A/N
espiquebrix9h
I don't want to make any guarantees, but there should be at least 1 update every month.
I'm trying for about 2 updates a month (like, update about every 2-3 weeks) but this chapter dragged on longer than I first expected. Well, that and the usual; work and procrastination, plus I've somewhat gotten hooked to Genshin. lol
Anyway, as always, thanks for reading, everyone! ^^
The Shrine of Greed VII: The Witch's Games
Numerous ice shards are summoned and sent to Pandora with the intent to destroy the witch. The shards converge in the area where Pandora stands one after another. Once all the ice shards are used, Emilia summons more and continues to pile on the pressure. Then, she does it again.
And again.
And again.
And again.
Soon, almost half of the living room has been covered by a growing ice wall.
"That's enough, I suppose," Beatrice said, carefully observing the scene.
"... Is it over?" Emilia asked, panting from the tenacity of her raging assault.
From her point of view, it's hard to tell whether her attack has any success. Pandora isn't anywhere in sight. Since half of the area has been covered by ice, has Pandora simply been frozen within?
However, there's a dreadful feeling her efforts might be futile. She's aware there's no way it'll be as straightforward as this.
And thus...
"Oh dear, oh dear," the mocking voice has immediately answered Emilia's questions. "Do you wish to kill me that badly? And for what? Petty revenge? For a good little girl like yourself, that's very unsightly regardless of your reasons. What would Natsuki Subaru think? Not that you can kill me even if that's your wish. Too bad."
Pandora has reappeared behind her.
Emilia turns to face the Witch of Vainglory with a bitter glare.
The witch has been standing in front of her just a few moments ago. How did she suddenly reappear behind?! Surely, she couldn't have avoided all the ice shards!
"Well, if you want to keep trying anyway despite your awareness of its futility, then feel free! I welcome you!" Pandora smirked, slightly raising her arms as if to welcome the half-elf into her arms. "I'm sure 'Daddy' Geuse and 'Mommy' Fortuna would be very proud of you if they're here. What a good and diligent girl you have grown up to be!"
Those words were designed to taunt and antagonize. And Emilia fell for it.
She twitches in anger, hearing the names of the two she deeply cares about. "You! How dare you?!"
She summons a pair of ice spears, sending them to the witch with another intent to destroy. They hit the target, piercing the witch's midsection and creating two holes as the spears burst through her. Blood spills as the witch collapse to the ground.
Silence fills the vicinity for a few seconds.
"Is it over now, I wonder?" Beatrice asked.
The half-elf watches carefully. "…"
And then...
...
"Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!" Shrill laughter was heard as Pandora reappeared floating in mid-air. Meanwhile, her 'corpse' that was on the ground gradually began to disappear. "That's the grotesque sight you wish for? My beautiful body. Defiled and destroyed! Ahhhhh! How cruel of you, Emilia-sama! Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!"
Without saying a single word, Emilia conjures a massive ice spear and sets it upon Pandora.
The witch doesn't move an inch despite the impending threat. The ice spear phases through her like she isn't even there! Instead, the spear crashes into the ice wall, breaking it apart along with the house's wall, exposing the outside and the night sky.
The cool breeze of the night tickles Emilia's hair.
"Is that the best you can do? I'm disappointed." Pandora continued to taunt.
Despite being well aware of its futility, Emilia continues to attack with more ice spears. Pandora retreats outside to the street as she continues to either dodge the half-elf's attacks or let it phase through her.
"Wait, I suppose!" Beatrice tried to calm the half-elf down, hoping they could discuss what they're seeing with Pandora's mysterious abilities but it was too late.
The chase continues through the streets. Emilia's combination of ice spears, shards, and icicles pursue Pandora but they hit the surroundings instead of their intended target.
This goes on for a while. Despite how pathetic it might seem, Emilia didn't want to give up. She'll make Pandora pay for what she's done!
Eventually, Pandora herself comes to a halt, ending the chase. She turns to face the half-elf with an amused smirk.
"Haha! You don't give up, don't you? I must admit seeing your newfound confidence is refreshing. And seeing it still not yield the result you desire is even funnier! Hehehe. So! What now? Are you going to continue attacking me? As you can see, it's absolutely useless!"
"Tsk!"
At this point, Emilia knows well enough to admit Pandora is right about the futility of trying to beat her. It doesn't take a genius observer to realize the massive gap between their abilities. All this time, she's been giving her absolute best trying to defeat Pandora while the witch has only been toying around with her and hasn't bothered to even lift a single finger against her yet.
The abilities of the witch continue to baffle Emilia. What's up with her? She can't be hit. And the only way she gets hit is if she herself decides she wants to get hit, which is useless anyway because she somehow keeps reappearing fresh and new as if nothing happened! Most likely, she just wants to flaunt her overwhelming powers.
It makes one question their eyes. What are they seeing? Are they seeing reality? Is it an illusion? What's the trick behind it?
And then...
One can only imagine… what happens once the Witch of Vainglory does go on the offensive?
...
It's a terrifying thought, to say the least.
Even so, it's not like Emilia can just give up here. Surely, there's something she can do. There has to be a trick behind it! And she believes the truth lies within figuring out whether what she's seeing is reality or illusion.
And so, she readies herself again.
"Have you not learned yet, child?" Pandora shook her head. She has the domineering air of someone ready to admonish a child. "It seems you have yet to truly grasp the gravity of the situation. Very well, then. Allow me to demonstrate how pointless your efforts are against me!"
The annoying smug smirk that Emilia wants to wipe out so badly returns to the Witch of Vainglory's face.
"Let us return to the past!" The witch declared. Or more precisely, she commanded.
…
What lies before the half-elf's eyes is quite astonishing.
"H-Huh?" She couldn't believe what she was seeing.
In contrast to the desolate and bleak atmosphere, the night scenery of the bleak and desolate city suddenly appears lively and vibrant. Magical lamps of various colors light up the streets magnificently, giving the city both a mystical and beautiful appearance. The streets are filled with crowds of people going about their nightly business. Vendors selling books, a group of friends gathering for a night of fun, workers walking back after a long day of work, or those who just want to please their eyes with the beautiful magical lights of the city. They all gathered on the streets.
And it's not just her seeing things. She can feel it. The atmosphere of the change of scenery. She can feel the heat of this gathering.
"Uhm…"
Then… she can feel eyes set on her. It appears her presence has been noticed by the citizenry. And it appears they're just as confused as she is.
"What? A silver-haired half-elf?"
"Envy?"
"W-What is Envy doing here?!"
Whispers began to spread among the crowd.
"How is it? Are you impressed?" She heard Pandora ask as the witch announced her presence.
"What did you do?" Was the first thing she wanted to ask.
"Is it not obvious? I brought us back to the past!" Pandora explained as if it was merely a simple matter. "See? This is a time when this city was still 'alive.' Do you not see how lovely everything is?"
Although it sounds almost unbelievable, the evidence is there right before her eyes. And it's not just a matter of seeing, she can also feel it. She can smell it. She can taste it. Everything. Moreover, people have also sensed her presence. She's not just invisible to them. She's truly here, in this era, at this moment in time.
However, despite the absurdity of this scenario, all of this seems to be a trifling matter to Pandora.
It's a very terrifying prospect.
"Have you learned yet, child?" The witch softly whispered to her ears. "Unless you are completely dense, I am sure you are now realizing. I can do whatever I want. Change history? Send us to whatever time in history? Past? Future? Create a disaster? Play and change people's fates? Destroy the world? Ha! I am capable of all of those and the amount of effort it would take for me is equivalent to lifting a single finger. You see, even it would take nothing but a single finger for me to defeat both the Sword Saint and the Witch of Envy at the same time! I can erase your existence if I choose to. Or anyone's, for that matter. So, with that said, are you able to grasp the extent of my power? Do you still intend to challenge me, knowing how useless your efforts will be? Knowing how overwhelming my superiority is to everyone?"
Emilia gulps. She feels a chilling sensation as the witch continues to whisper intimidating words.
"Do you know why I'm untouchable by anyone and anything in this world? Do you want to know why everything is pointless against me? That's because..." Pandora grinned. "Everything in this world is just pieces to me! You are nothing but a piece! Like a piece of a storybook! One of many, many storybooks that exist! A storybook that I can change and alter however I please! Hahahahaha! You can't even cross the 4th wall boundary and the higher dimensions, like I, a voyager witch, can!"
"T-That's… absurd!"
"Oh? You don't believe me? Should I offer more 'proof' of my abilities? Alright, very well. Let me show you just how terrifying I can be. Ah, should I play with Natsuki Subaru? Hmm. I wonder, I wonder. How should I play with him? Heheh."
As Pandora is preparing for what's sure to be another devious machination, Emilia suddenly panics.
"T-There's no need for that! I'll… I'll take your word! Just… don't touch Subaru or anyone close to him! Please!" Emilia felt so pathetic deferring to the one she hates more than anyone else. But it's not like she had any other choice once Subaru was threatened...
Furthermore, the Witch of Vainglory has already shown how easily she can bring them back to the past or bring life to her shadow Leviathan. Not to mention, Pandora has only toyed with her during their battle… if it even qualifies as a battle. Their 'fight' was no different than someone throwing a stone at the moon's reflection on the water, hoping to hit the moon itself. In other words, Pandora has shown she can manipulate any situation to her whims. If the witch is capable of that, she's most likely capable of the things she says she's capable of. It's certainly not a risk Emilia is willing to take to find out. Especially not if it involves Subaru.
For now, she decides it's best to play along, despite how humiliating it feels. She just has to bear with it…
She still has one remaining trump card left. Long ago, hints of her awakened powers managed to bother Pandora. But will it work again? Nevertheless, she needs to find the right time for that one last desperate push. That, and if she can somehow find a way to awaken her powers...
"You're finally learning! Good girl!" Pandora praised mockingly. She pats the half-elf's head in a degrading manner. "Okay! Just do what I say and we'll get along veeeery well! Don't worry! It's not going to involve your little boy or his friends."
Emilia swallows her pride and momentarily puts aside her desire for revenge against the witch. "Fine."
Just then…
"Lady Pandora? I did not expect to see you here," A voice she didn't recognize announces her presence.
Emilia turns to her and finds an older white-haired woman. She recognizes her as the same woman she saw in the portrait whom Scylla referred to as "Echidna's mother."
"Oh my. Medea, the Witch of Greed." Pandora greeted with a pleasant smile. "It has been a while, has it not? How many years has it been since we last met?"
"It is… the greatest of pleasure to see you again, Great Witch. Allow me to welcome you to the city of Aplistia. To what purpose do I owe your visit? Please, do not hesitate to state your needs." The woman, Medea, returned the pleasantry to the Witch of Vainglory. Or at least, that's how it appeared on the surface. Then, her eyes shifted to Emilia. And she scoffed in disgust. "Half-elf. Silver hair. What is this thing doing here, Lady Pandora?"
Emilia twitches at her scathing words. She wonders why everyone has been looking at her like that. How do they know her? They keep mentioning a silver-haired half-elf…
"Oh, do not misunderstand. This girl is not the Witch of Envy of your generation, Medea." Pandora explained.
"I see... That explains why she feels different from that thing. However, they share an uncanny resemblance. Is she the Witch of Envy for my daughter's generation? No... that can't be it. That thing should be around my daughter's age." Medea continued to observe her as if she's some sort of lab rat. "Which brings us back to the point, who is she? If she resembles that thing, she is not a nobody."
"Do not worry about her. She's not relevant to this era, as far as you're concerned. I'm simply taking her on a little 'field trip.' In terms of the Outside World, it's no different than taking a child to the zoo! Now then, speaking of your daughter, may we meet her? Actually, we came here to see her! I'm excited to see the girl of a lovely witch such as yourself, Medea!"
"We did?" Emilia wondered quietly to herself, not wanting to interrupt the witches' conversation. She chose to listen carefully for any helpful information instead.
On the other hand...
"..." The Witch of Greed fell silent.
There's a look of discomfort in her expression.
"Oh, Medea. Don't give me that cute look! I already know how much of a naughty woman you've been! I've seen it all already! There's no point in hiding it from me! I know you ensnared the Sage all to yourself and created a monster of a child behind the Witch of Envy's back! Sheesh. That child will grow up to be a troublesome girl, let me tell you! We just… want to see her… before all of that. That is all." Pandora assured with a smile.
Emilia can't help but gasp at the revelation. "Echidna's father was the previous sage… before Flugel?!" She recalled the black-haired man in the portrait with Medea and Echidna.
"Tsk. Fine." Medea gave in albeit with great hesitation.
Thus, Medea began to lead Pandora and Emilia to the shrine.
Naturally, the three of them attract the attention of everyone as they pass. Emilia feels it's similar to when the envoy of a nation's ruler passes through a public gathering when everyone will suddenly stop what they're doing to get a glimpse. Will it feel like this if she becomes the king of Lugnica?
Regardless, some of the stares are directed at her. And of course, it's accompanied by whispers of wonder.
"Envy?"
"Is that Envy?"
"What is she doing here?"
It's not that she isn't used to getting looks from the populace having experienced that for all of her life. However, there's something different with the looks she's getting. Rather than fear and resentment, it's of curiosity.
Furthermore, it isn't she who's the center of attention. It's a welcome change to the half-elf. In fact, both the witches are receiving more attention. Medea, the Witch of Greed, is the respected ruler of this realm. Thus, naturally, everyone will always want to get a look at their superior. However, more than Emilia and Medea, it's Pandora who's the center of attention. Everyone's gaze is attracted to her.
Bewilderment. Fear. Awe. Admiration. Respect.
It was then… that Emilia finally grasped the extent of Pandora's influence on the world. She elicited such reactions from people who have only seen her for the first time. It's as if they find themselves before the presence of their goddess. Or perhaps, something bigger than even a goddess.
As Emilia thought…
The Witch of Vainglory is truly terrifying.
"Hey, you. Come here." As she thought about the witch, she was commanded by the said witch.
Emilia obliges and stays close to the witch. They trail behind Medea.
Pandora whispers to her. "As I said, I promise I will leave Natsuki Subaru alone. I might even give you a 'happy' ending depending on how much you please me! In exchange, here's what I want you to do. Listen very carefully."
...
When they arrive at the shrine's mansion, Emilia immediately notices the differences in comparison to the abandoned state of the mansion she and the others found. What stands out more than anything is the grand, elegant white tree. Back in the present, it's leafless and lifeless but the one that stands before her is both sturdy and beautiful. Her gaze lingers for a while before they continue inside the mansion.
Upon entry, they're greeted by servants who bowed before them. Strangely, the two servants she's familiar with are nowhere to be found. Scylla and Charybdis aren't to be seen anywhere.
In any case, one of the servants was ordered to lead Emilia to Echidna's room while Pandora took Medea elsewhere for a "discussion."
After leading Emilia through several hallways, they eventually stop in front of one of the rooms.
The servant knocks. "Lady Echidna, are you awake?"
"Hm. What is it?"
"You have a visitor, Lady Echidna."
"... A visitor? Uhmmm… please, come in."
The servant opens the door and gestures for the half-elf to go inside. Emilia nods and swallows her hesitation, entering the room.
The room is rather plain and there's no specific design or color that stands out. It's just a plain room with a single bed, a side table, and an opened window. There are a few books stacked on top of the table but that's about it.
Meanwhile, the owner of the room is sitting on the bed. Unlike the Echidna she knew, Emilia guessed that the witch in this time is only about 10 years old. She's dressed in simple white nightwear and her white hair is disheveled all over the place, a clear sign most of the day has been spent in bed.
"Uhm, hello." Emilia greeted awkwardly, not knowing what to expect. But hopefully, she won't be subjected to insults like with the Echidna she's all too familiar with...
The little witch appears too bewildered to even speak. Her curious eyes lock on Emilia, observing the half-elf. Then, with a soft voice... "Silver-hair. Half-elf. Those eyes… Uhm... A-Are you... S-Satella?"
"..!" Despite her initial surprise, the half-elf shook her head before regaining composure. "I'm not Satella. I'm Emilia. Just Emilia." She introduced herself with a smile.
"Emilia. Emilia. Just Emilia…" The witch repeated her name, still with a look of confusion on her expression. "It's nice to meet you, Emilia… I suppose… Uhm… I'm Echidna."
With their introductions out of the way, Emilia sits next to the girl on the bed. It appears a lot is going on in both girls' minds but neither of them said anything for a few minutes. It's an awkward situation. Regardless, Emilia somewhat appreciates the situation. It turned out much more peaceful than she may have been expecting. Being so close to Echidna without being verbally abused. She could get used to this.
"How do you know about Satella?" Emilia finally asked, curious to know why the girl thought she was Satella.
"Oh, that… I know that she's someone I'm going to meet in the future. She's a half-elf with silver-hair and those same eyes... That's why I thought you're Satella. Then again, I know Satella and I was not meant to meet this soon. However, the book never said anything about meeting a half-elf named Emilia either. That's why I was surprised… Still, I suppose having your expectations betrayed is interesting in and of itself. It's somehow pleasing to see the book proven wrong," the witch smiles faintly.
"... How do you know all of this? Is it because of the book you mentioned?"
"Yes. It's because… my book said so," Echidna says as she summons a black book on her lap. "It tells me of the future. Well, it tells me everything about this world, really. Past, present, and future. The people, animals, objects, history. Anything I want. Though I think this knowledge is a curse… I know everything about this world."
"That must be the Book of Knowledge." Emilia thought. "Hey, Echidna. What else do you know? If you don't mind sharing." She figured this is a good time to know more.
"Uhm… you may not believe me," the young witch expresses her hesitation. "After all, this is an outrageous claim. But if you must know, consider this a warning…"
The young witch pauses for a moment with a sorrowful expression. She struggles to start speaking again.
"Echidna?"
"... This world… is heading towards the worst calamity it has ever experienced." The witch finally said what she's struggling to say.
"..." Emilia can only fall in silence.
The silence remained until the young witch broke it.
"However… I want to… No… I'm going to save her. Satella. I'm going to save them. All of them. Everyone…" Echidna continued in whispers. "It may take months. It may take years. A decade. A hundred years. A thousand years. But… I'm going to save them. If I have to offer my body. Heart. And soul. If that is what it takes… I'll gladly do it. I'll change… the story of this world. I'll rewrite the contents written in this cursed book that tells the story of the world. All my life, I didn't know the purpose of my birth. My life. Why was I born? Why was I born in this broken, cursed body? But I'm certain… this is it. The purpose of my existence. I found it. I once thought of being born with a witch factor. As a witch. Not able to understand emotions. Not able to understand love… I once thought these were all a curse. I finally realized that it's not. It was always meant to be. A blessing in disguise. Because I'm not meant to ever find happiness… I'm not meant to find love. My purpose… is to give everyone happiness… and a happy ending. It was a difficult realization to take at first but I learned to accept it. My wonderful, beautiful fate."
Although she sounded sorrowful for the most part, Echidna ended her speech with a hopeful smile.
Emilia is too stunned to say anything, not knowing what to make of it. Then, she does the first thing that comes to mind. She grabs the younger girl's hand and holds it in hers.
"H-Huh?" Echidna stared at her, stammering. "W-What are you doing?"
The half-elf is almost taken aback by how soft and fragile the girl's hand feels. With a slight twist, it almost feels like it will rip apart. These hands don't have strength. They're certainly not the hands of someone capable of saving everyone. Yet alone, anyone…
"Hey, Echidna. We're going to be friends, right?" Emilia asked with a smile.
"F-Friends?" Echidna asked as if it was some sort of forbidden treasure. "Uhm… I don't know about that but I suppose I won't mind being friends with you…"
"Soooo! Therefore, you don't have to do everything by yourself! Friends help each other, right?! They share their burdens and secrets… So, tell me everything. It's okay, Echidna. You... can trust me."
The young witch looks at her in awe. Like she's staring at an angel who descended from the heavens.
"That pitiful little girl, Echidna, has never set foot on the outside world before. You can say she's been confined in her room most of her life." Emilia recalled Pandora's words earlier. "Ah, that's because of her mother. Let's just say she has some very interesting plans for her daughter! Dear oh dear. The former Witch of Greed and the former Sage. They were quite something. Even I wouldn't hesitate to label them absolute trash! Haha!"
"Unfortunately for Medea, her plans will never come to fruition. As you know, this city will soon be punished because of her crimes. And well, she will die by her daughter's hands. Beautiful, is it not?"
"So, anyway! This is the past Echidna is so embarrassed about. Alone, friendless, and trapped in her room, that girl has built up many delusions. What I want you to do is to befriend her and gain her trust. That should be easy. Girls with emotional fragilities like that are easy to manipulate! Even you can do it!"
"And then… once you're friends with her and gain her trust… when the time comes, you will betray her. That will hurt her more than anything else. I will tell you the specifics when the time comes. But for now, do a good job fooling her, okay?!"
"Ah, don't get me wrong. I admit maybe I'm taking this a little too personal but this is her punishment for being a naughty snitch. Thanks to her interference, she ruined my spectacle. Thus, she must pay the price. Besides, this isn't that different from what happened 400 years ago in uhh, shall we say, the 'original' timeline! It will be just like a repeat… but a little earlier!"
"Not to mention she's your enemy, isn't she? So, this should be no problem for you. You should probably enjoy doing it! You break your enemy before they can even develop as your enemy! Wow, wow! Genius, am I?! And I'm giving you the pleasure of doing this! You should be grateful to me!"
Emilia feels her chest tightened as she remembers Pandora's words causing her to tighten her grip on Echidna's hand. The younger girl is a little surprised by the suddenness of it but doesn't protest.
What Pandora plans for her to do…
"That's… not going to happen." She assured herself. "I think… I'm going to save you too, Echidna."
She gives the witch a warming smile.
Then...
The witch's eyes begin to tear up, almost reminiscent of their final encounter in Echidna's Dream World back in the Sanctuary.
"Echidna?"
The girl shakes her head. "Don't worry. It's nothing. It's just… I didn't know anyone could be this beautiful."
The half-elf is once again taken aback by the witch's words as the witch continues looking at her with tearful eyes. She would never expect those words to be said to her by Echidna of all people. But every single one of those words was meant with utmost sincerity.
Just then, as she's taking in those shocking words, as if the illusion covering the world is beginning to be ripped apart, the world freezes, and the surroundings begin to dissipate.
With nothing but black space around them, only Emilia and Echidna remain. The young witch still keeps her eyes on the half-elf, staring at her in awe. Then, finally, her body begins to fade to nothingness…
"Ah! Finally! I was wondering when you'll show up!" Pandora exclaimed her excitement. "I guess that little 'detour' did the trick! Oh my! I truly am a genius!"
Still within the world of nothingness, Emilia sees Pandora and Echidna facing off. Echidna no longer appears as the young witch from earlier. Rather, Emilia recognizes her as the one who intruded on her dreams some time ago and revealed Return by Death to her. The one who refers to herself as the voyager witch "Meta-ECHIDNA."
The witch has a massive sulk on her face. From what it seems, she's stubbornly avoiding eye-contact with the half-elf at all costs.
Emilia frowns at that attitude. It's a huge contrast to the young Echidna. "How did she grow up to be such a bad girl?!"
Ignoring Emilia, the white-haired witch keeps her attention on Pandora. "Even for your standards, don't you think that was a little too dirty? And here I thought you don't take anything personally."
"You have yourself to blame. You started this. When you revealed Return by Death to that child, I consider that a personal attack on me. You very rudely interrupted the wonderful tale I'm trying to tell, after all. You ruined it all and everything turned into a mess because of your naughtiness. Therefore, you must pay the price." The Witch of Vainglory expressed her grievances with a smile.
"Well, I suppose that's true." Echidna admitted her 'wrongdoings' rather nonchalantly. "Well, actually, I was hoping to discuss something with you. You see, I also want to tell my tale for this world. Therefore, I kindly ask you to give me the 'rights' to tell my story."
"..."
Pandora falls silent for a moment. Then… she bursts out in laughter.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Seriously! The nerves! What's up with all these newbie voyager witches lately?! Sheesh! Irksome little rookies! No respect for the veterans! I know you're still new to all of this but do you honestly believe I would willingly hand over my influence on this world? Who do you think you are?"
"Of course not. That is why I'm calling for a civil discussion to discuss terms and agreement. Negotiations in good faith, if you will. Either way, this whole situation needs to be resolved. As we are witches of the Sea of Fragments, a direct confrontation between us will go nowhere regardless of experience."
"Which is fine with me. Since you already made a mess of things, I don't care what happens in the story of this world anymore. Right now, more than anything, I just…" Pandora glared at Echidna with a devious smirk. "Want to make you pay for your insolence. So, let's create chaos and make an even bigger mess!"
"Please, let's not be hasty. I completely understand your annoyance, Pandora. However, please allow me to make my proposal first. Who knows? You might like it."
"Oh? I doubt it but very well. Let's hear what you have to say, at the very least."
"I will gain the rights to tell my tale." Echidna went straight to the point. "Of course, you will cease your influence on this world and you'll be prohibited from interfering."
Pandora rolls her eyes. "This again? Do you honestly take me for a fool?"
"Hold on. You haven't let me finish yet." Echidna cleared her throat before continuing. "In exchange, if I am to lose and be defeated within my tale, you can take all of me and do as you please with me. My heart. My body... And my soul. They're all yours."
For what seems like the first time, Pandora looks astonished. "Are you… serious?"
Newbie or not, for a voyager witch to offer her very self, that's simply unheard of to Pandora. Not even the most unhinge or the biggest wackos of the Sea of Fragments would ever dare something like this.
In the Sea of Fragments, the witches are simply indestructible. It's more accurate to say that they've become the embodiment of the concept they represent more than they are living beings. No matter how many times they are "killed," they will keep coming back. Thus, killing a witch of the fragment appears to be useless. However, there are a few exceptions. For example, the infamous witch killer; death by boredom. In other words, a witch becomes so bored they end up dying. That's why "boredom" is universally the single most hated thing by all voyager witches. But even if such an outrageous scenario occurs, the witch who died of boredom will eventually "awaken" one day; either randomly or when someone desperately calls for the concept they represent. For example, once upon a time in a faraway fragment, a young girl who wished certainty to her wish to become a god awakened a dead witch. The Witch of Certainty was awakened and answered that girl's call.
Moreover, outside of boredom, there are a few other ways for those witches to die "for good." For instance, if the concept they represent is destroyed, it will likely result in the permanent destruction of a witch. If no one calls for the concept they represent, the witch will remain forever dead along with their concept. However… can a concept ever be truly destroyed? Can the concept of Miracle truly die? What about Curiosity? Greed? Certainty? Truth? Endless? Eternity? Pride? Vainglory?
Thus, the most convenient way for a witch to go away and die is to quite simply… voluntarily give up one's "witch hood." One such way to do so is to voluntarily merge back to the witch's original host from whence they emerge. Another way is to give up one's soul and bind it to another. In which case, the witch would become mortal again. And thus, vulnerable. It goes without saying but in the Sea of Fragments populated by witches with wilful egos, betting one's very soul is simply unheard of.
One might assume Echidna is simply very confident in her abilities "to win" that she doesn't even consider the possibility of defeat.
But… Pandora knows better.
Just now, she feels as if she finally understands everything there is to know about the white-haired witch. Her goal. Her desire. Everything.
Her body tingles. She's already imagining the possibilities of what will happen. And so, a massive sinister grin begins to spread on her face, frightening even Emilia who was struggling to follow the witches' back and forth exchange.
"Are you… sure you're absooolutely serious?" Pandora asked for good measure. "You know, once we come to an agreement, there's no turning back."
Echidna nods. "Of course, I'm serious about this." She said without an ounce of hesitation.
Pandora smirks, stretching an arm towards the other witch. "Very well. Let's have it your way. I will allow you the privilege of telling your story without my interference. But please do not forget what happens when you lose, okay?"
Echidna stretches an arm in response, touching Pandora's hand. And thus, a contract between the two witches has been sealed.
"Hehe. This is what you were after, isn't it? Control. Control of the world. The ability to control its narrative." Pandora admitted. "Well, then. Regrettably, it seems I'll be out of the picture… for now." She turned her attention to Emilia. "Unfortunately for you, you will not get your revenge. Not that you could have done anything against me. Haha!"
Emilia scowls at the witch's mocking words.
Meanwhile, Echidna ponders Pandora's intentions. Frankly, she's surprised how straightforward it turned out to be than she was expecting. She thought it would've been a more challenging affair where she had to put all her cards on the table. It goes without saying but she prepared for that scenario as well. What's especially worrying is that the Witch of Vainglory appears joyous despite having to give up her influence on the world… which is not a good thing. But for now, all she can do is remain vigilant.
"Now that everything is wonderfully settled, shall the story continue where it left off?" She announced, finally turning her attention to the half-elf. "Kuku. Now that I'm in control, your fate is in my hands. Isn't it wonderful?"
Emilia glares at her.
"How about we make an agreement of our own? Or shall I say, let's play a game! I will allow you and the others to leave this place… on one condition. You must defeat your shadow. Leviathan."
"Hmph! I was already planning on doing that anyway!" Emilia insisted, crossing her arms.
"Good. You seem confident you can do it. I will thoroughly enjoy watching you struggle and flounder. Your disappointment when you inevitably fail will be something to behold. I look forward to it. I wish you no luck."
Emilia continues glaring at the witch despite the scathing words. On the other hand, while Echidna appears to stand her ground with a cold glare of her own, a slight twitch betrays her expression.
"Why did she grow up to be a bad girl again?" Emilia wondered again with a pout.
"Hey, Echidna. Did you foresee this? Was this your intention? Was this the reason why you told me about Return by Death?"
"I can't say I foresaw exactly how Pandora was going to react. But I knew she would respond to it in some way. Regardless, I intended to drive Pandora out of the picture, so I can take control. Whatever happened to you, Natsuki Subaru, and your little friends… Well, that wasn't in any of my concerns. I am a wicked witch, after all."
The half-elf's glare hardened. "... You're horrible."
"Nevertheless, what's done is done. Now that I've settled matters with Pandora, I'm one step closer to achieving my ultimate goal."
"Your ultimate goal?" She wondered if it's the same goal the Echidna in her younger days had. But considering how the witch acts nowadays, it's most likely not.
She feels very disappointed in such a shift. Although, she doesn't exactly know why...
"I suppose you're not interested in telling me what your goal is?"
"Of course not." The witch answered with a smile. "I'm glad to see you're beginning to know me. You're going to need it. In the future."
The half-elf sighs. "I still have no idea what you're up to and I don't really know what's going on between you and Pandora and everything. However, for now, I'm going to focus on overcoming my shadow. Then, I will save Subaru and everyone! And after that, well, what happens happens. But know this! Whatever it is your intentions are, I will be ready! Whether it's you or Pandora who's 'in control,' it doesn't matter! I will be ready! That's a promise!" Emilia declared with a confident grin.
"..." Echidna didn't give her a response.
And so, the two witches and the half-elf gradually begin to disappear.
The final glance they have of one another is the sulking expression of Echidna and the fierce confidence of Emilia.
Then, once again, everything fades into darkness.
"You're awake, I suppose."
The next thing Emilia hears is the tired voice of Beatrice. Her eyes slowly open and she finds herself back in Scylla and Charybdis' hideout being rested in one of the sofas. She stretches her arms, pulling herself into a sitting position.
"What happened?"
"Betty wants to ask the same, I suppose. Betty found you unconscious after you chased after that witch."
"Oh, I see… You must have brought me back here. Thanks, Beatrice."
Beatrice nods to acknowledge her gratitude. "What happened between you and that witch, I wonder? You did not beat her, I suppose. She has abilities far above everyone, I suppose."
"No, I didn't…" Emilia admitted with a frown, recalling the overwhelming feeling of helplessness she felt against Pandora. "What do you know about that witch?"
"Not much, I'm afraid. All Betty knows is that witch is an 'outside entity.' In other words, she is not from this world. She is from a 'realm far above.' That was what Mother said, I suppose."
"A witch who is not from this world. A voyager witch…"
She may not understand everything but it's a certain type of witch she's been hearing about lately. A very powerful outsider witch who can influence and mess around with the world seemingly without reserve. But that begs the question. How did Echidna, who is from this world, become one?
"Anyway, I know what to do to turn the situation around!" Switching to the most pressing matter at hand, she announced to Beatrice. "I found a way out of here!"
The "game" Echidna proposed to her. She may be a sneaky witch but she does keep her word. So, Emilia has no doubts she will let them leave if she can beat Leviathan. That said, it will be far from easy. Of course, the witch would make the conditions as difficult and complicated against her...
"But first, there is something very important I must tell you! All hope is not lost! There is a chance we can save Subaru! And everyone! I want to tell Ram as well!"
"Forget about it, I suppose. Last time Betty checked, that girl is no longer here."
"What?! Where did she go? What about her injuries?"
Beatrice shrugs. "She is a stubborn girl, I suppose. Who knows where she went?"
Emilia sighs in disappointment. "Very well. That's a shame... I guess I'll just have to tell you first then, Beatrice."
"What is it you want to tell me?"
The half-elf looks at Beatrice straight in the eyes.
"Beatrice… Subaru can Return by Death."
As the dawn begins its approach, two witches of the Sea of Fragments stand face to face in front of the great statue of Vega.
"Vega, the Witch of Greed who founded this city," Pandora says with a nostalgic smile. "Oh, what a wonderful witch that child was! Unlike you, we got along very well! It is my greatest regret not to have sponsored her ascendance to be a voyager witch."
"The witch who looked down on the world. Of course, you'd be fond of an elitist who hated the world." Contrary to Pandora's fondness, Echidna's tone was with spite.
"Hey. You should be respectful to your ancestors. You really are an ungrateful child, aren't you? Besides, she's the one responsible for steering generations of Greed towards knowledge and enlightenment rather than material! You wouldn't be standing here today were it not for her."
"And yet, that all changed with the current Greed you chose."
"That's because you and your mother's actions sullied my pure feelings for a friend! Ahhh, how I wanted to keep respecting and protecting my dear Vega's wishes! Unfortunately, even that was not enough to overcome my pettiness, thanks to you. Haaa." Pandora finished off her words with an exaggerated sigh. "That said, aren't you awfully moody today? You still have that sulk in your face. Heheh."
"..." Echidna didn't enlighten her with a response.
"One would think you'd be more cheerful. You got what you wanted, after all. You're in control now and you're free to tell your tale. Personally, I think your story will be trash compared to mine. And any story that doesn't have me as 'best girl' is fraudulent! But hey, more power to you!"
"Well, considering how easy you handed over the reins to me, can you blame me for being suspicious of your intentions? I can't exactly rest on my laurels yet."
Pandora smiles. "Cautious, aren't you? All I can tell you is my greatest desire currently is to supervise your punishment for your defiance against me. Our agreement falls in line with that wish."
"..."
"And well, I can't say I've grown bored and tired of this world yet. I still have the desire to play around with it. But worry not! For the duration of the story you want to tell, I promise there will be no interference from me! I'm also generous enough to take the Witch Cult out of the picture. You don't have to worry about them. With that said… we both know this is not the reason why you're so sulky today."
Echidna sighs, choosing to ignore the other witch.
"My oh my. Those silver-haired children always seem to make you lose your marbles, don't they? It's cute! Speaking of which, now that my story has been rudely interrupted and stolen from me, that thing you hate so much is now free to leave her seal."
"Is that so? How annoying…" Echidna finally responded, frowning.
Pandora smirks at finally getting a reaction out of the white-haired witch. "I'm sooo HAPPY I get to know you very well, Echidna! Anyway, you're also right to be worried about me. Because… at the end of the day, I'll get everyyything that I want. I alwaaays get what I want! And I see a very convenient path to those wishes! That's why I accepted your contract. So please, do enjoy your final days of freedom! Because when the time comes I get my hands on you..." The Witch of Vainglory's sinister smirk grows wider. She whispers with menace, "You'll wish you never existed in the first place."
In an uncharacteristic display, Echidna takes a step back and gulps. Nevertheless, she manages to stand her ground, glaring at the other witch as if to prove her resolve.
"Heh. You're such a big talker aren't you, Pandora? Even I am put to shame compared to your exceptional talking abilities!"
"Why, thank you!" Pandora bowed sarcastically.
"Do your worst, then," Echidna says with a shrug. "It seems you're so confident that everything will fall into place for you. Hm. Thinking that the universe revolves around you. Truly, a textbook voyager witch! Just don't be too disappointed and throw a tantrum when you don't get what you want!"
"Haha! I'm so glad my verbal bullying didn't discourage you! I'd hate to have a broken toy before I even get a chance to play! In any case, why don't I test just how strong that resolve is?"
"Hm?" Echidna raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"I'm curious about something. Let's call it…" Pandora raised an arm, pointing a finger towards Echidna. "A little examination."
A deadly blast consisting of all six elements - fire, water, wind, earth, yin, yang - is fired towards Echidna.