Massacre of The Golden Witch Chapter 2

Jessica: .....Mmmmm.....Just....a little....longer....

Jessica woke up to the sound of the alarm clock. It was the day of the family conference. As the successor of the Ushiromiya family head house, she was expected to set a good example.

Jessica:...That is right. Mom...and Dad count on me...*sigh*

Her mind was still hazy. She had never been a morning person...but this morning was different. It was much worse than usual. Because she had a dream...

Jessica:.................Battler.......why....did you leave us......?

Her cousin was the one she dreamed about. The cousin she had not seen in the last six years.

Battler had a fight with his father about him re-marrying so soon after Asumu's death and...apparently cheating on Battler's mom the entire time. The boy couldn't forgive his father....and thus he didn't come to any of the family meetings in the last six years.

Jessica:..........Battler.....how could you do this to us.....?

In her dream she relived one of her childhood memories....in which she and Battler were playing hide and seek during one of the conferences.

She wanted to defeat her cousin at any cost...so she strayed too far away from the mansion....and she ended up falling into a hole in the forest.

She cried and cried...but nobody came to help her. She tried to crawl out...but it was no use. Trying to climb up only caused her to fall down.

That hole...had a dead animal's body in it. It was a disgusting sight...its flesh was rotten...but it still wasn't too old so it had a smell...an awful smell. And the rats! The rats were all over the place!! They were having a meal...tearing apart the flesh of the corpse....

She was terribly afraid....and repulsed. She felt the need to vomit...but she held it back out of fear.

Time went on and on...and the rats started to get bolder minute by minute...they started to get closer to her and smell her...she was paralyzed to her very core...those eyes...and those bloody faces of the rats everywhere...

She thought she was going to get chewed to pieces by the hunger-driven animals...when....

Battler: JESSICA!! Are you down there?!!

Jessica:....................................

She couldn't answer. She was too afraid of letting out her voice.

Battler: HEY!! JESSICA!!

Jessica: BATTLER!!!! HELP!!!

She finally got herself together and asked for help...

Battler: ARE YOU OKAY?!

Jessica: HURRY!! I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE....UWAHHH!!!

Battler: HOLD ON!!!

Jessica: DON'T LEAVE ME!!

She didn't want him to leave because she was scared of being left alone. And what if Battler decided to just leave her there? She had this thought going around and around in her head. After all, this was the unreliable Battler!

She remembered the tales her father told her about Battler's dad, Rudolf. He said Rudolf has always been a good for nothing scoundrel who never keeps his promises and ten out of ten things that come out of his mouth are lies and half-truths.

So it was natural that even though she played with Battler...she didn't really trust him. But...

Battler: Don't worry....I will....definitely....save you!! I promise!!

He replied to her with a smile on his face. That smile warmed Jessica's heart...and she instantly calmed down.

Jessica:.....O-OKAY!! BUT HURRY, PLEASE!!

Battler disappeared....she felt like she got cheated. She waited and waited....but....he did not come.....

Jessica: *sniff* L-liar....*sniff*

Jessica sat down and cried...

She was alone....like a defenseless animal...waiting to be devoured...She accepted her fate.

Jessica:......Battler....how could you...leave me?

But as she said that...a rope appeared before her eyes....she looked up...and saw Battler!

Battler: GRAB IT, JESSICA!!

She couldn't believe it...he came back for her. Battler...who has never kept his promise and lied often to her...fulfilled his promise!

Battler had a weak body back then...but he used all his strength to keep himself grounded and...never let the rope slip from his hands...

They worked together...and in the end...it had its fruit...

Jessica: AH!!

Battler: HEY!! Are you all right?! You aren't hurt anywhere, are you?! Talk to me!!

But she didn't say anything...she just hugged him...and cried...

Jessica: B-Battler...Thank you...

Battler: Uh......No problem.....

Jessica: You....saved my life....I will never forget this....as long as I live...

Jessica:............................

She sat on her bed with a messy appearance...that dream kept replaying over and over in her head...

Jessica: Battler....how could you leave us...like this?

Her eyes were teary. She completely forgot about Battler for the last one or two years. But before that....it hurt her. Terribly.

That her own cousin, her friend...who played with her and laughed with her...could just leave everything behind...because of a conflict he had with his father...

And now...this dream brought back those feelings into her heart.

Jessica:..........

Natsuhi: Jessica!! Are you ready?! It is six o'clock!! Are you going to sleep in on the most important day of the year??

It was her mother knocking on her door.

Jessica: I-I'm awake, Mom! Just a minute and I'll get ready!!

Natsuhi: What have you been doing until now? Get ready and meet us in the dining hall for breakfast!

Jessica: Yes! I'm almost ready!



Lambda: Isn't it nice to see two cousins who are so close?! *cackle*

Bernkastel: Yes, but it is even nicer to see the two of them getting torn apart by fate!! *giggle* AHAHA!!

Lambda: You didn't joke when you said this would be an unusal tale...First Rudolf and Kyrie getting down to business...now this stuff...Just what is on your clever mind, Bern?

Bernkastel: You speak like someone who doesn't have any love...Without love, it cannot be seen. Haven't you learned anything from Beato's game?! *cackle*

Lambda: Wow...Hearing this from you...is unnerving...Are you feeling...okay? Did that spanking traumatise you this much?!

Bernkastel: *giggle* A person always changes...Maybe I changed too you know...I realized the importance of love and friendship and all that jazz...

Lambda:........................................

Bernkastel:....................................

Lambda:.......................................

Bernkastel:........................................

Lambda & Bernkastel: AS IF!! AHAHHHAHAHAHAHAH!!! *giggle* *giggle* *cackle*

Their demonic laughs filled the tea party room.

Bernkastel: Seriously, just watch. This is going to be a wild ride, even by my standards.

Lambda: Ihihi. But don't forget to take the game seriously! We are playing against each other you know...

Bernkastel: Everything has its time and place. And now it is time for you to shut up so I can continue the game.



Natsuhi: Jessica, what took you so long? Did you go to bed later than allowed?

Jessica: Oh...it is nothing like that. I just had...a bad dream. It shook me up a little. That is all.

Natsuhi: Bad dreams or not - get yourself together. You have to show your dignity to the guests who will try to look for flaws everywhere. Especially Eva-san...

Jessica: Mom...I really don't get this whole thing. If you hate Eva Oba-san's guts so much, then why do you care about looking good and perfect in front of her?

Natsuhi:....Watch your language, young lady. Apologize right now.

Jessica: All right, all right. I am sorry.

Natsuhi:...Besides, the answer is because this is the only way I can fight back against her. By showing her how perfect our household is, she won't have any methods to insult us.

Jessica:...You know, I think she will always find flaws in you, Mom. No matter how well you do things.

Natsuhi:.........

Jessica:.........Dad, you are awfully quiet today.

Jessica spoke up to break the awkward silence between her and her mother.

Krauss:....Hmm? Oh...Sorry. It is just...I had a long night.

Jessica: Let me guess, paperwork for that disgusting argument that will be going on between you and the others?

Natsuhi: JESSICA!

Krauss: ...You are right. I am really tired of this. We should put an end to this once and for all.

Natsuhi: Y-you mean...you want to convince Father to come down for lunch and to join the discussion of the inheritance?

Jessica: Knowing Grandfather, you most likely will fail.

Krauss: Actually...it was his idea...to show himself at lunch.

Natsuhi: What?? Really?!

Jessica: This is really...unusual. Did he have a sudden 180 degree turn?

Natsuhi: I won't say it again! Watch your language!!

Krauss: ...Your mother is right. You should watch out for what you say. You never know when your own words will be used against you.

Jessica: There you go again, thinking that everyone is a potential enemy...*sigh* Leave me out of this, please.

Natsuhi: Jes-

Jessica: I know, I know!! ...I can't even speak the way I want...this is absurd!!

After she said this, Jessica stormed out of the dining hall, leaving her parents and her breakfast behind.

Natsuhi: What is her problem...she is even more uncontrollable than usual.

Krauss: Maybe we should have asked her about that dream of hers...

Natsuhi: Don't make me laugh. Dreams are just dreams. That is all there is to them. If she can't handle even her dreams, then how will she handle the Ushiromiya Head House?!!

Krauss: ...I wonder if we are pushing her too hard...

Natsuhi: There is no such a thing as "pushing her too hard". She will be the successor of the Ushiromiya family, we can't give her a rest. Anything less than perfect is unacceptable!!

Krauss:...."Successor of the Ushiromiya family"....I wonder about that...

Natsuhi: What?! Did I hear you right?!

Krauss: It is nothing. Forgive me please. You are absolutely right.



As Jessica was moving through the garden at a rapid pace...she bumped into someone familiar. It was Kanon.

Kanon: .........Milady. Is there anything I can do for you?

Jessica: No, it's nothing. It's just...my parents...again.

Kanon: I am sorry. That seems like a topic I can't give you advice on.

Jessica: Hehe. Sometimes I wish I were an orphan. Even that would be much better than those two.

Kanon: I don't think you should say things like that, Milady. Krauss-sama and Madam both want what is best for you....

Jessica: Yes and that is where the problem lies!! They don't know anything about me so it is natural that they wouldn't know what is best for me!! I just want...to be left alone. I want to live my own life for once...

Kanon: ............Your own...life?

Jessica: Sorry...I don't think you would understand it...You are just a servant, after all.

Kanon: ..............That is correct. I am only furniture. I was created to serve others. That is my only function in life.

Jessica: Furniture, huh? Sounds about right. No offense, I believe that there are some people who are able to change their destinies but...there are some who are simply made to serve. Sorry...but you are in the latter group, Kanon-kun.

Kanon: ............Right. My worth is less...than a human's.

Jessica: ........Just stick to people who are on your level and do your duty as perfectly as you can. Then you shouldn't have any troubles in life. Am I right?

Kanon: ...........................Yes, Milady. You are right. I am sorry for.......trying to help you or understand you...........I am just furniture after all. I will stick to being around other furniture, if possible.

Jessica: Yeah.....you are a good boy, Kanon-kun. But we shouldn't talk or associate with each other too much....We are from different worlds...That is how it is.

Kanon: I agree. I will keep that in mind.

Jessica: Don't you have...work to do? You should get going or Mom will scold you...

Kanon: .........Certainly. Now, if you would excuse me...

Jessica was left alone in the rose garden...she looked after Kanon...

Jessica: Damn, what was he thinking? Striking up a conversation with me...when he is just a servant. Give me a break...



Lambda: *giggle* AHAAHA!! Wow, really?! That was mean...even from you!!

Bernkastel: HAHAHAHAHA!! To think that Kanon and Jessica's love can be destroyed so easily...it makes me wonder if they really loved each other in the other Fragments...*cackle*

Lambda: I guess their love really was just teen love all along...wanting to experiement...wanting to try out things...you know...stuff like..."How long is Kanon-kun's blade?" "How big are Milady's melons" *cackle*

Bernkastel: *giggle* Kanon's lightsaber battles in Beato's games make a whole lot more sense now!! *giggle*

Lambda: Still...giving the cold shoulder to Kanon...after HE tried to start a conversation going with Jessica...*giggle* How much lower can we sink?! *giggle*

Bernkastel: Wait wait wait...it will only get better!! *cackle*

Lambda: Huuuh? You mean....you are going to trample all over their love?!

Bernkastel: Hehehehe....There will be love in this tale, all right...but not the kind of love Beato would like to see *giggle* *giggle*

Lambda: AHAHAHAA!!! Very good...keep me entertained by broken hearts and broken lives...This is the best kind of fun!!



The plane was on its way towards Niijima. Everyone sat in their places.

Maria: Uu--!! When will we be there?? Mama, mama!!

Rosa: Stop that "uu" ! .....We are almost there, Maria. Just a little longer.

Eva: Roooooosaaaa....can't you handle even your child?! Ehehe. I guess you are still one yourself...

Rosa: Nee-san, please mind your own business.

Eva: *giggle* Now, now...I was just kidding. This is your problem, you just can't take a joke...

Hideyoshi: Eva, stop already with those remarks, please. ....Let's enjoy the trip in peace.

Eva: Sorry, sorry.

George: Rudolf Oji-san...you are really quiet...is something the matter? You don't feel well, maybe?

Rudolf: ...............

Kyrie: Hey-hey. Rudolf-san! Don't ignore George-kun!

Rudolf: Ah...sorry. I didn't hear you...

Kyrie: *sigh* What will I do with you....Anyway...He is all right, just a little tired.

Rudolf: She is right. *yawn* I haven't been sleeping well lately...

Eva: Rudoooolf...at least you should have gotten enough sleep for this day alone...it isn't very often that we go to see Nii-san and Father.

Rudolf: Aneki....*yawn* It isn't like Father is going to come out and talk with us, you know....

Hideyoshi: I am afraid Rudolf-kun is right. If he didn't come out last year...

Rosa: You are all so negative. Maybe he just wasn't feeling well last year...you can never know.

Kyrie: Maybe. We won't know unless we try it this year.

George: ...Are you sure you are okay, Oji-san?

Rudolf: Yeah, don't worry about me George-kun...worry about Ange instead.

Kyrie: Shhh. She is sleeping.

George: I heard she caught a pretty bad illness...how is she?

Kyrie: She is okay now but two days ago...you don't want to know, trust me.

George: Sounds like a difficult job to have kids.

Kyrie: It isn't that bad once you get used to it. It is one of those things that just come to you naturally.

Rudolf: What about you and kids, George-kun? Is your marriage meeting going along nicely?

George: ..........Yeah, actually. I am pretty lucky that I have a mother like this...who doesn't stop at anything to get the perfect girl for me.

Eva: *giggle* George, don't praise your mom too much ~ ...I am just doing my job...

George: .........Thank you, Mother. For insisting on the arranged marriage. To tell the truth, I first had my doubts about the whole thing. And my pride got in the way too.

Rudolf: You mean the "not getting a woman on your own" thing? It is an overrated feeling...In the end, everything is the same. You get a girl anyway and that is what matters.

George: Yeah, I realized that too...thankfully. Letting Mother handle this stuff is for the best, probably.

Hideyoshi: If everything goes well, George might be a married man by this time next year. Wahahaha!!

George: F-Father...it isn't certain yet...

Rosa: Congratulations, George-kun. I want to see your wife or soon to be wife as soon as possible. I bet she is a pretty and intelligent girl.

Maria: Uu--! Maria wants to get married too!! Wants to get married too!!

Everyone: Ahahaha!!

Eva: Heh, of course...that girl is the best this world can offer to George. You know me, I have very high standards...I have searched and searched for a reaaaaally long time ~

Kyrie: I have no doubt about that, Eva Nee-san. *giggle*

Rudolf: I already pity the poor girl. Having Aneki as your mother-in-law must be real hell...

Hideyoshi: Wahahaha!! We will see about that!! Especially after she will get a taste of what it is like to be a Grandmother!! Wahahaha!!!

George: Father...you are planning way in advance....

Rudolf: Or maybe he isn't. Time flies very fast when you are married, George-kun. A second passes and your wife pushes out two goddamn brats...that is how it is in most cases.

Rosa: Speaking about brats...what is up with Battler-kun?

Rudolf: ...........................

Kyrie: You see, Battler-kun still...doesn't answer his letters and phone calls...unfortunately.

Eva: That is a shame. Really. I miss that clown so much.

Hideyoshi: Hopefully...one day he will realize how big of a mistake he made when he decided to listen to his anger instead of his father's apology.

George: Father, I don't think this issue is that simple...

Rudolf: George-kun is right. The coin always has two sides. I have played a huge part in how our relatinship got to this point.

Kyrie: You don't need to beat yourself up over it. What's done is done.

Eva: Kyrie Nee-san is right. You should listen to her. You have tried countless times already to make up for your mistakes, right? Did Battler-kun care even a little? No. There is your answer.

Rosa: ...I'm sorry that I brought this up, Nii-san. I didn't know it was still a touchy subject...

Rudolf: It doesn't matter. Let's forget about this. Instead of my boring life, we should talk about George-kun's one.

George: Heh. There isn't much to talk about....But seriously. Mother. I would like to thank you for everything you have done for me.

Eva: George...

George: If it wasn't for you...who knows what kind of shady persons I would be going out with right now... It is possible I would be dating a servant or something...I don't even want to think about it.

Hideyoshi: All is well if it ends well. Wahahaha!!



Lambda: "Wahahaha" indeed!! *giggle* Man, you just had to make George say that line. Uhuhuhu.

Bernkastel: AHAHAHA!! Who would have thought it?! George won the lottery...thanks to Eva!! That guy is surely a fool in the other Fragments...getting seduced by that good for nothing Shannon!! *cackle*

Lambda: Ohh...I don't know when was the last time when I laughed this much... And we are still pretty early in the story, right?! What do you have in store for me, Bern?!!

Bernkastel: Let's see: BLOOD. TEARS. SHAME. TRAGEDY. Just to name a few things. *cackle*

Lambda: And to think that Battler is absent...It is indeed a very interesting story...I honestly have no idea what will happen next...

Bernkastel: Prepare for some VERY GOOD things. *giggle* This will make the fifth game seem like a light hearted comedy!! AHAHAHA!! *giggle*