Chapter 2 – The Sea of Fragments

"...Ugh. Why did I agree to this, again..?"

Bern flew across the sea of fragments; passing millions of kakeras along the way. The crystallized fragments glowed a vivid blue, giving light to the dark abyss, like the stars in the night sky. No; universe would be a better term to describe it. In a way, the place was beautiful; almost immensely tranquil, if it weren't for the fact that a normal person, or a territory-bound witch, would be trapped there for eternity without a way out if they were to be cast there unwillingly.

...The thought of those beings screaming in agony and hopelessness made Bern smirk.

Half-heartedly folded in her right hand was a piece of paper given by Lambda; directions pointing to a specific area in the sea.

"So Bernn, looks like you lost~! What were the odds of that, I wonder~?"

"...98.57698%, seeing as how you planned this."

"Ooooh, how cruel! You shot a golden arrow through my poor, fragile, maiden heart~! After all, you're the one who picked the game...! How could I have planned something I wasn't even prepared for in the beginning...?" Lambda whined as she clutched her chest, feigning pain. "...But even so, if I did plan this like you said, then why did you agree, hmm?"

Bern couldn't answer.

"You just can't turn poor little 'ol me now, could you? Kyaaa, you just looove me soo much..! A~hem. Well, anyways, I won, so you have to do a favor for me, riiight?"

"...What the hell do you want, Lambda?"

"Tsu~n! Mean as ever! Anwyays..." Lambda stood up, grabbed a pen and a piece of paper out of nowhere, and started scribbling some words on it. "...Here you go!" She said, folding the paper into a paper-airplane, and flinging it towards Bern's face.

Bern caught the paper-plane, and opened it. "...What the hell is this, Lambda?"

"Why, those are directions, of course! You see..." Lambda said as she whirled around- arms outstretched. "I have an acquaintance... or maybe you could call her a good friend. I asked something from her awhile back, you see. But sadly..." She stopped spinning, facing Bern. "She's not allowed to leave her territory.~ I was supposed to pick the item up, but woe is me; being the ever-so-popular Lambda-sama! Due to my ever-so-tight schedule: Meeting with lots of folks, keeping friendships strong, and of course, spending some good 'ol quality with my dear, sweet Bern..."

Bernkastel snorted.

"...Well, you get the point.~ Bottom line is, I don't seem to have the time to pick it up myself. So that's why..." Lambda dramatically pointed her hand at Bern, her index finger inches across her face; "You're gonna do it for me! Kyahahaha!"

Bernkastel frowned. "Tch. And why the hell should I do as you say?"

"Because you lost, silly~! Besides..." Lambda placed her hands on her hips. "I'm sure you'll find something veeeerryyy interesting, there." She grinned. "...since you have no other friends besides the merciful Lambda-sama, you probably just roll around bed all day—bored and awaiting my return, riight? You'd probably want something interesting and worthwhile to do for a change, riiight~? Then this... is the perfect opportunity for you! Ohohohohohoho~!" Lambda cackled, as if she reached some sort of divine conclusion.

Bernkastel desperately wanted to whack her with a broom.

"Aaaaaannnyyyways~! Of course, I won't ignore your part of the deal! Will you do it, or not? Because, I'd be really, reaaally sad if you didn't! I'd probably staple my eyes shut out of depression, so that I won't have to see this cruel, cruel world anymore...!" Lambda said as she planted her palms on her eyes, once again feigning pain.

"...I don't particularly care about what would make you happy, nor do I care about the things you do to yourself in your state of depression. But, as you said..." Bernkastel folded the paper. "...It's not like I have anything better to do. But keep this in mind, Lambda... if this is, in any way, another one of your childish traps, I will definitely wedge a huge stick through your butt-hole, dip you in chocolate syrup, and gnaw you to pieces along with my sweet little cats... understand?"

"Ohohoho! I'm looking forward to it, Bernnnnn...~!" Lambda said, mockingly clasping her hands together in delight. "But I heard too much chocolate is bad for cats!~ *giggle*. Now off you go, little kitten! And if you happen to feel tired from the long trip, feel free to spend your time there as long as you like there, alrightt? I'm sure... She'll be willing to welcome you as a very honored guest. And rest assured; I'll be informing her about your arrival, so she'll definitely be serving you your favorite tea.~ Ufufufu...!"

"...Tch. Whatever. See ya." Bern turned her back on Lambda, and disintegrated into beautiful, glowing blue mist.

…..."Heh. See ya, Bern. Enjoy your stay there, will you?" Pink light started to envelop Lambda. "...Or maybe not. Guess it depends... Heheh."

And with that, she vanished into pink mist.

Bern combed her hand through her hair as she flew. "Hmm.. I wonder what my sweet Lambda is planning now...? That child is so unpredictable..." Glancing around, she checked the directions Lambda gave her. Yes... If a chicken that knew how to write would somehow be given a chance to be reincarnated, it would probably choose Lambda as its vessel. Her writing could shame even a doctor; It's a miracle Bern could even decipher what she wrote. But then again, she is the Witch of Miracles, right?

"...Did Lambda give me the right directions..? I'm supposed to be nearing the place, but..." As she said this, the atmosphere around her suddenly shifted. Before she knew it, she was engulfed by light; and a strange sight awaited her as she opened her eyes.

She expected being transported inside the territorial zone and be served tea by Lambdadelta's so-called friend; but what she saw..

Yes, she wasn't mistaking it. She was still in the sea. …..No, not quite. She was in a sea... closed off within the territory. Thousands of the territory's kakeras were lazily floating around her. Somehow, despite their beautiful glow... She couldn't shake the strong sense of foreboding that each of the crystals were emitting.

"...Well, its definitely better that way," she thought. "...Hmph. Well this is definitely an unusual place to invite a guest into. ...Why don't you show yourself already and serve me some tea, Miss Lambda's Friend..?"

The kakeras all shook at the same time. Each of their light grew brighter; Bernkastel had to shield her eyes, as something- or rather someone, started to materialize a few meters away from her.

As the light died down...

She couldn't believe it.

"...My, my. I don't often get visitors. Forgive me; I did not have enough time to prepare, since Lambda informed me so suddenly... Hee hee."

Those eyes... That were staring at her... They were the same.

…...

The same dull, purple eyes that she had.

"Hee hee. I'm honored to finally meet you... Lady Bernkastel."

AN: So this is the second chapter! c: How was it? Again, comments are greatly appreciated!