"Hannah?" Kagome's voice reached her ears and she nodded, "It's true. But I'm not a bad witch so don't be afraid," Hannah explained quickly. "Not that there are many evil witches out there – like the ones you hear about in books and fairytales."
Mr. Kaito stepped away from the two, young women and sat down on the couch, crossing his long legs – listening to Hannah's explanation.
"Witches live among humans – our identity hidden from those who fear us."
"The burning of witches…" Kagome murmured. Hannah nodded and smiled – sad.
"Our ability to heal and our ability to gain knowledge created fear in many, also those who ruled the lands – and we were burned on large fires. Some were bound and thrown into the water," Hannah looked at her black, high heels. "If we floated, we were innocent women and if we sank to the bottom of the ocean, we were witches. Obviously the men of that time-period had no knowledge that if one drowned they would first float up before they sank into the water. Idiots…"
"My great, great grandmother was burnt and her death was celebrated by many," Hannah said in a hushed voice and Kagome had problems catching what she heard. "My family was hunted down and they had to go into hiding – deep into the forest. Having nowhere to go, they decided to make the best of their situation and built a great mansion, using nothing more than their hands – just like normal humans."
"Why?" Kagome asked, curious.
"Because they were afraid," Hannah simply stated. "But not all of them wanted to live a life in fear and my great grandmother ran away. She took up residence in the nearest village and fell in love with a Norwegian sailor and he took her away from England and back to his home." Hannah paused and smiled. "My great grandmother became a powerful witch and used her powers to create her own empire before she gave birth to three handsome boys – three great wizards. They were far more powerful than their mother and at the age of twenty, they set out into the world."
"My mother was born here in Japan and they discovered her powers when she was nothing but a toddler – her powers surpassed her father at the age of fifteen. She traveled back to Norway and fell in love with a politician – a wizard – and they settled down in Oslo, the capital of Norway, where they still live." She paused and smiled. "My grandfather still lives in Japan, but I have no idea where. He might not even be still alive."
"I've always known that I was a witch – ever since I was born. Most witches discover their powers when they reach puberty, but that wasn't my case," she grinned. "When I was three years old I set fire to the kitchen and burnt our house down. Mom never lets me forget about it."
"When I became ten years old, I discovered I could talk to electrical equipment, which contributed to the quick development I had the following years. My ability to look at one page and remember every word, every picture, has made me into the historian I am today." She looked to Mr. Kaito who pinned her with his strong gaze. "What Mr. Kaito meant about using my powers to read objects it quite simple – they talk to me. One touch is all I need."
Kagome's eyes widened. "I can't believe it."
"That's understandable," Hannah nodded and looked back to the katana in front of her. "The reason I came to Japan was first and foremost my thirst for knowledge, but also to find my grandfather. Family is important to me."
"What are your powers?" Kagome asked.
"I'm glad you asked," Hannah smiled. "I control elements, like my grandfather before me – water, fire, air, earth and energy, but I can also – if I so wish it – read minds. It's quite handy, I tell you. However, I rarely use that power – the privacy of one's mind is sacred, at least to me and it should be left alone."
Kagome nodded. "So your knowledge of the well…"
"I have no knowledge of the well, but I have knowledge of magical items. They reach out to me, just like Tenseiga. It wants to released," Hannah threw a glance at the man positioned in the couch, "… and examined."
"Miss Moore," the curator spoke up and threw a glance at his wristwatch, "it is becoming late." Hannah mimicked Mr. Kaito – almost eleven. Her eyes widened, "indeed."
"Perhaps you two should trek back to your home," he suggested and got up from his seat. He walked gracefully towards the glass that contained the sword and unlocked it with ease, using nothing but his thumb to unlock the code. Opening the glass he motioned her to take the sword form its binds, "take it."
"Just like that?"
"Just like that," Mr. Kaito parroted.
"No paperwork?"
"No paperwork."
"Are you sure?"
"Miss Moore, I was under the impression that you wanted the sword."
"Right…" Hannah reached over to grab the sword by its hilt. As her long, elegant fingers touched the sword, it burst to life. The pulsing of the sword went through her body and caressed every fiber of her being – it felt good. Mr. Kaito handed her the hilt of the sword and motioned for her to place the katana inside. She did.
Kagome watched the interaction between the two – clearly interested and happy. She might have gained access to the feudal era. She smiled and placed her hand on Hannah's shoulder and squeezed, "it's beautiful."
"It is," Hannah said and held the sword with two hands. Hannah's blue eyes met those of Mr. Taisho and bowed, "thank you for lending us this sword."
The curator nodded and began to walk toward the entrance far away from their location. The two women followed him in silence. As they reached the heavy, red oak doors of the entrance he turned to look at them. "I am afraid that I must leave you here, you two." He bowed deeply to both of them, "Miss Moore, Miss Higurashi," before he slowly walked away.
Kagome let out a sigh, "That was close." Nodding, Hannah stepped through the doors and out into the night, her friend close by her.
"He was rather handsome, though," Kagome snickered, forcing Hannah to roll her eyes.