The Witch and the Zodiac | Kyo

Chapter 2- Obligations

"Look, there she is." A girl whispered to her group of friends as Aki stepped out of the car in front of the school's gates.

Aki let out a soft sigh and clutched the straps of her backpack as a broad-shouldered man stepped out of the car to stand beside her. She looked back into the car at the driver and held up her hand in a small wave.

"Thanks, Leo. Sorry you have to go through this trouble every day."

"It's no problem at all." He smiled and tipped his head slightly as her. "I'll be back later to pick you up, as usual."

"Thanks."

Her bodyguard shut the car door and she watched it drive off, then looked up at the man beside her.

"Stone, you don't have to follow me around everywhere I go. I'm the one that's supposed to be protecting people. I don't need a bodyguard."

He grunted quietly to himself and followed her as she walked through the gates to the entrance.

"Do you remember what happened in London four years ago?"

She opened her mouth to protest, then lowered her eyes. "That was..."

"It's my duty to accompany you wherever you go and protect you from harm, so that you can fulfill your duty."

"...I know." She replied quietly and slowed her pace, feeling eyes on her from the group of students lingering around the entrance.

"Chin up. Smile." Stone instructed. "You're a Witch and you should carry yourself with pride. People look to you for encouragement."

No pressure.

Aki blinked and managed a smile as she straightened her posture. Stone nodded and walked closely behind her as she moved through the crowd that parted as she approached.

"Good morning, Miss Nakano." The Headmistress stood by the door and smiled at her, bowing her head slightly. "It's a pleasure to see you again."

"Good morning, Headmistress Ono."

"How was your trip to Okukoshi? There weren't many details given on the news."

"Oh." Aki's smile faltered and then broadened. "It went well. There were fewer Ghouls there than expected, so I finished the Cleansing quickly."

"That's wonderful to hear. We're all so lucky to have a Witch around after so long." The Headmistress smiled and opened the door for her. "I'm honored to have you attend my school."

"I'm honored to be here."

Aki pressed her lips together as she walked through her halls, ignoring the faces of those as she walked.

I know it's unrealistic, but I wish they would stop staring.

"Aki!"

She looked up and smiled as a girl with short, dark hair ran toward her, waving.

"Starling!"

The girl hugged Aki tightly, nearly knocking her down as they laughed.

"I haven't seen you in forever." Starling squeezed her, then held her out at arm's length.

Aki rolled her eyes. "I was only gone for a week. Don't be so dramatic."

"Well, it felt like forever." Starling nudged her side, then waved slightly at the burly man in the suit. "Hi, Stone."

He nodded slightly, remaining quiet.

Starling linked arms with Aki and led her down the hall. "I can't believe you decided to host the Ball and you never told me about it. And at such short notice, too. Giving everyone a one-week heads-up isn't all that fair."