The Mimic. So that was what the rumors about the monster meant. But... where is Violet? According to the Mimic... she is still alive but where?
Sophie: "What did you do to Violet?!"
Fiona: "Answer me, you monster!"
Mimic: "Hehehehehehe... like I said... she's still alive."
(Meanwhile)
Violet: "...(Bleeding)... urk... (Bleargh)... h-help..."
(Meanwhile)
Sophie: "Hahh..."
Fiona: "...tell me... what... you did... to Violet!"
Mimic: "Hehehehehehe..."
(Bzzzz)
Fiona: "Ughhh... ghhhhh..."
She grabbed her chest.
Fiona: "Hahh."
Sophie: "Fiona?!"
Mimic: "Oh? What's wrong with you?"
Fiona: "Hahhh..."
She held her face.
Fiona: "Sophie..."
Sophie: "Fiona, what's wrong?!... ugh."
Fiona: "Hahh... Sophie..."
Her eyes started bleeding.
Fiona: "...something... is wrong... I... I can't see..."
Sophie: "Fiona..."
Mimic: "Huh?... Hehehehe... I can use this... hehehe..."
Sophie: "Hahhh... hahh... something isn't right... when was it... when was Violet kidnapped, and what's happening to Fiona..."
Sophie: "Ugh!!"
Suddenly the Mimic sliced Sophie in half.
(Splash!)
(Wushhhh!)
(Tick... Tick...)
Sophie: "Huh!"
Fiona: "Huh?... what's wrong with you?"
Sophie: "Where is Violet?"
They were back in Viktor's house.
Sophie: "No... Violet stayed here... she didn't come to the car."
Fiona: "Ugh... what's wrong with you?"
Sophie: "Ughh... um... ughhh..."
Fiona: "Ugh... forget my question."
Sophie: "(...but I still don't know what was happening to Fiona...)"
Fiona: "Hmm?"
Sophie: "I... want to talk to Frau Holle for a moment... is that possible?"
Fiona: "What?... Ugh... why?"
Sophie: "Not 'why,' please."
Fiona: "Hahh... get a pillow, tear it apart... get some water, shake it and pour it out... then use a little blood. That's how she'll talk to you."
Sophie took a pillow, a bottle, and lightly cut her finger.
Sophie: "Hahh... hahh..."
Violet and Fiona looked at each other. Fiona shrugged.
Sophie: "Hahh... there."
She let the blood drip.
Sophie: "Hmmm... Ugh!"
(Wushhh)
Suddenly she found herself in an empty place. Countless mouths and eyes opened around her.
Frau Holle: "What is it?... Ohhh... I know you. You're Fiona's friend... hehehe..."
Sophie: "I know I'm taking a risk, but... what happened back there?... You surely saw what I saw..."
Frau Holle: "Of course I did. Since you were in contact with me, I saw what happened. You died and were pulled back through time. A power... sorry, a curse... given to you by Loki."
Sophie: "Yes... I wanted to know what happened to Fiona. Why were her eyes bleeding?"
Frau Holle: "Hahhh... alright. Here's the thing... Fiona's body... is weak. As a child she was often sick... and when they tried to sacrifice her back then... she suffered terrible injuries. Thanks to my curse she survived... however..."
Sophie: "Huh?"
Frau Holle: "...however, her body suffers greatly whenever she doesn't get enough rest... and besides that... the Mimics and the Banshees. As you know, I am a Banshee, and because of that Fiona became half-human, half-Banshee... and Banshees and Mimics... don't get along very well, you could say..."
Sophie: "Okay... and why were her eyes bleeding?"
Frau Holle: "I don't know exactly. It could be stress. Violet had been kidnapped... and it probably frightened her. Fiona... is really just... a little girl... a human child... who is still afraid of being alone."
Sophie: "Mm."
Frau Holle: "If you want to help her, then listen. First of all, never go outside at night. The Mimics are extremely active after dark. Usually they don't reveal themselves often, but it's dangerous. During the early morning they're around too, but they hide in human form. You can still spot them sometimes. Their bodies flicker like a television screen for a moment. That's when you can take advantage of it."
Sophie: "Since I'm already here... what do you think about Rapunzel being your free twin sister?"
Rapunzel: "Hmm?... Hmm."
The mouths and eyes disappeared. A woman appeared. It was Holle's true form.
Frau Holle: "...well, well, well... you certainly ask a lot of questions..."
Sophie: "Oh, you're prettier than I expected."
Frau Holle: "Hmph..."
Sophie: "Hmm?"
Frau Holle: "Haaahhhh... I don't know whether I should be happy or mourn. Rapunzel and I were both imprisoned by our father... as you can see, I am still bound..."
Sophie: "Hmm."
Frau Holle: "But my sister had it even worse. My father, Rudeus... feared her. She was powerful... but didn't know how to control her abilities. Listen, Sophie. As for Fiona... she simply needs more rest."
Sophie: "I see..."
(Meanwhile)
Rudeus: "You stupid whore!"
(Slap!)
Aschenputtel: "Aaaarghhh!"
Rudeus: "Because of you she's awake and Alice was sealed away! This time I won't seal you... I'll kill you!"
He picked up a knife covered in ash.
Aschenputtel: "Hey... hey... Rudeus... wait... I-I'm your older sister... I took care of you... I even fed you my own milk... hey..."
Rudeus: "I don't need anyone... I am Death!"
(Crash!)
The door opened.
Rudeus: "Hahh."
(Patch!) (Patch!) (Patch!)
Lilly: "...Rudeus..."
It was Lilly, the Dark Bride and Rudeus's sister.
Lilly: "Stop."
Rudeus: "Lilly... stay out of this."
Lilly: "I said... stop!"
Countless eyes appeared behind her.
Lilly: "...I am the Queen of the Beasters. Even if you are Death... I am almost as strong as you."
The room cracked like glass.
Lilly: "Put... the knife... down!"
Rudeus: "Hahh."
Aschenputtel: "Hahh..."
Lilly: "It's your fault. Rapunzel is her daughter. Of course she wants her daughter back..."
Rudeus: "Hmph."
Aschenputtel: "(Sobs)... hhhh..."
Lilly: "Put... the knife... away."
He threw the knife aside.
Rudeus: "Exactly because of that, I stabbed all of you back then. Fools."
Lilly: "Aschenputtel..."
Aschenputtel: "Hhuh?"
Lilly: "Come here."
Aschenputtel stood up and walked toward Lilly.
Lilly: "You're cruel. Aschenputtel took care of us the most after Mother died. She even sacrificed her body for us..."
Aschenputtel: "Mmm..."
Lilly: "Hmph."
Rudeus: "You pity someone like her? She's called the Princess of Curses. Maybe you're not as strong as I thought."
Aschenputtel: "Ghhhh..."
Lilly: "She's lost almost half her power. Don't be like that..."
Rudeus: "Fine. What do we do about Rapunzel now?"
Lilly: "Hahhhh... Aschenputtel, did you even talk to her?"
Aschenputtel: "I did... but she wants nothing to do with me anymore."
Rudeus: "Hmph. Even your own children can't stand you. All your sacrifices were for nothing, Aschenputtel. Feels terrible, doesn't it? You cared for us, and we hate you. You cared for your children, and they hate you too."
Aschenputtel: "Ughh... huh..."
Lilly: "I like you, so calm down."
Aschenputtel: "No... it's okay."
Lilly: "Ugh... Ashe!"
Aschenputtel: "Hmm... I haven't been called that in a long time... hehehe... Ashe... that's what you always called me. It means ash. Thank you for helping me, Lilly... but... I don't think you'll ever see me again."
She slowly walked away.
Aschenputtel: "...Rudeus is right... I've had enough of all of this... I'm going to start a new life."
Lilly: "Ugh..."
Aschenputtel: "Mm."
She left the castle.
Rudeus: "Hmph."
Lilly: "You're really the worst, Rudeus. She took care of us."
Rudeus: "Nobody forced her to. I don't care. Let her go. Maybe it's best for her. Who knows... maybe she'll find someone she loves... or someone who loves her."
(A few hours later)
Sophie: "Alright. You stay here. Nobody goes outside."
Fiona: "Did something happen?"
Sophie: "...hahh."
She grabbed Fiona by the shoulders and pulled her aside.
Sophie: "I... died, Fiona. I went back in time again."
Fiona: "Ugh... okay. Why don't you tell Violet?"
Sophie: "Because... because Violet was dead there..."
Fiona: "Ughh..."
Sophie: "Remember that rumor about people who aren't really human? It attacked us. They were... Mimics."
Fiona: "A Mimic?... Are you sure? Mimics haven't appeared in centuries."
Sophie: "Because they apparently found a way to imitate even more humans."
Fiona: "Hmmm... okay... okay... I understand."
Sophie: "Good... thanks for believing me."
Fiona: "Of course."
Sophie: "Mhm."
Violet: "...Hmmmm..."
Sophie: "Violet, tell me... ugh!!"
Fiona: "Huh?"
Sophie: "Fiona..."
Fiona: "Hm?"
Sophie: "Look... at her shadow."
Fiona: "Ughh..."
It flickered like a television screen.
Sophie: "That means..."
Fiona: "She's a Mimic."
Sophie: "But where is the real Violet?"
Fiona: "Hahh... that would explain why she was acting so strange... but... what happened to Violet?"
Mimic: "Violet is still alive. Don't worry."
Sophie: "Ughh."
Mimic: "Hehehehehe... if you want to find her... I can even tell you where she is. Under one condition."
Sophie: "Ugh..."
Fiona: "Shh. What is it?"
Mimic: "Well... give me someone to eat. I'm hungry."
Sophie: "Ugh..."
Fiona: "Patrica. A girl upstairs. You can eat her."
Mimic: "The girl upstairs? I thought you needed her."
Fiona: "Yes. But Violet is more important."
Mimic: "Hehehe..."
It went upstairs. Sophie and Fiona exchanged glances and followed.
Patrica: "Hmmm."
Sophie: "Ughh... hahh."
Fiona: "We have no choice, Sophie."
Sophie: "Hahh... I know."
Mimic: "Hehehehe..."
Its mouth opened in an unnatural way, and just as Patrica opened her eyes—
Patrica: "Huh... aargh!"
(Splash!)
The Mimic bit off her head.
(Splash!)
Mimic: "Mmmmmbbbbbbb...(Gulp!)..."
It swallowed her whole.
Sophie: "Hahh."
Fiona: "Bbbbbbb..."
Sophie: "Bbbbbb..."
They both vomited.
Fiona: "You... got your breakfast... now tell us where Violet is."
Mimic: "Oh, Violet. She's still in Flora."
Fiona: "Not in the collapsed house?"
Mimic: "No, no. But if you don't hurry... gravity might fail her and she'll fall when the kingdom moves again. She's near a shop."
Sophie: "Ugh."
Fiona: "Let's go, Sophie. Move!"
Sophie: "And that thing?"
Fiona: "Leave it!"
They ran to the car.
(A few hours later)
Violet: "Ugh... urk... h-help..."
(Wum!)
Sophie: "Violet!"
Fiona: "There she is!"
Sophie: "Hey!"
They ran toward her.
Sophie: "Ugh... Violet..."
Violet: "...hhhhh..."
Fiona: "She's badly injured. The Mimic never told us that."
Sophie: "What do we do now?"
Fiona: "Hospital. Quickly."
They carried her into the car and rushed to one.
Sophie: "We need help! Hello?!"
Doctor: "Good heavens, what happened?"
Sophie: "Please. She's badly injured."
Doctor: "Quickly. Take her inside."
(A few minutes later)
Sophie: "And?"
Fiona: "She's going to be okay."
Sophie: "I see..."
Fiona: "We owe that to your ability. Otherwise she would have died."
Sophie: "Hmm..."
Fiona: "Hahhh... she has a terrible wound in her stomach. The doctor said he can save her, but she'll still have scars. Ugly scars, like mine."
Sophie: "Fiona..."
Fiona: "Hahhh... anyway... the doctor said Violet won't be able to do anything for at most four weeks. Which means..."
Sophie: "We're on our own."
Fiona: "Exactly."
Sophie: "What about the Mimic situation?"
Fiona: "Well... that's the problem. No idea. Hahhhh..."
She leaned against the door.
Fiona: "Ohhhh... what do we do now? No Violet to help us... Mimics... Hahhh... Demari is worse than I expected."
Sophie: "What do you think? That's why I never wanted this mission. I only did it for Ms. Sonda."
Fiona: "Hahhh... alright. Let's find somewhere safe. Do you know a place?"
Sophie: "Yes. My old home."
Fiona: "Are you sure? Your parents were murdered there."
Sophie: "But we don't have anywhere else."
Fiona: "Hmmm... I know a place."
Sophie: "Hmm? Where?"
Fiona: "Remember when we were driving? There was a corner with old houses... and a forest."
Sophie: "Yeah?"
Fiona: "I found a cabin there. It's between the forest and the city of Flora. We can go there. We'll take the documents we need, finish this mission quickly... and get out of this kingdom. I'm already sick of all these moving cities."
Sophie: "Hmm... yeah. For people who came here for the first time, it's awful. Alright, let's go there."
Fiona: "Hmm... should I drive?"
Sophie: "No, I'll drive."
Fiona: "Okay."
Sophie: "Hmm."
They drove off.
Sophie: "The road you mentioned really is a good place for us. If something happens, we can hide in the forest. There are plenty of monsters there. Nobody dares enter."
Fiona: "(Sweats)... that's... not why I wanted to go there. I thought it was safe."
Sophie: "Yeah. We just need to be careful and not open the door to anyone."
Fiona: "Mhm."
(A few minutes later)
They arrived at Milo Street.
Sophie: "Hmmm... this cabin?"
Fiona: "Yeah. It's made of wood and all... but it's more comfortable than the hospital."
Sophie: "Hmm."
They went inside.
Sophie: "I'll look around."
Fiona: "Me too."
Sophie: "I'll check upstairs."
Fiona: "Then I'll search down here."
They searched the place.
Sophie: "Hmm... found nothing."
Fiona: "Me neither."
Sophie: "Okay."
Fiona: "Hhh... Sophie, I need help... aaaarghh."
Sophie: "Ugh. Fiona, what's wrong?!"
She ran downstairs.
Sophie: "What is it?"
Fiona: "There... there is... a rat!"
She hid behind her.
Sophie: "Ohhh... right. You're afraid of rats."
Fiona: "Mm."
Sophie grabbed it by the tail.
Sophie: "That's not a rat. It's a mouse. Look, it's tiny."
Fiona: "Get rid of it anyway, or shoot it!"
Sophie: "Whoa, whoa, alright."
She tossed it out the window.
Sophie: "Hahhh... (...she hates rats because they remind her of the time with Howgarts... even someone as serious as her suffers from PTSD...)"
Fiona: "(Cough)... okay. Should we go through our information now?"
Sophie: "Yeah. We've learned quite a lot."
(A few minutes later)
Sophie: "So... we were in Flora, while you were in the prison of Camilia."
Fiona: "Yeah. Meanwhile, you gathered information... and I investigated Ms. Sonda's disappearance."
Sophie: "And Violet learned many important things through her abilities. For example... Rumpelstiltskin was sealed here."
Fiona: "The Mimics..."
Sophie: "And of course the two Mafia families... the Materazzis and the Vincis."
Fiona: "The Materazzis have Ms. Sonda."
Sophie: "Exactly. And they killed Viktor."
Fiona: "Viktor said that their information..."
She lightly tapped a photograph of Ms. Sonda's family.
Sophie: "Hmm."
Fiona: "...came from none other than Ms. Sonda's own family."
Sophie: "And how are we supposed to find out if that's true? What if it's a lie?"
Fiona: "A lie?... Hmm. People rarely lie when their life is at stake. Especially when the life of the person they love is at stake. I doubt he would lie while we had a gun pointed at his fiancée's head."
Sophie: "Hmm."
Fiona: "Still... no proof. No sources. Which means... we need to investigate further. More information... Hmm. That reminds me. Several politicians have been murdered recently. Maybe we should start there."
She pulled out a photograph.
Fiona: "Leonardo Abate. Murdered with his wife fifteen years ago. His wife was found dead... inside his opened stomach."
Sophie: "Considered one of the most brutal murders in Demari's history."
Fiona: "Eddison Gianlugi. Killed in front of the kindergarten his child attended, while trying to pick him up. Afterwards, someone opened fire on the kindergarten. Ten children died, including Eddison Gianlugi's son, Lucas."
Sophie: "Mhm."
Fiona: "Hmmm..."
Sophie: "Hah."
She pulled out another photograph.
Sophie: "Vincenzo Vito. Murdered four years ago. His daughter disappeared and it was discovered that she had been sold into servitude. Vincenzo was shot thirty times. Afterwards they stomped on his body until nothing recognizable remained of his face."
Fiona: "Hmmm... exactly. Then we have Mario Sirigu. Murdered two years ago in his car. Multiple gunshot wounds. His children were with him. His son Miro died, his daughter Emma survived, and only his other daughter Katherina lived on. However, she took her own life at the age of fifteen because of her trauma."
Sophie: "Hmm... do you notice something?"
Fiona: "Yes. Most of the murders were committed by the Materazzis. That can't be a coincidence. The only one not killed by the Materazzis was Vincenzo Vito. He was killed by the Vincis."
Sophie: "Hmmm..."
Fiona: "We need to find out whether one or more of these politicians and businessmen were connected to the Sondas. Alright then... let's get to work. What do you think?"
Sophie: "Mhm."