As those of you are curious, while our beloved matchmakers are busy for the entire week to speak to our clients, this is what has been happening behind the scenes...
"It seems that our plan is going smoothly, ██████████. I'm impressed of how long they've yet to figure everything out."
That was the first thing that they heard when they met with the others after a busy week. And from the looks of things, ██████████ can only look on dismissively.
"And I see that you still reman the same," they commented, scowling. "Perhaps I should've told her that sending you out alone was truly a bad idea."
"Haha, you have no faith in me! How disappointing. And here I thought you care about taking Celestia down by one of it's companies, hm?" their coworker retorted, playfully nudging them with a grin. "I'm just doing my job, after all. It's so easy having people ignore warning signs when they see it!"
"And how about your match?" ██████████ asked, raising an eyebrow. "I would assume that you have another one. How long was it with the last girl?"
"Mm... 5 days, give or take," he replied, his dull eyes looking at the latter with a lopsided grin. "She screamed so nicely, but she's so boring, ██████████. Not like the others are any better."
██████████ sighed. This was going to give them a headache, would it?
"Hm. It would seem that you two are present, just like I asked."
Both turned their heads to the lady that entered the room. The first straightened up, his eyes gaining that shine... While the other remained as impassive and stoic as always.
"Boss, we have something new to report about him," the man began, but ██████████ can tell that she looked a bit tired. Maybe she had to deal with something he did, to which ██████████ wouldn't blame her for.
What a handful.
Listening to his report, ██████████ waited until he was done. After all, what he was so keen of informing is the matches he had and how they've managed to slip in without anyone of the wiser.
Not even the force was able to even get in as easy as they could. That's how it goes when you have connections from the underbelly of the world.
"I see. And how about you, ██████████?"
They bowed in greeting, speaking, "Boss, we have gathered information from one of the lead matchmakers of the current event. It seems that the corporation establishes itself with omitting their workers' identities, and having them employ in different identities in a false sense of 'protection'."
The two paused, with the boss nodding quietly.
"From what I have gathered with the others, the men who are employed and the ones we have sent to be a 'special case' all employ in the sense of scouting potential victims to be shipped in the underworld. As of now, we are unaware of what happens in these dates, as they are told to be contacted by Valentines Day. That is where they become the most active in their operation."
...
"If things go smoothly for them, I'm afraid that we may lose our mule in the company, and especially our only few leads to stop him in our tracks. Even our men are threatened if they should let it slip. He's paranoid, boss."
...
"I see. We shall proceed to what we have done to the others, then. How are those involved in the process, ██████████?"
"Only one of the two came forward. They requested to have their hands remain clean after what happened," they answered, raising their body to face her more confidently. "I'm afraid that if we proceed, we may end up killing those who are uninvolved. He's not unfamiliar in using them as pawns, as far as █████████ has told us in his session with them."
"How curious..."
The lady seem to chuckle at the news. Indeed, she had let ██████████ take the reigns of the operation, but to think it coincides with others and even her desires...
"... Good job, the both of you. Proceed as planned. ██████████, I entrust that you will take care of Celestia Inc. and many of its associates. Do with what you see fit."
██████████ and their coworker bowed.
"Yes, my lady."
"Have you spoke with ████t█ yet, Lyney?"
Lyney raised his head, his face devoid of it's usual emotion. After a while, he shook it.
"No. It seems that he is aware of what they're doing," he answered, crossing his arms. "They've remained radio silence online. Even their clients are none the wiser, ever since he's separated both of them when he came back."
They scowled. Of course he would, now that he was made aware of what they've been doing.
"And how about the others? Have they managed to get in contact with their matches?"
"No, ██████. Per our contract, we are unable to answer our clients. I believe he's tracking what we say to them when we're on the clock this time."
...
██████████ nodded. Such is to be expected, but even they were a bit annoyed. Maybe they have hoped things would turn to their favor, as they are aware that his time is limited.
"I see."
"What should we do, ██████?"
She couldn't help but chuckle. Oh, she's quite aware that they can only do the inevitable. After all, why wouldn't they if they had to use one of those methods?
It was a long, long time coming. And for once, they felt liberated to make such a choice.
"Get everyone, and we shall meet next week," they ordered him, their smile ever so present and downright cold. "I have her permission to proceed with how I see fit."
After all, he's forced my hand enough to commit such an atrocity.
An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. In their case, they'd have to think of something creative.
And that starts with what he knows best.
@.throw-letter-away | do not republish or repost my works anywhere | 2024
-> Being the newest doorman, Kirara has a lot to keep track of, but she was still new to the job. Though, that seem to change when they found a new... 'Friend' in these trying times. (That's Not My Neighbor AU)
(RULER OF LOVE TAGLIST: @xianyoon ; send an ask to be tagged)
[ content warning/s: this fic contains character death and scoptophobia. If you are uncomfortable with these warnings, you are free to click away and find something else to read. Your mental health matters. ]
[ <- divergent au | main page | divergent au -> ]
If you had told Kirara that she would be working as a doorman when the world has been overrun with doppleganger in the past... She would most definitely call bullshit.
Though, in a world that is overrun with them and the following eldritch abominations, she can't exactly be picky. And especially when the past job she had with delivering things went horribly with the dopplegangers running rampant.
So here she was, on her first day of the job, and she was done listening to the voice mail left behind by the D.D.D. on how to deal with them. She's not good when it comes to death and bloodshed in general, so she was sure that the job would keep her from seeing any.
And, well, she was proven wrong. So, very wrong.
Seeing each neighbor and doppleganger that came her way, the girl realized why no one bothered to take the job. It was almost a wonder with how she seem to be dealing with each turn, trying to keep herself safe as they tried to convince her of various things.
Some came with imperfect disguises and falsities, while others came in prepared with horrid tempers to boot. However confident she may be in her work, she couldn't lie and say that seeing them get 'cleaned' by the personnel... Is scary.
It reminded her of how bad it would be if she screwed up. And by Gods, she's scared of that outcome.
After having the recent doppleganger swept by the personnel, Kirara sighed and rubbed her temples. She could already hear the door from outside turn and rise, and the sound of heels clicking echoed.
When she looked back up, the doorperson blinked, seemingly caught by surprise at the disheveled appearance of what seem to be a delivery girl that entered. Messy hair tied back, tired yellow eyes that spoke of drama she could only fathom, and their appearance seem more like they were dealing with a heavy workload.
"Mm..." they hummed, their gaze soon directing itself to Kirara. Raising an eyebrow, they simply wiped their eyes, murmuring, "You seem... New. Where's Rosaria?"
Rosaria? Do they mean— oh.
"She's on vacation," the girl replied, causing the latter to nod. With a frown, they adjusted how they looked, though they seem to be holding a few packages.
"... I see. Didn't knew she'd be on one, but... At least she's getting a break from being here for 3 years."
After a while, they placed down their packages to grab the documents. It did took a while, but that didn't mean Kirara wasn't paying attention to how they looked when they aren't facing her.
Huh... I guess they look okay. Hm...
"... Here we are. Here's my ID and permit," they said, handing the items to her. "You're free to... Ask me anything, by the way."
Ah, how convenient!
"Hm... Okay. Let me check your documents and see if they check out first."
".. Alright," they murmured, holding back a yawn as they watched Kirara get to work.
With how much she's faced, she could tell that something is up with this... Delivery girl. She couldn't exactly tell what was it, as when she checked the files and information she can gather, they all checked out.
Name: Navina
Last Name: Marise
Apartment: F02-04
Reason:
I'm a resident of the building. I come from my job as a deliveryperson.
The entry permit had the logo clear as day, and just like the previous ones she's seen, it was placed in the exact spot as she's always known. Sure, she can question them for more information, but she'll do it after.
Checking the ID, she began to glance up at the deliveryperson in front of her, as though to verify the appearance they had.
Navina
Marise
1775000329
The date and their ID picture matches, and they have the logo, too.
Kirara let out a sigh, putting down the items before she checked the files. She could feel herself at ease, as they were on the list and were... Normal.
Still, it didn't mean that they were off the hook yet. She couldn't tell if they were to be trusted, and after the last doppleganger that came who seem to be near perfect, she was scared of being faced with the perfect one.
She didn't want to die. She can't. Not on her first day—
"You seem... Rather tense."
Kirara flinched.
".. Sorry, did I scare you?" the deliveryperson asked, their brows furrowed in concern. "I didn't know when to bring it up to you, since you seem... Busy, especially with checking for dopplegangers."
She could feel the tension permeate between them, but she swallowed and nodded, her frown present.
Sensing the tension, the latter shifted, their eyes darting away.
"... Sorry. Its not my intention to bother you or anything, since I understand you can't exactly feel safe with dopplegangers about. They could just be anywhere, and it'd be... Difficult to tell if they got the right disguise."
...
Shifting her gaze, she looked up towards them. She noticed though, that amidst the tension, they seem... Conflicted.
"... You seem to know how they work," she began. "Have you worked here? For the... D.D.D., I mean."
"Once," they answered, scratching their arm. "'s... not for me, though. I don't exactly deal with staring well," they explained, chuckling. "Ironic, isn't it? I had to take the next best thing and... Had to face them head on, doing deliveries and the like."
Kirara's eyes softened.
Ah. I get that feeling.
"Does it get difficult?" she asked.
"Sometimes," they replied, their lips curving to a frown. "We're.. Trained to deal with things like this. Though, the superiors didn't bother with me—said that I can tell which is which just fine from my old job here."
They scowled at this, glaring at the package resting by their side.
"... It gets difficult, though. But they won't listen. None of them do."
A beat of silence. And another.
"... Sorry," they whispered, sighing and turning their head down. "I... Don't like to complain. The world's messed up as is, and me complaining to a stranger won't do a damn thing. Not until the D.D.D. finds a way to get rid of these fuckers."
A bit callous, but it wasn't like they're doing this for the wrong reason. Kirara had too much hope that they were normal, and it seems that they are... For now.
"Hah, well, I haven't heard much from the D.D.D. myself," she told them, putting the files away. "I just got recently to this job, and since the usual doorwoman's off for a vacation, I subbed in for her."
Navina nodded in understanding, this time finding themselves able to look at her.
"Rosaria's... A good one," they began, a smile resting on their face. "She's cold and aloof, but... the D.D.D. would make a mistake in getting rid of her. She's the sharpest one, y'know."
"Are you two friends?"
Navina chuckled.
"I guess. Rosaria's the regular I used to see when I was in your place," they informed her, this time smiling—perhaps due to nostalgia, Kirara thinks. "She's got a lot to tell when she... Ah, worked as a bartender, if I remember correctly. Always complained about the others that bothered her in her shifts, and the people she's met."
Though, the smile didn't last long as they sighed, their eyes downcast.
"Though, when she worked here... She and I aren't as close. I'd sometimes speak to her about the things I found interesting, and she'd listen, but when Ms. Pegg died, she... Withdrew from everyone."
...
"... Do you still try to talk to her about it?"
"No," they whispered, closing their eyes. "I... Don't even bother. It's a heavy subject, miss, so we all made a consensus to not speak a word."
Kirara frowned. She could tell that this one was a difficult topic to cover, and since they're strangers, she can't exactly ask the things she wanted. Still, it didn't stop her from trying to befriend at least someone in this place.
"Well... If it helps, maybe she'll find comfort if you deliver something nice to her," she suggested. "Maybe something that'll... Honor ms. Pegg? For her sake?"
Navina's head turned to Kirara for a moment, their eyes remaining dead. However, she can tell there was a bit of a spark in them at the thought—an idea forming from the once burnt bridge of their relationship.
Though they seem to break from their gaze with the doorwoman, Kirara seem relieved when she saw them smile.
"... Maybe. I'll try and... Do that. When Rosaria comes back."
"Hehe, that's the spirit," she tells them. "You better tell me how it goes, okay?"
The deliveryperson nodded with a smile, but they realized something and looked over at their documents.
"Oh, right... Um, I suppose you're done checking, right?"
Oh, shoot!
"Y-Yeah!" the girl nodded, though before she can push the button, they held a hand up. They bent down to grab a package and pushed it through the shoot, their smile seemingly less confident and more nervous.
"... Here, a package from me. Please consider it a thanks for your hardwork, miss," they said, watching Kirara take it with both hands. Inspecting the package, she couldn't help but smile happily at the thought.
Sure, the world was bleak, but... This one may have given her the hope she needs. The light that shows that not everything is as bad as she thinks.
"Thank you so much," she tells them, opening the door. "I'll see you tomorrow, right?"
This caught them by surprise.
...
Then, the doorwoman saw them smile.
It reached their eyes this time.
"Of course. I'll see you tomorrow."
And just as they stepped through, the door closed behind them, and finally... Kirara can clock out.
She needs to rest when she gets home. She's got a busy day tomorrow, after all.
@/navxry | do not repost my works | 2024 | entry for may ebg 2024 by @/xianyoon
-> When Kirara arrived at Matsuzaki, the last thing she expected was the sight of the fog, the strange residents, and being chased for her life.
(obligatory tag for @xianyoon, though I might make a small taglist for whoever wants to see my entries for EBG/Ruler of Love!)
[ <- day 0 | main page | day 2 -> ]
Eldritch Gods are an… Oddity, as one may say.
Abominations, monstrosities, and horrors of the unknown: those are the traits that befits them. If you ever asked someone what they thought of them, they can only shudder in fear as they speak about the things that they can do. Their power is not one to be underestimated, after all.
If one chose to look at them when they were summoned, then it will mark the end of the world—for looking at the abyss marks the End of All Things.
For Kirara, however, she doesn’t care for those things. After all, the end of the world has yet to reach its climax, much less meet the signs of the world reaching its extinction. What she does care, though, was the packages she needed to deliver. She needed money to pay the rent, after all!
So when she was informed that there was an important package to deliver and it had to be done stat, she immediately took the job. After all, it was what she is good at, and she would be damned if she didn’t deliver it on time. Plus, there was a bonus to those that took it, so she was thriving on that regard.
And here she was, standing at the entrance of the ghost town: Matsuzaki. It used to be bustling in its earliest days, and many mentioned that it had been used for the sake of transporting goods. For Kirara, she’s heard that it was the one that dealt with transporting ores to the big cities for jewelry. Nowadays, though, it looked like it lost it’s former glory.
Kirara shuddered. Heading to Matsuzaki for the first time felt like she stepped in some unknown territory, and she didn’t knew if she can even continue walking down the road she’s in without dropping the parcels in her arms.
No, she can’t chicken out now. All she needed to do was deliver this and get out right after. Easy!
Still… It’s really eerie. It’s causing the hair on her skin to rise.
Shaking off her legs, she began to walk towards the road, observing the sights around her. There was one place she needed to look for, which was a local bookstore in the area.
Although many weren’t told of why the bookstore needed an urgent delivery, she wasn’t one to judge. All she needed to do was find it, drop it off, get the reviews from her and leave. It was the only thing she needed to do to get her additional paycheck, and if she’s lucky, she can even get some food on her way out of Matsuzaki.
However, as she traversed the road ahead, she couldn’t tell on where she was heading. Each turn she took, she was only met with long-winded halls, haunting her every step of the way. She tried to hug the wall with the side of her arm, sticking to one side, and even turning around to backtrack. Alas, all she got was nothing.
It feels like she was spinning and spinning around, and she was sure— no, certain— that something isn’t right.
That was, until she bumped into someone.
“Ah—! The medicine!”
“Oh no, the package—!”
The package she was meant to deliver slipped out of her arms, and she watched as the package full of medicine that the person she bumped to were dropped to the ground. She could hear some smash, making her grimace as she tried to scoop up those that were left unharmed.
“Oh my Gods, I— I’m so sorry,” Kirara apologized, trying to make sure to avoid the broken bottles. “I wasn’t looking at where I was going. Please, forgive me.”
“It’s alright,” the stranger answered, scooping up the rest. However, when she looked up, she noticed that their eyes were… Closed.
How strange. Do the locals have their eyes closed?
Noticing that Kirara was looking at them, they looked towards the delivery girl and smiled.
“Is there something on my face, miss?” they— no, he— asked. Kirara can tell this was an older man, his green hair swept as though the winds have it become a mess with what he’s been doing. His attire did leave much to be interpreted (with how he looked like he was going out in daylight when the fog is around), but she wasn’t going to say a word.
“N-No, not at all,” she replied with a laugh, waving her hands around before she handed the things she gathered to him. “I was just worried that you can’t see since you had your eyes closed.”
“Ah, that…”
The stranger laughed, raising his hand to rub behind his neck. Turning his head to the side, she caught a glimpse of his eyes opening.
Hers only widened with what she saw.
His eyes…!
Instinctively, she looked away, but she swore that the guy she spoke to noticed her sudden shift of behavior. Grabbing the package, she knew she had to cut the conversation short and leave, lest she ends up causing too much trouble for him… Or worse, catch his suspicion.
“Are you around here, miss?” he asked her, but she stood up and turned her gaze from him. She simply shook her head sharply, but she was keeping herself from frowning.
“No, sorry… I live out of town.”
She could feel the cold nip at her skin.
I need to leave.
“A-Anyway, I’ll get going. I got a package to deliver, after all—”
“—Is that so? Well, why don’t you look at me, miss?”
Drats!
She laughed nervously and immediately moved away, her pace brisk as the man followed suit. She could already feel the darkness encroach from behind her, and she had to keep her composure. She couldn’t let him see the fear in her eyes— she couldn’t let him see the apprehension when his eyes were blank.
“Miss, I don’t bite,” the stranger said, his hand reaching over to grab Kirara’s shoulder. However, she only went faster, trying to outpace the man from even getting her.
Move move move move move—
“Look at me.”
She didn’t have time to react.
He was already looking at her, and she couldn’t look away from him.
…
He hummed, sounding… Satisfied at what he found. But it was only when she directed her gaze to his lips is when she found him smiling.
But that smile stretched from ear to ear. Like a horrific monster in its wake.
“Miss ████████, I found a new wanderer,” she heard the stranger speak, his hand holding the phone as he contacted his ‘friend’. “She’s currently in Meihai street.”
It was all it took for her to start sprinting.
She could already hear multiple voices in succession, some calling out to their newest prey while others screamed to get her before she ‘ran too far’. Alas, all she can do was run aimlessly, weaving through the endless alleyways and streets until she could find a spot to rest.
Her chest continued on heaving as she tried to catch her breath, her desperation evident… Until she found a lone house, 15 kilometers from her current location.
A safe spot for me to rest! She thought, feeling a bit relieved. Just in time— I don’t think I can run for a few more miles if its closed!
Pushing herself to a mad sprint, she directed her body to the rusty gates, shoving her entire arm to open it. Despite her legs aching for a break, all she can do was run and run, barging right through the doors and stumbling down.
As she caught her breath, she stumbled up to slam the door, hearing the chimes and rapid screams from afar. She was safe from her pursuers for now, but she knew that there wasn’t any time for her to rest. No, not when she’s clearly in danger.
Turning to the book, she couldn’t help but groan at the package. It looked like the package was ripped to its seams, but there was no time for her to get out and get it delivered. No, not when there’s people from outside that would most likely have her head.
… Although, there’s something strange about this thing…
She could see something peek out from the brown paper, though she wasn’t aware if she should peek in and see what’s inside. She was always told not to, since it’s for someone else, and it was rude to peek in someone else’s packages like this. However, she’s always been curious about other people’s packages…
…
Maybe it won’t hurt to look.
Pulling out the object from inside the ripped package paper, she inspected what it was. From inside, she was right to assume that it was a book, but the cover was what caught her by surprise. From how it looks, it was as though someone had forgotten to label it a title and only drawn a symbol.
She could hardly recognize that symbol other than the heart pierced with a blade, and the pages were maintained… though, the smell was not doing her any favors.
Kirara only gagged. She has a sensitive nose, and this was awfully pungent for her. God knows how someone wants this, but… Alas, she wasn't going to judge.
Hm… so she was delivering a book with no title. What a wonder. Still, there was no time for her to dawdle.
Pushing herself up, she walked forward and pushed the door open, this time carrying the book. The house she entered looked abandoned, and the interior speaks for itself with how it looked so… Abandoned.
Each room she explored, she's only met with the sight of trash, body bags (she had to stop herself from prying into them because of the smell), and abandoned literature. Some were salvageable enough for her to read, but others were drenched in inky darkness.
How horrifying.
After getting lost to God knows where, Kirara managed to reach to the staircase and clambered on upstairs, this time reaching the second floor. Walking down the hallway, she noticed the door etched with the same symbol that she saw on the book.
Is this it?
She walked over and turned the knob, pushing it open, and all she can do was cough at the amount of dust that poured out.
“Ack! Hack! What is this?!”
Waving her hand in front of her, she looked around, noticing the altar set up. It looked to be a bedroom, but the dust poured out suggests that—like the rest of the entire house—it had been abandoned.
What a sight to behold.
Walking towards the altar, she placed down the book and noticed the other parts of the room. The bed was unkempt, the bookshelves were raided, there were dead plants on the side of the walls, and the mirrors were broken. The only thing that was pristine was the window in front of her, but it only showed her the fog that permeated the outside world.
Horrific, but nothing Kirara can do to change. It was akin to a curse of the town she entered, which is not something she can do.
Though, as she looked down on the altar, she noticed something strange. There were unlit candles formed in a certain way, an altar of two Gods circling the world (both she doesn't recognize), a golden ‘heart’ that sat next to the jewelry box, and fruits that… weren't spoiled.
… how odd. Everything was so old and abandoned, and yet this looked… recent. She couldn't help but narrow her eyes at this change.
Ah, no time. She has to find a way to get through this predicament.
Her hand reached over to the book and she began to flip through the pages, trying to find what she can do. There were still the calls of her perpetrators outside, and God forbid does she forget about them. Especially now.
Then, she encounters that page.
Summon the World Reaper
In order to summon the World Reaper, one must prepare the following ingredients…
“… A golden heart, fruits that were grown in the sanctuary of the dead for the past 24 hours… and black lit candles?”
She looked back towards the items on the altar— she can tell the golden heart and the candles were present, but the fruits were another thing. However, when she looked back at the pages, she could only raise an eyebrow in confusion.
Black lit candles? How can I achieve that? It's difficult to light candles in other colors!
Though, there was no time, so she began to search for matches. Maybe there was a way for her to light them in that specific color to call for this… God, and she has no other option than to follow the ritual in the book.
Flipping the pages for other guides, she noticed that there was one for black flames and grabbed the necessary ingredients— namely blood of the traveler (she needed to cut her hand for that), matches, and the small statue of the Gods of Cosmos.
As everything was laid out, she lit the candles and the black flames began to rise from the match, it's fire transferring to the wick of the candle. The flames began to rise higher, making Kirara pull away with her book.
She may be scared of the flames, but she has no time left to cower. She needed to do this now!
“R'luhhor ot shuggog n'gha, Y' ymg' uln l' real shuggog. Nafl'fhtagn!”
…
The ground rumbles as smoke rises from the black flames, engulfing the room. She needed to say it again, as per the instructions of the ritual.
“R'luhhor ot shuggog n'gha, Y' ymg' uln l' real shuggog. Nafl'fhtagn!”
It's rising higher… and higher… Kirara can only breathe shallow breaths as she chanted it one last time, not caring for the temperature that dropped nor the eyes that peered angrily to the one that awakened them.
“R'luhhor ot shuggog n'gha, Y' ymg' uln l' real shuggog. NAFL'FHTAGN!”
Then, she hears it.
The clamors of the chains, the temperature dropping to the negatives, and the many void like arms grabbing her body. It's grip was so unbearably tight, the messenger can only gasp and cry in pain as it clawed at her skin.
The body loomed over her for a moment, their many eyes peering to see who awakened them for their selfish desires. Snarling, the voice echoes from within the depths of the abyss.
“YOU WHO AWAKENED THE WORLD REAPER, DO YOU KNOW THE CONSEQUENCES OF AWAKENING THE ONE THAT LURKS BELOW?”
Her breathing became even lighter as the hands clawed to her skin, desperate to enter her body—to be able to get through her flesh and end her beating heart. She could feel bits of her sanity slip the longer the entity looked at her, and from it's gaze, she could only cower.
“YOU HAVE TAKEN ENOUGH FROM MY COMPANION, AND YOU DARE TO DO THE SAME TO ME? HAH! HOW BOLD OF YOU, YOU FOOLISH MORTAL,” bellowed the entity. “HOWEVER, I AM NOT ONE TO SPARE SUCH FOOLISHNESS FOR ANYTHING BUT MALICE, NOT AFTER WHAT YOU’VE DONE TO MY COMPANION.”
Their main hand reached over to Kirara’s throat, this time their nails digging into the skin, making her choke in her spit.
“NOW, I SHALL GIVE YOU THE LIBERTY TO SPEAK BEFORE YOU DIE. CHOOSE YOUR WORDS WISELY. WHAT DO YOU NEED FROM ME?”
Despite the literal danger Kirara was in, she can tell the grip on her throat wasn't hard enough that she was choking anymore. It was like the entity is giving her the grace she deserved— and one she'll take to her grave.
With bated breath, she can only utter, “I-I’m here to… get rid of you… And your followers of this town!”
“Wait, really?”
The many hands that held Kirara seem to dissipate to nothing, and the monstrous being in front of her seem to turn back to a… normal person?
Kirara stumbled to the ground as she finally got her breathing back, her head turning to the entity she summoned. They looked more shocked than anything, and especially with how they were not doing anything to hurt her.
… as much as before, anyway.
“Y… yes,” she replied, coughing. “You… aren't mad that I… am going to get rid of you?”
“Oh, no, I'm far from mad,” the God said, crossing their arms. “I actually want that. Please, get rid of me.”
… huh?
“You didn't hear me correctly?” The World Reaper asked, frowning. “I'll repeat myself if you haven't.”
“Please, human— I beg of you, get me out of here and save my companion from those cultists.”
@/navxry | do not repost my works | 2024 | entry for may ebg 2024 by @/xianyoon
-> Kirara may have her answers from the God she's helping (despite losing her life), this brought questions that she can only dream of answering. However, if there's one thing Kirara's known for, it would be her stubbornness to get through the issue at hand—starting with Kazuha.
(RULER OF LOVE TAGLIST: @xianyoon ; send an ask to be tagged!)
[ <- day 3 | main page | day 5 -> ]
Considering the issues she’s facing, Kirara has a few things she needs to do. She has a few rituals to host to get to the uprooting, she can put that in the backburner.
Heading downstairs, she began to search for Kazuha. If she has any hope of being able to find some way to deal with this, he was probably the only one that can help her. After all, maybe he’d have some background knowledge on—
“Kaz—wHAT HAPPENED HERE?!”
Much like a cat who’s seen something that can horrify it to the point of running, Kirara only watched as the boy she was on somewhat good terms with… Drenched in blood. And also (most likely) injured, judging by the blade lodged onto his arm.
If he was in pain, he was doing a good job not showing it. If anything, he seems unbothered as he waved at the girl in greeting.
“Miss Kirara,” he greeted with a smile, ignoring the look of horror from the delivery girl as she approached him. “I hope this wasn’t too much of a shock to you. The culprit had snuck in when I was busy exploring, so I had to—”
“I’m aware you had to get rid of them, but do you realize that you’re hurt right now?” she asked exasperatedly, putting her hands on her head. “Oh my goodness, it feels like I’m going to lose my mind.”
…
“Ah, I was injured, hm? I didn’t notice.”
To prove her point, he reached over to move his arm, and with a straight face… He simply grabbed the blade that was keeping blood from pouring everywhere.
It was a relief that it hadn’t outright burst to God knows what. It would’ve been terrible if it did, for Kirara isn’t fond of it.
One can say that with the likes of her, she’s averse to death. Terribly so.
Whilst the poor soul was busy trying to deal with the sight, the latter found it no issue to begin treating his injury, though he spared a glance at her. Raising an eyebrow, he simply looked as though there was something she must be telling him.
“… May I assume that you’re here to ask me a favor, miss Kirara?”
A favor? Wh— oh!
“Ah, about that…” the girl began, trailing off to gather her composure. The sight of him being severely wounded (and acting so nonchalant over it) distracted her from what she was actually planning to do. “It’s… Not a favor, but I want to ask you something, if it’s alright.”
Kazuha’s brows furrowed at that. Surely, he must be aware of what Kirara wanted from him, considering the ties he had of the town he’s been in for a while.
“… Please, what is it?” he asks her, but the smile he wore didn’t reach his eyes.
He knows. There’s no way he doesn’t know.
Still, it’s now or never. She can’t stop there now—and she wasn’t one to lie to anyone, as much as she doesn’t want to be honest to an acquaintance.
“… Kazuha, are you aware of the Gods of Cosmos?”
...
Silence. It all seems to echo in that moment, the sound of blood dripping on the floorboard, and the soft thumps of the branches hitting the exterior of the house outside.
Kirara can only watch as Kazuha's mind seem to turn, trying to decipher what she said. It must be a shock, but his next response caught her by surprise.
“Hm, what a bold question you asked.”
Kazuha’s smile remained the same as it was, but there was a certain glint in his eye—something that Kirara caught on quicker than before. She didn’t understood what it meant, but it felt odd to see him act so nonchalant.
“I suppose you can say that,” he adds, but his eyes were narrowed at her. “However, if you think about using this against me… I believe that you’d find yourself short on it.”
…
“I wasn’t planning to,” she muttered, her gaze shifting. “If anything, I wanted to see if you won’t regard what I’m going to say next as… Me going insane.”
Well, that certainly piqued Kazuha’s interest. It wasn’t often that someone ever admits something so bold.
“I don’t plan on it,” he tells her, his expression softening. “Besides, you’ve seen me when I’m currently injured. I think that won’t phase me.”
Oh, thank goodness for that.
“Anyway, what do you plan to say, hm? Or are we keeping secrets now?”
Kirara panicked at that. She certainly wasn’t having that be the case!
“It’s nothing like that! Listen…”
…
If there’s one thing she should learn, it’s that Kazuha’s tolerance to the supernatural exceeds far more than what she expected.
Granted, when she told Kazuha what was going on and how she managed to contact one of the Gods, he didn’t look phased. What Navina told her was true—he was worshipping their partner enough that he was accustomed to the matters of the cult, and from the looks of things, he seems more amused at her trying to hide that… Well, she knew.
Still, this didn’t mean everything went to turmoil. After all, he decided that it was best if he helped her, so they were now doing the rituals together.
(She did the ritual to patch up Kazuha’s injuries—a neat addition, because the God was kind to point out that some are going to get harder than the first time.)
In their haste to go through each ritual and face the challenges ahead, the two seem to got to know more of each other and the Gods. Kazuha was kind to inform Kirara of what else she’s been ignorant of, starting from what type of God that they’re dealing with that would’ve taken the God of World Creation.
“I assume you’ve never heard of Yidhra, no?”
“Mm, doesn’t ring a bell, sorry.”
“It’s alright. That’s for the best,” he tells her as they began to prepare for the next ritual for the sake of locating the ingredients when they start uprooting. “Yidhra is another can of worms that even I can’t explain. It’s not often that an Eldritch Goddess like her would plan to taunt those outside of the cult.”
Her brows seem to furrow in concern as she grabbed the herbs, speaking, “Is she that bad? I’ve always heard that she’s got a few followers that are insane to do her bidding in their dreams.”
Kazuha sighed.
“Indeed, it is as you’ve known. Though, it’s mostly due to the influence she has. She’s a powerful eldritch entity, save for the well known ones such as Cthulhu, Nyarlathotep, and even Yog-Sothoth.”
And from the looks of things, I doubt they’re any better.
“She embodies the paradoxes, too… So it’d be impossible for you to tell me who she is anyway,” the girl pointed out, making Kazuha nod with a frown.
“It is as you say. It’s why I don’t recommend you to summon her or spare her another thought— she may have the potential of being behind all this, but even I can’t be sure.”
When they were prepared, Kazuha nodded at Kirara and stepped away from the circle, handing her the book. Retrieving it, she closed her eyes.
…
With a deep breath, she began to recite the words, and waited as the unnatural chill seem to seep through the cracks. It was one of the newer ones she’s never seen, so she was trying not to botch the process and die because of her impatience.
Focus, Kirara, she thought to herself. Don’t open your eyes.
…
She could hear the nails scratch onto something, but she stayed put. She wasn’t risking to be caught peeking. Not yet.
6 minutes. I only have 6 minutes to keep my eyes closed and my body still.
…
The scratching seem to stop as she felt something trace over her shoulders. It was cold and rough, seemingly finding its way to begin nicking at her skin and causing goosebumps to appear.
As much as she hates the feeling of the cold, she can only keep her eyes closed to not risk opening them. She had to force herself to breathe calmly and slowly, even when she felt the presence loom closer and closer…
… Close enough that it was outright close enough to kiss her.
How disgusting.
But as soon as she felt it occur, she felt it’s presence lean away and leave her be, though she heard the soft thump of something hard hitting the ground.
It was only when the door shut loudly did she realize that those minutes are up, and now she can open her eyes to see what’s left for her.
Each breath she took was merely strained—she needed something to keep her grounded and in control, as she knew the feeling of losing it.
The door opened as Kazuha entered, his face grim.
“How are you feeling?” he asked her, watching her breathe in a slow pace as he looked around the room. “It didn’t seem to leave you any visible marks… That is good. It’ll be harder if it did.”
Kirara can only nod in agreement, but she looked down to see what was left. She had assumed it would be something disgusting, but seeing that it was a smaller bag is odd.
“… It’s smaller than last time,” she whispered. “I thought it’d remain the same.”
“… Did you say something?” he asked her, making her raise her head and shake it.
“No, no, it’s nothing,” she tells him, kneeling down to grab it. Opening it, she checked to see its contents, sighing in relief to see it being the same ones used for the uprooting ritual.
“Well, whatever that entity is, it left us something useful,” she said. “We can do the uprooting ritual, though I’m not sure if I can do it alone.”
Sensing the tension, Kazuha nodded, placing a hand on her shoulder. He rubbed it for a moment, a contemplative frown on his face.
“If you can’t do it, I can do it with you. After all, you aren’t the only one who’s gone ‘too deep’,” he explained, chuckling. “If it fails on us, I’ll take it and you run to safety.”
She wanted to interject, but she knew it was better she didn’t. With a rejected smile, she nodded, but she knew that it was simply a front to keep things as is.
Walking down to where the source is located was… Awkward. Kazuha was there with her and carried the supplies, but there was a strange sense of calmness.
It was like what happened to her prior, only that she’s left with additional questions, a few unrest grudges (for the answers being hidden until now), and the lingering fear of death.
She hated death. She didn’t knew if they can even survive this.
“Nervous?” Kazuha asks her, as though to break the silence between them. Though, it only served for Kirara to pause, pondering over what is to come in the next minutes.
“… I guess,” she answered, though she couldn’t focus on what’s ahead.
She can only dread the next events that should follow.
Much like the first time she did this, it was what she expected. The uprooting went without a hitch, the fire started to grow without any issue, and everything was set to flames.
Kirara had expected to feel like she wasn’t prepared, but with Kazuha next to her and helping her get through this… It wasn’t so bad.
However, not everything is meant to last forever.
As they sprinted out of the room, the duo were in the middle of figuring out the last ritual. The God was already losing their grip into the world (or reality, really) that they’re inhabiting, so there was only so much they had left before everything implodes.
The flames around them began to eat away at some of the wood, causing some parts of it to fall. They avoided it, but there was one that was too difficult to ignore.
THUD. THUMP.
“Watch out—!”
Being shoved out of the way, Kirara felt time slow down as she looked behind her, seeing Kazuha’s arms out as the flames ate at the wood…
… And the podium fell from above, trampling the poor ex-cultist under the rage of the black flames.
She couldn’t hear the crackling, nor the pained yells of Kazuha, for all she can see was the mass destruction in its wake. Some seem to travel to her, causing her to begin sprinting far, far from the scene.
She knew there was only so much time she had before things were to implode. And with the opportunity she had, she needed to make this worth it.
She can’t forsake Kazuha’s sacrifice. She needed to do the ritual.
The book had been left to die in the flames, Kazuha had shoved her out to save her from it’s destruction, and with the page in hand, she raised it to see what it reads.
Or, attempt to, anyway.
Much like the vengeful life of the cultists that went mad, the house seem to follow suit, for she had been too slow as the fire seem to set everything into its personal inferno.
A hell befitting of the forsaken, and some who had been found guilty.
Even when she was given a second chance, Kirara was, like the first, far too late to get away.
Perhaps this life was not meant for her to succeed.
Jolting from where she was standing, she felt a sudden hit of whiplash.
The town is empty.
She’s standing in front of a bulletin.
And she’s met face to face with a missing poster.
[ MISSING: HAVE YOU SEEN THIS MAN? ]
[ KAEDEHARA KAZUHA ]
“… Someone's missing. That's... Strange.”
Why would this man go missing in a ghost town?
And why does it feel like I've known him, but I can't remember?
@/navxry | do not repost my works | 2024 | entry for may ebg 2024 by @/xianyoon
-> Kirara had endured this once, didn't she? So why does it feel like she's forgetting something vital?
(RULER OF LOVE TAGLIST: @xianyoon ; send an ask to be tagged!)
[ <- day 2 | main page | day 4 -> ]
“Ah, so you feel that you’ve been here before. Is that correct, miss Kirara?”
“Yes, that’s how it feels. It’s not strange, is it?”
“Hm… I’ve heard of worse. Yours seem more of the calm before the storm, so to speak.”
Well, if there’s one thing that Kirara wasn’t expecting for her situation to be described as, it would be that. She had thought that he would say something worse, like she has lost it or is being a bit too ‘delusional’ for one to take seriously.
“The calm before the storm, huh…” Kirara muttered, crossing her arms as she carried the package. “I didn’t knew you’d see it that way, Kazuha. I thought you’d see me as though I’ve grown two heads.”
The albino laughed, though he shook his head at the idea. “I’d rather not think of it that way,” he began, his eyes focused on her as they walked down the lane. “After all, it sounds more like an insult. Wouldn’t it be wise to give it a try before judging someone for their memory?”
“Hm… I guess,” she said, nodding in agreement. “Oh, but if I do remember, maybe it can serve as a clue.”
A clue for what, exactly? She didn’t knew. But she knew it was better than to be so down about having trouble in her memory. Kazuha seems pleased at the idea, though his expression morphed immediately when he turned to where they’re going.
“Strange,” he comments, his brows furrowed. “It would seem that the fog is getting thicker… I can hardly see whether we’ve been walking in circles or not with such a thick fog.”
The fog?
She looked up and around them for a moment, realizing that yes, Kazuha was right to comment on it. She could tell that it felt like it became worse, especially when the flashlight the boy carried could barely pierce through the blanket of mist.
Fog… How odd. She could vaguely recall one being in her ‘daydream’, but was it this thick? Or was she deluding herself?
Even if she wanted to ponder over it, she was interrupted by Kazuha pulling her to stop walking, his grip on her arm firm. The girl stumbled, her head whipping to see what was the hold up.
“Kazuha?” she called out, confused. “What’s—”
The next words seem to die from her throat when she saw that he was looking dead straight, his eyes wide and his lips unmoving. It was like he was facing something she shouldn’t look, especially when he turned to her, mouthing the next words.
“Don’t look behind you.”
…
She wanted to ask, but something about his expression kicked her instincts to high gear. With a nod, she kept her head down as he turned his head away, pulling her close as they began back tracking in the fog.
She didn’t want to face who—or what—lurks from behind. Not when they could hear the faint sound of snipping and giggling.
“Keep your head down, miss Kirara,” Kazuha whispers. “Whatever you do, don’t raise it until I say so. We aren’t safe until she loses track of us.”
She? Wait— is she—!?
Seemingly sensing the rising fear, Kazuha began to quicken his pace, dragging Kirara along as they began to briskly walk away from the danger lurking from behind. The sound of snipping and giggling seem to echo and grow louder, judging by how her new friend is getting a tad bit anxious in his steps.
She can’t blame him, though. Whatever he saw, she was not going to do the same and worsen his panic.
Though, that seem to change when they could hear what sounds like the sound of croaking… And it was coming from right behind them. One that reminded Kirara of a death rattle.
Oh my God, she thought, her heart pumping out of pure adrenaline. Oh, they’re right behind us.
As if on cue, the two started sprinting.
She didn’t knew if this was a good thing or not with how the culprit behind them gave chase, the snipping growing loud enough that she could hear it echo in the empty alleyway, followed by the death rattle that haunts them.
To think that there would be a sound that’s scarier than the ones she’s heard before… It was an experience she wouldn’t forget, that’s for sure.
As the two sprinted off to safety, Kirara raised her head and noticed the house they were approaching from afar. It felt odd to see it standing in the middle of nowhere, but something seem to be compelling her to get in with Kazuha.
“Over there!” she yelled to Kazuha, ignoring the look he gave her for forgetting what he mentioned. “We can go there!”
Kazuha turned his head to where she was pointing and nodded, now dashing with her towards their next location and barging through the door.
The deafening thump echoed in the empty house, though it wasn’t long until she could hear the rushed footsteps and slam right behind her—possibly from her companion, who had slammed the door and kept their perpetrator outside. The rattle seem to continue, causing her to shiver.
Shuffling up and sitting on the floor, Kirara looked down…
… And noticed that the package was ripped.
Oh, no!
“Oh God, the package’s ripped—”
In the midst of her panic in trying to fix it, she saw the cover. The book didn’t have a title or author, but there was a symbol that many would recognize so easily.
…
Kirara could only stare at the symbol as she stopped fixing the now ripped package paper, finding it odd to see it etched in such a way. There was something she feels so drawn to it, but she didn’t understood why.
Was she forgetting something?
Was—
Then, it hits her.
The memories hit her like a truck, everything seemingly falling into place. It was so sudden, so piercing— it hurts her to remember all at once.
With a grimace, she reached over to hold her head and clutch on her hair. It was so painful, she couldn’t handle it. It felt like someone was prying into her and shoving God knows what.
Despite the pain, she didn’t kick the book off out of reflex but held on, trying to make sense of everything she was hit all at once. And when the last parts of the pain left, she felt the urge to breathe return to her.
…
I remember now.
I remember dying in the source, and someone shot me before I can get to the last ritual.
I remember the God calling out to me and everything going into flames.
… Oh, no. I failed, haven’t I?
“Are you alright?” Kazuha asked her, walking over to her to kneel by her level. “It’s still outside, so we may have to stay here for the night.”
Ah… I should’ve known.
“I… I’m fine,” she tells Kazuha, but she kept the book close to her. “Maybe we can explore the house for a bit. It’d be terrible if we stick around in one place, won’t it?”
My head hurts.
Kazuha’s brows furrowed in concern, but he nodded.
“I’ll take care of the ground floor, then. I entrust that you can handle the second floor?”
“Mhm,” the girl nodded, but as Kazuha left, she looked down at the book and furrowed her brows.
I need to summon them again. I need answers.
“Wait, so this reality I’m in is… Different than the one I died in?”
“Yes, that’s exactly it,” the God beside them replied, their many hands reaching over to examine the book. “When one reality dies, another is born. It’s a miracle that you can recall from what happened before; many don’t, even if they were my followers.”
…
Kirara has a lot of questions in regards to the topic of ‘realities’, and from the looks of things, she’s about to get more than she asked for.
Like now.
“.. What happened to the one I died in?” she asked them, watching them wince. Placing down the ritual book, they pondered over what to say, their eyes closed.
…
“… The book has been burnt, but your killer managed to recover a few pages that were left untouched by the flames,” they explained. “Thankfully, they didn’t go too far before I killed them myself. Though, that did mean that the reality that you died in couldn’t sustain itself as I lost my grip on it when I killed them.”
… Ah, so that means it’s considered ‘lost’, she thought bitterly. I couldn’t do the last one…
“… The last ritual was meant to be a ‘last cause’ for you, too. In the chance that the reality unravels itself in its flames,” they clarified, which caused her to perk up.
“And it’s one you said you couldn’t guarantee my safety, right?”
“Mhm. With that ritual, it… Er, let’s say when your reality is ‘lost’ and endures the process of returning to not being ‘lost’, you won’t be erased.”
…
“Erased?!” she asked, baffled. “What do you mean?”
“My power is… Dangerous. When you did the uprooting ritual, you only have so much time to do the last one to save your ass,” they explained bluntly, giving her a pointed look. “It also means that you can’t rely on me to do it; you heard me say that I’m losing my grip, no? You’re essentially one foot to death’s door unless you do the ritual and execute it flawlessly.”
She could only feel her heart stop at that.
“And if I didn’t, I’ll die?”
“Exactly. It’s the same if you did it before the Uprooting— one of the things you need to do needs the flames you started, and God knows why you want to do it after.”
Oh, God, my head hurts even more, she thought, grimacing. Reaching over to cover her face, she let out a whine.
“I didn’t knew it’d be so stressful…!”
…
The God sighed and moved over to gently pat Kirara’s head, as if to comfort the poor soul tied to them.
“Such is the way of dealing with Gods,” they said, as though it was meant to cheer her up. All it did was make Kirara look in disdain, not liking the idea of dealing with the mess she’s in. “But that’s besides the point. In the meantime, I will be here to assist you. I don’t want you to die again.”
“I hope so… I don’t feel like facing anymore cultists,” she whined. “I even have Kazuha with me, and I don’t know if—”
“Kazuha?” they interrupted her, their brows furrowed. “Who is he?”
… Do they know him?
“Kazuha’s a foreigner,” she began, raising an eyebrow. “He’s been staying here for a year, though he didn’t come by when his aunt died. Do you—”
“Ah, I see,” they answered, sighing. “I’m… Aware of who he is. Though, I wasn’t expecting an ex-cultist to be here when his God went missing.”
Her eyes widened at that.
“Ex-cultist?!”
“Yes, Kaedehara… He used to be a cultist,” they began, rubbing the back of their neck. “He’s a follower of my companion—the God of World Creation. The longest of many. You can say that he’s been under their tutelage when they were just a myth, with me.”
Oh my… I didn’t knew that!
“However, since my partner went missing, many of their following had turned against each other. Some went insane and began a crusade in hopes of ‘creating their ideal God’, while others… Left,” they concluded.
“Kazuha is one of those that left. However, unlike the cultists you’ve most likely seen, he’s a guy with his head on his shoulders. If there’s one thing I can vouch for, he’s got enough sense to not be an idiot.”
There was something that flashed on their face, but Kirara couldn’t pick up on it as they moved away from her. Grabbing the book, they handed it back to her, their expression returning to one of indifference.
“Anyway, that’s enough for chit-chat. We have rituals to go through, and I entrust that you won’t be a fool to fall for the same trick twice with him around. Let’s go.”
“R-Right!”
@/navxry | do not repost my works | 2024 | entry for may ebg 2024 by @/xianyoon
-> Figuring out a way to resolve the issue is far more than a simple ritual, and for Kirara, she may have bitten more off than she could chew.
(RULER OF LOVE TAGLIST: @xianyoon ; send an ask to be tagged!)
[ <- day 1 | main page | day 3 -> ]
If there was one thing Kirara wasn’t told, it was helping out an Outer God in the predicament that the duo found themselves in. And sure, while helping out a God that can kill her was probably not the best way to go about it, there were things that are far from their control.
One of them was, ironically, the feud between them and the followers that the duo accumulated. According to Navina, the conflict between them had been because of the followers that couldn’t ‘coexist’ in worshipping two Gods… And due to certain eldritch beings that messed with them, it went down from there.
She could tell that despite their aggressive behavior with… Some statements (especially when Kirara implied that what they did may have been unjustified, which she had to explain so they wouldn’t kill her), they were clearly trying to deal with the situation the best they could.
Well… As best as trying not to lose their mind, as one may say.
During the rituals, Kirara can tell that they were not as open when it comes to interacting past strict business. They did told the girl a few things about the town she entered so willingly, and the curse that resides in it.
“… Wait, so you’re telling me that I can’t leave? Not until the source has been removed?”
“Precisely,” Navina replied, crossing their void-like arms with a frown. “It’s the curse for us Outer Gods. When it comes to me, this world is on it’s last legs— summoning me simply damns it so that it dies when I ‘leave’.”
She couldn’t help but shiver at that. Its no funny business whenever Outer Entities are involved, that’s for sure, and Kirara can only fathom just how dangerous it can be when entrapping not one, but two of them in one world.
“However, since I am trapped… It still has a chance to live. However, I will entrust the ‘erasure’ process to you, since you summoned me.”
“… me?” Kirara’s brows furrowed. “But I don’t know how. Is there a ritual for that?”
They nodded.
“It’s the last one, if I’m correct. However, there are precautions you need to observe before doing it. There’s a reason why you can’t go off-course when summoning Outer Entities.”
My head is spinning…
“Here. Do you see what ritual you’re doing after the last one?” they asked, one of their many void hands moving to point at the book. The girl nodded and looked over, noticing the next ones she had to do, which was… Well, unsurprisingly, needed a corpse and other parts of the house.
“Yes… It says that I have to prepare a effigy for the next one,” she explained, shuddering. “It’s something about… Getting the strength from the dead. But I don’t understand—”
“That’s quite simple. You’ll need their power to remove the source: the heart that beats in this house.”
“A heart?!”
Kirara can’t deal with this many surprises. At this rate, she was going to have a heart attack with how much she needed to take note of!
“Yes, a heart. I suppose you’ve never seen those things in your job,” the God said with a frown. “I do apologize for your… Employer. They must’ve set you up with your eagerness.”
… Oh, right. I told them about that, did I?
“No need to apologize,” the girl said, sighing in defeat. “I’ve… Faced worse, if I’m being honest. But this one’s up there, haha!”
“… Yes, like meeting a God is worse,” they murmured, though they seem to be smiling at the thought. “Anyway, please do the rituals in order. When the heart is destroyed, I promise that you’ll remain safe when you get out of here.”
“Ah… How about the book?”
“The book must be destroyed, unfortunately. You can’t exactly let anyone else have it, lest they repeat the same incident twice.”
The messenger sighed. So much for saving it, she thought.
“Alright. I’ll get back to it. Now, what ritual was it again?”
Travelling outside of the house and to the garden was an experience, if you asked Kirara.
Now, getting the ritual set up was one thing. Navina promised to her that she will be safe when she does it in the gardens, and especially with the perpetrators unable to set foot in the sacred grounds. If she strayed too far from the garden though, that is when her safety is compromised.
How did she know? Well, the Outer God warned her themselves. After all, in exchange of getting them out of the world they were tied in, they vowed to keep her safe until she dies.
How reassuring. Now she knew that in death, this Outer God will keep her somewhere safe for her troubles.
Still, what she didn’t account for was the difficulties of performing it, especially with the threat she’s yet to meet.
Traversing through the shrubs, Kirara froze when she heard the sound of faint giggling. She knew that normally, it doesn’t pose any issues, but when she has to deal with the supernatural… All she can do was be cautious of where she’s going.
However, the issue didn’t seem to leave. If anything, it seem to grow the longer she stuck in the garden.
Each step she took was met with a soft hum, and the closer she got to her destination, it grew louder and louder. It was getting so loud that when she got close to the source, it was making her grow deaf.
Ah! I see it!
When she arrived, she knelt down and observed the sirens lurking under the river. She was informed by the book that there would be sirens in the river, and what she required was the siren’s ‘voice’. However, a quick check in the book clarified what she really needed.
“… A shell from the riverbank?” Kirara murmured. “How am I going to get one…?”
From the written notes, it looked like any shell will do so as long it was inhabited within the riverside where the sirens are. However, she wasn’t sure if they’d be willing to have her scoop one up.
Looking over at the sirens, she can vaguely make out a few figures and shiver. Some were already leering at her, which was not a fun sight.
She has no time, though. With a deep breath, she moved over to scoop one up, taking it as quickly before pulling herself back when the siren moved to swat at her.
She could hardly understand what the sirens were screaming at her, but the sound was grating to hear. Still, she had the shell, so all she can do was make a run for it.
Screw this! I have far bigger things to worry about! She thought in a hurry, scooping the book into her arms as she can hear some swim to chase after her by the waters. I need to finish the rituals, and fast!
This one was an important one, as it grants Kirara the ability to be able to deal with the removal. According to the Outer God, if this was going to be the sole factor that can help her stay alive when she does the final one, then by all hell will she let these angry merfolk stop her.
She’s done the rest before. She can tell that from her conversation with them, this one was vital before the last one. She needed to play her cards right.
However, she felt one of the sirens grab her by her foot, sending her down to the ground. With a yelp, she turned back to see who it was.
It’s that strange guy! She thought, her eyes widening when he hissed and clicked in disapproval. Gritting her teeth, she kicked him off with all her might, trying to get him to stop from dragging her to the murky waters.
After a few harsh kicks, the siren pulls back, screaming and clicking angrily. She took it as a sign to make a mad dash back, heaving for a breath as she ran to the sanctuary of the house.
Kirara couldn’t tell if the sirens would be hard-pressed to have her be around with an Outer God or not, but she didn’t want to return. Especially when she could hear clamoring from outside as the intruders began to work their way in getting in.
However, this one didn’t need her to be in the presence of the God. She needed to go downstairs, just to prepare herself for the last one.
Travelling from room to room, she avoided areas when she heard strange noises and clicks. She could tell that some were definitely getting infested, but she wasn’t going to risk it to see what it was.
After a while of sneaking through the haunted rooms and pushing through doors, she found what she was looking for.
In front of her was a gaping hole, the flooring ruined by what lurked from below. The ‘roots’ were wilted, its coverage affecting the entire area and even outside the house by the window behind it. The stench was putrid, but she had to soldier onwards.
It was tempting to retch, but Kirara can’t do it. She couldn’t give her location if she succumbed to it now.
Clambering down from the roots, she landed on what sounded like piles and piles of sawdust and granite, causing her to hack. Recovering from the unceremonious entrance she had, she looked around.
Stone walls, darkness reaching from the abyss, the putrid smell coming from one area, and boarded up entryways… Indeed, she was at the right location.
Dusting her clothes off, she jogged to the direction of the source. If she was right, then she would be able to cast the second to the last ritual with the right belongings.
At least, well… She hoped.
With each step Kirara took, she could feel her heart throb. It was due to the adrenaline, but one part of her believed that it could be due to the fear, too.
Shouldering on with the God for a while can be… An experience. Still, she didn’t want to think about doing it again. Being near one that didn’t belong to this world can drive one mad.
Especially now, with how she’s gotten to the source, and my God is it an atrocious sight.
The ‘heart’ that she was told was certainly what she expected, but it was being held up by multiple bodies that surrounded the cave. The many ‘roots’ she sees were connected to them, acting like veins as it supplied to the beating organ. It continues to pulsate as she watched the blood flow from the body, only spilling out toxic wastes that she couldn’t fathom to think of what that may be.
Raising the book, she looked through the instructions.
Ritual: Reality Shift → Abyssal Uprooting
If you wish to stop being associated with the World Reaper or to stop the impending judgement day brought upon by the World Reaper, do this ritual to return reality to it’s former state.
To prepare for the Abyssal Uprooting ritual, one must prepare:
→ The siren’s voice
→ The blessing of the World Reaper
→ Fuel of the Gods
→ Black lit candles
To begin, one must be in the room where the source is. Make sure that you have your belongings with you and you are in the room that is the root of where the World Reaper is summoned (i.e.: where their ‘heart’ lies), or else this will not work.
Grab the siren’s voice and douse it with fuel. When done, put it in front of the heart before lighting up the candles with black fire (see “Black Fire” if you don’t remember how).
With the candle in hand, chant the following…
Putting down the book, she began to do what the ritual told her to do: get the shell and douse it with gasoline (thank God they had one in the kitchen, she wasn’t going out there if she could help it), putting it in front of the heart and lighting up the candles with black fire. Although the flames were bigger than the last ones she did, she didn’t care.
Lifting up the candle, she looked through what she needed to say, took a deep breath and started to speak.
“Y' vow thee, ahornah gn'bthnknyth l' fm'latgh epfm'latghh. Nogephaii reality l' ahf' h' ehye mgepah, ng set shuggog reaper na'ah'ehye.”
The familiar chime echoes as the flames grew big in size, soon traversing down and travelling around the roots. Although she feared the fire for what it could do, she felt comfort from it as it began to set the entire place ablaze.
This was it. She was preparing herself for the final ritual—
“—Kirara? Where did you go? I feel my grip on this world fading.”
…
Wait… What?
“I’m right at the source,” she told them, which earned her a small sigh. “Why? Did I got here too early?”
“No, no. Actually… I got worried that you were outside longer than I thought. I felt my grip on this world fading, so I thought you died.”
Ah. Fair assumption, but she held her tongue.
“Haha, well… I’m grateful,” the God spoke, their voice becoming more distant. “Still, I know we have one more to do to sever my ties to this world. It’s a bit unfortunate that I can’t promise you safety when you do it, though.”
“Wait, what do you mean?” Kirara asked, the crackling of the flames growing louder—muffling the sounds from the outside world, save from the entity she’s speaking to. “Are you going to leave me here?”
“Its… Complicated, Kirara. The last one needs— wait, someone’s coming!”
Kirara couldn’t anticipate the next part, for when she turned to see who it was—
BANG!
…
What she could hear was the piercing silence of the gun echoing, its bullet piercing through her chest. The flames licked to the roots and moved itself to her body, moving to engulf her from bottom to top.
She couldn’t tell what was happening, as her vision was growing darker. Stumbling to the ground, blood poured out of her body.
She could only hear faint screams from the God as they tried to keep her from getting any more hurt from her perpetrator, but it was too late.
With one last breath, life seeped out of her body, leaving nothing but a girl burning with the book in hand.
"Hm? Did something happened?"
The girl gasped, her eyes widening as she froze from where she was standing.
The person that spoke to her seem to be looking in concern, his arms crossed as his red eyes squinted at her demeanor. With a tilt to the side, he faced her with a frown.
“You’ve been looking over at the bulletin aimlessly for a while,” the stranger said. “Did something happened? You seem quite… Pale, miss.”
…
Ah, right, Kirara thought, her eyes adjusting to what she was looking. I was looking at it to see where the bookstore was…
… Right?
@/navxry | do not repost my works | 2024 | entry for may ebg 2024 by @/xianyoon
-> Celebrating festivals in the summer heat is fun, but preparing for them is a different story. (short drabble + plot is a mess but its okay, ignore it lmao)
(RULER OF LOVE TAGLIST: @xianyoon ; send an ask to be tagged)
[ <- season xx | main page | season xx -> ]
Celebrating festivals aren't known to the two Gods. With their job and their following, it became more of a distant memory with hosting it alongside the others.
Though, if there was one they couldn't forget, it was their first summer spent in the reality they were involved.
At the wake of the summer heat, they watched their followers beginning to create stands for food and games. They weren't aware that some chose this as the time to sell various things, not to mention order such materials for the occasion.
Turning their head to their partner, they raised an eyebrow— almost like they had no idea what was happening. Noticing their expression, the latter chuckled.
"Is this your first time seeing them prepare for the festival?"
"... I suppose," the World Reaper admitted. "I'm not... Familiar with all of this."
The World Creator hummed, turning their head back to see various people help each other. Some seem to notice them and wave, causing them to wave back and gesture to their stands. A sign to continue working, it would seem.
Though, they couldn't help but notice the delivery people that came about. One was a young girl, assisting her grandmother in delivering parcels. She seemed to be having fun with how her bells wound jingle, and the cats followed her with tiny parcels on their backs.
An adorable sight, but they didn't bother to say a word. Not yet.
"Well, why don't we go around for a bit?" the God suggested, offering the latter their hand. "We can help out the others, too. It'd be nice to have them finish before the day of the festival."
They knew it was a good idea. It really is. However, they weren't sure if the others will be... Open.
...
Ah, damn it all. Maybe they can push through it. What could go wrong?
Well, it certainly went wrong.
Now, to be fair, both Gods that are of the two extremes should cancel each other out. And the two of them should, because the events that transpired when they both helped out was out of their control. At least, in preparing for the night of the festival.
Every day was spent peacefully all up to that point: everyone was safe, the two managed to pull some neat shortcuts to make the load easier for all parties, and everyone managed to get rest when needed. However, when the opening was needed to start the festival, the fireworks that was needed was gone.
The deliveryman who was tasked for the job? Also gone.
So here the two Gods are, trying to find some way to mitigate the situation. Everyone was growing antsy, the entire town was getting into flames (metaphorically) about the missing fireworks for the opening, and time was ticking.
With no backups prepared, what were they supposed to do?
...
Well, there was one. And it required a bit of... Foolery.
"I'll make the boxes full of fireworks for them," the God of World Creation stated, preparing their quill. The latter nodded in agreement, preparing their lighter in response, speaking, "And I'll make sure to herd them in line."
"No, not herd them— guide them!"
"Still the same thing!"
"You— ah, alright," the former groaned. "Just... Try not to burn them."
"Well, that's a tall order, but... I'll try."
Though the chaos still reigned, when both Gods had their minds on fulfilling the plan, they'd do it even if it costed them their identities. After all, they were there for their people— they wanted to see this happen.
As the bait was laid at the end of the tunnel, the trap was set in stone. The townsfolks were in a rush, but with the guiding light of the fire leading them to their missing item (by the stroke of luck), they were able to return from whence they came with good news.
It was a long and arduous journey, but the two Gods enjoyed it all the same. After all, they were able to see the festival start with a bang.
Perhaps celebrating such festivities isn't so bad.
@/navxry | do not repost my works | 2024 | entry for may ebg 2024 by @/xianyoon
Hello, I was wondering if you could maybe write something about the reader being asexual? I just got rejected because of it and yeah, ngl it hurts. 👉👈
Preferably with Xiao or Diluc 🥺 but it's fine if you're not okay with it, I understand
You often tried not to rely on the strength of others, but it was hard not to shrink away instinctively when the person you were seeing responds… less than well, to your confession.
You were asexual - the times you felt sexual attraction to people were few, much fewer compared to what they likely would’ve expected of you. Though you hoped that they might understand - that they wouldn’t take you coming out personally - they did not. Your partner-- well, your ex, thought it was an excuse. A scapegoat. Some kind of veiled rejection of them when that couldn’t be anything further from the truth.
Thinking about it made bile rise up your throat. You wanted to curl into a ball and disappear - was your identity really so bad? Was it really such an alien thing?
A light pat on your head. Through his leathered gloves, you could almost feel the warmth of Diluc’s comforting gesture.
“You’re overthinking again,” He so perceptively said. “This was no fault of your own, only your partner’s incompetence when it comes to managing their own insecurity and relationships.”
You managed a scoff at that. “Hearing it coming from you is a bit…” Diluc raised a brow, to which your words died off, replaced with a small smile. “...Thank you for the help. I’m sorry for causing trouble.”
“Bar fights and squabbles are nothing new.” The redhead pushed an apple cider your way, nodding.
It’s on the house, an apology for a ruined night. You felt a bit guilty, seeing as you were the cause of said drama in the first place (even if it was extinguished quickly with the help of Diluc). “An unreasonable provocation requires a swift blow, just to snap some sense into people.”
“You say that as if you actually fought them.” You muttered, taking a sip. In truth, most of the ruckus was simply verbal. Your ex was defensive. Shocked. Confused, you suppose.
While you didn’t plan to forgive them for their outlash just yet, you weren’t about to continue with this sort of tension in the air. Perhaps you would write them a letter and drop it off at their residence, before…
“If not me, you definitely had your own battle today.” At your surprised glance, Diluc shrugged. “Coming out about something like that couldn’t have been easy.”
The moment his words reached you, your lips curled into a wry smirk as you finished your drink. (Nonalcoholic - thoughtful of him, really.) You fought back the tears pricking at the corner of your eyes. Somehow, hearing someone acknowledge your struggle hit harder than rejection.
“Thank you.” You placed your empty cup gingerly on the counter, the gratitude extending past your surface actions, just as his kindness had. “I was thinking of doing this anyways, before this happened, but…” You took a deep breath, determination seeping into your veins. “I might head off to Liyue in a few days. Not sure how long I’ll stay, but a change of scenery would be fun.”
Diluc seemed reassured by your statement; it’s good to see you were still standing strong. “Keep an eye out for the weather, and make sure to stay safe.”
“Not gonna miss me?” You playfully returned. “I won’t be stepping into Angel’s Share for a while.”
“As long as you’re well, there’s not much else I could hope for.” Diluc rolled his eyes, though there's something warm in his gaze, as if they were supporting you from the sidelines, ready to help if you should slip.
You appreciated that about Diluc - he cared, but wasn’t one to coddle. “You know me, self-serving to the end!” You joked, flashing him a thumbs up. “So there’s no need to worry about that. Maybe when I return I’ll even have some new friends to introduce to you.”
...Yeah. Friends. The friend before you was supportive when you needed it the most, so you would start with that.
