strawberryshortcackle | PROLOGUE: The Day Watanuki Became A Witch

PROLOGUE: The Day Watanuki Became A Witch

['I have a wish.'

That day, clinging onto the discarded kimono Yuuko left, Watanuki said that to her - and while she was in a form different than her normal one, she still listened. Listening to the wishes of humans was an entertaining way to pass the time, and she'd mentally set the timepiece for five minutes, no more or less. If he'd disappointed her, then she wouldn't have hesitated to turn him into a delectable treat or black tea... And he looked as if he understood that she was very powerful, and yet he spoke.

Looking back, it was silly to worry about it. He had been one of Yuuko's, and while Lambdadelta wasn't as close with the Witch of Dimensions as she was with many other of her friends, she still knew how Yuuko tended to change people. Then again, Yuuko was the ruler of the Sea of Fragments, in a way a Voyager Witch like her could only dream of.

Still, when she heard his wish, she couldn't help but laugh. He had the witch of Certainty itself, and all he asked for was to see Yuuko again, confident and willing to give anything up to see it through. Much like that one child, who declared she wished to become a god, or the other one who declared she was a Witch...

...Perhaps she could get something out of this. A little more fun, if she played this the right way...

So she allowed it - and granted his wish. 'As long as you have the will to stay within the borders of this shop, I declare that you will 'certainly' meet Yuuko again someday. You will not die before you meet her, though you will suffer greatly as you wait.'

And then she left, her words hanging over him like a shroud.

And for 100 years - a blink of an eye to her - things went on without much hassle. A new Witch was born and placed in front of the Senate, granted a title and a name. There were great hopes placed on her, and she even was granted a face by someone else. A face that might cause a stir...

Then, one day, amidst the Sea, she saw it. She saw a form coming out of one of the Fragments, tall and thin...

Hm, so soon? He must have really packed in the suffering - that's a quick ascention time! Or maybe he's just that strong? Ahh, doesn't matter.

Floating over, she placed her 'feet' on the 'surface' of the sea, something the person - no, Witch in front of her did without even thinking, and grinned.]

Heeeeeey there, Errand-boy-kun! Oh no, wait, it's Shopkeeper-san now, isn't it? My baaaad~

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[Watanuki is not quick to anger. It's rarely seen, because he tends more towards 'pretending to be calm' or 'showing the irritation he feels all the time'. But even he is pushed past those limits sometimes, and when he is, it's quite a sight. His anger is a cold one, one that sends chills through people and freezes them in place.

A glare like that likely doesn't have any affect on a Witch, but he's still angry all the same. Because while Lambdadelta isn't who he is looking for, she is the first person he comes across, and thus will face his ire first.]

Where is she? I know she had to come through here!

[He's not even aware of how he is standing on the sea, nor how he seems to do so effortlessly. He is just Angry, and wants retribution.]

Edited 2019-01-26 21:02 (UTC)

Huuuuh? Not even a question about who I am, even after all this time? Well, I guess 100 years is a lot to someone new...I guess I'll have to reintroduce myself, then!

[She outstretches her arms with a flourish, before making a cute heart with her hands and pressing it to her chest.]

I'm the great and cute Lambdadelta, Witch of Certainty! I greet you, my fellow Witch! Or do you want to be called a sorcerer instead? *Cackle!*

[What

the fuck]

Why does it matter what I'm called? There's more important things to worry about here! Someone took her identity and is probably going to soil her name!

[Nope, not even a 'hi Lambda'. He mad.]

[She just gives a loud sigh, and firmly grasps his arm.]

Right, you're who just stops thinking when they get mad, huh? Okay, okay...if I take you to the Senate, I'm sure you'll see her there.

Ah, just one thing. When they ask you who you are, introduce yourself as The Witch of Dimensions, Okaaaay? That's what Yuuko - the *real* Yuuko - once did there, a long, long time ago.

Hang on! If I let go....well, even for a Witch of Dimensions, you won't like where you end up. *cackle!*

[And all at once, they move- from an endless sea of fragments to a place that looks like a grand judgement hall. There are - plenty of people around them, some with their own face, some wearing black goat heads...all in finery. As she pushes him forward in front of a large bench with other black goat heads, one of the goats speaks- ]

Your Title, one who wishes to stand before us?

[He almost pulls away, because he doesn't want to be touched by anyone, he just wants answers. But then she starts talking weird stuff, and then she mentions Yuuko, and suddenly she has his undivided attention.]

...okay?

[What a strange request. But off they go not too long after, and suddenly he's in a world of people and goat heads and he's pretty sure this is some kind of spirit bullshit. Which he knows by now he should not mess with if he doesn't know what's going on, but at the same time it doesn't look like there's any way out.

Time to put his trust in this strange blonde woman, and hope that his trust isn't misplaced.]

The Witch of Dimensions.

[Yuuko's old title, and one that technically applies to him now since he runs the shop. It's not his true name anyway, they won't be able to have power over him using that name.]

[He might regret that, later, but for now -

There's suddenly a noisy stir from the people around. Even the goat headed members on the bench look surprised, ears flicking.]

I see....indeed, we had heard that the previous Witch of Dimensions had a successor-in-training. It is good to see that the Sea of Fragments will have it's guardian again - it is clear you are quite powerful.

[The other goat heads nod, and one takes out a piece of yellowed parchment and a quill pen.]

Your name, Witch of Dimensions. Will you take on your predecessor's name, or make one of your own?

Edited 2019-01-27 21:52 (UTC)

[He hesitates for a moment, because Yuuko had told him never to give out his full name. Those who had his name would have power over him, because names mattered.

But at the same time, he can't take on Yuuko's name. It's too personal, and the hurt is still very fresh to him. 100 years isn't enough time for the pain to dull to the point where he could go by her name. So instead, he gives something else.]

Watanuki.

[It's not his full name, so that shouldn't give anyone power over him, right? 'Kimihiro' has always been the more important part of his name anyway, since it revealed just what his powers are and all.

Then again, the symbolism behind his family name might offend someone, because it does sound like a blatantly fake name. But it's all he has to give, and hopefully he doesn't get in trouble for it.]

[Names do indeed have power - even among Witches, a Witch's true name could be used against them. But that name - no one takes offense, though a few Goat-heads giggle among themselves and a few look thoughtful. The Goat speaking on the bench is one of those that look thoughtfully at it.]

April 1st...the day the padding from Kimonos are removed, and a day of pranks. How fitting.

Very well. By the power of the Witch Senate - and by the two Witches that have vouched for you - we recognize you as The Witch of Dimensions. Bring honor to your predecessor's name.

[The Gavel in the goat's hand pounds against the bench, and Watanuki is ushered out. The moment he's outside of the court, however, so many magical creatures rush at him - cute looking animals, red-eyed people with a distinct aura to them, even others who had goat heads on taking them off - and he's enveloped in a wall of sound.

'Ahhh, welcome, welcome! We were all wondering who would take her place!'

'Watanuki-sama, if you ever need Furniture, please don't hesitate to summon me! I might be a lower ranked demon, but I'm still good!'

'Actually, if you're here, then could you help me find a Fragment that's eluded me? It's proving really hard, to find, and -'

Even through the crush of other beings....it's easy to see when she appears, giving Watanuki a smile he might remember, before stepping through a door leading down another hallway.

It seems if he wants to catch her, he'll have to give chase...]

[Oh lord he did not expect to get mobbed by all of these people at once. All of the attention and noise is too much, and he doesn't know who to speak to first. He tries a few times, looking at one of them in particular as he tries to speak, only to be distracted and have his attention drawn in another direction.

But then he sees that face, and everything else drops to the side. He manages a quick 'excuse me' before he makes his way through the crowd, trying to follow after that witch.]

Wait!

[He's calling after her as he tries to catch up to her. Now that he has a chance, he has to figure out what's going on. Why does she look like Yuuko when she's clearly not Yuuko?]

[As the crowd falls away, he might notice some confused looks, and even -

'Why is he going after...?'

But it all dies away as he enters the hallway, and she is standing at the end of it - in an outfit that's both familiar and unfamiliar at the same time.

She doesn't make a move to leave, just smiling and seemingly waiting for him to catch up to her.]

[And catch up he does, because he's going right for her.

At first he wants to believe it's her, that finally, after 100 years, his wish has been fulfilled. But it's not her, and he can tell that almost instantly. The little quirks that made Yuuko who she was, they're not there. No, this is definitely an imposter, and by the time he reaches her he's frowning deeply.]

You're not Yuuko.

[A statement and an accusation at the same time.]

That is my name, Witch of Dimensions.

[Her smile deepens a little, and she mimes a curtsy - even though she doesn't have a dress to spread out. That most likely looks even more disturbing...]

I was a little worried that you'd take on the previous Witch of Dimensions' name...but since you didn't, I'm free to own it, along with this face. You have my thanks, Watanuki.

[That smile....grows a sharp, cruel edge - unnatural on Yuuko's face.]

Let me introduce myself. I am Yuuko, Witch of Misfortune. As I am also a newcomer to the realm of Witches, I hope that we can get along...*giggle.*

Edited 2019-01-29 03:54 (UTC)

You're not my Yuuko.

[There is a bit more force to his words, but no color changing yet. Because he is too new at this witch thing, and doesn't know how to do that yet.]

And if you really want to get along, then use a different face. Even if two people can have the same name, they won't have the same face.

[Well, that's true. He also doesn't know the magical formula to make the Red and Blue happen, so. Yes, that's a thing.

'Yuuko' laughs, dropping her hands - though she does seem a little...angry? when he uses the 'my' there.]

Ah, forgive me. I had no idea you owned a dead woman, Witch of Dimensions.

Either way, I refuse. This is a perfectly good face and name going to waste, and I don't want to wear a goat head for the rest of my life, you see? Thus, I am allowed to use it.

Why not use your own face? I'm sure you had one before you stole the one you're using.

[At that, there's a larger rush of anger in her eyes, narrowing them.]

Perhaps you shouldn't be concerned with matters that don't involve you, Watanuki. This face and name are mine, and nothing can change that - not even one such as you.

Unless you want to try and take it from me by force? I warn you, though - my powers are not to be trifled with. And even you cannot ward off Misfortune.

[She does have a point: traveling dimensions is nothing compared to being able to cause misfortunes. However, he knows how karma works, and any misfortune she causes is bound to have a hefty price. If she is so new to being a witch, she might not know how that works yet. That's something he can use to his advantage.]

I will take it back from you, using any method I can. Even if you control misfortune, that is something I know how to defeat.

[Because what goes around comes around, and Misfortune has a hefty cost. A cost he will make a claim on, when the time comes.

He just has to make sure he survives long enough to make that claim.]

[Maybe for others, or humans, perhaps. But he doesn't know she is literally the embodiment of one person's hatred, pain, and agony - and a being with no identity, removed from the karmic cycle.

So any karma he would build up would be only on his own, and she laughs - no, cackles, sounding like an evil being from the depths of hell, a horrifyingly scornful look on her face.]

'Something you know how to defeat?!' Whaaaat's with that, are those lines from some shitty book or something?! You piiiiitiful man, do you still not understand? You can't beat me. I'm known for being cruel, you know? I like playing with my victims, making them think 'ah, maybe the bad times are over now' before yanking them back down to the pits of hell.

Tell me, O Witch of Dimensions. If you want this face back so badly, then tell me what you'll do to get it back. Do you want to hit me? Kick me? Punch me? Maybe you'll try holding me under the water, hmmm? Burning is unpleasant, I know that first hand *cackle cackle cackle*!

[From around her hands, black flames suddenly appear, licking up her arms. The sight of them are strange enough, but the aura that comes from them is enough to make anyone shiver.

To be touched by those flames is to be cursed for a thousand, thousand years with nothing but the worst existence in any of the countless fragments in the sea. It would cling to your soul, so even losing your earthly form wouldn't free you from your suffering.

And yet, the Witch in front of him caressed it lovingly, like she was touching a beloved pet...]

....Would you like to burn as well?

[Before becoming an official witch, Watanuki had limited access to the ability to cross dimensions. It came with a price, one that he had to take in payment from others or pay with his own flesh, but he knew how to acquire items from other worlds. Once he had enough karma to 'pay the ferryman', so to speak, getting what he needed was relatively trivial.

And now that he's a witch- no, now that he's a Witch, following the definition of a world separate from his own- he has greater access to that same ability. He'll need to practice it, but eventually he'll be capable of reaching into the sea of fragments and getting whatever he needs, no costs involved.

But Watanuki is not yet at that point where he can summon anything and anyone at will, so he steps back as she summons those flames. He is unsure of how to even combat them, and just seeing them makes the hairs on his neck stand up. They actually make him hesitate, as he clearly didn't expect a display of power like this.

The hesitation doesn't last long, though. Because his love of Yuuko- his mentor, his parental figure- is stronger than that fear.]

I'd rather not, but if I have to, then I will. She's worth it.

[The reaction to those words -

For a moment, she looks...shocked. Her eyes widen, and for a moment, she looks...vulnerable, the flames dying down a little.

But then rage crosses her face, and the black flames flare back to life as she lifts her hands -]

H-Hey! Woah woah woah, slow dooooown!

[Lambdadelta suddenly rushes in, standing between them.]

Don't just attack the new Witch out of nowhere, he doesn't even know how to fight yet! That's like attacking a baby! And don't just agree to fight a more experienced Witch, are you a moron?!

['Yuuko' stares at her a moment - eyes still wild with rage - before it drains away and she huffs, removing those black flames from her hands.]

...Fine. But only because I know fighting you is a lost cause.

Well, Duh. I'm the great and powerful Lambdadelta, silly! Even if you control 'misfortune', I control 'certainty.' I don't need to tell you that I can just cancel it out or make it worse, right?

A~ny~way~! Fighting over such a little matter is really, really dumb - it's like watching two kids on the playground fight over a toy! And while I normally wouldn't enter into the world of children, you've both got a lot of potential I'd hate to see get snuffed out here.

[She 'hmmms' for a moment, putting her hands on her hips - before suddenly pounding her fist against her hand.]

Hmm....Ah, hey, why don't you just play a game over this? Loser has to listen to the winner - it's suuuuuper common when Witches have a dispute, you know?

Edited 2019-01-29 05:39 (UTC)

[And there's the blonde witch again.

At first, Watanuki looks offended by Lambda's words. He's not a kid, damnit! But this witch actually gets 'Yuuko' to listen to her, and something about that tells him that she isn't someone to mess with. Even if she can be annoying/

The mention of a 'game' has him suspicious, though.]

What kind of a game?

[He really doubts she means chess.]

Hmmm, well, it'll be a game between Witches, of course! There's a lot of those - But a lot of the times, it's like playing chess. you move your Pieces on the Board, and if you do it well enough, you win!

Hm...Actually, I think I know the game that might work. Yuuko, you know what I'm talking about, right?

['Yuuko' blinks, before suddenly looking delighted - just like how the real one would.]

Oh, yes! I was thinking of trying a game like that - but I've never even tried doing something like it before.

Well, I guess I could do a little run through for the two of you - let both of you get acquainted with the rules and magical formulas. It'll be on Yuuko's Territory, though.

The 'pieces' are people, aren't they?

[HE'S NOT STUPID HE KNOWS WHERE THIS IS GOING

But at the same time, if this is the only way to win...]

I'll watch your run through and learn the rules. But if we do play this 'game' on the Witch of Misfortune's territory, then I want to pick the 'pieces'.

[Also fuck you witch, he's not calling you Yuuko.]

It's the right of a Witch to play around with Human lives, you know? You'll understand soon, Watanuki-kun! I mean, don't you kind of already do that?

[Lambda grins - and 'Yuuko' looks a little interested, but smiles enigmatically after a moment.]

I'll send you both an invitation when Lady Lambdadelta has picked the pieces for the runthrough. I look forward to seeing who you chose during the game proper, Witch of Dimensions. After all, you can pick from any Fragment, can't you?

[And with that, 'Yuuko' suddenly vanishes in a burst of black flame, burning itself out until nothing remains. Lambdadelta sighs, crossing her arms and giving Watanuki a look, though she doesn't say anything.]

[Yeah, he's not saying anything at her either. Even if he's grateful that she intervened before that witch did anything really terrible, he's still mad.

So he just stands there and crosses his arms, waiting for Lambda to say something first.]

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PROLOGUE: The Day Watanuki Became A Witch

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don't wanna make/switch accounts for this so lmao

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