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“And the winner is………… Beatrice!!!” The announcement, made by a harmonious duo of voices, was met with cheers from the crowd.
Even though the golden witch did not show it, her heart was beating so fast, that it felt it would erupt from her chest. She glanced around the chapel. The crowd was going wild, and she saw the seven sisters of purgatory run at her, shouting and cheering.
Her eyes landed on Battler, who was still sitting there with life-less eyes. She noticed that small cracks started to appear on the cursed ring of Erika's creation, before it burst into a thousand pieces. A wave of relief washed over her, and she ran up to him. She hugged him with all her might, as tears of happiness fell down her cheeks.
After a few seconds, she realized that he was not reciprocating. A horrible feeling of dread made its way to her stomach when she looked up at his face. His eyes were still glassy and unfocused. Her heart twisted with pain, but she tried to rationalize it in her head. Battler was locked in that logic error for a long period of time, so it's only logical that it would take time for him to return to normal.
She pushed all her doubts to the back of her mind, but she couldn't shake a creeping sense of unease. For now, her priority was to get Battler out of the overcrowded chapel and somewhere safe.
"GET OFF ME" A sudden shout rang out that silenced all the cheers and applause. Despite blood gushing out of her wounds, Erika pushed Dlanor away from her and took a step towards the witch. She glanced at Battler, at his still empty expression, and smiled a demonlike smile.
"It seems I played too much with your toy in your absence." Speaking was causing her a lot of pain, but she still was able to cackle mercilessly. "Take this as a parting gift from me and let me introduce myself one last time. I am Furudo Erika, the detective and the 18th human on Rokkenjima."
Beatrice remained composed in the face of mocking and red truth. She took a deep breath before raising her gun at Erika once more.
"I am Beatrice the Golden Witch. I am the ruler of the island of Rokkenjima. I welcome you once more, but even if you join us …" She hesitated for a moment before smiling cruelly. " That’s only 17"
Sometime later…
Golden Land
The Arbor
The garden swayed gently by the force of the blowing breeze. Golden petals were carried by the wind and floated in the air. People could be seen sitting by a table in the arbor, but silence permeated the air. Beatrice was gazing upon the flowers, her eyes disinterested, while Virgillia was occupied with her crocheting.
Beato sighed deeply and raised her head to look at the last person sitting with them. It was Battler, still in his cape, who sat there with eyes empty. It has been some time since she fought Erika. The games have ended, and the witches left, looking for more interesting stories. Battler’s soul has still not returned, though. Despite overcoming the logic error, she came too late to rescue him in time.
Kanon was the one to come and get him. After the ceremony, she bombarded him with questions. It seemed that he found Battler on the ground outside the room, with the collar around his neck. Time flows differently in a logic error, so it’s impossible to say how long he lasted inside. All that matters is that he’s free, even if his mind is still not back.
Beato tried to reassure herself with these thoughts, but it didn’t help much. She has already cried over his body enough. She wanted to laugh at herself for believing that fate would ever allow her happiness. This must be a punishment from fate, then? After all, her state in the fifth game was identical to his current one. For this to happen now, after Battler finally grasped the truth? Fate must be truly laughing at her, for believing that she could ever attain happiness, even for one second.
Beato felt tears forming in her eyes again, and she let out a quiet sob. Too absorbed in her own self-loathing, she didn’t notice when Virgillia put away her crocheting hooks, so she was caught off-guard when a question was asked.
“Perhaps Battler-kun would enjoy some tea?” The older witch knew what her pupil was going through. “A nice tea would go well with such a beautiful morning.” It was her idea to come here in the first place. She couldn’t bear watching Beato lock herself up in her room for days.
Beatrice was not excited, but accepted the proposal. She called out to her furniture with a hoarse voice. “Ronove. Get us some tea.”
Golden butterflies swirled in the air, and the demon butler appeared with a tray of teacups already prepared. Without a word, he laid out the table, and started pouring tea. When it came to Battler’s cup, he bowed and spoke in his usual manner.
“Battler-sama. Today, we offer some Russian earl-gray. Hope it will be to your liking.” The man of course did not answer, but Beato could swear that his eyes became warmer. She stepped in and answered in his stead.
“Thank you, Ronove. I’m sure he appreciates it.” The demon smiled, bowed and disappeared once again. The sweet smell of citrus tea filled the arbor. Beato put 3 cubes of sugar into her cup, hoping that the sweet taste will distract her.
“You would probably laugh at me for having a sweet tooth.” Her words hung in the air, spoken, before she realized that she’s saying it out loud. She glanced at his face, hoping to see any kind of reaction. Not noticing any changes, she sighed again.
How long would she have to wait? Was the 6 years spent waiting for him not enough?
Maybe he would never wake again? He must have been feeling the same, back in the fifth game, when she was the one absent. She gave up on him, but he was still trying, still thinking. Can she do the same, and believe that he will eventually come back?
Not wanting to think about what her answer would be, Beato focused on the tea instead. By now it has already cooled down enough to drink. It was mind-numbingly sweet, but that’s what she needed at the moment.
The smell of tea always brought back memories. Some good, like talking about magic with Maria and of the previous games with Battler. Some worse; Natsuhi’s scolding, hands shaking, while serving tea to the visiting family.
Despite that, it was still her favorite thing to drink. Beato didn’t know if it was her own, acquired taste, or something that came with the persona of the witch thrust upon her. She didn’t mind it, even if it was. After all, her love for Battler was also not hers at the beginning. Even if it hurt her to see him in his current state, she would never abandon those feelings.
She noticed that his mouth was opening and closing wordlessly. Understanding what it meant, she put her hand on his and helped him grip his cup. He used to do the same thing for her back in the fifth game.
“Guess our roles are reversed now.” Beato smiled bitterly at the thought. After sipping the tea, Battler’s face looked ever so slightly brighter. After helping him put the teacup down, she still kept holding his hand. It was warm, and it was proof that he’s still alive.
Isn’t it funny? This is everything she wanted, right? To drink tea and hold hands with him has been only a lofty dream in the past. She missed the days of the previous games. Even if he didn’t fulfill her ultimate wish, just talking with him brought her endless joy. Their quarrels and fights were some of her happiest memories now. Maybe she should have gone with Lambdadelta’s plan? Playing with him endlessly wouldn’t be so bad compared to the current situation.
Suddenly, a sound interrupted the silence. A faint voice could be heard.
“...........................nn…”
“Battler!?” - Beatrice’s eyes snapped wide open, and she immediately looked at his half-open mouth. Her heartbeat accelerated as she looked for any signs that he’s back. She muttered prayers and continued to study him for even the smallest changes. A few minutes passed before she realized that it was nothing. Fate had sneered at her, and she, in her naivety, has fallen for its ploy.
Tears started to well up in her eyes, and she didn’t have the energy to fight them anymore. Her sobbing echoed out in the garden of golden roses. The pent-up feelings hit her all at once.. She hated Erika for putting him in this state, herself for allowing it, and fate for a never-ending suffering it brought upon her. Somewhere deep inside, she even hated Battler for leaving her once again.
Suddenly, a warmth enveloped her in an embrace. It was Virgillia who had stood up and went over to comfort her pupil. Beato couldn’t do anything other than sob in her arms. The older witch held her strongly, but also gently stroked her hair to help her calm. It took some time before Beato was able to calm down enough to formulate words.
“T-Teacher…” - Her voice was choked and shaky.
“It’s okay, child. Everything is going to be fine.”
“B-but Battler…..” - It was hard to say his name, without causing another wave of sobbing.
“I’m sure Battler-kun is trying his best to come back.” When she paused, the only thing that could be heard was Beato’s sniffling. “You wouldn’t want him to see you like this when he returns, right? You want to welcome him back, smiling.” Beato tried to put on a smiling face, but failed.
“I-It’s hard…”
“Oh child, I know it is. I’m sure when he can’t wait to be back and see you again.” - By now the Golden Witch has calmed down enough, that Virgillia released her embrace and stepped back. “We can practice smiling in a moment. I’ll go get Ronove to bring us more tea.” - With those words, the witch disappeared, with a shining flock of golden butterflies in her place.
Beato looked up at Battler. Despite everything that happened, she was still holding onto his hand. She let go of it, but scooted her chair closer to his. Now they were practically sitting side by side.
She rested her head on his shoulder. Felling his warmth was very calming. She spoke in a hushed voice, but with determination.
“ I love you... I will wait for you, even if it takes eternity.”
.
.
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