Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Finally, the chance that I've dreamed of being able to move to Europe is in full swing. The luggages packed with all my finest dresses perfect for every setting I plan to visit. Country lolita for the fields, hime style for the castles, and casual for everywhere in between. I have planned this whole thing so perfectly that there wasn’t a thought in my mind that anything could go wrong; the plan went: land at 7:30 am and catch a bus to the countryside. By 8, I set out on a quick tour of a village close to the cottage I.m moving into. By 12pm, I should be fully settled and be able to start my new life. Everything was already going as expected as I sat looking out the bus window to my first destination. It was a quiet little village far from the outskirts of the city. The village had a small population of people, but it was a cute place located in the shadow of a massive castle. The views were gorgeous and I couldn’t wait to take photos to send to my family and friends that were very eager to hear about everything. Phone in hand, I hopped off the bus and went over to the first interesting thing that I could find. A huge and beautiful stone gate is the first thing that I went over to. The architecture of everything felt so amazing to look at, the mix of cottage-like homes compared to the looming gothic building filled me with awe. The next destination I walked to was a small church with a shrine of five framed pictures each with a different subject.
“Those are the four lords and Mother Miranda.” Said a disembodied voice of an old lady.
“O-oh,” I quickly turned around to see an elderly woman with a staff in her hands. “These people, do you all consider them as deities?” I had asked the old woman curiously.
“No, it’s not like that. Those four are but Mother Miranda’s children. We all devout ourselves to Mother Miranda.” The old lady started to shuffled off, “Maybe you’ll get to meet Mother MIranda soon… heh.” With the woman now gone, her words filled me with an uneasy feeling. What on earth could she have meant by that, was it a threat? I tried to shake it off and take a couple of photos before leaving this experience behind me. I had noticed that the village has very few people, it’s not a large settlement to start with, but it feels very abandoned, almost like a ghost town. I got a feeling that I shouldn't be here, but then why was it listed as a destination? I wanted to make my way back to the bus but it was no longer there. It was impossible that I could have missed it, I was only away for about five minutes and the bus wasn't supposed to leave until 30 minutes after arrival. Great, my schedule has hit a snag even after all my careful planning. I called the bus company to check the schedule, but I was met with confusion. There weren’t any buses scheduled to stop around the area I was currently at according to them. Even better, stuck in a ghost town with no luck at getting out anytime soon. The worst part of everything is that I can’t even remember the direction that my cottage would be from here. I definitely wasn’t going to walk my way there, but there was no one around to even ask to hitch a ride with.
“I wonder if there’s any type of inns around here?” not really sure what to do, I tried walking around a bit more to hopefully find someone in this town with answers. I am very lucky to at least have brought my suitcase with me that had some identification and all my other important belongings. “God, I feel like Spongebob when he got lost at Rock Bottom. sigh, this is no time for jokes, I’m in big trouble” while lost in thought, I came across the first person I’ve seen, “O-Oh, hey can I-” while I was speaking the man had shut a large gate in my face, “Woah, hey dude I need to ask some questions!”
“GO AWAY, WHATEVER THEY ARE, THEY DON’T MATTER!!” the man’s voice shouted back. “BE GONE OUTSIDER, RUN WHILE YOU STILL CAN!!” All of this was then followed with the sounds of a door shutting in the background. Wow, how unbelievably rude, this is the only thing that I could think to myself, well, that and the fact that this place really isn’t filled with the most helpful people. I finally decided to call an emergency service, but now there is zero cell service where I am.... fan-fucking-tastic...

Chapter Text

The sun starts to set as I’m stuck outside in this town in the middle of nowhere. Where could I go, there’s no one that can help me and the cell reception is nonexistent, so much for the getaway of a lifetime.
“Guess I’m homeless now.” I picked myself up and started walking back towards the church, that was the only place that I could even think of that was both open and hopefully have enough space to sleep in one of the pews. I keep trying to tell myself that this is only the first day and that I will hopefully be able to make a call tomorrow that’ll get me out of this place. The village is very quiet until I hear what sounds like howling coming from a nearby valley,
“Is this what that man meant when he said to run while I can?” I grow a little panicked because I have no clue what to do in a situation like that. What could I even do against a wolf, I’m a complete dunce when it comes to self preservation. I always wanted to be on TV, but never once did I think that it would be discussing my fetal demise. I huddle into myself as I sit on a pew peeking out the window every so often for the signs of the wolves that might pass through the village. During one of my peeks, I finally see what looks like a person but they are walking on all fours and sniffing around on the ground. As if things couldn’t get worse, soon more of them came walking down the main path of the village. I kept my head away from the window so I wouldn’t be seen, but just enough where I could almost make out the things I was seeing. The creatures made the same howling noise I had heard before and my heart fell from my chest. There is no way that this could be happening, werewolves weren’t real and yet here I am watching animalistic people walking on all fours and growling. I see that some of them are walking on their feet, but they still hunch over sniffing around for what I could only assume to be their next meal. I start to feel sick to my stomach with the thought that I could end up as their meal and no one would ever know of what had happened to me. My mind is set after this, once the werewolves leave the village I will set out on the road to walk myself to another town that hopefully would help me. I needed supplies, so I started looking around the church for things to help me on my way back to civilization. I grabbed a lantern, a handful of candles, and a pair of scissors. I tucked the candles into my bag and held both the lantern and scissors in my hands and waited for my chance to make my break for it! I waited for what felt like hours, but now was finally my time to get out of here. I opened the door slowly and looked around the corners to make sure the coast was clear. With my scissors in hand, I felt confident enough that I could make it to at least the village outskirts without having an encounter with any type of monsters. What was supposed to be my brand new life has now become a fight for survival; a crazy story that not a single soul would ever believe. I walk down every corner with great caution just in the event that a monster will be around it, after a while I finally see the way out. With only a little bit of daylight left, I cheerfully pick up my pace until all of the sudden one of the monsters jumps in front of me. I have no clue where this freak came from, but I was not pleased. I held out my scissors ready for it to come at me, I might be going out, but I’ll be damned if I go out like a little bitch. The creature lunges at me, I hold out the scissors and close my eyes ready for impact, but instead I hear a loud thud followed by groans of pain. I open my eyes to see that a large sheet of metal was slammed into the creature and it lays pinned down underneath it. I look around and I see no sign of where it could have come from. I breathe out a sigh, but it seems that my victory wasn’t long lived as I see a man dressed in a long trench coat emerge from the shadows holding a large mallet made out of scrap metal parts.
“What? Not even a ‘thank you’?” He said as he took a drag of his cigar and tossed the butt to the ground.
“Who the hell are you?”
“Oh, you aren’t local, should have guessed by how you’re dressed.”
“Answer the question!” I demanded as pointed the pair of scissors at him.
“Now, let’s not resort to violence, I only saved your life.” He let out an annoyed chuckle as he stared me down and held his hand out. I assume it’s to do a handshake, but as my grip on the scissor loosen they suddenly fly out my hands leaving me completely unarmed.
“Woah! W-what the fuck was that?! Did you do that! H-how did you do that?” I stumble on my words as they fall out my mouth.
“Oh, it’s nothing really, something I just picked up over the years. Now tell me, do angels like you have names?” He said with a large, cheesy grin that I wanted to wipe off his face.
“Y-you tell me yours first, THEN we’ll talk!” I said tensing up.
“Heh, alright then. They call me Lord Heisenberg, but you can call me Heisenberg.” He said, shifting his body closer to mine, “Now will you tell me your name, or will I have to reintroduce you to our little lycan friend over there?” he points to the beast still trapped underneath the metal sheet.
“Sigh, okay. My name is Brandy, I’m supposed to be moving into a cottage in the countryside around here, but the bus left and now I’m stuck in this village.” I looked into his blacked out circular glasses seeing my defeated look in the reflection.
“Don’t look too upset now, I think I have just the right thing to tell you.” the cheesy grin gets wider, “As cute as your name is, how about I start calling you ‘Pet’?”
“Absolutely not.”
“After what I’ve done for you, it is the least you could do.” He looks down at me as I give a look of disinterest, I mean how much more of a “nice guy” could he be. As our bickering went on, the lycan freed itself and growled as it charged at me. I turn around scared and panicking as it comes towards us. Heisenberg reaches out his hand quickly sending the pair of scissors from off the ground into the forehead of the beast. I cringe as it’s now lifeless body falls to the ground.
“I.. I don’t-” Heisenberg cuts off my bewildered mumbling.
“Follow me Pet, I’ll bring you to my factory. You’ll be safe there, I won’t let anything hurt you.” I then begrudgingly follow him, still looking back to the monster that attacked me. I really am in true danger here.

Chapter Text

The sun has set after the most terrifying night of my life and now here I am following a strange man who “saved my life” in his words. I followed him deeper into the village, past all the empty houses leading to a part of the village that split off in different directions. In this cross section we came across a very large man sitting in the back of a caravan with a large selection of items set out.
“Ah, hello Mr. Heisenberg, care to pick up some more of your cigars, or perhaps something else for your little friend hmm?”
“Not now Duke, I’m a little preoccupied.”
“Oh, of course, I’ll be here for any of your future needs.” The two men conversed while Heisenberg and I continued on.
“Who on earth was that?”, I asked him.
“Just a merchant that likes to sell his collections to anyone and everyone. Don’t mind him though, we’re almost to the factory.” He says as we walk to what looked like a ceremony ground with four large statues that surround a pedestal. The grounds overlook a ravine with a large industrial factory on the opposite cliffside.
“Woah, how the hell are we supposed to get over there?” I turn and look Heisenberg in the face, “Wait, you actually expect me to stay in an ACTUAL factory!?” my jaw dropped, because there is no way he seriously thought that I would be safer kept inside of a factory. He didn’t say anything as he placed his hand under my chin and pushed it closed. He then lowers his head closer to mine, caressing my cheek and then pulling away. I jerk my head away from him, did he really just do that? I pressed my hands against my cheeks feeling them burn up, as if I would ever fall for someone as sleazy as him, but the feeling of his hands across my face felt so nice, magical even. He starts laughing while holding his stomach at my embarrassment.
“You sure are an interesting type, heh. Now hold on tight, things are going to get a little shaky.” He said as he then took his hammer and slammed it on to the pedestal. The ground under us started shaking as we lowered into the ground like an elevator. During all the commotion, I lost my balance and stumbled backwards into Heisenberg. He grabbed on to me tightly, acting as a pillar for me to support myself on. His body felt chilled, as if he'd been outside for hours, but his frame was very sturdy and his grasp felt secure. An almost dreamy event that was then ruined by the smell of a rotting ashtray. I turn around and push myself from out of his chest while brushing off my dress and looking out to the path that now was in front of us. He let out a snicker and commented, “Try not to get too excited, your cheeks could melt iron!” again with that dumb, toothy grin. If I could, I would knock out each and every tooth from his mouth, however, he did have a point. I felt my face once more and they were completely fired up, I could heat a whole ecosystem probably. It didn't matter though, the elevator had reached its destination and it was time for us to step off. The factory was just ahead of us where it sat on the side of a hill in front of a crazy tall stone bridge that crossed over the ravine. I pulled my suitcase along looking all around as I walked across the bridge. The moon was in full view and it was an especially clear night, so the moon illuminated the surrounding area like a scene in a fairytale. I stared at the view for just a moment, secretly hoping that this was all just a bad dream that I would wake up from, until- “Come along now, Pet, you don’t seem like the type that can be left out overnight,” he spoke. I let out a large sigh and followed him past the large gate that marked the entrance. The front yard of the building was littered with tons of junk heaps, a few torn up cars, and even what looked like a part of a tank. This place was a dump, and the smell wasn’t all that pleasing either. This place probably broke every health code violation in the book, but he didn’t seem to care. We walked in through the garage of the building and the smell just got worse, like oil and smoke; the smell was so bad, I had to cover my nose with my shirt. If things weren’t already bad, my shirt still had a faint scent of him on it after my little trip up from earlier. “Welcome to your new quarters,” he said while opening the door to a room. The room looked old and untouched, a stark difference from the rest of the building that was worn and rusted. The room wasn't as terrible as the rest of the place, but it did smell old and dusty.
“Well, the room looks clean, I guess,” I shrugged, “So, umm, thank you for letting me stay here.” I couldn’t look him straight in the eyes, it was already embarrassing when I fell back on him, and now I have to thank him. I turned my back on him so I could start getting my clothes out to change into pyjamas. I expected that he would leave and do whatever it is that he does in here, but instead he just leans on the wall looking down on me.
“Hmm, I don’t think that ‘thank you’ is enough for everything I’ve managed to do. I think there’s a bit more that you could do for me.” I turned back around, feeling his gaze go right through me, even past his blacked out glasses. “Don’t look so scared, Pet” he grins, “I just want to get more acquainted with you, hmm?” he lowers his head to mine, getting uncomfortably close, “I wanna be closer with my new, let’s see, puppy? No, kitten, maybe?”
“No. I’m not either, and I’m not telling you anything about me!” I told him off as I backed away, “Now, if you would ever so kindly, go away. I need to get ready so I can get some sleep!” I then crossed my arms.
“Oh, now where’s the fun in that? C’mon, I want to know about what life is like in the outside world-” he then tilts down his head just enough for me to get a glimpse of his eyes, “I want to know more about you.”
“O-Oh, alright, FINE! I’ll tell you about what I know when it comes to things in the “outside world”, but only if you promise to LEAVE when I finish, okay?”
“Of course, I’ll be out of your hair down in the factory working.” he smirks and sits in a chair in the corner of the room, “whenever you’re ready, Pet.”
“Okay, I think I’ll start with myself.” I then talked to him for maybe an hour or two, just talking about the basic things I learned in school or saw on the news. I didn’t go too much into detail about things I didn’t know, but mentioned just enough to shut him up. After all that, he finally left and I got my peace and quiet like how I wanted. Once he had left, I then noticed a familiar looking photo that was framed on the dresser. I took out my phone scrolling back to the pictures I took in the church and there it was. The same picture that was framed with this ‘Mother Miranda’ is also here in the factory. I didn’t put two and two together, until now and it looks like Heisenberg is one of the four lords that I was told about by the old woman. He was one of the children of this woman that seemed to be worshipped by this small village, and he lived here? By then it was already past 12am, but I could barely get any sleep that night since all I could think about was “Lord” Heisenberg.

Chapter Text

I finally woke up after the little amount of sleep that I got. My thoughts are going in circles and I still can’t believe the situation that I have gotten myself into. Am I really owned by this ‘Lord Heisenberg’, what is going to happen to me, will I have to work as a maid or laborer? I can’t get a single thought straight until I have stretched my arms over my head. Jesus, I reek; after all the intense things that happened to me yesterday, I guess I worked up a sweat that I didn’t notice till now. There’s a small bathroom built to the side of the bedroom, so I’m lucky that I don’t have to ask him where I can go to take a shower. I doubt that man even knows what one is, let alone what air freshener is. The bathroom has a very antique feel to it, nothing like the nice heated bathrooms in America. The appliances were all very old and looked as if they hadn’t been used in forever, just as I had thought. I turned on the bath and the water was ice cold and didn’t seem to warm up at all. Sigh, I don’t really have a choice in this matter, I really need the bath and if it means cleaning myself in cold water then so be it. It took a while and a couple deep breaths, but I finally finished my bath and felt as clean as I physically could while being stuck in a dirty factory. I put on a pair of leggings and a t-shirt not really expecting to be able to go anywhere, not that I would want to go anywhere, this whole village seems to be one huge death trap. I step out of my room and walk down the hallway, I can see all sorts of boxes filled with scrap parts and other piles of junk that I didn’t see in the dark of the night when I first got here. Of course, the next thing to greet me was him.
“Ah, good morning Buttercup,” he said while holding two plates with meals on them. Fan-fucking-tastic, another stupid nickname. “Odd to see you not in some fancy-smancy get up. I think I like you more in this. Come, sit, I thought you’d be hungry after your little adventure yesterday, so I picked up some food from The Duke.”
“What is it?”
“Herded fish, now sit.” Another moment where I don’t have a choice, because I am quite hungry, but am I really hungry enough to eat with him. I walk over to the old, worn down table and take a seat in a cheap feeling chair. It seems like nothing in the living quarters of this factory has been used in ages and every little thing is on its last leg. The meal at the very least doesn’t look bad, actually, it looks really well made. I take a bite and to my surprise, it does taste good, and not even because I’m starving. My eyes widened as I went in for another bite, “I’m glad you like it, I wasn’t really sure what kinds of things you eat, so I just asked The Duke to make something cheap and easy.”
“Well,” I swallow the bit of food in my mouth, “thanks, I guess.”
“My, my, I didn’t even have to ask for a ‘thank you’ . Are you perhaps warming up to me?”
“Don’t push it, I just really like food, okay.” Not even a moment after finishing my sentence, a telephone sounds off coming from what I can only assume was the living room. The stupid smoulder fell from his face and even though he still had his large blacked out glasses on, I could sense the rage inside of him. He clenched his fist and banged it on the table sending a shockwave over in my direction. The table shook and I sat there motionless, fearful of this sudden outburst.
“That BITCH can’t just leave me alone, of course she has to call. I can’t have a god DAMN moment of peace without HER needing to step her foot in it!” he got up from the table and stomped over to the phone while grumbling. He grabs the phone and slams it back on its rest, instantly hanging up the conversation without even answering. He then made his way back to the table and sat down removing his glasses and rubbing his temples, “I- I’m sorry about that, that was unprofessional of me.” This was the first time that I had gotten to see his face in its entirety. He had a very prominent scar that went from the bridge of his nose to the far right of his cheek as well as an x-shaped scar on his left cheek. He had put his glasses back on before I could see what his eyes looked like and he then stared down at me from across the table, “get dressed, we leave here in five minutes.” He said all of that in a serious tone, completely different to the showy mid Atlantic accent that he had. He then stood up and walked off.

I only had five minutes to get dressed, so I threw on a simple cutsew shirt and scalloped skirt. Lolita was the most prominent type of fashion I had brought in my clothing trunk because I thought that I could just buy casual clothes once settled in, but that clearly was not what had happened. I walk out the room and am immediately met with his presence, “I see, you have more than just one freaky doll dress, ah well, let’s go.” I brush off the rude comment and follow along with him. What was the phone call even for, and when did he get so upset? I desperately want answers, but I’m too scared to ask questions. He seemed to have already known who was on the other end of the line, so was that what had made him so mad? We walk out the factory and over the stone bridge and back up the elevator to the cross section where that same large merchant man sat.
“On your way to another meeting, Mr. Heisenberg? Are you so sure you want to bring her along?” The Duke asked as Heisenberg trudged on without answering his question. I stay behind him trying to keep up with his pace, while also scared of what this ‘meeting’ could be about. If Heisenberg didn’t like the woman on the other side of the line, why is he going to this meeting? My eyes were focussed on his back and my thoughts were preoccupied by the time I had noticed that we were already walking through a cave passage. He abruptly stopped in his place which caused me to walk into his back.
“Hey, pay attention! You’re going to need it once we step in there.” he says as he turns around and faces me, “and you’re going to need this too.” He takes a chain that he wraps around my neck and secures it with a padlock.
“Uh, what the hell is this?” I begin to protest
“Look, I’m not looking to argue, so shut your hole and let’s go” he demands and opens the door. We walk into a large cathedral-like room that has a large portion of the wall completely gone in the back showing the views of the mountains that surround the village. It also seems that we were the last to arrive at this meeting because there were already eyes all over the two of us. Off to the side sat a very large woman that wore a long white dress and black sun hat, a woman that sat tucked away with a headdress that covered her who also held a large doll that seemed to be alive, a short, fish-like creature that stood next to the pew opposite of the tall woman, and lastly, a woman with a strange bird like mask that was covered in black feathers. I begin to recognize some of these bazaar features as the pictures that I saw back in the church of the village. So this was the Miranda that the old woman told me about, and that means that these were her children. I clench my hands around both sides of my skirt as all eyes are on us. Heisenberg walks over to the empty pew and I follow behind and sit next to him. He lounges back while crossing a leg and lights one of his cigars as everyone else shifts their view to Miranda.
“Hesisenberg!” the winged woman began to speak, “You’ve done things in the past that I have questioned, and even forgave, but this goes too far! You can’t just harbor an outsider girl like this and expect it to blow over like all your past experiments!”
“Oh her? She’s not an ‘experiment’, she’s my new support pet!” he says as he places the palm of his hand on the top of my head, “You all say that I need to calm down, so I found something that’ll do just that.”
“You foolish child, we didn’t say to take an outsider! And what’s with this ‘pet’ business, you wouldn’t know responsibility even if it were welded to your hammer!” the tall woman interrupted.
“Stay out of this Alcina!” Heisenberg exclaimed.
“Both of you, ENOUGH!!” the woman’s wings unfurl, “Now, Heisenberg, if you want to keep this girl as a ‘pet’, you’re going to have to prove it then. I give you a month to show that this isn’t just another cheap ploy to experiment with the cadou!” What the hell is that? ‘Cadou’, experiment, I’m not sure what this woman’s play is. If I shouldn’t be here with him, why is she giving him a chance to prove that he can keep me?
“You’re too kind Mother, we all know that this poor girl will be dead within a week when left in his care.” she snickers and looks down at me, “a shame too, she seems like a sweet girl with a lot of promise.” Heisenberg is silent throughout the exchange, still smoking his cigar.
“I will be watching Heisenberg. As well as the others.” Miranda’s gaze percies through me. Her wings paired with her beaked masks gives her the presence of a bird of prey, an intimidating aura surrounds her. “Now, I hereby say that this concludes this family meeting.” she says without breaking eye contact with me.

As we leave the building and end up back outside, I hear a voice call out, “You, outsider girl! I’d like to have a word with you.” I stop and turn around, but feel a pull from the padlock around my neck.
“Keep walking. Don’t talk to her.”
“Karl, quit acting like a child and let me speak to the girl.
“I’m not trusting you with her, go find your food somewhere else, bitch!”
“You can’t just keep her stuck in that health hazard that you claimed has a home, manchild!” Heisenberg clenches his hammer tightly and stares directly at her, “Look, man dick, I simply wanted to invite the poor girl to my castle. Give her a chance to breathe metaphorically and physically. What say you, girl?” she says, turning and looking down on me.
“Fuck off, Alcina! I’m the girl’s owner and I know what’s best for her!” he says furiously while asserting himself in front of her. Of course my ears picked up on him calling himself my ‘owner’. How disgusting. I clear my throat trying to speak up,
“Well, it is kinda boring to spend all my time in the factory and I was really curious what the inside of your castle looked like since I got here. I would really like to come over.” The tall woman’s face relaxes some and she smiles,
“See Karl, you don’t even know a single thing when it comes to caring about someone other than yourself. Take it from someone with three daughters, young girls can’t be caged up.”
“‘Three daughters’ my ass, if you can even call those flies children!” he scoffed.
“Listen here, I don’t have the time to deal with your petty jabs at my lovely girls! So how about you make yourself useful and escort the girl to my castel by 7pm.” she turns around and starts walking off, “I’ll be seeing you, girl.” Heisenberg and I make our way back to the factory. He remained silent the whole way there, not a single comment about anything. Normally I’d enjoy the lack of him speaking, but the mood that surrounded us was so tense. We split ways once in the garage as he walks to a path that lays behind the corner and I make my way back to the bedroom through the living quarters. Once back in my room, I scroll back through my photos I took at the church. I read the names of the lords, Dimitrescu was the name on the plaque of the large woman. Lord, er, Lady Dimitrescu oddly felt like the one that I’d feel the safest around, but what the hell did Heisenberg mean when he told her to find her food elsewhere? I lay back and stare at the ceiling, this time without thoughts. What was the point of thinking anymore, it wasn’t going to get me out of this...

Chapter Text

I closed my eyes for what only felt like a second, but once I took one look at the time and it was already 6:50pm. I set foot outside my room expecting to see Heisenberg standing in front of me once again, but he wasn’t there. I walked out to the living space and there he was laying on the couch asleep. I don’t blame him, that meeting was a lot to take in, but it didn’t matter because we had somewhere to be soon. I cleared my throat from across the room but all I got in response was a snore. I didn’t want to have to touch him, but I didn’t want to run late either, so I went over to shake his arm. As soon as I had laid my hand on his shoulder, he then grabbed my hand and pulled my face down to his. “Here to wake me up with a kiss, Buttercup?” I yanked myself up and stared him down,
“D-don’t do that E-EVER again!!” I stumbled over my words, “b-but it’s 6:50, we’re going to be late if we don’t go now.” begins to raise off the couch and stretch as I voice my complaint. Afterwards letting out a large yawn that gave me a clear view at his teeth. The canines were as sharp as daggers and they weren’t as yellow as one would think.
“Aww, you’re no fun. Here I thought that you would have forgotten about all that and we could have had another wonderful night talking.”
“Wonderful isn’t really the term I’d use,” I cringed
“Oh? Were you perhaps more interested in something more intimate?” he said with almost a purr. I instantly became embarrassed, who the hell does he think he is? If he’s trying to get in my pants, that is NO way to say it.
“Th- I-” I stutter, “Just. NO. Let’s just get to the castle, I don’t want to be any later than we already are.”

We finally left the factory, but before we left, Heisenberg fetched his large mechanical hammer. “Why do you need to keep carrying that around, isn’t it heavy?”
“Well, would you rather me not be armed in the event you get attacked?”
“Oh, fair point,” I reached my hand to scratch my neck after asking my question and I noticed that I’m still wearing the chain and padlock, “Uh hey, can I get this taken off too?”
“Hmm, sorry Buttercup, but I lost the key. Why would want to remove it though, I think it looks cute on you”
“Ech- you lost the key?! D-Don’t you have a saw or something that you can use to cut this eyesore off of me?” I start to get heated
“I don’t know, I wouldn’t want to risk hurting your sweet neck,” he licks his lips, “at least, not yet.” my face goes hot again, but I can’t tell if it’s from being flustered or being enraged. I’m not the most fit, nor am I all that tall, but if he keeps pushing my buttons all those things won’t matter. We walk the rest of the way to the castle while I resist the urge to strangle him.

Once on the castle grounds, we pass what looks like a large vineyard. The scarecrows that stood in the garden looked like decrepit bodies hung on spears. I tried to remain calm and fool myself into just hoping they were just straw stuffed bags. Heisenberg then slams his fist on the grand door a couple of times and grumbles to himself. It wasn’t long till the door opened revealing the grand woman herself. “Salutations dearie, I’m glad that you made it. Karl here is quite the stubborn one, so I didn’t expect you two to actually arrive.” She bowed down to us, but even then, she still towered over the both of us. “I don’t believe that we’ve officially introduced ourselves. I am Lady Dimitrescu, but please dear, call me Alcina.” She said as she bent down to face me. Her face then slightly contorts once she’s at my level, “By the way dear, if you ever need a good bath, I do insist you come here instead of using whatever stale water is down there in the factory.” I get a little embarrassed from the comment, I guess there are some smells that an ice bath can’t remove.
“Oh, y-yeah, I think I will take you up on that offer. And my name is Brandy, by the way.”
“Ah, a fine name, like the liquor.”
“Alright, this was great and all, we’ll be leaving now. Good riddance, bitch.” Heisenberg cuts in.
“Oh, stop acting like such a child Karl. Please come inside Brandy, I have to admit, I mentioned you to my daughters and they are absolutely curious to meet you.” Lady Dimitrescu says, holding out her hand. I decided to take her hand and make my way into the castle. She guided me through a beautiful and grand entrance hall with a large renaissance style painting of three girls. I wondered if those were the daughters that she mentioned. We walked through another beautiful hall with four statues and ended up at one more hall with a fireplace, seating area, and large staircase. “Please have a seat, I’ll get my daughters.” She said walking up the staircase.
“Get ready for a shit show.” Heisenberg said as he collapsed next to me on the loveseat.
“Why don’t you like Alcina?” I shuffled a bit away from him, “She’s been very nice.” He huffed and sunk into himself some without answering me. I begin to hear some lively voices from above the stairs as I get literally swarmed by flies. I panicked and grabbed onto Heisenberg’s arm while ducking into his chest. I turned my head and watched the flies start to manifest into three young adult looking women. The girls continued to buzz around me, each one asking question after question.
“Where are you from?”
“Your skirt is cute, where’s it from?”
“What’s your blood type?”
“Girls, please don’t swarm our guest,” Lady Dimitrescu says, “introduce yourselves in a nice manner.” The three robed girls calm themselves and take a seat in the opposite chairs and begin to say their names.
“I’m Bela.”
“My name’s Cassandra.”
“And I’m Daniela.” I release my grip from Heisnberg and attempt a small smile.
“My name is Brandy, it’s very nice to meet you.” It’s tough to hold my smile because of their equally scary presence in human form as compared to their fly form. All three of them have what look like dried blood stains around their mouths that contrast their pale skin.
“You look like one of aunt Donna’s dolls!”
“Why are you with uncle Karl?”
“Yeah, he hates aunt Donna’s dolls! Especially Angie!” The girls all started talking again.
“Well-”
“Because she’s my newest project!” Heisnberg cuts me off
“Project? Like the sturm?”
“The big fan man?”
“What a stupid project that was.” The girls all began to snicker as Heisenberg sank back in his seat.
“Yes, just like most ideas your uncle has,” Lady Dimitrescu said as she began to pour a glass of red wine, “Here dear, you’ll need it.” She handed me the glass but I declined.
“Uh, no thanks, I don’t drink. I’m technically not able to drink, at least, not in America anyway. I’m only 20 years old.” Her face contorted once again.
“Oh my, Karl, this is but a child! You are holding her in that factory and claiming ownership over her?! That is absolutely detestable, I can’t believe the things Mother Miranda let’s you get away with. If only she knew the things you do, she wouldn’t let you walk around this village like you own the place!” The Lady began to raise her voice as the three girls giddily watched the starting fight.
“Oh calm your tits! A ‘child’? How many kids do you know are moving their whole lives to a different country? She’s a grown adult, and I know full well that you and those little bot flies would slice her to ribbons for a quick meal like all your other maids!” He then gets up and starts to walk off.
“I’ve absolutely had it with that manchild, Brandy dear, you don’t have to go back with him. You can spend the night here, I have more than enough rooms.” She offered
“I’m not sure, umm, my stuff is back at the factory and I wouldn't want to impose on all of you like that.” I secretly did want to stay in the castle, but I couldn’t help but be skeptical about the comment that Heisenberg said.
“Oh dearie, I insist. I would gladly take you in as one of my own.”
I’m very sorry Lady Dimitrescu, I don’t want to be a pest anymore. Your offer is very kind, but I can’t take it,” I bowed and smiled, “Have a lovely rest of your evening!”
“The offer will stay for whenever you want to take it. Just please be safe, and if that horrible man-thing lays a finger on you, don’t ever hesitate to come to me.”
“Thank you!” I begin to take my leave and walk down the hall that we entered from.
“You made the right choice, Buttercup,” His voice came from around the other corner, “You’re safer with me than anyone else in this village.” I turned my head and followed after him.

I remained silent through most of the walk back to the factory stuck on everything that was said tonight. Sturm, sliced to robbins, my safety? All of this is getting old and I want it all to quit. I sat on the bed and brushed out my hair while I tried to figure these things out. All was going smoothly, but like a sudden knot caught in the brush, he came in.
“What did I say? A total shitshow! I will admit it though, that was probably the most entertaining night I’ve had in that dusty old building in years.” I let out a sigh and put my brush down.
“It was only shitty because you threw a fit. I don’t understand the problem that you seem to have with her, she invited us into her home and you just continued to be unreasonable. Maybe I should have taken her offer and stayed. I only declined because of your slicing comment, but maybe that’s the best outcome for me!” I raised my voice and finally got all these troubling thoughts off my chest, “You claimed that I’m an adult, but you still keep me chained like a wild animal! Which is it, Karl!?” I watched as his head lowered causing the brim of his hat to cover the upper parts of his face.
“You’re right,” he reaches his hand out and the sound of a lock can be heard as the padlock and chain fall from my neck, “you don’t understand. And it’s for the best that you continue to not understand.” He opens the door and shuts it behind him, finally leaving the bedroom. I begin to feel bad after telling him off like that, but my point still stands. I pick up the padlock and hold it to my chest. There was no way in hell that I was starting to have feelings for this man, but at the same time, he has been there to protect me. Is he misguided, but means well, or is it the opposite. As I start to sulk on it, I feel a vibration from my phone and rush to it. It’s a text. My mom had texted me saying she missed me and that she hopes I’m doing well. I tried to send a message saying I missed her too, but the message stopped loading shortly after I had sent it. I flop on my back in defeat with my phone in one hand and the padlock in the other. One more day. One more day of what or to where? I’m not sure, but I was one more day now closed.

Chapter Text

I fell into a deep sleep after the tiring night that I had endured. I held on to the padlock while I slept, still unsure of my feelings until now. I woke up later into the day, but chose to lay in my bed for a little longer. I didn’t want to see Heisenberg after telling him off, but there was a part of me that wanted to apologize. If it weren’t for him, I would be dead by now. Him saving me doesn’t make up for all the past inappropriate things he’s done though. I take a deep breath and rise from bed and sit on the edge. There is just too much on my mind after our argument and telling him sorry will at least ease a small part of my mind. I open the door and walk down to the living room to see if he’s fallen asleep on the couch or if he’s brought more food. Nothing. He was nowhere to be seen up here. I exhale and look around. Where would he even go, there’s nothing to do around here? He didn't seem like the type to be so hurt from what I said, but I guess I struck a chord. I walked back to the room and threw on a simple cardigan I had brought so I could look around outside. I step outside into the garage entrance and see no signs of him. I then decided to step outside and look in the front yard with all the scrap heaps. I instead find a figure cloaked in all black holding a large doll. I have no clue who they are, but I do remember seeing the same doll at the family meeting from yesterday. They then notice me watching them and the figure begins to shy away from me. The doll in their arms begins to tug on the vail and says something back in their ear. They both turn back and I simply just wave, which in hindsight probably made things look more awkward. The cloaked figure walked up to me and began to speak, “M-Miss, would you perhaps want to have tea? At my house?” The voice sounded female.
“Yeah, come play with us, lady!” The doll spoke out.
“Oh, we should introduce ourselves, My name is Donna. And this is Angie.” She said as she held out her hand.
“Oh, uh. My name is Brandy and, I suppose I could go for tea,” I said while shaking her hand. I’m still taken aback when the doll speaks, but it’s not the weirdest occurrence; a talking doll is probably the most normal thing to happen. “When is it that we will be having tea?” Before she even got a chance to answer, we both heard a loud slam come from the factory. Looks like I found him…
“WHO SAID YOU TWO COULD COME OVER HERE!! FUCK OFF OF MY PROPERTY!!” Heisenberg started shouting.
“GET OVER YOURSELF, RUST BUCKET!! WE’RE MAKING A CUTE NEW FRIEND!!” Angie screamed back. I watched as Donna tensed up and I let out a sigh. Heisenberg came out cussing to himself looking ready to fight the doll. He wasn’t wearing his normal attire, but instead a tank top stained with- well, a lot of things that I don’t really want to know what are.
“Say that again to my face you little piece of SHIT!”
“Mister Heisenberg, please-”
“I said, GET OVER YOURSELF!” I didn’t want to, but I then put myself into the argument.
“Guys, stop! Please!” they look at me, “I would love to do tea with you all, but stop fighting! I’m sure we could reach a mutual agreement, yes?” I wasn’t really sure if what I said sounded authentic enough to be believed. To tell you the truth, I never really get the chance to be a mediator in situations, I just got so annoyed with their yelling that I needed it to stop. Heisenberg still looked like he wanted blood, but thankfully Angie backed off.
“Heh, I like her already!” The doll said smugly.
“Miss Brandy and Mister Heisenberg, I ask that you both please come to my home and enjoy a cup of tea.”
“I’m busy, I’m not going to your little tea party…”
“O-oh, perhaps tomorrow afternoon then?”
“Nope, gonna be busy then too.”
“I think tomorrow is a good time!”
“Tch, good luck…” Heisenberg removes himself from the conversation and walks back into the factory.
“W-we should get going. We can’t wait to see you, Miss Brandy.” Donna bows and begins to walk away. I give a wave and turn back at the factory. After this conversation, now I really don’t want to apologize after telling him off last night. I know it’s the right thing to do, but having morals wasn’t exactly something I’m known for. I feel the padlock in my pocket and take a deep breath, it’s now or never. I hurried after him.
“H-Heisenberg, s-sir..” he turns around still with a scowl on his face, “L-look, I kinda want to say sorry after what I said last night.” His face lightens slightly, but I still can’t tell past his dark glasses. “I-I’ve just been so on edge with everything that has been happening. I moved here to get a fresh start on life, not get jumped by a werewolf and then live in a factory. You feel me?” He took a deep breath and looked into my eyes for a second.
“You’re sweet, you really are. But, I’m only trying to protect you from the rest of those freaks. This isn’t some fairytale, your kindness won’t save you.” He said bluntly and walked down the hall tucked away in the corner.
“W-wait, please just accept my apology!” I start following him
“STOP!” He said again in his booming voice, “The rest of this building is OFF LIMITS for you.” I look up at him and take a step back. This is the exact opposite of what I had wanted, now he’s only more pissed off with me.
“I-I’m sorry..”
“Just go back to your room.”
“Uh… yes sir.” I did as he said and walked back to the room I’ve been staying in. I hate when people are mad at me and sadly, I can’t seem to reverse the damages.

It was now around 6pm, I’ve been laying here since the afternoon. I’ve managed to keep myself preoccupied the majority of the time by playing the few phone games I have. The only plus of not having internet is the fact that ads won’t keep popping up. I had completely forgotten all about eating today until I heard my stomach growl. I headed out to the kitchen hoping that he would have brought more food, but no luck. Still no signs that he’s even come back inside. I checked the fridge and thankfully found some leftover fish from yesterday. There’s no microwave, so I have to reheat it on the range. It’s a bit intimidating to even think about cooking on something this old, but I don’t really have any alternatives. I grabbed a pan out from one of the cabinets and rinsed it off in the sink. Honestly, a pointless action, I’ll still be cooking on and eating whatever stale germs that were on the pan or in the water. The range shockingly still works and it works pretty well. The fish begins to cook and I fall into a trance while cooking as the smell of herds fills the room. The trance is not long lived as I hear the door open up and a heavy miasma of sweat and metal fills the room.
“Oh, you’re cooking something. I guess I forgot to get you anything.” He said
“Uh, would you like me to heat up some fish for you?” I asked. He said nothing as he sat at the table and looked away. I take it as a yes and place the other fillet of fish on the pan. I can’t help keeping my eyes off of him, in all honesty. He has a bit of a dad bod and very toned looking arms. Both of his arms have scars up and down them. I turn back to the pan to try and clear my head from him as I move the fish onto plates. “Here.” I place the plate in front of him and go sit opposite of him. I start eating, trying not to look back up at him while he eats.
“You know,” he started talking, “If you take a picture, it’ll last longer.” He then laughed as he ate. I cough on the food in my mouth and feel my face get hot. This jerk first doesn’t accept my apology and now has the nerves to crack a joke?
“You seemed to have lightened up after what happened this afternoon.” I cleared my throat and got the food down.
“Well, I took some time to think about what you said and you being kind enough to cook. Let’s just say that it would take a lot more than a small argument for me to hate you.” He licked his lips as he spoke. Appetite gone, but I still eat to try and fill myself up. “I’m still very fascinated with you, Pet, I’m sure there’s so much more about you that I could learn.” He says while leaning his head forwards, “Don’t be shy, you can tell me anything.” I fumbled with my fork as I swallowed the last bit of fish. He’s using the same purr-like voice when we met. It’s obvious at this point that he’s flirting with me. It takes me a second to answer him.
“W-well, what would you like to know tonight?”
“Tell me about yourself. You must have an interesting story to go with your pretty face.”
“I-I’m not that interesting, I’m just a normal person. Well, as normal as someone like me could get.” My face remained hot as I spoke to him.
“Let me make it easier then. What’s that little pin on your sweater? Don’t remember seeing a flag like that one?” He said, pointing at my pride pin.
“Oh, that? Umm, that’s the trans flag..” I said, shying away.
“Hmm? What was that?”
“It means I-I’m trans…”
“And what exactly does that mean?”
“It means I was born with the opposite sex then what I identify with.” I began to huddle into myself. I don’t normally feel this bad when telling someone about this, but for some reason, telling him felt shameful. It’s always a struggle when telling guys that I have an interest in. Does that mean I officially have fallen for all his gestures? I start to feel tears well in my eyes and snot fill my nose.
“What the hell, are you crying? Look, I didn’t mean any harm by it.” He starts looking at me, only making me want to cry harder.
“N-no, I-I’m sorry, I just- I just…” I said, trying to compose myself. He then got up from his seat and walked over to me and put his hand on my shoulder. My body tenses up as I feel his touch, but he begins rubbing my back.
“Buttercup, it’s okay. I’m a grown man, I can tell when I’m wrong.” He rubs my back for a little while longer. He soon removed his hand and started to walk away, but I reached out and grabbed his arm in what felt like a flash.
“P-please, don’t go…” I said feebly. I won’t lie, the feeling of his hand on my back felt good and something about this softer presence of his makes me want to be around him. He let out a chuckle as he placed his hand on my cheek.
“You got it, Buttercup.” He caresses my cheek and I slowly melt into it. His hands were warm, yet rough but I didn’t mind. I rubbed the tears still in my eyes and let out a yawn. “Heh, getting tired now?” He yawns, “Let’s put you in bed.” I slowly get out of the chair and walk with him to the room.

I sat on the bed and he placed his hand on my head and petted me. I let out another yawn as he took his hand off of my head. “Alright, good night Buttercup.” He says turning around about to leave. I grab onto his hand once more, this time silent and looking up at him from the bed. He looks down at me and sighs. He takes a seat next to me and unlaces his boots and throws them off to the side. I hold on to him as we both lay down to sleep. The feeling of his strong arm and his gentle breathing chest put me to sleep instantly.