Veil. Lord Henry’s villa.

“Bethany, is it?” Beside Henry stood his two aids, Olivia the head-maid and a knight whom I have not seen before.

“Yes.” I simply reply.

“Tell me Bethany, where did you come from? Who are you? And what did you do to my daughter Cecily?” After taking a deep breath, I reply.

“Honestly, I can’t remember as to where I came from.” I took a more relaxing posture. “I am what people call a witch, but I don’t feel inhuman nor do I worship the devil” The knight seems troubled. “And as a witch, I healed your daughter.”

“Very well, you have my thanks.” His eyes thoroughly examined me. “What game are the God’s playing? For such a beauty to be a witch.” He seems troubled. “How have you survived for so long, the templars hunt you do they not?”

“Yes. They do, but I am not the only witch they’re hunting. And with luck, I have only met bounty-hunters and glory-seekers.”

“Let me clarify this. Are you evil?”

“Honestly, I don’t think I’m evil. I mean, most of humanity thinks I’m evil. But, I don’t particularly wish for world-domination of anything of the like.”

“Then, if that’s the case. Why don’t you just live with people? With a disguise, and an update on common sense you’d easily slip right into society.”

“Because, I’ve learnt the hard way that not all humans can be trusted, and right now, I’m taking a leap-of-faith by being here.” In truth, I was alone because I needed to become stronger and it had taken me a long time to find someone like Richard.

“The current unbeaten champion of Chizu’s arena. The Dark Marionette, that’s also you right?”

“Yup.”

“Why would you enter something so trivial?”

“I entered the fights because I needed money. And with my skills, it was easy earnings.”

“What do you need money for? No, better yet. What is your motive exactly?” My motive? There’s a slight ache in my chest.

“My motive? World domination, something like that.” Henry broke into laughter whilst to my surprise, Olivia pulled a dagger out of her uniform. The knight remained motionless.

“That’s quite alright Olivia, stand down.” After another sip of his tea he returned his attention to me. “I understand that that was simply a joke and that not everyone holds great ambition.”

“Yes, you’re right. My desire is simple, I wish to change the world’s view on witches. To tell the people of Pandora that not all witches are evil. That perhaps, humans and witches could co-exist, but as you know there are many who oppose it. The Templars won’t stand idly by for sure. And then there’s this witch, her name is Ruth. She is a threat to my ideals.”

“What of this Ruth? Who is she?”