The god of the beginning of the world is the Goddess.
By Takeuchi Naoko.
As appeared in Nakayoshi, April 2002.
Translation by Kurozuki (manga@kurozuki.com). Version 1.02, April 2002.
Ai: The morning of that day, the door to Mom's room was
open just a bit. Faintly, a sweet scent. Mom's scent?
She opens the door to the room.
Ai: Oh!
A small doll sits on a chair inside, dressed in a witch's hat
and cape.
Ai: How cute! A witch doll!
An older girl enters the room.
Girl: Love! That doll! Where was that doll!?
Ai: Where? Here.
Girl: It can't be! It wasn't here when I cleaned yesterday.
Ai: I know! It's a present from Mom! I'll treasure it!
Let me have it!
Ai (narr): I'm Anju Ai. I'm 13 today.
Girl: Really? Was it really there?
Ai: What would I lie for?
Girl: Hmm. If it's from Mom, there's nothing I can do.
Fine.
Ai: Yay!
Girl: Anyway, we're having the family meeting, so come on.
Ai (narr): It appeared.
Ai: (I wonder what today's agenda could be so early in
the morning.)
Ai (narr): Here, when something happens, we hold a family
meeting right away. And boys aren't allowed at the
meeting. They say that, but there's only one boy in
our family.
She looks into another room where a boy is sleeping in bed.
Ai (narr): Anju Yuu. Like me, he's 13 today. He's my little twin
brother.
(Hm. He fell asleep wearing his glasses again.)
Boys are rarely born in our family. It's a
matrilineal family, and women have succeeded at the
hospital (they were even midwives long ago).
(In short, we have girls frequently.)
Ai: The pictures Yuu paints have wonderful colors, don't
they? I love this orange painting of Mom.
Ai (narr): Mom was a famous actress. She died right after I was
born. Yuu has artistic talent, and he's won lots of
big awards.
Girl: I asked Yuu too, to paint one for me.
Ai: Oh, no way! But I was thinking of asking him too! No
fair!
(Yuu's busy, painting so many!)
Girl: He might paint one for you for your birthday, Love,
to celebrate turning 13.
Ai (narr): This is Hana-chan (16), the second daughter, in
training to be a star. And this is Hoshi-chan (19),
the eldest daughter, and a doctor in the making.
Hoshi: Love, sit down. Today's topic of discussion is you.
Ai: What?
Hoshi: There is an important conversation Grandma and Mom
asked us to have with you.
Ai (narr): Huh? What could it be?
Yesterday morning, Grandma died. She was a famous
pediatric physician. She was a hard-to-please person,
and never talked much. Dad and Grandpa are both long
since dead. But it's not lonely, since I have
Hoshi-chan and Hana-chan, and Yuu.
Hoshi: First of all, happy thirteenth birthday. I guess this
conversation is a present from our ancestors. Love,
do you know about DNA?
Ai: Huh?
Hoshi: Inside mitochondria, an organelle inside cells, there
is DNA. This DNA can only be passed down from mother
to daughter, and it has a unique property. Inside
this DNA, there is a special sequence carried only by
special girls. Our ancestors carried it. The name of
this sequence is the 'witch sequence'.
Ai: Witch?
[The English 'witch' is used above (so Ai doesn't understand
it). Below uses the Japanese.]
Hoshi: That is, the witch sequence.
Ai: Witch!?
Hoshi: The witch sequence is inherited by all girls in our
family lineage. By us. And by you.
Ai: Then, that makes me a witch!? Are you serious!?
Hoshi: Actually, girls who only carry the sequence are
'sleeping witches'. We can't say yet whether you're
an official witch. Girls in our family line who
inherit the sequence can perform the rite when they
turn 13. In that rite, they can use their first craft
and obtain their staff. They can be called a witch
for the first time.
Ai: 'Craft'?
Hoshi: Witchcraft. The craft used by witches.
Ai: The craft? That would be... Magic!?
Is this seriously a real story? It's the first time
I've heard it.
Hoshi: That's because it's a very absolutely secret story.
Girls who carry the sequence choose when they turn
13. Whether to perform the rite or not. Whether to
live as a 'sleeping witch' or to become a witch who
uses the craft.
Ai: What happens if I become a witch!?
Hoshi: What? That's up to each person. There are people who
have ordinary lives, and there are people who live
making use of the craft. But, that's a conversation
for after you pass the rite and become a witch. First
you should think about the rite.
Ai: For the rite, what kind of thing do I do?
Hoshi: Well, sit down. Do you have the perfume bottle charm
you received long ago?
Ai: Of course, I have it.
Ai lifts up the small bottle, attached to the necklace she
wears.
Ai: I was given this when I was little by our
great-grandmother. She said it was the charm of the
girls of this house. It's hard, and the cap won't
open, but I like it well enough. Am I going to use
this perfume bottle?
Hoshi: That is our family's heirloom of heirlooms. At last
the time has come to use it. I'm glad you didn't lose
it.
Ai: An heirloom!? What do I do with it!?
Hoshi: That's still a secret.
Ai: What? Why??
Hoshi: The rite is a secret ritual. Only those who perform
it are allowed to know its contents.
Ai: Hoshi-chan, Hana-chan, you've both performed it?
Hoshi: Of course.
Ai: Well then, we're all witches! I guess I'll perform
it too!
Hoshi: Love, even if you pass the rite, you aren't limited
to becoming a witch right away.
Ai: What!?
Hoshi: And there are people who can't readily use the craft,
and quit during the rite. There are people who were
able to use the craft in the rite, but after that
became unable to use it. Using the craft, and
becoming a witch, are not simple. It takes resolve.
Ai: Is the rite that hard?
Hoshi: It depends on your ability. There's no need to worry.
Think it over and give us your answer. From now on,
whatever age you are, you'll be able to perform the
rite.
That's it! Any questions?
Ai: Say... Are there really witches?
Hoshi: There are. Those who believe in them are few. What if
you saw for yourself? Now, since we have the funeral,
the meeting is over.
Ai goes to her room. Her cell phone rings. It displays a
message:
Phone display: Happy birthday. No present this year.
Yuu
Ai types in a message:
Phone display: Happy birthday. I got a SUPER big present!
Love
She presses 'send' and goes to Yuu's room.
Ai: Yuu! Did you see the mail!?
Ouch! I cut my finger! Oh, it's bleeding!
Yuu: I just saw it now. You're in trouble, it's already
nine. What about school?
Ai: We got a bereavement absence because of the funeral.
Yuu: So, what is this big present?
Ai: Listen! We are a family of witches, and inherit being
witches!
(You slept naked again? You'll catch a cold!)
I'm a 'sleeping witch' too, and witches are called
'witches'!
[The latter 'witch' being the English word.]
Both: Of course! I thought so!
Ai: What?
Yuu: But it's only witches. With a female line, boys
aren't born for the most part.
Ai: I guess you're right.
Ai (narr): There's one more reason. Since way back, my recovery
from injuries has been super-fast.
Ai looks at the cut on her finger.
Ai (narr): It's already healed. I see, so it's witch blood.
Yuu: I'm tired today. I think I'll go to sleep.
Ai: Are you not feeling well? Are you all right?
Yuu: It's lack of sleep. I was up late last night playing
a game. I'm fine.
Ai (narr): Since Yuu was born, his heart has been ill, and he's
had three major operations.
Ai: I bet you painted a picture, too. Your room is filled
with a strong smell of Liquitex. It's because you're
overdoing it.
Yuu: So, where's my present?
Ai's jaw drops.
Yuu: What? You don't have one? You just have the big
present for yourself?
(How cold you are.)
Ai (narr): Since we were little, we've given each other birthday
presents. Last year we went out together and bought
cell phones. When was it... That's it. When Yuu was
in the hospital, instead of bringing a gift, I got a
painting from him. Since then. Even now I hang it in
my room. That painting was the first one I got from
Yuu.
Ai: Well, you see. Since you and Grandma were both in the
hospital, there was so much to do, and I was so
busy... Is there anything you want? Want to go
shopping together?
Yuu: Magic. You're going to be a witch, right Love? When
you do, show me magic. Magic so I can go 24 hours
without sleep would be nice. There are so many video
games I want to play, and so many pictures I want to
paint.
Ai: Hmph. It's just games and painting with you.
Ai notices a painting under the bed and pulls it out.
Yuu: Wait!
Ai: What are you doing hiding a painting in a place like
this? What are you painting now?
Yuu: Stop! It's not dry yet!
Ai looks at the painting.
Ai (narr): A deep red... me?
Yuu: Oh you... Hana asked me too often. I finally finished
it, and was going to surprise you, but...
Ai: What?
Yuu: That's your birthday present.
Ai: No way...
Yuu: In return, you have to show me magic.
Ai (narr): Yuu, if I am able to use magic, there's just one
thing I'll wish for.
She hugs him around the neck.
Ai: I'm happy! I'm so happy!
Yuu: It's a promise.
Ai: I know! I will become a witch and show you magic! I
love you, Yuu!
Ai (narr): That's for Yuu to always, always be with me.
Ai: Your hair is like a blanket.
Yuu: Oh, you're embarrassing me.
Hana: Oh, you two are playing around again. Everyone's
gathering, so change your clothes and come.
Ai: Okay!
Hana: Oh yeah, Love. Look for Kuro. I haven't seen her for
two days.
Ai wanders around outside.
Ai: Kuro... Kuro!
She overhears two people talking.
Person: It's so sad... On top of so many people dying in
succession, that boy's heart has an incurable disease
of unknown cause.
Ai (narr): What!?
Person: Everyone in the family that carries that sequence is
cursed. They say the boy will be in danger next time
he has a fit. I'm sure he can't live long.
Ai (narr): What? What are they talking about? Is 'that boy' Yuu?
I didn't know about that..,
Yuu: Love, was Kuro there?
What's wrong?
Ai: Nothing.
Kuro was always by Grandma's side, but as soon as she
died Kuro disappeared. I wonder if everybody is like
cats that way...
Yuu: She went to take Grandma to where Grandpa is. I hope
she doesn't get lost. It's all right, she'll come
back. I have a feeling.
Ai enters the room where Hoshi and Hana are.
Ai: Is it true Yuu's heart will be in danger if he has
one more fit?
Hoshi: Who told you that...?
Ai: These ladies.
Hoshi: Grandma's hospital has the latest facilities. We'll
take you to see them anytime.
Ai: But Grandma's dead. Not just Grandma, but Grandpa,
and Dad, and Mom. They said the house that carries
the sequence is cursed. Is the curse true? Do curses
exist? Will Yuu die like them? It can't be...
Hoshi: We're afraid just like you are. But even though
Grandma's gone, there are the doctors on staff, the
hospital of the doctors in charge of the operations,
and even American doctors considering it. It will be
all right, so don't worry.
Ai: Really!?
Hoshi: I said it will be all right! It's been all right so
far, hasn't it?
Ai: I... I'll perform the rite! I'll become a witch! Yuu
said he wants to see magic for his birthday. So I
want to become able to use the craft. Is that reason
not allowed?
Hoshi: Yes, any reason is fine, as long as you take it
seriously. Shall we try the rite now?
Ai: Yes!
Hoshi: Place the bottle on top of the table.
Ai: What about other tools? And the staff?
Hoshi: No tools. The staff is this. This "witch's perfume
bottle".
Ai: What!?
Hoshi: Of course like this it's just an empty bottle. But
when you perform the rite and open the cap... Oh, it
will be marvelous! The bottle will make a quick
change into your staff, Love!
Ai (narr): The bottle will become a staff!?
Hoshi: I'll explain the process. Pick up the bottle.
Ai: Pick it up?
Hoshi: Close your eyes and calm your spirit. Wish for just
one thing. "I want to be a witch." Then recite the
incantation to break the seal. "Open." Then inhale
with all your strength the "scent".
Ai: The scent?
Hoshi: When the cap is opened, the scent should come out.
And when you inhale it...
Ai: When I inhale it?
Hoshi: The rite is finished!
Ai: What? That's it!?
A sample.
Hoshi: What?
Ai: Show me a sample.
Hoshi: Can't do it.
Ai: Why?
Hoshi: This is your rite, Love. The rule is that only you
can carry out the act. All right. Use your hands, use
your feet. Now, begin the trial!
Ai begins to perform the actions.
Ai (narr): Close my eyes... Calm my spirit... Wish for just one
thing... I want to be a witch. Then recite the
incantation... Open.
She tries to open the bottle.
Ai: Huh? It won't open. Why not??
Hoshi: Actually, the cap won't open by just wishing and
reciting the incantation.
Ai: What!? Are you serious?
Hoshi: In order to obtain the staff, the words of the
compact are necessary. The words of the compact are:
"I sacrifice my beloved."
Ai: My beloved?
Hoshi: That's your treasure. You sacrifice that to our god,
the Goddess, and make the compact.
Ai (narr): The Goddess?
Hoshi: But sacrificing it means making it the Goddess's.
Losing it. To unseal the cap on the bottle, you must
have determination. To become a witch even if you
lose your treasure, that strong determination is
required to unseal it.
Ai (narr): My beloved. My treasure. The painting Yuu gave me...
My cell phone from the pair with Yuu... Yuu?
She tries to open the bottle again.
Ai: It's no good. It just won't open. My treasure... Can
it be a person?
Hoshi: Of course. The 'beloved' depends on the person. It's
painful, but you are to offer your treasure, your
most precious thing, to the Goddess. Got the idea?
Well, let's make that it for today.
Ai: I'm still going to do it!
Hoshi: (Oh, she's intent.)
Ai (narr): My beloved. My treasure. My most precious thing. I'll
sacrifice Yuu. I'll lose...
She drops the bottle on the ground.
Hoshi: Love?
Ai: I'm quitting after all. I can't do it!
She runs from the room.
Hoshi: Love!?
Ai (narr): The words of this compact are so scary. Lose Yuu? I
don't want that. Offer him to the Goddess? Yuu is not
a thing. To lose him. To not have him. To not be able
to see him. This rite is terrible! I don't want to be
a witch after all...
She falls asleep on her bed.
The witch doll appears before her.
Ai (narr): Mom's doll.
It takes her hand and leads her forward.
Ai (narr): What!? Where is it taking me?
Yuu appears. A black cloud surrounds him.
Ai (narr): Yuu!? What? What is that black thing!? Yuu, wait!!
The doll holds the bottle out to her.
Ai (narr): The bottle?
The cap twists open.
Ai (narr): The cap!
Ai awakens on her bed.
Ai (narr): What? That dream... Yuu was being swallowed by that
black thing. The bottle cap looked like it was going
to open. What does it mean?
She walks to Yuu's room.
Ai (narr): Ah, the smell of Liquitex. Is he still awake?
Ai: Yuu? Yuu!?
Yuu lies unconscious on the floor, clutching his chest.
Ai: Yuu! Hold on! Are you all right!?
The portrait sits against his bed.
Ai (narr): He was painting my picture?
Ai: Hoshi-chan! Hana-chan! Come here! Yuu is...
The two girls rush into the room.
Hoshi: Yuu!? Yuu! Answer me! Yuu!
Ai (narr): He's not breathing!?
Hoshi: His pulse... He's gone into cardiac arrest!?
Ai (narr): Yuu!?
Hoshi: Perform heart massage! Hana! Call an ambulance!!
Ai (narr): Cardiac arrest!? His heart stopped!?
A black cat appears.
Ai: Kuro!? That's not Kuro. It's floating!? Hoshi-chan!?
A black shadow... Is it Death!? No!!
Ai (narr): The shadow's getting bigger... It's going to take Yuu
away! No!!
Yuu: You're going to be a witch, right Love? Show me
magic. You have to show me magic.
Ai (narr): That dream. Could it be... If I become a witch, I
could save Yuu? Mom! I promised Yuu I would become a
witch.
Hoshi: You are to offer it to the Goddess.
Ai (narr): I can't stay like this and have Yuu die without being
able to do anything!!
Ai: I sacrifice my beloved!! Open!
She holds up the bottle and it rises into the air. The cap
opens.
Hoshi: Love!?
The outline of a witch's costume appears around Ai.