🌿Josephine Ako🌿

The witch loved how the flowers looked under the moonlight. Walking along the various plants, helping some grow along the way that were struggling. Her body stopped as she saw a woman standing in front of a rose bush.

The woman was beautiful, yes, but something about her made Josephine weary. Her black dress torn and dyed crimson. “Are you lost? Do you need help, miss?” The french woman asked, thinking it’s just another one of the sacrifices that met their demise.

“Not in the slightest, witch.” Green eyes shot at her and she felt sick to her stomach. She knows those eyes and she loathed them. “You’re her… The mother of triplets and him… Why are you still here?” She questioned her.

“Why would I answer to you, little girl?” The vampire smiled down at her, no warmth in how she bared her teeth.

“Because I’m the only one here that can see you, and move you on. Not to mention I’m not dead.”

[ Ryuuto observed from the window of his studio, nothing much catching his eye until the woman happened to speak. True, he couldn't hear from this distance what she was speaking of, but he was certain there wasn't anyone she was speaking to. ]

[ His brows creased. His confusion was evident. ]

What on earth. . .

[ Still, he remained an observer; Watching ever so closely from this window, he wondered just where his seemingly delusional conversation with the wind was going. ]

“Yes, actually, you’re not the first angry spirit I’ve encountered.” Josephine relaxed, staring at her with sad eyes. “Why do you want to stay here? Why stay in the place where you were treated with little love?” Josephine tilted her head to the side.

“Do not speak of things you don’t know of, brat.” The vampire growled but Josephine remains unfazed.

“But I do know. I know what it’s like to love someone so much that it kills you from the inside.” The witch tried to give her sympathy. “To love someone so much that you can’t see how much they are hurting you. How they mistreated you and cast you aside for another woman. Simply because he can.” Josephine felt her heart twinge, unknowing of the vampire’s power.

“You have some nerve talking to me like you know me. How dare you assume I’m here because of my husband. I just want to see my son grow up to become a man. As a mother, it is my right to see him.”

And just then, Josephine’s heart broke a little. Not only was she misjudging her. But then something didn’t click with her. Why one son, why not a plural tense? Has Ryuuto and his mother have a closer relationship than she thought?

"Josephine, do you know what happened to all the chocolates I bought? They were saved for the Valentine's Day Soiree at father's castle, but they seem to have disappeared from where I last placed them."

(SKSKSKSKS THIS IS GONNA BE HILARIOUS)

“I haven’t seen any chocolates besides the ones Kuro and my aunt gave me for Valentine’s day.” She lied. Kuro and her ate the chocolates. They drank two bottles of expensive wine he found in a cabinet and ate any sweet they could find that night.

“Do you need help finding them? I’m more than happy to help!” The witch prayed she wouldn’t get caught red handed, she knows lying to Rei is a very risky game. Josephine knows that Rei is good at reading her.

[scratches chin]

“But where to begin? While I wouldn’t be surprised if Kanato took the chocolates for himself, he generally avoids anything I buy. Especially after I poisoned the cake that killed one of his precious dolls prematurely.”

[peers at Josephine]

“Would you have any ideas on who the culprit may be?”

“So, hypothetically, if you found out who took the chocolates and wine, what would you do to them?” She asked in fear, listening to how the vampire killed a past bride. Was Josephine surprised? Not really. However, she was fearful of what her crush would do to her if the truth came out.

“Chocolates and wine? Since when I mention anything about wine missing? Where did you get that idea?”

[Rei gets close to Josephine before using her left hand to pinch the witch’s left cheek]

“Well, since the culprit took and presumably consumed the chocolates, they obviously would have pay me back. I still need those chocolates for the soiree after all. But given they probably lack a regular job, they would have to work under me as a maid or butler to pay back their debt.”

[releases the cheek and walks back to her original spot]

“The wine is approximately 25000¥ a piece, with 20 bottles in total. So if all bottles are missing, then the culprit would owe me 510,000¥ in total. And based off current pay rates for mortal maids, it would take them about 2 years to reach that amount.”

[walks closer to Josephine and whispers in her ear]

“And they would be assigned a uniform to my tastes. Something classy, but it would also serve as reminder not to trifle with me again. And the maid’s outfit is quite spectacular, I must say.”

“Are you serious?! A maid?!” The witch huffed in annoyance. Sure, she had fun that night but having to wear a costume for two years is not the price she wants to pay!

Josephine’s face was red from being so close to Rei. As scared as she was, she still enjoyed being close to her crush.

“Will the sentence be shortened if the culprit confesses?” The french woman asked, hoping the vampire would have some mercy. But knowing the second eldest, she knew she would most likely show no mercy,

[pulls out her pen and notepad]

“I hope your binge was worth all the trouble, because you will be paying back in full. So, how much of the wine did you drink? Was it the whole collection, deer? Will you be wearing the lovely outfit I will have tailored made for two years as you clean rafters?”

[smile becomes more sadistic]

I hate my life. I just wanted to have fun… I didn’t know there was a note! This is so stupid. I can’t believe I have to wear a stupid maid outfit… It better be comfortable, at least.

“When do I have to start working for you?” I mean- It can’t be that bad right? I mean, sure, she’s a bit of a sadist but she likes me I think so it’s okay!

“———!!!!” The attack the entity had bestowed upon Josephine and the sound of her body hitting the wall was enough to finally make Scarlett react.

It was frustrating; part of her felt oddly connected to that blazing wrath that hurt her friend before her eyes. It was like a slap to her face. After all, wasn't that was what always meant to happen whenever she'd let her emotions flow? Exactly why she had to keep them hidden, locked up, masked and...!

...away from her, so she could escape from them until they would eventually catch up again. Like now.

Right then, Josephine stood up and gave a brief speech to the spirit, leaving Scarlett dumbfounded. There was some guilt in letting that fierce monstrosity that her emotions summoned simply harm her friend while she could do nothing to stop it or fix it out of, what, fear?

...Pathetic, a female voice echoed in the back of her mind.

Nevertheless, the Ghoul looked at the witch with shy admiration, before flinching once more when the attention was on her again. 'Why are you filled with spite?' What a broad question that was.

Putting her emotions into words... how tortuous could that be?

“I...” A very small voice came out. Which of all emotions was taking over, and which was letting her speak? Her amethyst glance faced the flaming beast, and it burned, as if it was branding that image into her mind, but she dared not look away.

“——I didn't want to die.” She started, shrugging the tension away for a moment. She could already feel a weird knot in her throat, yet she continued. “...And I didn't want to come back to life...” A shaky sigh, “I didn't want to be a mere test... I didn't want to be left alone... I didn't want to be taken away, I didn't want to serve someone else, I didn't want to get used to it, I didn't want her to die——!!!”

Each statement spoken more intensely than the last, her voice was raising, the fear turning into frustration and the tension came back and now threatened to come out in the form of warm tears.

“——I didn't want to be useless and I didn't it to hurt this much! I didn't want this Hell to keep going and I wish I could forget but I cannot! I didn't want... this.” A hand got a grip of her shirt, the fabric around her chest wrinkled, as if she tried to grab a heart that was hurting despite not beating. “I never wanted this...”

Slowly, she stood up, almost stumbling in her weak legs. It hurt to speak, it hurt to think, everything was hurting. But she kept going.

“...and who ever cared? No one.” She scoffed, shaking her head. “No one cared. No one asked what I wanted... ever.” Whatever sadness her voice reflected suddenly turned into a very resentful tone; albeit not very high in volume, it was like she was growling. “The world didn't want me here, and now it doesn't want me to go... But it's my turn to not care. My spite does not come from one person alone. The world itself has wronged me... And yes...”

She stepped in, facing the spirit from up close.

“Perhaps I only want it to burn. That's why you came here, you are what's inside of me. How dare you imply I don't know about anger!?”

“You and I can help each other, Miss Scarlett.” It gave an option. “You help me with some unfinished business and I help with yours.”

“What’s the catch?” Josephine asked, arms crossed, squinting. She knew too well of how some beings can seem so sweet and loving only to take until you are husk.

“There is none. You two kill the one who did this to me and I burn anyone who has harmed you, Scarlett.” It says.

“Don’t make the deal yet.” Josephine placed a hand on Scarlett’s shoulder to warn her. “Do you promise not to harm us?”

“Why would I harm the one who finally understands the torment I went through. The pure agony I was forced to endure.” It says looking at Josephine and it almost clicked to the being.

“I’m not like the demon that pursues you relentlessly, witch.” It could sense her shoulders relaxing as it told her that information.

“Who did this to you?” Josephine asked, feeling a bit bad for the being.

“Richter Sakamaki.” It named the person. “I want them to go through what we did.”

Josephine shrugs. “I mean, that’s fair.” She planned on killing the king himself soon so why not go for his brother too?

I’m taking two birds down with one stone. What can go wrong?

“What do you think, Scar? Do you want to go on a mission?”

"Josephine, do you know what happened to all the chocolates I bought? They were saved for the Valentine's Day Soiree at father's castle, but they seem to have disappeared from where I last placed them."

(SKSKSKSKS THIS IS GONNA BE HILARIOUS)

“I haven’t seen any chocolates besides the ones Kuro and my aunt gave me for Valentine’s day.” She lied. Kuro and her ate the chocolates. They drank two bottles of expensive wine he found in a cabinet and ate any sweet they could find that night.

“Do you need help finding them? I’m more than happy to help!” The witch prayed she wouldn’t get caught red handed, she knows lying to Rei is a very risky game. Josephine knows that Rei is good at reading her.

[scratches chin]

“But where to begin? While I wouldn’t be surprised if Kanato took the chocolates for himself, he generally avoids anything I buy. Especially after I poisoned the cake that killed one of his precious dolls prematurely.”

[peers at Josephine]

“Would you have any ideas on who the culprit may be?”

“So, hypothetically, if you found out who took the chocolates and wine, what would you do to them?” She asked in fear, listening to how the vampire killed a past bride. Was Josephine surprised? Not really. However, she was fearful of what her crush would do to her if the truth came out.

“Chocolates and wine? Since when I mention anything about wine missing? Where did you get that idea?”

[Rei gets close to Josephine before using her left hand to pinch the witch’s left cheek]

“Well, since the culprit took and presumably consumed the chocolates, they obviously would have pay me back. I still need those chocolates for the soiree after all. But given they probably lack a regular job, they would have to work under me as a maid or butler to pay back their debt.”

[releases the cheek and walks back to her original spot]

“The wine is approximately 25000¥ a piece, with 20 bottles in total. So if all bottles are missing, then the culprit would owe me 510,000¥ in total. And based off current pay rates for mortal maids, it would take them about 2 years to reach that amount.”

[walks closer to Josephine and whispers in her ear]

“And they would be assigned a uniform to my tastes. Something classy, but it would also serve as reminder not to trifle with me again. And the maid’s outfit is quite spectacular, I must say.”

“Are you serious?! A maid?!” The witch huffed in annoyance. Sure, she had fun that night but having to wear a costume for two years is not the price she wants to pay!

Josephine’s face was red from being so close to Rei. As scared as she was, she still enjoyed being close to her crush.

“Will the sentence be shortened if the culprit confesses?” The french woman asked, hoping the vampire would have some mercy. But knowing the second eldest, she knew she would most likely show no mercy,

“Boo! Guess who! Fufu~” 

She giggled, withdrawing right after as she was sure it wasn’t that hard to guess. Greeting Josephine normally, she had a request after all.

“Tell me… what kind of powers do you really have? I feel like I’ve been misunderstanding them all this time…” She squinted, puckering her lips deep in thought, “Hmmmmm…”

Suddenly, a grin started to show up.

“So... Do you think someone like me can learn a thing or two? I can teach you something in exchange, if you want~”

“Joining forces would be helpful, don’t you think so?”

“Scar, not so loud!” Josephine pulls her friend to her rooms wanting privacy. “I don’t like talking about my gifts out in public. I like having the others think I’m weak so it will be easier to conquer.” The witch explained to the ghoul.

“They’re a little… odd.” Josephine grows some crimson roses from the floor beneath their feet, vines covering the wall as wisteria bloom on the ceiling. “This is the kind of magic I usually show. I try my best to not scare anyone too bad. However…”

Josephine sighs and sits in the roses, patting the ground in front of her for her friend to sit. “What I’m truly gifted at is death magic. I have spoken to many of the past brides of the Sakamaki estate, along with the Mukami… Those poor girls have gone through so much. Someone of the were trapped in their own grief, some were scared to move on, but some wanted to stay.” The witch shrugged.

“I will show you my magic, only if you show me your magic of making men bow to you.”

The Ghoul immediately flinched upon the flowers growing by the second before her eyes. Amazed by the colorfulness now surrounding her, there was a expression of both shock and excitement in equal measure all over her face, before she focused on Josephine again as she was sitting within the flowers.

“Death magic...” she repeated, sitting next to the witch, listening attentively, although she did not know about said brides; “That sounds like... a medium? That's interesting! ... I suppose.”

Lost in thought for a moment, she perked up when Josephine was willing to show her abilities, with a condition.

“That—. That is what you want? Fufu... hahaha~!” she couldn't help but laugh at the way it was worded, “oh, no, there is no magic here...! Hahaha~... ah, in regards to that kind of charm, if you will, it's all... here.”

She pointed at her head.

“It can be as effective as magic, yes, but it has even more downsides sometimes... Well! Maybe I can tell you a few things, if you wish. We have a deal!”

“Then it is settled!” The french woman exclaimed. “Now, I want you to focus, close your eyes if you must. Focus on one feeling and that feeling alone.” Josephine instructs. “It can be anything, just try to focus on it. Let it really stew inside you.”

Josephine watched her with close eyes, goosebumps arising on her flesh as she waits. Anticipation arising from her. I wonder what kind of spirits she can conjure? Will they be vengeful? Merciful? Her head tilts a little to the side.

“Use what you try to hide from everyone. That is the kind of magic that will work for you.”

Listening to Josephine's instructions, Scarlett did her best to do what she was told. 'What you try to hide from everyone', she said. As much as she wished it to be otherwise, there was a lot she was hiding, and it was hidden for a reason, buried in the deepest corners of her mind.

Vulnerability was, perhaps, what she fought to keep hidden the most. Weakness, uncertainty, injustice...

Then those who made her that way came to her mind, those who forced her to build a thick shell, those who broke her mind and heart, who awoke such a great resentment within her small, sadly immortal and hopeless body.

Resentment. Anger. Negativity consumed her soul while she slightly frowned and let out a calm sigh.

What was she hiding from everyone? Probably how weak she was, and how tiring was pretending she was not.

And if there was one feeling that could convey all that and consume her whole being whenever those thoughts crossed her mind, it was...

Wrath.

Her magic is rage based… Interesting, but what is the cause of this rage? Why is Scarlett so angry?

A being made out of fire, many souls bonded together out of pure spite. All moving as one and thinking as one.

“Do you even know what you have done?! What we had to suffer through?! How dare you summon me, puny ghoul! I have see atrocities to which you could never comprehend!” It screeched. Several voices booming as one.

“She does. That’s why you are here.” Josephine looked it in the eyes not with fear or hatred like it expected, but with compassion. “I don’t know her well, but for her to summon a tortured entity like yourself… You two have more in common than I thought… Do you wish to move on?”

“We just want to watch the person who did this to use DIE! ITS NOT FAIR! ITS NOT FAIR! WHY DOES HE GET TO BE UNHARMED AND HAPPY WHEN HE MADE US INTO THIS MONSTER!” Josephine looks at the being with sadness.

“You have ever right to be upset. Just let Scarlett help you. Please.”

“... ... ... ... ...”

Breathless.

The moment the air started to get warmer, Scarlett's eyes opened widely and she what she saw left her breathless. Instinctively, she backed up on the floor until her back met the wall, not too far from where she was initially sitting.

A flaming spirit has shown in front of her; to think that her emotions were the source of it... was almost unbelievable. Did her feelings bring that to the surface? It was, if anything, more reason to keep her emotions hidden for then on, she'd figure.

'Not fair... it's not fair...' she unconsciously chanted alongside the spirit, the words that so many times were repeatedly reproduced in her mind. Nothing was ever fair for such a soul after all, was it?

Although she did her best to remain calm, eyes fixed on the creature, she was now, if anything, scared. Of what, she was not able to tell yet. But her eyes didn't move from the roaring entity, her body stayed in complete tension and fully alert, fighting with the need to flight, flee, escape from the danger that she was facing, as there was nothing she could think of to defeat it.

Would the fear and the frustration of being unable to control it make those souls even angrier? That lack of control and certainty was surely driving her crazy, little by little.

For now, she simply froze, and Josephine's words almost went over her head. Help it? She could barely help herself! With a shaky, slow breath, her main attention focused on them while the corners of her eyes scanned everything for potential escapes; yet, at the same time, other parts of her mind tried so hard to convince her that fleeing would make her a coward. But what would staying do? In hindsight, facing the spirit she summoned with her emotions was like facing her own raw emotions, after all.

Her body hit the wall with a thump! and she fell to the floor. Her ears rang for a bit, vision blurry as she tried to get up. She needs help. You can’t black out now, Scarlett needs you.

“You two have a lot of nerve summoning me. You don’t understand our anger!!!” It screamed only for Josephine to look it in the eyes.

“I’ve been angry since that bastard of a man stole my parents from me.” She tells the being, using some empathy to help it, the fires calming down around it as it listened to her calm voice. “I was 8. I was supposed to at school, learning math but instead I had to learn my parents hearts were ripped out and beheaded. All because they wanted equality.” She walked up to it, the same kind of rage in her eyes. Josephine showed Scarlett what to do.

“To say I don’t understand your anger is stupid, I’ve seen too much as a child. I shouldn’t have had to bury my parents just because of a fragile man.”

“And what have you done to stop him?”

“I’m working on it. I’m in his home, aren’t I? This will be more painful than what he has ever done.” She tells a little and a lot at the same time.

The more the fire being learns their rage, the more it calms down. “What about you, ghoul? Why are you filled with spite?”

"Josephine, do you know what happened to all the chocolates I bought? They were saved for the Valentine's Day Soiree at father's castle, but they seem to have disappeared from where I last placed them."

(SKSKSKSKS THIS IS GONNA BE HILARIOUS)

“I haven’t seen any chocolates besides the ones Kuro and my aunt gave me for Valentine’s day.” She lied. Kuro and her ate the chocolates. They drank two bottles of expensive wine he found in a cabinet and ate any sweet they could find that night.

“Do you need help finding them? I’m more than happy to help!” The witch prayed she wouldn’t get caught red handed, she knows lying to Rei is a very risky game. Josephine knows that Rei is good at reading her.

[scratches chin]

“But where to begin? While I wouldn’t be surprised if Kanato took the chocolates for himself, he generally avoids anything I buy. Especially after I poisoned the cake that killed one of his precious dolls prematurely.”

[peers at Josephine]

“Would you have any ideas on who the culprit may be?”

“So, hypothetically, if you found out who took the chocolates and wine, what would you do to them?” She asked in fear, listening to how the vampire killed a past bride. Was Josephine surprised? Not really. However, she was fearful of what her crush would do to her if the truth came out.