Showa Chronicles

Interlude: Season of the Witch

"You're worried about Michiru, huh?" Shinichi asked. He and Hana were sitting in Junko's teashop. The goth was looking after the place while Michiru was away.

"I trust your judgment when you said that Virgilia can help Michiru, Shinichi," Hana answered. "But I can't help but worry."

"Worry about what, exactly?"

"I'm worried if Michiru will change once her training is complete. I'm worried I may not recognize her anymore."

"You're worried she might get corrupted by her magic."

"Yes, I am. You have to admit that most of the witches we've met are batshit crazy, and a few have even tried to outright kill us," Hana pointed out. "I haven't forgotten how Berkenstel unwittingly manipulated that woman into warping the timestream just to see you erased."

"True, after they shed their mortality, the witches lost their empathy and became amoral godlike beings. They just do whatever they like because their magic allows them to and they don't have to face the consequences," Shinichi acknowledged. "That's why Zawadi wanted to take it from them."

"So, you understand why I'm worried. While I support Michiru's desire to understand and master her newly discovered magic, I'm still not sure if it's worth the risk of her losing her humanity."

"I think we can trust Michiru not to go mad with power once she becomes a full-fledged witch. Out of all of us, you know her the best and you both did whatever it took to keep each other on the level."

"That's pretty cookie-cutter of you," Hana snarked. "But you're right. How long until her training finishes then?"

"As long as she needs to master her powers."

Virgilia, the former Endless Witch now had a new apprentice. Michiru Misami was her name and Shinichi claimed she possessed untapped magical potential. When Virgilia first laid eyes on her, she knew this to be true. The girl did indeed possess the potential to become a witch. Truth be told, Virgilia had never had a cyborg super soldier as an apprentice before but there was a first time for everything.

As far as Virgilia could tell, Michiru's magic had remained dormant until she was taken into Zawadi's realm. It was possible that exposure to its environment allowed her to awaken her latent magical abilities. However, the reason why they had awakened was less important. What was more important was to help the girl control these abilities. If she never learned to control her abilities, then her magic could run rampant and the results would be catastrophic.

"So, Shinichi told me you could teach me how to be a witch," Michiru said as she had tea with the former Endless Witch.

"Yes, I can. But why me? Why not Beatrice?" Virgilia politely asked.

"Because she is crazy and I don't want to be traumatized," Michiru answered bluntly. "I've already put my trauma behind me. I don't want to experience new trauma."

"Ah, yes. Beatrice's teachings would probably break you mentally and spiritually," Virgilia acknowledged. "But are you sure you want to take this path? Do you even know how Metawitches are created?"

"It has to do with the Metaverse, right?" Michiru questioned.

"While it is true that the Metaverse allows humans to learn how to wield magic, there are limits to what they can learn. While many can gain magical skills, develop and empower them, only a scant few are capable of ascending to the level of true witchhood. How this happens varies for each person involved," Virgilia explained.

"So there are different ways to become a witch," Michiru understood, nodding. "What are they?"

"The first way is 'recognition'. A human who becomes a witch is recognized by humans and/or witches by signing a sacred register with their witch's name and title. A witch's title is related to the type of magic they use. Sometimes, it is customary to organize a special ceremony in which every high-ranking witch is present to celebrate the occasion.

"The second is 'inheritance'. This is when a witch passes on their title and powers to another witch or human. This is how Beatrice gained my original titles as the 'Golden Witch' and 'Endless Witch'.

"Finally, the last way someone can become a witch is by winning a witch's game. When a human being becomes a witch's piece on the board, they have a chance to become a witch by overcoming all the challenges they are faced with and solving all the mysteries within the game."

"I think I've got the first way covered," Michiru stated.

"Oh?"

"Yeah, it was when I first unlocked my magic. Alan told me that Zawadi was shocked when I used magic for the first time. That means she recognises me, right?"

"Yes, you were recognized by a witch and a powerful one in fact," Virgilia acknowledged. "But I doubt you realize the true dangers of becoming a witch."

"What are the dangers?" Michiru questioned.

"Are you aware of your friend Shinichi's unique mental mindscape?" Virgilia inquired.

"I think so. He says he has different versions of himself living in his head."

"Imagine that another version of you is able to walk freely in the Metaverse while you also exist in the human world. It's like what happened with Rika Furude and Frederica Bernkastel. Sooner or later, your human self and your witch self will become two separate beings, completely independent of each other."

"Is that..." Michiru gulped. "Is that bad?" Having another version of herself did not sound too bad but then Frederica was way different from the Rika she knew. The Witch of Miracles was just coldhearted and cruel with only a soft spot for Rika.

"It all depends on the scenario," Virgilia replied. "When this happened to Battler, his human and witch selves were practically the same person, with a few minor differences. For Beatrice, the split was so violent that her mind snapped into three individual beings. Only the most dominant personality was able to become a witch while the other two became furniture. I guess you can say, it all depends on how you feed the beast."

"Will my witch self try to kill me so they can be the only one?" Michiru asked worriedly.

"Like I said, it depends on how you feed the beast but this is still your decision. I've told you all you need to know. Now, you can decide if you wish to walk this path."

Michiru mulled over it. She wanted to learn to control her new powers but there were huge risks if she decided to walk this path. However, she needed to control these powers. She needed to understand them. And if becoming a witch could help her, then she would do it. Not just for herself, but for Hana and her team too.

"...If it's to help my friends, then I'll accept this burden," Michiru resolved.

"Very well, child," Virgilia accepted. "But first you will need to be dressed in proper training attire and then we shall begin your training, my new apprentice." Virgilia took out her wand and waved it. Gold magical particles rained down on Michiru, changing her attire in a flash. Now, she was dressed in a school uniform. The white blouse fit very tightly to show off her figure and the skirt came down to mid-thigh. The stocking came up to mid-thigh as well, revealing a bit of flesh between her skirt and stockings. Her feet were covered by loafers. Finally, she had on a black blazer.

"Oh, this is cool," Michiru twirled in her new uniform. "How do I look?"

"Acceptable," Virgilia acknowledged. "Now, come, apprentice. Let us begin your training."

"Oh, I can't wait!" Michiru said eagerly as she walked alongside her teacher.

For her first lesson, Virgilia asked Michiru to show off her own abilities. For this demonstration, they would be using the ballroom as it had enough space.

"Now, show me what you can do," Virgilia ordered.

"Yes, Sensei!" Michiru's eyes glowed with a soft pink hue as she cast an illusion. Virgilia watched as the young woman conjured a very realistic illusion of her Rider form but it was so tall that it nearly touched the ceiling.

"Impressive," Virgilia praised.

"They make a good distraction," Michiru boasted.

"You can make these illusions solid too, can you not?"

"Yeah, I can."

"Show me."

"And then you'll teach me how to make those cannon towers?"

"One step at a time, witchling. I can't just snap my fingers and make you a witch. Well, I can, but then you wouldn't learn anything, would you? Now, show me the limits of your power."

Michiru focused and the giant Carmen went and grabbed a table. As she made the illusion solid, it could grip the table and lift it up. Virgilia's eyes narrowed as she studied Michiru's technique. Creating solid illusions was high-level magic and yet the girl claimed it was all made with technology.

"Interesting, and you were given this ability by your...handler, was it?" Virgilia asked.

"You mean the scientist who turned me into a cyborg? Yeah?" Michiru did not want to talk about him, much less think of him. He was dead and not worth remembering.

"Perhaps you had it all wrong. Maybe his experiments allowed you to awaken your powers but he could only scratch the surface," Virgilia concluded.

"That could be it," Michiru agreed. Ever since she awoke her magic, she began to think that her illusions were just a fraction of her true ability.

"With this power, you could make your own Furniture," Virgilia said.

"Make my own Furniture? You mean like Satan and the others?" Michiru asked.

"Indeed. Or did you believe they were the actual demons of the same name?" Virgilia questioned.

"No, no. I always assumed it was like when Anastasia revived Misato and the others and made them into her servants," Misato answered.

"Anastasia..." Virgilia sniffed disapprovingly at the mention of the former Witch of Terror. "She was improperly trained. If she was actually serious, she could have created higher-ranked furniture instead of raising the dead to create them. Even Bernkastel made her own Furniture," Virgilia confirmed.

"That's the witch that looks like Rika-chan, right?" Michiru asked.

"Yes."

"What's her Furniture like?"

"If you're lucky, I pray you never meet them. They are sadistic little beasts." Virgilia shuddered when she recalled the last time Bernkastel had summoned her Wild Cats. They were vicious little beasts. "And Furniture are an extension of a witch's power."

"Cool. I can make my own minions then," Michiru grinned.

"Again, that is a lesson for another time. Now, let's see what else you are capable of so we may continue your training."

Michiru excelled in her training, impressing Virgilia. She made mistakes but her teacher was able to help her correct them so they could continue to polish the witchling's skills. Michiru did not know how much time had passed but she missed Hana who probably missed her too. However, Virgilia assured her that Hana would not even miss her since time worked differently in the Metaverse.

It was now time for Michiru's final lesson. She was going to actualize her witch self.

"Now, I want to imagine yourself as a witch," Virginia instructed.

"Imagine myself as a witch?" Michiru asked.

"Yes, and you need to bring that image into reality. You see, our appearance is based on how we see ourselves. It's how we stay so young. It's why witches like Bernkastel and Lambdadelta appear as they do. As witches, we can bring our mental image into reality. Since you will become a witch yourself, you can do the same and as an illusionist, you should know how to bring these images into reality. Now, show me your witch self."

"OK..." Michiru closed her eyes to concentrate.

"Focus and concentrate on that image. Bring out your true inner self," Virginia instructed as she walked around Michiru. "Picture it clearly in your mind. Do not lose focus. Do you see it now? "

It took a bit of time but Virgilia watched as Michiru's body began to shine with a pink glow. Her clothing broke down but instead of vanishing the particles became flower petals that swirled around her body. Her twintails came undone before her hair was styled into a braid that was draped over her right shoulder. The petals then formed her attire, covering her body before their pinkish glow faded.

Michiru was now dressed like a flamenco dancer in a vibrant pink dress with black trim. The dress was strapless and backless with flared cuffs. There was a slit in the skirt that went all the way up to her hip, revealing the silk stockings she wore with her matching flamenco shoes. The image of orchids that were done in golden thread decorated the dress and she had orchids in her hair which now had pink streaks. Her earrings were also shaped like orchids but the necklace around her neck had a heart-shaped spider pendant. A hand fan appeared in her hand and she spread it open. Her nails were also done in blood-red nail polish and she wore red lipstick.

"So, how do I look?" Michiru asked as she twirled in her new dress.

"Take a look," Virgilia waved her wand to conjure a full-length mirror.

"Wow," Michiru admired her new appearance. "I'm hot!"

"So, what shall you call yourself?" Virgilia asked her apprentice.

"Well, I was hoping to call myself 'Carmen Chaotica: the Witch of Chaos'!" She waved her fan and in a flash of pink magic, it turned into a scythe with a pink blade. "And these shall be my Furniture!" She swung her scythe and instantly grew a garden of giant black orchids. Virgilia watched as the orchids were not orchids at all but creatures. They were clad in black that made them look like ninjas but their hoods were pointed. Instead of eyes, they had red visors. Their legs were double-jointed and they had three toes on each foot. Finally, they had long arms but instead of hands, they had sharp scythe blades.

"Presenting the Chaos Corps Kuroko!" Michiru declared as her Kuroko Furniture knelt before their mistress.

Virgilia applauded with a huge grin. Her apprentice was now a fully-fledged witch and she would eventually take her place as one of the Metawitches. For now, she was happy with her progress. Her training was still incomplete but she was confident that her apprentice could figure things out from here.

One day, Virgilia and Michiru had an unexpected guest.

"Hm, when I heard that Teacher had a new apprentice, I had to come see for myself," Beatrice said as she sat at the table with Virgilia and Michiru. They were having a small party. The Golden Witch looked at Michiru critically and scoffed. "Do you really think she can be as powerful as me?"

"She has potential," Virgilia defended.

"If you say so," Beatrice dismissed, rolling her eyes.

Michiru glared at the Golden Witch and stood up.

"So, you don't think I'm good enough?" Michiru demanded.

Beatrice let out her signature cackle before snorting, "Little girl, you're still green and a few hundred years early before you can even claim to be at my level."

"Then how about you put your money where your mouth is?" Michiru challenged and Beatrice's eyes sparkled mischievously.

"Oh, and here I thought this was going to be a boring old tea party," Beatrice responded as she stood up. "Very well. If you wish to be destroyed, then I'll oblige you."

"Please take it outside," Virgilia said in an exasperated tone.

"Of course, Sensei," Michiru agreed.

"Very well, Teacher," Beatrice concurred.

Both witches vanished in flashes of pink and gold. Virgilia soon followed suit. The three now stood in front of a tall mansion. It was dark out with the moon casting its glow over the front yard. Beatrice the Golden Witch and Michiru the Witch of Chaos stood across from each other. Michiru had changed into her witch's raiment and brandished her fan.

"I'll enjoy turning you into a crying heap, little girl!" Beatrice taunted.

"We'll see who'll be crying, you old hag!" Michiru shot back, enraging Beatrice whose lips curled into a vicious smile.

"Goat Butlers!" Beatrice summoned, calling forth her Furniture. The goat-headed butlers appeared as a horde, ready to do their mistress' bidding. "Teach this upstart a lesson!" The Goat Butlers roared and charged for Michiru who waved her fan.

"Kuroko!" Michiru called as she summoned her Furniture. They burst out of the shadows and swarmed the Goat Butlers. Both armies fought ferociously, as the two witches focused on each other.

"So, you learnt a new trick," Beatrice said.

"Wasn't that hard," Michiru shrugged.

"Well, if that's all you can do then this match is over! Arise, Shoulder War Towers!" Beatrice summoned her war towers and the Gatling cannons popped out. "Fire!"

The Gatling cannons fired a salvo of energy spears at Michiru and her Kuroko, hitting Beatrice's Goat Butlers as well. Explosions erupted across the yard, engulfing the two armies in flames. Beatrice cackled maniacally as she was sure to win this duel. How could she lose? She was more powerful, more experienced, and overall better than a witchling who had just been born yesterday.

However, she soon stopped laughing as she felt a sharp blade pierce her shoulder. She looked down and saw Michiru with her Chaos Scythe embedded in her shoulder. The Witch of Chaos grinned as she sliced Beatrice's arm off. Blood splashed her and the grass as Beatrice recoiled, blood pouring from the stump.

"And first blood goes to me," Michiru giggled. "So, still think I'm a few thousand years too early to be at your level?"

Beatrice looked at her bleeding stump but in a flash of gold, her arm was restored. She flexed her fingers and cleaned off the blood that stained her dress.

"Alright, I'll admit you have skills, but I still have more power than you can possibly imagine!" Beatrice cast her next spell. "Come forth, Knight Golems!" The two gigantic knights rose up behind Beatrice, holding large shields and lances. "How's that? Are you scared now?"

"I've seen scarier," Michiru retorted. "Now, for my next trick!" Michiru tossed her scythe into the air. "Henshin!" Her Spark Core belt appeared and she performed a dance as a cluster of pink flower petals flowed around her. Her dress vanished, leaving her nude until she was clad in a skintight black bodysuit. The flower petals fused with her bodysuit and turned into a strapless pink dress with black trim and a bow in the back. The skirt had slits on both sides that went up to her hips and a black corset wrapped around her midsection, tied with pink string. A set of spiked pauldrons appeared on her shoulders and pink thigh-high stiletto boots appeared on her legs. Pink gauntlets with spiked bracelets appeared on her forearms and finally her head was encased in a black helmet with a pink heart-shaped visor and a silver mouthplate. The long antennae that hung from her helmet resembled her signature twintails. She caught her scythe as it fell and she finished her dance with a flourish, shouldering her weapon as she posed dramatically.

Now, Virgilia was impressed. Her apprentice had not only gained mastery of her magic but had also learned how to augment her Rider form with it.

Beatrice clicked her tongue in annoyance and sent her golem knights to attack Carmen. Despite their size, they were fast as they thrust their lances down on her but the Rider vanished in a burst of pink petals before reappearing over their heads. Then, in the blink of an eye, Carmen made an army of copies that descended upon the golem knights.

The copies' scythes cut into their golems' armour, slicing the two giants to pieces.

"Ah, so you still prefer going full frontal I see," Beatrice scowled, holding up her hand as her golden butterflies fluttered into her grasp. The butterflies cluttered together forming a golden broadsword. She clutched her weapon, giving it several practice swings before pointing it at the Kamen Rider.. "Very well. Out of respect, I shall face you in kind!"

"Do you even know how to hold a sword?" Carmen asked sarcastically.

"Simply because I prefer attacking from a distance does not mean I am not well-versed in close quarters combat," Beatrice smirked, "I only ever use this weapon when I take someone seriously. Consider yourself honoured, baby sister."

"Let's dance!" Carmen went on the attack, spinning like a tornado as she attempted to strike Beatrice with her Chaos Scythe. Beatrice held her ground, using her broadsword to parry Carmen's attack. Sparks flew as steel met steel until Carmen finally knocked Beatrice's sword aside. Carmen brought her scythe down but Beatrice swiftly blocked the weapon before sending the witchling flying with an explosive spell.

Carmen was flung backwards but she landed on her feet. Beatrice snapped her fingers and summoned an array of golden swords that hovered behind her. She pointed at Carmen and snapped her fingers, shooting the swords at Carmen like harpoons.

Carmen spun her scythe in front of her, using it as a shield to deflect the flying swords. She quickly teleported and got behind Beatrice to land a blow but a huge Shield of Hephaestus rose up to block her attack. Beatrice lowered the shield and lunged at Carmen who blocked the golden blade with the shaft of her scythe.

Carmen's visor flashed and she summoned three duplicates behind Beatrice. They raised their scythes but spheres of light shot out of the ground and impaled the copies, causing them to burst into pink flower petals.

"You always love to attack from behind, don't you?" Beatrice leaned into Carmen who glared back. "How cowardly."

"Funny, Hana-chan always calls it pragmatic," Carmen retorted. "Like this!" Carmen punched Beatrice in the stomach, stunning the Golden Witch. She repeatedly punched Beatrice in the stomach before she withdrew her scythe and swung the flat side against Beatrice's face, knocking her to the ground.

Beatrice lay on the ground and looked up to see Carmen looming over her with her scythe held above her head. Before Carmen could bring it down, Beatrice teleported behind Carmen and stabbed her in the back.

"You're right. Attacking from behind is pragmatic," Beatrice mocked as she landed a lethal blow. Her victorious smile fell as she felt cold steel against her throat and the Rider in front of her turned into a cluster of pink petals.

"Ditto," Carmen agreed as she stood behind Beatrice with her scythe's blade hooked around the older witch's neck.

"Do you really think this will-" Beatrice was cut off as multiple scythe blades sprouted from the ground and surrounded her, forming a makeshift cage. The tips of the blades were dangerously close to her vital areas.

"Make a move and you'll be in pieces," Carmen warned, her voice cold.

"...Fine," Beatrice conceded. "I surrender."

"Then this is the end of the duel!" Virgilia announced. "Carmen Chaotica is the winner!"

Carmen banished her weapons and armour once the duel was over. Beatrice turned to face her once she was no longer threatened by stabbing implements.

"Good fight. That was fun," Michiru smiled as she offered her hand. "Sorry about calling you an old hag."

"Don't worry so much about it," Beatrice said as she shook it, "I have been called much worse."

Virgilia approached the pair before turning to her old ward.

"So, what do you think?" she asked.

"She is clever, deviously so. And using her magic in tune with her martial arts is something none of us other witches has ever bothered to try. It's a breath of fresh air," Beatrice summarized. "There is still much she can learn, but for now I believe her training is complete."

"Huh?" Michiru blinked in surprise.

"You see, in order to gauge how much you've learned, Beatrice volunteered to get you into a Witch's Duel," Virgilia explained. "Everyone in this realm was aware that I was training you and was watching your progress. In fact, they are still watching right now." She looked over at a sparkling black cat hiding from around the corner. When she did, it slinked into the shadows.

"Don't tell me you thought you actually won," Beatrice smirked haughtily. "Even Teacher is unable to defeat me. I had 666 ways of breaking out of that cage, but it wasn't anything serious."

"What? But you... then you could've... gah!" Michiru screamed in disbelief.

"HAHA! No need to get so worked up over it. In a few hundred years you will make an exceptional witch!" Beatrice beamed as she took the young witch into her bosom. "Oh, you're going to be lots of fun!"

"Hey! I'm married, you know!" Michiru protested but her cries were muffled in marshmallow hell.

"As am I. I don't swing that way so you won't have to worry," Beatrice teased.

"Ladies, if you're quite done, how about you get yourself cleaned up for dinner?" Virgilia advised as Michiru removed herself. "I'm sure you have both worked up quite the appetite."

"I'm in the mood for a banana split," Michiru requested.

"Dessert for dinner?" Beatrice smiled, amused by the idea. "Now that sounds like a sweet idea."

"Children..." Virgilia sighed as she rolled her eyes.

Hana was waiting for Michiru to return, reading a book of dark poetry. She was doing her best not to be worried about her wife but she could not help it. While she trusted Michiru's judgment, she was worried that Michiru might change once her training was complete. What if she could no longer recognize Michiru once she became a witch?

Honestly, Hana was worried Michiru could be corrupted by this magic as almost every witch they had met was crazy. It was all because they were so old that they just forgot what it was like to be human, discarding human morality entirely. They just did whatever they liked because their magic allowed them to do it. It was like they believed they were invincible and were free of consequences. That was why Zawadi believed they were not worthy of their magic and wanted to take it from them.

No, she could not think like that. She needed to trust that Michiru would not go mad with power once she became a full-fledged witch.

All of a sudden, Hana was surprised when her wife appeared in a flash of pink light that turned into falling flower petals.

"Hana-chan, I'm home!" Michiru declared, wearing her flamenco dress.

"Michiru!" Hana gasped.

"Did you miss me?" Michiru winked saucily as she went and put an arm around Hana's waist, pulling her wife against her.

"You were only gone for a few hours," Hana informed Michiru, blushing as she saw how hot she looked in her dress.

"Really? It felt like years to me. Oh, well," Michiru shrugged. "Would you like to dance, mi querida?" Michiru snapped her fingers and romantic music came out of nowhere.

"Oh, why the hell not?" Hana accepted and the married couple danced.

Dr. KRC: And so this is the last interlude before we get started with the third arc of the trilogy. Michiru has mastered her magic and has become a witch. She also upgraded her Rider form and even impressed Beatrice. I sure hope you were all entertained.