8: In Which Maka Meets a Fellow Witch and Another Warlock, Both with Very Different Views on the Old Traditions
During their two o'clock break Kim came into the café. Maka was surprised; it was rare for the other girl to come in whenever Ox or Maka were working. Ox, it made sense. He obviously had a crush on Kim. Maka, though, was still trying to figure out why Kim didn't like her.
"Hey Maka, can I talk with you?"
That was surprising. Kim had given her the cold shoulder since day one. Jackie and Ox insisted it took time for Kim to warm up to new people, while Harvar had more or less shrugged it off and said Kim was just like that sometimes. Still, Maka had only tried harder to be nice to Kim. Maybe this was her chance.
"Okay," she said.
Kim lead Maka into the back room behind the counter. She made sure no one was around before nodding to herself. She turned to face the witch.
"I want you to take a look at my soul. And focus on the wavelength."
"What?"
"Just do it for me, okay? I won't ask again."
Maka was confused by the strange request but nevertheless complied. The world went fuzzy until she was able to settle on Kim's figure. Her soul was giving off a blue glow like any other. Maka frowned.
"I don't understand."
"Look harder," the pinkette commanded. "You'll know when you see it."
Something about the way the soul pulsed was very familiar to Maka. It was a lot like her own. Maka focused even harder. She could see the way something seemed to flow through the girl's veins.
Magic.
Maka gasped. Her vision faded back to normal, where Kim was watching her.
"You're a witch too?"
Kim shrugged. "Surprise."
So many questions were whizzing through Maka's head, but she didn't get a chance to ask any before Kim groaned and ran a hand through her hair.
"So, yeah. Now you know."
The only word Maka was able to get out was, "Why?"
"I'll be honest with you, Maka. I never truly saw the appeal in the whole 'witch business' thing."
"Never?"
Kim shook her head. "I mean, it's cool to be able to do simple little tricks, but I was never good at much anyway. Not that it matters now."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Well, I never got the hang of flying, or talking to animals, or conjuring, of fortune-telling, or potion-brewing. Nothing like my little sister, Angela. She's a natural and she's barely seven! The only thing I actually can do is healing. Useful, but not necessarily a skill I would be willing to leave my life here to use."
"I see…"
Kim noticed Maka's lack of enthusiasm and grinned. "Hey, it's not a bad thing you wanted to follow traditions. I think that's really great! Most witches choose not to do it nowadays. With technology and modern medicine being able to do what only magic could do once upon a time we're not exactly necessary. But I respect it. I think I'd like it more if I had someone to teach me, like a mom or something."
"You didn't know your mom?"
"She abandoned me and Angela when we were children. Our dad's been doing everything to take care of us." Kim laughed. "Don't look so depressed. We're fine. Happy, even. And he's great. I'm guessing your mom taught you magic, right?"
Maka smiled warmly. "Mmhmm! My mom was a witch, but she left when I was nine. So I never did any training but flying because I went to the local school instead. But I'm determined to learn as much as I can! Maybe you could teach me about healing."
Kim laughed. "Probably not! It's not the most common of gifts. And it's kinda my special ability. Unless you're also a healer?"
"Oh." Maka pouted a bit.
"That, and I haven't told anyone I'm a witch."
"You haven't?"
Kim shook her head. "It's something I'd prefer to keep a secret at this time. Again, mostly because I don't have any interest in living a witch's life."
"But doesn't anyone know?"
"Well Dr. Stein could tell the moment I stepped in his shop to inquire about working part time. He's got unbelievable soul perception abilities. So Miss Marie must know too since I don't think they keep secrets from each other. And I once saved Jackie's life when we were younger. She promised to take my secret to the grave with her if that's what I wanted. So I've decided to keep it under wraps for now."
Kim smiled. "I'm sorry I gave you such a cold shoulder at first. It's rare to find witches in this day and age. I was afraid you'd see right away and out me!"
"My soul perception isn't that great yet. I don't think I would have found out unless you told me to look harder."
"Look, I know we got off on the wrong page. I guess I was just worried you would expose my identity. I just want to live a normal life without all the weird stigma attached to it." Kim held out a hand. "Truce?"
Maka shook it eagerly. "Truce!"
"Awesome! Say, why don't you come over tomorrow since it's our day off?"
"Come over?"
"All the girls are getting together to do some shopping and cooking. It'd be nice if you could join us. I know the clothes shopping is pretty pointless, but baking can be fun."
Maka smiles. "It sounds great. And I do need some new shoes so I wouldn't mind tagging along for a few stores."
"Great! See you tomorrow then. We'll come pick you up at 2."
"Okay. Bye Kim!"
Seeing as her break was over Kim went back over to Stein's. Maka still had a bit more time, but she wasn't sure if a delivery would come in or not. She went back out front. The day wasn't too busy and both boys were in today. But there was always the chance of a delivery.
マカの宅急便
No more deliveries came in that day, much to Maka's irritation, but she did see a familiar face later that afternoon. Kid came in followed by a taller man who was wearing a very smart suit and a top hat, an odd combination for a July day.
"Good afternoon Maka," said Kid.
"Good afternoon Kid," she replied. "Will you be staying for long?"
He nodded. "For a bit. I was wondering if you could get us a pot of tea and three cakes. One flourless chocolate torte, one berry tart, and one of whatever you'd like."
"Me?"
"I was hoping you'd join us. There's someone I'd like you to meet."
Harvar, who had just come from the back with more teabags, said, "I can cover counter for a bit. The things I just put in the oven won't be done for at least forty minutes."
Maka glanced back at the man standing behind Kid. He had a jovial smile on his face. Well, meeting whoever this was wouldn't be too bad. Maka nodded.
"I'll have a strawberry shortcake then. Let me ring you up."
The man paid for everything and took a seat at one of the more secluded tables. Maka brought their order to the table and set everything down before taking a seat across from them.
"Who is it that you wanted me to meet, Kid?"
"I believe it was me~" said a sing-songy voice before Kid could reply.
The man removed his hat and Maka was able to get a better look at him. He was as pale as a ghost, but somehow his smiling features made him look much less frightening. He had black hair with (strangely) three white rings going through it. His eyes were dark gold and ringed with amber. Though he carried himself with a lack of seriousness Maka couldn't tell how old he was. This man could be anywhere between thirty and fifty. Not to mention his little introduction was somewhat childish despite his distinguished appearance.
Kid hid his face in his hands, fingers rubbing his temples.
"Father, please."
Father…
Maka narrowed her eyes, willing her vision to go black. She still was out of practice, but sensing a person's soul was a gift she's inherited from her mother. Being able to see them was the next step. After a few moments Maka was able to make out a faint blue glow coming from the center of his chest. She focused a bit harder and his soul became a bit clearer.
It gave of a very strong wavelength that was in perfect circles. There was something steady about it, but powerful. As if the strength permeated his very being. Much like Dr. Stein. But more.
A warlock?
"Oho?" the man said with a smile. "A witch with soul perception? You don't find many of those these days! What a gift! And at such a young age too, how impressive. Though I would like if you could stop staring, miss."
"Ah!" Maka blinked back into her normal vision, blushing. "I'm so sorry!"
"No reason to apologize for curiosity! Though it does tickle a bit."
Maka blushed and ate her cake with a newfound vigor. The warlock sipped his tea thoughtfully before introducing himself.
"My name is Shinigami Mortimer. It's a bit of a strange name, but traditions rule in for warlocks sometimes. Most people call me Mr. Shinigami. I'd like if you do that as well."
Maka nodded. "I'm Maka Albarn. Thank you for coming out to see me."
"Of course, of course! I figured a witch would have some questions about city life, or perhaps warlocks." Mr. Shinigami stared her down. "I've found Stein can sometimes be a little cagey when asked about things, hmm?"
Well, he wasn't wrong. Maka nodded.
"Okay then! I'll let you have three questions today. Any three questions you want to ask. I'll answer as honestly as I can."
"Um, I know it's a bit rude, but how old are you? I'm sorry! I know it's insensitive."
"Ask away! I don't care about that kind of stuff. I've been around long enough not to take it to heart," the warlock said. "Once your perception gets better you may be able to tell the age of a soul. I turned 108 last October."
Well, that was quite an age. "Does your wife know?" Maka blurted out.
"She did," he replied softly. "That she did."
Kid cleared his throat. "My mother passed away during labor."
"Oh! I'm sorry." Maka groaned. "Wow, this is a disaster."
Mr. Shinigami only laughed. "Everyone makes embarrassing mistakes. Don't dwell too long on the past or it'll only come to affect your future. I just came here to have some lovely tea and cake and meet a young girl who needed some flexibility in the airspace laws."
That got Maka's attention.
"I happened to mention that there was a new witch in town and my father was very keen on meeting you," Kid explained. "He also happens to be the mayor of Dödenstad."
The mayor!
Mr. Shinigami was laughing. "That's just a title! A title with a bit of power. Let's just say I pulled a few strings and changed some air traffic laws around here.
"I know we're not quite as lenient as the countryside when it comes to who can fly where and when and whatnot. That's mostly to make sure no suspicious figures decide to take advantage of our lack of defense. But! I saw no problem with letting one witch on a broomstick use public airspace as long as she's not getting in the way of traffic."
Mr. Shinigami held out a piece of paper. "I just wanted to stop in and show you the new law that was passed. And let you know the particulars!"
Kid spoke as Maka looked at the paper.
"Basically it states that as long a magic-user, who has filled out the Flyers Agreement Permit that is now available in town hall, is given a stamp of approval from the mayor of Dödenstad, then he or she is allowed to fly within the city limits. This is only given as long as the magic-user complies to the wishes of all law enforcement individuals, including police officers, detectives, private investigators, any and all members of local and national government and the mayor himself."
"All I want you to do is promise not to fly in the streets!" stated Mr. Shinigami.
"Is this the form?" Maka asked. She took it from the mayor's hands and looked it over. "All it needs is this?"
"If you could fill it out now, it would be very helpful," Kid nudged, pulling out a pen from his pocket.
Maka took the pen from Kid's hand and filled out the form. The silence from Kid's intense glare was a bit nerve wracking. Mr. Shinigami didn't seem at all concerned. He had gotten up and was quietly browsing the pastries lined up in the display rack.
"Here you are," Maka said, putting the pen down.
Kid's father stamped it and tucked the paper into his pocket. "Now it's all legal~"
"Thank you, sir. I don't know what to say…"
Mr. Shinigami laughed jovially. "No need to say anything! Happy to help! Now if you could return the favor by getting me eight of those lovely looking fruit tarts to go, I would be very pleased!"
As Maka wrapped up the cakes, she asked, "How did you know about my legal problems?"
Kid interjected before his father could reply. "I may have mentioned it in passing. Tsubaki told us a few of the the things you told her during your sleepover. I hope you don't mind that I decided to take matters into my hands."
Mr. Shinigami sighed. "Kid, I could've answered that. Besides, that was Maka's last question." He paid for the tarts. "Please, keep the change."
"Thank you!"
The two left. Maka was quite flabbergasted, but she shook her head and cleared the table they were sitting at. What a day, and it wasn't even five o'clock yet.
Shorter chapter with a bit of magic stuff in it. There will be more magic mumbo-jumbo soon enough. Also, I love Shinigami-sama so I hope I didn't just botch him. We won't see him for a while now.
Next chapter: Maka's second delivery!