Work Text:
« I am one yet many. »
Those were Clair's words.
All she ever wanted was for someone to understand her. But no one could do it fully.
First, Erika, the detective. Her reading was cruel and harsh, as she wanted the truth and the truth only. She never cared for the « whydunnit ». Then, was Lion. A reader who was probably too realistic. As much as they tried, they couldn't understand the culprit's motives and so never reached the « whydunnit ».
Battler... Right, he was too late.
The only person who understood the culprit's riddles and clear them all was the reader Willard. After her confessions, could Beato finally rest in peace like she was supposed to ?
We already know that Lion's existence was enough to bring her happiness, at her final funeral... and even so, the lonely golden witch will never, ever, meet such a miracle. Because... if she exists, Lion does not. This tragic fate can't be changed. It will never change. That's why Lion was a Miracle . Because miracles don't happen, they can be called so.
Lion was now used to this new life with Will and Clair. Life became so different from what they knew, but at the same time, as comfortable as before. This feeling inside them was nostalgia. Today was a rainy day, and they couldn't help but think about those events again. It was always in a small place of their head anyway. Though the trauma it left wasn't so small. But the rainy days were hot recently. Summer. And the flowers bloomed under the raindrops.
As usual, Clair was reading. Will was too. But he seemed to have fallen asleep before finishing his book. Maybe it was the peaceful silence of the rain. Diana was on his lap.
Lion was alone, somehow. Reading wasn't on their mind, right now, they felt too distracted. Every now and then, their gaze met the window, then the rain outside. Soon, they stared at the flowers in the garden, without being able to take their eyes off. Nothing but the silence and the rain were making noises this afternoon. Finally, Lion went out without anyone noticing, attracted by the light of the sun behind the dark clouds.
In the garden, they met the raindrops on their head. It was a bit cold but gentle.
The fresh air was feeling better than expected, so Lion took a deep breath and stretched themself. They let a brief sigh go out of their mouth.
« What a beautiful afternoon. »
The sky was dark by the rainy clouds, but the sun was behind them. Its rays were piercing the clouds like a blade and made the sky a beautiful color. The light reflected on the flower garden and on Lion as well. It was one beautiful scene like you could see in a painting.
The wind blew through Lion's hair as they walked by the flowers. They put back their hair behind an ear, looking at a particular rose that attracted their attention.
It was... a golden rose.
« Did we have golden roses here ? »
Probably not.
The beautiful rose was glowing through the scenery. Its golden color almost felt unreal. Lion then realized that golden roses weren't supposed to naturally exist in such a place.
Or could they, in a golden land ? Still, the flower felt all real. Even more in this weather.
Its delicate petals were moving with the wind, and as it was a message from a witch, golden sparkles were flying around like calling for Lion. Maybe it was just their imagination... but Lion couldn't help themself thinking of the golden witch.
Wasn't it natural ? After what happened to them, how could they not think about Beatrice when seeing a golden rose.
A bit anxious, Lion approached the flower. Surely, that anxiety came from... those events that Lion couldn't forget. But, as a precious smell rosed to their nose, slowly anxiety faded away and a gentle smile drew to their lips. The smell was strangely similar to the old tale of an old book...
« So, you're still around after all.
Right, it's in your golden land that you rest in peace. How could I forget. »
Lion's gaze was gentle as they watched over the lonely flower. It felt as if they were speaking to each other with no words. The wind then carried the flower away, a bit too strongly that it made the rose lose all its petals one by one. It was so sudden, it looked like magic. And Lion let a sound of surprise escape their mouth. A sad expression drew on their face. Maybe they wanted to think a bit longer about the witch through the flower.
Poor thing...
Lion sighed again and watched the sky... Nostalgia is strong today, huh ? There was a lonely feeling inside of them. As if something was missing. Or if something had to be done. Something that felt out of the place in their heart, leaving a hole.
It was still raining. Even if the sound was comforting, it couldn't fill any hole that didn't exist in the first place. Lion was bothered by that rose, by that witch. Unconsciously, their eyes were looking for another golden rose in the garden. Maybe if they found another one, they will find an answer to this weird feeling. The time right before was way too short.
Lion wasn't satisfied.
As time passed, the sun was slowly going to sleep. A light came on in the house.
It could be seen from the window, but Lion, still outside, didn't notice anything.
« Clair, have you seen Lion ? »
Will's voice broke the silence of the room. He eventually got woken up by Clair to start making dinner. Her belly was calling for food. The girl was silent. She answered Will's question by simply showing the door to the garden, pointing it with her finger.
« Outside in this weather, huh ? »
She nodded.
« Go peel and cut the vegetables, Clair, we will be back right away. »
She nodded again. Even though it might look like Clair never showed anything on her face besides that blank expression, she was happy to be able to help with the cooking.
As Will could see through her blank face, he briefly patted her head kindly. He then put his coat on his back and went into the garden.
Where even did the kid go...
Lion was still by the garden, looking for a golden rose. Was it really the only one ? Or... did they imagine it all ? The more they was thinking about it, the more frustrating it became. Soon, Lion felt as if it was ridiculous and useless. That's when Will arrived by them.
« I didn't know you were enjoying cold showers in the wild. »
The rain didn't become so much heavier since the time they went out, but Lion was now all soaked for a while.
« Will... »
Their gazes met and a silence fell between the two.
« That hurts-! »
« There was no need to say such a thing. »
A bit late, Lion reacted to Will's line by pinching his butt. He let got pretty fast this time, as they sighed again, desperately.
« You look annoyed. »
« I might be annoyed... »
Will looked at them one more, as though asking « why so ? »
Why was so ? Lion wasn't sure themself. Many things were in their mind, and bad feelings were growing inside of them. Their expression darkened. They wanted to find a golden rose, but this statement only sounded a bit too childish for them. Lion almost felt worried for the witch. How so ? There was no golden witch anymore (in their world). Yet, she haunted their thoughts. Lion had to be happy and be a miracle. But could they possibly feel as if it was only irrelevant now ? Well, Clair was still here with them. Lion's happiness was precious to her. But it was about the golden witch, Beatrice, Lion was thinking of right now. They wanted to fill that hole. How even ?
But this was not their world. This is a golden land... Because anything is possible in this golden land filled with love, Lion could go out and visit Beatrice at any time if needed. They could talk to her about what was on their mind and clear it up. ...right ? So, why does it feel so wrong ?
« Might you be thinking about those events again ? »
Lion stayed silent, clenched their fist onto their chest as if it was hurting. The silence fell back between the two shadows.
« ... I did see... a golden rose, in the garden. »
It disappeared so quickly.
« It may sound weird, but... »
I heard the witch through it.
« I feel bothered... and guilty. »
I want to understand her.
If we are the same... why is it that I am unable to understand her motives ?
Will did then put his hand on Lion's head.
« Once again, you are thinking too deeply about it, Lion. »
He looked at the sky and then continued.
« If you saw a golden rose, I believe you. You aren't talking about the Beatrice of this golden land, right ? That would be too easy. We can meet whenever.
I know the situation's delicate for you. Maybe she just wanted to check on you, see if you are still happy and enjoying life, y'know. »
« I... am sorry for bringing this conversation. You're right, I might have been a bit too lost in my thoughts today. I don't make sense. »
Lion laughed a little, embarrassed, but in their voice could be heard sadness. The rain was falling. And it was only the two of them in the garden. They were surrounded by flowers, and soon, the sun couldn't be seen anymore. Only its last rays were shining on them.
Only the silence was there again, with only the sound of the rain, until Will broke it.
« Lion... It's not sorry you should say. »
« Huh ? »
« It's thank you. »
He looked at them with a very serious expression on their face. Lion was a bit lost at those words that were unexpected. Yet... it felt like fresh air on their heart. Will always knew everything about them better than their own self, somehow. Sometimes, it was frustrating. But still, Lion looked impacted by those words. They were the right ones.
« What do you mean, exactly ?
Should I thank you, then ? »
« No, not me. The witch. »
Thanking the witch, is what I should do ?
Will continued ;
« If it's serious enough for you to go out looking for a flower under this weather, then you should definitely thank her instead of apologizing.
I don't think she would appreciate hearing her only miracle give useless apologies. »
Lion was looking at Will talking. He was right, and they felt relieved. It feels good to have a very rational partner by your side. They took Will's hand in theirs and held it tight.
« I want to show my gratitude to Beatrice, then. »
« Would this satisfy you and clear up your cloudy mind ? »
« Yes, it should help. Your words do help too.
Thank you, Will. »
Lion smiled, and... Will too, a bit, even if it was harder to see on him.
Lion rested their head on Will's side as they was watching the flowers. The golden rose.
It was still on their mind. What happened really ? Did they imagine it ? Or was it magic , after all ? Maybe it didn't matter. Lion was still thinking of thanking the witch though, and an idea grew in them.
« I know. Let's make a bouquet for her. »
Will's face changed. He looked annoyed and didn't seem to be as interested as Lion was. He sighed.
« Well, is it what you want ? »
« Yes. I think it would look great. »
« Great . But not today. It's late and we're gonna catch a cold. Also, Clair started to help with dinner. »
Oh no.
Lion realized that a lot of time has passed, and they suddenly felt worried and sorry for leaving Clair all alone. It was time to go home and leave this for another time. Tomorrow, probably.
« ...Also, you need a shower... »
Lion's face turned red and they got the urge to pinch Will's butt very hard for this behavior.
« W, what was that for, Willard ?! »
« Eek-! It hurts, man ! I just meant you're soaked to the bone ! Let go ! »
Lion didn't let go and pinched harder.
« Y, you're the worst ! »
By the window could be seen a big and beautiful roses bouquet in an elegant vase.
It was put right where the sun was shining on it. There were different colored roses, and in its center... was a single golden rose. Today was a beautiful sunny day, so the flowers looked as beautiful as ever. Next to it was someone watching over the bouquet.
It was Clair. She was silently looking at the flowers sleeping under the sun.
« Do you like this bouquet, Clair ? »
Lion approached her, smiling. The girl looked at them and nodded.
« I'm glad you do. »
Just like the clouds went away, Lion seemed to be in a good mood today.
« Lion, are you... happy... still ? »
Clair timidly asked.
« You didn't seem... in a good mood, these past days... »
« You're right... it's still difficult for me to move on sometimes, but it's okay. And yes,
I'm happy, Clair. »
In Clair's eyes showed a tiny light, as well as a discreet smile on her lips.
« I am very glad. »
They both nodded and smiled, looking at the beautiful roses bouquet. This bouquet was made for Beatrice's sake, a little « thank you » from Lion, to the witch. They didn't need any reason, any motives. It's even okay if she didn't really know or understand the reason either. It was just good the way it was, right ?
May you accept it, Golden witch .