Bizarronia

Days passed and winter made its way to San Miguel. What started with a slight cold breeze ended up in a snow storm, covering the town in bright white snow. And even after the hail stopped and the sun rose, the snow did not melt.

Winter was welcome. It was a change not made by any of the players of the board. It had a "natural thing to happen" feeling to it, something that could not be changed. Something normal, perhaps. And after the last game, normality was as welcome as hot chocolate, warm clothes and snowfights.

Had it been already 2 weeks after the Puppeteer's game? Time seemed to fly. The innkeepers did their best to keep the spirits high, and even decorated their building with all kinds of seasonal things. Of course, the magically lit path into the forest wasn't their doing, but they said nothing of it.

The invitations were sent that very morning. It was small, and simply worded.

You are invited to a Christmas party. Follow the lights into the forest. No games, just an evening to celebrate. Kind regards, Beatrice.

Everything was ready. Music, tables, food, everything was in place. And as soon as the sun set, the guests would arrive. Some confused, some wary, but they'd arrive. And they'd find a warm and cozy hall to enjoy no matter their suspicions.

The witch smiled as she lit the last candle in the enormous Christmas tree in the hall. It was time.

Let the party begin.

( Here for explanation! )

Heavy hearts and unshed tears seemed to follow them as they walked the dark path behind the tree. Three trials they faced, now they marched to meet the Witch.

The scenery changed, not unlike the other two times. A splendid rose garden grew under their feet, the dark sky showed no stars and no moon. A thunder roared, the wind greeted them as they faced each other once again.

Those who entered the trials looked tired and hurt as the walked to the center of the garden, where a sole crystal table stood. Behind it, and leaving her cup of tea, was Beatrice, the Endless Witch, smirking widely as she saw them arrive.

"Not bad, not bad..."

With and elegant move she took out her pipe, and pointed at Apollo. "She forced you to kill her, didn't she?", a chuckle, as she pointed at Firion. "You had to lie to yourself about your friend, even as he died in your arms".

She took a long smoke, before pointing at Yuan. "And you must have experience killing your old lover! At least you did it cleanly this second time!", Beatrice laughed loudly, and pointed at Django. "Was your father a hard opponent? I see denial shields you from what you don't like..."

Beatrice stood up, the tea cup and the table disappearing. "You killed an innocent girl just to see if you could fly again. So heartless of you", she chuckled, pointing at Evan. "You all were very entertaining. It did help to cure my boredom a little! But things must end for them to start again, and your las trial is here... They shall lose everything for only one to gain everything in return"

"I wonder.. who of you will it be? After killing your own hearts, killing a bunch of strangers shouldn't be difficult at all, should it? Only one of you will prevail to see the sun tomorrow..."

Her loud cackles boomed alongside a thunder, as rain started to fall. The Witch moved her hand and a gigantic steel cage fell on them. It was the last game...

Beatrice smirked, her face illuminated briefly by lightning.