80 To Make A Witch, Part VII (1/2)

(Yet another hour later)

Kanna and the Headmaster landed in the Esnian Academy. It was the first time for Kanna and she cautiously looked around only to see First Marine soldiers. Nearly 2,000 soldiers had been deployed and more waiting for the signal.

Kanna: ”Where are we?”

Headmaster: ”Esnia… we're right in front of its admin building.”

The place now looks more like a fort than an institution of knowledge. First Marines are no joke when it comes to deploying. With the best hand-picked mages, they can quickly transport a battalion of soldiers and still have enough magic to do it several more times!

Headmaster: ”They'll keep us safe. Follow me.”

They entered the building to find the staff was all gone but the Headmistress. It was now filled with First Marines and Steven's current group. Young Mi, Rayna, and Rayna were comforting a terrified Joan. She didn't understand what was going on and automatically assumed the worst.

Young Mi: ”Sh, sh, sh, it's okay…”

Rayna: ”Joan… let me see her.”

Joan comes into her arms where she held her close. It was the key to calm her down.

Rayna: ”There, there… nothing's going to happen as long as I'm here.”

Headmistress: ”Young Mi, come—”

She comes out of her office and recognizes the Headmaster.

Headmistress: ”Headmaster of the Everhand Academy?”

Headmaster: ”Headmistress of the Esnian Academy.”

She walks up to them and gets a good look at Kanna. Nekomatas are rare especially this far in Esnia and it made her stick out from everyone else in the Academy.

Headmistress: ”Is this the girl?”

Headmaster: ”She has a name.”

Headmistress: ”Kanna Hisakawa, I'm sorry. A lot has happened since this morning.”

Rayna and Young Mi recognized the name and become drawn her. She wasn't as amazing as Steven said but it was obvious from the look on her face that she'd been through a lot herself.

Rayna: ”By the name—is that actually her? Twilight moves so fast.”

Young Mi: ”Look at her, poor girl must have been having a rough time.”

Kanna: ”Is he alright?”

Headmaster: ”Yes, where is he?”

Headmistress: ”Follow.”

They leave the admin building and head north to the infirmary. The place had mages of all types coming and going. Inside, things were getting claustrophobic in the halls. The Headmistress pushed through, clearing a way to one of the rooms.

Kanna: ”Steven..? Steven!?”

He laid near motionless on the bed. Madelyn was next to him and another empty bed just ahead. However, Kanna was fixated on Steven and even tried forcing herself to his side. Everyone was holding her back and even the Headmaster was holding onto her arm.

Headmaster: ”Easy, Kanna… he's alive. See him breathing?”

She settles down and starts whimpering.

White Mage: ”Are you Kanna Hisakawa?”

She hides behind the Headmaster, wary of the stranger.

Headmaster: ”Look, he's here to help him, Kanna.”

Kanna: ”Yes…”

White Mage: ”I was made aware that you are Steven's master. Is he your only servant and do you have a master yourself?”

She shakes her head.

Kanna: ”He's the only one I'm connected to.”

White Mage: ”Good… we need to move fast and cut you off from all outside magic. I need to put you in a suspended state, will you comply?”

She comes out of her hiding spot and nods.

The rest of the mages immediately start clearing out the room and the Headmaster is forced back outside the infirmary. He's left wondering if everything will go smoothly. The Headmistress soon came out along with anyone else that couldn't contribute.

Headmaster: ”Headmistress.”

Headmistress: ”It's always a rare sight to see you standing and walking, Headmaster.”

Headmaster: ”You sound like my students.”