Chapter Text
Chisa's POV
*Suicide attempt trigger warning*
The clear, crystal-blue water ripples below me, illuminated by the light of the moon. The stars are shining brightly, too. For once, I'm happy with what I see - a pure, peaceful setting, uncorrupted by the monsters who stalk me everywhere I go.
The wind blows my long, purple hair into my glass-green eyes. I blink furiously, and smooth my hair back. This is the last time I'm going to see this world, I want to remember it the way it is now - perfect.
Even though I'm standing on the edge of the London Bridge, the river looks so far away. Perhaps the creatures know what I plan to do, and they're looking for someone else to follow now, I feel sorry for that person. But at least they won't be following me anymore. I'm being selfish but...
I don't want this life anymore...
No one will notice if I'm gone...
When I'm gone...
*****
I'm Chisa Hatori. I had a Mother, a Father, a little brother, and the best twin sister anyone could ask for, Chise. We were each other's shadow's. The only way to tell us apart, was our hair colour. Chise had vibrant red hair, the colour of a summer sunset; while mine was a dark purple, the colour of the sky at twilight. But our cursed, grassy eyes, were identical. Why were we cursed with these eyes? Eyes that had a rare ability to see the monsters of this world that were hidden to so many. Black, slimy, pulsating creatures, with sharp teeth whispering to us in hoarse voices about how delicious we looked. They frightened us senseless, and we were powerless against them.
Despite this, Chise and I were inseparable. We never left each other's side. We had secret handshakes, a secret language, all the normal twin tendencies. We always slept huddled together. I never knew why, but I always felt stronger when she was with me - perhaps it was just a bond that twins share. Perhaps that's also why the monsters were always after us, they could sense a bond between us.
We always comforted each other, but we could never defeat the monsters by ourselves. Our Father - Dad, always protected us - all of us. He was never scared of the creatures - they were scared of him.
We all possessed the cursed Sight, it is far from a blessing. Despite this, we were all happy together and tried to do normal things as a family, though we knew we weren't normal, but it was normal to us. Trips to the zoo, the park, long walks around the city, they were happy times, because we were together.
Mum... she was everything a child would want their mother to be. Kind, caring, sympathetic, loving and warm. She knew how to distract us when the monsters upset us; drawing, colouring, baking, cooking, we did it all. I knew she loved us, and our little brother. He was the cutest, sweetest baby. We managed, even with the unwanted visitors who plagued us day and night.
But then it all went wrong...
One night, Chise woke up and was thirsty, she wanted to get a drink and of course I went with her. But the light in the hallway was already on. When we investigated, we saw Dad opening the door with Fumiki in his arms.
"Where are you going, Daddy?" Chise asked.
"Girls! Do you want to... no, stay here, I'll be back soon." He looked hopeful for a second, but then sad.
"Okay, Dad. We'll be good." I replied.
With one final smile, he closed the door behind him...
We never saw him again...
Mum was devastated. I know that now. But we didn't at the time. She worked so hard, to try and keep us healthy and happy. However, Mum was frail, like us, and she soon grew tired.
There were more monsters around now that Dad was gone. There was a time when one bit Chise, and I couldn't help her. All I could do was scream for Mum to help us. She did, but sobbed with us as we cried, while the neighbour complained of the noise.
Then, one day, Chise and I were taking a nap. I woke up with a start when Chise gripped my arm. I watched in horror as Mum almost choked Chise to death. When I tried to stop her, she shoved me away, causing me to stumble and crack my head open on the floor. I felt the pain licking my temples and the sticky wetness of the blood seeping through my hair. But worst of all, I could feel Chise slipping away.
Suddenly, Mum stopped...
She looked horrified at what she had done as she looked from Chise to me. Her dull, grey, lifeless eyes pleaded for forgiveness...
Then she walked to the balcony...
Asked for forgiveness...
Smiled...
And was gone...
Chise and I cradled each other as we cried.
It wasn't long before social services came to take us away, now that we had no parents.
But they had to separate us! We clung to each other, murmuring our goodbyes as they wouldn't leave us alone.
"You'll always be my twin, Chisa. I love you!"
"I love you too, Chise. I don't want to say goodbye!"
"It'll be okay. We'll be together soon, we have to be! Remember our special pact?"
"Yes," I sniffed.
We said it together:
"Even though I couldn't stay,
I'll still be with you every day.
Your sister and twin I'll always be,
For I am you, and you are me."
We embraced each other tightly, before letting go...
I could feel her strength leave me as we walked away from each other...
The tears streamed down my face like a river as I sobbed quietly...
I haven't seen her since...
*****
Tears stream down my cheeks just remembering that. It hurts so much. Nothing good ever happened to us, and being apart is even worse because I don't have her strength anymore.
I was put through every home in the foster system, but I was unwanted. The children feared me because I mumbled to myself and my hair was a strange, unnatural colour. Yet, it was natural to me. They called me a witch. That was nice compared to other things. The creatures still followed me wherever I went. New ones too. Terrible, ghost-like beings with wide, empty eyes, bony fingers which they ran through my hair and sharp nails that scratched my arms. I mumbled at them, pleaded with them to leave me alone, but they never did.
Soon, I was sent to England. A hopeless solution the conjured to at last find me a home. I didn't want it to be like before, but of course it was. No matter where I go, the monsters always follow.
That's why I can't live anymore...
Monsters...
They plague me day and night...
This world is not safe for me...
There's nothing left for me here...
No friends...
No family...
I even lost my twin...
If I jump...
I can soar...
Just like Mum...
And be free...
"Careful now, precious Sleigh Beggy! It would not be wise to jump from this height!"
I started with fright.
My foot slipped off the edge of the bridge...
I was falling...
Freedom at last...
Suddenly, a small hand caught my arm in a firm grip, causing my back to make contact with the stone railings of the bridge, earning a painful protest from me. This stupid person has robbed me of my peace!
The person dragged my limp body back on the safe stone pathway. I landed in a heap, scraping my knees on the cement. Hissing in pain, I looked up to glare at the individual who ruined everything. I was taken aback.
He looked to be around my age, my height and my skinny build. He had cloudy, silver-grey eyes and snowy white hair which partially covered one eye. He also had a small mole under his left eye. Although he was smiling, there was something sinister hiding in it. He was wearing a burgundy trench coat, a grey waistcoat and grey shorts. His shirt was white with blue stripes and had a blue tie. Around his neck was a small glass vial, but it appeared to be empty. His white socks were knee length and he wore brown school shoes.
He was staring intently at me as I shifted uncomfortably from one one foot to the other. I cleared my throat, hoping to get his attention with my eyes pleading him to stop. I don't talk much now, I have nothing to say to people. My English isn't perfect anyway.
He heard me, regardless; and held my eyes in an intense gaze, before smiling at me with his eyes closed. Then he spoke, even his voice sounded young.
"I apologise for scaring you, Sleigh Beggy. But you are a rather rare specimen that cannot be wasted like that. My name is Joseph. Don't worry, you don't have to thank me for saving you."
My eyes widened at his abruptness. Rare? Specimen? Sleigh Beggy? What's that? Thank him? Who does he think he is? It was my choice to be on that bridge! And why is he introducing himself? After today, I'm never going to see him again. Just then, out of the corner of my eye, I could see a long, slimy tentacle making its way towards me. Not again.
Trembling, I took three steps back until my still stinging back hit the railings of the bridge again. He noticed my change in behaviour and turned around. To my astonishment, he tutted and reached into his pocket, bringing out a small glass vial. He opened the vial and threw its contents as the tentacle - it turned into stone.
I gasped at the sight. How did he do that?! I couldn't believe it - he could see the creatures too! But he didn't look afraid... more, irritated. I gawked at him, but he wore a frown on his young face. He seemed to be able to read my eyes like a book.
"Oh dear. You don't seem to value your life too much, do you? You seem to have the gift of Sight too. You know, for a human and a Sleigh Beggy, that quite fortunate."
I flinched at the word. "Fortunate". He has no idea. I shiver with anger as the blood rushes through my veins - I snap.
"'Fortunate?' I have never been fortunate once in my life! Getting stalked by... monsters day and night is not "fortunate!" How dare you!"
I stop, fire blazing in my eyes, and breathing heavily after my outburst. I rarely get angry, but when I do, people know. Surprise is written on his features - he wasn't expecting that from me. He lifts his arms and claps, chuckling with delight.
"Well now! I thought you were a timid puppy! It's good to see you have some me backbone in you."
What's with all the nicknames? He doesn't even know me...
He halts, seeing the confusion in my face. He - Joseph, composes himself.
"Now, little one. I have a proposition for you. If you are so eager to throw your life away, why not give it to someone who can make use of it for you. Like me."
I can hardly believe what he says. "Make use of it?" Like him? What does he want with me? Nothing good I can imagine.
He begins to walk slowly towards me. My back is already against the railings so I can't get away. My heart rate increases until he is only a foot away from my face. He reaches out and cups my face in his hand, I flinch from the contact of his warm palm. He waits for me to calm before he does it again, this time I let him, mostly in terror of what will happen if I don't, and partly in defeat.
"You learn quickly, obedient puppy. You know, I can give your life purpose. I am in need of an... assistant... in my experiments of Alchemy, and you would be perfect for the job. Your Sight will be useful to me, too. I'll feed you, clothe you and give you a home. I have a feeling that's all you've ever wanted, yes?" He asks, his words practically wrapping me up in a blanket of false security.
How can he know so much about me? That is what I want. But how do I know I can trust him? I've only just met him and he seems a little... off.
Although, if he could give me a purpose, prove to me that I can be useful and I have value in the world, then maybe...
I nod my head.
"Speak, puppy. This is a formal Pact we are making. Do you agree to become my Sleigh Beggy and help me in my trials? I will also need your name."
I shiver and take a deep breath. He can't be any worse than any of the foster homes I've been in. This could be my chance to give life another shot, I should take it.
"My... my name is Chisa Hatori... I agree to be of help to you."
Joseph beams at me.
"Good, little Chisa. My name is Joseph, as I have said. I, will use your magic wisely."
His eyes darken and he lunges at me, pulling me tightly to his chest and silencing my screams with his hand. Fear grips my entire being at his actions. I struggle violently, but his strength is inhuman.
What have I done?! How could I be so stupid as to trust him?!
"Now, now! We've made a Pact, little puppy! You belong to me now. I have some advise for you too... I only tolerate obedience from my belongings, I would hate to have to punish you so soon into our agreement."
I shudder as my heart stills, but I do as he says. The fear cripples me, and I find I can't move.
"Good girl. Now, let's go home..."
He grabs the vial from around his neck and pulls sharply on it, creating a blinding flash of light. I squeeze my eyes shut tightly. I should have run from him when I had the chance, I'm so foolish. Dizziness overpowers me and I feel myself go weak in his arms as I lose consciousness...
What have I done?
Why did I trust him?
I can't escape him now...
Someone save me...
Save me from him...
*****
Hi! Thank you so much for choosing to read my story! I absolutely adore The Ancient Magus Bride, it's my favourite Manga 😍 I hope you're enjoying the story so far 👍🏻 but I'm sorry if I triggered anyone with the suicide attempt, it was unintentional, I promise.
Writing fandoms can be tricky, and I don't want to confuse anyone. Chisa is a character I made up for my version of the story. She is Chise's twin sister whom she never told Elias about...
Oh! Side note! A Purple Starling is a type of bird. I thought giving Chisa a bird nickname would be suitable seeing as Chise has one. It will make more sense as the story goes on 😂
That's all from me today, but thanks again for reading my story, it means a lot 😊
Until next time
ilovemanga2000 💕