Jujutsu Kaisen: The Forgotten Clan
Chapter 25: Sister-Exchange Event, Day 0
Back Inside My Room
Breaking Sakura out at this moment is out of the question. She will have to endure whatever pain is tormenting her right now: it feels like she is in a heated room with no windows and unable to move freely. In the meantime, I put myself together and go to bed. Per usual, sleep does not come easy, and I toss and turn for an hour before dosing off into nothingness.
Ring a ding, ring a ding. Ring a ding. Ring, click. Whoever it is, I will get back to you in the morning.
Ring a ding, ring a ding. Ring a ding. Ring, click. The sound of silence is enjoyable. Goodnight.
Buzz. Knock, knock. Buzz, knock, buzz, buzz, knock.
Shuffle, shuffle, snap, creek.
"Don't take this the wrong way, but you look like a zombie."
"Don't take this wrong way, but you look good enough to eat. Are you letting me out of this chamber or not?"
"We have a few questions to ask of you first. Then we will see about releasing you."
Buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.
Snap, snap. All noise ceases to exist, a gust of wind rushes through my lungs, and my surroundings go dark.
Chirp, chirp, biz. Waking up to the sounds of nature tells me a new day has sprung. My eyes open, looking towards my dorm's ceiling: an off-white/grey color. Sakura is safe and sleeping. I will visit her in a few days.
Offsite Hideout Three: Sunday Morning (Opens with Sakura's point of view)
Friday night seems like a nightmare come true: being chained up in a cave, having my skin melt off from excessive heat, and trying to answer questions from those sorcerers. And the constant buzzing and shuffling noises drove me up a wall!
I fell asleep for a short time after the interrogators left. A strange dream crept inside my mind; it felt like my body was floating in the air and surrounded by darkness.
"I am glad to see you are up and well. You may drop the wide-eyed look if you wish."
"When did you get here? And how did you get inside?"
"Just now, and this is one of my hideaways. We are the only people who know it exists."
"Lucky for us. Wait, it was you who broke me out on Friday!"
"I can neither confirm nor deny that statement, Sakura."
I gesture Sakura towards me. Since I have a few hours before reporting back to the Ano household, now is a great time to reunite Sakura with her brother. Once I explain the parameters of my capabilities, obtain Sakura's consent, and focus my energy, the process takes an hour.
Sunday, April 2nd, 2007: Three Months Since Transferring; a week before the Exchange Event
"Grr, I am effing tired of this nonsense."
"Satoru, there is no need to get worked up over a simple task. Shoko asked us to get a dozen lilies and some fruit for her, so here we are. Shopping at the farmers' market. And look who else is here."
Having moved back off-campus and being assigned mission after mission, I don't see Satoru and Suguru very often.
"We heard you got a new apartment. Mind telling us where you are living now?"
"I do mind. Since you are curious, figure out a way to find my new place that does not include stalking me."
My eyes send daggers into Satoru's soul. We both know he can find out where I live without a problem if he put his mind to it. His laid-back personality, mission schedule, and family affairs keep him occupied, much to my relief.
"All talks of housing aside, what is new with you, Blaze? What brings you here of all places?"
"The usual, coming to school, keeping up with mission assignments, and staying out of trouble. This farmers' market sells items that are part of my diet and not found in most stores. I also enjoy the vibe of the place."
"Sure, you do. By the way, you are invited over to the Gojo clan house for dinner on Wednesday. Try to show up on time."
"You are telling me to show up on time for something. What time am I expected to show up?"
"I will escort you after classes, and don't worry, this guy here will be joining us too. Before I forget, you are participating in the Exchange Event, correct?"
"My answer depends on who is asking."
"I am asking, what is your..."
"I told Yaga and the Elders two...three weeks ago that I will be participating. I have a few tricks up my sleeve to showcase that might be of interest to some."
Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz.
"Who is contacting you?"
"A school friend from Canada. His family relocated to Japan a few weeks ago, and we are making plans to hang out this week. Shall we be off?"
I start walking away while looking at my classmates over my shoulder, giving them each a toothy smile. Satoru rolls his eyes, and Suguru shoves his hands into his pockets while starring at the sky.
Thursday, April 6th, 2007: Four Days Before the Exchange Event
Before entering the cafe, I check for unwanted companies and see the coast is clear. The butterflies in my stomach brought me to a corner booth overlooking the boardwalk outside. I place an order for coffee and wait. Fifteen minutes later, I see a broad-shouldered redhead walk through the doors. I blow the coffee, pretending to cool it off.
The host escorts the redhead to my table. As I stand up, my coffee jumps off the table and lands in my lap. I feel the heat in my cheeks start to rise while the dark blue pants showcase the spillage. A baritone voice rings through my ears.
"If I had known you would greet me like this, I would have spilled water on myself."
A light punch on the arm and one bear hug later, Simon and I dive right into catching up. Seven years apart is surreal; we talk about our experiences moving to Japan, our respective families, and future endeavors as if we never left each other's side.
"I remember you telling me how interesting Human Anatomy is as a subject. You are right, Blaze! Learning about what makes up a human being is cool and motivates me to become a nurse. That and I enjoy watching people grow."
(Interesting; I have considered going into nursing after finishing Jujutsu Technical College. And part of my motivation for working as a sorceress is to watch people grow; the other is keeping families together.)
"Why are you furrowing your brow? I know you of all people would not judge a man for wanting to pursue nursing."
"I was thinking about how connected our lives seem. And yes, gender should not play a role in what professions someone pursues. How have you been feeling?"
"Are we talking about physically, mentally, emotionally? And why are you asking? Do I look sick?"
(His cursed energy seems under control, which is odd for a civilian. He does not appear ill, and I assume his mental state is well balanced. You are projecting and making assumptions again, Blaze.)
"Overall, I am feeling fine physically: no major injuries, just changes that come with puberty. There are times when I feel sad and alone: I expected this to happen due to moving to a new place."
A pregnant pause tells me there is more to Simon's story. My guess is he has or is currently experiencing bullying.
"You don't have to tell me everything right now. Only share within your comfort zone."
He investigates his cup of tea and sighs.
"There are times when I feel like something is watching me. Yet, I know I am safe and have not been followed by anyone. And I have been having strange dreams involving death and fighting. You know me, I am not the fighting type."
We share a laugh at Simon admitting he is not a fighter. On our way out the door, I thank Simon for meeting me. I watch as he walks away from the cafe, nose in his phone: texting his partner, telling them he is on his way home. Young love, I appreciate it and am open to it.
"You two can come out of hiding now."
"So that is the famous Simon whom you were talking about all week. He seems nice. Did you set up another date?"
"There is no need to get jealous, Satoru. He is seeing someone, and our relationship is strictly platonic."
Suguru's smiling face and eyes emphasize his relief.
Monday, April 10th, 2007: Kyoto-Sister Exchange Event Day, 0
"Meow, meow."
"Good morning, Fluff Nugget. Thanks for waking me up."
I packed my bag the night before, knowing I would want a few extra minutes of shuteye. A quick bowl of oatmeal, a kiss on my cat's head, and wardrobe change later, I fly out the front door. It takes me twenty minutes to walk to campus.
"Glad to see you are in a good mood today, Miss Santa-Clara. It has been three months since we saw each other face-to-face."
The hair on my neck stands on end when I hear his voice. I turn around and see the vampire looking at me with burning red eyes. His fangs taunt my neck like a vulture circling its prey. His hair has grown slightly but, his physical strength has not wavered. Vampires are amazing creatures.
"Careful how long you stare at me. I get that I am good-looking and strong but, you are too young for me."
"My age did not stop you from trying to rip my neck to pieces back at Disneyland. Have a nice day."
"I will be having a nice day and seeing you later. Good luck with the Sister Exchange Event."
I make it to the classroom with two minutes to spare. Yaga, Suguru and Satoru are present. Shoko, Haibara, and Nanami are on their way. And there is this feeling I can't shake off or point down. I send a message to Simon and myself.
"Alright, now that everyone is present...Santa-Clara put the phone away."
I put my phone away and apologize for disrupting Yaga.
"We should make it to Kyoto by noon. When we arrive, please be respectful and do not pick a fight with the other students."
"There is no need to look at me while saying this. I do not start fights. I end them."
Everyone, except Yaga, erupts in laughter. I keep a deadpan look on my face as the uneasiness grows stronger. It feels as though someone is anticipating my arrival. Someone other than Disneyland vampire.
Bullet Train to Kyoto
"Is this seat taken?"
Suguru points to the seat facing me. I shake my head no, and he sits. I go back to writing in my journal and check my phone to see if Simon has answered my text. No new messages have arrived.
"Are you feeling nervous about the Exchange Event? I know I am."
"No. I am more excited than nervous, Suguru. With your technique, you should do well. I am all ears if you want to share your feelings of nervousness."
"Suguru here gets nervous over most things outside of his control. Is not that right dude?"
"Satoru, stop putting words in my mouth and let me speak for myself. Who said you could join Blaze and me?"
"I invited myself. Would you two enjoy some privacy?"
"You answered your question, Satoru. Please, leave Suguru and me alone."
After Satoru leaves, Suguru continues with his story. Turns out, we have a few similarities in common. I start falling asleep and hear my phone vibrate as my eyes close. Two hours later, the train stops.
"Blaze. We are here, time to get up."
Suguru is gently shaking my shoulder, trying to avoid a punch from me. I wave at him and get up. Once outside the train, it is a thirty-minute walk to the Kyoto campus. The site of the city is prettier in daylight.
The compound comes into view, and the butterflies return. I look around at the environment: the layout of the Kyoto campus is more industrial on the front end, yet I feel the presence of animal and plant life deep within the campus grounds. I also feel the presence of highly important people who have come to observe the week's festivities.