Chapter 13 Part 1The Thorn Mafia
(Somewhere in Roselande)
(Patch!) (Patch) (Patch)
(Cough)
This is a place the Thorn Mafia uses… the one who just coughed is the Dark Bat, Hugo Clement, known for his horrible way of killing. A few days ago he and his men opened fire on a festival… several people died that day. Out of 400 visitors, about 46 died on the spot, and 80 seriously injured people died afterwards. The festival was for rich people.
Hugo: "Hahhhh… still haven't eaten anything… Cruella…"
Cruella: "… (silent)"
Hugo: "You have to eat something… after all, we don't want to sell you half-starved… don't forget that your new master needs you alive. He's a nobleman named Bluebeard… nickname Bluebeard at least… his real name is Gautier Thomasson…"
Cruella: "Hmmm."
Hugo: "Both you and your sister… betrayed us, the Thorn Mafia… you just left your little brother here… remember? You were 3 and 15… and he was… 12… it's been 9 years now…"
Cruella: "Hugo, I…"
Hugo: "Hmph."
(Slap!)
Hugo: "Eat now."
Cruella: "Mmm…"
Hugo: "Fine, then I'll do it."
He held her mouth and shoved the food in.
Cruella: "Mmmm."
Hugo: "Tsssss… you're really weird…"
He let her go. She coughed, and he left the cell.
Hugo: "Hmph…"
(Patch!) (Patch!)
Hugo: "Camilia?"
Camilia: "What's wrong with you, Hugo…"
Hugo: "It's nothing…"
Camilia Deschamps, also known as the Bloody Rose… she became known for torturing several people with her roses. She is 20 years old.
Camilia: "You don't have to be so angry…"
She is also known for her cheeky nature.
Camilia: "Oh dear, that's not how you treat women…"
Hugo: "Hmph… I don't care, I like hitting both… I hit whoever whimpers more…"
Cruella: "(Sobs)…"
Hugo: "Hmph…"
Camilia: "Are you angry?… how about you come with me and enjoy yourself for a while…"
Hugo: "Hahh, Camilia… get out of my way."
He shoved her aside.
Camilia: "Hhmmmm…"
Cruella: "Hhh…"
Camilia: "Don't look at me like that, Cruella… you betrayed us and left your little brother all alone… you just ran away without him… the boss took out all his anger at you on him… because of you… Hugo had to suffer a lot…"
(Hugo's room!)
Hugo: "Hmm."
He opened the drawer, took about three pills and swallowed them.
Hugo: "(Gulp!)…"
(Meanwhile)
(Chut! Chut!)
Fiona: "(Hahhh… actually I like traveling by train… because I find it quiet… but like this…)"
Remy: "Now give me the sushi!!!"
Casper: "You already had three…"
Remy: "So what… you already had three too…"
Fiona: "Hahhh…"
After the ship sank, a rescue ship arrived. It saved Fiona, Remy, Casper and the others, and now they had to take a train to get to Roselande.
Fiona: "Hahh… listen, you two are too loud… could you be a bit quieter?"
Casper: "Hmmm?"
Remy: "Hmmm?"
Fiona: "Hmph…"
She propped her chin on her hand.
Fiona: "You're really loud…"
Remy: "Uh."
Casper: "Sorry…"
Fiona: "Hahhh… how much longer until it's time… until we reach Roselande?"
Remy: "Huh… well, um… I think one more day…"
Fiona: "One more day…"
Casper: "Yes… one day…"
Remy: "Well, actually it's one day, but the first town is Roux and you can reach that in less than a day, maybe. A small town called Roux… I've been there before."
Fiona: "And where is that?"
Remy: "A bit further ahead, then to the north… we'll rest there if you like…"
Fiona: "Mhm…"
Casper: "Mademoiselle Fiona… why are you traveling with us…"
Fiona: "No idea, I wanted to go to the train and so did you… that's all. And instead of sitting with someone I don't know, I'd rather sit here with you…"
Remy: "You're really mysterious, Fiona… when—"
Fiona: "Hahhh…"
(9 hours later in Roux)
Roux is a small town known for its nature. It's a small town, but still very popular with many people… because of the nature, the music… but… it has a problem…
(Patch!)
Thorn Mafia member: "Hello…"
This here is a supermarket called Hello Cat…
Thorn Mafia member: "We're looking for someone named Ulris… do you know him?"
Employee: "No… I don't know him…"
Female employee: "Hmmm?… there used to be someone working here by that name."
Thorn Mafia member: "Really?"
Female employee: "Yes, he doesn't know because he's new… but I've been working here longer…"
Thorn Mafia member: "I see. Thank you very much… and we're sorry for what's about to happen."
Female employee: "What do you mean?"
Suddenly they pulled out their weapons.
Female employee: "What!!!"
(Bang!) (Bang!) (Bang!) (Bang!) (Bang!)
They shot the customers and employees…
Thorn Mafia: "Anything that has to do with him… you kill it."
(Meanwhile, somewhere in Roux)
(Splop!) (Splop!)
Thorn Mafia: "Sister of the wanted man, as well as her three-year-old daughter, eliminated…"
(Meanwhile, somewhere else in Roux)
Unknown woman: "No… no…"
(Bang!)
Thorn Mafia member: "Mother of the wanted man… killed… as well as her dog… and four cats…"
(Meanwhile, somewhere else in Roux)
(Bang!) (Bang!) (Bang!)
Thorn Mafia member: "Neighbors of the wanted man… killed… six elderly people, four young men and three women, as well as their pets."
(Meanwhile)
Thorn Mafia member: "His ex-girlfriends are also on our list. Four different women, a 21-year-old Minta, 25-year-old Luna, 19-year-old Emmy, 31-year-old Hannah. That guy really was a pervert… we haven't found his current girlfriend yet."
(Meanwhile, somewhere in Roux)
Unknown girl: "Hmm?"
Thorn Mafia member: "Hello… are you Hannah's sister… and is that your brother next to you?"
Unknown girl: "Yes, we just came from school…"
Thorn Mafia: "Which grade?"
Unknown girl: "I'm in 8th grade, I'm 15, my brother is in 6th grade, 13 years old."
Thorn Mafia: "I see…"
(Behind the wall)
(Bang!) (Bang!)
Thorn Mafia: "Hahhh…"
Cat: "Meow…"
Thorn Mafia: "You saw it… oh well, doesn't matter, cats can't talk…"
The Thorn Mafia shows no mercy.
Unknown girl: "Urk… ghhhhh…"
(Splop!)
(data… data… data)
First aider: "Here… here… someone's injured here!!!"
(A few hours later)
The mayor of Roux, Bernard Bonebarte, is a middle-aged man. He has been the mayor of Roux for years.
Bernard: "That's enough now… how many times do we have to go through this… dear citizens, I promise you that I will do something about it!!! I will make sure Roux is protected!!!"
Everyone clapped. He said goodbye and got into his car.
Bernard: "Hmph… (cough)…"
Hugo: "Oh yeah…"
Bernard: "Ugh…"
Hugo: "Are you sure about this?"
Bernard: "Ugh… (smirks)… hehehe… hey, Hugo…"
Hugo: "Hehehe… boss, you really are not to be underestimated…"
Bernard: "Hahahahaha… it's the best, isn't it? The mayor of Roux is also the boss of the Thorn Mafia… hahahah…"
They are called the Thorn Mafia because, like thorns on a flower, they are everywhere… in every area… the Thorn Mafia… even politicians often belong to them… government… police officers… they are like thorns that have spread all over Roselande. A city like a rose, so enchanting, but because of its thorns… dangerous!!
(A few hours later)
(Tschuttt!)
Remy: "(Snore)…"
Casper: "(Zzzz)"
Fiona: "Hahh… I think I should sleep too… I'll go to my room…"
She got up and went to her room. Just as she reached the door, suddenly Remy was there.
Fiona: "Ugh… what… huh?"
She looked around.
Fiona: "How did you even get here?"
Remy: "Through the window…"
Fiona: "Huh?"
(Dong!)
Fiona: "Ughhh… hey… are you crazy!!! Do you know how fast this train is?"
Remy: "About 560 km/h… I know…"
His body separated.
Fiona: "Huh… whaaaaaaa!!!"
Remy: "Don't scream like that… I'm fine."
Fiona: "But… but… but what…"
Remy: "Calm down, I told you I'm cursed. Corvin and I are one…"
He put himself back together again.
Fiona: "What kind of curse… is that?"
Remy: "A curse, that's all… the curse of the witch Beatrice…"
Fiona: "Ugh… the Witch of Lust?… why did she curse you."
Remy: "Uhhh… I was cursed because I touched her hair. You must have heard it before… that anyone who touches a strand of her hair gets cursed…"
Fiona: "Hmmm… did you find some kind of artifact?"
Remy: "Yes… I wanted to sell it, I heard it was expensive… but I was cursed by Beatrice… I was… about 11…"
Fiona: "You were a thief as a child."
Remy: "I grew up in an orphanage… I lived there… my parents were murdered when I was a child… and I lived there for a long time. But we weren't treated well… we were only allowed to eat if we were good children who worked day and night…"
Fiona: "I see."
Remy leaned against the wall…
Remy: "Hmm."
Fiona: "Hahhh… tell me… are you planning to sleep here or what?"
Remy: "I find you interesting, Fiona… apparently you don't realize that you're cursed too."
Fiona: "Huh?… you mean the Card of the Mysterious…"
Fiona looked at him.
Remy: "No, Fiona… I mean it like this: Corvin instantly notices if someone is cursed or not, and you… are cursed."
Fiona: "What… what are you talking about…"
Remy: "Some event when you were a child?… or something you remember…"
Fiona: "Hmmm… I only lost my leg when I got the Card of the Mysterious."
Remy: "Hmmm… no, that's not what I mean… maybe you should ask Holle… the Guardian of Sloth and the Witch of the Moon…"
Fiona: "Hhhh…"
He slowly walked up to her.
Remy: "Your curse seems strong… that's why I'm worried…"
Fiona: "Hmm?"
Remy: "Maybe you really should talk to Holle…"
He left the room.
Fiona: "Hahh."
She wanted to sleep but couldn't, no matter how she tried. She got up, grabbed the pillow, tore it open and let the stuffing fall out.
Fiona: "Good, now it should work…"
She cut herself and used her blood…
(Gulp!)
Fiona: "Ugh."
Frau Holle: "Hello, Fiona…"
Again, the mouths and eyes.
Frau Holle: "Is there something you want?"
Fiona: "Was I cursed as a child…"
Frau Holle: "Hehehehe… I figured you'd ask that someday… indeed…"
Fiona: "I didn't know that… was it from you…"
Frau Holle: "Back then, when you were killed by the clown, you were saved by my blood, remember?"
Fiona: "Yes?"
Frau Holle: "That's because when I helped you make the contract, I gave you my blood. Whoever drinks my blood is cursed… don't worry, it's not a heavy curse… it's just that whenever you die… my blood heals you…"
Fiona: "I don't age and I can't die…"
Frau Holle: "Well, not quite. You can still die, for example from poison or a curse from one of the death families. It's just that you regenerate quickly, so yes, you can die…"
Fiona: "I still don't understand what this curse is."
Frau Holle: "Blood Curse… simple as that. What do you think, why you can use the Card of the Mysterious? I'm a half-banshee, and when you shoot yourself you become a banshee yourself… which means you're half human, half banshee… similar to your friend just now… half shadow, half human…"
Fiona: "What…"
Frau Holle: "When your parents nearly killed you back then, you were badly injured… and well, I wasn't sure if it was a good idea. You wanted my help… and… I accepted it by giving you my blood."
(17 years ago.)
On the day she killed her parents.
Frau Holle's eye: "Hmm?"
Fiona: "Mom, dad…"
Frau Holle's eye: "…"
Fiona was badly wounded.
Frau Holle's eye: "Hmm."
Fiona: "What… happened to them…"
Frau Holle's eye: "They wanted to kill you for a ritual… for Rapunzel's forbidden library…"
Fiona: "My… parents… hahhh…"
Frau Holle's eye: "Huh?"
Fiona: "It hurts."
Frau Holle's eye: "They got you… stabbed you, it seems."
Fiona: "Urk."
Frau Holle: "You're badly injured."
Fiona: "Hahhh… help me… please…"
Holle's eye: "Hmmm?"
Fiona: "Please help me…"
Holle's eye: "Then you must drink my blood…"
Fiona: "Ugh… urk… please…"
She lost consciousness. Holle's eye floated to her… then Holle's full form appeared: a woman with long black hair and four eyes.
Frau Holle: "If that's your wish… little one… but that means you'll become a half-banshee, half human…"
(Back to the present time)
Frau Holle: "You don't really remember it, it seems."
Fiona: "Hahhh…"
Frau Holle: "Hmmm…"
Fiona: "So… I'm half human, half banshee…"
Frau Holle: "Exactly… when you die, your spirit just has to find your body again…"
Fiona: "My spirit?… so I become a spirit when I die, for example…"
Frau Holle: "Exactly."
Fiona: "And what if my spirit doesn't find my body in time?"
Frau Holle: "Then you become a cursed banshee… you might even attack or hurt people…"
Fiona: "So how long does this work, how much time do I have to find my body?"
Frau Holle: "Two hours at most… and by the way, the faster you find it the better… if you only find it after two hours, you might have to go into a long sleep… a very long sleep, like a months-long sleep."
Fiona: "I understand…"
Frau Holle: "You're not angry."
Fiona: "No… thank you for saving me back then…"
Frau Holle: "I did it because you could see me… children can see spirits even without magic… and well, I wanted to do something good that day… that's all."
Fiona: "Hmm."
Frau Holle: "If you'll excuse me, I'll be going now…"
Fiona: "… (silent)"
Frau Holle: "Any more questions?"
Fiona: "No, thank you."
Frau Holle: "Good, take care of yourself… don't forget, you can only talk to me three times a year. You've already used me twice to save you…"
Fiona: "Mhm… okay."
Fiona returned to the room just as Frau Holle disappeared.
Fiona: "Hahhhh…"
She fell onto the bed.
Fiona: "What a day…"
She took her pajamas, took off her jacket.
Fiona: "A shower would be good too…"
(Meanwhile)
Remy: "Hmmm."
Casper: "What's wrong, Remy… can't you sleep?"
Remy: "Hmm?… don't feel like sleeping…"
Casper: "I wonder if Mademoiselle Fiona is asleep…"
Remy: "No, she's taking a shower right now."
Casper: "Oh… how do you know that…"
Remy: "I peeked…"
Casper: "You lousy perverted bastard!!!"
Remy: "She's got a really nice figure…"
Casper: "That's not how you talk… aren't you ashamed."
Remy: "Calm down… I only saw her back… that's all… well, part of her shoulders and neck too…"
Casper: "So that's how it is… you shouldn't—"
Remy: "Don't shout so loud…"
Casper: "Why…?"
Remy: "The shower window is right behind us… and… right now… she's looking at us."
Casper: "Ugh… uh…"
He slowly turned around… Fiona was behind the window… angry eyes…
Fiona: "… (silent)…"
Remy: "(Sweats)…"
Casper: "It's not what it looks like."
Remy: "It is… she can't hear you…"
Fiona moved away from the window…
Remy: "Hmm?"
Casper: "Hmmm?"
They went to the door.
Remy: "Is she done?"
Casper: "Is she angry?"
The door suddenly opened and Fiona yanked the two of them inside.
Casper: "Woah!"
Remy: "Whoa!"
(Whip!)
Fiona: "Hmmmmm…"
Casper: "Hey, I… I didn't know you were showering, Mademoiselle Fiona…"
Remy: "It's not that bad, I only saw your back… that's all… okay, a bit of your shoulder and neck too…"
Fiona: "… (vein)… can't… a person… just… take a shower… in peace…"
She grabbed a pan.
Casper: "Arghhhh!!!"
Remy: "Whoa… no… no… calm down, Mademoiselle Fiona… calm down…"
(Clang!) (Clang!)
Both lay unconscious on the floor.
Fiona: "Hahhh…"
Remy: "Urk…"
Casper: "Why… did I… get hit too…"
Remy: "Fiona… jeez… she's really… scary…"
Casper: "Your fault…"
Fiona: "If you ever do that again… I'll make sure you can never peek on anyone again…"
Casper: "I didn't even peek…"
Remy: "Well… uh… he didn't really have the time, even if he wanted to."
Casper: "Hey!!!"
Fiona: "Hahhh…"
Remy: "Hmm?"
Fiona: "You were right… I am cursed… I'm half human, half banshee…"
Remy: "Ugh…"
Fiona: "Hahhh…"
She put the pan down.
Fiona: "Anyway… could you please leave now…"
Casper: "Okay."
Remy: "Hmm… okay… see you tomorrow."
Remy and Casper left the room and let Fiona rest.
Fiona: "Hahhh…"
She lay down on the bed and fell asleep.
Fiona: "… (silent)"
Fiona is on the train… and on her way to Roux. She should arrive there with Remy and Casper the next morning.
(The next day)
(Knock! Knock!)
It was Remy, through the window.
Fiona: "Ugh…"
She got up and opened the door…
Fiona: "What is it… huh…"
There was no one.
Fiona: "Strange…"
Remy: "Indeed…"
Fiona: "Hiii!!!"
Remy: "Shh!"
He covered her mouth.
Remy: "That guy, do you see him?"
Fiona: "That's creepy."
Remy: "I know…"
Fiona: "No, not that… you're stalking me."
Remy: "Well, not exactly… I stopped watching you four hours ago."
Fiona: "Four hours… wait a second, how long were you standing in front of my window?"
Remy: "Six hours… he asked every passenger the same question… well, the female ones… as for the men, no idea, I only stalked the women…"
Fiona: "So you stalked all the female passengers, not just me?"
Remy: "Shhh…"
Fiona: "Ugh…"
Remy: "Something's not right…"
Fiona: "… you're too close… why do you smell like garlic."
Remy: "Because I'm from Roselande?…"
Fiona: "Ugh… typical Franken folk…"
Remy: "Do you see that guy over there."
Fiona: "Yes, why…"
Remy: "Whenever he sees someone, he asks about a person…"
The man was asking some passengers about a person named Ulric.
Remy: "Hmmh!"
Remy suddenly hid.
Fiona: "Hmm?"
Stranger: "Excuse me…"
It was someone she didn't know.
Fiona: "Excuse me… how can I help you?"
An old man in a suit… a gentleman.
Gentleman: "Have you seen this man?"
He showed a photo.
Fiona: "Hmm…"
Gentleman: "His name is Ulric… have you seen him…"
Fiona: "No… why are you asking…"
He showed his badge.
Officer: "I am Officer Stewart Luie… I'm looking for this person named Ulric Steinhauer…"
Fiona: "Hmmm… I don't know him…"
Officer: "I see. Thank you, and sorry for disturbing you…"
Fiona: "Hmm."
He walked away… Fiona watched him.
Fiona: "Strange."
Remy: "Mhm."
Fiona: "(Sweats) You're still here… and behind me… why did you hide…"
Remy: "No idea, he seems suspicious to me…"
Fiona: "Why?"
Remy: "He's acting suspicious…"
Fiona: "The only one acting suspicious is you…"
Remy: "Can you say something nice about me for once."
Fiona: "Well… you have good eyes…"
Remy: "Oh thanks, I know, blue eyes."
Fiona: "No, you idiot, not that. I mean you're right, it's strange…"
Remy: "Mhm… we should find Casper…"
Fiona: "Where is he…"
Remy: "(Sweats)… well… that's the question…"
Fiona: "Hmm?"
(Meanwhile)
While Fiona and Remy are wondering where Casper is… Casper is at… a show…
Actor: "No… Juliet… please don't…"
Actress: "(Silent)"
Actor: "No, I'll drink this poison now…"
Actress: "Huh… no, Romeo!!!"
He fell to the floor.
Actress: "No… Romeo… hahh…"
She took the sword.
Actress: "Don't worry… I'll follow you…"
(Meanwhile)
Remy: "Maybe he's eating something."
Fiona: "Hmmm…"
Casper: "Nooooooooooooo!!!"
He suddenly screamed.
Fiona: "Ugh… what… what was that now."
Remy: "That was from that room over there…"
They quickly ran and opened the door.
Remy: "Casper!!"
Fiona: "Are you okay… huh?"
Remy: "Huh?"
Guard: "Don't just scream like that… you're disturbing the show…"
Casper: "No… Juliet… nooo!!"
Remy: "(Sweats)… hahh…"
Fiona: "Seriously… because of… Romeo and Juliet…"
Remy: "How about we pretend we don't know him…"
Fiona: "Mhm… good idea…"
She was about to leave.
Casper: "Remy and Fiona, help me."
Fiona: "Ghhhhh…"
Remy: "Great…"
Guard: "Does he belong to you?"
Remy: "Ghh."
Fiona: "Hahhh…"
They threw Fiona, Remy and Casper out of the room.
(Whoosh!)(Crash!)
Remy: "Ugh…"
Fiona: "I'm getting tired of you two…"
Casper: "Sorry…"
They got up.
Fiona: "What did you even do."
Remy: "Did you cry over that play again…"
Casper: "I can't help it, they act so well it feels realistic…"
Fiona: "(Sweats)… it's Romeo and Juliet… you're not a child…"
Remy: "Ugh… well… I have to say… sometimes he really has the mind of a child."
Fiona: "Great… impressive, your right-hand man, isn't he?"
Remy: "(Sweats)… indeed…"
Casper: "Hmm… but why are you looking at me like that…"
Remy: "Anyway… there's something more important. Casper, did anyone ask you about a person named Ulric?"
Casper: "You mean that officer?"
Fiona: "Oh… so he asked you too…"
Remy: "So he didn't only ask women."
Fiona: "Of course not… he's not like you…"
Remy: "(Sweats)… hey…"
Casper: "But why are you asking?"
They looked at him.
Remy: "Let's talk about it over tea."
They went to the dining car and ordered coffee and some sweets…
Casper: "So what's this about?"
Remy: "That guy over there is asking everyone he sees about a person named Ulric…"
Fiona: "He asked me too… just now…"
Remy: "He claims to be an officer… but I don't know, I have this feeling there's something else behind it."
Fiona: "Did you notice he didn't even say why he's wanted…"
Remy: "Right… if he really is such a dangerous criminal… he should have warned you… that's not very professional…"
Fiona: "Mhm… that is weird…"
Remy: "We should keep an eye on him…"
Casper: "What if he really is an officer?"
Remy: "Then we'll find out whether he's really an officer or just someone pretending to be one."
Fiona: "Hmmm."
Remy was sure something was wrong… Fiona looked at him… she had noticed something too… Casper, on the other hand, didn't seem sure yet whether this was really something dangerous.