It was yet another night upon the Abyssal Castle, hers since she won the battle between Beasts and Saints for the destiny of humanity. Invidia Bat made her way through the halls, full from her breakfast and planning her supply run. She came into her room and checked her closet.
She considered the gothic clothes. They were a classic, even if years later, they still caused that pang of saudade. Her cat sweater seemed more appealing tonight, with that skirt she loved to spin in. Though she still misses her bat sweater, ruined by dirt, blood and rips during the ultimate showdown. She still hadn't found a good replacement for it.
Her choice made, she screamed into the night, ripping a tear in reality that she stepped through. Now in the city, she walked through the entrance to the store, going through her list of groceries, batteries, bug repellents, navigating the shelves. She paid for it, left, and walked though the streets.
She passed by the fast food restaurant she used to love, a place where she spent many afternoons with Inessa, years ago, until the Children of the Forest came. They drifted away from each other, and she didn't want to keep attracting resinners to the place. Gazing through the window, she stopped.
They were there. Ida, Temperance, Lupin. Inessa. Talking happily with each other, laughing at something Temperance said in that deadpan way of hers. Invidia found herself enraptured, the desire to come in and be with them again burning inside, clashing with the guilt and the fear. She forced herself to move, quickly making her way through the street and down the stairs, not paying attention to the sound of the door opening.
-Chiro, wait!
She turned at the call, seeing Inessa desperately running in spite of her limp, merely holding her cane. She lost her balance on the stairs, and fell. Invidia, quickly moved towards her path and caught her. Inessa hugged her. No, it was practically a grapple. She tried to set her down, but Inessa wouldn't release her hold. Footsteps sounded. She turned towards them, the others were walking down the stairs.
As she felt Inessa crying on her, and the stares of the others, Invidia Bat, viceroy of sin, winner of the clash between light and dark, lady of the Abyssal Forest, did the only thing she could.
She gently sat down, making sure Inessa was alright, and fainted.
