Belladonna II: A Normal Girl's Strange Daily Life
"Damn it! How could everything go so wrong?!" She heard someone expressed their frustration.
Her body is in unbearable pain. She can't move herself no matter how hard she tries. Moreover, everything is hazy and unclear. The only thing she can be certain of is the brilliant gleam of silver she's seeing…
It seems someone is carrying her in their arms. It must be the same person to who the voice from earlier belongs.
Then, she falls unconscious for some time.
...
The next time she wakes up...
"... How can I be certain I can trust you with her, witch? You're a very bad kitty, aren't you?"
"You can't. Trust is a rare luxury. You're going to have to take a leap of faith."
It sounds like there's another person. The voice of a girl. A girl who sounds very emotionless, cynical, and cold.
"If anything happens to her… If you do anything to her…"
"Yeah. You'll what?"
Despite her persistent attempt to stay conscious and figure out what's going on, she falls unconscious within the arms of that someone again.
...
"No! This is all so wrong! Why?!" The voice from earlier further expressed their frustrations.
…
"... to forget everything. I want to take them away."
"Oh? Are you certain of this?"
"Yes…"
"Fufu. You're scum."
"I know… Maybe I'm just as bad as you, kitty..."
...
"Hey, Echidna… If I can save you at least you… if I know that you're out there somewhere… safe… and away from harm… that'll make me reeeally happy."
...
"Ah, I know you're going to reeeally hate me for this but I have to get you away from here. Moving forward, I want you to start over... from zero. Live your own life. And find your happiness… Echidna. Be free."
…
"Farewell."
"!"
Belladonna awakens with a cold sweat.
"What was that?"
It seems she had fallen asleep on her desk while using her laptop.
And yet again, she experiences yet another wacky dream.
Why are her dreams always so absurd anyway?
Dreams of being around girls who are apparently witches representing the seven deadly sins. Dreams of being in a land of fantasy. Dreams of death and destruction. Dreams of a silver-haired girl named Satella…
And in her dreams, she's always in the point of view of a witch named Echidna representing the sin of Greed.
This time, the dream is difficult to discern due to the immense pain she was feeling and everything appeared hazy. But if she has to form a conjecture, one of the girls in her dream must be Satella having seen that same glimmer of silver.
The other girl, the one who appears cold and emotionless… although she didn't get a clear view, her outline reminds her of Furude Rika. Albeit a younger version of the Mythology professor and with a pair of empty, lifeless eyes.
"Whatever. Let's forget about these dreams."
Well, what else can she do about them? They're just dreams, anyway.
In any case, she checks her laptop to recall what she was doing before falling asleep.
"Oh, right."
It appears she posted a rather controversial topic on an online forum known as The7chans. "[0] Theory: Natsuki Subaru was isekai'd to another world. What do you think?"
As expected, the replies to her post aren't surprising.
- [+101] lol wut?
- [+88] That Subaru kid again? It's been months since he disappeared. Geez! Let it rest already! Imagine how much of an insult it is to his family posting crap like this.
- [+87] op must be a hikikomori if he believes shit like this
- [+84] i mean, i love anime and especially isekai but this is nonsense tbh
- [+80] Care to elaborate?
- [+63] WHo cares aout dat loser otaku?
- [+61] Proof? Evidence? Nothing to show? Of fucking course not. Because bullshit like this only exists in fiction!
- [+55] So much speculation just because the CCTV coincidentally stopped working for a few seconds…
- [+41] You must be a big isekai fan, op.
- [+40] lol he probably just got kidnapped by the yakuza or something
- ]] [+20] or he ran from home. I heard the dude's a delinquent. Dropped out of school too.
- [+35] Ahh, it's Omega again. The dude who always posts bonkers theories. Nothing of value to see here.
- [+5] yOu MuSt ThInK oF hIs FaMiLy! ThInK oF tHeIr PaIn!
- [+1] Why are seasonal anime nowadays full of isekai garbage?
Almost all the responses to her thread are something along these lines. Well, except for a couple of exceptions, which is a pleasant surprise.
A user by the name of The_Future_Physicist somewhat defended her position. Or at the very least, called for open-mindedness.
- [+5] Goodness! The amount of narrow-mindedness in this thread! Look, I'm not saying the op is correct. I always get into arguments with him/her and he/she didn't even say anything else. No proof. No evidence. No elaboration. It seems to me that the purpose of this thread is to clickbait. However, it bothers me how easily people dismiss anything that seems impossible and ridiculous. Yeah, sure, the concept of being transported to another world sounds nuts! But how can you be sure with absolute certainty that nothing like that exists?! Why limit yourself to what 'realism' and 'common sense' allow? Where's the evidence, you ask? Well, how about this? Have you ever considered the 'Devil's Proof?' While evidence can prove the existence of something, the lack of evidence fails to disprove it. I'm just saying that you guys need to be more open-minded with anything in general!
The_Future_Physicist. It's her "rival" she usually engages in endless arguments with…
Nevertheless, her "rival" isn't necessarily wrong. The purpose of the thread is clickbait. She foresaw how a thread like this is going to go. Hence, why she posted it. To watch the so-called "shitshow" unfold.
Naturally, The_Future_Physicist is hounded by the other users in the thread. And thus… The_Future_Physicist becomes entangled in endless arguments with the other users. Eventually, as per the tradition of the "beauty" that is the internet, the thread completely got derailed into a slew of name callings and personal attacks.
This is about the point when Belladonna fell asleep a few hours ago. And it seems there's another intriguing user who joined the fold while she was in dreamland. A user by the username TheYoukaiOfBoundaries.
Their comments are… interesting, to put it lightly.
- [+2] The op of this thread, ΩmegaTheScholar, is correct. Natsuki Subaru has indeed been "isekai'd" to another world. Although, it's not in the way you think it is. It's quite more complicated and interesting.
- [-10] How do I know? Because I've seen it myself.
- [+3] As my username suggests, I'm a youkai who can manipulate boundaries. I can travel both space and time. It's child's play to me, you see.
- [+7] It appears everyone thinks this is all a jest. But I assure you that I am completely 100% serious.
- [+1] Why is everyone obsessed with proofs and evidence? You just gotta belieeeve!
- [0] You want proof and evidence of being transported to another world? Come meet me and I'll "isekai" you to another world where I'll then drop you at the vampire's mansion. hehe xd.
- [-13] Once you're in the vampire's mansion, a pretty silver-haired maid will chop you alive and feed you to the vampires. Hmm. To be killed by a pretty maid and eaten by a pair of cute loli vampire sisters. Maybe some of you have a fetish for that.
"..." As she read through their comments, Belladonna didn't know what to make of them.
Is YoukaiOfBoundaries simply trolling? Or although it may seem implausible... is there some truth to their words? Visiting the user's profile, Belladonna finds that they're mostly an inactive user who has a net ip (internet points) of [-69]
"..."
In any case, no one in the thread took her seriously… except The_Future_Physicist.
- [+2][The_Future_Physicist] Wait a minute… I think I know who you are.
- [0][TheYoukaiOfBoundaries] Oh. Do you? How interesting -giggle giggle-
- [-1][The_Future_Physicist] Are you the "gap youkai" from Gensokyo? The one who spirits away people from the real world?
- [0][TheYoukaiOfBoundaries] Am I?
Ah, and of course. There's also TheYoukaiOfBoundaries' final comment on the thread which sends her chills.
- [+10] Oh, and I almost forgot. I know who you are. I know where you came from. I know which "world" you are from. Teehee. Curious, are you? If you want to know the truth about everything, seek me. Yes, I'm talking to you, op. ΩmegaTheScholar. Or should I say… Echidna?
"!"
Perhaps, a random user's comment sums up the thread…
- [+31] lmao this thread is loony land
"... Now what?" She wondered after she finished reading the whole thread.
Then...
Against the better of her judgment… and although she didn't know why there's something within her screaming to stay away from "the truth" and not to seek YoukaiOfBoundaries… she sends the cryptic user a private message.
- Where do I seek you?
She can't help it. She's a curious girl, after all. She won't let the unknown remain a mystery. Especially if it pertains to herself!
"If I'm really Echidna, I'll be going against the wishes of that silver-haired girl. Well, whatever. It's not like I know her anyway. It's just a dream."
The user's response is brief… and puzzling.
- Maribel Hearn
"Echidna. I'm... Echidna? How does YoukaiOfBoundaries know about her? The witch from my dreams. Unless I'm mistaken, Echidna doesn't happen to be a book character, anime character, or whatever that I forgot about, is she? How can anyone else but me know about that witch from my dreams?"
"They know Maribel too. What do they mean by it? To seek them… Maribel. Does Maribel know them?"
"Could it be… it isn't just trolling? They know what they're talking about?"
It goes without saying but Belladonna is having a hard time focusing on her Physics class with all these thoughts in her head. To her, the professor's words sound like distorted mumbles.
Not that it matters to her. An intelligent girl like her can easily ace the subject with barely any effort.
In any case, the class is soon over.
"Yo. What's up with you today? You look out of it. More so than usual, anyway." A voice she recognized greeted her.
"Oh, Renko. You say that but you look out of it as well." She returned the greetings.
It's Usami Renko. A girl with mid-length brunette hair wearing a black hat. She's wearing her usual outfit consisting of a white shirt with a red tie and a mid-length black skirt.
She's a close friend of Maribel, co-founder of the Secret Sealing Club, and ranked #2 among the Physics majors in the University. And considering she's the only one who comes close to Belladonna who's #1 in the Physics rankings, Renko considers her "a rival." Regardless of their so-called "rivalry," outside of their endless arguments over theories and other… trivial matters… they get along very well… for the part.
Nevertheless, it appears Renko pulled out an all-nighter as well… much like Belladonna. Although she stubbornly tries to mask it, her expression betrays her, exposing her tired face.
"Fiiine." Renko admitted it. "I spent the midnight into the early mornings arguing with idiots."
"Really? What a funny coincidence. I also spent the midnight into the early mornings watching idiots argue." Belladonna hinted at her forum post. "Anyway, I suppose you and Maribel are back. Found a new case so interesting that neither of you bothered to show up for a whole week?"
Renko hesitated for a moment. Then, having made up her mind, she leaned closer to Belladonna and started talking silently, making sure the content of her words doesn't spill. "I know this sounds unbelievable but Merry... She found a boundary that leads to the future. It's even farther into the future than the future we came from. We think… it's the year 2415… a world that is absolutely nothing like this world."
"2415?!" Not even Belladonna can contain her surprise. "400 years to the future. You went there?"
Renko nods. "It's hard to believe, isn't it? But I've seen it with my own two eyes. Therefore, what we've seen is 'truth' for Merry and myself. Even if that truth only exists for the two of us."
"And since I haven't seen it for myself, it isn't yet 'truth' for me. However… I'm interested in seeing that 'truth' for myself. Is it possible to go back there?"
"U-Uhm... Ahahahaha… Well, about that…"
"Eh? What's the matter? Not that I think you're both liars but unless if I see it for myself, I can't just take your words for it."
"Ah. But Merry and I don't care about that!"
"..." Belladonna grumbled.
"My apologies. Truly. Personally, I don't see a problem with you going to see that world but Merry said you need to be kept away from it. Haaa. I'm betraying Merry's trust by even telling you about it, you know?"
"Maribel said that? Why?"
Renko shrugs. "Dunno."
"..."
"For my sake, don't tell Merry I told you about it, okay? This conversation never happened!"
Renko walks ahead of her, eager to kill off their topic of conversation.
...
"Just what is going on with everything?" Belladonna murmured. "My missing memories, my strange dreams, a missing boy, a suspicious Mythology professor, boundaries that lead to the future... This is all out of whack. Maybe I should turn in myself to the loony land."
It seems that the circumstances around her life remain as mysterious and strange as ever. Yet, despite these puzzling circumstances, she can't but smile and be excited about it.
To search for the answers and light up the unknown.
Thirst for knowledge. Thirst for truth.
There's nothing more that gets her going.
"I'm nuts. Maybe I really should go to loony land... eventually. But for now... I'll enjoy these mysteries!"
She grins and follows after Renko.
"Renko-chan! Dona-chan!" Upon their arrival in the club room, they're greeted by a blonde girl wearing a purple dress and a hat.
Maribel Hearn. The co-founder of the Secret Sealing Club and a major in Psychology.
If Belladonna and Renko are what's considered to be logical, objective, and calculating people in their approach, then Maribel is the complete opposite. In contrast, she's very subjective and emotional in her approach, often choosing to trust her feelings.
Nevertheless, that doesn't stop her from getting along very well with the two. Renko happens to be her closest friend. They're almost inseparable together. And although they only met some time ago, she and Belladonna have unspoken respect and fondness for one another.
With that said, the three do share one vital interest despite their contrasting and clashing personalities; and that's their immense curiosity and desire to voyage into the unknown!
The club's supervisor, Rika, also happens to be in the room, reading a book. She waves the Physics duo a "hello."
"Yo. What's up, Merry?" Renko instantly took the chair beside Maribel.
The two quickly get immersed in an exciting conversation.
Seeing the two like this, Belladonna can't help but feel a bit awkward. Like being around them makes her the third wheel.
Sensing her slight discomfort, Rika winks at her. "I'm telling you. They're lovebirds," is the gist of what Rika is trying to tell her.
She shrugs off the professor's teasing and sits a couple of seats away from her fellow club members.
Just then, Rika claps her hand, grabbing their attention. She clears her throat before speaking. "Excuse me for a second. I would like to announce that Maribel and Renko will now be joining Belladonna on her investigation of the missing case of a boy named Subaru."
Maribel and Renko both nod in acknowledgment. Meanwhile, Belladonna pouts.
Rika turns her attention to the pouting girl. "My apologies. I know you want to greedily hog this case all to yourself but trust me when I tell you that it's simply impossible for you to solve this by yourself. Hence, you're going to need the expertise of our two supernatural experts who can travel through boundaries. Fufu."
"..." She grumbled. Rika is absolutely correct about her greediness. Though, she disagreed with the notion that she can't solve it by herself.
"But-"
"Hey! Come on, Dona-chan! Don't be greedy!" Just as she was about to state her objection, Maribel appeared in front of her with hands-on-hips. "Besides, the three of us are friends, anyway, right? Friends share with each other!"
"... Eh…" Belladonna withdrew her complaints. Still, her pouting didn't cease.
"Good, good." Rika clapped her hands together again, smiling. "I'm glad that's quickly settled peacefully. Oh, I'm so lucky to be supervising a group of cute and adorable girls!"
It was only for a brief second but Belladonna noticed a slight twitch in Maribel's expression, staring uneasily at Rika.
"Is there any problem, Ms. Hearn?" Rika asked, still with a smile on her face. It seems she noticed as well.
Maribel shakes her head. "No. There's no problem. But… there's something I'm curious about, Ms. Furude. What type of cat do you like? The cat who makes magical girls? Or the cat who makes witches?"
"Oh my. That came out of nowhere, Ms. Hearn. What a strange question. But to answer it… Hmm. Wasn't there an anime from a few years back? Something about a cat who tricks girls into becoming witches under the pretense of becoming a magical girl. So maybe I like that type of cat? Hmm. But now that I think about it... in the context of that anime, there wouldn't be much difference between a cat who makes magical girls and a cat who makes witches, wouldn't it?"
"..." The Physics duo were puzzled by the strange exchange. It seems to be a conversation understood only by Maribel and Rika. No Laws of Physics exist that will allow them to accurately interpret the exchange.
Surely, a conversation like this can't be normal.
"That doesn't really answer my question, Ms. Furude."
Rika sighs. "Please don't misunderstand, Ms. Hearn. Truth be told, I don't like cats who make magical girls. Nor do I like cats who make witches. The type of cat I like… makes miracles."
"But I still don't understand. Where exactly will this case lead to, Ms. Furude?"
"Where will it lead? I would say… to the truth behind everything. The truth behind this world, you could say. And certainly, the truth that she's seeking."
"... Whatever the case, I will protect my friend."
"That's admirable, Ms. Hearn. But there are matters that are far out of our hands."
"..."
"What's this about cats, magical girls, and witches?" Renko asked, having just about enough of the odd conversation.
"It's nothing… Renko-chan. I just wanted to know what type of cat Ms. Furude likes."
"... Is that so?"
Shortly after, Maribel slips a small note to Belladonna's desk.
It says…
"Don't trust Ms. Furude. She knows something important that we don't.
And…
I think she's friends with a very bad cat who makes witches."
A Few Days Later
"So, according to your interview with his parents, I think it's possible he ran from home." Renko pondered.
Belladonna, Maribel, and Renko are hanging around at a popular cafe near the University called TeaCup Time. It's their usual gathering spot outside of the club room.
She had just finished getting her new investigative partners up to date with her meeting with Mr. and Mrs. Natsuki, the parents of the boy named Natsuki Subaru.
"But, we are still far from a conclusive answer regarding his disappearance." Renko continued. "Really, the only new info we have is his complex regarding his father. Unless you missed an important clue, abuse, and domestic violence don't seem to be at play here… if we are to assume that he ran from home. If anything, it's a loving family that gets along well. Which, in the end… makes this just that… a possibility. One possibility among many others."
"Yet again, we are back at the issue about CCTV in the area. On the night of the incident, the cameras mysteriously stopped working. It could be a coincidence. However, doesn't the timing seem too convenient to be a coincidence?" Maribel offered her own thoughts. "I believe that solving the mystery behind the cameras is an important breakthrough we need in order to get closer to the truth."
"Staying in the confines of what's considered 'common sense' and 'realistic' in this world, a conspiracy could explain the reason behind the cameras. Perhaps, his family may have been involved in… shall we say bad company from the past? That would mean that bad company came back to settle some old score. Natsuki Subaru… is the consequence of that." Belladonna explained one theory. "However, there are potential obstructions to this theory. In the first place, the company has to be relatively powerful and influential to pull off something like this. Otherwise, I don't see how anyone would waste time and resources for a stunt like this. And according to Renko's 'research,' the past history of the Natsukis is rather… ordinary and mundane. There's nothing suspicious at all. Furthermore, if Natsuki Subaru was meant to be collateral or something along those lines, then the Natsukis should have heard something by now. Well, of course, unless… Well, let's hope that's not the case but you both know where I'm getting at."
"In contrast to the 'common sense' and 'realistic' approach, if we are to go outside the box, away from the constrictions of what's considered to be 'common sense' and 'realistic,' then we can further expand the dead-end that we have hit," Renko suggests for more solutions. "For instance, we can tread into the supernatural territory."
"For instance, there could be someone with the ability to manipulate shadows! It would be easy for them to manipulate the cameras!" Maribel suggested rather excitedly. "It could be someone like the gap youkai! Since she's known to take people from this world… Mr. Subaru might have been an unfortunate victim who was gap'd to Gensokyo!"
'So, in other words, he was isekai'd. Hehe," Belladonna giggles rather mischievously. "Wait a minute… youkai? Kidnapping people… to Gensokyo…"
Suddenly, she's reminded of her thread on The7chans a few days ago. What Maribel just said sounds similar to the claims of the user YoukaiOfBoundaries.
"Who is this gap youkai?"
"A mysterious youkai from Gensokyo who takes people from this world for who knows what reasons. Well, that's according to her cult anyway, and erm... Merry's dreams." Renko answered. "For some reason, Merry always dreams about her. Apparently, she has the same abilities as Merry. She can see and manipulate boundaries. However, she has a far more advanced control over them and she can manipulate boundaries seemingly at will."
"And in all of my dreams, I am in her perspective. Always. In those dreams… I feel as if… I am the gap youkai herself." Maribel claimed.
"... Really? That's just like Echidna and me…"
"Echidna?"
"A witch from my dreams. A witch living in a fantasy world who's friends with a silver-haired girl and five other witches. I always dream of her inside her perspective."
"How odd…"
"Indeed."
"Ehhh. It's not only Merry but you too? Dreaming of being someone else. Someone fantastical, at that. It seems I'm the only one here not having that kind of dream." Renko pointed out, frowning slightly. "I don't know if I consider myself fortunate or unfortunate. I'm missing out on that intriguing experience. But on the other hand, those dreams must drive both of you nuts."
"Do you know her personally?" Belladonna asked, probing cautiously. "The gap youkai, I mean."
Maribel shakes her head. "I don't recall ever meeting her. As far as I can recall, anyway. You never know. People's memories can be manipulated."
"Then… Do you post on an online forum? Uhm, have you ever been to The7chans? How often do you venture on the internet?"
Maribel appears slightly perplexed by her question.
"Heh. Merry is as caveman as you can get when it comes to computers and the net." Renko said, smirking. "She doesn't even know what ReadIt is. But anyway, I've thought about it too. If she's trolling under the username YoukaiOfBoundaries. But there's no way it can be her. Besides, the gap youkai is actually a niche among certain communities on the net anyway. There's some sort of a cult that does believe in her and her existence. So it's not like we're the only ones who know about her."
"Oh… You've met the YoukaiOfBoundaries too?"
"Yeah. A few days ago on The7chans. I think it's a troll cosplaying as the gap youkai."
Belladonna appears dumbfounded. She has an incredulous expression. "Hey, Renko. What's your The7chans username?"
"I'm the Future Physicist."
"... Ah…"
"What's with that look? Have we crossed each other before?"
"I'm... Omega the Scholar."
"... Oh..."
The two girls stare at each other.
Two Physics majors who always passionately argue and clash over theories, intellectual musings, and perhaps other more trivial subjects in the so-called "real life."
And now, it seems they've been doing that over in the net as well.
The realization of that fact…
… caused them to burst into laughter.
"Hahahahahahahahahahaha."
"We are true rivals," Renko said with a grin.
"I suppose we are."
"Geez. You two." Maribel joined them, chuckling.
Ultimately, there's no significant progress in their investigation by the end of the day. Without having many clues, they are yet to determine whether the incident is of a "realistic" or "supernatural" nature. The only certainty of the case is that Subaru disappeared on that fateful night and that the cameras in the vicinity stopped working. Anything else is mere theories and speculations.
Eventually, they give up on the investigation for today and engage in idle chat. As always, the peaceful chat turned into a full-blown argument over a disagreement between Belladonna and Renko again. In which, Maribel will try to calm the situation. Then, the peaceful atmosphere with the idle chat will return again. And that would be the end of the day.
Perhaps, amidst the strangeness and oddities that seem to surround their daily lives, this is a small reminder that they're just girls living in a world ruled and constricted by logic, common sense, and "realism."
Perhaps, times like this will come to an end someday.
A Few Weeks Later
In the midst of the night, Belladonna is making her way towards the rooftop of the Engineering building.
The wind feels quite refreshing, the skies are clear, and the moon is full. Despite the light pollution's taint, the night skies still appear beautiful.
"Meet me atop the Engineering building."
She recalled Maribel's text message as the reason why she's out in the middle of the night.
Henceforth, she soon arrives at the destination.
Maribel is already there, staring at the moon. Her figure, to go along with her purple dress and blonde hair, almost appears mystical illuminated by the moonlight.
She looks quite at home at night. A mysterious surreal beauty of the night.
"Maribel."
"Huh? Oh, it's you, Dona-chan. What are you doing here?"
"Didn't you text me to come here? Or was that a mistake?"
"Did I?" The blonde appears genuinely puzzled.
"Don't tell me… you forgot? But you texted me a few minutes ago. I came here as fast as I could."
"..."
Maribel didn't answer for a minute and continued gazing at the moon.
"In any case, your timing is convenient. There is something that I do want to talk to you about. It's been on my mind recently but I didn't know how to approach you. Hmm. But in this type of setting. Under the full moon and a beautiful night... I guess I now feel compelled to talk about it. Hehe." The blonde turned to face her, almost twirling elegantly.
"What is it? Tell me. You know I'm always open to discuss anything."
Maribel pauses for a moment before speaking.
"I think... we should stay away from the strangeness and the oddities. Let's just live our lives… as normal people. Of course, that means we're ending our investigation into Mr. Subaru's disappearance... and the Secret Sealing Club itself."
She's aware she expressed openness to discussing anything but Maribel's words shock Belladonna. She didn't this coming.
This is one of the things she never expected to ever hear from the blonde.
Regardless, she didn't immediately lash out a response. Rather, she takes a few moments to contemplate the girl's words.
"What made you come to this conclusion?" She asked. "What changed… Maribel?"
"I realized something important. Isn't all of this very dangerous? I know Renko-chan told you about how we went to the world of 2415. But that's not important right now. You see, I went back to that world again by myself. And... I've seen a few glimpses of the truth." Maribel revealed. "I began to ask myself… is all of this worth it? To venture into the unknown without knowing what we're going to find? What truth are we even trying to find? Is it worth it? Is it important? This ordinary, mundane life we're living. Is this not worth it? To spend our remaining days with friends? Because… What if we're taking this peaceful life for granted?"
"They say ignorance is bliss. But sometimes, there are secrets that are better left sealed and untouched. Especially for you and me, Dona-chan. Sometimes, don't you feel like we're caught in the middle of a massive conspiracy? There are reasons why there are so many strangeness and oddities that surround us, Dona-chan. There are circumstances that led us to where we currently stand. Is it a blessing or a curse that we end up here? Well, we're the only ones who can decide the answer to that."
"We both dream of strange, mysterious people. Perhaps, someone much greater than we are. And… someone we have deep connections to. How are we connected to the people in our dreams? It's a very intriguing thought, isn't it? Are they us? Our past lives? Our lives before we are reincarnated in our current bodies? Our future lives? A future that is yet to come into fruition? Will we become them? Or could they even be a coexisting present? Us who are living in a different universe? A different version of us in a parallel world? Is any of this the reason why we always dream of them? Frankly, the truth scares me. It's part of the reason behind my decision. Nonetheless, I think Ms. Furude knows the answer. But I don't know what side she's on. Is she on our side… or not? We don't know. That's why I worry about her involvement in all of this."
"However… I am no longer interested in the answer. What's most important is what I currently have. Who I am in the present, at this very moment. Who knows what happened in the past? Who knows what the future will bring? Or even what's happening in the present in another world? Right now, I have Renko-chan who is the most important to me. I don't want anything to happen to her. Nor do I want to be ever separated from her. And you are a friend too, Dona-chan. A friend I want to protect. I fear that your pursuit of Mr. Subaru will lead you to a world of hurt... You're more connected to that case than you realized, Dona-chan."
"So, Dona-chan. Let's cut ties from everything strange in our lives! Let's forever seal away the mysteries! Let's forget about the people in our dreams! From now on, it will just be us and our normal lives! Let's enjoy our university days! Let's go on dates! Let's go to bars and get drunk! Let's have 'realistic' dreams we want to achieve! Let's enjoy everything life has to offer! Who cares about the truth about us?! Let's just be Belladonna and Maribel! I'll tell Renko-chan and I'm sure she'll agree too! So, what do you think?!"
Maribel smiles, offering a hand for Belladonna to accept.
"Maribel…" is all Belladonna could say after the blonde's heartfelt words.
She stands still.
Maybe it's hubris. But she feels as if she's at the crossroads of destiny. This very decision will decide her fate.
To shun the mysteries of herself, to forever seal them away and live a normal, mundane life? Or to pursue it, knowing it carries the risk of changing everything she thought she knew? To choose a path full of unknowns and possible danger?
Well, the answer is obvious. It always has. There has never been any doubt.
"I'm sorry, Maribel. But I'm afraid I can't do that. The truth about myself. I have to know. The witch in my dreams, Echidna. The silver-haired girl. The other witches. I have to know everything. I am a curious girl, after all. Well, it's not just that but I am very interested in getting to know them. It's not just my mind's desires. But my heart. It's urging me to pursue it. To remember."
"..."
"Although it's only brief, I've truly enjoyed my time with you and Renko. It's a friendship I genuinely hope to continue… if possible. However, my desire to search for the truth is greater. I want to keep exploring the unknown and fulfill that desire. And it seems… that if we don't walk the same path, we'll have to go our separate ways and cut ties. It's unfortunate but… I promise it's a friendship I will always cherish. I will never forget our memories together."
"..." The blonde remains unresponsive.
"... Maribel? I'm truly sorry for this…"
"Fufu. I expected that to be your answer. My, you really don't disappoint."
"Eh?"
This time, it's Belladonna's turn to be stunned in silence.
She didn't know what happened but there's something different about Maribel.
Her voice sounds different. Mature. All-powerful. All-knowing. Like a goddess who sees it all…
Her figure itself has changed. She appears taller. Her simple and innocent dress now appears more seductive and alluring. Moreover, she's carrying an umbrella under the clear skies of the night. The shadows underneath the umbrella hide her face and only her beautiful golden blonde hair can be seen. Even so, Belladonna can sense she's being looked at with a condescending expression and a smug smirk.
Most importantly, there's a frightening feeling in the air. It's like… there are eyes watching in the space behind the blonde… and hands that are ready to reach out and drag unfortunate victims into the terrifying space that is the unknown.
One thing is clear.
"You are not Maribel. Where is she and what did you do to her?"
"Indeed, I am not. And just so there is no misunderstanding, I was the one who invited you here. As for that child, don't worry. I'm only taking over for a little bit. Even I don't want harm to come to that child."
"Who are you?" Belladonna asked.
"Oh? Did you already forget? Did you not say you want to know the truth? Did I not say to seek me through Maribel? Fufu. But I guess it's my fault for not getting back to you as soon as possible. My apologies. I was simply looking for an adequate opportunity. And now, I guess that opportunity presented itself. Fufu."
"Then... You're…"
"Hm. I'm Yakumo Yukari. The Youkai of Boundaries."
"..."
"Fufu. We finally met, Echidna."