3: In Which Maka Arrives in her New Town
All around her was the ocean.
Maka felt exhilarated. She flew over the shore area at a leisurely pace, enjoying everything about it. Off the coast was a mess of foamy water, salty air, bobbing boats, and screeching seagulls. These were things Maka had never experienced in her life in the countryside.
She was loving every minute of it.
Blair, on the other hand, wasn't. She had moved to the most secure location she could find, which just happened to be right between the bag and Maka's shoulder blades.
"Is it possible to get seasick above the water?" she asked.
Maka laughed as she waved to a passing fishing vessel. "Don't be silly, Blair! Besides, even if you don't like the water that's where all the fish comes from."
"Doesn't mean I have to be around it."
Soon Dödenstad came into view. Both witch and familiar gasped as they flew over the pier and into the downtown area. The city was definitely grand compared to what they'd experienced. The buildings were build in large communal units, walls painted beige and roofs tiled a russet brown. Cars and busses weaved through the wide streets. Trams ran across their railways as if the traffic was none of their concern. Cobblestone sidewalks were thronging with people of all ages going about their lives. There were several streets devoid of vehicles that were lined with stands selling fruits and vegetables, fish, and other small marketable trinkets.
Right in the middle of it all was a huge clock tower that seemed to overlook the city. The time read a quarter after eleven. Maka flew up closer to it, amazed. She'd never seen a clock tower before. It was definitely something incredible.
"Wow…" breathed Maka.
"Well isn't this a rare sight?"
Maka turned to the new voice. It came from the clock tower. Hanging on a bench suspended by ropes was a boy who only looked a couple of years older than her. He had dark skin and hair a mix of dreads and cornrows. The boy pushed his glasses up slightly as Maka flew in a bit closer.
"Hello there!" she called.
"Hi!"
The boy stood up on the bench. He seemed very comfortable being so high up, despite not being a witch who could fly like Maka. Maka noticed there were a couple of buckets, sponges, towels, and a large window wiper next to him. They boy followed her gaze and laughed, holding out his hand.
"Kilik Rung, part-time window cleaner. I also work in this clock tower here. Just some simple mechanical work." He shook her hand with a smile. Maka grinned back.
"Maka Albarn, witch-in-training."
"Well I can see that!" Kilik replied with a chuckle. "You don't get many witches trying to find work in the cities these days, so my parents say. Almost entirely in the country where people still appreciate things like potions and fortune telling."
"I come from that countryside you just described. I've always wanted to try the city life!"
"It's not for everyone, I can tell you that! But you've got guts for coming here. It's definitely less accommodating to outsiders. Sure you wanna live here and not some other pleasant village?"
Maka shook her head. "The city's where I want to be. Besides, I have a friend who's living here who said she'd house me for the time being. I'll make it all work."
Kilik nodded. "Good luck! I'll be rooting for you. Hope to see you around, Miss Albarn. And welcome to Dödenstad!"
"Thank you!"
Maka flew away from Kilik as she waved goodbye and sailed over the buildings. She decided to lower her altitude and see the people. Maka flew so she was just above the jutting signs of the businesses on the busy street.
She heard people gasping. A few pointed. Many stopped to double take. No doubt many city dwellers had never seen a witch in their lives. Maka smiled a bit as she sat up straighter and flew. Blair patted Maka's hand.
"Maka, people are staring."
"It's fine. Just act natural."
The two continued to glide over the crowd. Everything was going well so far.
And then disaster struck.
Maka saw a bridge coming up. Rather than flying over it she chose under, which was in the main road. Everything would have been fine if it hadn't been for the double-decker bus going through. Maka and the driver met eyes before she jerked her broom to the side to avoid crashing. She almost ran into a car, which braked and swerved into the opposite lane. The car coming from the opposite direction honked. Suddenly there was a blockage in traffic.
Maka completely lost control of the broom by then. In a panic she spun off the street and into the sidewalk. Blair shouted out in fear as Maka barreled through the crowd. Shocked screams came from the people as the wind of her broom swept up skirts and papers. Flesh bumped into flesh for a couple of seconds before Maka tightened her grip and willed the broom up.
She flew about a block away from the honking traffic, heart hammering in her chest. Maka landed when she was safely around the corner. She breathed a sigh of relief before noticing the people staring at her. Maka decided to introduce herself as she had done in every town during her travels.
"Hello. My name is Maka Albarn. This here is my familiar, Blair the Cat." She gestured down to Blair before continuing. "I'm thinking of settling here in Dödenstad. It's a lovely city, and I love the clock tower. It's also right by the ocean. I hope I'll be able to provide adequate service during my apprenticeship."
She dipped her head and curtsied.
The small crowd seemed boggled by her manners. Some of the people walked away with somewhat strange glances at her. A few openly stared. One elderly woman smiled and told her she was very polite. One man downright ignored her before leaving as well.
Maka stood as the people began walking by her without casting so much as a glance her way. She wasn't really sure what to expect. Every other town she'd been to there had been at least one person who would talk to her after she introduced herself. Maybe things were different in the city? Everyone seemed very focused on themselves.
"That didn't go so well," Blair said, voicing Maka's thoughts.
The girl shook her head and forced a smile. "That's okay! It was the first time flying in a city. I shouldn't have flown through that arch like that. Next time will be better. But we should probably go to a different area so no one gets too mad at us."
Blair was about to respond, but she was interrupted by a shout.
"You there!"
Maka turned around to see a man running towards her. Based on his uniform he must have been a police officer. The officer stopped in front of her. He leaned down to stare Maka dead in the eyes.
"Too late," murmured Blair. Maka glared down at her, but looked back up at the officer when he began to speak.
"Hey little lady, what in the world were you thinking? You can't just fly out onto the street like that. Not only was is dangerous for you and all those drivers, but it was in violation of one of the laws here."
"I'm a witch, sir," Maka explained. "Witches are born to fly. I didn't mean any harm by it."
"Well, you're going to have to fly elsewhere. Here in Dödenstad we have laws about the use of airspace, unlike in the country." The officer pulled out his ticket pad. "I hate to do this, but I'm going to need a name and address, as well as the name of a parent or guardian."
"You're going to call my home?" she asked.
"I have to. Part of the job since you're a minor. Now if you would be so kind as to—"
"THIEF!" came a shout to the right, which caused both Maka and the officer to jump. "Help, thief!"
The officer turned towards the sound of the voice. He obviously seemed conflicted about whether to ticket a young girl or apprehend a potential thief. Fortunately for Maka he chose the latter.
"Wait right here!" he demanded as he ran away, blowing his whistle.
As the police officer melted into the crowd Maka decided to do something she'd never considered before. She ran away.
Blair followed her questioningly. "You're not going to stay?"
"What good would that do for me?" Maka asked, a bit irritated. She walked down an alley which lead to a much quieter shopping area. "Papa would know where I was if that happened. He'd definitely come looking for me to scold me."
"Is that the reason why you left?"
Maka was about to reply when a shout interrupted her.
"Hey, you there! Miss Witch!"
A boy with the most garish blue hair she'd ever seen came rolling down the street on a bicycle. It was obviously spiked straight up with a bunch of gel. Maka stopped as he approached. He waved before clamping the very squeaky brake.
"The name's Black*Star to you!" he practically shouted as an introduction.
"Black...Star…" she repeated incredulously. Maka shook her head and decidedly ignored him. That did nothing to deter the boy, who kept following her.
"Hey Miss Witch! C'mon, I just wanna talk!" He pulled up along side her, pedaling slowly. "That was me who called that policeman off, in case you didn't recognize the voice. You should at least thank your savior. I didn't have to do that, but I couldn't exactly leave a damsel in distress like that! Ahahahahaha!"
Maka decided this Black*Star character was the most annoying boy she'd ever met in her life. She continued to walk away in silence. Undeterred, he followed.
"So, can I get that thank you now?"
Maka spun on him, green eyes flashing with anger. "I appreciate the help, but I don't have any recollection of asking for it. Now if you would be so kind as to leave me alone I would appreciate it."
Maka stomped off. Black*Star's face broke into a grin and he pedaled even faster.
"Wait up, Miss Witch! I saw you flying earlier! That was so awesome. I'm thinking of flying someday too. Wouldn't that be the coolest thing? Except not on a broom, obviously. I'm not some male witch or anything."
"Why are you still following me?" asked the witch.
"I've never met a witch before. You're pretty cool. I think my girlfriend said something about a witch she knew. I should totally introduce you guys."
How does this guy have a girlfriend? wondered Maka.
"Say, what's your name?" When Maka continued to ignore him, he added, "I don't wanna have to keep callin' you Miss Witch."
Maka sighed. "Will you leave me alone if I tell you?"
"Your god can't promise you that."
Well, it was worth a shot.
"My name is—"
"Oi, Black*Star!"
A girl with long blonde hair was honking the horn of a sleek black and red car. The top was down and Maka could see three other people sitting in it: two boys and another girl.
One of the boys—who had a droopy smirk and shining white hair—was the next one to talk.
"Really man? Your girl's been gone a couple of weeks and suddenly you need to hit on someone else? That's just low!"
Black*Star turned around and stuck his tongue out at the white-haired boy. "No way I'd betray her! Besides, Miss Witch ain't my type!"
Maka was pleased when Black*Star almost ran into the next streetlamp.
She took the opportunity to make a sharp right into the next alley. It was a dead end, but that didn't stop Maka. Blair hopped onto the broom as Maka mounted it and kicked off. She took a peek down and saw Black*Star (as well as all the people in the car) watching her fly away.
"Where does Tsubaki live?" Blair asked. "We should probably go to her house."
Maka nodded. "You're right. Come on."
The two stopped at the next corner store, where the half-deaf owner shooed them out after he was convinced Maka was trying to make off with a town map. He stopped when Maka finally dug her wallet out of her bag. She scanned the map carefully before pointing to the far side of the city.
"There."
"That shouldn't take too long to get to," Blair said.
"Let's go!"
Maka was about to get on her broom when she hesitated. Blair noticed.
"Maka, what's wrong?"
"I think I'll walk. Remember the officer. I don't want there to be another incident."
"It'll probably take all day to get there."
"It'll give me time to call her then. It's probably better than showing up on her doorstep unannounced, right?"
マカの宅急便
Lunch consisted of a stale ham sandwich. Maka began to pick absentmindedly at the crust, leaving the crumbs for the hungry pigeons in the park. Blair, who had finished grooming herself, looked up at her owner worriedly.
"Maka, you should eat."
"I'm not hungry." She pulled the sandwich in half. "Do you want the ham?"
Blair ate, eyeing Maka so much that the young witch turned her back on her.
"Maka, it won't help if you're sad too."
"I know," she replied, but it was hard to get her spirits up.
Maka had tried calling Tsubaki's home several times. But she'd had no luck whatsoever. She figured she'd gotten the number wrong at first, but after going through with an operator to be sure Maka had only gotten a long, ringing pause.
I can't be negative, she told herself. Blair's right. I'm not helping anyone being sad like this.
Maka stood up and announced, "I'm going to try calling the house again."
"Really?"
"They're probably just out for lunch or something! I'm sure I'll be able to speak to Tsubaki by the end of the day! Come on."
マカの宅急便
It ended up Maka wasn't able to get a hold it Tsubaki. She tried calling her friend all through the day until she ran out of small enough coins to use. It got to a point of uncertainty that made Maka's sixth sense overcome her other senses and fill her with more worry due to the unfamiliar soul presences. Par Blair's suggestion the two tried booking a hotel room for the night. Of the three hotels they visited one said they didn't allow unaccompanied minors, the other cats, and the final receptionist offered to call Maka's father to set up a reservation.
Right around the end of the day had Maka slowly walking up one of the quainter areas of town. It was quite far, far enough that the bustle of the downtown area could be faintly heard when the wind blew in from the south. This part of town consisted of multiple brick buildings that housed boutiques and cafés, though it seemed that most of them were about ready to close. It was only a couple of kilometers away from the area Tsubaki was living in, but with the sun beginning to set it was looking more hopeless.
Maka sighed as she sat down on a stone wall by a hill. She looked out over the town below her. It looked like a residential area. There were many people walking around down there. A few cars passed by. No doubt most people were heading home after a day of working or shopping. She could always go down there and try to find someone to stay with. Or go to Tsubaki's house by broom.
The cat hopped up beside the witch. "What are we going to do?"
"I'm not sure, Blair. I honestly don't want to think about it either."
There was the jingle of a bell from behind Maka. She turned to see the building on the end of the street nearest her. A café, it looked like. And still crowded for the time of day. An obviously pregnant woman wearing a yellow dress with a black apron came out. Her blonde hair was down, one visible brown eye shining with worry. Her other eye was covered with a matching black and yellow eye patch. She ran to the railing, scanning the streets far below.
"Missus, you've forgotten something!" she called. Maka followed her gaze to another woman wearing a pink dress pushing a baby carriage. "Missus!"
The pink dress woman turned the corner without hearing the blonde woman's call.
The pregnant woman sighed, talking to herself. "Oh no, this isn't good. That child always cries when he doesn't have his pacifier. I guess I'll have Franken watch the shop. Oh, I hope I don't get lost going to her house…"
She walked back to the café she'd come running out of. Maka heard her calling to the 'Franken' person, something about staying at the counter in the store. She let the door close behind her and began walking towards the walkway.
"Um, excuse me? Ma'am?"
The woman looked at Maka. Maka smiled and pointed to the pacifier in the woman's hand.
"I couldn't help but notice you needed the pacifier returned. It was the lady wearing the pink dress, right?" Maka pointed towards the direction the woman had disappeared in. "I could bring that over to her instead, if you'd like."
The woman seemed a bit hesitant, but returned Maka's smile. "Do you mind?"
"Not at all. It'll take me less than a minute."
"Oh, okay then!" The woman handed her the pacifier. "Thank you very much."
"Of course! My pleasure!" Maka took the pacifier and hopped up onto the stone wall. She mounted her broom. "Blair, come on!"
Then she jumped off and flew over the buildings.
Having an aerial view made finding the woman in the pink dress much easier than walking all the way down. Maka found her within thirty seconds and landed right in front of her. People gasped as Maka stepped off the broom.
"Excuse me ma'am. I believe you left this at the bakery."
There was a cry from the baby carriage. Both mother and witch looked in to see the baby fussing for his pacifier, tears streaming down his face. Maka handed it to the baby. He immediately grabbed it and began gnawing on it. The two females exchanged a look and began to laugh.
"Thank you very much," the mother said. "I don't know what I would have done without it. My boy is awful if he doesn't have that thing at night."
"My pleasure! I'm glad I could be of service."
"My, what a polite young lady! Would you mind delivering a message to Miss Marie for me?"
Maka smiled. "Of course!"
The woman pulled out a notepad and a pen from her bag. She wrote something down in neat cursive and handed it to Maka.
"Thank you again."
"You're welcome!"
In a considerably better mood than she had been a minute ago Maka headed back to the café.
マカの宅急便
"Hello there!" The woman called as Maka stepped back into the emptying café. "If you can give me ten minutes, I'll be with you."
Maka sidled to the side of the store away from the door, Blair perched safely on her head. It looked like everyone was closing up. Most of the customers were either leaving or buying one last pastry at the counter, which had a very lovely display window. There were a couple of teenage girls who were wiping down tables.
True to the blonde woman's word the store was more or less abandoned in ten minutes. One of the teenage girls told her they would finish up front. The woman thanked them. She then beckoned Maka over to the counter.
"Thank you so much for earlier," the woman said, smiling. "I doubt I would've been able to catch them in this state."
She gestured down to her pregnant belly.
Maka curtsied, looking down at her feet. "It's not a problem. I'm glad I could help. I have a note from the woman."
"Oh?" The blonde woman took the folded memo from Maka and read out loud, "'Thank you for the pacifier. You have a lovely delivery girl. –Amy Dovell.' How sweet of her."
"I'll be on my way then," Maka said.
"Hold up dear! Why don't you stay for a bit? My husband does the closing up so I was going to put in some tea, if you'd like."
"Oh! There's no need, ma'am, I—"
The woman laughed a bit. "Please, you're much too formal! Everyone around here calls me Miss Marie. And I insist you at least have a bite to eat. You look quite tired."
"I'd like some food," Blair whispered.
The witch looked down at her familiar, who looked pretty miserable from walking all day. Well, Maka did feel bad for making Blair go through a whole day of wandering around and not eating much. The least she could do was get a nice warm drink for both of them.
"If it isn't too much trouble, ma'am."
"Miss Marie!"
"…Miss Marie?"
Marie beamed. "Much better." She stepped out of the way so Maka could enter the area behind the counter. "Come on back. The kitchen's just this way."
Maka looked around her surroundings. There was a small hallway with three open entryways. The first one on her right lead to a big baking room with several wood-burning ovens. It was filled with bags of flour and sugar, bottles of liquid and dry spices with labels, countless baking trays, and an enormous sink. The second one across from it was a sitting room. There were couches and armchairs around a coffee table with a television in the corner. Stairs leading both upstairs and downstairs were along the far side.
Marie walked into the last doorway which was also on the left. It was a fully furnished kitchen with a long table and several chairs. The entire thing was painted a bright yellow-green.
"I take it you're a witch?" Marie asked as she escorted Maka into the room. Maka nodded. Marie laughed. "No wonder you can fly. Almost scared the baby out of me when you jumped off like that! Go ahead and take a seat dear."
"It's not that amazing," Maka mumbled shyly, sitting at the table.
"No need to be so humble! You're a witch. That's something you should be proud of."
Miss Marie made them tea. She set down a plate of biscotti as well and settled into the chair opposite of Maka.
"So, where are you from? And what brings you to Dödenstad?"
Maka ended up staying for almost an hour, just talking. Miss Marie would laugh and share stories about her childhood as well. She seemed quite knowledgeable about magic despite being a normal person. When Maka asked about it Marie had laughed and said everything she knew she'd learned from her husband and a friend who was part of the Council. Maka was very keen to learn about this friend; the Witches Council was a very secretive organization and not much information was given to the public. Since Kami had left before Maka came of age she had no knowledge of the inner workings of the modern Council.
"I'm sorry," Miss Marie had said. "That information is classified, even to me. And what I do know I'm sworn to secrecy about. I'm sure I can introduce you to Azusa someday though."
In the end Maka had had two cups of tea, several cookies, a grilled cheese sandwich and leftover soup. Blair was given warm cream and some fish and vegetables.
"Does she eat cat food?" Marie asked.
"No. Because Blair's magical like me she eats normal human food. She hates cheese though."
The dishes were cleared. By then it was sunset. Marie washed up the dishes.
"So what are your plans?" she asked Maka.
Maka set down her cup, frowning. "I was supposed to stay with my friend, Tsubaki," she explained, "but when I called her home there was no reply."
"Do you want to use our phone?"
"No, it's okay. I've already tried several times today. Besides, it's late."
"Do you have a place to stay tonight?"
"No…"
"Hmm…" Marie pondered for a bit as she took a long sip. "I know! Why don't you spend the night here? I've got a spare room no one uses. It's a bit dusty, but I'm sure it'll work until you can contact your friend."
"Really, Miss Marie?"
"It's no trouble. It's just a spare room after all." Marie smiled. "Why don't you come upstairs and grab some fresh sheets. That bed's been stripped for some time."
Maka followed Miss Marie to the second floor of the building where she and her husband stayed. The storage room was filled with boxes. Marie easily sidled through the clutter and came back with a blanket, two pillows, and white bed sheets. Maka piled them into her arms and carefully went back downstairs to get her bag and broom.
"This way," said Miss Marie as she led Maka and Blair up a flight of steps out back. She unlocked the door with a key from her apron pocket.
"It's not much," she said, "but I'm sure it'll hold up for the time being."
"It's more than enough. Thank you very much."
"Here's the key. The door locks on the inside too. And the WC is that door down the stairs directly across the driveway. There's also a shower in the room next to it if you'd like to wash up after all that travelling. And you can do laundry tomorrow before you leave. Let me know if there's anything else I can do."
With another thank you from Maka Miss Marie bid her goodnight and left.
Maka and Blair looked around the room they were lent. It looked like any standard attic with sloping walls. This one was fully equipped though. It came with a bed on the far side of the room, an old iron stove on the opposite side, a round table with two chairs, a small work desk, a wardrobe, and a laundry line across the ceiling. Everything was covered with a thick layer of dust. Maka took a few steps inside. Blair followed her, then gasped loudly as her paws left a trail in her wake.
"At this rate I'll be a white cat!" she exclaimed.
"Be grateful. We almost slept outside again."
Maka pounded the bed a bit. The air was soon thick with dust. Coughing, she went to the little window and forced it open, a cloud of dust vacating the room as she did so. She continued to sweep until most of dust was piled and swept out the door. The rest was taken care of by the gentle breeze from outside.
Blair sat on the windowsill. "I can't believe you're using your broom for common sweeping. It's undignified."
"Better than being dusty," Maka retorted. "It's all up to you, Miss White Cat."
It was sunset. Red and gold rays of sunlight filtered in from the corner of Maka's eye, casting long shadows along the buildings. The room overlooked a backyard with flowers growing in the corners. Miss Marie was putting away bed sheets that were hanging on the laundry line. And right before her was what appeared to be glittering diamonds.
"Look Blair, it's the ocean."
Maka and Blair stared out at the wide expanse of water for several quiet moments.
"It's beautiful," she said softly. "I didn't realize the ocean could be so pretty. The way the light reflects off of it is so nice."
"It still looks like a big puddle to me," Blair said before hopping off the windowsill and back into the room.
Maka looked out one last time before turning. She still had a room to prepare. Which started with her flipping the mattress over and putting on the fresh sheets and the covers. The pillows were placed on it too. Maka took out all the dirty clothes and trash from her bag, piling the clothes by the wardrobe and the garbage by the door. She hung her sleeping bag on the line to air out. The clean clothing was dropped into the bottom of the wardrobe.
Maka dug her soap and towel out of the bag, as well as fresh clothes and her toothbrush. Finally, she could enjoy the indoor plumbing.
"I'm going to go take a shower and brush my teeth. Do you need anything else?"
Blair shook her head. "I think I'm going to call it a night."
"Don't hog the bed," Maka said before going downstairs. True to Miss Marie's word there was a shower in one room and a toilet and sink in the next one. Maka left her toothbrush on the edge of the sink before taking a shower.
Maka sighed as the hot water hit her body. Oh had she missed hot water! She let herself stand under the spray for a few minutes before focusing again and scrubbing the grime of travel from her body. The soap was almost completely used by the time Maka felt truly clean again. She'd have to go get shampoo and conditioner soon.
Maka dried herself and changed into her pajamas. She brushed her teeth in the sink. There was also a hairdryer underneath the sink in the cupboard that she ended up using. Dry and clean, Maka went back upstairs. The towel and dress were both hung up, the underclothes piled in with the other dirties. Maka took a moment to find her hairbrush and brush out any tangles before putting her hair up in the two sleep buns.
She flopped onto the bed beside Blair, who grumbled. Maka laughed a bit before crawling under the covers. For the first time in a few days she was able to sleep in a freshly-made, clean, and very comfortable bed. There was a lot she would have to do tomorrow, but for the moment all that mattered to Maka was resting after a long day.
Next chapter: Maka meets the teens who work at the café and next door apothecary and learns why Tsubaki isn't around.
(I also throw out child labor laws in the next chapter, ignore that.)