Nine Lives

12. To Be a Witch*

Thirsty. Hungry. Dying.

The small black and white cat lays still in his place in the grass. His right foot trapped tight in one of the many animal traps that litter the restricted area of the forest. He's been in the same spot for days now.

What a boring way to die.

Tetsuya had come looking for him a few hours ago. Seijurou could hear his voice from beyond the boundary. Seijurou didn't call out to him. He was too far into the area and it was far too dangerous for Tetsuya to try and make it to where Seijurou is trapped. He'd rather stay here until he starves to death than put Tetsuya in any unnecessary danger.

This was by far the longest death Seijurou's ever had. And all just for some herbs that only grow in this area.

He contemplated transforming into his human form a couple times, but he knew if he did the trap would dig even deeper into his foot and injure it even more. He'd rather not have a broken ankle that would hinder his speed and climbing ability. He's been doing well in the past couple years keeping away from the towns people. He doesn't need to give them a better chance at catching him.

He could try calling Shintarou. But having the crow see him in such a state would ruin his reputation. Especially if he told his blabbermouth of a master. What the crow saw in that man Seijurou wasn't certain.

It was a waste of a life, but Seijurou was out of options and running out of time. He wants to hurry up and die so he can go back to Tetsuya. He's probably worried.

-

Kuroko wakes from his dream with a dull ache in his right ankle. His stomach growls as he looks up at the ceiling of his bedroom. He remembers that death as well.

Kuroko had been in middle school at the time. Sei had been missing for three days before he came back with one white paw. Kuroko had thought it was weird but Sei was just as affectionate and playful as ever when he came back so he didn't think too long about it.

Kuroko turns his head to the door, wondering if Sei was asleep on the couch. He blinks in the darkness, noticing something next to his mattress. He squints, then smiles.

Sei had fallen asleep sitting next to his bed, his back leaning on the side of the mattress. Kuroko had noticed Sei had started sleeping longer during the day, know he understands why. He's been sneaking in at night to watch over him while Kuroko sleeps. Kuroko smiles at the familiar and reaches out to touch his messy red hair.

"You should have called out to me." He whispers. "I would have come for you."

Kuroko runs his fingers through Sei's hair. A soft purring sound comes from the familiar and Kuroko has to bite his lip to keep himself from laughing at the man. Kuroko closes his eyes again as he pets the purring familiar.

Sei's died many times for Kuroko. Deaths like the one Kuroko just dreamed of seem like they could be avoided. It felt like a waste even to Sei, but he just let himself die anyway. Was it because of the curse? Or did Sei really just not care?

Kuroko frowns in the dark. Seijurou was thousands of years old. Things like life and death must get less and less meaningful for familiars like him. He never seems to worry about dying or care about the pain.

Kuroko looks over at the sleeping familiar again. What will happen if he gives up his life for him again?

Kuroko has never been without Sei. If he dies again, Kuroko isn't sure how he could live without him. Even as a cat, Sei was a huge support for him throughout the years. He would have never been able to handle the constant bullying without him. He wouldn't even be alive right now without him.

"Don't die anymore... Don't leave me alone..." Kuroko whispers, his eyes getting heavy again.

The next time Kuroko wakes it's to the sound of pans clattering and the smell of bacon. He sits up in his bed and looks over at the door. He smiles to himself as he gets up out of the bed. The sun is shining through his window and Kuroko is amazed he managed to sleep so well after having a dream of Sei's death.

Kuroko smiles as he walks over to the kitchen where Sei is cooking. Sei has the radio playing low as he cooks and he hums along to it. Kuroko recognizes the song, it had just come out last week.

"How do you even know this song, I thought old men were supposed to be behind in the times." Kuroko says, finally catching Sei's attention. Sei looks over his shoulder at Kuroko and smiles widely.

"Good morning Tetsuya. You look well rested."

"I am."

"Your bed head is as spectacular as ever." Sei grins.

Kuroko scowls at him as he runs his fingers through his messy hair. Sei turns his attention back to the bacon in his pan, flipping it over with a spatula.

"Breakfast will be ready shortly."

"Okay."

Kuroko watches Sei's back as he cooks.

"Sei?"

"Tetsuya?"

Sei doesn't look back at him as he cracks an egg into the frying pan.

"What would happen if I become your master?"

Sei pauses before he can crack the second egg. He looks over at Kuroko with raised eyebrows. Kuroko glances down.

"You want to become my master?" Sei asks, setting down the egg and turning to face the blue eyed boy.

"I don't know... Maybe."

"I'd rather you became my lover."

Kuroko gives him an annoyed look. "I'm being serious, Sei."

Sei sighs and smiles lightly. He turns back to the breakfast. "So was I."

He cracks the second egg into the pan and watches it sizzle for a moment before continuing. Kuroko stays quiet.

"Usually representative witches in our Coven pass down their familiars after the new master has proved themselves ready to take over their position. Mastering certain spells, accomplishing impressive feats or just proving to be a capable witch. Then there is a ceremony to break the link between the familiar and previous master and bind the familiar to the new master."

Sei scoops the eggs out of the pan and into the plates next to the bacon. He turns off the stove and turns to look at Kuroko again.

"What happens after that?"

"Then the familiar and master are connected on a spiritual level." Sei switches off the stove and looks over at Kuroko. "I would be able to feel everything you feel. I can assist in spells to make them stronger. I act as a shield against anything harmful that comes your way."

Kuroko glances away, thinking to himself for a moment. "Does having a master make things better for you too?"

Sei frowns lightly, watching Kuroko closely. "I won't die, if that's what you're asking."

Kuroko's shoulders tense slightly and Sei knows he's hit his mark. Sei sighs and walks over to Kuroko.

"Tetsuya." Sei reaches out and cups Kuroko's cheek, gently pulling his face up. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Kuroko doesn't meet Sei's eyes. "I just wanted to know if it was possible."

"It's possible." Sei says, drawing Kuroko's eyes to his finally. "But only for a witch. It's not something you can just do without any practice or prior knowledge."

Kuroko visibly deflates. He had expected it to be like that, but it's still discouraging to hear it said. Sei watches him with a soft expression. He strokes his thumb over Kuroko's cheek lightly.

"Why are you bringing this up so suddenly? It's fine if we stay like this, Tetsuya."

Kuroko hesitates a moment before admitting, "I was just... thinking, maybe... it would be better if I was a witch. Do you think... It's okay for me to become a witch...?"

Z