Chapter Text
Chisa's POV
Stepping out into the sun's warm glow was something I thought I'd never do again. I stood still for a moment, relishing the feeling. I looked up into the sky, which was a beautiful sapphire blue; I felt a peace which I hadn't felt since Joseph and I made that Pact. I gazed at the buildings around me too, hoping they would give an indication as to where I was... but I recognised nothing.
Well, there goes that plan...
I was in a daze, that much was obvious; I wasn't moving. Then, as if on cue, Joseph grabbed my hand, startling me.
"Goodness! You're easily distracted, aren't you, girl? Well, no matter, let's get going," he said, tugging me forward.
He didn't let go of my hand as we continued to walk down the street. It made me feel uncomfortable.
As though he sensed my unease, he spoke again:
"I can't have you getting lost on these busy streets, Sleigh Beggy! And we must hurry if we want to reach our destination!" He began to increase his pace.
"If you don't mind me asking... where are we going?" I was out of breath already, and I could feel my heart beat inside my head.
"Ah, just an errand. There's another Alchemist that I wish to see about work. You see, there was a seed I planted long ago in the Kingdom of Cats that has ripened wonderfully! It must be harvested now, before the Mages get involved... I'm also curious about the properties of this blight..." he suddenly stopped in his tracks, I almost walked into him. He bent down to my ear, whispering only for me to hear:
"The possibilities of combining the blight with your blood are endless!"
I instantly felt sick. I knew whatever he had planned was not good. But what could I do? I can't stop him...
He resumed his quick pace, dragging me with him. Soon, he took a sharp left; I couldn't hide my shock when I discovered that we were suddenly on a bustling London Street. I involuntarily gripped Joseph's hand, I've never been able to handle large crowds very well.
This did not go unnoticed by Joseph, who turned to face me, reading the nervousness in my eyes.
"I see you don't like crowds. You need to get used to them; I do most of my errands in the daytime, and you'll always be accompanying me."
He was blunt and to the point. Nevertheless, he unexpectedly patted my hand which I think was meant to be in a reassuring way. So I did my best to swallow my nerves. I definitely did not want to make him angry out in the open like this.
We weave through the crowds with ease (well, mostly because he was fast on his feet and I didn't want to get lost). It wasn't too long before he had led us away from the bustling street and into a deserted one - I still had no idea where we were. Nothing stood out as recognisable to me.
Where on earth are we going?
This doesn't feel like an errand...
The narrow streets were cluttered with houses of variable sizes. They were the traditional red-bricked houses; almost all of them were identical.
Joseph stopped outside one of the many doors, keeping a firm grip of my hand. I watched him curiously as he waved his hand around slightly... what is he doing? Is he looking for the doorbell? It's literally right in front of him, to the left.
I found my voice: "The doorbell is there," I mumble, pointing at it.
"Well spotted, puppy!" He beams at me, patting my head like I am a puppy - it's so unnerving. His hand lingers for longer than necessary, making me uncomfortable. I avoid all possible eye contact, studying every inch of the black-painted door.
"Oh! I forgot to tell you why we're really here." His voice cuts through the silence. "I need... assistants in my line of work. They may not be willing to help me, so some drastic measures may be needed." He snakes his arm around my waist and grips my chin with his free hand. I shudder as my heartbeat skyrockets. He breathes in my ear, a warning that's just for me to hear...
"I want you to stand still, say nothing, and wait patiently until the business is done. If you intervene in any way, puppy, you will regret it. Your actions have consequences... remember that." He said coolly.
My breathing falters as he removes his arm from my waist, but his vice-like grip remains on my chin. He forcefully turns my head, making my look him in the eye. His expression is serious, threatening almost. I audibly gulp.
"Do you understand, Chisa?"
With as much confidence as I can muster, I answer...
"Y..yes, Joseph."
He seems pleased with my answer, flashing his signature smile - I instantly feel sick again.
At last, he removes his hand from my chin, and presses the doorbell button. I hear it faintly from inside the house. I can also hear voices murmuring to each other, getting louder as they move towards the door.
Abruptly, the door opens. A young girl... probably in her late teens, stands in the doorway. She has long, wavy blonde hair and a fringe which covers one of her hazel eyes. She's wearing a plain white t-shirt, a navy cardigan, blue jeans and black socks... no shoes. Well, she is inside her own house. She rests one hand on the doorframe while the other is behind her back... concealing something...?
Whatever happens next, I can't intervene. But I hope Joseph doesn't hurt this girl, she's still a child, just like me...
She stares at Joseph distrustfully... good call... Then, she moves on to me; I quickly avert my gaze, feeling her piercing eyes burn holes in my head.
"... Who're you, kid? She eventually says.
"Hello there, miss." Joseph beams, bounding up to her. Alarmed, the girl steps back - Joseph takes the invitation and waltzes inside. I wonder about following, when I feel a sharp poke on my back, pushing me forward. Not wanting to petrify myself even more, I quickly move into the house without turning around - I don't want to see whatever poked me...
Safely standing inside the house, I find myself in a little porch - grey tiles on the floor and white-washed walls. I'm brought back to reality by his voice:
"Oh, I see! You're the apprentice, then? Or no, wait. A sentinel? You don't look much like him so I'm guessing you're not his daughter."
The girl looks extremely uncomfortable as Joseph rambles at her - he seems to have that effect on everyone. But I can't help her, I don't want to anger Joseph.
I was confused though. There's someone else who Joseph wants to see here...
Him? Who's him?
My question is answered when an older... Alchemist?... emerges from the hallway. He has to be the Alchemist Joseph is here to do business with. He has jet black hair pulled into a tight ponytail and hard, expressionless brown eyes. He wears proper suit-like, light grey trousers and polished, black shoes, a dark grey shirt, grey waistcoat and tie. He looks very intimidating. Although, the sleeves of his shirt are rolled up casually.
He looks at Joseph, who smiles. Then, his eyes shift to me, I start shaking, focusing my eyes on the floor.
The man's deep voice cuts through the momentary silence:
"... You could have sent word you were coming. Who sent you here?"
He is surprisingly calm, despite having an intruder barge into his home.
"Oh, look at my manners. I'm Joseph. Just Joseph. And this is Chisa, a Sleigh Beggy and my apprentice." He grabs my arm and pulls me to his side, firmly wrapping his arm around my shoulders. I can't stop the flinch that ripples through my body - it does not go unnoticed by the man, who raises an eyebrow; or Joseph, who digs his fingers into my shoulder as a warning. I press my lips together, to stop myself from hissing at the throb in my shoulder.
He called me is apprentice... Liar. I'm not an apprentice and I'm definitely not his apprentice...
Joseph quickly moves on, "you see, a seed I planted a long time ago gave me an unexpected harvest. But I might need a little help to make sure everything goes smoothly." He lets go of my shoulder and I resist the urge to move away from him. He takes a step towards the man. "So congratulations. You're the little help."
Help? He wants the man to help him. I can tell he's going to say no. Please, Joseph. If he says no, don't hurt him!
But I don't say this out loud, I can't. Your actions have consequences... Joseph's voice echoes in my mind... and I keep my mouth shut.
"What? Look, kid. I don't know who told you abo-"
Suddenly, a huge monster claw slashed at the girl. The man intervened, quickly placing himself between the teenager and the claw.
The limb sliced his arm clean off... blood spurted out of the wound, coating the man's clothes scarlet. He tried desperately not to scream, but he grunted in agony, sweating profusely.
It... cut... his... arm... off...
I blinked, hoping I'd just imagined it all...
But the image remained crystal clear. I was so horrified by the scene before me, that my shaking intensified and I let out a bloodcurdling scream.
Joseph was behind me in an instant, capturing both of my arms behind my back and clamping his free hand over my mouth. I let out a choked sob, while violent shakes rippled through my body.
I felt his breath on my ear as he spoke, "shh, shh. It's alright. The Chimera missed Alice. I did warn you, Sleigh Beggy, that things may get out of hand. Come on now, calm yourself."
Was he serious? He wanted me to calm down when it's his Chimera that attacked the poor man! Joseph clearly didn't trust that I would remain silent, and kept his creepy hold on me. He immediately jumped back into his 'errand'.
"Oh. Looks like I missed."
He said that so casually, it made me squirm in his hold.
"... kuh... Ghh... ah..."
Hot tears ran down my face as I watched the man suffer. The girl, who I now know is called Alice, approached him slowly, shock clouded her features.
"Hahah! Just as I'd heard. Who ever saw a wizard protecting their own guardian?"
Joseph's laugh echoed in my ears. He laughed. He's such a sadistic creep.
"Master!"
Alice looked so distraught. It was heartbreaking. She didn't know how to help her master. I wish I could've consoled her... or have done something... but I couldn't move.
"How soft." Joseph taunts her.
Alice's head snaps up at his words. If looks could kill, Joseph would be six feet under by now.
"You... You little shit!"
Anger blinds her senses as she runs at Joseph with a small dagger, wanting to kill him. I silently begged her to stop in my head. I didn't want Joseph to hurt her in the same way he hurt that man.
Suddenly, the Chimera was in front of Joseph. It was a monstrous, ugly thing. It looked like a giant praying mantis with human-ish limbs. It was a sickly green with insect-like eyes and course, black hair. It's sharp, jagged claws made Alice's dagger seem like a toothpick.
The Chimera took on a defensive stance in front Joseph, lifted its huge clawed arm and struck Alice, throwing her against the wall. she gritted her teeth, refusing to cry out. The deafening thump sent chills down my spine.
I gasped behind Joseph's hand.
"... Nice try, but not enough by half. And you," he said, turning his attention towards a the poor, injured man. "Can't let your weaknesses be so obvious, Mikhail Renfred."
Then... I acted without thinking...
I completely disregarded Joseph's warning. I wrenched myself free from his grasp and ran towards the girl, desperate to help her. I only took three steps before the clawed hand of the Chimera caught me mid-stride, throwing me against the wall - just like it had done to the girl. An excruciating pain shot up my back as the air was knocked out of me. Tears streamed down my cheeks and I coughed harshly, blood pouring from my mouth.
I struggled to breathe, gripping tightly to the claw that pinned me to the wall. Through blurred eyes, I saw Joseph look at me disapprovingly, making my blood run cold.
"How disappointing, puppy. I believe I warned you to behave... I'll deal with you later."
I could barely breathe, dread was slowly drowning me. I'm as good as dead.
Why didn't I just die?
"So that's... how you treat... your apprentice...?" Renfred wheezes out, panting heavily due to the loss of blood he's suffered.
Joseph stills, "you misunderstand, Mikhail Renfred. She is not my apprentice; she is my puppy, we made a Pact."
Renfred's eyes widen in shock as he looks at me. I hang my head in shame, I will regret that moment for the rest of my life.
"I'm sure she knew... exactly what that meant, Joseph. Scum like you only tell... innocent Sleigh Beggies what they want to hear. She won't... last long if you keep treating her like this."
There was sarcasm and malice in his tone, despite his worrying condition. Yet I couldn't believe he was defending me. All he knew about me was my name and that I'm a Sleigh Beggy. Won't last long... does he mean I'm going to die? I unknowingly signed my own death warrant when Joseph took me anyway. Maybe I should wish for death. I still want to die.
This man... Renfred. I hope he survives. He's watching Joseph intensely, eyes scanning his every move. He seems to understand that Joseph is a dangerous, sadistic Alchemist... Maybe that's why he spoke his next words threateningly.
"And I'm warning you... Don't you dare... lay a finger on her."
He was referring to Alice, who was gasping for air as the blood drained from her face.
"My research suggested that it would be easiest to get you to cooperate, and what do you know? It looks like I was right."
He was acting like this was a sick game. Talking about them as if they were his own personal experiments.
"I can't have you bleeding out on me, so I'll stop the bleeding for- Oh you gone and done it already."
And he had. I looked at his arm curiously - it wasn't bleeding anymore. He must have used Alchemy...
"Well, no matter. I'll give you this."
Joseph produced a small bottle of scarlet liquid from his pocket... I felt my face grow pale as he stuck a needle into the bottle, drawing the liquid out.
It was my blood...
"A Sleigh Beggy's blood has wonderful healing properties, as well as magical properties."
Before Renfred could protest, Joseph jabbed his arm with the needle and injected the blood into his system. I felt nauseous at the sight of him using my blood so casually like that.
"And don't worry - it's compatible with all blood types."
Even despite my uneasiness, my blood did have an effect on Renfred, he seemed to gain a little strength: "...Even if... Even if I asked you who told you about us... ah... I know you wouldn't answer. So what is it you want?" Renfred struggled to say.
"For starters, I need to retrieve a well from the land of cats. And after that, I suppose... various errands?
He spoke to them as though he expected them to cooperate, disregarding the fact that he practically tortured them first.
"... A well?" He said, confused.
"Something that will be a good ingredient for one of my projects."
My pulse spiked, I knew exactly why he wanted this well.
"Your hair's shorter than I expected, for a wizard. Your specialty is theoretical magic, I think. Well, whatever."
He picks up the dagger dropped by Alice, making his way towards Renfred. He grips Renfred's hair tightly by the ponytail, yanking his head back. Suddenly, Joseph chops Renfred's hair off, just as he had done to me. Does he do that to everyone?
"Can't have you stabbing me in the back. You shouldn't try anything." He uttered, shrugging his shoulders. It was my turn to be confused by his words.
"While we're at it, let me reopen some old wounds... So you remember you're chained every time you look in the mirror." Joseph said sinisterly.
Then, to my horror, he drags the blade along Renfred's scars, reopening the healed wounds. Renfred does his best to remain strong in front of Joseph, hiding his pain. Joseph rests his forehead against Renfred's head and I tear my gaze away from them - I can't bear to watch anymore.
"Now then, on to the details. Don't worry. I'll give you your arm back once we're done."
My eyes grew heavier; every blink is a battle to keep them open. A dull ring fills my ears. All the strength I thought I had is leaving my body, yet the fear only grows.
I stare dumbfounded at Renfred. He's in so much pain right now. The left side of his body is drenched with blood. I can't believe Joseph made the Chimera savagely cut his arm off. That image will haunt me forever.
My gaze wonders to Alice, who stares right at me, so many emotions swirl in her eyes. She is weak like me, unable to move from the Chimera's attack. I felt a surge of pity for her. She got hurt because she tried to protect her 'Master'. That's what she called him. But he seems to really care about her... Joseph would never defend me like that. Why couldn't I have prevented this? I should have done something, anything...
Guilt washes over me - there was nothing I could do to help her, help them. When I tried, I was apprehended by Joseph. I'm so weak. But he wants me to be this way. I'm the prey, while he is the predator.
I focus on Alice again; she is deathly pale and sweaty - my concern for her condition grows. She's still staring at me, reading my expression. To my surprise, a ghost of a smile plays on her lips... I understand what she is trying to do. She's trying to reassure me that she'll be okay... but my guilt does not lessen at her gesture. Tears brim, threatening to spill as I choke out two words, intended for Alice and Renfred...
"I'm... sorry..."
My voice cracked and at my words, the Chimera pushed me further into the wall. I felt my ribs crack as an agonising pain shot through my chest, causing me to scream. I feebly tried to push away the claw that was crushing me to death... but my energy was drained and my arms fell limply at my sides, and I struggled to keep my head up.
My eyes begin to roll upwards inside my head - I can't keep them open anymore, I'm fighting a losing battle.
The ringing in my ears ceased, forcing me to hear the frantic cries of Alice as the darkness took over:
"No! Chisa, listen to me! You have to stay awake! Don't give in to-"
That was all I heard, before my head plunged forward and I dived headfirst into the unknown; the ever-changing, cavern of darkness...
*****
Hiya!
Sorry about the very long break 😅 this chapter was difficult to write. Just going to say this now, I did use dialogue from the actual "The Ancient Magus Bride" Manga, specifically Chapter 57 - I wanted it to be as accurate as possible so I hope you liked it okay 😊 it's longer than usual so I hope you don't mind.
Until next time
ilovemanga19 💕