Jujutsu Kaisen: The Forgotten Clan

Chapter 33-Mission Canada, Part 3

"Suguru, what did Blaze say before our conversation dropped?"

"She mentioned Sir Shingo's name. That is all I caught before we lost connection."

Back in Canada

All I can do is stare at the black screen in front of me. I am ignoring the constant twitching of my left eye and my pounding headache. A hand on my shoulder directs my attention to Aamina.

"How about we call it a night? Your friends seem nice and..." Businge cuts her sister off mid-sentence.

"No, we need to talk. Aamina, sit down."

Aamina obeys.

Silence cuts through the room like a knife.

"Before continuing, Aamina, and I have your back," Businge states while sitting across the table from me. Her hands fidget as she makes herself comfortable. I give her a gentle smile.

"Our school took on a missing person case around February of this year. A child ran away from home, the parents were distraught, and the child returned home out of the blue."

Where have I heard this story before?

"Do you normally take on missing person cases?

Businge shakes her head no.

"Then why take the missing person case? The civilian police could have solved it themselves."

"Our school caught word of a similar problem taking place in Japan…."

I notice Aamina fidgeting with her shirt's sleeve, stealing glances between the table and me. A knock on the door makes the three of us jump from our seats.

I walk into the kitchen, grab my knife and gesture for the sisters to stay where they are. It is going on two in the morning…nobody should be knocking on a residence this early. The door shakes as the person on the other side demands to be let inside.

Keep it down! Is all I can think as I move towards the door.

Click, goes the doorhandle as I grab it for support while looking through the peephole.

A 175.6 centimeters tall individual with broad shoulders, wavey-brown hair and a discrete raven tattoo peeping out of his collar is standing beyond the barrier. He is about to knock for a third time when…

"Léonce, what brings you here this earlier in the morning?"

"Ah, Madam Santa-Clara. I was not expecting you to answer. If I may please come in…"

"I don't think that is a good idea. I am in the middle of conversing with my superiors back in Japan and heading off to bed in a few minutes. What may I help you with before I close the door?"

His dark-brown eyes scan my face and shoulders before meeting my purple eyes. A half grin reveals teeth, slightly stained from acidic foods. I mimic his facial expressions before continuing our conversation.

"Are you here to pick up a report? Or checking-out my injuries?"

"Neither. Tell Businge and Aamina to get their things and meet me outside. I am taking them back to campus."

With that, Léonce turns around, shoves his hands into his pockets and walks downstairs. When the door leading outside clicks shut, I scan the hallway to make sure it is clear. I turn back to my company.

"Who was there, Blaze?"

"Léonce. He claims to be taking you both back to campus."

Silence.

"Aamina and Businge, this information will stay between us: I don't trust Léonce in the slightest. And Paula knows y'all are here."

I sit back down and rub the dry blood on my right wrist.

"Why don't you trust him?" Aamina asks, her eyes moving between the table and my face.

I lick the back of my teeth and fold my arms across my chest. I start laughing.

"What is so funny? Léonce is Paula's brother and a respected sorcerer. When he is not away on a mission or working overseas, he helps around the school." Businge states, her right eyebrow raised towards the sky.

Aamina starts fidgeting with her sleeve again and bites her lower lip. She slams her fists onto her lap before talking.

"I think it would be best if you came to our campus! This way, you will be able to find whatever information it is you are looking for. Now tell us why you distrust Léonce?"

I stop laughing and lean back in my chair, looking my counterparts in the face.

"Simple, we met before under different circumstances. Where was he during…"

Buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.

"Oh, come on! Paula just texted us that we are returning to campus. I wanted to stay here for the night and chat with you." Aamina's voice whines out. Businge laughs under her breath.

I hold up a finger and disappear into the bedroom. The sisters move from the table and stand under the door jam.

"What are you looking for, Blaze?", Businge asks, "and to your question, Léonce was in Japan during the New Year."

I smile to myself as I put my backpack over my left shoulder.

"And to your question, I am coming with you to campus. I was looking for clothes and cash."

Someone else is waiting for us. Léonce has been pacing back and forth since leaving my front door.

Buzz, buzz.

"There you two are, why is Blaze following behind you?"

"Oh, she is coming to campus with us. Assuming this is alright. Businge and I want to repay her for letting us crash with her for a few…."

Businge cuts Aamina's rambling off. I put my phone on silence, meet Paula's eyes and smile. Léonce raises an eyebrow towards me and gets in the car. I follow Businge and Aamina into the backseat.

Roughly an Hour Later

"Hey, sleeping beauties, we are here."

Businge nudges Aamina and I gently. Both of us used the other for support during the ride to campus. I take my seatbelt off, while supporting Aamina's neck, and gesture for Businge to help carry her inside.

The main corridor feels inviting: a long hallway light by candles, echoes of footsteps bounce off into the darkness, and a slight chill rolls over my spine.

"This way." Businge points to the left when we reach the midway point of the hallway. We walk a few steps down another hallway and stop. She opens the door and releases Aamina onto the bed.

After leaving Aamina's room, Businge takes us up a flight of stairs, and into another room. This one is empty, save for a basic dorm-style mattress and an empty wardrobe.

"I will see you in the morning. The bathrooms are down the hallway and to the right. Get some sleep."

"You, too. Thank you for tonight, Businge."

I catch the corners of Businge's face reach for the sky as she closes the door behind her.

Once seated on the bed, I take out my phone and see there are no new messages. Time to shower and wash the stench from today's fight.

The Next Morning: Wednesday, June 12th, 2007

I manage to sleep for three hours before my brain jolts awake. With a stiff neck and sore back, I stretch my arms and glance at my phone: it is six in the morning. It flashes blue.

"Hey Satoru, what is up?" I say in a groggy voice.

"Did you forget your coffee this morning?"

"For the record, it is six in the morning where I am and…"

"Are you safe?"

"Yes. What do you want?"

I shift through my bag and find my toiletries. I am half listening to Satoru ranting on about his and Suguru's upcoming assignment. Once inside the hallway, I beeline for the bathroom…only to stop short of my destination.

"…and this assignment might involve you. Once more information comes through, I will get back in touch. Are you listening?"

"I will get back to you later, Satoru."

I hang up before the protesting starts. What I see before me is the portrait of an older woman; full lips, pressed into a firm line that exaggerates her cheeks. Her curly hair, a mix of gray and white, falls past her shoulders. But what grabs my attention the most are her eyes…a plumb purple, serious, and sharp. Countess Kilian-Inès Sybelle Carbella.

"Holy fishpaste…"

Ring, ring, ring.

"What now? Hello?"

"Dang it! I was hoping to get to you before Satoru."

"How may I help you, Suguru?"

"You sound on edge, what has caught you by surprise?"

I hear voices and footsteps off in the distance. They are headed my way.

"Look, I am not sure what or who I am looking at. I will get back to you later today. Satoru was given the same message."

"Hmm? Ok. Oh, not to add more to your plate but, Satoru and I might need a favor from you depending on the Elders' demands."

….

"I know you are still there, Blaze. And, while you may not want to hear this, you are doing your best given the circumstance. Cut yourself some slack."

The other end of the phone starts beeping.

Across Campus, Inside a Hallway

"Bonjour Aamina, it is unlike you to be up this early."

"Salut, Paula. Do you have a minute so we can chat?"

Before Paula can protest, Aamina grabs her instructor's arm and leads them into a classroom. She closes the door behind them. After releasing her grip, Aamina starts pacing back and forth while checking her phone.

"Dang it Businge! Hurry up and get here."

"What is going on? Is this regarding your mission?"

"Please give me a minute…"

Knock, knock. Creek.

"Sorry Aamina, I just woke up when you texted me. What have you all discussed?"

"Nothing."

Having worked with Aamina and Businge for two years, Paula has learned to give them space before continuing a conversation. She sits down and clears her throat.

"We appreciate your patience, Paula. Umm…" Aamina starts fidgeting with her fingers and biting her bottom lip before continuing, "we feel Blaze should stay on our campus until the mission is over. And beyond…if possible."

Businge covers half her face with her hand and takes over the conversation.

"There are several reasons we feel this way. First, we ran into the individual who hired us for the mission. The person and Blaze have met under different circumstances. Second, there is more to this mission than what has been discussed between us and Jujutsu Technical College. I can't put my finger on it but, information is missing from one of the involved parties. And thirdly, this missing information could backfire down the road. The last thing I want is for my co-worker to get the brunt end of the backfire." Businge's nails dig into her palms as she finishes her thought.

"What do you say?" Aamina's voice dances in the air.

Paula noodles over what has been shared.

"Why else do you want her to stay? I know you two have ulterior motives for bringing Blaze onto campus without prior authorization." Paula folds her arms across her chest and leans back in her chair. "You took her to the senior dormitories when we arrived on campus this morning, Businge."

"What is your point, Paula? I did not feel the need to drag her across campus and have her sleep closer to me. She will be fine."

"That is not what Paula means, Businge."

Both sisters grow quiet. Paula looks at her watch, gets up and heads for the door. She clears her throat and addresses her company. "I am already getting an earful from Madam Lark. If I can get a meeting with her, I will see what I can do regarding Blaze. In the meantime, get ready for the day."

Once the door closes behind Paula, Businge and Aamina start talking again.

"You did not tell her about Léonce, why not?"

"Aamina, it is not our place to discuss how Blaze feels about Léonce. We will talk with her first and get the rest of the picture. I am not putting us in a position that could upset Paula. Come now, breakfast is starting."

…

I make it to the end of the hallway and turn right. A few minutes later, two women enter behind me. We acknowledge each other and go about our morning routines. While brushing my teeth, I take out my phone and find Satoru's number.

"Excuse me, who are you?"

I come face-to-face with one of the women; she is shorter than me, has dyed red hair that extends to her lower back, and beady grey eyes. I smile at her before responding.

"Lithuila."

I pass by a few more students before heading to the dining hall.

Roughly ten minute later:

"There you are, how did you sleep?" Businge whispers this while sitting down.

"Like a pile of bricks." I say between sips of coffee. "How did the two of you sleep?"

Both Aamina and Businge shrug their shoulders and stare at their plates. I finish the last bit of coffee when my phone lights up.

"Is that the annoying white-haired boy we met last night?"

"Aamina, could you not?"

I laugh and say "hey, Aamina is right. Satoru is an annoying white-haired individual. Yes, it is him. I have a question, are we going to class?"

"Yes. No." Aamina and Businge give opposite answers.

"Oh no. Not now." I follow Businge's eyes to the front of the hall. A young-looking woman with cropped, cream hair, a freckle on her pointed nose, and tailored suit walks over to our table. Paula trails behind her. Both women stop and address us.

"Bonjour Businge, Aamina, and who are you?"

"My birth name is Lithuila but, I prefer the name Blaze." I grin.

"All three of you, follow me. We need to talk." With that, the woman and Paula head back the way they came. Businge rubs her face before grabbing my arm. Aamina trails behind us.

While heading towards the front office, I notice a few more portraits on the walls. Most of them bear names I have never heard of but, they do not hold the same gravity as Killian-Inés' portrait.

….

"Please take a seat. May I offer the three of you a beverage?"

"No, Madam. Blaze! Sit down." Businge hisses at me. I am in my own element, taking in the office surroundings.

"Je suis desole." I sit down without protest. Paula gives me a sheepish grin.

"Very well. Paula has informed me you are teamed up with Businge and Aamina on a mission. Is this correct?"

"Yes, Madam."

"And why are you on campus? We were under the impression Jujutsu Technical College would cover your housing during the joint mission."

I look around the room and open my mouth halfway.

"Uhm, you are correct. Jujutsu Technical College put me in an apartment. I am on campus because…"

"We wanted to show her around and get everyone on the same page in terms of the mission."

Aamina and I both look at Businge. A fire grows inside her stomach as she maintains eye contact with the headmistress.

"Since the three of us are working together, and several breakthroughs have been made in the case, we felt it was appropriate to debrief on campus. Not to mention we crashed at Blaze's place and wanted to repay the favor."

I open my mouth to say something but, Businge holds up a hand.

"I would like to take Lithuila to classes with me today. This afternoon, if possible, I would like to close this case. Kindly find someone who can back us up. Until then, have a nice day."

The next thing I know, I am being dragged out the door and towards the dining hall. Once out of earshot, Businge lets me go. She points in the direction of my room.

Meanwhile: Back at Jujutsu Technical College

"Spill your guts, what did she say?" Shoko lights up a cigarette while walking to class.

"That she will get back to Satoru and me later today. Speaking of Satoru. You are early for once."

"I appreciate you commenting on my youthful appearance but, I am not my grandson. Nice to see you, Ieiri."

"Way to go Suguru. What brings you to campus on short notice?"

"My lovely grandson said to come over for something important. And he is nowhere to be found. Where are you two headed?"

"Class!" Shoko and Suguru shout over each other.

Suguru pulls out his phone, punches in Satoru's phone number and leaves a curt message. "Hey, your grandfather is on campus. Shoko and I are heading to class. Call either of us when you decide to show up."

Back in Canada

After Italian class finishes up, Businge and I head for lunch. We have not talked with each other since breakfast and her continuously looking over her shoulders raises red flags. Before we make it out of the classroom, her heart rate spikes up, and pupils dilate. She holds her breath for thirty seconds and hurries us along.

"What have you seen?"

"Huh?" I blink twice before coming to my senses.

"Don't play dumb with me. What have you seen?"

"Seen of what? Canada? The campus? Jujutsu Technical College? I would appreciate…"

"Never mind, forget I asked."

A half-growl, half-sigh escapes my lips as I jerk my hand from Businge's.

"If you are referring to Killian-Inés, we met this morning. She is quite stunning for someone, I assume, is dead."

We stop short of the dining hall, and veer off course once Businge finishes her double-take. Once inside my dorm room, Businge dives into an all-out rant.

"You are in danger, and I want to know why. Don't give me a generic response of sorcery is a dangerous profession where people disappear…that is not my point. It seems your school does not give two cents about your well-being, they suck at communicating during missions, and you should be attending school here! Stop trying to talk and let me finish."

Her voice grows quiet as two pairs of feet approach the door. She stares at the door, fire burning in her dark-chocolate eyes. And I swear, her green hair went from a forest shade to a seafoam shade in a matter of seconds. The knock on the door makes my heart fall to the floor.

Businge and I stay in our respective spots. Another knock comes from outside.

"We know you are inside, Businge, Blaze. Open the door for us."

My hand will not stop shaking as I reach for the nob. The cold metal feels warm inside my palm and the hair on my neck stands erect.

"Good afternoon Léonce, Paula. How may we assist you?"

"Madam Lark would like to speak with us. Aamina is already in her office. Come along."

I hear the faintest cuss word escape Businge's lips.

Madam Lark's Office

Aamina's eyes light up when she sees Businge, and I walk inside the room. Businge sits in an empty seat without acknowledging her sister. I give Aamina a silent wave and sit next to her. Léonce makes himself comfortable in the seat across the table form me with his skull tattoo pointing in my direction.

"Thank you all for gathering here on short notice," Madam Lark starts, "I would like a run-down on what happened last night and why the two of you brought Lithuila to campus." She gestures to Aamina and Businge.

"Permission to speak, Madam Lark?" I say this in a tone that is nearly inaudible to me. I catch Businge's eyebrows raise to the sky, and I flash her a toothless smile. Her brows relax and her shoulders roll back.

"Go right ahead."

"Businge, Aamina and I came face to face with the person who hired us for this job. I was out in the woods taking an evening walk when I heard a disturbance. The situation felt dangerous, and I called on Businge for back-up. By the time we reached the area of disturbance, Aamina had made an appearance. Before we knew what all was happening, we found ourselves trapped inside a barrier." I look out the corner of my right eye and see Aamina's head bobbing up and down. Businge is making direct eye contact with me, clinging to my every word.

"And you are telling me the employer was inside the barrier?"

"Yes."

"Continue, Miss Santa-Clara. What else happened last night?"

"The employer, whom I assume Jujutsu Technical College and you have the name on record, had a brief conversation with Businge, Aamina and me. Once the employer left, a few curses found their way into the barrier, a fight broke out, and Businge, Aamina, and me retreated to my apartment. That is all."

"And what information have you disclosed with Jujutsu Technical College?"

I do not answer Miss Lark right away. Her arms are no longer folder across her chest but, she maintains direct eye contact with me. Businge answers on my behalf.

"Sit down, please, Blaze. Madam Lark, Blaze has shared the same information with her superiors as I have shared with you."

Madam Lark sits down, adjusts her glasses and sighs. She waves for someone to enter the meeting room. At the same time, Léonce excuses himself from the meeting.

Five Minutes Later

"Businge and Aamina, take Miss Blaze back to her room. Paula, when Mathéo arrives, you will take the girls and finish the mission. You are to rescue any individuals you come across. Be it the employer or other hostages. I will reach out to Jujutsu Technical College and inform them of my decision. Good luck to you all."

Madam Lark gets up and leaves. The butterflies are mingling in my stomach as my phone shakes in my backpack. My friends and I get up to leave but, my face burns like a coal and an acidic taste rises to my mouth. I am forced to sit down.

"Hold on there. Businge, get her some water."

I shake my head left and right like a mad dog before the room goes completely dark.

Blaze? Blaze? If you can hear me, respond.

I hear someone calling my name but, I can't tell where the voice is coming from. And there is this freezing…

"Out! Stop touching me!"

"We have not lost you! Businge she is…"

"I can see for myself Aamina, thanks. Come on, let's get you to your room."

Once inside the bedroom, I find my phone and call Satoru. Five rings later and no response. I try Suguru and…no response.

"Crud! Fine, the two of you will just get a text message from me then."

…

"Ugh, should we leave? You are upset." Businge asks, her hair a deep forest green.

"No. I want information on Killian-Inés, information you have been trying to share with me all day."

Aamina grins from ear-to-ear and her dichromatic eyes threaten to burst from their sockets. Businge's forest-green hair changes to a light-green hue. I am handed a piece of paper with a code, and instructions.