Dukewood. Fiona is now in Dukewood, searching for her parents. Dukewood is a huge kingdom. If it is easier to imagine, simply think of a country like Russia, only even larger. Dukewood is enormous, so finding her parents there sounds difficult.
(Click... Click!)
(Eeeee)
Fiona: "Oh.... this is my apartment...."
Crane: "Shick...."
Fiona: "Mhm."
She went inside.
Fiona: "Hmmm...."
Four windows, a shower, a bed, a fireplace, and a kitchen.
Fiona: "Hhhmmm...."
Crane: "What did you bring?"
Fiona: "Well.... some things to eat."
She placed them on the table and opened her jacket.
(Swish!)
She took it off. Underneath, she was wearing a black outfit.
Fiona: "Hahhh...."
She took a large amount of strawberries and started eating.
Fiona: "Mmm...."
She threw one toward Crane, who ate it.
Fiona: "Mmm...."
She picked up the newspaper.
Fiona: "Hmm...."
Crane: "What?"
Fiona: "Nothing. It only says that the suicide rate in Dukewood is increasing."
Crane: "Probably because of the curse."
Fiona: "Yeah. Most of the couples we met did not look happy.... Probably because of the curse. Not being allowed to die as a virgin forced many people into relationships they did not want...."
Crane: "Can't they just, you know... do it and get it over with?"
Fiona: "Well.... the curse says this. First, it has to happen within a relationship. Second, prostitution does lead to no longer being a virgin, but then another curse appears. The curse says that a woman who sells her body becomes a doll. She cannot speak, she cannot move, she simply lives.... and that is all."
Crane: "Why only women?"
Fiona: "It is because the three virgins wanted revenge on the women of the kingdom, or rather, on the people of the kingdom. They wanted to make the women suffer just like they did."
Crane: "I understand."
The women were named Erika, Nami, and Lara. They had illnesses that caused problems with their bodies. Erika could not open her eyes, Nami could not speak, and Lara could not use her legs. People treated them as if they were a plague and wanted to get rid of them. They were therefore called witches and burned. They were young women. Erika was 14, Nami was 16, and Lara was 15.
As revenge, they created a curse that would turn women into dolls if they remained virgins for 30 years.
Crane: "So...."
Fiona: "It affects men too, just in a different way."
Crane: "What do you think.... You are a woman. Do you have to do this too?"
Fiona: "I come from another kingdom. Besides, I am only 20 years old. I still have 10 years left. I am not going to stay here that long."
Crane: "What are you going to do now?"
Fiona: "Simple.... I am going to the three statues."
Crane: "Why?"
Fiona: "I.... think I might be able to talk to them with the Card of Mystery."
(A few hours later)
(Timhooth)
Fiona: "There.... they are...."
The three statues of the three virgins. Two were standing, while one was sitting.
Fiona: "Hmm...."
Crane: "Why do you think the people never destroyed the statues?"
Fiona: "Simple. The statue has a lot of power. If you try to destroy it, you die immediately."
She took a plant and threw it toward the statue. The plant immediately burned and then exploded.
(Splach!)
Fiona: "See?"
Crane: "Creepy."
Fiona: "Mhm."
Crane: "But how are you going to use your powers? If you use your power here, they will see you. That does not sound reassuring."
Fiona: "It is simple, Crane.... Very simple."
She sat down on the chair and took out her watch, showing it.
Fiona: "Hmmmm...."
It showed the year 1140.
Fiona: "Okay...."
Fiona took the gun and shot herself in the head just as a large carriage passed by.
(Bang!)
She became a spirit.
Fiona: "Hmm."
(Sobbing!)
Fiona: "Huh...."
She saw a girl crying beside the statue.
Fiona: "Excuse me?"
The girl was startled.
Fiona: "Ugh.... You are.... Erika...."
Erika: "Huh...."
Fiona: "One of the three virgins."
Erika: "Mhm."
Fiona: "Why are you crying?"
Erika: "Oh, it is nothing.... It happens every time I see the statue."
Fiona: "Hmm."
Erika: "I did something terrible."
Fiona: "Do you regret it?"
Erika: "Yes.... I do.... The people back then were cruel.... but.... but what did the people of today do to deserve something like this? It is horrible.... I.... I was full of anger and hatred...."
Erika looked at Fiona.
Erika: "Oh.... you.... You look like a detective.... You are pretty too."
Fiona: "You can see?"
Erika: "Hehehe.... Just because my eyes are closed does not mean I cannot see. I can see somewhat.... I wonder if I would have had a larger chest when I was your age?"
Fiona: "(Sweats).... Great...."
Erika: "What? Am I flat?"
Fiona: "As a spirit, you should have other things to worry about...."
Erika: "You should be careful. You are still a virgin, and you are pretty."
Fiona: "I am only 20...."
Erika: "Oh...."
Fiona: "Do the other two virgins regret what they did?"
She shook her head.
Erika: "Honestly.... even I do not really regret what I did to the people back then.... Only the people now.... I feel sorry for them."
Fiona: "So the answer is that they do not regret it either?"
She nodded.
Erika: "Hehe.... It is because we were young.... And because of our illnesses, we were called monsters."
Fiona: "Hmm...."
Erika: "....Hmm."
Fiona: "Why did you only curse women?"
Erika: "Because women back then lived however they wanted, and we wanted revenge on everyone.... Imagine a father watching his daughter become a doll that can move and speak.... but is no longer truly human."
Fiona: "Oh.... I do not know my father."
Erika: "Hehehe.... I meant back then.... You should know that my father and mother.... were the ones who supported our execution."
Fiona: "What?!"
Erika: "Hehe.... My mother always called me a plague.... and my father always called me a childish whore."
Fiona: "....Well.... no wonder you were so angry with them...."
Erika: "Hehehe.... It is fine.... I am not angry with him anymore."
Fiona: "You should be."
Erika: "Hehe.... It was a long time ago.... My sister.... became a doll in front of my father. She was his favorite daughter.... Seeing her like that destroyed him, and he then took his own life.... Hehehe.... I have to say, that was one of the few moments when I was happy. My mother was cursed because it turned out that one of my siblings was the result of an affair.... and she became a doll.... unable to move."
Fiona: "Wait.... what happened to the child?"
Erika: "Do not worry.... I made sure that the curse would only take effect after the women had already given birth and the child was over five years old.... Nami and Lara were angry with me because of that, but I did not want a child to die or be unable to receive or feel its mother's milk."
Fiona: "And the other virgins?"
Erika: "I do not know.... Apparently, because they achieved what they wanted, their spirits are not here but in the spirit world."
Fiona: "And you did not achieve it?"
Erika: "....Well.... only halfway.... I want to stay.... and see what terrible things I have done."
Fiona: "And you already know that eventually your spirit will become weak."
Erika: "Hehehe.... I know.... You can see the chains.... Every spirit that is not in the spirit world is bound with chains.... to the place where he or she died."
Fiona: "I understand...."
Erika: "It was nice talking to you.... Seems like you want to leave."
Fiona: "Mhm."
Erika: "You can talk to spirits...."
Fiona: "I possess the Card of Mystery."
Erika: "Oh.... I have heard quite a lot about it.... It is the rare card that has Frau Holle's ability, right?.... I do not talk to her very often."
Fiona: "Wait.... you talk to her?"
Erika: "Oh.... did you not know? Frau Holle is also called the Princess of Spirits. She can touch them and talk to them."
Fiona: "I.... did not know that.... But.... I really have to go now...."
Erika: "Goodbye...."
Fiona: "Mhm."
She returned to her body.
Fiona: "Hahhh...."
She looked around. Apparently, nobody had noticed that she had been unconscious.
Fiona: "That is good.... Hmm...."
Crane: "What are you planning to do next?"
Fiona: "Well.... I came here to investigate a few things.... There might be some clues about the Black Hole."
Crane: "Hmm."
Fiona: "Hmm."
She continued walking and looked at the map.
Fiona: "I wonder where there is a hospital around here."
She walked a little farther until she bumped into someone.
Fiona: "Oh.... excuse me...."
The woman said nothing. She only smiled.
Strange Woman: "It is fine.... I was not paying attention either."
Fiona: "Oh.... sorry.... Could you tell me if there is a hospital nearby?"
Strange Woman: "Oh.... yes.... About five minutes from here, there is Terin Hospital."
Fiona: "Thank you very much."
She started walking.
Strange Woman: "Wait. Do you not want to know exactly where it is?"
Fiona: "It is fine.... I have the map."
Strange Woman: "The map does not really show it, hehe.... Well.... it is.... Terin Hospital...."
Fiona: "Hmm?"
Strange Woman: "It does not exist anymore.... It is destroyed."
Fiona: "Huh?"
(A few minutes later)
Strange Woman: "See?"
Fiona: "Hmm."
Strange Woman: "What are you looking for?"
Fiona: "Uh.... Have you perhaps.... seen this woman before?"
She showed her a photo with a name. Tina Household.
Strange Woman: "Oh.... Yes.... I know her. She was the former mayor."
Fiona: "Mayor?"
Strange Woman: "Yes.... But she was murdered years ago.... Why do you ask?"
Fiona: "Murdered?...."
Strange Woman: "Hmm?"
Fiona: "Uh...."
Strange Woman: "Wait a moment.... Those eyes.... Are you her daughter?"
Fiona: "Oh...."
Fiona looked at her.
Strange Woman: "Those eyes, and those notes.... You are not looking for her by coincidence.... You want to see her, do you not?"
Fiona: "I do not understand...."
Strange Woman: "Your mother also had green eyes.... Exactly like the diamonds.... Just like yours.... They seem to shine."
Fiona: "Diamonds do not shine."
My name is Rina Katrovic.... Nice to meet you."
The Women said
Fiona: "Oh...."
Rina: "I suppose I was your mother's best friend.... You could put it that way."
Fiona: "You said my parents were murdered.... When.... and why?"
Rina: "About 19 years ago.... Both your mother and your father were murdered, along with your four siblings."
Fiona: "I had siblings?"
Rina: "Yes.... Four.... Three middle sisters and an older sister.... Your sisters were Emma, Sofia, Hannah, and the oldest sister, who was already in her mid twenties. Her name was Cemi."
Fiona: "Oh...."
They were apparently murdered because of a disagreement. her mother wanted to give talking dolls and animals rights and make sure they could live normal lives."
Fiona: "They are not allowed to?"
She shook her head and walked a little ahead.
Rina: "When someone becomes a doll.... they lose their rights."
Fiona: "Wait.... what do you mean by animals?"
Rina: "Oh.... Dukewood is a kingdom with many species.... Animals.... elves.... and of course dolls."
Fiona: "Really? I did not really notice them."
Rina: "Hehehe.... That is normal. Most of them are not in Forrestwood or Hoodwood."
Fiona: "Oh...."
Rina: "All right.... I have to go now.... dear."
Fiona: "Wait.... Why was I not murdered then?"
Rina: "Good question.... Maybe the murderer was not cruel enough to kill a baby?"
Fiona: "Oh...."
Even evil people have limits, you should know. Not everyone.... but many.... Goodbye, dear."
Fiona: "Wait.... Do you perhaps have photos.... or any place where I can learn more about them?"
Rina: "Hahhh.... Go to Willhemgarten Castle.... It is a museum where famous people are displayed.... Your mother is there as well...."
She walked away.
Fiona: "Oh.... thank you...."
(Unknown time)
Clown: "Hahhh.... hahhhhh.... No.... No...."
Several wooden stakes stood before him. They were long stakes, with the head of a girl, the upper body of a girl, her feet and hands, as well as her organs, each placed on different stakes.
Clown: "Hahh.... They.... killed the girl I loved.... the only girl who accepted me.... Hahhh."
He turned toward the people. His yellow eyes became more focused. His hands and body changed. He grew long claws.... and his teeth became sharp.
Clown: "Be.... damned!.... you humans!!!!!!!"
(Splach!) (Splach!)
(Screams!)...
Clown: "Hahhh.... hahhhh.... hahhhh.... hahhh...."
Several bodies lay on the ground.
(End of memory)
Clown: "Ghh!...."
He immediately stood up.
Clown: "Catherina!"
He immediately stood up and went into a room.
Clown: "Hahhh.... there you are.... my love...."
A body that had been put back together.
Clown: "There you are, my dear...."
He touched her cheeks.
Clown: "....Talk to me.... please...."
He held her hand.
Clown: "Hhhh.... Everything will be all right...."
He kissed her eyes.
Clown: "I love you, Bella...."
He briefly opened her mouth because he saw it move.
Clown: "Huh?"
Suddenly, her eyes opened.
Clown: "Ugh...."
He fell to the floor.
Clown: "Hahh.... Catherina.... hahhhh...."
He immediately stood up.
Clown: "Oh.... it.... worked.... The ritual.... Hahh.... I killed 2,000 people.... exactly.... as I was told to...."
Catherina said nothing. Her eyes were simply open.... Tears came out.
Clown: "I know.... I know.... Do not worry.... You will come back...."
(Patch!)
Clown: "Slowly.... it is time.... to talk to Fiona.... personally.... and this time.... well, a little more nicely...."
(A few hours later)
(In Wilhemsgarten)
Fiona: "Hello.... excuse me...."
Employee: "Yes?"
Fiona: "Could you tell me about a woman named Tina Household?"
Employee: "Of course. Our former mayor...."
Fiona: "Ugh...."
Employee: "Could it be that you know her...."
Fiona: "Uh.... no.... I only wanted to learn something about her."
Tina Household.... the Woman of Justice.... She was also called Radiant Heart.... There was no human she despised.... no living being.... For example, she prohibited experiments on animals, whether they could speak or not. She also prohibited elves from being used as sex slaves.... Ever since she came.... the kingdom of Dukewood became a kingdom that welcomed everyone.... The three statues were also built on her orders.... as a kind of apology for the murder of the three virgins...."
Fiona: "I understand...."
Employee: "But.... every person has their secrets...."
Fiona: "What?"
Employee: "Tina.... had an affair.... Several affairs. She had relationships with several people.... including women."
Fiona: "Uh.... what?"
Employee: "Hehehe.... She was known for doing things like that. Do not worry.... everyone knows.... That is why many people did not like her.... Her nickname sometimes changed from Radiant Heart to Slut."
Fiona: "Ugh...."
Employee: "Nobody knows what happened to the child she had from one of her affairs."
Fiona: "Wait.... what?"
Employee: "One day she became pregnant.... but it was not from one of her relationships.... It was from someone else.... He had.... a black suit.... and was even a wealthy person."
Fiona: "Oh... okay..."
Employee: "All right.... I will leave you alone for a moment."
She walked away.
(Patch!)
Fiona: "Huh."
She saw someone slowly approaching her. It was Gentleman.
Fiona: "Hmm?"
He looked at her.
Gentleman: "Hello.... My name is Oliver Steinmeier...."
Fiona: "Oh.... How can I help?"
Oliver: "Hmm.... If I am not mistaken, that symbol belongs to Dark Umbrella."
Fiona: "Ugh...."
She held her weapon without him noticing.
Oliver: "You can lower the weapon...."
Fiona: "Ugh."
Oliver: "I see.... So you ran away. I knew I had seen you before.... You are the woman who possesses the Card of Mystery, Fiona Hamilton."
Fiona: "Ugh.... You know me."
Oliver: "Fiona Hamilton.... or.... should I call you Fiona Household?"
Fiona: "How do you know me?"
Oliver: "There is something called rumors, my dear...."
Fiona: "Hmm?"
Oliver: "The Dark Umbrella apparently has an interest in finding and killing you."
Fiona: "I am aware."
Fiona looked at him.
Who the hell are you.... Answer me. Even if you can see that I cannot hold my weapon properly, you cannot defeat me. Before you attack, Bob will attack you, or I will use my left eye to give myself an advantage in reaction speed....Fiona said
Oliver: "Hahahaha.... Do not worry.... On the contrary.... I want you to work for us.... the House of Clover family."
Fiona: "Hmm?"
Oliver: "I belong to the House of Clover family."
Fiona: "House of Clover?"
Oliver: "Exactly.... An organization, or family, you could call it."
Fiona: "Hmm.... And what do you want from me?"
Oliver: "You surely know someone named Edwardson...."
Fiona: "Ugh...."
Oliver: "Several years ago, he asked us to take on a job.... I was not there, but three of our people, Lexi, Nimia, and Hans.... However.... they never returned. When I searched for them, I found them dead.... in a brutal state."
Fiona: "So you also fell into his trap...."
Oliver: "Exactly.... At least, my boss did."
Fiona: "Your boss?"
Oliver: "Elizabeth from the Ainsworth family.... That is the name of her family."
Fiona: "Hmm?"
Oliver: "Our boss, Mother.... wants to speak with you."
Fiona: "Hhh."
Oliver: "Please...."
Fiona: "Hahhh.... Fine."
Oliver: "Thank you...."
She followed him. When she left the museum, there was a car waiting.
Fiona: "Hmm."
Oliver: "Get in."
He opened the door. She got inside, and he sat beside her.
Fiona: "Hmm."
Oliver: "Drive."
They drove away.
Fiona: "What exactly do you want from me, hmm?"
Oliver: "Hmm.... You are talented, Miss Fiona."
Fiona: "Hmm?"
Oliver: "Your mother had an affair, as you know."
Fiona: "Hmm?"
Oliver: "With a.... magician."
Fiona: "What?"
Oliver: "Exactly.... With none other than Gargamel."
Fiona: "Huh?"
Oliver: "Yes.... I know the name is not particularly cool.... That is why people do not take him seriously, and he was often bullied as a child."
Fiona: "(Sweats) Okay, you do not have to tell me his entire life story."
Oliver: "Sorry.... But this dark magician.... is your father.... At least, he could be."
Fiona: "What?"
Oliver: "Yes.... exactly."
Fiona: "Is he evil or nice?"
Oliver: "Hmph.... Nobody knows. Sometimes he does good things, sometimes he does not.... Anyway.... he died several years ago.... but he left a note."
Fiona: "Hmm?"
He showed it to her.
Fiona: "Hmm.... I am going to die.... But more importantly.... the Lost Prince is.... the Black Hole."
Oliver: "Exactly...."
Fiona: "Ugh...."
Oliver: "You do not seem surprised.... Did you already have this theory?"
Fiona: "The Kingdom of Sora.... was cursed.... by the Guardians, the Fools, Rapunzel, Holle, and Beatrice. The Clown was not one of the Guardians yet.... They were punished exactly as they wanted.... immortality.... but with bodies that constantly tormented them and appearances that were simply terrifying."
Oliver: "White skin.... red eyes.... and sharp.... teeth...."
Fiona: "That is also how.... vampires came into existence."
Oliver: "Exactly.... The Lost Prince is therefore the prince of the vampires.... descended from Dracula...."
Fiona: "Dracula?.... Was he not the little brother of Death?"
Oliver: "Hmm.... That is true.... But by Dracula, I mean the Dracula Curse."
Fiona: "Hmm...."
Dracula: "There is just one problem."
Fiona: "Hmm?...."
Oliver: "For years, there have been attacks of unknown origin.... Here, look."
He gave her photographs.... They showed victims.... corpses....
Fiona: "Hmm."
Bite marks on their necks, hands, and several other places. Most of the victims were women.
Oliver: "Hmm?"
Fiona: "Bite marks.... Maybe a Namesis."
Oliver: "A vampire!"
Fiona: "What?!"
She slammed her hands against the seat.
Fiona: "Impossible.... Vampires were sealed. The people of Sora were sealed."
Oliver: "Hahhh.... But the Vampire Curse spread in other ways too."
Fiona: "But how.... if it was the people of Sora?"
Oliver: "No.... You misunderstand, Fiona.... The people of Sora were sealed.... but do you really think Dracula.... was the only one who turned people into vampires?"
Fiona: "Oh.... No.... People who were searching for a way to stop aging.... were cursed as well."
Oliver: "Exactly...."
Fiona: "But the cards also prevent us from aging.... My card, the Card of Mystery."
Oliver: "They were not only searching for a way to stop aging. They were searching for a way to become powerful beings and make contracts with dark spirits from the spirit world."
Fiona: "Banshee?"
Oliver: "Could be.... It could also be a druid.... or a dark fairy."
Fiona: "And you need my help for that?"
Oliver: "Exactly."
Fiona: "Hahhh...."
(A few hours later)
The car stopped in a remote area. There was a large building with two towers.
Fiona: "This is your headquarters."
Oliver: "Exactly."
He got out and then offered Fiona his hand. She stood up without taking it.
Fiona: "Sorry. I do not like it when people do that. I can stand up by myself. I am not some rich snob."
Oliver: "Seems like you hate rich people."
Fiona: "I do indeed. They talk too much, ignore other people's suffering, and complain when wine gets on their clothes."
Oliver: "Wow.... You really know them well."
Fiona: "Otherwise I would not hate rich people, would I?.... All right...."
They continued walking. The door opened, and a tall woman appeared.
Fiona: "Hmm?"
Oliver: "Oh.... This is Emilia Frankenstein.... The big man over there with the nail in his head is her brother."
Emilia: "Nice to meet you, Miss Fiona...."
Fiona: "Uh.... Nice to meet you too."
They continued walking.
Oliver: "We have several people in total, but for missions, assignments, and investigations, there are significantly fewer. The rest are simply gardeners, cooks, maids, and so on."
Fiona: "Hmm..."
He knocked on one of the doors.... He opened it.
Oliver: "Madam Elizabeth.... Fiona, the detective, is here...."
Elizabeth: "Oh.... Bring her in."
She went inside.
Elizabeth: "Hello.... Fiona.... I am Elizabeth Ainsworth...."