#i have my dearest older sibling to thank for setting me down this path

[wilderbas]

something something i finally watched arcane on sat something about all the new gaybies i have adopted something something im doomed

[akirakurusuimagines]

Christmas Gifts (Akira & Lavenza)

Blowing hot air into his hands, Akira hastily made his way through the crowded streets of Shibuya, bumping shoulders with couples at every turn and softly muttering a word of apology and bowing his head respectfully as he squeezed through in an attempt to get to the alley he knew like the back of his hand⁠— towards the Velvet Room.

It was strange to him, to be in such a crowded place on Christmas⁠— though it made sense, considering his more humble countryside origins… and truthfully, he did enjoy seeing the abundance of festive decorations and large amounts of people spreading joy through simple manners, whether with greetings or with gifts; it warmed his heart. Perhaps because it gave him a reason to spoil his dearest friends with gifts he would never have found in his hometown.

He had already made his rounds⁠⁠— a backpack, once full of gifts was now empty, save for a single, small, light, and neatly wrapped package at the bottom. It was so light, Akira had to pause at times and check the bag to make sure it wasn’t gone somehow⁠. Can never be too careful. Sighing softly as he checked one last time before making a fool of himself, Akira walked closer to the young girl standing alone, smiling as he watched her lift her head from her grimoire to greet him enthusiastically.

“Shall I guide you to my master?” She asked, looking up at her savior with warmth. It was only natural she would assume he’d come to enter the Velvet Room and see her master Igor, considering her status as an attendant.

Akira laughed softly and shook his head. “Nah, that won’t be necessary,” he commented, keeping his gaze trained on her. “Thank you, Lavenza.”

“Oh...? Then may I ask why you’ve come? It’s Christmas, if I remember correctly… you should be spending it with those you have made strong bonds with.” Lavenza’s expression appeared puzzled. Akira figured that was a natural reaction⁠— anyone would assume he’d spend it with his friends, especially after what had happened the day before: the Phantom Thieves defeating a false god and stealing humanity’s treasure… it all feels like a dream, or a very distant memory.

“I came to see you.”

His answer was short and blunt, and yet somehow Lavenza still took several moments to process his words, her golden eyes wide in surprise as it slowly sunk in. Akira was aware of the feelings Lavenza held for him, that much was certain, considering how she had just as bluntly professed her love for him. She was also certain of the feelings he held for her, considering her both a younger sibling and a savior of sorts⁠— guiding his path when he was the most lost. “Ah…” Lavenza couldn’t help the warmth that rose to her cheeks as she held onto the grimoire a little tighter, shifting her weight. “My trickster, you are too kind…”

“Hold on a moment before you start calling me kind. I haven’t even given you your gift yet.” Akira pulled the bag off of his shoulders and opened the zipper, reaching his hand in and fishing for the gift as Lavenza continued to be surprised. “Here,” he said as he held out the gift for her to take. “Merry Christmas.”

Lavenza stared at Akira for a good few moments, her eyes shifting between the small gift in his hands and the kind expression of a boy who truly cares for her. She put her grimoire underneath her arm and took the gift with mild hesitation, holding her breath and wondering if this was truly happening. She had given things to him before without issue⁠— as Caroline and Justine, and as her true self. However, the thought of receiving something from her dear trickster had never occurred to her before then. She didn’t say a word, only slowly opening the gift, wrapped in a fitting blue and gold, only to reveal a black box. Lavenza cast her gaze upwards to be met with an encouraging nod.

“Open it.”

Lavenza pressed her lips together and pulled it apart, gasping when she saw the contents inside. She looked up with shock⁠, overwhelmed, unsure of what to say or how she could even accept such a gift. “My trickster, you truly… you did not have to…” She was at a loss for words, and looked down again at the item in the palm of her hand⁠— a new bookmark. When Akira had won the fight against her split forms, they had given him Justine’s bookmark as a reward. And now⁠—

“I thought you might need a new one.” Akira rubbed the back of his neck, pleased with her reaction. “Do you like it?”

It was a fairly simple bookmark, matching her colorscheme once more with the metallic blue and gold trimming, reflecting her grimoire’s design, though several things stood out to her the most⁠— the small gold insignia of the phantom thieves inscribed onto the bottom right corner of the bookmark, and the charm attached to it, of a small blue butterfly, not too dissimilar to what she had used when talking to Akira during her incomplete state during his time of crisis. “I… I love it. Thank you, my trickster. You truly are… the world’s greatest man.” Lavenza finally breathed out, her heart racing and chest warm.

Akira stepped closer and lifted the small black foam cushion the bookmark a mischievous smile dancing on his face. “There’s more,” He mumbled, lifting the backing enough to reveal a crisply folded piece of paper. “It’ll… be a little embarrassing for you to read it now, so save it for later. There’s something else attached to it too. But⁠— like I said, read it later.”

“I⁠— I see. Thank you.” Lavenza exclaimed, her curiosity beginning to overwhelm her a little, though she took the paper from the box and with the bookmark, slid it both into her grimoire for later. “I suppose that’s all, correct?” She asked, a slightly sad edge to her voice slipping out that she did not quite mean⁠— she was extremely happy with the gifts she was given, though she still wished to spend more time with him. So she covered up her feelings with a smile and clutched the grimoire close to her chest once more. “Merry Christmas, my dear trickster. I hope you enjoy your night.”

“Wait⁠—” Akira shook his head, appearing displeased at her sudden shift in mood. “I was actually going to ask if you’d like to come to Leblanc for a little while. I’d like to make you some coffee.” He paused for a second, looking at her with furrowed eyebrows, wondering if she even liked the bitter beverage. “Or hot chocolate. It is chilly tonight.”

Lavenza carried her grimoire in one arm and began to giggle, hiding her mouth behind her hand. “You truly are full of surprises, trickster. I… I would love to accompany you at your residence for a little while.” She smiled brightly, truly believing that nothing could be better than this.

Akira held out his hand for Lavenza to take, and she did. It felt nice⁠— holding the very same hand that saved humanity… saved her. “You’ve never celebrated Christmas before, have you?” Akira asked, genuinely curious. He’s heard brief mentions of her family, though knew nothing beyond that.

“Ah… yes, you are correct. My older siblings and I have not participated in human traditions like that. At least to my knowledge. However… this is very nice. Perhaps I could convince my master to spare some thought into doing something like this for the holidays.” Lavenza smiled as she walked, looking down at her feet while Akira guided her through the streets, weaving between the crowds once more, heading towards the train station.

Akira nodded, deciding to use the time to get to know her a little more, considering Caroline and Justine were difficult to approach, even more so to get them to open up. “That’s interesting… how many siblings do you have, actually?”

“Three elder siblings.”

“Three? Wow, that’s amazing. I’m an only child, so I couldn’t imagine how it must feel to be the youngest of four.”

“It was… quite the experience. One of my sisters and I can get… competitive at times. She also treats my elder brother rather harshly, though he is quite the pushover. My eldest sister is quite the woman, though she also can get to be a bit mischievous at times, and her anger can be… unbridled.”

“Your family sounds lively. I’d love to meet them one day.”

“Ah… forgive me, but unless it is by a stroke of mysterious luck, it is unlikely you will… we are bound to our guests.”

“That’s a shame.”

Akira kept Lavenza close, making sure she didn’t get lost as they made their way towards Leblanc, hand in hand. He fished out the key to the door from his pocket and slid it inside, twisting the key and unlocking the door, seeing as how Sojiro was spending his night with Futaba back at his home.

“Your place of residence is quite humble, trickster… though very comforting nonetheless.” Lavenza commented as she walked inside, clearly amazed by the size and decor. “Would you mind if I took a seat?”

Akira chuckled, amused by Lavenza’s manners. “Be my guest.” He himself walked around the counter, where Lavenza propped herself up, setting her grimoire in front of her. He slipped on the apron over his head, careful to watch his glasses as he did so, and as he began to tie the strings behind his back, he looked to Lavenza and asked her, “What would you like? Coffee, or hot chocolate?”

She thought for a moment, but eventually went with the latter, figuring she would prefer the sweeter drink. Lavenza couldn’t thank him more for his kindness with her, and she watched him set off to work on her warm beverage with an intrigued gaze, amazed at the vast variety of skills her trickster possessed. She watched him work with wonder for several minutes, before remembering the folded paper that stuck out of her grimoire that she was instructed to save for later.

Lavenza gently took it out, holding it in her hand as she looked up to make sure he wasn’t watching⁠— if he wasn’t watching her read it, it should be fine, right? Her curiosity was getting the better of her, and it was more and more difficult to resist the temptation to open and read its contents. Eventually, she caved, unfolding the papers and holding it out in her hands, her eyes immediately gluing itself into the first words he had written.

Dear Lavenza,

I’ll be honest… I never expected any of this to happen when I first arrived in Tokyo. How could I? Personas, becoming a thief, rehabilitation, ruin, all of it. I may not have known your true form for long, but you’ve been there for me every step of the way: from whenever I was lost and unsure of what to do next to whenever I needed assistance with my personas, fusing them and strengthening them. You, as the blue butterfly, as Justine and Caroline, and then… as yourself. You’ve helped me in so many ways, that I really don’t know how to express my gratitude to you for all of it. Thank you, Lavenza. For your strength, and for giving it to us.

I realize our time together is probably coming to a close sometime soon. We’ve destroyed Mementos, and taken care of the false god, so there isn’t any need for me to be contracted to the Velvet Room anymore, right? I’d like to take advantage of being a guest of yours and Igor’s for a little while longer, since I am going back to my hometown in March. I… do not want to forget you. And I don’t want you to forget me either⁠— so I’m going to treasure the bookmark you gave me, and I hope you’ll do the same.

Merry Christmas,

Joker

Lavenza was completely entranced by the letter that she hadn’t even noticed Akira was looking at her until he had set the cup of hot chocolate down next to her. He wasn’t upset she was reading the letter⁠— though did look a little embarrassed. It was always strange seeing someone read something of yours, like that. “Ah⁠—!” Lavenza hastily set the paper down, cheeks red. She grabbed the mug and brought it close, using it to cover the flustered expression she bore from having been caught, as well as from the words that replayed over and over in her head. “It’s very hot…” Lavenza muttered, having regretted trying to take a sip of her beverage, though when she lifted her eyes, she saw Akira was no longer looking at her⁠— and instead was cleaning up.

She took her chances and looked back at the letter, reading it once more, as if the letters would fade in a minute. She swung her legs and lifted the cup up to her lips again, this time managing to take a sip of it, and relishing in the delicious taste. “Thank you… this is incredible.”

“You’re welcome,” Akira replied, not sparing her a look as he washed the dishes. “Make sure you take the last gift from the letter.”

Lavenza’s eyebrows furrowed, but she turned the page over, finally spotting the small charm attached to the letter with tape. “Oh… this is…” She peeled it open and cupped it in her hand, amazed by the small charm. Lavenza curiously began to mess with it, only to have the charm split into two halves. “Ah⁠—!” She exclaimed, fearing she may have broken it, though she quickly realized that it was intentional. “Could this be for… Caroline and Justine?”

“Yeah. I figured they should get something, too.” Akira wiped his hands on a spare towel and walked around the bar, standing close to Lavenza. “I hope they like⁠—”

He cut himself off, as Lavenza lunged forward and wrapped her small arms around his torso as she disregarded the feelings inside her head that warned her not to do such a thing. Akira shook his head with a chuckle as the surprise quickly wore away, and gently petted the girl’s head, genuinely elated she seemed to think so highly of him and his gifts. “I’m glad.” As she began to pull away, Akira stopped her, knowing she was doing so out of courtesy. “We can stay like that a little longer.” He spoke in a gentle tone that melted her heart, and she sunk back into his warm embrace. “Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas, my dear trickster… thank you.”

[for-the-dales]

Chapter 2: Josephine

Chapter 1 (Leliana):  https://for-the-dales.tumblr.com/post/185692342364/the-path-forward-chapter-1-leliana

           Josephine didn’t cry until she saw the burst of magic miles away fling itself up into the monstrous green vortex in the sky. She saw it calm, but remain stubbornly where it was.

        Then Josephine wept.  

        The weeks before the conclave had been a flurry of activity. Making sure that two sides of a continent wide war didn’t kill each other before the peace talks even begin was a difficult task. Josephine had reveled in it.  She did not believe in false modesty, and so she had no problem admitting that she was one of the best at what she did. It was, after all, why Leliana had brought her on. And yet, looking up at the Breach in the sky, Josephine felt useless. Leliana was out there fighting while Josephine was here, standing around and picking at a loose thread on her sleeve. She pulled a little too hard and a perfectly placed ruffle fell flat.

           No. Josephine would not depreciate herself. She looked around the courtyard and forced her to witness what was happening around her. Soldiers lay on pallets in neat rows where they were being treated by the surviving Chantry Sisters. No Revered Mothers. They had all been at the temple. There was not a single Sister present that looked older than Josephine. Some of them had put on a determined face and gritted their teeth. Most looked as terrified as the soldiers they were treating. Many of the soldiers were screaming, some were praying, too many had fallen ominously silent. The silent ones looked more like monsters from the Breach than men, their skin blackened from burns, and Josephine doubted their mothers would be able to recognize them. This would make the funerals that much more difficult.

           Suddenly Josephine had an idea, a way to be useful. She scanned the people running around her until she found a woman who looked like an officer and wasn’t bleeding out.  Josephine rushed over.

           “Madam, may I bother you for a moment?”

           The woman attempted to stand at attention but almost doubled over. Josephine quickly took hold of the woman’s arm and helped her sit back down. The woman nodded at her gratefully and asked, “What can I help you with ambassador Montilyet?”

           “Do you know if there are lists of soldiers who were serving at the conclave?”

           The woman thought for a moment and replied, “I believe Commander Cullen had a list. It may still be in his quarters. May I ask why you need it Ambassador? Can I be of any assistance?”

           “Do not concern yourself. You have already served bravely. Rest now. Thank you so much.”

           “Of course my Lady.”

           The officer placed her fist over her heart in salute and Josephine strode down the steps towards where Cullen had pitched his tent. The man had refused to sleep in the chantry while his soldiers had to sleep outside.

          No one paid much attention to Josephine on her way. Too consumed with their own panic and grief. Josephine slipped into the commander’s tent and immediately walked over to the small desk.

          A shiver ran down Josephine’s spine as she realized she may well be poking through a dead friends desk. No one had heard from the commander as of yet, he had led a charge towards the Breach.

          She riffled through the papers on his desk only scanning the documents for what she needed. Finally she found a bound stack of papers in a drawer that had names on it as well as ages and where the soldiers came from. She took the papers and quickly returned to the main triage area in front of the chantry. There she began walking around to the conscious soldiers that had already been treated and began asking for names and checking them off. Some of the soldiers knew who was dead and Josephine place a small “x” next to those names. Too many were not yet twenty years of age.

           Suddenly there was a commotion outside the gates. Soldiers burst into the area, screaming for bystanders to make room. Josephine’s heart seized in her chest. With strength born of desperation and fear she pushed her way through the crowd of soldiers until she saw who she was looking for. Leliana strode calm and imposing, ordering people around her to make ready for more injured. Josephine couldn’t truly hear what she was saying over the thundering of her heartbeat in her ears. Leliana was alright. Josephine took a single selfish moment to revel in the fact that her dearest friend had survived the horror. She could see the little tells on Leliana’s face that she was drained, but she was still walking and breathing and in control. She was okay. Josephine almost cried on the spot, but then she saw Cassandra marching in behind Leliana, carrying the prisoner. The woman’s dark skin was ashen now, and were it not for the terrifyingly slight movement in her chest, Josephine would have thought her dead. Much of her dark curly hair had come loose from its intricate braid. Purple bruises were already beginning to show on her face; particularly around her left eye that Josephine could now see was swollen shut. The elven apostate that had arrived earlier was walking close to the Seeker with his lightly glowing hands hovering over the prisoner’s head.

           Leliana’s calm voice broke through the panic, “Josie. Is there a private area we can place her?”

           Everything rushed back into focus as Josephine turned to face Leliana, “Yes, follow me.” Josephine led the group to a small hut that had an empty bed in it. Cassandra laid the prisoner in the bed and the apostate’s hands never wavered from their position above the woman. Leliana walked through the door with a box laden with medical supplies. She set it down and turned to Josephine, “Please go get Adan.”

           Josephine turned on the spot and rushed out the door back into the chaos outside. She stepped onto a box and scanned the hectic crowd. Whatever happened at the temple had caused many of the soldiers left in the valley to return to Haven. The population had more than doubled. Josephine finally spied the apothecary tending to a badly injured boy. Josephine felt her stomach twist, but she forced it down and rushed towards the man.

           “Master Adan. You’re services are desperately needed to tend to the prisoner.”

           The man looked up from the boy and regarded Josephine with disdain, “All due respect Ambassador, but my services are more needed here. If this boy doesn’t get surgery he could very well die.”

           Josephine looked down at the young boy. Andraste’s mercy he couldn’t be more than 15. He wore the flimsiest of armor and his shoes were worn and a little too big for him. He had likely lied about his age to join the Divine’s army. Josephine forced herself to imagine the faces of his mother and father, of his possible siblings, all waiting for him to come home. Josephine also remembered the urgency and slight fear on Leliana’s face when she told her to get Adan. She thought of the way Cassandra’s eyes flitted around when she first returned to haven with the limp prisoner. The creased brow and a slight frown on the apostates face while his hands tried to mend the prisoner, he had been sweating from effort. Then she swallowed the bile in her throat, turned to the apothecary and said with a tight voice, “Master Adan, your services are more needed with the prisoner.”

           The man stared at her for a moment, the anger evident on his face.

           “He is a child.”

           “Your services,” Josephine’s voice cracked slightly, “are more needed with the prisoner.”

           The man glared at her but stood, “Fine.”

           He looked around until he spotted a sister walking by with a basin of dirty water. He shouted, “You there! See to this boy! A claw nicked an artery. He is losing blood quickly and the wound is most certainly infected.”

           The sister looked a little panicked but rushed over. Adan turned back to Josephine and said, “Take me to her.”

           Josephine turned on her heel and didn’t look back to see if Adan was following. If she did she would also see the boy she had almost certainly just condemned. She held back tears. That would have to wait until later. She had to be strong right now, like Leliana. When they reached the hut Adan brushed past her and into the building without a word. Josephine didn’t follow. Leliana emerged a few moments later. Leliana took one look at Josephine and grabbed her hand, leading her to a secluded nook before hugging her tightly.

           “It’s okay, there’s nothing more we can do right now.”

          Josephine began to cry again. She wept and wept and wept into her friend's shoulder. She clutched her like if she let go she would fall apart.

           “He was treating a little boy,” Josephine hiccupped, “He’s going to die now, if he’s not already dead.”

           “That isn’t your fault Josie.”

           “But I told Adan to come treat the prisoner-“

           “After I told you to. If a sin has been committed here it has been committed by me. Not you.”

           “But-”

           “Her name is Ellana Lavellan. She didn’t cause the explosion, but she did almost die trying to close the breach. She was not forced to do so. She volunteered. She is kind and brave. She stopped on the way to the temple so she could save some scouts. She chose that path instead of a charge, which would have been safer for her, because she couldn’t abandon those soldiers to die. Adan is saving a good person. It is unfortunate that we only have one of him, so he can only save so many good people, and not all of them. Do you hear me Josie?

           Josephine sniffed and nodded.

           “I would like to write to the boys family.”

           “We will write to all the families.”

           Josephine nodded again and leaned back into the hug. She didn’t know how long she stayed there in the arms of her closest friend. Finally she pulled away and wiped her eyes. She smoothed the fabric of her blouse, straightened her posture, and tried to regain her composure.

           “The woman, Ellana, I saw she had facial tattoos. Is she Dalish?”

           Leliana nodded, “Yes, and a mage. She’s young, so likely she is the First of her Clan.”

           “First to do what?”

           Leliana chuckled, “No, she is the First. It’s what the Dalish call the chief apprentice to their keeper. The mage who leads a clan. Also the tattoos are called vallaslin, it means blood writing. It’s religious in nature and denotes which of their gods they dedicated themselves to upon reaching maturity.”

           With something else to think about now, Josephine began to calm, “Ah, it seems I have some studying to do then before she wakes up. I do not wish to offend her.”

           “I suspect she won’t wake today. I’ll tell you what I know after supper. I also have a book by Brother Genitivi that may be useful. Pretty much anything else you would read is hateful propaganda.”

           “Thank you. She will be staying then?”

           “We believe she is likely the only one who can seal rifts, and this is far from over, so yes.”

           “I see.” Josephine thought for a moment before realizing, “Oh, I should also try to contact her Clan, let them know she’s alright. If she occupies an important position they must be worried.”

           “They would be worried regardless, the Dalish are small in number so every member of a Clan is important. Contacting them may be difficult however, if her Clan doesn’t wish to be found they won’t be.”

           Josephine deflated, “Oh. I really do need your lessons it seems.”

           Leliana placed a hand on Josephine’s shoulder and gave her a crooked smile, “Don’t worry, I’ll have you speaking elvish by the time she wakes up.”

           Josephine chuckled and allowed Leliana to lead her back into the fray. That would be tonight. Now there was work to do.

Chapter 3:https://for-the-dales.tumblr.com/post/186595614949/chapter-3-cullen

[one-piece-dumpster-fire]

Scenario where young Brulee dies from her infected scar and Broyé taking over in her place, getting the mirror fruit, turning into the witch of the Seducing Woods. Basically a what if Scenario.

This was… really interesting to write :D I decided to take a somewhat different narrative approach, hope it still turned out right xD

Broyé taking Brûlée’s place after she died as a child scenario

….

„How are the trees today~?“

„Thirsting for blood, madame!“

„Ah, and the precious flowers~?“

„Longing to nag on someone’s bones,mistress!“

„Mhh… And our little intruders~?“

„About to face their worst fears,dearest Lady!“

„Oh, how splendid~! Call all yourfriends, for today we shall have a feast~!“

…One of the many legends circlingaround in Tottoland tell the story of a dark witch, who lives deepinside the forest of seduction. Not many have seen her face, butthose unfortunate enough to venture into her territory (and luckyenough to escape with their lives) always compare her to a demon withthe face of an angel. It is said that only the Queen and her familyknow the true identity of the witch- and some people evenspeculate that she used to be a child of the Yonko herself. But noone was ever able to find out the truth, since trying to take a peekinto her life will surely cost you your life.

„Hahaha, mamamama! Who would haveever thought that little Brûlée’s death would cause you to turn intosuch an useful and obedient child, my lovely —��?“

A tall woman, wearing a pure-white dressadorned with many beautiful flower, danced around in an abandoned little cottage located inthe middle of the dark woods. Her singing and the whispers of manydifferent voices filled the room with an unsettling atmosphere, one thatcould even frighten the most fearless of all men, the witch howevermarveled in it.

„I… I couldn’t protect her… I’mso sorry… It’s my fault that she died, —–!“

Long, pink hair framed the face of an elegant and youthful looking lady. Despite her beautiful features,no one could deny the sinister aura emitting from her sheerpresence, and the fear that would immediately spread through one’sveins upon facing her.

„Oh, these poor, poor creatures. Didthey not know that just stepping inside this forest is the biggestsin anyone can commit~? And do you remember why that is, mydearies~?“

she asked her underlings with a wicked undertone in hervoice,

„Because this earth was blessed~!Blessed, by the ashy remains of our wonderful late Lady Brûlée~!“

they answered in unison while singing.

„Correct~! That is exactly right~! And anyone who sets foot inside this forest or opposes this kingdom shallperish by the hands of…?“

„… by the hands of our one and onlyMistress Broyé!“

….Yes, for this wasn’t some crazy witch who originated from a fairytale told to scare children- but actually the 9thdaughter of the Charlotte Family, and reigning Queen of these Woods- LadyCharlotte Broyé.

And the whispering voices belonged tonone other than her ‘beloved’ homie underlings, who would assist herin keeping the Forest of Seduction save from intruders and enemies ofall sorts.

The various flowers and other beingshaunting her woods were extra restless today, since for the firsttime in a while a bunch of rookies decided to challenge the Captain of the Big Mom Pirates, Charlotte Linlin. Theirscreaming and singing increased and echoed through the room, until Broyé snappedher fingers to silence them- with an angelic smile placed on herface. In moments like these, no one would be able to suspect thewicked soul hiding inside the body of this beautiful woman.

„Now, now my dearies~! Let’s not getahead of ourselves, shall we~? What good does killing them quicklydo, when we can torture and haunt those little creatures to theirgraves instead~?“

A cheer of agreement roared throughthe small cottage once more and Broyé smiled triumphantly beforeturning towards a large mirror hanging from the wall to her right. She quickly cleared her throat before looking at her reflection, who was smiling back at her.

„Mirror, mirror on the wall~ Show methese pitiful worms who dare to soil this holy ground, which my beloved bigsister keeps watching over from beyond her grave~!“

Within seconds, the reflection of Broyéfaded away and instead, three people wandering through the woods appeared.One of them seemed to be the famous rookie Monkey D. Luffy, and- much to Broyé’s horror- hewas accompanied by two beautiful girls and what seemed to be araccoon.

„Ah! Look at these pretty faces, mydarlings! No, could it be? Is that you, dearest Brûlée~? Have youcome back to haunt my dreams once more, taking on the appearance of ayouthful young girl? Will your soul never find rest?!“

Broyé dramatically took a stepbackward and clutched her chest as if she was suffering from a heartattack. The homies around her started to retreat a bit, knowing verywell about the mood swings their mistress was suffering from eversince she once encountered a young girl who looked similar to her deceasedsister.

„These beautiful eyes! That perfectskin! There is no mistake! These girls, they mock me! Pretend to bemy sister in order to have me spare them! Ahhh, I will slice them upand use their guts as cake filling!“

It was truly astonishing how quicklyBroyé’s mood could change from mourning little sister to deadly andbloodthirsty monster. …But, could anyone really blame her? After allthe hardship she had to endure ever since that fateful day overthirty years ago? When her older sister died in agony, due to thewound caused by a vengeful outsider? Yes, from that day on, Broyéhas sworn to torment anyone who dares to oppose her family ever again,especially girls with pretty faces that would remind her of Brûlée.

“Oh, I see that our beloved homies have already started playing their wicked games with them~ I wonder, how long will it take until they finally lose their sanity?”

She watched over the three people and raccoon like a predator stalked its prey, and everytime the forest homies moved and blocked their paths- forcing them to go around in circles- a giggle escaped from Broyé’s mouth. Hah, how she enjoyed watching these little worms squirm in her grip!

But suddenly, a bunch of forest homies bust through the door with fear reflected in their eyes.

„Oh dearest mistress Broyé, we are so sorry for interrupting you like this, …but we just gotword from some of the other homies guarding the outskirts of theforest- Lord Cracker is appearantly on his way to deal with theintruders as well!“

„What?!“ the witch hissed angrily,„Big brother Cracker is coming?! Here? That fool should know betterthan to enter my home uninvited like this!“, she ranted on and thehomies started to step back, fearing that their mistress might lash out onthem as well.

„Get King Baum here immediately! We’re moving!“Broyé bellowed at the homies while grabbing her sword and one of hersmall handmirrors. „Let’s take care of these puny little nuisancesbefore my dearest brother even gets to see their faces~! We’ll showhim not to underestimate the power of the Mirror Witch and her forestof death!“

Without waiting for a response, Broyé marched outside of the house and angrily whistled to summon some of her most trusted underlings. A few seconds later, loud chugging could be heard as well as the cry of a crane.

“Diesel! Randolph! Crane!” she screamed as three figures stepped out of the shadows the forest was casting.

“Yes, Miss Broyé?”, all three of them anwered in union,

“Go and mess up these rookies good before anyone can interfere! …But keep the girls alive, they are mine to cut open.” Broyé ordered and all three nodded in response before quickly disappearing inside the dark forest again. It was no secret that most of her underlings feared Broyé almost as much as they feared the Queen herself.

The witch smiled after them, but there was no kindness or warmth on her face. It was the cold and wicked smile of a hunter who was about to devourer his unsuspecting prey.

…

“Mamama, what is it now, Broyé?! I thought you were off to settle into your new home within the Seducing Woods?”

“I was going to, Mama. But… There is one thing I need to take care of before I can truly call that place my home.”

“So?! What is it???”

“… You… you keep Brûlée’s ashes in an urn inside the Treasure Chamber, right?”

“…”

A loud noise broke the silence around the cottage as the Master of the forest homies, King Baum himself, came running towards Broyé.

“You called-ju?” he asked her, but instead of responding, Broyé simply jumped up to sit on his shoulder.

“It’s time to get our hands dirty once more~! We will go out and slaughter these maggots, who spit on my sister’s remains~! Let’s have some fun before making them join dear Brûlée in the ground~!” she sang happily before pointing in the direction where the intruders were. King Baum simply grinned before following his queen’s orders and ran towards the spot she was pointing to.

“It will be a bloodbath~! Watch me, dearest sister, as I fulfill your grudge and hunt down anyone who wishes to harm our precious family~!”

…

“Here you go, miss Broyé. If Mama allowed you to take the urn, then I’m sure you know what to do with it. Perhaps give your beloved twin sister a proper burial? Even though that is something the Queen could have done years ago alre-”

“Thank you, you are now dismissed. Hurry up and get out of my sight.”

“…”

“…”

“…”

“…Brûlée? Can you hear me?”

“…”

“I’m taking you with me.”

“…”

“If I spread your ashes across the woods where I’ll be living from now on…”

“…”

“…then that means you’ll always be by my side, right?”

“…”

“Please don’t worry. We’ll never be apart again.”

“…”

“I swear, from this day on- I will dispose of anyone who wishes to harm our precious family. Your death will not have been for naught, no one will ever hurt one of my siblings ever again!”

“…”

“I love you, big sis.”