REVENGE IS NOT A SOLUTION...OR IS IT?

Chapter 2: A Meager Beginning

Dreams and Visions, Viola's point if view, early evening:

After the events of the first chapter, things continued on with a hectic pace. Ever since, Viola dreamt for a long time. Her dreams actually told her many things. They were visions from the past life of Ellen, each giving her a detailed view of the different parts of the events which laid down the road for Ellen's occulthood.

Everything started with Ellen being tended by a woman, who Viola assumed was her mother. Then a man came home, who Viola assumed to be her father. She soon noticed that the father was completely ignorant towards Ellen, not even acknowledging her presence. This sequence of events repeated for perhaps years...Viola could not comprehend how long.

One time however, something changed. Ellen met a black cat, which Viola immediately realized was the host for the demon back then which Ellen made her contract with.

Yes, Viola knew this. Just as Ellen gained Viola's memories and experiences, the same happened with Viola. The only thing Viola has lost by now is Ellen's magic, since that was in reality dependent on the demon, whose contract with Ellen was over. All the things the demon taught Ellen and was of not magic however was preserved.

Viola's visions continued. She saw Ellen burying the black cat's corpse, and then she saw what she guessed to be the final spark in Ellen's unholy start of darkness. Ellen's parents lay on the floor of their ramshackle house dead, with both them and the entire house burning. And what happened next was chaotic.

A speedy, long dream full of different images about Ellen's time as a witch. That other demon taking the shape of a crow. It was the fiend that kept getting Ellen's medicine, and one time, it and the cat were fighting. It seemed to be treating Ellen in a smug way. But this was nothing compared to what Viola saw next. Ellen's many victims... and the two times when the magic keeping her in a seemingly healthy state was foiled.

And of course the times when Ellen met that boy. Viola now knew she was not the first person to be a victim of Ellen's innocent allure. Finally, she saw her own encounter with Ellen. The first days when she tended for the witch, and then that dreadful day when Ellen left her, and she at last saw the pursuit, and that fateful evening when Travis, her own father, almost took her own daughter's life.

And the dreams that came to Viola after these were about others. People unknown to her completely. She saw a village surrounded by a lush forest, not too dissimilar from the one she used to live in. The people living in it seemed to be in distress, and they were gathered together on the richly decorated town square...except for one family.

A family consisting of six members stood in a big, beautiful house on the outer parts of the village. They were quite suspicious though. All of them seemed to be much richer, and they seemed to be almost literally bathing in luxury. Their clothes, their house, and everything else they had reflected luxury.

But what made them suspicious is an animal that accompanied them.

As if it was a callback to the cat and crow demons, one of the family members, a young boy, was holding a black hamster in his hands which had the same kind of void eyes Ellen's black cat had. Viola could understand that it was probably a demon too...so they could have been an entire family of contractors.

Another skip. She saw the temple of the village. It was a simple building with nine small towers, each with a different bell in it. Then the view slowly went towards the large window of the central building and shifted into the large central chamber. It seemed that the people of the village had gathered within it.

A gray-robed man stood in front of a gathering, and he seemed to be desperately calling for aid. The people were either praying with him, or discussing matters with each other hastily. Viola guessed that the man was a priest who prayed for the assistance of the deity he believed in, and that the people with him were hoping to resolve the situation with the divine help their priest was calling for.

Then a small group bursted into the room, and the crowd started fleeing in panic. Viola could only see that there were six figures at the door, probably that suspicious family she saw earlier.

Another skip. This time, Viola saw something that is difficult to describe. It seemed to be a path made out of radiant light, adorned with shades of colors that would be difficult to name even for those experience with colors because they were so numerous. It seemed to be in a black, open space. The scenery around it looked stunning.

There were buildings of alien shapes, Viola could not recognize any of them. It could be most accurately described as a city that seemed to be literally made out of light, and some sort of crystalline material.

But the focal point of the dream was a figure. A man-like figure clad in glowing white came close to Viola. After coming close enough, he stopped for a moment to pray, and then he turned towards Viola. He summoned a beautiful mirror adorned with unknown amounts and types of gems, putting it in front of Viola, and saying the following words:

"Gaze unto this mirror, and see for yourself the form you haveth now. But do not be caught in the web of despair, for ye shall be restored, and if ye will prevail in soul in the events to come, many shall rever what thou hast done, and by thy actions, souls shall be saved from the wicked, ancient shadow."

Viola saw herself in the mirror's glass, but not how she imagined she looked like based on her suffering. She basically saw Ellen's body, being engulfed in radiant silvery light. She saw a myriad of wounds, being mended by this very light. And at that moment, the sound of a bell bellowed...and Viola woke up from her dreaming.

At a hideout in the mountains, Viola's point of view:

Viola woke up. She was caught in a series of strange sensations, all of them different. First, she still felt pain. But nowhere near as much as she felt before. The pain in her chest has subsided almost completely along with that in her throat, while the stump of her legs and the sockets of her eyes still ached badly. She could however actually comprehend things around her, something she was very glad to be able to do.

She could hear, smell, and feel with her touch. She was still weak though. The immense pain she had to endure not only wounded her spirit, but also placed upon her new body great fatigue. She was going to need loads of time to recover, but at least she now had major chances of survival.

Finally having a degree of freedom, she decided to try and understand her situation, using whatever senses she has right now. In terms of noise, a lighter wind could be heard blowing around casually, giving a basic ambience for the place. Clanking of different objects, noises made by what Viola assumed were leather goods could be heard.

The air was lukewarm, and from this Viola guessed that she was either in somebody's home, or a place of warmer climate, perhaps in sunshine during the morning. Nothing seemed to be wrong though, the noises were calm and ambient, and the air had a very good smell.

Trying her hands out, Viola felt that she was on some sort of cloth-covered object which was quite warm. Turning her head left and right carefully, she began noticing different scents. Some of them were familiar, they were scents of flowers, some of which she had seen and home, and some which she had seen in the wilderness. What she had as a body worked decently, and Viola was glad to have this much.

Soon however, Viola began to hear footsteps and faint voices. After a minute or so, these sounds came closer, close enough for Viola to listening to what the people were saying. She could hear two men talking.

"What news about the girl Brother Lucius? Could you help her?"

"Yes Richard don't worry. I did what I could now. She is no longer doomed to die...though her disease and the missing body parts will require the attention of more than one Brother." -Answered 'Lucius'-

"Right...her disease. Could you identify what is it? I tried all the medicine I had but they did not effect it the slightest." -Asked 'Richard'-

"Unfortunately, not entirely. What I could get from it is that it is not natural. My best guess is that it might be from some sort of curse. Though the demonic energies I sensed circling within the girl could also be the source."

"Demonic energies? How much are they still active within her?"

"Not too active luckily. They seem to be rapidly fading away. In fact, I can still sense them becoming weaker and weaker. Soon she will be clean of them. Sorry Richard, this is all I could have done on my own."

"Alas, I am already thankful for your help brother. You know this girl could mean much to all of us. I promised her to save her life and..."

"I know Richard I know, you take your promises seriously. But calm down for now, and take your share of rest. The girl will also benefit from it if you can approach her with a collected, calm mind. Remember. Faith, loyalty, hope. These three hold the soul of a person together."

The "Richard" figure sounded very concerned, while the other one, Lucius attempted to remain calm and peaceful. She could not understand why did this "Richard" called Lucius "brother" though, as the latter mentioned multiple "brothers". Maybe it was a habit among the people of these two.

"Thank you Brother Lucius. When can I expect your help?"

"To be honest I do not know myself...I tried to identify the soul of the girl, and while doing so I have found a discrepancy within the essence patterns of her soul and her body, which means that we must take great care."

Viola, although bittered by the memories of the previous events, was happy that she was among people who were on the right track to find out what happened to her. Though she was suspicious, as she did not know these two. And besides, she did not understand what did 'Lucius' mean under 'essence patterns'.

"Well, that just confirms what I have suspected. You do remember what I told you about the demon and the one who I believe to be a body-thief?" -Spoke 'Richard'-

"Indeed I do. And the more I think about it, the more it seems that body theft is what we are dealing with here. I will counsel with my brothers and give it some thought. The girl should be able to speak now, but take it easy. Her trauma inflicted quite a blow on her spirit, so she might be shocked to speak." -Said Lucius with genuine concern-

"Don't worry, I will be very careful with her. Do you think you and the other brothers can handle her, or will we need the assistance of a doctor?"

"As much I do not like saying this, we will need a doctor. Not only will this lengthen the process, but it will put everybody in danger. But if what you have told me about this girl is true, we might be able to end this madness for all of us...and for that, risks are worth taking."

"Good to see that already she is given much assistance and hope. Thank you. I will question her about small things then and keep it cool. Farewell."

"Blessings on you Richard. Farewell."

Footsteps were heard, and they quickly got more and more distant. Viola in the while processed the conversation, at least what she could understand of it. Her main question about what she heard is that "madness" that "Lucius" mentioned. What did he mean under that? Was she, a tormented girl such a big concern to him and those he knew that he thinks it is "worth to take risks" for her? What is this all about?

Viola could not understand anything of this. All this, together with what she saw while asleep spawned a mass of questions in her mind. She tried not to think hard though, as she wanted to give herself a quick and sure recovery.

Viola heard steps again, and she also heard a door being closed. This alleviated the noise of the wind outside, now it could be only be heard in a deepened, damp way. The steps then kept getting closer, until the they were very close to her. Viola heard someone stop and take his place near her, she assumed it was "Richard".

"Well...I do not know where to start. First, let me introduce myself. My name is Richard, and this little hideout is my place of living. I make my life as a hunter, and a protector of my village."

Viola reacted by opening her left palm, lifting it up, and weakly waving. Though she could not get the direction right, Richard was glad for this reaction.

"If you have not guessed already, I am the one who got you here from that mess in the forest. The man you heard speaking with me is a monk. He and his brothers, together with the people of my village have some experience concerning supernatural things."

Viola thought for a few moments...she did remember hearing someone shouting back when she was barely awake back in the forest...where she would have almost certainly died if not for Richard. And now calling Lucius "brother" also made sense. So far the man was not hiding anything...but Viola decided to wait.

"I do not ask you to trust me, you have every reason in the world to be careful now. I do fear that the two people who I saved you from might come for you one day, and your new connection with me could also put you in trouble with some similar folks."

'Similar folks' -thought Viola- She could not think of anybody right now who she knew to similar to Ellen...or could she...she could. At that moment, Viola remembered her dream about the six-member family and the black hamster. An entire family of occultists? Could they be the "folks" Richard was talking about?

"Your condition right now is still bad, but it is orders of magnitude better than it was. You have been sleeping for three days now, and Brother Lucius worked tirelessly to save your life. You will most likely be visited by some of his brothers though, and a doctor will also tend to your condition."

Nothing new except for the sleep part. Three days...that is a lot of time. Viola wondered what could have happened with her daddy and Ellen ever since. She decided not to give this attention now. She was glad that Richard still does not hide anything. Maybe he was worthy of trust...but maybe not. She decided to wait a little bit more.

"You are safe for now. If you want to know anything just ask me and I will tell you whatever I can. If you feel it is difficult to speak for you then I won't mind if you remain silent. You recovery is the most important thing now."

The man really seemed to be honest and trustworthy. And after what he said, it would have just fair for Viola to say some things too. She decided to speak up. Though saying words was indeed a bit hard, she could utter some short sentences.

"M...my name is...Vi...Viola." -Said Viola weakly, but understandably-

"Nice to meet you Viola. Viola...I heard this name before. Are you from Alvielia?" -Answered Richard-

"Y...yes...Alvielia. W...what about...you?"

"I hail from Olveria. It is a village like Alvielia just beyond the mountains where we are now. Nothing that special actually. One of the major trade routes of the country is nearby, but that is all. We are a largely spiritual community. We believe in the supernatural, and we have observed it for a long time now."

"W...where are we now?" -Speaking was becoming a bit easier for Viola.

"We are in the Ams Mountains 5 miles from the house where that fiasco with you and the witch occured."

Richard gave his words lots of thought. Viola was in a horrible state, and he assumed that she was quite frightened. He decided to keep answering Viola questions for now without asking any from her, to help her recovery and to gain her trust.

"Why...did you save me?" -Asked Viola.

"Because it is the duty of a decent person to save those who he can. After Brother William, one of Lucius' fellow monks alerted me to the commotion that was going on, I immediately went there to check on the situation. And when I saw you in that terrible state of yours, I just had to interfere."

"But...how did you know who to save?"

"It might sound unbelievable, but I could guess. From what I heard coming out of the blonde girl's mouth, I knew something was wrong with her. The way she...gloated about what was happening and the casual way she treated that infernal fiend was an obvious sign to me that it was you who needed help."

What Richard said sounded believable to Viola. Besides, she was not exactly in the position to complain about her means and circumstances of rescue. She was glad that the man guessed the right thing. Viola felt that now she could open up a bit more towards her rescuer, though she still wanted to be careful. The timing was perfect for this decision, as the sensation of hunger and thirst hit her at once.

"I...I need something to eat and drink."

"Hold on then, I am going to put you into a sitting position. Do not make sudden movements and focus on letting go of your weight. You need all the strength you can muster."

Viola could hear Richard stand up and walk behind her. She felt something warm wrapping around her, and she felt being lifted up. She was carried like that for a few seconds, until Richard gently put her down into a what Viola assumed to be a large chair, which also felt like it was covered by a kind of cloth. Overall, it did not burden her that much to be sitting. The pain in her chest was gone now, and her stumps and eyesockets were a lot calmer.

"There you go. Now I'm going to get you something. Most probably tea and vegetables, as judging from your state you need to take it easy for now."

Richard walked away, and Viola guessed he walked to the place where he was keeping his rations. To be honest, she DID have to take eating easy, as she remembered that Ellen's body had a very sensitive stomach due to her disease. After some time, Richard was coming back to Viola. The girl heard the sound of something being dragged towards her.

"I got you a small table that you can use now. -Richard informed Viola- I have put some food in a wooden plate on the table. Feel free to touch around, I chose some things which people eat with their bare hands. Eat slowly and chew carefully. I got you some carrots, a slice of bread, half a tomato and an apple. Not much, but if you feel you need more just tell me."

Viola was glad to have even this. Last time she was awake she was condemned to a painful death and eventually to be devoured by a demon, and now she is safely having a meal, even if a small one. Like Richard instructed, she started to reach around with her hands, trying to identify pieces of her meal. Luckily she worked much with her late mother in the kitchen and later with her daddy, so she had a keen sense of finding things based on their smell and surface.

Travis taught her to find things based on these two because he felt that Viola, who was interested in hunting, might someday need to find her way around in darkness. Little did he know just how tightly did he pinpoint his daughter's needs. She began with the apple, as she knew that eating apples before the primary meals was healthy due to the fruit's acidic nature. She then continued with the carrots, and finished with eating the slice of bread together with the half-a-tomato.

"Do you steel feel hungry? Just tell me. I will get you more right away."

"No...but I need something to drink." -Answered Viola.

"Right away. You are going to get some water. It is the best for you now."

Richard went away, with Viola listening to what he was doing. The turning of a wooden object, pouring of water, then silence. His footsteps knocked loudly on the floor as he came back with the cup of water.

"There you are. I got this one from the barrel where I keep the lukewarm water. Hold out one of your hands so I can give the cup to you."

Viola did as asked, and took the water from the man. She carefully manouvered it to her mouth, and slowly drank it. The cup itself seemed to be quite large, as it took quite a time for the girl to drink it all even with taking her slow pace into account. It did wonders for her though, her throat immediately felt better and above all, she was now neither hungry nor thirsty.

"Thank you. You did so much for me...even though..."

"No need to explain yourself Viola. I already told you the reason of my motives to assist you."

"But you also said to that monk friend of yours that I could mean much to you...what about that?"

"I won't hide any details from you. The point is, me, the village I live in, together with Lucius and his order have been involved in struggling against the supernatural for a long time now. What I thought about is that you could be a valuable asset in our struggle, and that we could ask for your help. I will not even try to persuade you to join us, and neither will anyone else among us. This is solely your decision."

Viola took it as a positive sign that Richard did not mind the fact that she knew something she could only do so by overhearing his conversation with Lucius. Also, he sounded serious about letting this be her choice only. She was surprised to meet such honest people, but she was also deeply grateful for it.

"I do not understand. How could I help you with this?" -asked Viola-

"The fact is Viola, the witch you got involved with might be related to a certain group which is the source of our troubles. Not just in our village, but practically everywhere in the country. Now this is something I will not explain for now, as I told Lucius I will keep it cool with you."

'Practically everywhere in the country'. Viola was more than appalled to hear this. So she was but one among who knows how many victims caught in the web of such dark schemes, perhaps many of them far worse than what she had to go through. She could not bear to think about that. And also, even after all that has happened, she did feel bad for Ellen.

Though her anger about Ellen's recent betrayal still casted a thick shadow over this, she was still deeply sorry for Ellen, especially after witnessing her life through those dreams this night. Viola started giving this lots of thought. Assisting these people would give her a small chance at not only saving Ellen, but many others as well.

It might feel strange, but Viola did grow a personal attachment towards Ellen. For Viola, Ellen was a living testament towards the fact that humanity is being poached by malevolent forces, a testament she herself has seen and contacted...and one that partially became her.

Above all, this seemed to be her only shot at regaining her original life. She was abhorred by the very concept that what is left of her family and everyone she knew are being deceived by Ellen, who herself can be only brought to sense by a lengthy quest of recovery and treatment. As much she was intimated by the weight of all this to come, Viola knew that running away would be infinite times worse.

"I...I have...I have decided I will help you."

Viola expected Richard to be surprised, and boy was he surprised!

"SERIOUSLY? Viola...this is something that can cost many things, starting from the quality of our lives to our lives themselves. You stand at a difficult crossroads. Once you dip yourself into this case, there is no going back due to just so many things that it would take loads of time to explain. Are you really, truly sure about this?"

"Yes Richard...I'm sure. I will need lots of time to tell you everything too...don't worry about that."

Viola took on her face a smile. Thanks to some bandages on her empty eye sockets, there was much less to spoil the smile.

"I barely believe you Viola...your bravery and determination already seem great to me. Well if you really wish to assist us, than welcome aboard. The first step in our doings is something we would have done anyway. Me and some people I know will help you recover in the best ways we can. It might be a long and painful process though."

"That's okay. I have my reasons to join you, and you all seem to be decent people."

"Thank you for thinking that. It is almost miracolous for me that you were so quickly eager to help us out...especially given your state."

Viola heard Richard move a few things around, she guessed it was the small table and some other stuff. And then, she felt being picked up again.

"I am going to put you back on the small bed which I quickly made. It is a crude piece of furniture really...some wood and a thick piece of cloth."

"It does not matter Richard...I slept well on it."

"Good to know that. Oh by the way, now that you mention sleep, take one advice from me..."

The man paused with the sentence while putting down Viola, then he sat down next to her and then finished.

"...pay much attention to your dreams and try to remember them. People reported that nowadays, an unusually high amount dreams were some sort of sign of something in reality which actually came to pass."

"I will try do to it...Richard...what will happen now?"

"You should do well and get tons of sleep. You will need every ounce of strength within you to keep on going."

Richard did not have to say twice. Viola quickly fell asleep, almost frighteningly quickly. At least now that Viola was asleep, he could get some rest too.

-In the forest around the Witch's House, Ellen's point of view-

-Nine hours after the events of Chapter 1-

Ellen woke up with a heavy headache. Her attacker hit her head hard with his weapon..."Curse that bastard!" -Ellen thought to herself. She slowly got on her feet, feeling dizzy. After balancing around a bit to get into a stable position, she quickly checked out her new body. There were no wounds on her legs, chest, and arms, but the mud she lay made her very dirty. Ellen carefully tried to touch the back of her head to feel just how bad it was...and she wished she didn't. The moment her finger came upon her head, it hurt immensely for a moment. When she saw her finger, there was blood on it. She became furious at the sight of this, but the intense emotion just made the pain worse.

Deciding to try and keep calm, Ellen decided to look around. It was dawn, and the Sun was coming up. The forest seemed to be quiet, and there was not any rain or wind. No animals were loitering around either, so she was alone...with Travis. Viola's father was still lying on the ground out of reality. Ellen did remember that it was a lightning that knocked him out so badly. This was not good for her though, as she needed his help to get around in the village and with her new life in general.

"HEEELP! SOMEBODY HELP US!" -Cried Ellen into the distance. No answer came though, and the silence was not broken after the echo of her call faded away. Ellen waited for around a minute then cried out again.

"PLEASE! HELP US!" -Again, nothing.

So other were not coming, but her crying out did good. Travis slowly started waking up and getting in touch with things. He slowly stood up and gained balance, and saw Ellen standing in front of him.

"Viola! A thousand blessings, are you alright?"

"Yes daddy...I'm alright". -Ellen did recall that Viola always referred to Travis as 'daddy'. So far so good.

"I don't understand. Where is that monster? Did somebody drive it away?"

Ellen did not answer, not knowing what to tell Travis.

"Viola...I know that you are scared but please tell me what happened! That thing might come for you, and it's better if I know what I am up against."

"It...it was a witch daddy. The witch who the rumors told us about."

"Really? So...she does exist. Call me crazy, but after what I saw yesterday I believe you. I mean...she was horrible! What kind of sick and twisted person would to something like that to anybody? Crazy occultists...those would. Not just to others but even themselves!"

Ellen felt a stinger inside. It was HER who did all this to her, and by the sounds of this, if Travis ever found out the truth in any way it would be the end of this new life. She had to quickly think up something...and what came to her mind was a reversal of what actually happened.

"Alright daddy, I will tell you everything. But only after you took me home...I'm scared to be here."

"It's OK my dear. I understand. Let us go home the...my God what is that on your head?"

Travis darted to Ellen, and took a look on her wound.

"Who did this to you Viola? Do you remember?"

"I don't know daddy...I do not remember how did he look like. But please...take me home!" -Ellen feigned crying. She was quite good at acting actually, after the times she spent as a witch.

Travis did not try to argue with Ellen, as he did not want to make the wound worse, so he took "his dear" home. Their journey home took a lot of time. Ellen had difficulties because of the blunt force trauma from yesterday's assault, and needed Travis' help to walk. After around three hours of walking, they finally got home.

"ALVIELIA" -The sign at the village border greeted them with its big white letters and dark brown wooden base. Travis carefully helped Ellen walk along, and the people around them soon noticed their distress.

"Hey Travis! What happened to your girl?" -This was the voice of Reginald, the village's mayor. He was a kind man towards the villagers, and they liked him as a leader. He was an elderly man in his late sixties. He wore elegant clothes befitting his position, and a pair of large glasses which added more to his already serious face, which was adorned by a pair of deep blue eyes and a wide mustache.

"I myself am confused about that. I think she was attacked by someone, but poor Viola is too scared and shocked to speak more now. I'm going to take her home to rest. After I got her to sleep I will come over and tell you what I know OK?"

Reginald narrowed his eyes on the two, and opened a small book which was in his hands.

"Alright Travis. I will tell the men that Viola has been attacked by an unknown perpetrator. We'll keep watch."

With that, the old mayor went away towards the town hall, a big building made out of stone. It had two towers on it, with one of them being a bell tower for attracting attention, and the other being for storage. It was an old building, but well made and sturdy. It was not particularly decorated, but it still managed to be beautiful. Reginald went to the entrance, a double door, and went in.

Travis and Ellen continued onward to home, and soon they were questioned again. Travis kept telling the people the same things he said to Reginald, and he got a bit impatient after doing so. He asked the people to give them some rest, and after half an hour they finally got home. Ellen sat down on the first chair she could find, in the middle of Travis' and Viola's living room. Travis soon spoke to her.

"Alright Viola. I thought things over and I decided to let you rest for now. Clean yourself, get dinner, and then go to sleep. You are going to need it."

"Okay daddy. What will you do?"

"I'll do the same as you, except I won't be sleeping today. I'll go inform Mr. Reginald about what happened to us, and I'll get some men with me to go inspect the forest. Be well Viola."

Travis walked into the bathroom, and began doing the washing.

"Yes daddy I will…-Ellen put on a wicked, wide smile after she turned around-...I will be good. Teehee."

Ellen quickly looked around to find Viola's room, and went in. Fortunately for her, Viola's memories served her well, and she quickly got the grasp of what to do, how and where. But she quickly realized that things will be exactly the smoothest. She may have had Viola's body and memories, but she had her own personality.

She had different tastes, wishes, a different system of morality, and different views on the world. As such, she had to act out Viola well, or else Travis and everyone else will get suspicious very quickly.

And she had to do this for the rest of her life. And she could only "change back" very slowly and gradually, so she could make the others think that it was just Viola maturing in a way they did not expect. But then something started bothering Ellen. She started thinking back to when she awoke in the forest in the morning, as she felt she did not pay enough attention to something while being back there. She thought for a bit, and then she realized what was it. Her original body was not there where she knew it was.

And at that moment, another wave of thoughts hit her. This could mean two things. Either the demon devoured her, or her attacker took Viola away. Given Ellen's general negativity, she took the latter as more likely. This meant only one thing. Viola could get the support of anybody who is skilled in the supernatural. And so, she could somehow spread news about the truth or worse, get her body back and THEN spread the news. This was unthinkable. Ellen quickly started thinking about what to do, but then…

"Travis! Sorry for intruding, but Viola's injuries need discussion. She can stay, but you must come with us."

"Right officer Mr. Brent. Viola! I am going with the civilian guard and the mayor to discuss your attack and begin the search. Be good!"

"Alright daddy! Take care of yourself!" -Responded Ellen.

Heavy and numerous steps were heard, and the group went away after a few seconds. It took Ellen great effort to get back into concentration, but she got back into it soon enough.

Viola had a chance at recovery, and this threatened Ellen's new life. The former witch could not bear with this at all...but she could not think of any method. Assassination is impossible, since Viola is likely well-protected now. So with her own hands, there was nothing she could do. Asking for an assassination would blow her cover very quickly, or at least make people think that "Viola" has gone crazy, since if Viola was saved, she probably had her physical state restored.

Which meant that Viola could just act innocent like Ellen did before even if the people would believe that Ellen is sending them against a monster. Blaming and telling lies were the last things Ellen thought about.

But what would she tell and to who? She had absolutely no idea about the location of her original body, and what exactly happened to it. Besides, making a web of lies is not an easy thing. Ellen started to doubt herself, and tried to think more optimistically this time. Maybe Viola is off dead, and there was no saving. Maybe that attacker who she remembers died to the demon, and the black cat had a double meal at best...or at worst.

Her thinking was interrupted however, as her wound on the back of her head started aching nastily. Ellen slowly went down into the kitchen, and started looking for medicine. Luckily, Viola's house was of simplistic -but also pretty- design. A typical village house with folk-styled decoration. As such, she had an easy time finding the container for medicines. Ellen found some herbs and tea, which she guessed the village people use for sickness instead of industrial-style pills and such.

As she reached for one of the herbs, a massive wave of pain hit her head, which compelled her to start smearing it with the herbs themselves as they are. To her surprise, they immediately started neutralizing the pain. Though it was not gone, it was now bearable. She took a look at some more of those herbs, and she saw that they had weird, white and purple berries on them. On the basket that they were in, there was some text:

'Gors Berries'

'Named after the Gors mountains where they grow, these special berries are very fast painkillers. Excessive usage will result in falling into a shorter coma however, so caution is advised. Strangely, the stem which they grow on also contains some of its serum, so using an entire stem is a sure way of getting overdosed. Be warned, because as quickly as this plant cures, the coma from an overdose will start just as quickly.'

This was no good news, as Ellen did just that. This was impossible! How could she have not remembered that? Viola's experiences were with her after all. Perhaps this was something Travis never showed to Viola, in order to prevent her from getting overdosed.

She had no time to think, as the coma started kicking in. Quickly as it cures, it puts you into sleep just as quickly.

Two and a half days later

Ellen slowly woke up in a soft, large bed. She was thankful for two things at the moment. One, for people falling for her facade enough to care for her, and two, for having a dreamless sleep if maybe a long one. It was strange though, as dreamless sleep is rarely heard of when somebody sleeps for very long.

Ellen did not care for this much though, she was much more concerned with what was happening around her. She slowly opened her eyes, and saw two people in front of herself. An old woman, and Travis.

The two were talking, and they did notice her waking up.

"Thanks for your help Ms. Martha. Viola did have a dreamless sleep right? You know what our old tales say...having many dreams can cause confusion and loss of reality sense."

"Yes, yes Travis I know it is good that you remember what I taught you. And I do hope that you keep these old pieces of wisdom!"

"I knew I should have hidden those berries better. I never showed them to Viola so that she would not overuse them, but I guess she is becoming both more curious and clever. She is now sleeping her third day. I hope she is alright."

"Don't worry hunter boy. -Ms. Martha had a wide smile on her face- these berries are only lethal or sickening if you eat loads of them. Given how they knock you out even if you only eat a small overdose, that is highly unlikely. Besides, they grow very slowly and only during the winter."

"Well, I'm going to check...Viola?!"

"Da...daddy?"

"Viola! Blessing upon everyone you're alright! We were worried when I found you sleeping and could not wake you up. Do you feel anything bad?"

"No...I'm fine daddy. What about you?"

"I am fine besides the worry. Ms. Martha helped us though, using her amazing skills."

Ellen looked at the smiling old woman, and Viola's memories served her well again. She remembered from them that Martha was the old woman in the village who was very knowledgeable about herbs and traditional medicine. Even trained doctors sometimes came here for her advice, as she also knew some lesser magical herbs. She guessed that those Gors Berries were such plants. Martha spoke up.

"Ah, little Viola. At least you're a lot nicer now! That ugly wound of yours got better. Now its just an ugly bluish spot. Don't be silly and go jumping around like crazy though, or it might get as bad as it was or worse." -She finished with a short giggle.

Ellen put on a faint smile. As difficult as it was for her to believe, she felt genuine happiness. She was being cared for. Only such a minor thing has happened to her, and she was being cared for by not just one person but multitudes of them! She was never given such love before, and she felt great for it. But her darkened heart was not any better than before. She gained all this by stealing this life from Viola. Sad as it is, Ellen did not feel the slightest of regret still. She was still being triumphant over her newly gained prize.

"Well, Ms. Martha, I think me and daddy are going home now. Thank you a lot for helping me out!" -Ellen put on a wide smile this time.

"My pleasure little Viola! Just be careful next time. Oh, and it will be only you going home, as Travis has got business to do. But be good you hear me?"

"Of course Ms. Martha…see you both later then!"

"Goodbye little Viola!"

Travis came to her and hugged her. Ellen hugged back. Sweet, warm embrace. Not even her own mother gave this to her. Ever. This was getting better by the moment.

"Be safe Viola. I will be back by evening, and I will make you some tasty dinner. You will not have to go to school anymore, it is closed for now."

Ellen was surprised to hear that. Terms usually end in July, and it was still late April. What could cause a school to close so quickly? All the students leaving? Nah, that sounded stupid even in mind. It must be something else.

"Daddy, why is it closed?"

"Bad things are happening Viola. But ask no more, you are too burdened now to think about such things. Go home and rest some. I will come later. Now go!" -Travis let go of her, and then mildly patter her shoulder.

Ellen went out of the house. Opposite to it was a sundial, a beautifully built one at that. The time was half past four, approaching towards evening. Ellen started walking home, and contrary to what Travis said, she was not burdened to think in fact! The school business occupied her mind all day.

Viola's memories immediately told her about school and she was quite excited for it, but it is closed. What made her really think is that Travis said "you will not have to go to school anymore". "Anymore". That last word acted as a stinger. Did that mean that the school was closed for good? Did it close for good? Or perhaps…

"Greetings Viola. Are you better now?"

Ellen turned around, and saw that it was Mr. Reginald, the mayor. He looked quite concerned, and he still had his book with him.

"Good day Mr. Mayor! My head hurts a bit, and I am worried so...not exactly."

The elderly mayor raised his eyebrows and narrowed his eyes a bit.

"Worried? Could you explain that? Is it about the attack?"

"No Mr Mayor not just that, it's about school. Daddy said that I do not have to go anymore. Is it closed forever?"

"Not forever, but we do not know for how long. There are posters at the town hall which have information regarding all sorts of things. Go check out it, the notice you need is actually fresh. Take care Viola."

Reginald nodded, and Ellen did so as well. A silent goodbye, but a goodbye nonetheless.

She did as the mayor asked, and walked to the town hall. On the way she saw the everyday life of the people were. Some were working, some were relaxing, and others were having fun with music and tales. At the village nursery for example, she saw children centered around an old man, who seemed to be telling them some fairy tales. They all laughed and smiled, so it must have been a happy and light-hearted one.

At another house, she saw a middle-aged man teaching his son the usage of different tools. And at another one, she saw a middle-aged couple decorating their terrace with flowers. Overall nothing complex or city-like. After such sights and a few minutes of walking Ellen got to the town hall. She soon found the poster sign, and began searching among them. Notices for lost items, lost pets, advertisements for services, ah-ah! Ellen found it, and her face went ashen. What was on it was not what she expected.

' Government orders all lower-age education facilities closed in Gahaln County:

' Mass children kidnappings and murders of school personnel in the recent days has caused the countyofficials to suspend schedules for all educational facilities that teach children between ages 6 and 18, and all people below the age of 20 are forbidden to leave their homes alone.

Ellen was now frightened a bit. As a former witch, she knew some things that these officials might do not. She knew about demons, sorcery, and many shady things which they do to people. She did kidnap and murder loads of people in the past. But then she realized she has nothing to worry about right now.

Even if somebody somehow finds out who the murderer is if it happens to be her, it is of no consequence. After all, she and Viola switched places ever since. Though this school business was bothering her. Who knows, she might not be the reason this all is happening. And another witch is the very last thing she needs right now to cause trouble in her new, amazing life.

Ellen suddenly felt her right ankle being tickled a bit. She looked down, and saw the source. It was a big, brown cat. It meowed at her, and gave her a long look with its yellow eyes. Ellen was overwhelmed, as she liked cats from the very beginning. The brown cat acted friendly, and Ellen felt that this is friendship at first sight. It did remind her of the black cat though, which left some bitterness in her. She embraced the cat, and decided to bring it home. It purred to her sweetly, and just generally it seemed to be a very friendly cat.

Neither Ellen, nor the village people had any idea what was coming however. This was but a calm before the storm. A storm that might come slowly, but when it comes, its thunderclaps will shake the foundation of the very earth.

END OF CHAPTER 2

-Well, as the title suggests, this is a meager beginning.

This chapter has LOADS of original content, I will tell a few clearances now:

-I decide to stick with names I invent, and I will make up places and such.

-This will be only done to anything that was not specified already in TWH.

-If you still see something like this, alert me and I will fix it.

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, I welcome criticism and opinions :)