There were some unrecognisable sounds which likely indicated disbelief mixed with discomfort. Eventually, Melissa settled enough to say words again. ‘I’m not sure I could do that.’
‘Mm.’
‘Well, this certainly brings a new meaning to “student body politics.”’
‘We don’t discuss politics in bed. It’s a policy.’
‘Probably a good one.’ Melissa was silent for a second or two. ‘I think I’m jealous.’
‘Well, all you have to do is ask…’
Part Three: Addictions
Shinden Alliance School of Sorcery, Shinden, Clan Worlds Alliance, 235/3/19.
Another week, another homeroom, another set of announcements. Nava’s eyes flicked over the windows on her terminal while she listened to Luca Newton telling her much the same things.
‘The most important thing on the announcement list is also the one most of you are not going to pay attention to,’ Luca said.
Nava was not at all sure what their homeroom teacher was referring to. Everything appeared to be important, one way or another. Well, a lot of it was seriously boring, but you had to take note, right? Nava thought herself fairly used to life at SAS2 now, but she did have to wonder how people put up with all the bureaucracy. She had decided, after hearing all their complaints, that both Mitsuko and Melissa were practically goddesses of patience because, yes, they complained, but they seemed to do that as a coping mechanism. The work still got done.
‘Every year we have to issue a warning around this point,’ Luca went on. ‘Every year we lose students to Crystal Mana.’ There was a rumble of muttering around the room. Nava picked out the parts of at least some of the mutters and she had to admit that Luca was right: a lot of her classmates did not want to hear it. ‘For those who aren’t aware and skimmed the first two lines of the notice before deciding they’d never touch drugs… Crystal Mana is an illegal drug which enhances your ability to perform magic. Sounds fantastic, doesn’t it? If you use it for an extended period, it can permanently increase your magical capacity. Really fantastic.’
Luca paused, staring around the room at her students. Nava had scanned the full document and seen what was coming. She figured it would be interesting to hear Luca’s take on it.
‘Power always comes with a price,’ Luca said. ‘In this case, the price is a near-unbreakable addiction. Trying to come off Crystal Mana is incredibly hard, and it can permanently cripple your ability to work magic while you’re trying to break free. If you’re forced into withdrawal because you can’t get the stuff, your magical strength tends to decrease. And it’s expensive on top of all that.’
She spoke slowly to emphasise the point as she continued, narrowed eyes sweeping the room. ‘Stay away from Crystal Mana. If you learn of anyone selling it on campus, report it. These people are scum. Even if they’re friends of yours, you owe them nothing. And that’s the last I hope I have to say on the subject.’
~~~
Nava had her hands full with a different form of addiction. This one had nothing to do with drugs though. There was no rain tonight, but Mitsuko was on her doorstep again, begging with her eyes. It was unbecoming of a princess of the Sonkei clan, but Nava said nothing. She just stepped back and waved Mitsuko in.
‘I’m sorry,’ the student president said as soon as the door closed. ‘I just… I couldn’t…’
‘It’s not like I want rid of you, Suki,’ Nava said, ‘but you’re risking your reputation by–’
‘I don’t care about that!’
‘I’m aware. Would you stop undressing while I’m trying to have a serious talk with you?’
‘No.’
Nava suppressed a sigh. Maybe it would have been better to let it come out, but that was her nature. ‘If people find out you’re having sex with a clanless nobody–’
‘You’re not–’
‘A clanless nobody. Worse, that you can’t go a night without it, your reputation is going to be in the toilet.’
Mitsuko appeared to have developed a bad case of selective hearing. ‘I want you to move in with me.’
‘Could you repeat that? I think I misheard.’
‘I want you to move in with me. You can even have your own room. My place is big, a lot more roomy than this place.’ Pause for an intake of breath. ‘Please, Nava.’
Nava looked into Mitsuko’s eyes. It was a lot easier with her kneeling on the floor wearing only her leggings and heels. ‘No.’
‘W-what?’
‘No. Or at least, not now.’
‘I d-don’t understand.’ That was clear. Nava did not think she had ever seen Mitsuko so unsure of anything. She was, Nava thought, unsure of herself right now.
‘I won’t have you throw your future away on a fling.’ Nava held up a hand as Mitsuko opened her mouth. ‘Yes, you don’t think it’s a fling. I don’t know what this is. I’ve never been in a relationship with someone. I don’t know and can’t guess what might happen. I want you to wait. If we’re still together by the start of next year, we can share an apartment then.’
Mitsuko looked like she was going to pout. ‘I hate it when you’re being reasonable. A whole year… I suppose… I suppose that’s not too long to wait.’
‘And in the meantime, I’ll come to you. If you keep coming here at…’ Nava glanced at her wall screen, which was just displaying a clock now. ‘At quarter to midnight, someone other than Mel is going to notice.’
‘Melissa knows? I mean, not that I mind…’
‘She knows. The other reason we should use your place is that the walls here are thin and we keep Mel awake. Well, you keep her awake. You’re loud.’
Mitsuko went scarlet. ‘You didn’t really give me a first reason. Are you saying you can sneak into my block without being seen and I can’t get here without– Oh!’
‘You can’t turn invisible.’ Nava’s disembodied voice came out of the air in front of Mitsuko, but when Mitsuko
