Ordverse Ascension

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Author Note:

[ ] = When Twilight is speaking.

{ } = When talking through Telepathy.

' ' = When thinking in your mind.

<< >> = When talking with your Pokémon or Tamed Beast.

--- --- = When describing a certain period OR Another place.

** ** = Point Of View, i.e., POV

/// /// = In Call

" " = System and when talking to it.

「 」 = Thoughts being heard

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--- Mary Skelter: Nightmares, Downtown ---

THUD!!

Otsuu: So, why are we taking her with us?

Asked the Nightmare while taking care of another Marchen who stood in their way.

Lumine: I just… can't leave her like this.

The blonde answered from behind. She was currently carrying that unconscious blue-haired blood maiden on her back.

After undoing her Blood Skelter state, the girl blacked out. They decided to wait, but even after half an hour, she didn't wake up. They concluded that she must have been too tired before meeting them and needed more rest.

Still, they can't always stay by her side, so the Traveler decided to take her with him.

Otsuu: You know, we can leave her at some safer place. There is no point in bringing her with us.

Lumine: ...There is another reason.

Otsuu: Oh. What is it?

Lumine: I am hoping she can join our team.

Otsuu: Eh?

This startled the Nightmare, as she never expected that might be the main reason. It was not her fault, as Lumine had never mentioned such a topic.

BAM!!

After punching and killing another Marchen, she turned and addressed the blonde.

Otsuu: Why do you bring it all of a sudden?

At first, the Traveler remained quiet but decided to be true to her.

Lumine: I told you before that when I woke up, I found myself in a prison without any memories. Right? That time, I found a message. According to it, I must build a team of people I can trust as alone I cannot escape Jail…. So, the first thing that came to mind was those who had the strength to fight the Marchen, and I can entrust my back to them. They are…

Otsuu: Blood Maidens.

Lumine: Um.

Otsuu: What if she is the Blood Maiden of Dawn? If she spreads the news that you have a nightmare by your side, I am sure that Dawn and all other humans of the Liberated District will come after you. Hoping that you can let them have me so that they can either kill me or experiment on me. That time, will yo---

Lumine: I won't!

Traveler's outburst shocked the Bamboo girl, and she stopped. Even if noticing Lumine's serious expressions, she still spoke.

Otsuu: What if it's for humanity? So that they can escape from this place.

Lumine: It's true that I also hope that all those humans can one day leave this place and live happily on the surface… However, if it is the cost of killing and experimenting on you, then humanity can rather stay here for the rest of their life.

Otsuu: ...

Lumine: You are my first and best friend here, Otsuu. So, if I have to choose between saving you and humanity one day, I will choose you.

Otsuu: ...…

Both became silent for a while before the bamboo girl spoke again.

Otsuu: … How can you take such a decision? Won't you feel guilty as you would be responsible for the suffering of all other people?

Lumine: I do. But....

She raised her and soon went deep in thought.

*-*-*

*-*-*

*-*-*

Opening her eyes, she was shocked to find herself in a new, entirely different place.

She was landing in the middle of a grassy field. A cool, gentle breeze blew and touched her cheeks.

She could see many mountains in the distance. Birds were flying in the sky, squirrels were eating on a tree branch, butterflies and dragonflies were flying around the grass and flowers, and so on.

She also saw a beautiful lake whose water was so clear that it reflected the blue sky.

This was a world that the people in Jail had never witnessed in their lives. It was like paradise.

Yet, Lumine found this place strangely familiar. Like she knew where she was.

Looking around, she saw something from the corner of her eye and abruptly darted her head in that direction.

Then her feet moved on their own, and she hurriedly ran towards it without any second thought.

Before long, she reached a cliff and saw someone standing at the edge.

The person had black hair and wore a black jacket, brown pants, and leather shoes. His hands were in his jacket pockets as he looked at the beautiful green scenery below.

She didn't know how, but she knew who this person was. And he was very important to her, too.

She also had a feeling that if she saw his face, she would remember. Too bad the person was standing with his back to her.

Still not willing to give up, she stepped forward. But then she realized she can't. Her body refused to listen to her and won't move from the spot.

As she was panicking, her mouth opened on her own, and she spoke or asked something. Yet, Lumine can't hear it.

While she was getting anxious, the man moved his head to the side.

However, she can only see his nose and mouth.

Next, He opened his mouth and spoke. Nevertheless, like before, she can't hear anything.

But by the time he was finished, the world came to a standstill and then shattered like glass.

CRACK!!

SHATTER!!

*-*-*

*-*-*

*-*-*

Blinking her eyes, the blonde found herself back in the Jail.

While she didn't recall what that world was, who that man was, or what she asked. But for some reason, she knew what that man answered. And she spoke those exact words.

Lumine: Because by doing so, I won't have any regrets.

Otsuu: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Bamboo Nightmare, who was getting worried when Lumine turned quiet, trembled violently when hearing that answer.

Since Lumine was still engrossed in her thoughts and Otsuu was still processing the blonde's answer, none noticed that the blue-haired blood maiden on Lumine's back also shivered suddenly.

Soon, they both returned to themselves, and Otsuu took a fake cough.

Otsuu: Ahem. I see… Anyway, let's return.

Lumine: … Yes.

The bamboo girl then continued leading the way, and the blonde followed. Because she was walking in front, Lumine couldn't see the smile on the Nightmare's face. Lumine's answer hit her heart, making her feel warm inside.

Soon, they reached Floor 1, and Otsuu asked.

Otsuu: By the way, do you think she will join you?

Lumine: I don't know. But the chances are high after all... She is an abandoned Blood Maiden.

Otsuu: Eh?

The Nightmare almost stumped hearing that.

Otsuu: W-What do you mean by that, Lumine?

She answered.

Lumine: That's exactly what I said, Otsuu.

Letting out a sad sigh, she continued.

Lumine: Looking at her clothes, I can tell she must be one of the Blood Maidens of Dawn. Red Riding Hood told me there were some along with her... But she also said many have died. That's why they were looking for more.

Otsuu: Then why would they abandon her?

Lumine: While Blood Maiden are the only ones who can fight Marchens, they risk entering Blood Skelter if too much Marchen blood falls on them.

Otsuu: That state in which this blood maiden was about to transform before you stopped her.

Lumine: Yes. In that state, they will kill everyone around them, whether enemies or allies, before perishing themselves in the end. Hence, Blood Maidens must ensure not much Marchen Blood falls on them while they are on a mission… Now, tell me. Since you have faced this Blood Maiden, what do you think about her combat style?

Otsuu: It's hand-to-hand and leg combat...…I get it. Someone like her needs to be even more careful.

Lumine: Yes. Dawn must have known about it, too. Hence, they should have definitely sent someone to keep an eye on her. And from all the carcasses of Marchens we have seen so far on the previous floor and this...…

Otsuu: She has been killing Marchens for a long time. After all, even if we forget those who Jail will consume in a day, there must be many more who were killed even before. Even someone like you and me can't do that in one day because there will be too many Marchens and the floor is too big.

Lumine: Um. If you go like this, how long do you think she must have taken to clear it?

Otsuu: More than a week.

Lumine: Yet, we didn't see anyone from Dawn come to check on her. It's been two days since I returned to Liberated District with Red Riding Hood. Since she didn't have many injuries when we separated, even one day of rest was enough for her to return to her peak. Yet, we didn't see any sign of her here.

Otsuu: Must be because she was helping others settle down and looking for you.

Lumine: Is looking for me more important than checking the well-being of your fellow Blood Maiden?

Otsuu: ...….

Looking down, she continued.

Lumine: From all the talk about Dawn and what I have learned, even if they say otherwise, I am certain that Blood Maidens are just tools to them. And blood maiden like this is nothing more than a ticking bomb that can enter Blood Skelter state at any time… Hence, they must have given up on her.

Otsuu: Humans are just after their own interests.

Lumine: Yeah… Guh!

Otsuu: Lumine!

Lumine: Gah!!

THUD!!

The girl fell on one of her knees and grabbed her head. She didn't know why, but all of a sudden, she experienced an excoriating pain as if her head was breaking apart.

THUD!

The girl on her back fell to the side as the blonde held her head with both hands.

Lumine: Argh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Otsuu: Lumine! Stay with me!!!!!!

But the girl didn't hear her as the pain was just too much.

BA-DUMP!!

The sound of a heartbeat resounded, and a scarlet-red aura started oozing out of her.

BOOOOOOOOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Soon, that aura erupted so much, let alone on this floor or downtown, the whole jail shook violently.

Lumine's eyes turned blurred before she saw a vision of a world fully engulfed in scarlet-red flames. For her, those flames provided comfort, but for others, they defined terror—the wrath of a dragon.

At this time, she recalled something like a distant memory.

*-*-*

*-*-*

*-*-*

Lumine(??): You're right. Even now, I trust you more than anyone else. No matter what cruel and ruthless method you use, it was for my well-being and to make me stronger... This also means I am still of great use to you, right?

???: ...…Yes.

*-*-*

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.

.

Sometime later.

???: …u…e! ...…um…ne! ...…Lum..ne! ....Lumine!

The Traveler's eyes snapped open, and she started breathing heavily.

Otsuu: Thank goodness. You are finally awake.

Lumine: Otsuu…

The blonde spoke softly as the bamboo girl's tear-filled eyes greeted her. Witnessing that, the girl felt an ache in her heart.

She then raised her body from the cold ground and spoke.

Lumine: I… am sorry for making you worried, Otsuu.

Otsuu: It's fine.

Wiping her tears, the Nightmare smiled.

Otsuu: I am just glad you are awake.

Lumine: Um… Thank you, Otsuu.

She replied while still feeling guilty for making trouble for her friend.

Otsuu: Anything for you, Princess.

Lumine: Eh? P-Princess? Why are you addressing me like this?

Otsuu: Hmm? Don't you remember what you said before blackening out?

Lumine: Huh? No. What happened?

Seeing that Traveler didn't know what she was talking about, Otsuu thought not to tell her, as Lumine would be concerned. But knowing how stubborn the blonde was, she decided not to do so.

Otsuu: All of a sudden, you clutched your head in pain, and some aura started coming out of you. That aura soon engulfed you whole, and I lost track of you. As I was getting anxious, you appeared again, but this time, you looked different.

Lumine: Different, how? Don't tell me it's Blood Skelter.

Otsuu: No, it's not Blood Skelter. It's something beyond. Your pressure was so much it was almost suffocating. Yet, even with all that power, you seem to have complete control over it. And…

Lumine: And?

Otsuu: In that form, you seemed too dignified, grand, magnificent, and noble—someone who demanded authority and respect.

Lumine: ...….

Otsuu: Then you said, "I am Abyssal Princess". Before falling unconscious, everything returned to normal.

Her headache returned as she grabbed it and asked.

Lumine: W-What Princess?

Otsuu: A…. Huh? What was that?

The Bamboo nightmare also held her head as she was shocked to realize she couldn't recall it.

'Otsuu: What Princess she was? Why have my memories suddenly turned cloudy!?'

Lumine: Otsuu.

Otsuu: I am sorry. I forgot. Still, you are some Princess. So, it won't be an issue if I call you one.

Lumine: There is no need to call me one.

Otsuu: I insist.

Knowing that her best friend had no intention of returning to her old ways, she could only accept it for now.

Lumine: I am still having difficulty believing that something like this transpired.

???: It's true… I saw it, too.

This unfamiliar voice attracted her attention. Turning her head, she saw the blue-haired blood maiden who had woken up and was looking at them. She was sitting on the ground, leaning back on the wall, and wrapping her hands around her knees.

Lumine: You…

???: As you guessed, I am one of the Blood Maiden of Dawn. My name is Cinderella.

Hearing this, the Traveler narrowed her eyes.

Lumine: So, you were awake. Huh.

Cinderella: Yes. I woke up when you were still carrying me from Floor 2. At first, I thought of letting you know, but then I saw this Nightmare. Knowing I was not her match and afraid that you would kill me if you learned I knew this secret of yours, I pretended to be asleep.

Otsuu: Then why didn't you run away when I was tending to Princess?

'Lumine: I still need time to get used to such address.'

Otsuu: By the time that aura coming out of the princess disappeared, I saw her standing a few steps away. When I was thinking how I should handle the situation, this human just walked to the side and sat down.

The Bamboo girl whispered into the blonde's ear, explaining everything.

Nodding, Lumine looked at Cinderella, who was looking at them.

Cinderella: I need some time to sort my thoughts. Hence, there is no hurry to leave.

Lumine: is that so.

Hugging her knees tightly, the girl buried her head in her legs.

Cinderella: As you said, I am a close combat Blood Maiden. Because of that, I face the risk of Marchen's blood falling on me more often than others. That's also why Dawn rarely sent me on a mission... I was not too fond of it, and with time, more and more stress and pressure started to build on me, thinking I was useless compared to others. So…

Lumine: You decided to prove yourself and came here.

Cinderella: Um. I thought if I successfully explored this area, which no one else has yet, they would understand my worth.

Otsuu: You also killed every Marchen on Floor 1 just to validate yourself?

Cinderella: Yes.

Lumine: That's stupidity. You could have died.

Cinderella: I didn't think that far and just let my impulse take over.

The blonde and nightmare exchanged glances at this.

Lumine: So, what are you going to do now?

Cinderella: I don't know. I also believe that Dawn has already given up on me. So, returning doesn't feel good.

Becoming silent for a moment, the Traveler spoke.

Lumine: Can you promise not to reveal Otsuu information to others? If you do, we will let you go.

Otsuu: Princess!

The girl just shook her head, stopping the bamboo girl from speaking further.

Cinderella: Huh? You will just let me go like this.

The blue-haired Blood Maiden raised her head and looked at the blonde in surprise.

Lumine: Um. I don't want to kill the one I saved.

'Otsuu: *sigh* You are too kind and naïve, Princess.'

True. If she was the old Lumine who had already seen the cruel and dark side of the world, she wouldn't have let Cinderella go like this.

Cinderella: Didn't you say you want me to join you? Why are you backing up now?

Lumine: Well… I thought of keeping Otsuu's existence secret at the beginning. Then, as we become closer, I would have slowly revealed it to you… But now that you know about it, I decided not to try my luck. After all, in everyone's eyes, humans and nightmares are enemies. You don't want to be on a team that has Nightmare, right?

Cinderella: ...…

It would be a lie to say Lumine was wrong, but Cinderella didn't reply immediately and thought for some time before opening her mouth.

Cinderella: Hey. Are you returning to the Liberated District now?

Lumine: Huh… No, I still have requests to complete.

Cinderella: … Can I join you till then?

Lumine: Eh? Well…

Instead of answering right away, she looked at Otsuu, who just shrugged her shoulders as if saying she would go with whatever Lumine decided.

Lumine: It won't be an issue.

Cinderella: I appreciate it.

She then stood up and walked up to Lumine before extending her hand.

Cinderella: You already know my name. What about you?

The blonde also extended her hand and shook her.

Lumine: My name is Lumine. It's nice to meet you.

Cinderella: Likewise. And… Thank you for saving me.

Lumine: You're Welcome.

Cinderella: So, shall we?

Lumine: Yes.

On their way back, they didn't encounter any Marchen, as they had already been wiped out on this floor.

Whether it seemed luck or fate, by the time they reached the entrance, one Marchen walked out of an alley and blocked their way.

This Marchen looked like a human but was covered in a bandage from head to toe like a mummy. His body had many spikes embedded in it.

Seeing this, both Lumine and Otsuu were surprised.

Otsuu: Princess… is that?

Lumine: Yes. Our last target in this area....Corpse.

Both the blonde and nightmare had an excited expression on their face.

Cinderella: Target? Are you saying slaying this Marchen is one of your requests?

Lumine: Yup.

Otsuu: Absolutely.

Cinderella: is that so. Let me handle it.

Lumine: You?

Cinderella: Yup. My hands have been itching for some time. And now that you have also purified all my corruption, I can fight without worry.

Lumine: Ok. Please be careful.

Cinderella: I will.

With this, she charged at the Marchen, who, seeing her coming, punched at her.

As if predicting the trajectory of its attack, the Blood Maiden tilted her head to the side and dodged it before swinging her right leg at it.

SHIN!!

The blade on her shoe cleanly cut off Marchen's head without any issue.

PLAT!!

THUD!!

Once the head and headless body fell, the blood maiden lowered her leg and took a deep breath before turning towards Lumine's direction.

Cinderella: Here. It's dead. You can collect whatever material you want from it.

Lumine: Um… Still, you are pretty fast.

Cinderella: Why, thank you.

Putting her hands on her lips, she raised her chest in pride.

Witnessing this, the Traveler chuckled and approached the body of the dead Marchen. After collecting the required part, they finally left the Downtown area.

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.

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--- Mary Skelter: Nightmares, Graveyard ---

Graveyard. As the name implied, it was a vast burial ground where bodies were buried after death. Too bad this was just a mimicry that the Jail created. Hence, this place was occupied with nothing but Marchens.

Lumine, Otsuu, and Cinderella were walking between these crisped walls. Some of which were covered in vines.

They also saw some headstones on the way, which were moving occasionally.

Cinderella: Auh, ah. It's so creepy.

Lumine: Can't agree more… Though looking at your reaction, it seems it's also your first time here.

Cinderella: Indeed, We hardly explored areas other than City Streets because we knew little about other places. It was to prevent casualties.

Along the way, they saw some trees that seemed to have merged with the wall. The creepy part was long, big nails with red-colored heads embedded in these trees' bark.

They had just turned the way and saw something even more eerie. It was a black cauldron with some green liquid inside. A wooden stick was also inside, moving on its own, mixing the solution inside.

'Lumine: This is getting more and more weirder.'

Otsuu: So, what are the requests this time?

Lumine: Two requests. Both are killing a specific number of Marchens.

She answered while taking out the slip.

Lumine: But both Marchens are on Floor 2.

Otsuu: Let's hurry then. After all, we still need to make a trip back to City Streets.

Cinderella: Wait, there are still more. Just how many requests you took?

Lumine: All of them.

Cinderella: ....

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*A/N: Please throw some power stones.

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