"There's more to witchcraft than just doing magic. Every witch is different and there are multiple areas of study." Sei says as he watches the tailor take Kuroko's measurements.
The day Kuroko announced he wanted to try being a witch, Sei started teaching him everything he could. He explained a lot about the old traditions of Kuroko's family and the structure of their coven. He explained that since Kuroko is just starting he should get to know many different types of witchcraft and recommended Kuroko attend the Coven meeting in a few days.
"You mother was a Kitchen witch, she preferred using magic for simple things in her everyday life. Your grandmother on the other hand was a weather witch and was known for her mood that changed as quickly as the weather, as well as changed the weather with her mood." Sei says with a wistful smile. Kuroko eyes him in the mirror. He doesn't know anything about his maternal Grandparents.
"What about my grandfather? Was he a witch?"
Sei nods. "Yes he was. He was a water witch but also studied a lot about medicines and herbal remedies."
The tailor instructs Kuroko to turn around and raise his arms. Kuroko does so, turning to look at Sei properly.
"Are the tailored clothes really necessary?" He asks the red head.
"Absolutely." Sei smiles widely. "It's tradition to wear your families color or crest to the meetings."
"But this feels like a bit much..." Kuroko says, glancing at the tailor. The man instructs him to lower his arms before walking off without another word. Kuroko steps off the step he was on and walks over to take his shirt back from Sei.
"You need to look your best, this is a very special occasion." Sei says as Kuroko pulls his shirt on.
After Seijurou finishes up the details with the tailor, the two of them leave the shop. Sei hails a taxi for them and holds the door for Kuroko to get in first. As soon as the car starts off, Sei continues his lessons.
"Your family is very distinguished and important among our community. Your arrival at the meeting will be big news." Sei says. "You're the last of a very powerful family and in addition to that, I've been working hard to keep you safe from this world for a very long time. No one in our coven has seen your face in years. Not including Daiki and Ryouta."
"I'm like some kind of urban legend... I had no idea my family was this important..." Kuroko says.
"That's exactly what you are!" Sei says with a nod. "And you'll need to learn to act like it as well."
Kuroko looks over at Sei with displeasure written all over his face. He doesn't know what Sei means exactly, but he already knows he doesn't like it. Sei smiles at him.
"There are only a few things you need to remember." Sei tells him.
"Always keep in mind that you are better than everyone else in the room, regardless of your power."
"Never bow to anyone. You must keep your head held high."
"Do not accept anything directly or allow anyone to touch you for any longer than a handshake."
"And don't forget to breathe."
Kuroko repeats these words over and over in his head. He commits them all to memory while Sei briefs him about the structure of the meeting and about the rules.
He repeats them to himself before bed and during class.
He mutters them to himself in the mirror as he tries on his new tailored clothes.
He says them over and over to himself until the night of the meeting finally arrives.
On the evening of the last day of the month, Kuroko and Seijurou are dropped off outside a bar in the next city over from Kuroko's. Kuroko swallows a shaky breath as he stares at the neon pink sign, just as extravagant looking as Sei had warned him it would be.
Seijurou stands next to him, dressed in a simple red dress shirt and black dress pants. Kuroko flattens out his own black dress shirt and tries to adjust his light blue tie with shaking hands. Sei smiles patiently at the nervous boy and reaches out to fix the tie for him. Kuroko thanks him with a small nod.
"Are you ready?"
"I'm so nervous Sei..." Kuroko says with a shake of his head.
"You'll be fine."
"But what if-"
Seijurou cuts him off by cupping Kuroko's face in his hands.
"You'll be fine Tetsuya." He repeats. "Take a few deep breaths. There's nothing you need to worry about."
Kuroko stares into Sei's heterochromatic eyes. He takes a deep breath in and nods his head. Sei lowers his hands to Kuroko's shoulders and smiles at him.
"I'm going to be with you the entire time, and Daiki and Ryouta will be there as well. If Daiki isn't skipping this months meeting that is."
Kuroko smiles lightly at this and nods again. He's still nervous, but having Sei with him is reassuring.
"Do you want to try a short spell before going in?" Seijurou asks.
"A spell?" Kuroko blinks at him curiously.
"More like a chant than a spell. It's just a few words to say to keep calm."
"Okay."
Sei smiles. "Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and repeat after me."
Kuroko closes his eyes and breaths in the cool night air. Sei's hands on his shoulders are warm compared to the cold and help make him feel at ease.
"I am peaceful, I am calm. I am right where I belong." Sei says. Kuroko repeats. "Good. Take a deep breath and repeat it once more."
"I am peaceful, I am calm. I am right where I belong." Kuroko says again, exhaling.
"That's right. You belong here, more than anyone, Tetsuya."
Kuroko opens his eyes and looks up at the familiar. The words are simple and hardly what Kuroko would think of as witchcraft, but Kuroko feels better. Seijurou waits for Kuroko to take a few more calming breaths before asking.
"Ready?"
That little chant is from http://indelible-witchery.tumblr.com/ and isn't mine. I'm not creative enough to make up witchcraft things...
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Nine Lives
Fanfic"Kuroko knew his mother practiced witchcraft. It was a fact that he never doubted. But for her to leave behind a familiar to take care of him. It was nearly inconceivable. Just as inconceivable as Kuroko being dead for two days." After an accident t...
