Desire...
The driving force that dwells in the hearts of humanity since the dawn of time. From helping those in need to conquest, humanity is driven by their desire to seek the objects of their wish. But, none have more desire than Homo Sapien Femina, the women of the human race. Now, bear witness to the story of thirty-two women fighting for their very desires.
Kill, my greedy sorceresses~
Tokyo, Japan
The sound of the school bell rang out in the halls of the high school, bringing together students in white and warm blue uniforms. As students exited the classrooms, the courtyard buzzed with chatter and laughter. Cherry blossoms drifted gently through the air, landing softly on the neatly trimmed grass and stone pathways. In the center of it all, a group of friends gathered around a bench, discussing their plans for the upcoming weekend, unaware of the extraordinary events about to unfold.
One of the friends, a girl with a short blonde bob haircut and a pink bobby pin, raised her hand and yelled to get someone's attention.
"Hey, Emi! Over here!"
Stopping her stride is a teenage girl, about sixteen years old, with long silky hair in a hime cut and tied into a ponytail held by a white robbin with red tips, crystal blue eyes, slim eyebrows, and clear polish on her nails. She wears a white buttoned dress shirt, a dark blue plaid tie, and a skirt that matches the color of her tie. She wore dark grey knee-high socks and black glossy flat heel shoes. She had her school satchel over her left shoulder.
Second Year Student of Seisho High SchoolEmi Mochizuki (Japan)
Emi gave a polite smile and greeted, "Hello there. Do you need help with something?"
Another friend, a teenage boy with brown combed-over hair, asked, "We're thinking of going to the movies, and we would like to know if you want to join us?"
In Emi's heart, she yearned to happily express her desire to hang out with other people more than anything. Yet, despite the fervent desire bubbling within her, she finds herself shackled by an invisible barrier, unable to voice what she longs to say, even if the words were within her grasp.
Forcing herself to maintain a cordial smile, she replied with a hint of solemnity, "I'm sorry, but I can't. I have kendo practice today, and on Saturday, I have a Student Council banquet to attend, and of course-"
"And study. We know. We know," the blond-haired girl replied with a hint of frustration. "Emi, it seems all you do is study."
"I know, but maybe next time," Emi said as she left before hearing another student saying, "I told you, guys. There's no point inviting her when she's always busy."
As Emi walked away, a wave of loneliness washed over her despite being surrounded by peers. Her packed schedule left little room for casual meetups or spontaneous adventures, slowly creating a distance between her and her friends. The more she prioritized her responsibilities, the more isolated she felt, making it increasingly difficult to maintain the close bonds she once cherished.
'I know my parents have my best interest in mind, and I know it comes out of love for you, but I wish they would let me live a little," Emi thought as she headed out of the courtyard.
Her parents always emphasized the importance of discipline and hard work, pushing her to excel academically and in extracurricular activities. While she appreciated their support and understood their intentions, Emi sometimes wished they recognized the need for balance in her life. She longed for the freedom to explore her interests and forge deeper connections with those around her.
As she walks across the sidewalk, she looks up at the sky, taking in the sound of the wind blowing and the clouds drifting freely, symbolizing her desire for freedom.
"Do you crave liberation, girl?" an ethereal, melodic feminine voice echoed in her ears.
Emi suddenly pivots, her backpack slipping slightly on her shoulder as she looks back over her shoulder. The sun blazes overhead, illuminating the empty schoolyard with scattered papers swirling in the gentle breeze.
"W-where's is everyone?!" Emi asked, looking at any sign of life, only for no one to be in sight.
"Forgive me, dear girl. I probably should've warned you about warping you into a little pocket dimension," the voice utterly nonchalantly.
"What do you mean?" Emi yelled, her tone edging between confusion, frustration, and fear. "And who are you? Where are you? And what do you want from me?!"
"My, oh my! Such questions!" The voice cooed. "But that's neither here nor there. What you should know, however, is that I can give you what you yearn for."
"W-what are you talking about?" Emi questioned, still hesitant about the presence of the voice in the air.
"Come now, Emi. You didn't think I knew about the constant schoolwork. The schedules? The council meetings? How they-"
"Stop it," Emi snapped back at the voice. "Don't talk about them like they're abusive. They wanted what's best for me. You don't know them, so what gives you the right to!"
"There's that fire," the voice said with a slightly smug tone. "If only you weren't afraid to talk to your parents."
"I make them happy with my hard work," Emi said solemnly. "I don't... I don't want them to be disappointed in me."
"Aww, such a dutiful daughter you are," the voice feigned sympathy before continuing. "But don't you want the freedom you yearn for? A chance to make your own destiny on your terms. But you don't want to, I understand. All you have to do is..."
Suddenly, a rift opens up, to Emi's astonishment, as she stares into the swirling purple vortex.
"Is not to walk into this portal."
Emi hesitated, realizing the portal presented a choice she had never imagined. Was the voice genuinely offering her a path to liberation, or was it merely a temptation to lead her astray from the life she knew? The swirling vortex pulsed with a captivating allure that was both frightening and mesmerizing, leaving her to wonder if stepping through would grant her the freedom she longed for or entangle her in unforeseen consequences.
Every instinct within her told her not to enter the portal, for it would be a trap. Yet, in a trance, she slowly walked towards the portal.
In an instant, a brilliant flash of light enveloped Emi. And when it faded, she stood in an awe-inspiring throne room adorned with shimmering crystals. The walls sparkled with an ethereal glow, reflecting hues of deep blue and vibrant violet. Tall, intricately carved columns flanked the space, each adorned with delicate motifs of vines and blossoms. At the far end of the room, a magnificent throne of what seemed to be pure crystal rested upon an elevated dais, its surface glistening like a thousand stars captured in a single seat. The air was cool and filled with a faint, melodic hum, as if the very essence of the room was alive, welcoming her into this enchanting realm. Emi then sees that she's not the only one, as thirty-one other women found themselves in the throne room, ranging from perplexed to intrigued.
"W-where I am?" Emi thought as she looked at the other ladies in the room. "And who are they are?"
Emi tried to navigate through the crowd of women, but she bumped into one of them and fell on her rear.
"Hey! Watch you're your going brat!"
Emi looks up and sees a woman of Chinese descent looming over her, presumably in her 30s to early 40s, with short, dark blue hair styled in a bowl cut with fringe bangs, sharp yellow eyes, and deep red lips. She wears a black sleeveless qipao shirt with the design of a viper coiling around her body, a midnight blue satin suit jacket as well as pants, and snake leather shoes.
Red Pole of the Yi FamilyDaiyu Yiao (Hong Kong)
Emi let out a soft gulp before she got to his feet and tried to apologize.
"Listen, ma'am. I'm so sorry for bumping into you. Like you, I'm confused about how it got-"
Amid her explanation, Daiyu drew her switchblade and placed it on Emi's neck.
"Listen, kid," Daiyu said with a cruel smirk on her face as she pressed the blade further, almost scratching the skin of Emi's neck.
"Do you think I fucking care for your apology? If you were in Hong Kong, girl, that would have been your life."
The feeling of cold sweat forming on her forehead intensified her heartbeat. Instinctively, Emi raised her hands to placate the man, attempting to seem as non-threatening as possible. Her voice trembled slightly as she said, "Please, I didn't mean any harm. Let's not make things worse."
Daiyu snickers wickedly, "Is that so? Well, you made it worse when you provoked me."
Before Daiyu could do something drastic, she heard a loud click and felt something metallic push on the back of her head.
"Don't you even consider killing that girl, Daiyu Yiao? Unless you want everyone to see what your brains look like?"
Daiyu looks over her shoulder and sees the end of a pistol barrel pointed at her. Holding the pistol in her hand is an attractive Caucasian woman with long blond hair in a bun and hazel brown eyes. On her face is a pair of rectangular low-brow glasses. The woman wears a black suit, a white dress shirt, a black vest with navy blue lines, and a yellow tie. On the left side of her side is an FBI badge clipped to her belt.
FBI Field AgentJessica Cass (U.S.A)
Daiyu sneers as she turns her attention to the FBI agent.
"Well, now. An American and tell by that badge of yours, FBI, right?"
Jessica adjusted her glasses while keeping her gun aimed at Daiyu.
"Correct. I'm Agent Jessica Cass from the FBI. And let me say that I'm very aware of your reputation. In Hong Kong, you serve as a hitman for the Yi, and your preferred method is poisoning. Either quick and painless or egregiously slow and painful."
After Jessica explained this, the other women looked at each other with curiosity and dread.
"Heh! Well, aren't you an admirer?" Daiyu said with a dark grin. "Tell me then, agent? What's my moniker?"
"The Viper of Yi," Jessica stated matter-of-factly.
"Good, because-" Daiyu raised her switchblade at Jessica's neck before the agent could react. "It's not just the poison I'm skilled at."
The tension in the room skyrocketed as Emi gasped, her eyes widening in terror at the sudden standoff. Another woman nearby, previously silent, instinctively stepped back, her hand covering her mouth in shock. The subtle shuffling of feet and sharp intakes of breath from those present underscored the precariousness of the situation, each one aware that a single wrong move could lead to disaster.
"Can you both just stop the nonsense already?" A young woman with a Swedish accent catches the attention of the two women.
Stroll over to the confrontation with a beautiful, full-figured woman in her early 20s with shiny pink hair with snowy white highlights with front bangs, copper-colored eyes, shiny gloss lips, and a beauty mark on the corner of her left eye. She wears a rose pink with black patterning puff-sleeve dress with a cleavage window, a white laced corset jacket with tail flaps, knee-high white high-heel boots, and on top of her head is a pink leather beret with a pretty bowtie with polka dots.
International Popstar and ModelCecilia Fagerudd (Sweden)
"Are you talking to us, girl?" Daiyu growled, incensed by the popstar's audacity.
Cecilia smirked as she responded, "Uhh, duh. You both are the ones causing a scene here. Do I have to spell it out for you?"
Daiyu grits her teeth but thinks about it momentarily before pocketing her switchblade, walking away from the group, and leaning on one of the pillars.
"Are you okay, miss?" Jessica asked Emi to check if she was alright.
"Y-yeah," Emi said weakly, still shaken by the confrontation with Daiyu. "Thanks for saving me there."
Jessica offered a warm, genuine smile, her eyes sparkling with determination.
"Of course," she replied. "I wasn't going to let her hurt you, not on my watch."
"Hmph, you. Please, I made that woman back off, so you're welcome," Cecilia interjected.
Emi laughs sheepishly, "Right? Thank you as well. Wait, you're Cecilia Fagerudd?! 2023's Lady of the Year and international platinum recording artist!"
Cecilia grinned proudly as she tossed her hair back.
"The one and only," Cecilia said with a hint of arrogance.
Emi was starstruck for a moment but snapping herself back to reality.
"Okay. So I'm guessing you two must've heard the voice calling you too, right?"
Jessica thought about it before confirming, "Actually, you're correct. I was in the middle of a cartel bust before the haunting voice of a woman called to me. The voice explained how I could have everything I desired, and a portal opened before me suddenly. And then I ended up here with other women."
"Hmmm, that's odd," Cecilia said, connecting the similar experience of Jessica with hers. "After my concert, I was relaxing on my tour bus until a voice called to me too. Also, how can I understand both of you? We're from different parts of the world?"
"Okay, so we were brought here for a reason," Emi said thoughtfully. "But the question is why?"
Before Jessica or Cecilia could express their theories, the same ethereal voice echoed around the throne room.
"Oh, dearies, no need for theorizing~ For all of your answers shall be revealed."
All the women turned their attention to a seductively beautiful woman with a curvaceous figure descending from the air toward the throne. She has platinum blond hair that falls down and side bangs. One eye features a dazzling purple iris, a whirling black hole for a pupil, and a black sclera. The other eye has a crystal blue iris. She is dressed in leggings, spike-tipped high heels, and a flowing, low-cut black dress embellished with golden flowers.
As the mysterious woman sits on her throne, one of the ladies asks, "Hey, did you summon us here?"
The woman smirked before declaring, "Indeed, I am. Now, for introductions. I am the Queen of Magica, Morgana! I welcome you all to my dominion!"
Ruler of Magica and Goddess of DesireMorgana
The women looked at one another before Jessica stepped forward and asked Morgana, "I see. So then, why did you summon us here in the first place, if you don't mind me asking?"
"Oh?" Morgana cooed amusingly. "Wish to know why I brought you all here, yes? Well, first things first. Time to bring out of your animas."
Morgana raised her hand, and with a snap of her fingers, all the women felt a fluttering feeling in their chest. Instantly, a small orb of light manifested out of their chests and soon expanded to the size of a beachball. Then, they began to take form, some developing claws and fangs, some with wings and scales, and some even being out of an object than a creature.
Meanwhile, Emi sees the orb that comes out of her personified into a miniature samurai with polished red armor, oni-like horns, and glowing white eyes.
The samurai looks at the confused and surprised Emi and bows as he speaks in a surprisingly deep voice for a creature of his size.
"Lady Emi. I am your anima, and I shall be here to protect you."
"Wha...what?" Emi said perplexingly as she stared at this anima before her.
Meanwhile, Cecilia's anima takes the of a mothlike fairy with a heart-shaped pattern on its wings, and Jessica's anima is a robotic German Shepherd with a white, black, and blue palette. A purple viper with red eyes and a white outline on her scales coils around Daiyu as she speaks with a sickeningly sweet tone.
"Greetings, mistress. I'll gladly kill everybody who stands in our way since I am your anima."
Daiyu smirked as she looked at her anima and replied, "It hasn't been too long, and I'm starting to like you already."
Seeing the other women settling with their animas, Morgana explains her motives.
"Now, with that out of the way. The reason I brought you all here. You see, being an immortal being can be such a bore. A bore that inches the very core of my soul, and so I desire entertainment."
Cecilia giggled, "Well, if that's want you want, I'll be happy to perform for you."
Morgana's laughter interrupts the brief respite, "Oh, I'm afraid the melody of your music can't satisfy the desire I'm thinking of. For I see..."
Morgana's expression twisted into a demented and wicked smile as he exclaimed in sinister glee, "I want YOUR desires to ravage each other!"
Everyone in the royal room felt the atmosphere shift into ominous dread as Morgana's comments hinted at what many feared she was talking about.
"Wait, you can't mean-" Emi said, to which Morgana expressed happily with mad ecstasy.
"OH YES! I want a cacophony of bloodshed, and you girl will give me it!"
With that, many of the women shouted out in displeasure.
"What?! No way!"
"Like hell, I'll kill for your sick pleasure, lady!"
"You can't do this to us! Some of us have families to provide for."
"SEND US BACK!"
"Quiet," Morgana's voice echoed, carrying divine authority that no lesser being would dare to challenge.
With little choice, the women closed their mouths as Morgana continued to speak.
"Now, before you all have panic attacks, let me clarify why I chose you all in the first place. You see, all of you are unfulfilled lives. Some seek wealth, justice, belonging, revenge, vindication, freedom, and whatever your hearts yearn for. And I can grant that to you has been missing in your life. All I ask is that you fight each other in my special tournament. To the winner, their desire shall be realized!"
Jessica stares sternly at Morgana before asking, "But what if we refuse to comply with this ridiculous idea of yours?"
Morgana smirked smugly as she knew that question would be brought up.
"Well, I can always use new servants in my castle. You see, this realm adheres to me and me alone. So, without my say-so, I'm afraid you either fight for your freedom or serve me for eternity."
"You're holding us hostage!" Emi exclaimed in disbelief. "You can't do this to us! We have family, friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, hus-"
Morgana rolled her eyes before raising her hand to tell Emi to be quiet.
"Yes, yes. I'm sure you all have lives to return to, but here's the deal. I can see your essence, and I know you all deserve something that has hitherto eluded you. All I'm doing is allowing you to earn it."
"And our...animas," Jessica questioned as she looked at hers.
"Oh, yes. Your animas will serve as keys to unlocking your individual sorcery as sorceresses. I grant you all the means to wield that mortals would kill for. So now, will you all fight for your desires or content to live in nothing?"
As the others think about it, Daiyu snickers to herself before answering, "So you give us these animas and powers just to kill one other. Well, in that case..."
Daiyu licks her lips while her animas hiss in glee, "I and my anima are more than happy to kill with or without my desire."
Like clockwork, some of the women in the throne room developed wicked glints in their eyes as their ambition storms inside their souls. While Emi, Jessica, and Cecilia look on with wariness and determination.
Seeing the desired reaction from the others, Morgana smiled with satisfaction as he shot up from her throne, raised her arms, and declared with passion.
"Then it's settled then! Let it be known that I, Morgana, declare the battle of the sorceresses, The Magica Masquerade, to BEGIN!"
A War of Desire is upon Us! Thirty-two enter, but One Only Shall Live.
Next Time: When the Sword meets the Stars