Chapter 2: Chapter 1: The Crossroads
"That would be the last person to be transferred. Welcome to Crossroad," a voice echoed as a bright flash dissipated.
Blinking to adjust my vision, I found myself amidst a beautiful garden party. A lady with long greenish hair, dressed in a classic maid's uniform, stood next to me. "Welcome, Lady Tatiana. Please have a seat over there."
Feeling a mix of confusion and curiosity, I followed the lady's lead and approached an ornate garden table where three women were already seated. Each one was unique in her own way, dressed elegantly yet strikingly different from one another.
Horizon, as the lady introduced herself, poured me a cup of tea. As I glanced around the garden, I couldn't help but marvel at the array of unusual, beautiful flowers. However, my focus returned to Horizon, as she seemed to hold the answers to my pressing questions.
"Miss Horizon, is it?" I inquired, hoping for some clarity.
"Yes, Lady Tatiana. How can I assist you?" she replied, her tone warm and welcoming.
Summoning my courage, I voiced my confusion. "I'm sorry, but could you please tell me where exactly this place is?"
Horizon paused for a moment, contemplating her response. "Hmm, how to explain...Think of this place as an afterlife," she finally replied.
The realization hit me like a bolt of lightning. "Afterlife? But I can't be dead. Catherine is still waiting for me!" My voice trembled with emotion.
Horizon expressed her sympathy. "It's unfortunate, Lady Tatiana, but your soul has departed from your past body. I understand it's a hard reality to accept."
A pang of sorrow engulfed me. My hand instinctively reached for my chest, searching for a wound. To my surprise, there was none. Only a dagger rested in my hand, a grim reminder of my fate.
"Is there no way to return?" I whispered, the harsh reality of my situation sinking in.
"There are ways, Lady Tatiana, but it's not as simple as you might think," Horizon assured me, her tone now tinged with caution.
My mind swirled with questions, but before I could delve deeper into the matter, another woman at the table captured our attention. She was clad in a white dress with a fur coat, and despite her shorter stature, she exuded a powerful aura.
Horizon turned to the person in the white dress when noticed she was staring at her intently.
"Lady Blanc," Horizon addressed her, "if you'd like to know the reason behind our gathering, I suggest you stop casting your magic towards me. I do not appreciate such hostile acts."
Magic? I watched Blanc closely, but there were no visible signs of enchantment or magical circles. Her abilities were intriguing and mysterious.
Blanc seemed amused. "My apologies, Horizon. But what you're referring to isn't magic, it's psychic energy."
Psychic energy? The term was unfamiliar to me; I had never encountered such a concept in my previous life.
Horizon acknowledged her statement and continued to explain our circumstances. This place was called The Crossroads, a realm that existed between death and the afterlife.
"Then what happens next?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.
Horizon calmly explained, "Usually, I would guide souls through the reincarnation process, but all of you were brought here due to your synchronized death times, which makes things a bit different."
My curiosity was piqued, and despite the somber nature of our conversation, I wanted to learn more. "Different how?" I inquired.
"Well, each of you held the title of 'villainess' in your previous worlds. Your dark pasts would make your next lives bitter. Thus, a simple reincarnation isn't the best path for you," she explained.
"Villainess?" I repeated, puzzled. That term had been used to describe me before, but I never truly understood why.
"That's right," Horizon confirmed, "each one of you was known as a villainess in your previous lives. Given the unique circumstances of your deaths, it was easier to bring you all together here."
The revelation struck me like a thunderbolt. My past life as a villainess now made sense, but it also brought with it a sense of responsibility and apprehension.
"Hmm how about we do a little introduction?" Horizon suggested, breaking the silence.
"Blanc Whitewinter, and don't get too close to me, or you'll regret it." Blanc spoke with a hint of warning, her arms crossed as she looked unapproachable.
"Lily Violetsteel, just a normal office lady at your service." Lily introduced herself with a polite bow.
"…Sakuya Kurogane." The woman with red hair replied briefly, seemingly not one for small talk.
"It's nice to meet all of you. I'm Tatiana Termaine , please to meet you all!" I introduced myself, but I couldn't help knocking the table accidentally, feeling embarrassed by my clumsiness.
Before anyone could respond, Horizon unfurled a map of a world I didn't recognize. She explained that this world was filled with despair, and, as villainesses, we had the power to bring balance to it.
"This world had heroes before, but after the battle ended, the world was still engulfed in despair from demons," Horizon explained.
"Are you really serious? We each had the power to destroy the world in our past lives. If we are serious, that's the least that could happen," Blanc commented with a hint of frustration.
Horizon remained composed, unfazed by her comment. "I am serious, and that's exactly why you are here. Your powers can restore balance to this world. That is your task."
Lily spoke up, her voice tinged with curiosity. "Miss Horizon, I do recall from my past life that people would travel and gain new power. Is it possible that we have also gained some new abilities here?"
Horizon regarded her with a thoughtful expression. "Power, huh? What do you want?" she asked, as though considering the idea.
A moment of silence fell over the group, each of us contemplating the possibilities.
"I'm glad we're at our understanding because I don't have any more power to give after this. And to be honest, I could really use a vacation nowadays," Horizon said, adding a touch of humor to the conversation.
Feeling a mix of emotions, I looked at the other women around the table. Could we, the so-called villainesses, really save this world?
Lily let out a snort. "Well, that's just peachy! A group of reformed villains out to save the world. What could possibly go wrong?"
Blanc's expression remained stern and determined, seemingly unimpressed by the humor. "I have no interest in playing the hero. But if it's the only way out of this place, I suppose I'm in."
Horizon's words about granting a wish resonated in my mind. The possibility of returning to Catherine and helping others in need compelled me to take action.
"I want to help," I spoke softly but firmly, feeling a newfound resolve within me.
A door suddenly appeared behind us. Blanc wasted no time and went through it, followed by everyone else.
"Lady Tatiana, please wait a moment," Horizon interjected, her face glowing with an otherworldly light.
Confused, I tilted my head, wondering what was about to happen.
"You see, I'm rooting for you," Horizon said, her smile radiant and reassuring.
"Thank you, Miss Horizon," I replied with gratitude, touched by her encouragement.
The conversation the end, and before long, it was time to say goodbye to Horizon. They all walked through a bright white door, and I followed suit. Suddenly, we found ourselves in a town location.
I found myself in a charming town reminiscent of a bygone era. The atmosphere felt different from my old world, and the absence of modern technologies like electricity intrigued me.
As we all walked in different directions, I felt a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The thought of working alone weighed on my mind, but I also understood the unique challenges and advantages it presented.
"Wait, where exactly are we going?" I called out, hoping for a moment of clarity.
Lily turned around with a friendly smile. "We're each going our own way, right?"
"But don't we need to work together to save the world?" I questioned, feeling unsure about our individual paths.
Blanc chimed in confidently, "Why? It doesn't matter if we go alone or together. We just need to finish this task. Besides, I think it would be more efficient to work alone."
"Wait..." I stammered, realizing that the group was already splitting up.
Despite the initial hesitation, I soon found myself walking towards a specific direction, guided by my intuition. I knew that being alone might prove difficult, but I was determined to find my place and purpose in this extraordinary journey.
"Mother, I will save this world no matter what it costs," I whispered, igniting a newfound determination within me.
As I ventured forth into the unknown, I knew that my past as a villainess would not define my future. Embracing the new world before me, I would strive to make a difference, not only for myself but for all those who needed saving.
-Chapter 1 End-
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