Chapter Text
Ryuuko nervously clenched her scarf in as she gazed idly out the train window. Beautiful green fields and small country homes passed her view lit by the gray glow of the overcast sky. She was on her way to a new school: Luna Nova, she thinks it was called. Supposedly, it’s a very famous school in Europe that recently started participating in a foreign exchange program. Ryuuko didn’t volunteer to go, rather, Satsuki thought it would be nice for her to have a “change of atmosphere” and to “see the world outside of Japan”, so she signed up on her behalf. Ryuuko had never been outside of the country, so she didn’t really know what to expect, and her nerves were getting the best of her. She thought it was a little ridiculous considering she’d had to deal with significantly worse, but she was still uncomfortable going somewhere new.
“Hey, Ryuuko, check it out! They sell all kinds of weird food on this train! Here! I got you some!” Mako said excitedly as she lowered the tray in front of Ryuuko and slid a plate onto it.
“Oh, thanks, Mako… what is it?” Ryuuko asked, but Mako was too busy scarfing down her meal to reply. Ryuuko turned back to her plate to see an assortment of cooked eggs, sausage links, and toast with a helping of beans spread over the top.
“Beans? On toast? Won’t that make it all soggy?”
“Probably,” Mako replied between bites.
Ryuuko shrugged. “May as well dig in.” She took a hardy bite out of the toast and beans and had to put some effort into keeping it all down. The mix of the soft beans and the slightly soggy bread created an uncomfortable goopy mix in her mouth, though the taste wasn’t half bad. The eggs and sausage, however, were splendid. She had never had sausage before and was pleasantly surprised by the wonderful taste brought out by the mix of spices.
“Well, that wasn’t all bad. I think I could probably get used to the food here. What do you think, Mako?” Ryuuko turned to her friend, only to see that she is now asleep. “Figures… but that’s probably not a bad idea. We got a long day ahead of us.” Ryuuko put her arms behind her head and kicked her feet up on the back of the chair in front of her before dozing off.
“Excuse me, miss. We’re at the final station, so we need you to disembark from the train,” An elderly conductor said while gently shaking Ryuuko.
Ryuuko jumped to life and let out a small yelp, startling the train conductor and causing him to take a step back.
“Ah, geez. Sorry gramps, I didn’t mean to scare yah like that.”
“I-It’s quite alright.” The conductor regained his composure and cleared his throat. “Do you need any help with your bags?”
“Nah, I think we’re good. We’ll be out in a moment.”
The conductor nodded and made his way down the rest of the train, looking for any remaining passengers.
Ryuuko began taking her bags out of the overhead bins. “Mako, why the hell didn’t you wake me up?”
“Well, I was going to, but you just looked so cute! I couldn’t have possibly brought myself to disturb you,” Mako dramatically pretended to faint.
Ryuuko blushed and swung her bag at Mako. “You ain’t gotta say it like that, yah frickin’ moron. Just say you didn’t wanna be rude.”
Mako giggled. “Someone’s embarrassed~.” She said in a sing-song voice.
“Shuddup…” Ryuuko said while retreating into her scarf. “Here!” She tossed a small suitcase at Mako, who caught it with an ‘OOF’.
After grabbing their luggage, the two waved goodbye to the train conductors before Ryuuko pulled out her phone to review the directions Satsuki had sent her. “I think we have to go this way,” She said, pointing down a dirt path. “Satsuki was sayin’ somethin’ about a bus stop, I think?” The two looked at each other and shrugged before meandering down the path.
“Ughhh, when is all of this traveling gonna be over? I’m so tired I could die.” Mako moaned as she slouched over and tilted her head back.
“The hell do you mean? You slept the whole train ride, y’know?”
“Yeah but I’m just so excited for our new school! It’s been taking up so much of my energy that I need to rest to keep myself going. Aren’t you excited?”
“Kinda, I guess…”
“Well, what’s wrong? Are you nervous?”
“Yeah, I am.”
“Why?”
“Well just, y’know. It’s someplace new. What if I make myself look like a jackass in front of everyone?”
“Well, all of Honnouji Academy knows what your panties look like, but you’re still pretty popular there. I mean, you’ve got plenty of friends! Some of them may be just because they liked the view, but only a few!”
“I guess you got a point…”
“And besides, you’re a great person, Ryuuko. I’m sure plenty of people will want to be your friend here too. You’re pretty and cool and smart. What’s not to like?”
Ryuuko smiled softly. “Thanks, Mako. I’m glad they sent you along with me.”
“Me too! I’d have been so jealous if you got to see a cool new school without me!”
The girls arrived at a tall stone tower on top of a hill. The old tower was covered in moss and it’s once brilliantly white stones had been yellowed from the sun.
“Uh, I think this is the place?” Ryuuko said as she glanced between her phone and the tower. “Weird lookin’ bus stop…” The two of them walked through the arches cut into the side of it, looking at the high ceiling. “Woah, this thing’s huge…”
“It sure is.” A voice echoed off the hard walls.
Both girls let out a yelp and Mako jumped into Ryuukos arms. “Who said that?” Ryuuko asked nervously.
From the dark corners of the tower, two girls wearing purple dresses, big purple witch hats, and carrying brooms stepped into the light. “My name’s Mandy and this is Carissa.” One of the girls said, pointing to the other. “You guys are the exchange students, right? We’re here to take you to Luna Nova.”
“Oh! Yes yes yes! That’s us!” Mako piped up,waving her arms around. “But how are we going to get there? I didn’t see a car or anything outside. Please don’t tell me it’s more walking.”
“We’re gonna fly you there,” Carissa said cheerfully, tapping her broom onto the floor, making a loud *click click!*.
“Fly us there? On a broom?” Ryuuko asked, dumping Mako onto the ground.
“Well of course! Brooms are a witch’s preferred method of travel, after all.”
“Witches? Like those, old ladies with big noses and messy white hair?”
“Hey! That’s a hurtful stereotype,” Mandy chimed in.
“Oh, uh, sorry. But… you guys can actually fly with those things? Seems kinda, out there, y’know?”
“Um, yeah, of course we can. Luna Nova is a magic school, after all. Your guys’ school was supposed to give you a whole brochure over this stuff.”
“Oh, I threw that away.” Ryuuko and Mako both said in unison.
“Why would you throw them away? Did you guys even read them?”
“I just thought it was trash.” Ryuuko replied.
“I can’t read.” Mako replied.
“Wait, you can’t read? You read stuff out for me all the time.” Ryuuko said, turning to Mako with a confused look.
“Nope! Not a single word! I’m just really good at guessing.” Mako replied with a big grin.
Mandy let out a sigh. “God, I knew this was a mistake.” Mandy and Carissa jumped onto their brooms. “Come on you two, you’re already late. Grab your luggage and hop on back. Keep a good hold of it so you don’t drop it through the portal.”
“Portal?” Ryuuko asked while saddling Mandy’s broom. Without warning, they began rising up to the top of the tower. Then, a bright green circle appeared above them. Its edges were covered in symbols Ryuuko had never seen before and it spun slowly. “Wait, that thing’s gonna take us to the school?”
“It sure is!” Carissa said cheerfully. “Hold on tight! Your first time through the portal is quite the experience!” With that, Ryuuko and Mako both squeezed their thighs around the broom as hard as they could as their heads crest the portal.
Once inside, the portal turned into a long, bright tunnel. It had blue streaks shooting down all sides and the air inside was cool and stagnant. Ryuuko shivered as the cold air nipped at her skin. It was all pretty disorienting. The streaks surrounding them began passing faster, but Ryuuko could barely tell they were moving. There wasn’t much wind resistance, making it feel like they were going at a snail’s pace.
“Woah.. this place is crazy.” said Ryuuko.
“You get used to it,” Mandy replied. “Eventually, you’ll be coming through here on your own, once you learn to fly. Just be careful in here. You don’t want to fall out into the stream. No telling where you’ll end up if that happens.”
“We’re coming to the end of the portal. Hold your breath!” Carissa warned, causing Mako and Ryuuko to take a giant breath of air and puff their cheeks out like pufferfish.
A bright white light flashed before the group as they crossed the threshold of the portal. Ryuuko felt a slight pressure on her lungs and a ringing in her ears as her body desperately tried to become acclimated to the sudden changes in atmosphere. Her eyes were closed tight as she attempted to concentrate.
Ryuuko felt a tap on her shoulder and could hear what she assumed to be voices, but they sounded like they were underwater. She opened her eyes and saw Mandy, mouth moving, but unable to decipher what she was saying. Mandy turned and talked to Carissa before turning back and signaling for Ryuuko to get off of the broom.
Ryuuko looked around and noticed that they were now located in the grass next to a cobblestone walkway. She placed her feet on the ground and stepped off of the broom. In the distance, there was a massive building that looked like an old castle. Its walls were made of brilliantly white stone with big, long windows to let natural light in, and topped with massive spires stretching out from the top.
“Hey, can you hear me now?” Mandy asked Ryuuko.
“Yeah, sorry, my ears were ringin’ somethin’ fierce when we landed.”
“Yeah, that was on me. I forgot newbies have that when going through sometimes. But, we’re here! All ready for you two to go get checked in.”
“Oh, wow… I felt like my head was gonna pop!” Mako said, sticking her fingers in her ears.
“Yeah, I feel yah. Thanks for the ride, guys.” Ryuuko said, motioning to Mandy and Carissa.
“It’s our pleasure! We hope you guys don’t have any trouble getting adjusted here. I know it can be a lot to take in, but I promise you you’ll have a wonderful time.” Carissa replied.
The groups waved goodbye and Ryuuko and Mako started making their way towards the school.
“This is a nice sized place, huh?” Ryuuko said, nudging Mako. “Not as big as Honouji, though.”
“But it looks so cool! It’s like something right out of a fantasy movie!”
“Yeah, no kiddin’! Think we’ll find some Goblins in there?”
The two laughed together before bumping into a small group of Goblins dressed in orange clothing moving furniture.
“Excuse us, ladies.” A Goblin said, tipping his hat.
“Oh uh, yeah… no problem.” Ryuuko stammered, backing out of the way.
The girls watched silently as the workers walked down the hall and disappeared behind a corner.
“Excuse me you two,” A woman’s voice came from behind, “You wouldn’t happen to be Ryuuko and Mako, would you?”
Ryuuko turned around to face a short, elderly woman with light green hair and glasses. She was wearing a bright red coat and a giant purple hat.
“Oh, yeah. I’m Ryuuko.”
The old woman smiled. “How wonderful! I was wondering when you two would arrive.” She extended her arm for a handshake. “My name is Miranda Holbrooke, I am the headmistress of Luna Nova, and I am quite happy to welcome you both to this wonderful institution.”
“Nice to meet you as well, ma’am.” Ryuuko said, shaking her hand.
“If the two of you wouldn’t mind, I’d like you to follow me to my office. Seeing as you are exchange students, I’d like to meet with you to help make your transition here as smooth as possible. It isn’t easy coming to a new place, but rest assured you will receive as much help as we can possibly provide in being successful.”
The group followed the headmistress down several long hallways and talked amongst themselves as she pointed out different classrooms, areas, landmarks, and artifacts throughout the school like a tour guide in a museum.
“And lastly, here is my office! Be sure to keep it in mind, I do enjoy visitors from time to time.” Miranda said with a chuckle as she pushed the door open. It was a round room with several windows placed behind a desk, showcasing the beautiful scenery Luna Nova had to offer. Behind the desk was a taller woman with brown hair standing with her arms crossed. She was wearing purple robes and the same big hat Miranda was wearing.
“Welcome back, Headmistress. I assume these are the exchange students?” she asked.
“Yes, this is Ms. Ryuuko and Ms. Mako. They’re both from Japan, isn’t that exciting?” the Headmistress whispered.
“So is that little troublemaker, Ms. Kagari. Let’s hope these ones have some better manners.”
“Don’t be so harsh. Ms. Kagari isn’t the best student, but she’s an excellent person.” She took her seat behind the desk and motioned to two empty chairs in front of her.
The two girls quickly took a seat, Ryuuko with her hands on her knees and Mako grabbing the sides of her chair.
“Ryuuko, Mako, this is Ms. Anne Finnelan. She’s a teacher here at Luna Nova, and she also helps me with student matters from time to time.”
“Nice to meet you, ma’am,” the two girls replied.
Anne nodded in reply.
“We don’t expect either of you two to become full-fledged witches during your stay here, but we do expect you to do your best and to be diligent in your studies. We understand being in a new environment can be quite overwhelming, so if you’re having problems, we ask you reach out to your fellow students or a member of the faculty.”
“And I ask that you follow the rules of this academy and refrain from causing any sort of trouble. I’m not sure how they do things at your home academy, but Luna Nova is an institution of dignity and peace. Is that understood?” Anne asked in a harsh tone.
“Don't worry,” Mako responded, “Ryuuko is a very peaceful and dignity-having student! She's never beaten up anyone who didn’t deserve it.” She put her hand on her chin quizzically. “Well, maybe that one guy she gave a wedgie to in the AV club who was eating too loud. Like it’s kind of jerky but he probably didn’t deserve his underwear being pulled over his head like that. She also may have accidentally lit some things on fire,” Mako raised her hand high above her head, “But that was an accident, I promise! You have nothing to worry about while we’re here!”
Anne looked like a vein was going to pop out of her forehead. She grit her teeth and let out a small grunt as she calmed herself down. “I’m sure it was. Just know that I do not tolerate tomfoolery in this school.”
The headmistress chuckled. “Don’t be so harsh, Anne, I’m sure there’s an excellent explanation for all of it. I do apologize, though. While you two were talking, I got a message about an urgent matter that needs my attention.” A couple paper pamphlets floated into Ryuuko and Mako’s hands. “These are marked maps of Luna Nova. Specifically, your dorms are highlighted so you can more easily find them. You two will be sharing a dorm with a third exchange student. I believe she arrived just a few days ago, so she should be able to help you two find your way around for now. I’d recommend going there straight away and saying hello! There may also be something nice waiting for you there, as well.”
“Thank you, ma’am. We’ll try to keep outta your hair,” Ryuuko said as her and Mako made their way out of the office. The two women waved goodbye as the office door closed.
"I really do hope that girl just has a strange sense of humor. We do not need another student to put on fire watch." Anne said with a sigh.
"Ms Manbavaran does keep them quite busy as it is," Miranda replied, looking dejected. "We can only hope."