The three girls stared at each other once before answering. Neo grinned. "I'm in!"
Kim cheered. "Woo! I can get out of class! Definitely!"
Crona gave a small smile. "I-I guess I'll try."
Lord Death seemed very excited. "Your training starts... now!"
Eibon, after moving everything breakable, began their training by making them sit on the ground. He looked at them. "Before we begin, let's get what your powers and familiars are straight so this can go easier."
He faced Neo. "The Turtle Swan witch. Any objections?"
She shook her head. "Nah."
He turned to Kim. "The Racoon Dog witch. Dose this sound right?"
She nodded. "Yeah."
Finally, he went to Crona. "Do you know your familiar?"
She timidly shook her head 'no' and avoided his gaze. "I-I didn't e-e-even know I was a-a-a witch." she stuttered.
He hmmed. "Interesting. Because you're half-witch, your soul seems like a regular person's but what most don't notice is that it is almost Witch Soul Purple. Pinker only because of the human side. Stand."
She did so immediately. He gave her a once-over and muttered a few enchantations. She glowed purple in response which made her cower, hiding her face in her hands for the second time that day. The light disappeared from around her to in front of her.
She spread apart her fingers so her eyes were showing. The light swirled around for a bit then made itself into a shape. Her eyes widened.
A weasel.
Eibon nodded. "So, you're the Weasel witch then."
Crona stared at it for a few seconds. She seemed to grasp it quickly and nodded. "Good. Now, time for the revealing of specialties.
Every witch has at least one specialty in magic. Many don't use it until they have to while others make it one of their best assets. Normally, a witch has about three with a few exceptions due to the nature of the familiar.
Noelani-"
"Neo."
He smiled under his mask. "Neo, you have four. Do you know what they are?"
She pursed her lips. "Combination... Dream/illusion... and Shield. That's all I know."
Eibon let out a breath. "You have Water as well. Did you know that?"
She stared at a random point. "No, I didn't. That would explain a lot. I mean, I remember trying to make pasta and being so bored. I wanted the water to get hotter so the pasta would cook. It worked but I didn't think it was me."
He nodded. "Kim. Do you know?"
She held up a hand and made a motion that signified that she half-knew. "Regeneration and Metal. That's all I got."
Eibon answered for her last one. "Mimicry as well."
She raised an eyebrow. He elaborated. "The Raccoon Dog is known for looking like a dog, a raccoon, a badger and a fox all at the same time. It could pass as each and all to people who don't know. The Raccoon Dog witch takes that by transforming into other people, mimicking voices and even using the same magic. It's like taking a new identity to a new level."
She grinned. "That's awesome."
Eibon chuckled. He looked once more at Crona. "You don't know so I will tell you. You have Shadow, Time and Earth."
She nodded. "Okay."
Eibon took a step back. "It's also natural for every witch to have a knack. Usually based on lineage. Neo, you're an omni-linguist."
Her eyes widened and her face lit up in realization. "Everything makes sense now! I can speak Irish though I've never even tried to learn it! When I'm really angry, I rant in other languages. I remember speaking Arabic once and I didn't even know I knew how to."
Eibon nodded. "See. Kim, yours is natural Medical and Economic Knowledge. Anything ever happen like that?"
She smiled. "Yup! It's like I naturally know how to remedy a wound without any training. When I hear about the Economy, I start spouting ideas that actually sound like they could work for fixing it."
The sorcerer understood. Politicians made him sick. All they had done for the past fifty years or so was spend money that made the country in debt. It annoyed him to no end.
Crona expectantly waited and he cocked his head. "How interesting. Scientific knowledge."
She froze in shock. "N-no wonder. When Stein dissects, I know what he's talking about. Even if I never even learned it."
Eibon walked towards them. "We shall now begin. I'd like you to do the simplest spell you can."
Neo thrust her hand towards Kim. They all stared at her before she explained. "I got a paper cut yesterday and some skin on my pointer finger looks like it's gonna come off. Fix it please!"
Kim understood after paper cut. "Tanunucoon Raccooncoon Ponpon Ponkitanu Pon Pon Pon." she chanted after releasing her Soul Protect.
After a few seconds, the paper cut was gone and the skin healed. Neo grinned. "That's epic. My turn... uh... waffles...?"
She cocked her head. What should she do? What should she do? What should she-bingo! "'Turt Swan Swartuga Tortoise Swantle."
A tiny shield appeared in the palm of her hand. She smirked. "That's how you do things like a boss."
Eibon shook his head while Crona stood awkwardly. She stared at the ground. "I-I don't know if I can."
Eibon let out a breath. "Just breath. Feel the natural magic in your veins. When you're ready, set it free."
She nodded, closing her eyes and breathing slowly. She felt like the world melted away slowly but she didn't mind. She bit her bottom lip anxiously but concentrated on her magic. She felt it pool in her hands and her eyes snapped open, tossing a coin from her pocket into the air. "Pop Pop Weasely Pop Weasel Pop."
It froze it mid-air. She moved her hand and it moved once more to freeze mid-air. Eibon seemed pleased by their results. "Good. That's enough for today since it's only a demonstration. Tomorrow is when everything will start to get harder. Lord Death wanted me to tell you that you are dismissed from school now."
Kim smiled at this, Neo shrugged and Crona bowed respectfully. They all walked out the door and through the hallways. Neo smiled. "I think... this'll be fun."
Kim nodded. "Should be."
Crona cocked her head. "Yes, it seems like it."
Neo stretched her arms. "I'm kinda hungry. Lunch is in like... twenty minutes. Wanna go eat somewhere that isn't here?"
Kim grinned at what she was suggesting. "Sure."
Crona replied meekly. "Yes."
Neo clapped her hands. "Great! Y'all know any where? Great. I sound like Lucas."
Crona giggled at this and Kim nodded. "Yeah! I know just the place but I'm not paying."
Neo smirked. "Didn't think you would. I'll do it. I don't mind."
They set off after Kim who led the way out of the building.
Neo, Crona and Kim found themselves in a diner about ten minutes away from the school. They sat in a booth waiting for their meals.
It was delightfully empty with only an elderly couple, a business man and a mother with her two-year-old were in there as well.
The witches had their drinks in front of them consisting of a Sprite for Neo, a Coke for Crona and a Dr. Pepper for Kim. Neo sipped hers delicately so she wouldn't run out before her food got there.
Kim smiled. "I wouldn't peg you the type to drink like that?"
Neo smirked. "I don't. Waiting for my food. I'll drink like a horse later."
Crona nodded. "That makes sense."
Neo looked around once then licked her lips. "So... how do you feel about the new circumstances?"
Crona pursed her lips while Kim shrugged. "I guess it just makes everything a little easier. I've been here for a couple of years and I had to hide. Makes me feel a little better not hiding from everyone including Lord Death."
Crona smiled weakly. "I learned something new today."
Neo sat up a little. "Wait, is Ragnarok hungry? I forgot about him."
Crona closed her eyes. "Let's see."
They stared at her. She opened her eyes. "He's starving. He wants a hamburger and a coke."
Neo nodded. "'Kay. We'll tell her when the waitress gets here."
Kim looked at Crona. "How do you put up with him?"
Crona cocked her head. "Opposites attract, I guess. I'm nothing like him. I never will be. He's not so bad once you get to know him."
Kim raised an eyebrow. "You have?"
Crona shrugged. "Well, when you've lived eight years with him inside you like I have, it's hard not to."
Neo made a motion that agreed. "That makes sense."
Kim licked her lips. "Uh, guys, can we like keep this a secret? The you-know-what? Except for our partners of course."
Neo grinned. "Lucas and Jonah have known since they met me. I think they know Crona is. I had a dream about you about a month before I even met you so no, I'm not a creeper. You'll be a surprise but it's nothing they can't handle."
Crona smiled. "Ragnarok knows and he won't tell."
Neo raised her eyebrows. "How?"
She bit her bottom lip. "He was listening. He didn't come out because he didn't need to."
Neo nodded slowly. "Like when you fake sleeping and you eavesdrop on your friends. You don't have to really guess who's talking or face them to hear them."
Crona smiled. "Exactly."
Kim sighed. "Well, I have to tell Jackie. It won't be a surprise to hear you're a witch Crona but Neo, you'll be a little more unexpected."
Neo faced Kim. "What do you mean?"
Crona smiled weakly. "I'll tell you some other time."
Neo winked. "I'll remember that... hopefully."
The two pinkettes giggled. The waitress returned with their food. Neo smiled and ordered for Ragnarok. "Can I also have a Hamburger with Fries and a Coke?"
The waitress looked around. "Are you expecting someone?"
Neo's smile stretched into a grin. "You could say that."
The waitress wrote it down and strut away. Neo smirked. "Ooh. She's a whore!"
Crona, who understood, flushed scarlet. "T-T-That's not nice."
Kim stared at her. "I thought you didn't know what it was."
Crona hid her face in her hands. "I didn't until a while ago."
Neo looked horrified. "They explained everything didn't they?"
Crona nodded while Kim held up her hands. "What are you talking about?"
Neo scratched the back of her neck. "Artemis and Ragnarok kind of told Crona where babies come from and probably all the situations it could happen in."
Kim's jaw dropped. "No. Way."
Neo put her arms on the table. "Yes way! They finished when I went to get Crona. She looked terrified."
An apologetic look crossed Kim's face. "That sucks."
They all began to eat their food.
Neo licked her lips. She would have to hide from Artemis and Matthew in a way that wasn't second nature. It'd be so hard. To hide from her new best friends. And from the others: Maka, Soul, Liz, Kid, Patty, Blackstar and Tsubaki. She didn't like to lie unless she had to. She did now but she didn't feel good about it.
Neo swallowed her food. "Let's make it official. Here."
She put her hand on the center of the table. Kim recognized it in seconds and placed hers next to Neo's. "This is a great idea!"
Crona shakily put her hand there. "W-What's this?"
Neo explained. "A Witch Promise. No magic that normal people can see involved. It's a more spiritual magic that bounds us with our promise together. Other than our partners, we are to tell no one of our natures."
A faint light radiated from each of their hands while the magic joined together to make a bright white. The feeling of a cuff attached to chains bound them for a while before disappearing.
Neo smiled. "It's complete."
They all shared a look before Neo smirked. "I guess we're good friends now, eh?"
Kim grinned. "Sure."
Crona nodded. "This wouldn't happen otherwise."
Neo cheered. "This is gonna be great! Now, let's resume eating. Wait, did I just say a big word like resume? Who says that anymore?"
Kim shrugged. "Teachers, adults with no lives, the British."
Crona cocked her head. "British?"
"From England?"
Crona furrowed her eyebrows. "From where?"
Neo sighed. "Yeah. Cupcake, let me explain. England is a country in Europe..."
This was updated very quickly but it's because I literally had nothing else to do with my life this weekend. I may or may not update the next one this fast but I doubt it. Uh... waffles. The show on Friday was better than I hoped and I did everything good except for my headband malfunction which came off in the middle of Little Shop of Horrors (the song).
Meow. I don't have anything to say other than this is a lot shorter than usual and the middle sounds kind of awkward compared to my other writing. Whatever.
Shalom, people!
