Pandora's Epilogue

It was morning and the lovely wind was providing reprieve from the hot rays of the sun.

For me, that was nothing but a nostalgic breeze, but for Pandora, this was actually something that went beyond just that. Not in the physical way, as for her delicate skin just had to get accustomed to the unusual heat and…. Pleasant world around her. A glance left and right, the girl's lips released a hum that showed how her unease was slowly dying before curiosity and amusement. And as we wandered the streets, as we took a look at the many shops filling up all buildings nearby, the Witch of Vainglory wondered, without me realizing, if this was actually the very steps taken by her father.

Obviously, an explanation is needed.

We were no longer in Lugnica- No, we were no longer in the world of Re:Zero. This was the result of some magical tinkering from Pandora herself. A way to actually get something she had so long yearned to achieve. To see where John Bivone once lived, and to get a taste of what his family was. This effort was possible through my blood. It acted as an anchor to my home dimension and allowed Pandora to transcend, just barely, the dimensional boundaries that had kept her from bypassing the 'fourth wall' and get to this specific destination.

To make things even more awkward, there was also the issue of time-dilatation that existed between the two dimensions. Between the months and the years, I had yet to do the full math just yet. Pandora assured me that things would move at the same 'time' while we were using the spell. Something about the wormhole we created 'stabilizing' time itself in both dimensions to go at the same pace. Still, I was home. Sorta. This was once home before I had to move up when I was twelve. However, despite all changes, despite all that time spent away from this place, I could find my steps back into the streets of where I was born. It was a strange feeling, the chance to experience a return home for today.

It could happen again, just for me to meet my parents and reassure them that I was fine, but not anytime soon. Not when Pandora wanted to just have one thing for her hard work. For her effort to be a good person. There was just a small gripe the girl lamented. She was forced to wear 'appropriate' clothes to be there. Heck, even I had switched to my old clothes, and was lamenting how 'restricting' those felt. Truth be told, what she picked was fairly 'freeing'. The issue, from what I could see, was that it wasn't her pretty white dress. Despite this 'setback', the girl followed me obediently, latching her arms to my bigger one, unwilling to let go as I provided her with a small tour of the streets we were in. A maze of concrete and steel, but also one filled with many unfamiliar faces, people, and a general lack of magic. Only machinery.

Eventually the stroll took us to our genuine destination. We stood in front of the front doors of the house for a while, with Pandora's gaze unwilling to remove itself from gates as a storm of thoughts kept her put, paralyzed before the moment of truth and… I patted her back, trying to be as comforting as possible.

"I-I'm fine."

I smiled at her unease. "I don't recall asking."

She pouted, but didn't seem to mind when I picked her up from the ground and proceeded to take the steps towards the gates myself. She was still tense, her posture rigid as I calmly went to the intercom and got one of my aunts to answer. It was difficult to get who I was talking with due to how broken that piece was but… considering the current hour and the day, I had a few ideas on who it could have been. And I was soon proven correct when I was soon greeted at the doors by a smiling blonde woman with dark-brown eyes. Auntie Pina was the oldest daughter of John Bukharin and… the chillest of the aunts I got. Laidback, particularly appeasing, but never lacking a backbone when needed. She was roughly in her late 40s, appearing particularly kind with the eased look on her face and smile. She was already wearing her work uniform when I found her there.

"John," She jovially greeted. "It's good to see you after so long. Still, you could have called, nephew."

I shifted nervously. "I'm sorry, Auntie. This is a bit of a surprise visit for Grandma."

"Oh? I guess that would… make some sense," She admitted with a wider smile, but soon the woman took notice of Pandora. "And who is this lovely little girl?"

Despite her question and tone, I could see a hint of surprise at the silver hair and pretty blue eyes.

"I'm Pandora."

The curt greeting elicited a 'D'awww' from my aunt. "Oh, nice to meet you, sweetie~."

There was an awkward handshake, most of the nervousness coming from the 'shy girl' herself. I could tell there was much the witch was thinking about. This individual, this kind lady… was technically her 'oldest sibling'. Maybe. I couldn't exactly confirm it on the spot, but I could say that Pandora's feelings were easier to predict now that she was being this 'trusting' of the situation. Nonetheless, we finally got inside, with the blonde telling us one last thing.

"Before I go to work, I hope you remember that your aunt Lucy is already out and… she will not be back until late tonight."

As usual, I thought with a minor grimace forming on my face. The youngest of the three siblings was known to be particularly reckless and spent most of her time with friends and away from home. I ultimately nodded at this, proceeding to resume with the reason we were here today. The walk saw us make our way across the house, passing by the kitchen, the dining room and then arriving at where grandmother was. The living room. She had recovered from a period of being bedridden and yet she looked tired. Not like that was much of a surprise, not with her age allowing her no reprieve against time and the thoughts of those she lost in the recent past.

Yet, Catherine Bivone neé Castelnuovo raised a surprised eyebrow as she saw my face. A smile adorned her face, happiness flourishing in a way that just made my heart ache since it's been so long I have been here and… I felt at fault for it.

"John, my little John," She greeted quietly, and I had to hold back tears. "How are you?"

Don't… do this.

"M-Mostly fine."

"I'm glad," She replied, yet clearly spotting my unease. No, the reason why she didn't press on it was the young girl that I was still holding close to me.

"Oh, and this is-"

"Pandora."

My voice died out, and so did the girl's quiet smile. I was stunned, Grandma actually knew of her? I thought that Grandpa would have never told her about this. Just for the sake of not shocking her too much and… that sounded like he had given her the truth.

"Grandma-"

"Y-Your grandfather told me about her. As if that goofball would ever keep a secret that big from me," She hummed with a tired voice, her gaze calmly setting to look at the girl. "It's been one of the many things we agree on. To never lie to each other, to be responsible and deliver all kinds of truths, may those be small or big, or even horrible. Our marriage held and… and he also told me about you, Pandora. A young girl that could… have been ours. He was rather fond of you and… I can tell why."

The elf shivered. "W-Why?"

Tears were slowly flowing at the explanation, with grandma providing a warm smile.

"You did many bad things. You have that guilty look that my daughters would have when they do something really bad… but also a relief that only forgiveness can bring. You look weary, my child… Do you wish for me to prepare you something?"

My eyes widened at that offer, and even Pandora looked stunned at the proposal. But, rather than keep quiet, the witch spoke. "I wouldn't mind but… can I help?"

Grandma giggled mirthfully, standing up from the couch, her old bones groaning under the strain but still holding.

"Sure, but… first, get your hands washed. Or else you can't help me at all."

I never saw the girl move that fast with her own feet and… then come back to ask where the bathroom was. After that comic scene, I left the two by the kitchen, mirthfulness rising by the minute, leaving me smiling as I retreated in the living room. I sighed as I took a seat by the couch, head in my hands as I glanced at the wired phone on the side. I was now in the position to at least do the first step to… 'be back'. In a way. I can't return, not fully- not with the responsibilities back home but… I can at least do something about trying to walk the middle line. Despite the opportunity, I couldn't help but feel uneasy. Where it's been years in Lugnica, here it has been a few hours since I 'left' home.

Mom wasn't going to be worried. Not as much as she should be if time had moved at the proper time. I still was unable to pick up the handset without shivering a bit. The weight of that conversation was already burdening my thoughts even though it had yet to go through it. Still… I had to.

…

…

She picked up, and my heart tightened.

"H-Hey mom-"

"John? Dear, it's been a while now. How are you?"

My lips twitched. "Good. I'm… good."

"...John, that's not the way someone that is 'good' should speak like."

Unease could only pile up at this point, no signs of going down. "I'm sorry… it's just that it's been a few rough hours."

"...Do you want to talk about it?"

I could taste the worry… and it felt so bitter. I could already tell how that conversation would go.

'Hey mom, I just got back from a few years in a fantasy world where every corner could end me dead and… yeah, a few years translates here as a few hours. A year or so from now I could no longer be alive and be dead by old age. How are you?'

"No. Not… yet. It's a bit difficult to unpack."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sorry, mom. I just can't tell you now."

Please, don't push it.

…

"I see. Then, I guess we will talk some more by the time you get home. By the way, when are you coming back, sonny?"

…

…

"John?"

"I will call when… I'm getting back home. I'm still busy with this… situation."

"You're at your grandma's house. I recognized the number- What's going on?"

"It's..." I sighed, massaging my forehead. "About Grandpa John. I'll tell you more soon. It's just- it's just a lot to unpack."

"...Is it bad?"

The tension wasn't unplanned, but easy to draw as a mistaken grasp of the overall predicament.

"No. There is something that Grandpa and Grandma knew but never mentioned. I will tell you more when I get there and… I will bring a guest with me. Someone that you should meet."

She huffed. "John, what is this all about? You're making zero sense now."

Oh, if only I could make any sense of this myself…

"It will become clearer once we get there. Just… keep calm. It's not something bad."

"I will not worry too much. But I hope you have some answers about it, mister."

I chuckled weakly. "I will, ma. Don't worry."

…

"Then, I guess this is a goodbye?"

"For now," I promised, now unwilling to 'let go'. "I will call you soon."

"I will count on it. See you soon, sonny."

"See ya, mom..."

The phone call ended and… I sighed. Why is this so intense?

Shaking my head, I got off the couch and made my way back to the kitchen after quickly washing up my hands. I found the room turned into a blurry warzone, with Grandma trying to teach a genuinely-interested Pandora how to man the kitchen, producing mixed results. I don't think I have ever seen Pandora looking this ecstatic of something despite the fact she helped Satella when both were cooking.

"Can I help?" I asked, half-announcing my intentions and… getting bright smiles back at me that accepted my offer.

At least, I can get distracted before dealing with this whole situation…