It was now Beth's turn, as she took the book. She stated, "Well, while you three prattled on with these bizarre tales, I conjured up one of my own. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not the type of girl that is all bunny rabbits and cute stuff. I learned from my parents, including him."
Heather replied, "She's got a perma-wedgie over her father."
Beth said, "Now… What I have is anything but bizarre. If you think about it, I was hoping you'd be in fear over what awaits you. So, tell me, Mother… Will this story wet your pants?"
Heather paused, and stammered, "N-N-N-Now, that's ancient history!"
Beth grinned, "You'll thank me later." She then opened the book, beginning our next story.
"You listen to my story…" A small female figure appeared in the shadows, "A story of all ages… Look upon my face, for I am known to all of you; you have known my work. Behold the subtle genius of my talented work, and pray that I may never come to your visage that may turn my interest… upon you…"
She vanished, cackling evilly.
Tales of the Bizarre #70
Uo's Sabbath
A girl in a blue school uniform and long skirt, with long blonde hair, was walking down the hallways, feeling distressed.
(Hanajima): Meet Arisa Uotani - second year student.
Hanajima was waiting by the doorway, in her braided hair and blue uniform, and continued, facing the 4th wall, "A lonely girl who was once a bully, now with a good heart. But in a moment, Uotani will learn about more of her past… far into the past."
Uo asked her, "Who are you talking to?"
Hanajima said, "No one. Just talking to the waves of this classroom… Such elegant waves today…"
Uo chuckled, "Whatever. Come on, class is starting." She and Hanajima stepped into the classroom.
Uo sat down at her desk, as she was prepared for class. Minutes later, A male teacher in black hair was continuing his lesson.
"Upon learning that the love of his life, Princess Aria, was about to be beheaded, for being a witch, Prince Pendragon married the wicked Envia, who in turn, made Pendragon sell his soul to the devil. That day, doom and gloom lasted for many years, after Aria was beheaded, but time passed on, as the horrible cloud of despair subsided." He shut his book and said, "As you know, Aria was beheaded, during the Witch's Sabbath. She was one of the three princesses that were witches. To this, the princess was a witch, and in doing so, her lover cannot accept her."
Uo yawned, as she moaned, "Yeah, where have I heard that before? Like you?"
The students laughed, as the teacher boomed, "Miss Uotani, I advise you that this isn't a joke. In Medieval times, witches are executed by being beheaded. However, being burned at the stake is another way of death. But still, to be fooled by a woman that has black magic is hellish and disgusting."
Uo snarked, "That figures. I don't suppose you would find a suitor that has black magic, do you?"
"That's enough! Miss Uotani, are you trying to get in trouble with your peers?"
"Maybe…" She muttered, as she clenched her fist, "Damn it…"
Arisa Uotani, not only was she a former delinquent, she was also a lovelorn girl, who hasn't heard from her boyfriend in ages. She has been waiting for him, for a very long time. Of course, the teacher who was giving the lesson was treating Miss Uotani as a lesser student.
XXXXX
Uo slammed her locker and snarled, "The nerve of some teachers! This guy has been on my nerves, since he came in! And my grades have been gradually declining, ever since!"
Tohru, a girl in brown hair, said to her, "Uo-chan, don't be upset. Mr. Kenta was just making a good case. I worried about you, Uo-chan."
"Yes, well…" She snarled, "I wished that he'd call me. The bastard decided to walk out on me, and this happened."
"OH! I'm sorry to hear that. Uo, do you need time alone?"
"No, I'm fine." Uo said, "Even so, I just want this Kenta issue out of my head. That lesson… Princess Aria falls for the Prince, and then, after being a witch, he dumps her for a vixen. Story of my life. And then, she dies after her head gets chopped off, at the sabbath."
Tohru gagged, as she whispered, "I… I understand how you feel… But I wish there was something I can do for you."
Uo walked off, "No, you've done enough. Anyways, I'm heading out. I'll call you later, this afternoon. Later."
"S-Sure, Uo…" Tohru was worried, as Arisa was feeling uneasy.
XXXXX
That afternoon, Uo was walking home from school, feeling bummed. She whispered, "Yeah… That Mr. Kenta pisses me off. Wish I get back at him for what he has done."
"Miss Uotani?"
She turned around and gasped, "M-M-Mr. Kenta?"
"It's alright. I overheard that you are upset by earlier today. But… I will not overlook those outbursts in class. I'm here to give you a lesson about the subject we talked about."
"Look, I'm NOT doing homework, alright?"
Kenta said, "Trust me. I can prove to you that Aria's life was hell, and I will send you away to deep into the past, all while you are asleep… You see, Princess Aria resembles you."
Uo gasped, as she trembled, "Me? Y-Y-You're not planning on ousting me, are you?"
He responded, "I only offer you the truth. Maybe then you cannot be catty, like before."
"What's in it for me?"
He offered, "Follow me." they walked together to Kenta's house, as he explained, "See, I'm not just a school teacher. Before I came to Japan, I was a doctor. A Psychic Researcher who studies people's minds. With your help-."
"You're nuts if you think you can blackmail me with your damnable lies!"
"I mean to dig into your mind, into the depths of your thoughts. I was in Tibet for seven years, learning of this phenomenon. I wasn't trying to blackmail you. Through your eyes, I can see what you were like, back when you are a Princess. I can make you experience the role as Princess Aria the witch."
"N-No… You got it all wrong, sir. This is nonsense."
"I have seen it, in the desert suns of the Shamans of Casa. I want to help you experience it. Your grades were dropping, slowly and surely. But I promise that I can make you experience this magic. If I scared you straight, then good! Maybe your behavior will be good. But should it give you relief and closure, then we have proven that you, Arisa Uotani, have a very bright future."
"Sorry, but I cannot stay for weeks on end-."
"How's 48 hours?"
She paused, as he offered, "This weekend, I can help you. I can make you experience the past, direct all your needs, within the trance. It'll only be for a weekend, and you, within two days, will experience the endless cycle of what you will know. Perhaps I can show you your past, maybe farther before you were ever even born."
"Two days… What about food?"
"No food. Just lie still for two days, and become a part of another world."
"I don't like being hypnotized."
"You will be… soon enough."
"I guess I have no choice. Fine, I will call my friends about this. But no tricks, Mr. Kenta." She walked off, as Kenta nodded in a slight smile, "I promise you… No tricks, whatsoever. But soon, you will experience the truth - and that is that I'm the authority here in your homeroom. And this is for joking at me about my lovelife. I am happily married."
He walked off, preparing for the weekend.
XXXXX
The following Saturday, Uotani was on the couch, as Kenta waved his hand to her face. He whispered, "Look into my hand… There is no end to my hand. You can always take another turn. Around the knuckle, over the finger. Silent… Silent… We are in a dark silence, as we breathe as one… We are one…" He said, "When I touch you, you will sleep, and we will be one."
Arisa Uotani passed out, as Kenta began to manipulate her mind. He whispered, "Now… go farther into your past… your past life… farther… farther… farther from beyond… You are a child unborn, soft, warm, and dark. Now, you're going back farther. It is another time…"
Uo was lifeless, and suddenly, her arm started to shake and move. She woke up, and then she was dressed in a white dress. She looked around and gasped, "Huh? Where am I?"
She looked at herself, and saw that her right wrist was cuffed by iron chains. She was in a dark dungeon. A male figure, with long white hair, was holding a torch in his hands, wearing a silk red robe. He remarked, "Tis Gobbo, come with the torch, who has not harmed a fly."
CAST Shot: Fruits Basket characters will be OOC, with their roles in the story. You will see their names appear, once they first appear.
Uo moaned, "Who are you?"
"Fret not, hell hag. I came to see if I will offer you your last meal, before you are to be executed. I am but a gentle jailer and cannot harm you, lest you lose an eye."
"Keep away from me!"
Gabbo (Ayame Sohma) put the torch away and said, "As I said, you lost your powers, as does you lose your head, come dawn, on the chopping block."
"My head?"
"Yes. You are a witch, after all. Have you forgotten? Aye, you shall lose it, and thus, you will have your head clutched to you bosom, buried in the dirt, six feet, and a stake right into your black heart."
"Yes, I remember…" Uo moaned, "I was a witch. But it is a lie. I am not a witch!"
Gabbo boasted, "But I believe it! Am I not ugly? Am I not ravishing? Only witches love the grotesque and homely. Say it, Princess… for I am beauty…"
Uo backed away and screamed, "NO!" She trembled, but…
"Don't back away. Are you going to let this pervert get you like this?"
It was Uo's voice. Uo said, "What voice did I hear?"
Gabbo asked, "Voice? Who speaks to you, thy friend? What deviltry is this?"
"Go to him. I will aid you. I want to help you."
"Me?"
"I'm inside you. Just do as I say, and stop him."
"Yes, I understand…"
Gabbo barked, "Wait… Who are you speaking to, and why do you resist?"
"Pretend to ravish and salaam him. Trust me."
Uo was talking in a psychic link to Princess Aria, who happens to be Arisa Uotani's past self from the Middle Ages. Aria held Gabbo in her arms and caressed his body.
"Kick him in the balls!"
"What balls?"
"Gah! I mean, use the chains, knock him out!"
Gabbo asked, "What balls?! Uh… Why do you as-?"
POW!
Aria knocks out Gabbo. She picked up the keys and freed herself. She shivered, "Whoever you are, please… stay with me, spirit of myself."
"I can't talk to you anymore… I can't remember my own time… But I may come back… someday…"
Uo's voice fades away. Princess Aria frees herself. She ran out of the tower, escaping to the forest. Gabbo woke up and cried, "THE WITCH HAS ESCAPED!"
She vanished into the forest, and disappeared into the black mists.
XXXXX
Meanwhile, a girl in long brown hair was harboring a shovel, while bringing in a wooden casket.
"Sing a song a graveyards
Acres full of wood.
4 and twenty landlords
As the maggots' food.
When the casket decays
The worms began to hum
'Isn't that a tasty dish,
To make our tummies tum."
Aria arrived at the hearse, and hid inside the wooden box. Inside the box was a dead male figure, dressed in a black robe, with long gray hair. She went inside, as a knight appeared to the girl.
"A good night, Sir Knight!" She cheered in a smile.
The knight called, "What is thy name, cryptkeeper?"
"I am bewitched and robbed of my senses and common ones. My name is Tolken the gravedigger." Tolken (Tohru Honda) said to the knight.
"The witch, Aria, has escaped from the Tower of Death. She is a disgraced former princess, who was revealed to be a dirty old witch with nasty powers. Have you seen her?"
Tolken gasped, "Nay… but the name, the damsel that bewitched me, they say?!" She started to explain, "Oh, come now, good knight, I have not seen her. All I have is a lonely corpse, as I am about to bury him."
"OPEN THAT HEARSE!" The knight instructed, as Tolken showed him the casket. He opened the wooden lid and saw only the dead body. But Aria was under the body, hiding from plain sight. He said to the gravedigger, "You are clean, begone with your task. But nail the coffin shut tight, before your hearse turns another wheel. Law says that coffins are to be sealed."
Tolken bowed, "Yes, good knight. I'll make a fine package." Tolken nailed the coffin shut, as the knight departed on horseback. He instructed her, "Aria is one of three witches to be executed in dawn. She's the third."
"Is that important?"
"Yes, it is. Keep watch of her."
"Goodnight, Sir Knight. My eyes will be on watch, like onion stalks." He galloped away, as Tolken sang a bit.
"Three witches have heads,
But soon they will fall.
Thy head of Aria
Is precious of all
All the king's horses
And all the king's men
Cannot put the witches together again"
"HIYA!" She went aboard her funeral carriage and trotted off. As she was leaving, two figures were watching in the trees. A man in orange hair, riding horseback, followed the hearse, as the female figure called, "Pendragon."
She magically appeared to the prince, Pendragon (Kyo Sohma), as she called, "Pendragon!"
He stopped, as he asked, "Envia. What brings you here in the neck of the woods?"
This was Envia (Isuzu "Rin" Sohma) the witch. A woman in long black hair and a stoic look. She asked, "Who wants to know? What brings you here?"
"I came to seek Princess Aria's innocence. For all I know, she couldn't be the witch."
"Would you climb the walls of the very tower?" Envia asked.
Pendragon said, "If I had no other course, yes. I only came to prove innocence, not to ask for marriage from her. Besides, should she be a suitor for me, my heart cannot sway to her. Besides, her royalty rank is marred with despair, after the false accusations."
"Then where do you journey, this night?"
"The cemetery. I must speak to the digger, Tolken. She believed that Aria bewitched her. I don't believe it."
"Nor do I." Envia said. "Go seek young Tolken, and bring proof to me. I will offer your help."
"Goodnight, and thank you. But take shelter. 'Tis the eve of the Witch's Sabbath." Pendragon left, as Envia vanished in a cloud of smoke, and flew off as a bat. She returned to her imp (Momoji Sohma), as she said to him, "The needle of my compass swings to the north. He has no clue that I put the whimpering Aria into the ax, for a crime she did not commit. Next stop, we meet him at the tavern. By the end of the night, I chose to marry him and have his heart, lest I have his soul, if he refuses."
The imp gasps. Envia watched on, as she set up the plan in motion.
Tolken was digging her grave and said, "Hello, my dear decaying neighbor. I brought along a new moldering roommate for you, so I will dig more room, to make yourself-."
"Are you the digger, Tolken?" Pendragon said to Tolken.
Tolken said, "Aye, it is I. Well, I think, because I may have misspoken, for I have been mad. So, I cannot be sure of anything."
Pendragon hopped off and said, "Listen to me. You know about Aria. Are you bewitched?"
"Yes…"
"Did Aria do this to you? I must know."
"Aria? Well… being enchanted, I have no way of knowing. They say that the enchantment destroyed my reason. I couldn't remember. For without reason, there can be no memory."
"I see. So, you have no clue if it was Aria? Do you jest me with this tomfoolery?"
"I b-beg of you, I am not amusing you. I am mad, as I could not tell a jest from a joust."
Pendragon returned to his horse and said, "Very well. I have much to do tonight. But I do not think you are mad. I will return to you soon, Tolken. In the meantime, stir up your brain. I will ask more of you." He trotted away, as Tolken moaned, "Well… back to work."
After she dug the grave, she dragged the coffin over her back, and groaned.
"Hickory dickory horse
My guest is a dead corpse
The clock struck ten… ugh…
He starts to ripen… Oop!
But the smell of it tells, of course."
She dropped the coffin, and Aria cried from inside. She pounded the lid, as she was bawling. Tolken gasped, and then opened the lid. Aria hugged her, as she was breathing and sobbed. "There, there, no tears. You are freed. Whoever did this to you will suffer despair and penance!" She gasped and whispered, "Uhhh… I did it… Sorry…"
Aria sobbed, "Thank you, kind lady. But please help me…"
"I wish I could, but I could do more harm than help. Forgive me, but my brain isn't working well, tonight." She looked into the face and said, "You're… You're Aria… the witch."
Aria sobbed, "NO! I am not a witch!"
"YOU! You would bewitch me… but…" she pondered, as she started to think, "Wait a minute… I was bewitched, but I couldn't tell who it was. I know who bewitched me, but I could not know who cast a spell on me."
"If you know who you are, you would've recognized me."
"Nay, I could not, since this is a first look at your soft face." She helped her out and said, "Come! Out of this rot!"
Aria explained that she wants to hide. She is to be executed at the Witches' Sabbath, at dawn. She even wanted to live to see the sunrise again, if she does not die. Tolken offered to help her.
"Thank you. I must have a whole year to prove my innocence."
"Aye, the Witches' Sabbath. It'll be held in my own cemetery. GO! To the forest, and take shelter. I take thee to a place, not even where Satan himself must find thee! Hop inside my mutton cart." She said to the corpse, "Lie still, old man. I will prepare your bed, when I return."
Tolken took Aria to a dark place in the forest, where no one could find her.
XXXXX
Meanwhile, Envia arrived at the tavern, as she walked into the entrance. She was greeted by a man with short dark hair. "Welcome, Envia. Welcome to the Sohma Horn."
Envia sat down by the table and said, "Join me, Skew, and rest your legs."
Skew (Shigure Sohma) sat next to Envia, as she saw the decorations on the walls. She asked, "What are you holding? Garlic?"
"Only holy talisman. NO witch shall enter my tavern, tonight." He handed her garlic, as he said it can be of help. Pendragon came in, as he called out, "Skew, bring me ale to my room."
He marched upstairs, as Envia said to Skew, "Rest thy corpulence. I will deliver the ale."
Inside his room, he was resting on the floor, pouting. Envia gave him the ale, as he said, "Thank you, Skew. Leave the ale there on the table."
Envia said, "I am not him."
"Envia?"
"You seem downtrodden, today. Gloomy, sorrow… and dim. Any luck?"
"None that I know of, but thank you for the ale. Is the guard coming with the charts of the prisoner's quarters?"
"NO, I am not she."
"Forgive the look of my face, Envia. I fear that I may lose her… I wish to know of her innocence."
Envia held him and said, "Be not ashamed of love."
"But thanks for the ale."
"You can only drink half, to forget the loneliness you seek."
"And what of the other half?" He joked, as he took a swig.
Envia enticed him, "Look to me for it." They caressed, as she said, "I will bring you solace. By tomorrow morning, she will be gone from this world. I can only apologize for what may come, should you fail proof. For years, I would not bring the truth upon the prisoners, if Aria is as good as dead."
"As good as dead isn't dead." He took another sip. He replied, "You can go. And thank you for the ale."
XXXXX
Tolken arrived, as she helped Aria to her exit.
"Merry merry mortuary
How does your garden grow?
With marble stones
And ankle bones
And relatives all in a row."
Aria asked, "Where did you take me?"
Tolken explained, "We're in the deepest part of the forest. Go now. Through the brambles, you will see a house and hearth."
Aria bowed and said, "Thank you, but… will you be sure of my safety?"
Tolken said, "A madman cannot be sure of that, no more than I was bewitched or not." She took her leave, and Aria disappeared into the forest.
"Hey diddle diddle
The cat and his fiddle
The ghosts jumped over the tomb
The murderer laughed, to see sure blood
And the girl was strangled in gloom…"
As Tolken returned to her unholy duties, Aria arrived at the house, near the forest. She knocked on the door, and a figure appeared from the door. She cackled, "AH!"
Aria shrieked, as the witch (Kagura Sohma) said to her, "Come in, my dear."
Aria cried, "Keep away!" The witch said, "No, come inside, my dear…" They went inside her cottage.
XXXXX
Skew gave Pendragon the plans, as he said, "These are the designs to the tower." They were viewing it, as Envia was watching on, in disgust.
XXXXX
At the witch's cottage, as the witch said to Aria, "I see… you are lost, yet you seek freedom. I come to assist you, at a price."
"A price? What will you do to me?"
She plucked off a strand of her blonde hair and said, "Ahh, perfect for my brew. The hair of a maiden with sunflower hair."
"You're a witch!"
"Yes, I am! But no one proves that Audrey Kreul is not a witch! I will turn my naysayers into mice!"
Aria panicked, but Audrey said, "Fret not from me, or should I turn you into an owl?"
Aria cried, "I mean you no harm, but you're overreacting, saying that you want me for something, in return!"
"I know a lot! Tolken is my friend! You're the disgraced princess, Aria! How did you escape the tower?"
"A voice inside me told me to escape. She was a spirit of myself from ages yet to come, and Tolken told me to come to you. She believes she was bewitched, but not by me."
"You say I did it?" She chopped down with an ax on a piece of meat, and replied, "A voice from ages yet to come? This is not the sort of magic that the devil gave to me. I was at that trial… The temptress Envia testified that she did see you cast the spell on Tolken. But you couldn't have known, have you?"
"You're not to kill me?"
"If I am a witch, we stand together. You are a witch, after all. Aren't you?"
"Uh.. then, yes, 'tis true. We witches stand together."
"Good! Well said. Perhaps I'll give thee thy hid. You stay here, bar the door, and I will go out to prepare dinner. The brew should be finished, soon." She put on a hood and said, "Stay here, young Aria. I have some conjuring to do."
She took her leave, as Aria was alone in the cottage, in despair.
XXXXX
Moments later, Audrey arrived at the tavern and knocked at the door. Skew opened and asked, "Ah, the young and beautiful witch that wishes entry."
"Let me in, Skew."
Skew shut the door and said, "Sorry. Witches are banned from Sohma's Ho-."
SMASH!
Audrey smashed the door through, with one punch, sticking her arm out, "Let me in!"
Minutes later, after the door was fixed up, "Guards came in?" She asked.
"No, why?"
"Princess Aria, she escaped!"
"Escaped? No, there were no soldiers here."
"Where's Pendragon?"
"Upstairs, with the maiden, Envia."
"Envia? CALL HIM DOWN!"
"PENDRAGON! You have a guest!"
Audrey whispered, "Say nothing to Envia. She mustn't know."
Pendragon called, "What is it?" He gasped, "W-W-What the hell is SHE DOING HERE?"
Skew said, "I bring you bad news… yet it seems very important. Miss Audrey Kruel has a message for you."
Audrey said, "Go to my cottage in the marsh, ask nothing. Beyond the hillock where they hang the highwaymen."
"What are you saying?"
"ASK NOTHING, I SAY! GO NOW!"
Pendragon raced off, as Audrey said to Skew, "May I go upstairs?"
Envia was sitting in the room, as Audrey entered. She called out, "Envia! Show yourself!"
"You came at a quite apparent time. State your business."
"What the hell are you doing with Pendragon? What are you planning, you evil devil?"
"Plan? Well, I love him. I want to marry him."
"You cad. He will not have you, even if your gullet was stuffed with gold."
"You called me witch. No human or otherwise can call me that-."
"And live to see the light of day?" Audrey boomed, as she was furious at Envia, "One day, your mother bore a beautiful daughter. Another day, she sold her soul to the devil, and became a bird of prey. My mother had her daughter, and she grew aged and deformed… and yet she didn't sell her soul to Satan. How? She cheated him, stole his tricks, and yet kept her soul. I am your equal, witch, but I am not your kind."
Envia glared, "I know it well. You'll make me a fine opponent." She departed, as Audrey boomed, "I know thy magic, better than myself."
XXXXX
Pendragon arrived at the cottage, and knocked on the door. He called, "HELLO? Is someone in here? OPEN!"
Aria answered the door, and Pendragon smiled, "Aria?"
The prince and princess reunited, as they shared a hug together.
XXXXX
Envia shouted, "Pendragon is gone, yet you are here, why? You came to warn him of my dark tasks, witch?"
Audrey called, "I warned of an evil thing called Envia. Being you are Envia, you come to rip his heart from his breast, and devour it."
"I'll invite you to the feast."
"I know you… FOR AN IMP!" She slammed a huge right punch, squashing a green newt. The newt transformed into the imp with blonde hair, and pranced off.
Envia snarled, as Audrey found out, "So… You would enchant Pendragon, as you did Tolken. We shall see, my dear. You will be exposed as the demon you are."
"So we shall." Envia smirked. "Aria will still live for the next few hours, and then Pendragon is mine."
"I'll take that challenge. But mark you this: Pendragon will be free from your curse, and what's more, the maid condemned shall live, beyond this night, and live to see you to your demise!"
"Try as you might, with tricks you made, I will live on and be victorious, you wicked wizardess. Now, depart, for I must sleep."
Audrey left, as she concluded, "Sleep not, when I am awake. YOUR sleep is coming… IN THE SULFUROUS PIT!"
And so, Pendragon and Aria reunite in the cottage, near the cozy fire. They agreed to stay with each other, to prevent Aria's death from coming to fruition. But what of the evil Envia?
Meanwhile, at the cemetery, Tolken was busy digging graves.
"Old mother Stauffin
Went to her coffin
To fetch her poor dog a bone.
But when she tried
The skeleton cried
'Be off ghoul, and leave me alone.'"
Envia appeared, as Tolken bowed, "OH! Miss Envia, to what do I owe the pleasure, Miss Witch. Welcome to my Flesh Pits."
Envia said, "Good evening, Tolken. I was just preparing the Witches' Sabbath, and I must repel the wandering ghouls that will appear, during this night."
Tolken smiled, "Ah, yes. And should you be the master of ceremonies for this night?"
"Aye, and I will be the right-hand man to the lord of darkness."
"It is said that the master must bring to Satan's hand the freshly-severed head, to prove thyself of his black trust."
Envia gasped, "A head? I forgot…" She turned to Tolken, but she wept, "N-N-N-N-N-NO! SPARE MY HEAD! I am but a madman… But the devil may take what is less than best. A pity. You must seek elsewhere."
XXXXX
Back at the tavern, Pendragon and Aria arrived, as Audrey was shocked. She asked, "You shouldn't even be here. The night's filled with soldiers."
Pendragon said, "We shall take a room, and hide together."
Skew said, "I will do no such thing. But what if they search my place?"
Pendragon instructs that Aria stays in the tavern, while he leaves to find Tolken. He added, "Should I not return, within the hour, go to Audrey Kreul's hut, to safety." He departed, as Audrey and Aria left to her room, for safety.
Meanwhile, back in present time, Kenta instructed a trance-like and sleeping Uo, "Who are you?"
Uo responded, "I am… Princess… Aria… It is the night of the Witches' Sabbath."
"Yes. What is it that you fear?"
"I fear death."
Kenta smiled and said, "Yes… It's working. The girl finally understands fear. Now, to wake you up, and you will feel refreshed."
But…
"Prince Pendragon… He came to rescue me, as I escaped the tower. At dawn I will be executed, as I was accused wrongly as a witch. They find me here at the tavern, they will behead me."
Kenta was shocked, as he whispered, "NO! You're wrong! You're at the tower, and in chains, about to be beheaded. Pendragon doesn't love you. He failed you!"
"I was imprisoned in the Tower of Death, until the voice of Arisa Uotani freed me."
Uo didn't listen. It appears that Mr. Kenta's plans backfired. Not only he made Uo experience her past self… but she also changed the future. In the past, Princess Aria was a witch, and was executed in the Witches' Sabbath. However, Arisa changed the past and future. He noticed the bruise on her right forearm. He asked, "This… This wasn't supposed to happen! Miss Uotani…"
She screamed, "PENDRAGON! PENDRAGOOOOOOOOOON!" She passed out and was lifeless. He felt her pulse and sighed, bowing his head, "She's left me, again… She's breathing, but slowly. Dammit! She's altered the past! Her regression is physical, as well as mental!"
He had an idea, "I could follow her… maybe bring her back to the living. But… it could take years."
He pondered, as he was studying Uo's patterns, while she was in a deep slumber.
Back in the past, Pendragon met with Envia, who was at the graveyard. He said, "You are alone?"
She said, "Pretty much. I believe you are on your way to tear down the tower walls."
He replied, "I did, but I changed my mind." Envia smiled, as she held her arms to his body, but stopped. "Aria is free." he concluded, as Envia stopped in fright.
"What? The witch is free?"
"Yes. Tolken, saddle a horse!"
Envia cried, "WAIT!" he stopped, as she said, "I have grim news to bear. She may be captured again."
"AGAIN?! But she is safe within my room!"
"I know. But by the time you arrive at the tower, she may return… But what for the prison guards."
Pendragon nodded, and said, "Very well. I will visit the tower, and beat the guards there."
He galloped off, as Envia whispered to her imp, "She's at Skew's Tavern. Take wings."
The imp turned into a bat and flew off. Envia turned into a bat, and followed her. Tolken saw everything and huffed, "Hold fast to her head, Audrey. Tolken is coming!" She ran off, to warn Audrey.
But back at the tavern, Aria woke up, and Audrey held her. She said, "Come, we must go."
"But… My prince!" Aria cried.
"NO! The hour is done. He knows the sands of time. We return to my cottage, as Pendragon says. Come!" Audrey and Aria depart to her hut, escaping the evil Envia.
Envia and her imp arrived, as Envia smirked, "At last… You are now doomed." She looked around, and huffed, "Downstairs." Aria had already left.
Envia called, "WHERE IS SHE?"
Skew said, "You mean Audrey? She just left."
Envia roared, "Not the hog, the witch, Aria!"
"The witch?"
"She's escaped! I heard word of the witch. She was here, is she?"
"No, no witch. No one enters my tavern, while I have my charms up."
Envia growled, as she stared at him, "Take care, Skew… for the witch can be tricky."
Skew chuckled, "I can assure you, Skew can be very careful, and Skew will offer to stop your witch. I will take care of you. No one said that Skew is one to lose his head."
Envia grabbed the axe and hissed demonically, "Skew is also a liar…" She shoved Skew into the wall and roared, "AND A HEAD IS NEEDED FOR THE SABBATH, TONIGHT!"
CHOP!
Envia decapitated Skew. His body fell dead, and Envia put the head in a basket. She hissed, "Soon, Pendragon will be mine… and Aria will be dead, by the ax of the executioner." The imp packed the head neatly, and gave it to her. They departed to the Sabbath.
Aria & Audrey were walking down the path, but Tolken stopped them. Tolken said, "Grave news. Envia hears of your plan."
"What are you saying, Tolken?"
"I'm saying that Envia and her imp are flying through the night, intent on murdering this elf in spite of dying."
"INTO THE HOUSE!" Audrey called, "And anyone else?"
"Only Pendragon, whom I believe, because of Envia's trickery, is planning a siege at the Tower of Death."
XXXXX
Pendragon was searching the empty cell, and then growled, "Envia… either she tricked me, or I was early."
Gobbo appeared and said, "No, my dear prince… You're on time."
Pendragon and Gobbo prepared to fight, as he called, "The princess has escaped, and I'm to rescue her!"
"A witch escaped! No princess."
"She's not a witch!"
"She's hexed you, fool! Soon, you will be a prisoner, for becoming one with the witch's spell."
"That'll be the day, you damn snake!"
Pendragon tackled him down, but Gobbo easily threw him into the floor. They started exchanging punches, and Gobbo got the upper hand, pinning him to the wall. Gobbo used the chains to lock up the prince, but suddenly, his pants were ripped a bit. He gasped, and Pendragon assaulted him with a barrage of punches. Gobbo taken down, Pendragon flees to find Envia.
Meanwhile, Kenta appeared in the past, donning a knight outfit, as he thought, "I chose to find Uotani myself. I understand everything now. I must keep the past safe, as the past says that Princess Aria dies in dawn, and Pendragon and Envia marry. But if dawn comes, and Aria lives, Miss Uotani will die now. She escaped in the past, and if it changes forever, she dies. Her entire destiny is thrown off in balance. If I leave the past changed, Arisa Uotani will never exist."
Mr. Kenta knew he was to teach Arisa Uotani a lesson in respect to her teachers. But this time, thanks to his psychic teachings, he's crossed the line. He was going to have to save her.
Moments later, Pendragon met with Envia. He informed her of the bad news. "I couldn't save her. I couldn't be so sure… I could go to Audrey's cottage… but…"
Envia said, "She's already left. Sadly, I wish I could help you."
He said, "Then all is lost. She wasn't in the tower. She's not in the tavern. She… It's like she disappeared."
She then said, "Then, I have a plan. I want for you to save your beloved Aria, correct? I must help you, but without barging into the tower. Believe me, I am a witch."
He gasped, "YOU?! A WITCH?"
She stated, "I am sorry, but I couldn't bring myself to saying this truth to you now. I love you. Stay with me. Forget Aria."
He barked, "Never! You did this! It was you that made Aria a victim!"
She stated, "How could I have done it to her, when I was only helping you? I would not hurt you for the very throne of Hell."
"I don't trust you."
"She is still alive, somewhere, but I know a way to bring her to you. I know you fear loathing me, but I held my tongue, until the time's right. I will free Aria, using my powers."
"How can you, witch?"
"I can lead you to the sabbath, as you must go there… and sell your soul."
"Sell my soul?"
"The Witches' Sabbath. I will take you there. The devil will grant you her freedom. One soul, and the princess is freed."
Pendragon was hurt, but he nodded, "If it is to save Aria, so be it. But know this, witch… I want you to promise me that you let her live."
"It is done. You have my word." She smiled, "Now, come along. We'll join the sabbath soon. But first, kiss me, for it may warm a witch's heart."
He shoved her off and barked, "I said I will do it. But you must keep your end of the bargain! My soul, for my beloved. Nothing more."
They departed, as Envia growled, "Is one kiss all I need? Things you'd go through for one's soul."
Miz-K NOTE: This is Kyo, we're talking about. It's not Hatsuharu.
XXXXX
At the cottage, Audrey was about to leave, as Aria asked, "Are you sure you are going alone?"
Audrey said, "If I am to know of her evil deed, I must visit Tolken's graves and view the action. I'll be discreet, and watch in the shadows. Tolken, watch over her."
Aria said, "Pray, be careful."
Audrey smiled, "I will. And I am sorry for thinking you are a witch. I should've known someone pulled the strings to your fate."
"You were a witch, when we first met, but now I see you as an angel."
"Listen to your heart, not the voices in the night."
"Take care." Audrey departed to the sabbath.
XXXXX
They arrived at the sabbath, as a lot of people gathered, awaiting the arrival of the devil. Envia held up the basket and called out, "Prince of Darkness… author of evil… archenemy of the angel… Satan, I bid thee welcome to the Witches' Sabbath." She raised the basket high.
The flames roared, and out came a small girl, dressed in black, with a pitchfork, black hat, cape, and red and white outfit. "Welcome, mortals! Thank you for your offering!"
"HOLD IT!" Heather stopped the story and asked, "Bethany Nevins, who said you can add yourself into the story?"
Beth barked, holding the book, "So? You added our friends and yourself into the story… Why not me? You don't see June play a role."
Hanajima stated, "I will allow it. After all, we already know of the characters, and how she plays the role of each."
Heather moaned, "Alright… but you can't be in another Tale of the Bizarre, until next year or so."
Beth puffed, "MY story, MY rules! And who says I am an angel?"
Heather sighed, "Fine. But we'll talk about this choice of story, young lady."
Beth continued the story, as she was the devil in this Tale of the Bizarre. She concluded, "You can have your epilogue, once it's finished."
Hanajima offered, "Allow me to close your story, once it's finished, Bethany. Continue."
Satan (Beth Nevins) called, "Folk of judgment, you have come to pledge your service to thy righteous lord. And for thy names upon my book, I will provide you food, safety, and wealth, forever, from ill or want. Such is my boon, to prove this not evil, dark, or sad affair, to give my people song, and dance, and gaiety."
Miz-K NOTE: Well, two out of three ain't bad.
Satan called out, "Prepare the entertainment! Bid my dancers to appear!" Three ghouls appeared, and danced in the graveyard, providing entertainment. They vanished, as they finished. The devil continued, placing her book open, "Let the sellers come and speak."
A man offered, "They call me a leper, uncleaned, and banished me to the swamps."
Satan said, "Sign, and be clean, leper."
The leper signed, and upon signing, the mark of the devil appeared on his hand. It was a three-pronged fork. The leper left, as the devil called, "NEXT!"
An old man pleaded, "Satan, my life has been full of slavery. Would I have the better things in life?" Satan said to him, "Sign." He signed, as she gave him a satchel, She called out, "NEXT!"
Mr. Kenta arrived, as he watched on, "So… The sabbath has begun. But it's too soon. Princess Aria's alive… and if Pendragon signs, the future is doomed."
Pendragon appeared to her, as the devil said, "Who is he?"
Envia said, "Forgive me, divinity… He wishes to save his lover, Princess Aria."
Satan smiled, "Ahh… Envia the witch, it's been so long."
He asked, "Would you give me Aria? I wish to spare her from her execution."
She explained, "Princess Aria is in the Tower of Death, about to lose her head in dawn. He wishes to free her."
"And you wish to free her?"
"Even at the cost of my very soul."
"Sign, and she is thine, forevermore."
Pendragon signed, but Mr. Kenta stopped him from doing so. He said, "Not yet. You are not to save her, by risking everything."
Envia said, "Sign the book, now!"
Kenta yelled, "You stay out of this!"
Satan called, "And who are you supposed to be?" She gasped, as she glared, "No… I remember you."
"You do, devil? I hardly think so."
"So, Quintin Kenta, you would dabble in time again, to confront me? I knew you would do so, one day, face-to-face, with the devil."
"Your interest flatters me, milady." He said to Pendragon, "And you, sign without bargaining. Rent her your soul, say for a month."
Envia cried, "NAY! He's a madman! Sign, and Aria is yours forever."
Pendragon roared, "SILENCE! I listen to him! His sanity speaks truth. A month's time is all I need." He said to Satan, "Devil, grant me a month, and I will give you the soul, upon failure."
Satan barked, "What do I look like, a rental kiosk? I say, thee off, Prince. What is a month, when I can have you now, and beyond? Sign, and she is yours for all eternity; lest she remains encaged."
Pendragon huffed, but Kenta said, "I will take you to her. I know exactly where she is now. The princess."
Pendragon asked, "You do?"
Envia cried, "NO! Sign the book! Give your soul, and save Princess Aria."
Pendragon roared, "SILENCE YOUR TONGUE, WITCH!" He said, "I will do as he says… but if I find out your word is false, I shall return to sign the book."
Kenta bowed, "Agreed." He asked the devil, "What say you? Will you agree to it?"
Satan nodded, "I'll be waiting."
Pendragon and Kenta departed. Envia was thwarted again.
"Do you know of an Audrey Kreul?" Kenta asked the prince.
"I do. I was about to go there." The prince said.
"Take me there. Lead the way."
They left for the cottage. Envia snarled, as she and the imp headed off. Satan cackled, and waved goodbye to the witch and her imp.
XXXXX
Audrey returned from the sabbath, as Aria cried, "Audrey! You came back!"
"Aye, I did not go noticed, as I hid in the marsh." Audrey said.
Tolken asked, "Did you have fun at the Witches' Sabbath? What happened?"
Audrey said, "The prince is coming this way… and he's brought a friend. A knight that knows of our location, yet he wishes to rescue you, Princess. He nearly sold his soul, as Envia enticed her to, but the knight prevented him. Now, you are safe, Aria. You shall live to see a thousand dawns. No ax shall touch you now."
Outside, Pendragon arrived at the door, as Kenta said to him, "Go in. I shall stay here. She'll be waiting."
The prince arrived, and then reunited with the princess. However, Kenta confronted the wicked Kenta. Her imp arrived, and tried to sneak into the cottage. She asked, "You were at the sabbath. Why did you foil me? I wanted Pendragon to myself, and Aria dead."
"I am sorry… but I wanted her dead, too. It's convoluted to explain. I wish to speak with the witch, Audrey Kreul, for the news."
XXXXX
Pendragon and Aria embraced, as Audrey and Tolken searched the windows and doors. He asked, "So, you escaped again. How did you escape?"
She said, "Nay, I did not. I was here, this whole time."
"But Envia-." He paused, and then said, "No… The truth is out. You were accused by the witch, Envia."
"But why?"
"No time. We should escape together. We shall marry and live happily ever after. Stay with me, my love."
"But why did you come to save me?"
"A knight saved you. Oddly he spoke, staring at me, like knives from his eyes. Dark, rumpled hair, scar on his face, tall… Why are you scared? Do you know of this man?"
She stated, "I think I do… But it is he." She looked out of the window and gasped, "No… It is him!"
"What has he done to you?"
"He is not evil, nor he is good. But some torture that my brain concealed it from me, nor do I know his name. This much I do know, he is a saint, but he wants me dead."
"She is beset!"
Audrey said, "Nay, 'tis more. This is a well too deep for anyone to remember. This man, he wrought some foul sorcery to her. You have to flee together."
"We'll take refuge in the tavern."
"NAY! The tavern is a roost for bats, and Skew's head was burned away at the event! Tolken will hide you in the woods. Go, and hide, before the dawn."
They ran off, as Audrey awaited Kenta, the man that saved Aria.
XXXXX
Minutes later, Audrey was sharpening her axe, using a stone, coated with holy water. A knock on the door was made, as Kenta was there. He stepped in, as he said, "I wish to help you, young witch."
Envia snuck in, as a rat, and crawled on the floor, eavesdropping the conversation. Audrey said to him, "Help, thy not. I am concerned about your identity. Are you from the past, or present, or epochs yet to come?"
"The future." Kenta remarked.
Audrey was shocked, as he said, "I'm sorry… But there's a lot to be explained. I do not mean no harm."
"You wanted the princess dead."
"I do… but it's not what you think. I am of a pure heart. Where are the prince and princess?"
"They are gone. I sent them away with Tolken, to keep that child from eager eyes of yours. And for what?" She offered a cup of water and added, "The night is long. What is the color of the heart that can and will send an innocent girl from future life to die a grisly death, a second time?"
"Be calm, woman! At dawn, she will live and die, no matter what we do!"
"I DO NOT speak riddles! Address me of the words you speak, and speak clearly!" Audrey boasted.
Kenta noticed the mouse, and put a cup over her. He laughed, as Audrey smiled, "The rat… So, you captured her… Yes, Envia, 'tis SHE! The witch! Raise the cup, and I'll make mashed weremouse for my brew!"
"She cannot escape, while cramped inside."
"Ehhh, yes… Well, suffocate inside, you demoness. You have pulled strings for the last time. WELCOME, ENVIA! I see you are in my cusp!" Her imp, meanwhile, was trying to get in.
As Kenta and Audrey talked, the hearse was driving off, with Tolken driving.
"Jack Sprat could eat no fat
His wife can eat no lean
Betwixt by the two of them
They licked the coffin clean"
At the hut, Audrey was shocked by the truth from Kenta, "What part of her death are you involved in?"
Kenta said, "I was her homeroom teacher in a local high school in Japan. I transported the mental being of a high school girl, an Arisa Uotani, a girl from the 21st Century, back through her being to the physical being that resembles that of your princess. Truthfully, she was condemned and executed, but her mind gave her way to escape. This means that Arisa Uotani did something that changed the future from centuries ago, before she was born. All that happens in the past, affects everything in the future."
"'Tis bad. Carry on."
"When Miss Uotani contacted Princess Aria, she altered the timeline of her time. Her timeline. Looking back, Aria was to be beheaded, on this day, dead by ax. But now she is freed of her timeline, unnaturally. If she dies at dawn, her future is saved. But if she lives, then Arisa Uotani will no longer exist in my time. Meaning, if Princess Aria lives to see dawn again, and live for a very long time, her timeline is erased, forever, and thus…"
"Meaning… if the princess dies… the girl from your time lives on. But if the princess lives…"
"Yes. In short, Uotani, and her past lives from before, will never have existed."
The imp arrived, via as a bat, as Audrey said, "Life… death… So you are right. Life is her death, death is her life… Horrible! HORRIBLE CHOICE!"
"That's why the princess must make the right choice." Kenta smirked.
"But she's still young and innocent to make the choice, herself. She's been through so much. You're the beast that caused it all! YOU will decide for the princess!"
"That I cannot do. Are you saying that I must want Miss Uotani to live? I will end her trance, and thus, Uotani lives on. But at dawn, and Princess Aria lives forever, then Arisa Uotani will no longer exist. I'm not a cruel man. But I am fascinated by my studies of time-travel. Whichever way it goes, I'm certain to see how the timeline changes. But… I could care less about what choice she takes."
The imp appeared and tackled down Audrey. She cried out, "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!" The imp was restraining her, but Kenta shoved him off the back. He inadvertently kicked the can, freeing Envia. The imp choked Audrey by the neck, suffocating her, but Kenta doused the imp with holy water, burning his eyes. He collapsed to the ground, twitching.
"Thank you, young man." Audrey moaned, "But we have to warn the Princess. We must meet with Tolken, and offer the princess her grisly choice!"
They left for the woods, to meet with the carriage. Meanwhile, Envia appeared as a cat, and scampered off to follow them.
XXXXX
Audrey stopped the hearse, as Aria asked, "It's the man from before!"
Pendragon hopped off and barked, "What are you doing here?"
Kenta said, "I wish to aid you, Prince. I must set things right."
Audrey said, "He speaks the truth. Tolken, guard these two with your lives. We must explain everything."
Aria shrieked, "NAY, keep him from me!"
Suddenly, Envia appeared and cackled, "Now, my dear princess, I will do away with-."
Audrey held up her hatchet, coated with holy water, and barked, "Cease your attack, malignancy! Stand aside and draw your claws!"
Envia growled, "I smell eight quarts of human blood that will enrich the ground here."
Satan appeared, as she laughed, "HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! That'll do, players. Everyone is here. Aria is found, and the man that thwarted me comes to me."
Tolken said, "We have exalted company!"
Satan addressed, "Quintin Kenta, sit beside me, and watch as the story reaches its end, from a higher place… as you predicted. He means no harm, since he's just an observer, and I, Satan, be the critic."
Audrey barked, "Belay, coward! The players are all here, but it is NOT for your amusement! Leave the play to us!"
Aria sobbed, "These mysteries roll into my head, but tell me nothing… but I am but the cause of it all."
"NO!" Pendragon said, "You're a victim, not the cause. YOU! The man that doomed my beloved! Speak now, or else I will force you to speak thy tongue!"
Audrey said, "I will speak tongue, hear me out. But hold your rage, until I finish." She addressed Aria and said, "Listen to me… You are fated to become one with history, by entrancement…"
And then, Audrey Kreul explained everything to Princess Aria, and the princess, among others, were stunned. Audrey hissed, "And there you have it… You are intertwined with destiny. Die now, and live again, or live now, and die ever after…"
Aria sobbed, "NO! I won't die… I cannot be dead. I want to live. I WILL REFUSE TO DECIDE!"
Pendragon said, "You must. It is not too late. Stay with me, my beloved."
Envia added, "Go, take the ax and die! You deserve to live in another time."
Satan said, "But Mr. Kenta and I do bid thee to stay. We must learn more about you, dear princess. We will observe the future bend and spin, then change with gay confusion."
Tolken was saddened, "Such is justice… But only I cannot decide for you, knowing that this is your choice to die…"
Aria asked, "But who is this Arisa Uotani? I must know of who she is."
Kenta remarked, "Based upon virtue, she is a common girl, once a rowdy thug, but had a change of heart, for friends. She is of a common female, with a pure heart."
Envia barked, "GO! Die by ax. Wake and be a wretched street rat!"
Audrey pleaded, "Go now! Die, and save your future! But methinks it's best to escape this age of misery!"
Aria was conflicted, as she was forced to decide by the others.
(Pendragon): "Aria, stay with me!"
(Envia): "Take the ax!"
(Satan): "Let the dawn slip by, and live!"
(Audrey): "Go, before time runs out!"
(Pendragon): "Stay, Aria!"
(Satan cackles)
(Envia): "GO!"
(Kenta): "STAY!"
(Audrey): "RUN!"
Aria finally cried, "NO! NO MORE! ENOUGH!" She wept, "Tell me no more… I cannot weigh so many wills. From this madness, I learned of one thing… If I die, at this hour, I will live on in future time, as a different and kind person. But If I live again, those future lives can never be. You have my beloved Pendragon and all my being… but I must have help. But not by any of you… only to one that believes me."
Kenta offered, "Then… May I be the one… to make you remember? I was at fault. I will offer you guidance."
Aria nodded, "Yes… Bring it to me."
Kenta showed his hands to Aria, and Aria's eyes widened. Arisa's voice returned.
"I am Arisa Uotani… I'm a student. I have friends. I have a life. In my time, I was given a second chance. And you should, too. I want to be happy with my friends… Please, do not waste me away. The past years of my life will be erased, because I'm within you. I have been cleansed, long after you were cleansed. The love and happiness cleansed you, as does me. Please, don't end my life… by ending yours, out of guilt and despair."
Her voice vanished, as Aria nodded, "I decided."
The prince and princess kissed each other, as he smiled, "My love… You have decided. We shall be together forever…"
Aria sobbed, as she looked into his eyes, "… … … …goodbye."
She ran off, as the prince cried, "ARIA!"
Audrey and Envia grabbed him, "NO! She's decided her fate!" He broke free, and Audrey shrieked, "TOLKEN, STOP HIM!"
Tolken grabbed his arms and cried, "STOP!" She sobbed, "I beg of you. Don't let her live. There is so much Tolken can take… to see a life wasted, after she learns of her true fate. I may be mad, but I have the heart to know… You have to let her go. If it means that she dies now, and live in another time, so long have I been confused by this, even I can or cannot believe I am bewitched… but if you go to her now, you would doom yourself, too! She chose the right path… And I can't let you… LET YOU SUFFER THE SAME FATE AS SHE HAS!"
The Prince was shocked, and then growled, "You know, I think you really are bewitched!" He shoved Tolken down and barked, "GET OUT OF MY WAY!" He ran off, heading to Aria. Envia transformed into a cat and followed them. Satan said to Kenta, "What say we make a wager: The sun or the ax?"
Kenta and Satan giggled, as the sun was rising. It was almost dawn. The execution was starting, and Aria was heading there, with a new sign of relief and a new ray of hope. Prince Pendragon wanted no part of it. He was gaining on her, until Envia stopped him.
"CEASE, PENDRAGON! Let her go!" Envia pleaded, "Let her die in the ax, it's what she wanted. She knows the way."
"It was your fault, you witch!" The prince held a dagger and roared, "Because of you, my beloved will die!"
"NO! It's the way she wanted, that's all there is! Please, move on, and be with me! Oh, I am sorry I have deceived you, but I want to see you be happy. I love you, Prince… Our love will last forever. I will give you love and romance, until the end of time. And forgive me for ever trying to trick you. I will give my love to you, now and forever, as our souls will intertwine, and we shall have a brighter future, even brighter than Princess Aria's. I can accept that, if this is her fate, anyways. I wouldn't believe it, but my love and warmth is all that I have left for you. Stay with me, Prince… I love you."
STAB!
"AAGH!" Envia was stabbed in the heart, as the prince roared, "Love you? I don't love you! I never do! Your repulsive love is what murdered her!" He pulled the blade out and hollered, "DIE, WITCH!"
Envia collapsed and died, turning into ashes. Pendragon continued to chase after Aria.
XXXXX
At the town square, people were cheering on, as two women were being executed by the ax. Aria arrived on time, just as soon as the second woman was killed. Aria calmly nodded and said nothing. She approached the chopping block and agreed to die.
"Arisa… I may not know who you are… But I know that I will be you, soon…" she thought, as she gave her final words. "Thank you… Arisa."
Pendragon arrived, as Aria placed her head down. The ax raised high. The Prince could only drop to his knees and become saddened by the display.
CHOP!
Princess Aria was dead. Her head fell into the straw basket, as a long silence was made, throughout the town square. Prince Pendragon bowed his head and was saddened by his true love's demise. And in one final sorrowful moment, the morning sun rose from the mountains. It was dawn.
Back in the present, Arisa woke up and moaned, "Damn… What a dream." She looked around, as she was back in the classroom, all alone. She thought, "Wait… Where am I?"
"Uo?" Tohru was waiting for her, as she asked, "There you are. I was looking for you. Hana-chan and I were waiting for you."
Uo yawned, "Mmgh… Oh, man. Hey, Tohru. What a dream."
"Huh? What did you dream about?"
"Well…" Uo vaguely remembered, but she said, "I had a dream that I was a Middle Age Princess… like in the lesson. And… Well… I was on time."
Tohru asked, "What are you talking about?"
Uo said, "Well… Living as a princess was a nightmare, but… After the hell I suffered, and she suffered, I felt warm and human… She gave up so much for me. Just like Kyoko gave up so much for you. It's, as if, she gave me a whole new life, fresh and clean."
Tohru sniffled, "Uo-chan? Oh… That's so beautiful."
Uo smiled, "Come on. Let's go home." She then thought, "I can't blame Mr. Kenta… yet I can forgive him. If I can see him again soon… I want to thank him. I cannot stay mad at him, being he wants to change me. I already have."
Arisa Uotani, thanks to a mean teacher that wanted to change her outlook, has a new way of life. Suffice to say, despite that she has already started a clean slate, because of her past, Arisa's heart has become better and stronger.
(Hanajima): Arisa Uotani… A girl who experienced her past life… and was spared of a change. Bittersweet, yes, but this is how fate procures, when it comes to life. Princess Aria dies, as history progresses, but the life of another continues on, in the branch of a timeline that cannot be severed. While her story ends tragically, the road to the future leads on for Arisa Uotani. Cleansed and with promise, walking the righteous path to the good life… in the "Tales of the Bizarre".
(Heather): Hey wait! Whatever happened to Mr. Quintin Kenta?
Meanwhile, back in the past, Satan and Mr. Kenta were together, as the sun rose. It was dawn, at last.
"Not what I expected, Magician, but it seems that you won." She said to him.
"My work here is done. I am returning home." He smiled, as he stated, "I came here to save Arisa Uotani, and that I did. Now, history is as it is, once more."
Satan nodded, "I see. Then I bid you good tidings. But I leave you with this: Thy voyage to this age was down a long, long road… that tied Arisa to Aria. It was a road from living mind to living mind… One person. And now that Aria is dead, her mind shut off and quit, the road ends."
He said, "That is true. For you see, I know her history, and I wanted to change her. I am a descendant of Prince Pendragon. And I know that he and Envia will marry and live happily ever after. I am his ancestor."
"Alas, I bear you grim news." Satan said, "You are here with me, forever… You see, you tried to save Arisa, by letting Aria die. But during the chaos, Envia dies. And Pendragon is alone and single. Envia died in Pendragon's hand, once he knew that she was a witch, upon Arisa's arrival, by changing the history."
Kenta was stunned, as he asked, "What? NO! I am Prince Pendragon's ancestor."
Satan chuckled, "No… Envia is dead. Thy history lesson is all but outdated. No longer there is any road for thee to take." She laughed evilly, "I fear that the joke's on you, my brilliant friend. Here, you no longer exist. Quintin Kenta… never existed… because you… were a descendant of a witch. But fret not. I will allow thee to stay. So, I beseech thou shall live a full life of comfort, sport, and joy thou make. Here, live happily to a brand new life. For when thy present years are done, I will be waiting for thee.
Fare thee well, Quintin Kenta… wherever you are. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Flames sprouted from the ground, as Mr. Kenta saved Arisa, but altered the timeline. He was reborn in the year where his ancestor, the witch Envia, dies by the hands of Prince Pendragon. Satan gave him a new life. He would remain here in the Middle Ages, for until the end of time. For him, it was hell.
(Hanajima): Mr. Quintin Kenta, former teacher, psychic researcher, and descendant of a disposed witch. Stuck in the age of where he wanted change, and suffered by the hands of the Prince of Darkness. The moral of this story is this: NEVER make a deal with the devil, past, present, or future; and never alter the flow of time, for one's own personal gain.
Or… you might end up in a place, way worse… than a "Tale of the Bizarre".
Beth closed the book, in a smug smile, "The End."
June and Heather were stunned, as Hanajima was amazed. She said, "Ashamed that I wasn't featured in this story, but Tohru said my name. Such a sublime bizarre story, and once that spares Arisa of her wicked fate. And it was a masterpiece." She clapped lightly and smiled, "Bravo, Bethany Nevins."
Beth grinned, as Heather growled, muttering quietly, "She must take after her father's side."
She sat up and barked, "OKAY! Time to go home!" She yelled, "June, get in the car, mask up! Beth, we're going home, now!"
"MOM!" Beth sobbed, "Was my story too scary for you?"
"YES!" She yelled, "And I'm surprised that you take after her, you no-account-!"
"Mom, calm down. You were triggered in fear!" June said.
Heather cried, "FEAR?! I told you! I'm right as-!"
BOOM! Drizzle…
Rain started to pour, as the Nevins Family stopped. Heather moaned, "Rain?"
Hanajima added, "Did I forget to mention that it's going to rain, tonight?"
June said to her, "MOM! I told you that it'll rain heavily, tonight!"
Beth hopped down and said, "Well, looks like we're staying here."
Hanajima said, "Perhaps she's right. I don't want you to end up stranded in the rain. How about you spend the night? When the morning comes, and the rain stops, you are free to leave."
Heather sighed, "Alright… Anything to get my mind off of Beth's putrid horror story…" She whispered, "To be honest, it's so scary that it makes my story turn prissy and cute."
They agreed to spend the night. Heather and Hanajima went to another room, as June said, "Well, I take it that it's fate, as well."
Beth said, "Well, it's better than your android story."
June replied, "Android? I thought it was a story that boggles the mind. Besides, my story ended with a question that can never be answered. What's your story ended with?"
Beth said, "Never tangle with time-travel and reincarnation." She added, "Plus, I didn't want to upset Hanajima. She and Arisa Uotani are best friends."
"Ohh." June nodded.
And so we reached the end of our Tales of the Bizarre. But our story's far from over.
You're about to witness… a story WITHIN a story.
Stay tuned!