Chapter 39
Grudge against heroes
Betty woke up and realized that the fight is over, she has successfully defeated Hoodon. She saw Marianne, already up. She asked Betty a peculiar question."Hey, Betty. If you were forced to become something you hate just because you have nowhere else to go and nothing else to do, what would you do?" Betty didn't understand her question until Marianne attacked her suddenly. Betty fought off with Marianne and told her to snap out of it. Marianne stopped when she looked at the civilians, scared and confused. She got Betty up and apologized to her for randomly attacking her like that. Marianne explained to Betty about her discrimination in the past,her ascent to madness,her burning grudge against the heroes and the Eidish City massacre event. Betty didn't say a word, but she hugged her and told her that she's got her back every time, and she won't abandon her when she needs her, especially because she wants to be the Ultimate hero. Marianne cried in happiness, wanting to hear those words from a hero for a long time.
Betty awoke to the profound stillness that settled after the tempest. The battle was over. Hoodon, that venomous witch of the Midnight Eves, was no more, reduced to ash by the scorching fury of the Devil's Spear. Marianne, her vibrant rainbow aura dimmed to a whisper, was already on her feet, her gaze fixed on some unseen point, a strange, faraway look clouding her usually bright eyes. She turned to Betty, her voice a low, melodic hum, laced with an unsettling inquiry. "Hey, Betty," she began, her tone softer than Betty had ever heard it, "if you were forced to become something you truly despise, just because you had nowhere else to turn and absolutely nothing else to occupy your time, what would you do?"
Betty’s brow furrowed in confusion. The question was a non-sequitur, a bizarre ripple in the calm after the storm, and Marianne’s hushed delivery sent a shiver down Betty’s spine. Before Betty could even begin to unravel the riddle, Marianne moved with a sudden, explosive burst of energy. A fierce, crackling power flared around her as she lunged. Betty reacted with the ingrained instinct of a seasoned fighter, her own powers igniting in defense. She deflected Marianne's assault, the air thrumming with their clashing energies. "Marianne, please! Snap out of it!" Betty pleaded, her voice tight with genuine concern.
Whether it was the raw intensity of Betty’s plea, or the stark reality of the terrified civilians huddled together nearby, their faces etched with fear and confusion, something shifted in Marianne. Her frantic assault faltered, then ceased. Tears, shimmering like captured moonlight, welled in her eyes as her gaze finally swept over the frightened faces. She reached out, helping Betty to her feet, her apology a ragged, choked whisper. "I'm so sorry, Betty. I... I don't know what came over me."
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