The clangs of metal echoed throughout the entire floor. Eliana's blue blade left behind droplets of water with each swing and clash against Ilusia's white scythe. Every block felt heavy on her arms, and yet the puppet manoeuvred so swiftly and flawlessly.
I get it now.
Deflecting a strike, Eliana saw an opening and went for the heart, only to cause a mere scratch. Illusia retaliated, and Eliana was pushed back.
This puppet was created with ten times as many strings as the others. Not only is it tough, but it can even manipulate its own strings to create more shapes!
Several string orbs hovered around her, twitching and threatening to explode. She cut down each one. Illusia lurched forward, taking advantage of the distraction. Eliana blocked the scythe just in time after cutting down the last orb, but the impact threw her towards Pandora.
With how intricately this one is shaped, she likely cannot make multiple of these.
Pandora caught her and prevented her from falling before gesturing at her to continue. Illusia reappeared beside her, and Eliana leapt ahead to avoid the giant blade. Turning around, the puppet stood in front of the master.
Or, at least, that's what I'd hope…
"It appears that this one was too much for you," Pandora said. "I thought that if you could defeat this one, I'd deem you worthy of facing me. And yet, here you are." She walked forward and examined her puppet, placing a palm on its chest. "You struggled so much only for a mere scratch that's no longer visible."
Eliana remained silent, watching closely with a frown.
"Would you like me to use a weaker one?" A black orb that looked to be made of a creeper's flesh took shape in her hand. "I'm not particularly fond of this one, but it has its uses. I only didn't unleash it due to there already being enough chaos." The orb faded away from her palm before she continued, "Or would you like to continue struggling? After all, I'm in no rush to end this."
"That's perfect." Eliana grinned. "I'm in no rush either. After all, the longer we take…"
They heard a loud crash and a violent wave of water rushing down outside the building wall, alongside the shattering of several windows. Pandora flinched slightly as she gazed up. Eliana knew exactly who it was.
"…the closer I get to winning~" she finished.
"I don't get it," Pandora said, recalling Illusia, who returned into nothingness. "Why are you so inclined to stop me? Why are you helping the very people who drove you to the edge of a rooftop? Have you forgiven them so easily?"
"I haven't," Eliana raised her voice, "but that doesn't mean I should leave them to die!"
"You're saving them now so they can hurt more people later? Such people can never change. Don't you understand it yet?"
"You're assuming too much. Sure, not everyone can change. At least, not easily. But I know someone who did. I know someone who broke down before me with how disgusted they were of themselves!"
"And you're assuming that this person will no longer do the same? To someone else? That they weren't simply putting on an act in front of you?"
"That's the thing, Crimson." Eliana sighed softly. "It's never that simple. There is no right and wrong. That's just how this world works."
She lowered her gaze.
"And maybe you're right. Maybe they'll never change. But you can't tell. And neither can I. Should they be forgiven? Should they be given another chance? I wouldn't know."
Clutching the hilt of her sword, she lifted her head.
"However, death is far too extreme a solution! And I don't care if you think that's right. I cannot allow it!"
Pandora gasped, then sighed. "You're too far gone." She stepped forward. "Then let us decide who is truly right in the only way we know. No more puppets. I will deal with you myself."
But the girl's heart fluttered for a split second as she sensed a certain anomaly. Gazing above, she thought to herself.
The Lily? She's awake? And here I was, worried that she fell too soon.
…
"Pathetic!"
From a place that didn't exist, in a plane only accessible by Him and those He deemed worthy, a distorted voice spoke with disgust.
"To lose to my weakest…what a disappointment!"
Her eyes flashed open just in time to witness a golden light flying away. She looked around the empty hallway before getting back up. Clothes soaked in blood, yet there was no pain nor any wound.
"How…?"
Viola could move herself just fine. One wouldn't believe she was brought to a state of near-death moments prior. She couldn't believe it either.
"Did Aurelia…do something?"
But she had bigger things to worry about.
Emily went off to help Eliana. She'd be more useful than I, anyway. I'll check on the survivors instead, and make sure they remain safe!
The moment the room came into sight, she heard an extra pair of footsteps. And a second later, the door opened, and a girl walked out.
Why are they coming out?! I told them to—
As soon as the girl turned and locked eyes with Viola, she reached out and mouthed the word, "Help". Viola picked up the pace, only for a large hand to grab the girl and pull her back in. Her scream was cut short by a loud splatter, and Viola reached the door fast enough to witness the horror unfold before her.
What…happened…here?
The room was a bloody mess. The tables, the chairs, and the corpses of the remaining students were scattered all over, with a few snake creepers feeding on them. And at the centre of it all was a feminine figure, facing the other way, wearing a plain, black dress, with a hood over her head. Hovering above her was the same hand tentacle, turned into a mouth, chomping on the girl who was screaming for help a second ago. Blood dribbled like rain, and the culprit danced under it.
Viola took one step inside, and the dance immediately stopped. The girl's head instantly turned around at an impossible angle to glare at Viola. Her face was nothing but blood red, with two empty patches in place of the eyes. That was when Viola noticed that every part of her skin was covered in blood-red bandages.
She lifted her hand and pointed at Viola, who barely had time to react as several hand and mouth tentacles reached out of the floor, walls, and ceiling. A moment later, the wall of the hallway broke down as Viola was thrown out of the building. She used magic to soften her fall, but the tentacles followed after her.
Viola dashed around in an attempt to dodge each one, but they wouldn't let up. She had to punch them away with violet fists until they turned to dust. Meanwhile, the mysterious girl landed gracefully several feet away from her.
Could this be the one Eliana is after? The abnormal creeper?
"Are you," the girl spoke up in a muffled voice, "the one who…gathered them?"
Is this even a creeper?!
Viola gingerly nodded with a gulp, assuming she meant the students.
"How nice of you!" She put her hands together in delight. "To put food on my plate, to gather them all in a single place…"
As she talked, Viola clenched her fists until her knuckles cracked and fingers dug violently into her palms.
"In return, I will go easy on you!"
Viola took one step forward, and the mysterious girl disappeared in an instant.
Where did it—
A pair of arms suddenly wrapped around her from behind, one across her belly and the other just below the neck. She could also feel a cold body leaning closely on her back. It had no pulse, nor could she hear a single heartbeat aside from her own.
"Got you~"
The same muffled voice murmured behind her ear, sending chills down Viola's spine.
"May I offer you temporary peace before I have you for supper?"
Viola could not move a muscle or breathe. A single misstep could decide her end. This girl's presence suddenly polluted the atmosphere. It was an aura so dense and overwhelming that, to her, an enchanted creeper would appear angelic.
"Oh, Violet, you're my grand prize, the Star of tonight! You're the reason why we're all here. And despite my lack of interest, I am glad to have followed that Puppeteer here~"
The arms clutched her tighter, sending jolts of pain all across Viola's body. Any more pressure and she could shatter from within.
"Surely," the girl whispered straight into her right ear, "you won't disappoint me?"
Move, Viola, move! I already lost earlier. I cannot lose again!
"Oh? Do you not have even a single word to spare? Or are you so flabbergasted by my entrance that you're left speechless?"
Come on, hands…do something!
"Or have I closed our gaps too soon? Do you wish for me to step back?" Their grip loosened a little. "But if I don't claim you now…" The girl's tone lost its playful nature and began to growl. "I will lose you to the Lilac!"
It's now or never…don't betray me!
"No, never! I can't lose yo—"
Viola finally broke free, pushing the arms away and dashing forward. Quickly summoning a knife, she turned around and threw it at the enemy.
"How assuring," said the girl as Viola panted heavily. "I was worried you'd disappoint."
There's no way she's a creeper. Is she a Slave of the Void? Her eyes are missing, so I can't tell their colour! But whatever she is, one thing's for certain…
The knife thrown had cleanly pierced the girl's heart.
They all share the same weakness. It's the only way to defeat a pawn of the Void…
The mysterious girl took a few steps towards Viola, seemingly ignorant of the blade stuck between her chest.
Or so I thought…
"Why are you still startled? Did I not give you enough space?" The girl stopped and shrugged. "Or do I simply look that hideous? If that's your reasoning, please find another way to resent me. But if you wish to persist, direct that anger on the Lilac. Blame the creator, not the creation."
I should've figured something was wrong the moment she didn't care to protect her heart…
"Oh, it must be this…" She finally discovered the knife and took it off her. "Are you questioning why I didn't die?"
What are you?
"Go ahead." She snickered, throwing the weapon on the floor right in front of Viola. "Give it another chance~"
"H-Huh?"
"Perhaps you missed." She opened her arms wide as if seeking another embrace. "Pick it up and strike me again~"
Viola glanced at the floor, then back at the other, wondering whether it was a trap or an act of intimidation. She did not move a muscle.
"Do not disappoint me, Violet," the girl said. "Lest you want my anger directed at someone precious—"
Clenching her fists, she immediately picked up the knife and threw it again. Blood splattered as it stabbed the same spot, clean and through. There was no mistaking it, the Slave's heart was impaled.
And it still didn't work?!
"Are you satisfied now?" The girl pulled out the knife and crushed it into tiny pieces in her bloodied hand. "Can we not indulge in violence any longer, knowing it is futile?"
The stench of the Void is clear. Whatever she may be, she's still on the same boat as the creepers. Therefore, she must have the same weakness! I should try a different approach—
"Be not afraid~"
Viola couldn't retaliate on time, and the girl closed the distance again in the flash of a second. She grabbed both of Viola's hands, interlocking their fingers, while her face leaned in and rested sideways on Viola's chest, as if checking for a heartbeat.
"Please, stay calm," she continued in a whisper. "Your limbs shiver at my presence; it disheartens me. Your core beats too loudly; I'm afraid it might explode and shatter you into pieces. And if that happens…"
Lifting her head, their gaze met. And letting go of her hands, she gently cupped both sides of Viola's face. The cold and wet touch made her shiver.
"How can I take pleasure in breaking you apart myself?"
Gritting her teeth, Viola clutched the girl's collar and turned around, throwing her into the building wall, which cracked all over upon impact. She quickly dashed forward and grabbed the Slave's neck.
The arms, the fingers, and now this…
Viola intended to choke her to death. Still, with the amount of force she was applying, the bones of an ordinary human would break immediately, eventually leading to decapitation if she pressed on.
"Still not satisfied?"
The girl's voice not only seemed unaffected, but there was also no sound of bones crunching.
Not a single part of her body resembles a human. It feels more like a non-living object! And there's not even a skeletal structure!
"I've been nice to you thus far," she continued in a low growl. "Any more of your fruitless attempts and I might change my mind." She grabbed Viola's neck. If not for magic reinforcement, it would've snapped immediately.
"Draven doesn't desire your death. At least, not yet. But I have my own wish too. And I couldn't care less about going against Him to reach it." Her other hand clutched the side of Viola's face a little too aggressively. If not for the durable body, her skull would've begun to crack.
"Will you join me, side by side, on my little conquest against the Lilac? Or will you turn down this alliance and end up as supper? What's it going to be, Violet? Tell me. Answer me!"
Her bloody thumb moved dangerously close to the eye, while her hold on the neck tightened. An ordinary human would've long crumbled under such pressure.
"Make a choice, Violet!"
But Viola had a plan.
"ANSWER ME THIS INSTANT—"
"Neither!"
Blood splattered over Viola's face. Taken aback by her response, the girl's grip loosened, and Viola successfully backed off a foot or two away.
"Your answer is…nothing?"
"I would never join the Void!" Viola raised her voice. "You think just because I'm new, you can change me, make me betray my companions? All their time and efforts spent on me, all their hopes and dreams placed on me, all that they expect from me, you think I would give that away for a mere alliance? Especially one that reeks of ill omen?"
The girl stared back, seemingly dumbfounded.
"Never! I'd rather die fighting you than become your pawn! Even if you went against Draven, I would still remain where I am. After all, my side is already doing the same, but they also don't treat me like a disposable tool! Just give up trying to get me into your cause. I've already decided where I belong!"
For a split second, Viola felt a shiver to her core. The feeling of being watched crept up on her, as if a higher entity glanced at her, then turned away the next second. The silence went on slightly longer than she would've liked. But it was finally broken by the sound of laughter.
"Huh?"
The girl giggled on her own. While one would expect a burst of rage, the girl laughed aloud, mocking Viola's stance without ever speaking a word.
"W-What are you laughing at?!"
"You truly are new to this world, aren't you?" she responded in a playful tone. "The sheer boldness in your declaration just gave me a tickle. Disposable tool? I wouldn't deny that about my side. But how can you be so sure of yours?"
Viola gasped.
"Wait till you hear the tale of Aiden~"
"Y-You're wrong! I've lived closely with my companions for months. And they've always treated me kindly!"
"Remain in that sweet dream of yours if you wish. But the reality will eventually come wake you up. I wonder how you will fare then? Quite the exciting thought, I might leave you alive just for that!"
"Don't talk like you know them well!"
"Oh, I do." She snickered. "My Master resides in His own little realm for eternity while letting us do all the outdoor work. Do you know who else does the same?"
"S-Shut up!"
"Go on, give it a thought. I'm sure you can name at least one person~"
"I said shut up!"
"But if you so wish to embrace death, then I'd be pleased to satiate your thirst. Or did you expect to come out alive? Despite the futility of your actions, did you truly wish you could win?" She laughed again. "You're giving me another tickle—"
"And you still think you have the upper hand? Look below."
"Do I not?" She gazed down to see another knife, flashing violet, stuck to her chest. "Why? What is this puny blade going to do?"
"Well, you're about to find out!" Viola grinned and snapped her fingers, and as soon as she did, the weapon glowed even brighter until it exploded, creating a cloud of violet smoke.
Please work…
Viola watched with little anxious breaths as the smoke slowly settled. The sound of the girl moving could no longer be heard, which made Viola almost sigh in relief. She'd try to listen for a heartbeat had it been any normal enemy.
Even creepers somehow have a pulse!
A loud sigh emitted from within the smoke that blew it away, revealing the bloodied girl yet again, standing unbothered and unaffected despite the huge gaping hole in her chest.
But how? I was sure it'd work!
"Don't you get it?" she growled, slowly walking forward with Viola stepping back. "Nothing you do works! My body doesn't care how much you throw at me or how powerful your attacks are!"
The hole in her heart had already begun to fill up, and the bandages regrew, acting like skin.
"My being rejects the very concept of death!"
Impossible! There…there has to be wa—
Before Viola could finish her own thoughts, the girl reached out with her arm that morphed and extended into a larger hand tentacle that grabbed Viola's body. She was then flung towards the building, crashing through the walls and ending up on the other side, past the flower garden.
She's too quick for a creeper...something's not right...
The girl walked through the rubble and towards Viola as she got back up.
If this thing truly is a type of creeper…then shouldn't it be weaker than a Slave?
"Oh my, I have forgotten to introduce myself," she spoke up, standing several feet before Viola. "It would be quite a shame if you died not knowing the name of the one that ended you~"
Unless…we've been wrong all along…
"Number Five of the Seven Crimsons." The Slave bowed gracefully. "Simply, Corra~"
Viola took a sharp breath as her expression turned horrified.
"Now, if you will," Corra continued, "please, be my supper for this fine evening~"