Mirror gasped in surprise as a hidden gate opened itself near the back of the room. An elevator arrived, its doors sliding open and revealing...

Quite a short man, with pink, badly-cut hair and a T-shirt. His eyes were closed, but a satisfied smile poised on his mouth. Sunbeam raced up to him, her tall, thin figure contrasting with the short individual's.

–Oh, Papa. I was wondering when you'd come!

So... that was the Leader? Chosen by the great Infinita, founder of the Servants?! If Mirror didn't know better, she'd say he was part of the staff. Although, she kind of understood why he was so reluctant to show his face- surely the witches would lose morale over seeing that their leader was neither well-kempt nor intimidating.

Still, she bowed down deeply, afraid that a mere show of disrespect would confine her to the kitchens for the next year. The stories she'd heard couldn't be lies. How he'd forced all water witches to convert to ice or die at his own hands; how he refused to move on from his probably-dead wife; how he trained his daughter to be a monster.

–I am honored to be in your presence, Master.- She gulped. Was it too formal? Or was it disrespectful? She couldn't help but picture herself cleaning bathrooms for the rest of her life. "You're terrible at this"- she thought, and for once it wasn't her curse saying it to her.

–Oh, no need for such formalities. Menace informed me that you don't know I am your uncle. My dear brother was your grandfather, may he rest in peace... What was his name again? Mical?- The Leader smiled, his eyes still closed. Her grandfather was indeed named Mical.

Mirror showed no response, her head still bowed in deference. "Sunbeam is my aunt?!"- she thought inside, but outside she remained impassive. It was probably a lie anyway- just to see how she'd react. Yet another test to prove if she was "witch enough". The Leader continued:

–As so, you may address me as my code name, Maelstrom.- He opened his eyes.

His eyes were the most beautiful, wonderful things she'd ever seen in her lifetime. They were purple, pink and blue, swirling with starlight. She saw mountains, rivers, entire cities in them. She saw home.

Then she looked away- and remembered what a horrible person the Leader- Maelstrom- was and always had been. "Those eyes are enchanted"- she realized, inwardly horrified. "I don't know how, but they're enchanted." Mirror had no idea magic went outside the elements. All the gods she'd ever seen and worshipped were elemental- even the ones that were now banned. "He must've traveled to the Other Half of the World"-she thought. "They must have different gods there."

She wondered what his curse was. Eternally pink hair? No, the color was probably intentional. "Could he have been cursed to have a terrible daughter?" No, Sunbeam probably had good in her; besides, she'd learned her behavior from Maelstrom. Resigning herself, she gave up, knowing she'd probably never guess.

–Thank you for blessing me with this honor... Maelstrom.- The name didn't come easy, but she said it anyway.

–You're welcome.- He smiled, Mirror looking between his eyes to avoid saying something she'd regret.- Come now, Koriarage Eve is just starting. Your troupe will be personally accompanied by me this year.

Koriarage. She'd almost forgotten all about it. Maelstrom had most likely been the one who'd ordered Menace to test her. "Three tests"- she thought. "Three tests they gave me: one for fighting against the opposite element, one for solving problems under pressure, and one to forget about my past." Three essential qualities of a witch. Three qualities she'd pretended to have.

Walking with the Leader and his daughter down the hallway was certainly a new experience. If she'd thought Sunbeam intimidated people with a single glance, Maelstrom was a whole other story. Servants stopped and stared at the trio, only to be sent running with a flick of his tousled pink curls. He seemed to enjoy the feeling of power. Mirror didn't.

They arrived at the main eating hall, which was sparsely decorated with a few ceremonial lanterns and the silverware and tablecloths she'd picked out. The altar wouldn't be set up until tomorrow morning. Maelstrom examined one of the threadbare cloths, then frowned.

–That Emperor better send us some funding soon. He wouldn't want his lords to start dying in droves.- A wicked grin spread across his face.

–You know it's too early for that- said a voice she recognized as Menace, walking down the main stairs.- The Servants-in-training aren't ready yet. Besides, that will only anger him more-

–It's never too early to avenge Hurricane- he spat.- We will get her back. Even if it's by force.- Grief hung over his features for a second, like a storm cloud... but soon, it was gone.- Now, now, we wouldn't want to make Mirror here uncomfortable, hm? Say, Menace, why don't you leave us.- His tone soured as he went on.

Sunbeam nodded along with her father, chuckling as the ice witch begrudgingly left the main hall. She was obviously having fun.

–Ready the festivities- he announced to a servant who stood close by.- My daughter's first mission is tomorrow after the feast, so everything must be right on schedule.

Mirror could've sworn she heard him mutter something about Hurricane- but she couldn't make out what it was.

Author's Note: So, I hope it was fun finally meeting the Leader! Maelstrom is a character I've had for a long time, and a sketch of him will soon be uploaded in my art book- along with his beautiful, enchanted eyes.
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