Airplanes were just metal birds ready to be taken down at any moment, if it weren't for the crappy waters, [M/N], Dolly and Mother Cassandra would've taken a boat heading to Japan. Instead, they were stuffed on an airplane for 26 hours with three screaming toddlers and the bathroom running out of toilet paper not to mention with sweaty people. Technically it was him and Dolly, Mother Cassandra was in first class and away from the common folk. They laned around 4 o'clock, it was busy, and [M/N] walked with the women quietly, his eyes scanning the area as they got outside. He yawns a bit as the sun hit their faces and he rubbed his eyes, dead tired and wanted to sleep so bad. 

Then he saw it, the spew of human emotions, Curses and they were everywhere. [M/N] watched the fly heads flutter by some overweight tourist, their beady eyes watching them and hooking onto their shoulders or toying with their luggage. One was even sitting on the mother's shoulder, such burdens but they weren't in danger.

Then he spotted a number four going through the garbage, a racoon type of curse that seemingly minded his own business. [M/N] watched the creature eat whatever was in the trash can and winced when it bit down on a glass bottle with its obnoxious chews. His eyes moved away to the cars moving around, driving around and dropping off people when his ear was tugged on, he suppressed a growl as he looked to Mother Cassandra who held his ear, her sharp nails digging into the little flesh of his ear.

"Yes, Mother Cassandra?" He asked, as the veiled woman hummed.

"You can see those little...monsters?" She stated more than questioned, "The car is here, and I would like to meet the elders before they all take their mid-sleep nap." She says as [M/N] walked beside her, her fingers releasing his ear as he walked to the SUV that parked, the man with a sign stood there as Dolly talked to him. They spoke before his gaze switches to [M/N] and Mother Cassandra, and he placed the sign down, he bows respectfully to the two.

"Mother Cassandra and Sir Van Helsing, it's truly and honor of having two noble individuals visit us." The man says, his voice raspy, he stands back up and held the sign under his arm, "I will be taking care of you three this afternoon."

"Thank you." Dolly speaks for the three of them as the man nods, he opened the door for the three and Mother Cassandra enters first, her nunnery dress flowing with her as she enters, and he shuts the door before opening the other door for the two. Dolly looked to [M/N] and he looked back then to the door and back at her as she frowns. 

"Just sit in the middle." Dolly says as their driver began putting their luggage into the trunk as [M/N] shakes his head. "It isn't too bad."

"Yes, it is," [M/N] replied as he leans to her, "She smells like lint and old lady candy, bad old lady candy." Dolly's lips pursed together as she listened, "And she likes you more because you're a girl."

"Stop it, she doesn't like me more" Dolly hissed a bit as she sighs, the more they argue and the more time they were wasting to get through all of this from the first meeting of the elders, then meeting the first years they had and would be [M/N]'s "Classmates" for the time being until the witches or witch is found and then make travel to a Church that her and Mother Cassandra would be housed in. "I'll sit in the middle, but you need to stop seeing Mother Cassandra in such a way, she's mother-"

"That without her, everyone would panic and because she knows more than she lets on-" [M/N] interrupted her, he knew the little scolding rant of hers well. Respect Mother Cassandra, Love Mother Cassandra, She's the greatest woman alive, Blah, Blah, Blah. "I know, we all love her and fear her."

"[M/N]." She hissed between clenched teeth, her grey eyes narrowed at the teen. The boy sticks his tongue out and makes a face as she grits her teeth harder, she needed a cigarette after this and after Mother Cassandra retires. 

"You two?" Mother Cassandra coos from her seat inside the car, voice soft and yet tinged with warning, "Please come inside the car, it's almost time for our meeting." She reminds and Dolly huffed, she got in and sat herself in the middle, fixing her dress as she sat down. The man watched [M/N] as the boy glanced back to the tourist with fly heads, then to the raccoon that was now wobbling away to a different garbage. [M/N] turns his gaze to the car and entered in, he sits down as the man closed the door behind him. The driver moved to the front and got in, the SUV purred to life and soon pulled out from the space.

++++

Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical College was huge, deeply hidden in the mountains and an hour away from the city. The land was protected by some ancient being under the school with a barrier which sounded cool, but [M/N] found it stupid, why have something so dangerous, enough to be under the school to help out? He would have to research around about that thing hiding under the dirt but right now, he had to look pleasant once they reached the grounds. The driver had stayed outside with their bags and items as a man by the name of Masamichi Yaga, teacher that worked there had greeted them once they walked up the stairs to the main area of the school.

Reminds me of jail... [M/N] thought as his eyes scan the area, [E/C] eyes gazing around from side to side, it was impressive and certainly different from all the schools and colleges he had been placed there for cults of a variety. Certainly not student-centric too.

"It's an honor to have you three here with us today, as you requested Mother Cassandra, we have checked the barriers within the corners of the country and made note that it is weakening slowly. Master Tengen's branches there are being corroding away and curling up from the ground on its own." Yaga says as he began leading them from the entrance way, he was welcoming at least, "We have attempted to infuse more energy and is unable to as the next Plasma Star vessel isn't ready just yet for her infusion. The energy we attempted ourselves does not strength it, it makes the barrier unsteady even more."

"The witches curse had been done halfway, she needs three more ingredients but as her powers gets strong, so does the barrier become weaker." Mother Cassandra explains as she walked beside Yaga. "A simple vessel wouldn't even help the cause; her life would just irritate the barrier regardless."

"I see," Yaga says as he straightens out, "Is it true of her ingredients?" He asked cautiously as Mother Cassandra turns her head towards him as they walked with [M/N] and Dolly behind them. Her veil moves with the little breeze that passes over them but keeps her face still hidden with the thick cloth.

"Yes."

There weren't any more questions, some still linger in Yaga's mind, each different and each the same. In all his life, he would have never expected something outside a curse could potentially ruin society, both normal and sorcery, and could destroy everything that they worked on. In honestly, he thought this was some sick joke that someone started up until the Elders declared a meeting is needed and that the students should be put off from missions until this meeting was finished. Much to his annoyance since he had to hear the compliments from his students, especially the first years. 

The pride and joy of the esteemed Gojo clan, the future head and holder of the Six Eyes and Limitless, had been on his case for an entire week. His complaints of having to be inside and actually do academic courses or studying, then to wanting to go off campus field trips into the city but unable to then to wanting sweet desserts rather than wanting to go off campus to fight curses. 

Under that annoyance was a twinge of fear, fear that Yaga hadn't been able to afford since he seen curses as a kid, so long ago. He knew of the world of the Supernatural, outside of curses, like Dragula or werewolves but he had never study into it. That's what scares him, he was scared for his unprepared students. Curses were predictable, they didn't hold too much intelligence unless specializing in a special grade or sometimes a number one or the rarity of a curse womb subject. However, these monsters were clever, cunning and rooted deep within humanity.

His eyes glanced from the corner of his eye, tilting his neck just a bit to see the sister and the boy silently walk behind him. He was tall, not as tall as Gojo or Geto, he was also wearing very casual clothes despite the meeting that was going to happen in moments. [S/C] healthy especially when the sun hits him, his [H/C] hair touching his shoulders and kept too. He had [E/C] eyes, very observant too and yet held judgement that he didn't voice out. 

[M/N] Van Helsing; The living embodiment Hope.

Soon they reached the door and Yaga takes a breath, he knocks three times and a small, "Come in" and he slides the door open to the room as the atmosphere went tense, still and cold.  

Yaga waits as Mother Cassandra bows her head before entering, Dolly and [M/N] doing the same before entering as Yaga shuts the door behind them.

The room was wide and barely had much light in it, but [M/N] could see there had to be at least twenty elders in the room with them. They sat in rows and their combine smell was horrible, they all smelled like lint, salt and dust which made [M/N]'s nose twitched a bit and his fist curls into a ball to not say anything. They had some sort of shadow over them, to try to keep the mysterious and serious vibe maybe but they also were all staring at them. The room had little to no decorations, just two windows that were firmly shut and a small coffee table with wilting flowers on the top of it.

"Madame Cassandra," One older woman spoke as she gestures them to the couches in front of them, three of them with black leather and dark wooden feet, outline and swirls on the back. "Please have a seat with your companions."

"Thank you," Mother Cassandra says as she moved, her dress flowing behind her and nothing, but the sound of breathing was heard from the elder's side. She sits down in the middle and laid her hands onto her lap as Dolly sits to her right and [M/N] sits to her left with his hands on his lap too. "I'm glad that we could gather you all today, especially with something very sensitive."

"Glad? Usually takes centuries for an outsider to even get a meeting with one of us, if anything, you three should feel honored." A member said, voice raspy yet stern.

"We are honored," Mother Cassandra replies honestly, voice sweet and light.

"Enough intimidation," An older woman speaks up, "We're deeply disturbed to know that a witch, an insignificant witch is able to make Master Tengen's roots curl up. Then to find out that a barrier put out to keep in the dangerous curses in Japan was growing weak because of this disgusting woman, its dampers not only the mood but vacation plans most of our families made. I have grandchildren living in America, I need them to come here to visit me." She says, as [M/N] eyebrows furrowed a bit, it made it seem it was her only incontinence. "We need you to get rid of it, on the double."

"I agree! This is your trouble and your mistake," Another speaks up, angry, " We aren't the ones who done this, this is your problem that needs to be fixed."

"Not to mention stopping our students!" A man snapped from the very back, "They have a duty to go to the frontlines with curses, something like this shouldn't interrupt their work. Young people should be working rather than being consoled and mothered, that's women's work! It makes the boys look bad!"

Is he really complaining that kids aren't in class and being sexist?

"And that boy!" A booming voice in the middle, female and annoyance with arrogance was in her tone and [M/N] bit his lower lip from speaking up, "He is the famed Van Helsing, but he's nothing more than a weak little boy. Even Satoru Gojo has the means and will to fight, this one boy looks like he would blow over from strong winds. Is he really all the praise that many people had claimed?!"

Well fuck you too bitch, you look like your moments away from turning into dust.

"Suguru Geto with his demonic sense of technique also has the means to fight," The woman kept her squawking, "The famed Van Helsing had wrestle down demonic wolves, nailed down supernatural beasts with his bare hands, and blessed by the heavens itself and yet this boy looks too sickly! You must be lying about him for a free trip to Japan!"

Even the Buddha has thin patience!

"Excuse me, but what gives you the right to talk to me like that?" [M/N] asked, his arms moving off his lap and crossed over his chest as he glared into the rows of elders, "If anything, you're lucky to even witness me firsthand before you die with your squawking mouth."

"[M/N]." Dolly hissed, her eyes glanced to the teen as her eyes narrowed a bit, "Do not-" She stops when Mother Cassandra raised her hand towards her to stop and Dolly did but kept glaring at the boy. They were supposed to be working together and yet both sides were going hostile. Her hand grasped her necklace, holding the golden necklace and her thumb rubbed over the cross.

"Haaah?! What did you say boy?" The same woman asked, her squawking going over a few volumes. "How dare you speak to me like that?! Have you no shame?!"

"I don't, I really don't," [M/N] replies hotly. "Especially with some old crone claiming shit that doesn't make sense." His patience had worn thin since that morning and being at the airport while wondering how he would go about this whole situation at hand with little to nothing to go off to search for the witch beside talking to some spirits or even hunt down some local creatures that lurked in Japan. Then the lack of sleep, the lack of support from the two women beside him who wanted him to be quiet and sit still and be polite. He was tired and he didn't need to be question by a lady who honestly didn't deserve the air in her lungs. "If anything, you all should be lucky to be in my presence of me, the living embodiment of Hope." 

"Your tongue should be cut swiftly!" A man shouted, his voice raspy and probably took energy to talk. "You greedily assume we need you? HA!"

"You should all go back to America then! We can handle our country without the need of outsiders!"

"Especially from a child as yourself, all talk and no bite! Such a useless child!"

There were mutters of agreement and [M/N] felt a headache coming, they spent the money to be there and get space within a Church too only to be called names, yelled at and told to be grateful. It felt like Sunday dinner back home in the church lunchroom. The elders kept shouting things as [M/N]'s patience and the reason to care disappeared and slowly he began sitting up to stand.

Who cares if these bastard's lives burn? I'm pretty sure most of them belong on a list.

"Enough."

Mother Cassandra's voice cuts through like a knife through bread, [M/N] stops his movements as the Elders shut their mouth as Mother Cassandra sits up. Her hands in front of her as her head moves around, the veil continued to shield her face as it seems like she was scanning around at the elders then to [M/N] then to them.

"I understand that this situation is very bothersome, that we don't know what's going on and that there are other important matters such as Curses running amuck." Mother Cassandra says her voice crisp and honeyed, " Believe me when I say this; we are not the enemy that you should all worry about. We are the solution, [M/N] is the solution." She says as she raised her left hand, gesturing to [M/N] who smirked at the elders and tilts his head a bit, "This boy has been raised by the nuns, but his childhood itself showcases his prowess. You have heard of his work from other nations, no? Why would we bring a random boy with us as a free trip? Certainly, wouldn't make sense if he wasn't Van Helsing."

"But-t this child is-" Mother Cassandra clicked her tongue a bit as another voice had tried to interrupt her.

"I am speaking right now," Mother Cassandra scolds the elder, her tone went sharp and back, "As I was saying, this is an opportunity for Sorcerers and Supernaturalist to work together, at least bury the hatchet for the moment so we can get to the bottom of this issue. Not to mention this woman could have other ties here with other creatures and I know you all do not want to get your hands dirty, so you'll send children to do it for you. If you must, then send [M/N] if you want the job done not to mention he inherited the same gaze most sorcerers do." She tilts her head, almost craning to look at them, "You may have Satoru Gojo and this boy Suguru Geto, but you do not have [M/N] Van Helsing, the honored one." Mother Cassandra bows a bit before sitting back and her head straight towards them, "If you believe you can handle it, throwing curses willy-nilly then continue on. I'm sure your sorcerers can handle it or be blown up, but you don't mind. As long as you don't get off your buttocks to do adult work."

It was quiet and there were mummers within the rows as [M/N] watched them intently, he knew Mother Cassandra was losing patience when they began yelling and Mother Cassandra hated yelling and fake lies or rumors. Soon they moved back, and their gazes focus on them as the simple question was asked.

"...What is needed for this partnership to work?"

+++++

"And this is for you, and you, and you, Oh! Don't forget to always load up on Witch bullets when you leave the dorm," Dolly said as she checked up on the weapons, "More will be delivered within days and at most a week so do not fret when you start to get low." She moved her hands in the dark suitcase and pulled out a large baggie with dark brown and ground up herbs, she held it in her hand and felt the weight of it, "And this is four weeks' worth of Witch Herb."

"I know, I know, I packed it." [M/N] says as he swings his legs as he sat on his new desk, "I know what I have to do, Dolly."

"I know, but this is a new place...and for all we know..something new will pop out." Dolly says and sighs as she smooths out [M/N]'s shirt after plucking it from his suitcase, she laid it on his new bed as she cranes her neck to look at him. "Do you think...you can adapt here?"

"Never had a problem before," [M/N] shrugs his shoulders as he watched her move towards the door of his room. He pushed himself off and walked after her, the way it felt awkward in the room. "I'll report to you if stuff happens or the Elders, they didn't take lightly of what I said."

"No one did, you made everything tense." Dolly said as she chews on her lower lip a bit, she peeked out to see Mother Cassandra watching her by the van and waiting, "You'll call if you need assistance, right?"

"I always do, " [M/N] nods as he crossed his arms and watched her worried gaze, "I'm the honored one, remember? So, something like this will be a slice of cake, I just hope that Satoru kid isn't as bad as everyone says he is."

"Right, the honored one." She muttered before she slowly scoots out the dorm, holding the end of the door as she turned to him. "And you have it right? For safe keeping?" [M/N] sighs as he nods his head as he moved his finger under his shirt, his thumb grasping under the black necklace and pulled it up. The little soft "clanking" of the two charms and Sukuna's finger between them laid there, "Good! Good, just keep them safe and...be good..." Dolly says as she ruffled his hair and [M/N] scowls as he swats at her hand. Dolly's grey eyes stared before she slowly left, [M/N] watched her leave quietly before shutting his door and he sighs. He pressed his forehead on the cold door before looking at his bags, then to the charms and finger on his necklace. 

The 18 percent of the first Van Helsing's pinkie bone ashes in a tiny jar and locked in a jar. Then Sukuna's finger that had a sliver ring in it to connect to his necklace then next to the disgusting finger was the scale of a dragon, for protection as Dolly had said. They were hard to come by and a lucky find too, but also hard to get out of a Dragon in the first place. 

Not only to dull Sukuna's possible powers from harming [M/N] since they weren't handing it over just yet but to also keep curses at bay and make it harder to find it.

[M/N] looked at the time before sighing as he moved his suitcases off his bed and laid there, he stared at the ceiling as his mind wonders to how. Dolly and Mother Cassandra wouldn't hover over him, but he needed to search around for more evidence while also working part-time as a sorcerer. Even if he didn't have an ounce of curse energy, at most he resembled a normal person with superhuman abilities, or to them, Heavenly bounded.

He exhales and sits up, rubbing his eyes as his stomach growls. He held it and rubbed the area; he got up and moved to the door to leave for lunch. Yaga had shown him after the meeting, so now it seems to be lunch time or dinner time. [M/N]'s hand grasped the door handle and pulled, moving his gaze up as his door opens.

[M/N] blinks?

He blinks.

There was a fist next to his nose and he leans back to see a boy there who looked equally Suprise from the door opening.

"Hi?"