Angie was screaming again and Donna knew from experience what that meant. The doll maker had learned over the years that Angie screaming in her sleep like this could mean only one of two things, either Mother Miranda was calling or her son got into the dolls again.
Donna sighed in annoyance as the doll continued to scream, Mother Miranda was calling to remind her of the meeting later today. She'd always dreaded these monthly meetings, not only because of the endless and tiring discussions with her siblings, but because of the frigid morning snow and the horrible cold, it brought.
Donna slowly walked through the basement of the massive house, she didn't bother cleaning anything up, she just wanted to finish that phone call and be done with the meeting.
Before the Dollmaker could fully leave the basement, she gazed around her workshop. Old books and papers littered the floor while various doll parts almost completely covered the surface of a massive table that stretched nearly the entire length of the room. But the only item that caught her eye in the mess of plastic arms and legs, was a colorful purple kimono. Donna's fingers brushed the fabric gently and a small smile rose from her previously frowning lips.
The soft fabric of the faded kimono was covered in a layer of dust as Donna brushed some of it away, right into Angie, who was holding a picture of a little fox that had been drawn by the unsteady hands of a child. The drawing was also covered in a thin layer of dust with two painted handprints, one black and child-sized and the other from Angie's hand. Both are still bright and visible from where they rested next to the fox on the page despite its apparent age.
Donna looked at her friend, Angie must have looked through one of the dusty books next to the kimono judging by the look of her hands. Angie looked at her with a smile, well as close as the doll can get to one.
Donna's fragile smile broke as she wondered; how long had it been since she lost her beloved child. How many years would she continue to suffer alone? Cursed to be trapped in this village?
How happy she had once been, before all the death and the horrors of her life, but maybe that's why Donna's world of make-believe and childlike wonder was all she had. Maybe that was why she still thought of love, the sweet embrace of a family. She could remember them clearly, even through the thick fog blanketing her mind. The dark and stormy night when her husband approached her home. The tender feeling of his hands, the sweet moments of happiness with the gorgeous man as his soft blue eyes met her cold gray. The passion of those lustful nights as she poured her heart and soul into him.
It wasn't long before Sora came, and with another new addition to her life, the doll maker's life was happy. A loving husband and a beautiful baby boy who looked just like her. Angie even stopped being the terror roaming the house and eventually became peaceful. Donna loved the sweet moments of tea and cakes, and the late nights with a book as she helped her handsome little bird with learning how to read and write. Oh, how she truly loved her husband, he was the perfect thing to let her be human, let her be a good mother to their child.
Donna just wished he didn't leave that fateful night. It was Sora's first birthday, and he had decided to venture out into the snowy village in an attempt to find a way for them to escape. That night was one of many assaults on Donna's heart. The only thing Donna learned of the murder, was that he had been stabbed and his body burned by fire. Mother Miranda had woken her up in the middle of the night, as Donna was the town's doctor momentarily, Donna rushed to see his body learning the horrible truth. The only thing her husband still intact was his purple kimono. Donna could only watch as the cruel woman gave her a dark look and walked away, leaving her to bury the body of her husband. Donna never asked if Miranda knew, she never asked her anything ever again. Staying silent until only those who she truly cared about ever got to hear her voice.
The second time that Donna had opened her heart It took the near death of a mysterious blue-haired woman slowly dying of blood loss from the lycans. Donna was curious about the new person in her life. She'd later learn that this woman was named Aqua or, as Angie called her Blueberry.
Donna didn't want Aqua to take Sora away from her, but there was no choice, Miranda had nearly found out about them, and she couldn't let Sora be found and so she had to let him go, far away with Aqua, someplace Miranda would never find him. After that day, Donna's life was dreadful. Deep down in her heart, every day her life would feel worse, the once warm eyes that shone like gray diamonds, had grown cold, dead, and completely lifeless.
The villagers had come to fear her if not outright hate her. A man had left her estate and died, and news of her letting an outsider into her house, letting her leave, and in "Mother" endless compassion crushed her heart by sending countless people to her estate. Tales of her cruel murders spread across the village like wildfire.
Villagers would warn the poor unfortunate souls of their demise, it was always the same, for the most part. It's all a game Donna would tell herself as she cried to sleep every night. They simply were playing games and it got out of hand, they simply wanted to be scared, they knew their lives were pointless in the village, and must have thought if they died on her land, it would be a mercy compared to the other lords right?
Donna had been nicknamed the Marionette of Hell as anyone who entered her estate would die, as screams echoed throughout the house once their minds were lost. Those that dared to venture in were lost to insanity, claiming to see things, but Donna knew better. They killed themselves in panic and fear of the nightmares she showed them, they hated her, and all Donna wanted was to be alone with Angie. Only falling deeper into her depression, and anxiety letting herself and the once beautiful cursed estate fall to pieces. Donna walked over to the phone, her mind clouded in thought as she held the device to her ear like she used to, hoping for a sign of happiness.
Donna didn't know why she would gravitate to the phone. Maybe it was the day, she held with bated breath. The day her son would call her, the day Sora will arrive to free her, the day she would have to come clean with her guilt, how could she explain to him all the deaths She and Angie caused over the years? Would Sora ever forgive her, even if she could never forgive herself for all the pain she caused?
"Donna, earth to Donna. Wake the fuck up, Mother Miranda is talking to us." Angie shouted, snapping Donna out of her thoughts.
"Donna, are you there?" Donna could hear Mother Miranda clearly through the phone's earpiece. As usual, her tone was cold, distant, and full of disgust for Donna. Miranda wasn't her mother, she was just a Ruler. Hellbent on reviving her dead child, rather than focusing on the so-called "children" that she had already taken in. Hell, She and Angie were better mothers and they didn't even get to enjoy their child's life after the age of four.
"I'm here, Mother Miranda. Was there something you needed from us?" Donna whispered, trying to hold herself together.
"I was calling to remind you that we have a meeting today. I've obtained the vessel and it will soon be time to revive my beloved Eva. I would like all of my children to be there. I expect you both to arrive on time." Miranda hung up, leaving Donna in silence
A few minutes passed after the phone call, and for the first time in so long, emotions fully sank into Donna and Angie's minds. It wasn't sadness, nor anger, it was something more, it felt like excitement. Donna took a couple of moments to figure out why she was excited, and the realization hit her like a truck. As a small glimpse of light shone through the cold stare of her eyes.
Today was the day Mother Miranda would confirm for the last time she didn't love them, the day they would be cast aside for a new child to replace them. All the signs were there and Donna knew it. She could only wonder in some form of twisted delight, as she tried to picture Moreau being worried before he was gutted like a fish, as he turned into a mess of vomit and disgust, Alcina would follow Miranda's orders in an idiotic notion that she was loved by the cruel dictator of the village. Donna wondered if Alcina would panic over her daughters upon knowing they'd probably die in the end. Would the castle be ripped to pieces or would Miranda just use her powers to drag the little shits into the cold? Lastly, Karl, he'd probably fight her and die trying. If Donna was lucky, Miranda and Karl killed each other as well.
Donna would have said she didn't want that, not wanting to be abandoned. But she knew long ago that her dream family, that excitement she once held for Miranda and her siblings, was a complete lie. That illusion of happiness died long ago, long before Robin, Sora, Aqua graced her home, or any of her maids tried to show her any attempt at compassion before their bittersweet deaths.
Today had to be the day that she stood up for herself and as her brother Heisenberg once told her, "Kill that bitch." It was the only way to make her real family whole again. Donna had to kill Miranda and the others, it was the only way to make up for the horrible mistakes of her actions.
Donna looked next to the phone at a hand-drawn picture of Sora, Angie, and her. The dark-clothed family looked happy, her child even had some small writing above him in different colors saying, May you walk beyond the valley of death no more.
Donna quietly set down the phone, smiling. Angie was cackling, feeling a level of excitement once felt only when their "Playmates" came over or Sora wanted to play hide and seek.
"Oh this is gonna be fun, how are we gonna do it, Donna? Are you gonna get a weapon? What about the child? We gotta be smart about this, after all, I doubt Sora would wanna see us dead." Angie said quietly. Donna knew this was a big deal, just the seriousness of Angie's tone was enough for her to realize that this was her only hope of seeing them again.
"First we need guns and medical supplies from the Duke. At least we'll possibly have a fighting chance against Moreau. I don't know how we'd even deal with Alcina or Heisenberg." Donna hugged herself, she hated her siblings that were each powerful and loved by Miranda in their twisted ways with Donna being treated like nothing. Just a girl from a cursed family with only the ability to make dolls come to life and cause people to see things.
"Do you think it's a child from the village?" Angie suddenly shouted, trying to change the subject and hoping to keep her best friend rational enough to plan. She hated it, normally Donna was the rational one with Angie as her the mad child of the house.
"Keep it down Angie, we'll figure something out, besides If needed we'll make a new plan," Donna said as she picked the talking doll up, it was almost time for the meeting and Donna knew this meant seeing the Duke as well.
--
Donna was filled with apprehension while walking to the meeting with Angie in her arms. They walked down to the elevator and she turned around only for a moment to see the roaring waterfall that was next to her house, the thundering roar of the falls reminding her that she was the only one left. Why was her family cursed with death and tragedy? First, her sister died from an unknown illness, then her parents died by jumping off that accursed waterfall. That day was the day she broke, and she had stayed that way until Miranda's so-called gift. Later, at the cost of her eye and even more of her sanity, she gained a friend in Angie. Angie was the rock that kept her going and if it wasn't for her best friend, Donna didn't know what she would have done. Most likely something drastic, after all her mental state never recovered after the loss of her family, why not add more trauma and misery into her life with the gift of Miranda, also known as the Cadou, a parasite implanted into her head?
Donna gazed with her one good eye into the waterfall, transfixed, as the visions and ghosts of her past danced within the rushing water as she thought of those she'd lost. Mom, Dad, Claudia, Robin, and everyone that she loved were connected to that waterfall in some way.
"Donna, you're thinking about them again?" Angie asked, pulling on the doll maker's sleeve of her mourning garb.
Donna let out a soft sigh, turning away from the cliff next to her home and staring at the silent manor, Donna gave it one last look before entering the old elevator with Angie, the doll quickly pressing a button to go down.
After leaving the elevator, the doll maker looked around as they traveled through a graveyard on their way to the Duke's shop. Donna gazed at the tombstones covered in flowers and dolls as they passed them by.
Donna kneeled next to the biggest grave of them all and looked at the tombstone. She had made sure her little sister had the biggest memorial to her passing. Claudia Benevento had been more than a sister to Donna, she was like Donna's guardian angel for the entire childhood they'd spent together, all the way up until the day she died.
Donna placed her hand on the cold stone. Removing part of her veil, Angie looked at her, letting the much-needed moment between sisters happen.
It was a little farther to the Duke, only the remnants of their garden, and the valley ringed by broken dolls that littered the trees, so Angie decided to move from Donna to look around. They were surrounded by endless gray tombstones and wilted yellow flowers with the only things not covered in grime or decay being Claudia's grave and those towards the center. The ones kept clean were for maids and family members, and Angie walked around the snowy graves, seeing the names of the dead.
Eevee, Annie, Caroline, Arya, Ishira, and only a handful of maids managed to give a proper burial. It was always so horrible visiting this place before every meeting. When Donna was praying to her sister, Angie sometimes pondered what would happen to them after they moved on. Would they be buried here with their family and loved ones? What would happen if they weren't? Not wanting to linger on those thoughts, Angie quickly returned to Donna.
Donna lifted her hand from the snowy grave after noticing that Angie had returned from looking at their friends and family. As she stood, Donna wished the Door of Memories, and her elevator wasn't next to the graveyard. It made the tragic sight of her land even more miserable. Sighing, Donna picked up Angie and they started again up the stairs to the old garden.
An old building greeted them upon arrival alongside rusty fences, old lamps that had run out a long time ago, a dilapidated toolshed, a rundown greenhouse in the distance, and the old gardener, long since dead with only his body and scattered tools marked his ever being here. Vines littered the once-beautiful area and dead flowers were everywhere, the only life in the cold and wilted facsimile of a garden was the yellow flowers, a gift of Miranda's madness. Anyone who smelled them would be under her control, forced to see hallucinations and dreams, or whatever she wanted.
The gardener's house was in a state of decay, rotten wood lay inside, and a giant hole in the side from when a Urais Drac passed through her land, bringing death and destruction in its wake. Donna walked away hoping it would never return.
The rest of the journey was in silence, no words were spoken as they walked past the rest of the old garden, the old bridge, or the doll-covered forest. Not once did they talk. There was no point in words. The ruined land was just another victim of Donna's pain and it felt best to leave it unspoken until a better time.
Silently, Donna opened the door that led away from her forest of hanging dolls and mist and out to the village. The big wooden door that connected her land to the rest of the village was the same as Moreau's door, their house symbol hanging above Mother Miranda's symbol on each side of the giant doors. It was a reminder not only of her status as a Lady, but the fact that Mother Miranda controlled her, and any who dared to enter would only know to suffer. Donna turned to the left of the doors to see the duke's shop and a horde of people suddenly came into view. Everyone looked at her with eyes filled with fear and deep hate. Donna sighed as she looked out at the hateful crowd, it was the only way to the meeting.
The Giants Chalice was an odd thing in the village,
the only things Donna and Angie ever learned about it was that the chalice had been around since the early days of the village and it had the Umbrella Company logo on it, and yet it lay in the center of the town's marketplace, its purpose unknown to Donna, or anybody in the village. Only Miranda knew the answer.
The town was lively and full of people unaware of the death and suffering they'd soon experience as the Lycans would feast, ripping through their entrails and gorging on the flesh of their many lives. Children would die brutally, and families dragged, slaughtered, and changed. Even in death, they'd never feel peace. Lord Heisenberg and Lord Moreau would take the living and dead for their means, while Lady Alcina used the rest as food. But for now, they shopped at the Duke's store and chatted with each other or left to work at Karl's factory to her right, rarely ever to be seen again.
Donna held Angie closer as her shoulders dropped, to the point she almost held her beloved doll like a child would after a day of yelling and sorrow. She couldn't save anyone, she couldn't even save herself most likely. This was to be her only shot at seeing her child again. This wasn't just revenge for her life, and her family, but also for the victims by her hand. This was Donna's wake-up call to that bitch's game.
Donna had known everyone would die, leaving the Lords to play or rot unless an outside force would intervene, sadly Donna only had Angie and memories of the past chaining her to this village of shadows. So she was on her own, no Aqua, no Sora to help her out, she had to fight her own battles for once.
All Donna had was Angie and soon a couple of guns, knowing full well going in gun blazing would probably fail, but Donna loved underdog stories with Cinderella being a personal favorite. And today, she was her own Cinderella, with Angie as her foul-mouthed and murderous mouse, ready to aid her in seeing her little prince before the final hour was upon them.
"Are you ready Donna? We gotta see the Duke and make a move." Angie reassured her friend, floating ever so slightly in Donna's arms. Angie wasn't laughing and she spoke quietly with all seriousness in her voice as Donna needed all the courage and motivation she could get. This was facing her family and an army of monsters straight out of a horror movie.
"I have to try for everyone. We can't let their suffering and deaths go in vain." Donna choked out. Trying to hold back some bile, she walked closer to the Duke's emporium. The villagers were watching her with looks ranging from fear and disgust to anger and hatred. She wouldn't blame them, because of her family they live in fear of death and they prayed to a psychopath with a twisted mother complex. They acted like everything was fine when deep down they wanted to see her and the others hanged or killed with their homes ransacked.
Donna could see just how much they hated her. She was the reason all loved ones died after all. The number of wives, daughters, and sisters who've died due to her, let alone her "family'' was untold. She could have made an effort and opened her mouth to Miranda at any point, but it would have been fruitless. The bitch would have only let the madness continue. She'd have sent more of them to die at that slaughterhouse of a village.
Donna hated being attached to people. It felt like a gunshot to her chest seeing a maiden chosen from the village come to her, it was like counting the days till their deaths. Those who entered for greed and blood would die, screaming into the night as their nightmares chased them, going crazy at the sight of blood-soaked fingers clawing into their soul. Donna would miss some of them, some of her few who survived long enough to be called maids, friends as she called them, were innocent, only dying due to Mother Miranda deciding she was too happy. After all, it's so much easier to kill them like pigs in the slaughterhouse than to give them freedom or give her a chance at happiness once more.
As Donna thought even more about the past, she wondered how many nights, how many nights did she cry until her eye was bloodshot, lying to her son and saying things like, "The maids are simply going to Castle Dimitrescu, going to take care of her big sister for a while!" Only to tell him they died serving her? Those were the unfortunate ones, they'd be worked to death with no hope for peace or burial, with only blood and wine as their fate for their work. Those who died under House Benevento were given a proper burial, and a tombstone to join her sister's and workers' graves. The families sent letters that she wrote herself with more than their wages folded within the pages. It's what made Donna the most respected and haunting lord until her husband's death.
At least when her son was still around when Donna was happy despite living in fear of Miranda, of the whole damn village. She would treat her guests like people, but once the things that moved her strings were cut from her life. There was no point in compassion, in love, in this cold, winter village, only death could be found. She was broken for so long and had embraced death, killing others may have been wrong to her, but it wasn't like she had a choice living under Miranda's rule. It hurt so much, looking at the men and women of the village, seeing their angry looks as they silently cursed at her, weapons drawn as their hands shook in fear.
Donna shook herself out of her reverie and walked a little while longer before abruptly coming face to face with the Duke. The Duke was a friendly person, he was always kind to her, and even those she cared about, for a price at least. Donna didn't know if there was more to him beyond his need for money and she viewed him more as a salesman than a friend. But some things made her hate him, not the happy look nor the great service, but the power the man held. Miranda dubbed him the unofficial fifth lord of the village, a man who was anywhere and everywhere at once.
The thing that made Donna hate the man in addition to his power, was the fact he would never help beyond buying and selling. He never saved people unless they had money, trade, or work. The man was like a sinister extortionist. One moment, he'll watch you with kind eyes, the next he'll turn his head and watch you suffer.
How Donna envied him, a man free to do whatever he pleased. He didn't have to worry about the blood on his hands as long as he kept up a smile and offered goods to the needy and those crazy enough to fight a battle that was foolish to anyone lacking common sense.
"Hello Duke" Donna whispered to the large man. It had been years since she physically talked to him as she was far more comfortable with letting Angie do all the talking, but it was a discomfort she'd have to deal with if she wanted to talk to her son again.
"Ah Ms. Beneviento, Ms. Angie. Welcome to my humble shop, if I may so humbly ask what the occasion is, if it's just window shopping please look to your heart's content." The Duke laughed as he lit up another expensive cigar.
Donna looked around for a moment, the shop was full of odds and ends, from bullets and herbs to the smallest shiny gem, he had a bit of everything. Angie immediately jumped onto the large man with a joyful look in her eyes, reminiscent of a kid in a candy store, or in her case, a killer prepared to slaughter their helpless victim and love every second of their demise.
"Hey Duke, how much for that one?" Angie pointed at an old gun that looked well taken care of if Donna's knowledge of old movies was anything to go by. The revolver looked cheap, but it could probably help with lycans and any person in the village. Her siblings were another story, as they'd be too tough for a simple piece like that.
"Why that is the Handcannon PZ, I'll admit, for whatever you're planning, I'd recommend something stronger. As a friend, please Donna, tell me what's this about?" The Duke asked softly, the grand chuckle was gone leaving only a devastated expression behind.
Donna took a breath as she prepared to speak to the man. Her throat felt strained as if it would be the first time in years going beyond a whispered word to Angie, let alone talking to another person. The many people in the area did not help at all, but Donna tightened her hands and finally forced herself to speak.
"There's someone that I've lost, Duke. The only way to be with my child is the death of Miranda and her family." Donna declared to the salesman. The anger in her voice was a surprise to the man.
The Duke took a puff of his cigar as he spoke. "I've seen many things, Donna. I've seen children slaughter each other for survival and hunters who fight with nothing more than their souls and the men around them. I've seen the darkest parts of mankind. This village is full of cruel horrors, you know this better than anyone Donna. You wish to be with your child, so maybe we can work together. A simple exchange if you will."
"You see, I have some information that could help you and Angie on this journey. All I ask is any treasures you come across be offered as trade. I am a businessman after all. So Donna, if you are both serious about this, I will gladly be at your service." The Duke beamed, rubbing his hands together.
"Why are you doing this Duke? This isn't like you, you're normally all about money and shit. Why ask us for treasure? We're fucking rich, why would you want us to gather treasure from this hellhole?" Angie snapped, pointing her finger at the large man.
"Why! Isn't that the question? It's funny, I remember a lot of things. You see I was once a boy, strong, and I loved the people I cared for, my little den of kittens. However, I was young and foolish. In my youth, I did many things to help others, I helped teach a generation to fight, I hunted, I understood life, people smiling, and peace in our time. However, as you know peace is only as long as you let it. I failed to help my children win an unwinnable battle. In the wake of defeat, I gave up on fighting, this mound of flesh and misery is my punishment for letting them down. Now I only focus on coins, if I can't help people the right way, I can help them try to help themselves. It's a foolish way of approaching a problem. But what can you do?" The Duke chuckled slightly, taking his cigar and putting it out.
Donna stared nervously at the Duke as the hulking man leaned down to look at her. As he moved out of the way, she saw a large cracked mask on the wall behind him.
"Please, pay that no mind. Is there anything else you'd like? The meeting is almost upon us." The Duke said, trying to change the conversation away from himself and back to the deal at hand.
Donna decided to let the man have his secrets as she pointed to a few smaller things around his shop. A couple of green herbs, a first aid bottle, a fully automatic pistol, and some ammo. She had to be light and unnoticed like always. Outside of survival, one thing caught Donna's eye. It was a small pink and cream-colored fox plushie with a small silver mask over the yellow beads that served as its eyes.
"What can you tell me about the plush?" Donna spoke up, looking at the soft doll-like figure with deep interest. The soft-looking fox was eye-catching and demanded her attention, like a flicking string to a kitten.
"Why that was created based on a legendary warrior, rumor has it that she was a crafty fighter in battle and a lover of children. A symbol of happiness and knowledge that would guide those to safety and peace." The Duke beamed, picking up the small figure.
"Is it for sale?" Angie giggled, wanting to hold the little fox. Her porcelain hands scratched at the Duke's shirt with a childish desire for the cute object.
"Yes, it is. But why would you like this Donna, if I may ask." The Duke raised an eyebrow at the toy.
"It reminds me of a happier time." Donna smiled, thinking back to a picture of a pink fox on her floor. The memory of Sora dancing to a soft piano song from her record player. Donna loved seeing his smile, it warmed her heart. Her child was ever so kind to her, always playing with the dolls, making them feel like real people. She could remember him telling her about the drawing.
"She reminds me of something I've dreamed about." Sora said giggling in delight. Donna didn't know what it meant, but she giggled and patted her son's black hair. "Maybe in the next dream you have you'll get to meet your mysterious fox, my little bambino," Donna whispered, hugging the boy.
After grabbing the toy and the rest of her items, Donna and Angie thanked the Duke and started walking toward the meeting. The gun felt heavy on Donna's hip. She had never used a gun before, and it didn't make the fact that Angie slipped the revolver in her dress any less worrisome.
Before she got too far, though, she remembered something and quickly turned around to ask the Duke a question.
"Tell me, Duke, what kind of information do you have?" Donna asked nicely.
"Why? We've got a visitor in the village today. I'm sure they'll be quite a surprise. That's all I can say, Donna, you'd better get going." The Duke whispered.
"Oh! And Miss Benevento, to answer your earlier question, the reason for the treasure is simple. This village is doomed and I simply don't want precious items destroyed by your family drama. Just thought I'd let you know." The Duke said, giving the doll maker a small wave.
—--
The rest of the journey was uneventful, the snow was kicking up harder so a blizzard was likely, villagers were preparing for the worst, and Donna was lucky to avoid most of them while making her way through the center of town. The old church bell ran longer than normal and the Angel and Demon gate was open, Angie jumped down, running through the small wine cave towards the Shrine, Donna pulled a lever and a secret passageway opened to show the way to the dark, depressing church.
The rundown church was dark and in ruin, the only light in the large space came from the cracks in the ceiling. She stepped out of the tunnel to a horde of lycans watching her. Their mouths drool with blood and saliva. Donna had once felt pity for the previously human creatures, but nothing stayed human in this village. You are either a monster or a victim, that was the order of Mother and her siblings.
Angie gasped noticing that, for once, they were the first ones here. The doll laughed, wishing she had a photo of the moment. Only for that child-like enjoyment to be dashed as Alcina showed up.
The tall woman didn't even look at them, as she walked proudly over to her massive seat, taking a generous sip of her wine glass, and taking a puff from an expansive-looking cigarette. A moment later, her eyes finally looked down at the doll maker in the corner.
Angie gripped her dress in anger. She wanted to take that magnum and blow the tall vampire's brains out and help get Donna closer to being happy again. The Mistress of Castle Milf, was always so boastful of her status and pride. It was sickening to the Doll, even more so to the Dollmaker.
Oh, how they hated the oversized bitch, the constant reminders of her wealth, and devotion to Miranda was like nails on a chalkboard. But the thing that made Donna, and Angie hate her, was the vampire's daughters. The neverending reminder that She wasn't with Sora, in a happier place. Donna would admit at one point she likes Alcina's girls, but over the years, even with her mental health in ruin, she realized it, she just couldn't stand those fly fucks.
It was like choking on bile, every time they were together, the constant buzzing, the oh-so-fake smile Donna put on her face to please them while Angie talked to her. Donna hated everyone alive in the village. Quickly Donna thought of a funny idea since everyone was gonna die today at some point. Why not insult and piss off her "Family" it be a treat seeing how they reacted to her outburst.
Donna decided to start with Alcina to be the first of her siblings to be hurt, sure Alcina was probably not the first person to kill today, but Donna had to kill her. It just felt right for all the years of suffering listening to her daughters, the constant verbal ice pick to her heart would slowly be fixed.
"Hello there, You oversized wine-drinking piece of ass. Hey, Thunder Thighs have you sat on anybody yet, or are you saving that for Heisenberg." Angie yelled to the massive woman, in her loudest voice possible to piss her off. The plan to anger the tall lady worked as Alcina quickly rose and pointed her long talons toward Donna's neck.
Donna could feel the long sword-like claws pressing ever so slightly against her neck as Alcina's blood-smelling breath panted as she slowly removed her long fingernails away in anger.
"You dare make those comments towards me, Donna. Me, the only family member, to show you any love and compassion, under our mother's rule." Alcina yelled in anger, as her wine glass shattered in her hand being crushed by the tall woman's pure strength.
Donna was beginning to regret her plan, that was until a foul-smelling substance that looked like vomit landed right next to Alcina and her. Donna quickly looked over to the entrance of the cave to see another of her siblings, Lord Moreau.
"No, you can't fight now, both of you have to stop, Mother will be angry with us." The Ghoulish Fishman Moreau cried out, limping into the foul altar of their "Mother".
Donna looked at her older brother, as usual, his foul-smelling vomit dripped from his mouth. The hideous look of his outfit, the sad look in his eyes, to the way he worshiped Mother Miranda, it was sickening. Donna at one point had respect for the man, but after losing Sora, she saw Moreau for who he truly was, just a man who was the ruler of filth and ugliness.
Sure Sora would have told her it was wrong to judge people like that, and Donna never judged people, her playmates had respect even in their death and suffering, and Aqua more than had her respect. For fucks sake, the dead maids that laid beneath her grounds had more respect and dignity than that of Moreau, no her "Family" and that bitch of a mother.
"What are you doing here, Ugly, I thought this was a family meeting, not a trip to the zoo." Angie said, yelling at the hunched-over man. Angie hated the fish man, he was ugly, useless, a pain in the ass to listen to, and worst of all was his love for Miranda. It was gross, it was a problem, no an illness or a mental thing.
Angie hated Moreau, as much as she hated Heisenberg, and speak of the devil, she could hear the clanging, of metal, that cigar-smoking, show-off, overblown madman was here, and from the sounds of it had another victim for the others to play wit, probably in another of those stupid death games.
Donna could see the red tip of his cigar, as the noise of metal scraping the stone floor of the room, the strongest of the lords had arrived, Karl Heisenberg.
"I found an outsider, he was standing outside the door to your place, Bitch. You really need a better way of getting food. Oh, this is a surprise, The Moranic Freak and the Ugly Ass Psycho Doll are here before Miranda, oh and I guess you're here too Donna." Karl chuckled briefly, opening up the cage of metal to reveal a man.
The man had short brown hair and was wearing a black hoodie with a beige jacket on top. He was covered in red and green stains, and a river of blood was flowing from his left hand, which looked to have lost a couple of fingers. He looked like he'd been through hell.
This made Donna curious, outsiders never lasted long in the village, unless she was given any, as maids or prey. This man looked like he had fought the Lycans.
"I see you've brought fresh prey" Alcina said, walking closer to the unconscious man. Angie and Moreau followed close by, as Karl slammed his hammer cracking the ground, and making several Lycans howl.
"Back off freaks, it's up to Miranda to judge him, speaking of which." Karl shouted, as a murder of crows flew into the area, and with a sinister laugh, Mother Miranda, the head of the lords, and ruler of the village had arrived.
"My children, it is time for the meeting to begin, please take a seat, we shall deal with our guest shortly." Mother Miranda said, raising her arms, as a baby was rising from the ground on a large vine made of mold.
"So that is the child, you spoke of Mother." Alcina said as she saw Miranda grab the child. The baby cried as she glowed with light.
Donna and Angie were speechless, as the baby glowed so bright, it was like they were being bathed in pure light, as Miranda laughed.
A second later the crying had stopped, and all that remained of the baby were four containers.
"My children, as the ceremony is tonight, I am giving you each a piece of dear Rose. Even if some of you don't deserve her. Nonetheless, I accept all of you to bring your pieces to the Giant's Chalice before the ceremony, is that understood?" Miranda boomed as her eyes looked at the pieces of Rose.
Donna was angry, another child had to suffer at the hand of Miranda, at first her mind thought it was a child from the village, but that was stupid. Miranda had killed any child below the age of five long ago. So of course it was a baby, a poor defenseless baby.
Donna could feel Angie, she was furious, and desperately wanted to grab the hand cannon. Donna quickly lowered Angie's arm as Miranda walked over to her, the bitch was silent, and had a disappointed look on her face.
"I didn't want to do this, but you leave me no choice, Donna, you too get a piece of Rosemary. You'd better bring her or else, after all, you can do better than fucking Moreau can't you." Miranda whispered into the Dollmaker's ear.
"Where am I?" A voice spoke, as everyone turned their heads to see the unconscious man wake up, shaking his wrist, as the metal handcuffs jangled.
"Who the hell are you freaks, where's Rose, where is my daughter, I swore to God if you hurt her." the man screamed, as tears began running down his face.
"Ah, Mr. Winters, I've been waiting for this moment for so long. Allow me to introduce myself and my children. After all, you are the one to make all this possible." Miranda smiled as she walked around the rundown church handing out flasks to Alcina, Heisenberg, and Moreau.
"Mother Miranda, where's our flask?" Angie yelled impatiently as the blond-haired woman snapped her head back in frustration. As she continued to smile, transforming into a woman with long black hair, a white dress with a floral design, and a motherly smile.
"I'm making sure things go perfectly, Angie. So while Donna makes her dolls, you can play hide and seek with Mommy's precious flask from the man over there, after all. You'd be dead in no time if you fought him. Mommy needs to make sure the bad man can't hurt you, and I wouldn't want my sweet little girl to get hurt again.
"Remember I punished all those nasty maids who tried to hurt you last time, I let your beloved big sister teach them a lesson, now Donna, please let mommy handle this, so this man can burn like that horrible outsider in the purple kimono. Ok, sweetie, so shut the fuck up now, or I swear to God, I will personally toss you over that fucking waterfall myself." The woman said as her smile turned dead serious as she transformed back into Miranda.
"I'm sorry about that Ethan, sometimes you gotta take more extreme measures with the kids, you hate the most. Now than Alcina, Moreau, Heisenberg, Waste of space. Why don't you tell me why you should have Ethan here, to play with?" Miranda commanded, as all the lords except Donna, rose from their seats.
"I believe, I should have him, Mother, I will give you a Lycan, I will do anything you ask of me." Moreau laughed, as he walked up to Ethan, as his foul breath made the man wanna vomit.
"Well then now that the ingrate's turn is over with, give the mortal to me. Mother and I shall insure the man's suffering is most assured, and as you all know my daughters love…entertaining foreigners.
Furthermore, I shall deliver to you the finest cup of his slaughter blood, I can make the most out of the man thing, if given the chance Mother. It would be a greater pleasure than the bread and circuses Heisenberg could offer." Alcina grinned, as she looked down at the man, he was quiet, looking around the room.
Alcina was pissed, as she extended her long talons stabbing the stone wall behind the man. Making Mother Miranda raise her hand, forcing the tall vampire to return to her seat.
"Now, Alcina, I still haven't heard from Heisenberg and Donna. Donna, Angie, anything you have to say." Miranda asked, looking at the Dollmaker for a glance before looking over to Heisenberg.
"Give him to me, and I'll put on a show we can all enjoy after all wouldn't it be more entertaining to see Ethan here, have a chance at survival, at revenge for his daughter's fate, a test of endurance, of quick wit, and well the chance at his bloody end.
"It would be a lot better than Fish for brains, making some piss ass lycan, before eating it, or whatever shit Donna probably make him do, ya gonna do another stupid bullshit game to get poor Ethan high off his ass. That just wouldn't do, let's not forget Lady super-sized bitch over here, probably just cut his dick off in that castle of hers and call it a day." Heisenberg chuckled, as Alcina rose, ready to argue with his reasoning, only to be stopped by the stone-cold look of Miranda.
"I've made my decision, some of you were more concerned with the value of your ideas, and what you'd bring to me, and I have decided, Heisenberg, the man's fate is in your hands." Miranda grinned, as Heisenberg summoned his hammer off the ground.
In an impressive feat of strength, the large hammer was held above the man's head. Just as Heisenberg was ready to let the games begin, a bullet was heard, and the gunshot made the lycans roar, as everyone looked around until they saw her, they saw Donna Beneviento holding an old-looking revolver.
"Miranda don't you dare make him go down into that death trap of a game. I swear to god, I'm not gonna let you hurt another innocent life." Donna screamed as she held the Handcannon, ready to fire at Miranda.
"Oh, Donna, why are you always the disappointment? It would have been smarter to stay silent and wait for a better time, good thing Karl told me of the guns you were packing." Miranda chuckled momentarily as she snapped her fingers. As the other two lords rose, Alcina with a look of excitement, in seeing Donna's suffering, Moreau let out a hefty laugh before coughing.
"You know of our plan." Angie asked as she attempted to pull the pistol out of Donna's outfit. Only to be stopped by Heisenberg, as soon as she touched the gun.
"Mother, do you want me to kill them?" Karl asked, looking deeply at Donna through his black sunglasses. Turning his head to see Miranda, nodding for a second.
"Is it my call on her death, Mother." Karl said, looking at Miranda, who was silent. As the magnetic man laughed, as Alcina tried to respond, only to be drowned out by the horde of Lycans howling above.
"Lycans, and Gentleman, we thank you for waiting, and now let the games begin. For tonight's performance, The man who survived the horrors of the Baker Estate, none other than Ethan Winters. Also, we have a special contestant in our game, The Former lord of House Beneveinto, the Dollmaker Donna Beneveinto, and her fucking loud-mouth doll Angie.
"Now Donna, if you want any chance at survival, I'd recommend taking those guns of yours and shooting a Lycan or two, and I'm not talking about those forearms of yours. Now get ready 'cause it's showtime." Karl boomed as he started counting down.
Donna quickly grabbed Angie, and ran after Ethan, as Alcina took a shot at slashing at her, only for Angie to hit her in the face with the Handcannon leaving the countess unfazed, Donna noticed Ethan had jumped into the dark tunnel.
As she stood at the edge of what was most likely certain death, she looked back at her "Family" and smiled, removing the black mourning veil from her face, showing them a big oversized grin, and the cadou on her left eye.
"I swear on my Son and my dead Husband. Angie and I are gonna kill every last one of you." Donna yelled as Angie and she jumped after Ethan into the game of death.
Today was the day Donna Hikari Beneviento would be free from this village of shadows. No longer would she be trapped in this cruel village, not when the light of freedom was so close?
Author notes
So it's finally here after I attempt to redo and fix this story for weeks. It's time for mom Donna to raise, and follow canon to a degree. So yeah about 80% of this story is canon stuff. XD
I hope you all enjoy my second Donna fic.