"And that's... how I met her," she concluded. "I did not realize who she was until much later, when I was able to consider myself... Guild Leader."

Pyrolina's story ended, and this did nothing but confirm what I already knew: my mother is a mystery... Actually, more of a mystery than I ever imagined.

Not that I expected anything else. But this goes far beyond that. This is not simply subverting expectations. It is pure, maddening ridiculousness.

Despite everything, knowing it made me feel... happier and relieved, somehow, somewhat. "Thank you for telling me, Pyrolina... really."

"No need to thank me."

"Mom, Snowflake is... her daughter," Crimson informed.

Pyrolina's eyes widened slightly before flashing a warm smile. "You do remind me of her... So, in the end she realized her dream. I'm truly happy about that..."

"Pyrolina, do you know how my mother was able to do all of that? Why did she do all that, or... anything else about her? The reason why everyone was afraid of her?" I asked, hoping for more details.

She gently shook her head. "I do not know the details; her strength alone was reason for everyone to run to shelter. Her path was stained with blood, and she mostly targeted nobles; I know this much, but the reasons behind it... I can't say. I never saw her as an enemy; she did save my life, and inspired me to strive forward. I'd always hoped to see her again, but that chance never came," she replied, her eyes soft. "Where is she now, Argenta?"

"She…" My lips trembled.

Breathe.

"She died…" I managed after a deep breath. "Ten years ago."

Pyrolina closed her eyes, and placed a hand over her chest. "I see, I'm sorry. I'd heard rumors about it, but I couldn't believe them. Still…" she then murmured, revealing eyes filled with earnestness, "I'm glad to know she found her happiness with you."

Did she, really...?

Even though likely tinted with doubtful nostalgia, I was unable to suppress a smile. "Thank you..."

"Now it's getting late. Do you have more questions? I'd be more than happy to answer any that remain."

I shook my head faintly. "No... thank you again. I'd also like to rest."

Crimson and I wished her parents goodnight, and after a while, we also directed towards our room.

We immediately went to bed. It was a tiring day, after all. Yet, as much as I wanted to… I couldn't sleep. I was exhausted, but I couldn't sleep…

I don't understand…

I was my mother's dream…

Was I?

I can't understand…

Dreams… Typically, when someone makes their dream come true, they are extremely happy. Overjoyed, even…

Then, what reason did my mother have to do everything she had done…?

For many, the day their dream comes true is the happiest day of their life. In fact, I think I've heard some people consider it that; the day when their child first comes into the world. Or… was that wedding day? Hmm, perhaps I am ignorant about this. But, regardless, for someone young… many days could feel like the happiest. I once said that; I remember it.

I sighed.

My mother once took me to the beach. We traveled for weeks in order to get there, I remember that day well. Hot sand burned the soles of my feet whenever I walked, and I hurried to find shade that would bless my little head.

Balance is essential in fights, and what better way to train than battling on the sand to achieve that? That was the reason for our little journey… Even so, from time to time, I would pause to relax on the beach with her, and observe the waves along with other beachgoers. At that moment, a kid said to their parents… 'this is the happiest day of my life'.

I wondered what that must've felt like… So, I trained harder. She was proud of me, and I was too, because I achieved the results she wanted. So, I was happy, and I said it… 'this is the happiest day of my life'. She smiled…

"Snowflake…?"

My mother smiled, and her eyes softened. I also smiled, I couldn't help it, because I loved seeing her like that. But, to tell the truth... that didn't feel like the happiest day of my life. I liked the beach, yes, and I loved my mother, but that just felt like another day with her, and that was enough. Actually, the next day, I even felt a little silly for saying such a thing.

"What's wrong?"

But if I truly was her dream, then that's how she must've felt with me. She must've felt like that kid. That must've at least crossed her mind.

Then why did you abandon me?

"Snowflake, why are you crying?"

If I truly meant the world to you, why did you disappear, mother? Why did your soul kill me?

"Hey?"

What kind of lesson is this? What are you trying to teach me? My dream... the simple desire to reach you, to prove my value and be your equal. Why did you take my dream away with you? Why did you leave me with more than I can chew? Why did you shatter everything?

"Babe, please say something…"

Is it because I was too stupid to understand your words? Because I acted like a selfish child and didn't repay you enough for the love you gave me? Or is it because I failed your expectations? I can't understand...

"Snowflake…"

Now, I can't help but hate you…

"Forgive me, Snowflake…"

But that is a lie… I just hate myself for loving you too much…

"Hm?!"

My breath was abruptly stolen from me, and I found myself pulled back to reality.

"Crim-?!"

She forced her way into my mouth with her tongue while she held my face. Ah… I hated it. But no, of course, that was also a lie… and as my heart skipped several beats, I found myself relaxing, and giving in, until she finally pulled away, allowing me to catch my breath.

"Crimson…?"

"So you're still here…" she murmured with a relieved sigh, brushing stray tears from my face with her thumbs.

"What do you mean?"

"You were crying… just staring at me, but you never replied. You scared me, Snowflake… that usually happens when someone gets to know me better, but I didn't even touch you tonight. Or is that why you were crying?"

Even in such a moment, with my mind filled with nothing but chaos and doubt, she was capable of making me roll my eyes.

"So, what's wrong?" she continued.

I sighed. "I don't even know… I don't understand Crimson. If there are no secrets in true love, then why was she so full of them?"

"You're talking about…"

"Mom…"

She settled comfortably over me, relaxing her body. "Do you want to talk about it?" she offered. "Do you want me to do anything for you?"

"I… I don't know," I stammered, taking a deep breath before finally finding the courage and composure to admit it. "Could you kiss me again?"

At that, with tender eyes, she smiled. "As you wish."

And she did not disappoint. Sweet, therapeutic, cathartic, soft kisses. Gently delivered by bitchy lips, and intoxicating tongue.

"I hate you," I managed to say with a chuckle. "You, and your lips."

Stolen novel; please report.

"Hmm-hm, I can see that," she teased back. "So, are you feeling better?"

But even now, I had no real answer to give, and I sighed. "Listen, Crimson, could we… go for a walk? Together?"

Though it was late, literally night, she accepted. I was grateful for that…

… Silence.

That was what filled our little night stroll: silence. But while, save for the occasional nocturnal insects, everything was silent around us… the chaos inside my mind kept screaming, and the cool night air was not calming me.

Our steps were uncoordinated, antagonistic even. I walked faster than her, and she needed to catch up with me several times. We didn't look like a couple at all, for I kept acting as if she didn't exist, not even holding her hand. Yet, she was there, and I knew it. I wanted her to be there, and I appreciated it, but I couldn't enjoy any of that...

At some point, as my doubts kept eating at me from within, I halted and groaned. "Crimson…" I turned to her and stared deeply into her eyes. "I'm sorry but… I need to hear it again."

She stopped. "What is it?" she asked, unbothered by my theatrics.

I hated it. I hated it, but I needed it. As much as I despised the thought of it, I wanted reassurance, an anchor to hold on to. True love… So that I could stop thinking about my mother, and worry about something else. So that I could be free.

Free… from my mother's shadow. Free, from the leftovers of my doubts. Free, from anything that was holding me back; from anything that was holding us back. To love, and to be loved without reservation, so that we could continue our shared journey.

Crimson knows me, she really does. But now, new cards have been added to the pile. Though the puzzle is incomplete, new pieces are available. Was she still alright with it? Was she still ready to accept me knowing I am nothing but the daughter of... really, possibly the most powerful and absurd libromancer this world has ever witnessed? Once again, the daughter of a monster? And, by consequence, me being a monster as well?

Not only that, but if she were okay with it... Then, I also wanted to know. I wanted to know her for who she truly was. I wanted her to show me her true colors. I wanted her to have no secrets and no restraint towards me, and between us… Especially no secrets.

And maybe, who knows… succeed with her where I failed with my mother?

Shaking my head, I started over again. "Crimson..."

She blinked. Now, she appeared to be somewhat confused, although fairly amused. "Yes, Snowflake?"

Damn it all… where do I even begin?

Again… "Crimson."

Her lips parted, and she managed not to laugh. "Snowflake."

I took a deep, shaky breath. "Are you okay with it?"

"Hm? Okay with that?"

"You know me... you know my story. You know who my mother was... Are you still alright with me? Knowing damn well I am nothing but the daughter of... the Silver Witch? Knowing what she was capable of?"

"Is this what you've been trying to say the entire time, really?"

"Please, answer my question."

Despite a little sigh escaping her, she smiled, and her eyes softened. Stepping closer, comforting hands were placed over my shoulders. "Nothing has changed."

Truly, the way she treated me, with those loving eyes… nothing but reassurance blossomed within me. I took one of the hands that was gently reassuring me, and clasped it with both of mine. "Crimson... there's something I want you to do."

"I'm listening, Snowflake."

I wonder why, of all people, she had to be the one. They do say love is blind, and it's ironic, in a way; with my mother, I definitely acted like one. But with Crimson, I didn't want that, I didn't want to allow that. No one is perfect, and I was ready to accept everything that came with this realization. Even so, finding the right words to express it... was hard. I never thought it would be this difficult to articulate my mind, my... love...?

"Before meeting you, I never thought I'd really care about something like love... Not like this, at least... it always sounded like a fable," I murmured, my eyes falling to the ground before meeting hers. Leaning closer, I pressed her hand to my chest. "My mother said there are no secrets in true love, and now you know the real me... I'm Argenta... the Silver Witch's daughter. I'm an assassin. I am an anomaly. I am... a complicated mess. And you know all of that; you accept all of that... You love me for what I am."

She nodded reassuringly. "I do."

"And that's why I want to do the same for you... I want to know the real you... I want to know the side you're so scared to show me; your sadistic side, and everything else that you're afraid to reveal, and that you're holding back. All of your secrets..."

Crimson's eyes slightly widened, and her mouth showed hesitation. "I… Snowflake, y-you don't really want that..."

"I do."

She shook her head, and retreated slightly. "You'll run away if I do."

"I won't," I pressed, filling the distance she dared to create.

"You don't know that. You say that now, but... it might be too much. It might scare you to the point where you don't want to have anything to do with me anymore. I could reopen that scar of you behind your back, even if it's all in the past..."

Now I retreated! What did that even mean?! "Has... has anyone ever died from having sex with you?"

"What?" She burst out laughing. "What... no," she replied, still partially chuckling, waving her hand. "No, nobody died. But... you know what I mean. Nobody has ever endured, and everyone has left me. I guess I'm…" Her eyes fell to the ground as they filled with sadness. She clutched her arm, and I could barely hear her voice afterward. "Messed up in the head..."

Well, that was reassuring enough. So, somewhat trembling, after taking a deep breath, I stepped closer.

"You should've realized by now that I'm not like any other," I said softly, clasping her hands. "I'm not like them. I don't care. I don't mind... I want you, Crimson. I'm ready to accept you. No secrets."

"Snowflake... w-what if you regret it? And if that happens... I don't want you to be 'just another one of my girlfriends'..."

I shook my head, leaning closer so our eyes reflected each other. "I promise I won't. I don't want to repeat the same mistakes I made with my mother. I want to know the real you."

"You won't like the real me."

"How would I know if you don't show me who you truly are?"

"I..."

I could see it clearly... The hidden, deep, dark part of her wanted this just as much as I did. But the fear of losing me... the fear of losing her lover made her reconsider. A fear that, to tell the truth... I welcomed. I must've also felt the same. And just like she did for me, now it was my turn to break through that; the same impenetrable barriers I had once erected for myself.

So, since I had the chance to learn from the best in this regard… it was my turn to be the bitch.

"Don't you want to see me like that?" I provoked, dropping my voice seductively. "I remember your words, you know? To see my cute face twisting in ecstasy and pain only you can provide, wet with tears, making me miserable… How long have you been holding yourself back, Crimson? Don't you want to turn that fantasy into a reality?"

Yet, she still wavered, and had the nerve to look away.

I stood on tiptoe, leaning dangerously closer to her lips. "Look at me in the eyes, Crimson. Hold me, and look at me."

Slowly, swallowing hard, she complied and wrapped her arms around me. "Snowflake…"

"You can break me however you desire," I whispered, teasing her lips. "You can do whatever you want to me. Ruin me as you see fit to your heart's content. I want you to show me your true colors. I want you to show me your real love, your revenge for your restrained self you held back. No more holding back. No more restrain... And I know you want it, too."

Still showing hesitation, her breathing became agitated. However, gradually... she was giving in, and her embrace tightened. "You realize you're playing with fire, right, Snowflake?"

"Good," I giggled at that. "You know? I'm fine with that. You can burn me however you like. I'll gladly burn if it's at your hands. You can even toss the ashes if you desire."

Her eyes kept showing uncertainty. She closed them briefly. Once her lashes fluttered again, a beautiful, shimmering fire was revealed instead. Nonetheless… a sigh escaped, and she stepped back. "T-tomorrow!" she hastily said. "You're tired right now... I want you to rest properly, and then you can decide, after that."

Tch… this girl has way more self-control than I thought... But, fine. "Alright," I replied with a smirk, shrugging lightly. "As you wish. Let's go back, then."

In some strange way, watching her like that was just as amusing as it was reassuring. I could tell she cared about me, and was genuinely worried. But... I had already made up my mind, really. I was more than ready. I wanted to know her, and accept her, fully.

Despite everything, in the end… the night passed, in our shared bed, with nothing crazy or weird happening. Just us, sharing a bed, while I was still absorbing the notions about my mother. Eventually, I drifted off to sleep basking in Crimson's softness and warmth…