//In canon, Zagiha has been in love with MC for several hundred time loops now. This is his main incentive for disobeying the Outer One’s orders to let the False One destroy the omniverse. After living through failure after failure seeing her be brutally killed and/or flat-out wiped from existence, he vows to protect her no matter what.
Still exploring her new surroundings, Sakura finds herself at a little local bookstore, a cute little coffee shop next to it. She ends up spending quite a bit of time there, reading little books about the island and what she can find of it’s history-perhaps not much, but it’s best to start somewhere.
She almost doesn’t realize it when someone starts to approach her at her little table, a small pile of books beside her.
Here comes the Nerd Police, here to gatekeep everyone’s taste in literature. Zagiha made his rounds through the bookstore, offering his opinion on any book a customer remotely looked at. “It’s crap,” he said to one person. “That one is good, if you enjoy wasting your life,” he said to another. “Vampire romance? Seriously? You don’t look like you’re twelve or a middle aged mom, so set that sucker down and reevaluate your life choices.” At last, he came upon a hapless purple-haired girl.
“Look at you! Decent taste in books! I mean, clearly that taste doesn’t extend to your wardrobe choices, but I’ve read this one twenty-three times cover to cover now. I have so many recommendations for books on the history of this place.”
Despite being divine in nature, Zagiha doesn’t participate in spiritual life... at all. He has no temple, is VERY uncomfortable being prayed to, and refuses offerings. He actually just lives in an apartment on the top floor of the Continental Courthouse. Due to his secular lifestyle and uninteresting appearance, most people mistake him for some rich human permabachelor instead of a God. Really, he’d be super approachable if he weren’t such a dick.
In his world, Gods are addressed by two possible titles: His/Her/Their Holiness or [Name]-sa. “Sa” is an honorific in the language of the Gods that means “exalted.” Zagiha is fine with that, but he hates being called His Holiness. He’d rather be called “His Honor,” as he takes more pride in his work as a judge than his position as a God.
Of course, he still participates in certain traditions. For example, it’s customary for a God to have a High Priest and Priestess... except for him, they’re really just his butler and ex-wife. He also goes by a God name (za’a [truth] - gi [the most] - ha [he]--lit. “He who is the most truthful”).
BOLD ANY FEARS THAT APPLY TO YOUR MUSE!!! ITALICIZE WHAT MAKES THEM UNCOMFORTABLE!!! (and add your own if they aren’t listed)
the dark | fire | open water (sea/ocean) | (any) deep water | being alone | crowded spaces/enclosed spaces (agoraphobia) | confined spaces (claustrophobia) | change | failure | war | being controlled/lack of free will | prison | blood | being a burden | drowning | suffocation | public speaking | supernatural monsters/animals (any kind) | heights | death/dying | intimacy | rejection | abandonment | the unknown | the future | not being good enough | scary stories | talking to new people | defeat | poverty | loud noises | being touched | powerlessness | bugs | ghosts | growing old | rain | lightning | natural disasters ( any kind ) | poison | school | hospitals | pain | mirrors | god / religion | buried alive | betrayal | people | social class | freedom | frogs | dogs | challenges | making friends | injury | powerlessness to prevent loved ones from being hurt | marriage | child-rearing | adulthood | the cold | humiliation / disgrace | violence / aggression | memories of your past | not doing enough | losing someone else after already losing someone | not knowing your place | being the reason someone is dead | being too late to save someone | fairies | yourself | aliens
tagged by: I stole it. Fuck the police.
tagging: You
This is the memory of a person who no longer exists.
398 BCE, Verdant Era
“Princess Aleksandra, I’ve loved you ever since I first laid eyes on you!”
The greatest warrior of a now-defunct nation fell to his knees, imploring the woman sitting upon a throne in front of him in a grandiose display of affection.
“Please, do me the honor of being my bride?”
There was nobody more lovely in Northern Europa than Third Princess Aleksandra Westerholm, direct descendant of the king, and definitely not the ascendant to the throne. She had the gorgeous looks and demeanor every man with a proclivity for women deteriorated into a slobbering idiot for, with her angelic face, luscious flaxen hair, curvaceous hips, and large, full breasts that rested perkily atop her corset. She was the epitome of feminine charm, and all the scholars and warriors and noblemen crowded around her like sharks at a feeding frenzy, wooing her with gifts and attention.
And Aleksandra… he hated every fucking minute of it.
He was not the princess, he was the prince. Not that anyone ever took him seriously. And his name wasn’t Aleksandra, it was Aleks.
Aleks rolled his eyes as the man continued his diatribe, biding his time. Blah, blah, blah.
“Uh-huh,” said Aleks, crossing his arms. “And what would be in it for me?”
The man stopped short. “Eh... um, well...” he sputtered. “Our union would be nothing but advantageous. “I would provide for you, of course, and our children would be strong and beautiful.”
Ughhhh. He said it. He said the “C” word. Aleks didn’t want to be a bride, but the last thing he wanted was to be a mother.
“Okay.” Aleks sighed. “And you think every other chump who’s made their sales pitch hasn’t said that? And how am I supposed to believe you love me when you look at me like I’m a slab of meat? Sir, you are mediocre. And I don’t settle for mediocre. Rejected. Have a nice day.”
The guards escorted the blubbering, reeling man out of the room. Aleks rose from his seat and stretched. “I’m taking a break,” he told his attendants. “Then send in the next idiot so I can break his heart.” He left the room, only to run into a large, intimidating man somewhere in his mid-forties. “Father!” Aleks cried. “Were you listening?”
King Magnus looked at his child and shook his head. “You really are more trouble than you’re worth, Aleksandra,” he sighed. “You’re a princess, so soften your tongue and act like one!”
Aleks hung his head. The king sighed and placed his hand on his shoulder.
“Älskling, you are my beloved daughter and want you to be happy. That’s why I’m letting you pick your groom. But you mustn’t be so picky! These are the finest suitors in the land. You must accept that there’s no man in the world who’s perfectly to your taste!”
“That’s not the problem, father!” Aleks hissed. “I don’t want to marry!”
The king grumbled to himself and rubbed his temples. “But you must, and you will! I was unable to produce a son, so it’s yours and your sisters’ duty to bear a boy child for the throne. If you don’t, what use are you to the country?” His grip tightened.
“That’s the only value I have?”
“You’re so obstinate!”
“I’m heading back inside.”
“Wait.”
Aleks stood still, shoulders stiffening up.
“I have someone for you to meet. Solveig?”
A young woman stepped out from what seemed like thin air. She was thin and wiry, so delicate looking a gentle breeze might blow her away. She had long, black hair tied back in a braid, and her face... well, she was pretty enough, but not exceptionally so.
“I’m Solveig, Your Highness,” she said, curtsying to him. “Your new lady-in-waiting.”
“New?” Aleks scoffed. “What happened to the old one?”
“She’s fired,” said the king. “She didn’t do her job, which is to make you a proper lady. Solveig here is an instructor of etiquette and domesticity. She will mold you into a genteel and gracious wife.”
“Gross,” said Aleks.
The king scowled. “You have your work cut out for you, Solveig. Good day, Aleksandra.” He left, leaving the two of them alone.
And with that, Solveig’s gentle demeanor changed completely into something harsh and baleful.
“So you’re the cruel princess?” she asked. Solveig yanked Alek’s collar and brought him to her, looking him sharply in the eye. “Look here, there is no girl whose will I can’t break. Womanhood is not gentle. It is not kind. I will be brutal. When I’m done with you, you’ll be barefoot at the stove and happy about it. I’ll turn you into a perfect lady.”
Perhaps Solveig didn’t anticipate Alek’s reaction. Her eyes dilated and flashed in anger as he smirked and let out a raucous laugh.
“You’re a riot!” he sneered. “You’ve got the same fire I do. All right, sweetie, I’ll humor you. Try your best, but I’m warning you now.” And his smile widened. “I never was a lady, and I never will be.”
Did that stop Zagiha from having sour grapes about not getting a date? Also no.
He sat on his favorite park bench, sipping his favorite coffee and stewing in resentment as he watched all the happy couples go past him. He hated it. Hate it, hated it, hated it. But here he was, masochistically punishing himself by wallowing in self-pity. The divorce hit him harder than he thought.
Normally, he’d spend his day blubbering over a photo of him and his darling Astrid, but he didn’t even have that now. So, twisting the knife it was.
His wallowing was interrupted by someone approaching him. He looked up, ready to verbally lash the person who dared impose on his Sadness Time, only to find someone offering him a box of chocolates. She was so pretty, even if she was blue.
“Thank you,” said Zagiha, eyes watering. He took a bite, and suddenly he started crying, full-out ugly crying with the sniffles and everything. Of course, Sapphire only offered it to him because she was a Gem and didn’t need to eat, but to him, it was the kindest gesture ever and he was not worthy.
ERA AESTHETIC GAME!
rules: bold the aesthetic that applies to your muse. italic sometimes.
TAGGED: myself
TAGGING: you
𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐄𝐕𝐀𝐋. tired eyes. COFFEE STAINS ON THE TABLE. listening to the bustle of the city. UNMADE BEDS. loose ponytails. SUNLIGHT SEEPING THROUGH THE CURTAINS. chapped lips. walking barefoot across the floorboards. dusty dictionaries. black and white reruns. huge sweaters. the ticking of the clock. hearing the birds in the morning. fireplaces. falling asleep during class.
𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄. freckles. the sun rising. watching the sea. taking shots of the city. historical museums. bright eyes. looking up at the clouds. walls covered in artworks. drawing in the middle of lessons. tracing your fingers in the sand. painting for hours. STAYING IN UNCROWDED COFFEE SHOPS. worn paperbacks. messy braids. going to bed with your socks on.
𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐎𝐐𝐔𝐄. DARK HAIR. a little sophisticated. always observing the world around you. intricate designs. high ceilings. extravagant musical pieces. dim lights. colorless photographs. fancy furniture. pale skin. hearing soft footfalls coming from outside the room. mischievous looks. bitten nails. CANDLELIT DINNERS. dark shades of lipstick.
𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐋. chandeliers. the clinking of a teacup. laced clothing. modern architecture. light hair. WATCHING THE VIEW FROM A TERRACE. hidden birthmarks. drinking tea in the morning. wandering about in an empty building. botanical gardens. OLD FILMS. ancient marble sculptures. expensive perfume. breakfast in bed. reading about mythology.
𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐂. COMPASSION. SHORT WRITINGS ON PIECES OF PAPER. blushed cheeks. a bouquet of roses. reading collections of poetry late at night. loose hair. carpeted floors. attending operas. FAINT MUSIC IN THE BACKGROUND. staying under the covers till midday. the night sky. streetlights. picking flowers. dancing around in silk dresses. SCENTED CANDLES.
This place reminds her of the island from so long ago, from when she first arrived here…and she’s not sure if that’s a good thing or not.
Sure, Maki can fight but if this place is anything like the other place was, then she shouldn’t go anywhere near the testing labs. She doesn’t dare to go there, paying enough attention to the place to keep away from there. The last thing she wants is to get trapped in here and well. She doesn’t want to think about what’ll happen to her.
So she sighs, trying to look around her and figure out where she even is. This whole place looks the same, surely she’s got to be lost in here. Or at least she thinks she is and well. That’s not a good thing for her at all. All she can hope is that she isn’t near the testing labs and is closer to something akin to an office. She just wants information she doesn’t want anything bad to happen to her.
So when she hears footsteps behind her, she turns around immediately and stares at whoever is there. She’s not really in the mood to deal with them but she will if she has to. “What are you doing here? Are you lost as well? Or are you here for some other reason…”
Zagiha had a tendency to stick his nose in everyone’s business, and that included the island’s. He was... bemused by the fact he ended up in Koi, to say the least. Not only that, but most of his powers were taken away, too. He had no idea how they could do that without usage of the Sealing System.
Ugh.
Swimming was the worst. Despite having a body that never changed, and therefore got out of shape, he hated any and all physical activity, especially -hiss- outdoor sports. Not only that, but outdoor sports in the ocean. It was full of slimy seaweed and... nature. Horrible, horrible, nature.
But still, his curiosity got the better of him, which is how he found himself in the abandoned facility. He wasn’t sure what he was looking for, but if it offered any insight into the secrets of the island, he was willing to find it. He tiptoed along, hoping some disgusting animal wouldn’t jump out at him. At full power, he’d just blast it to smithereens, but without access to most of his magic and Divine Weapon, he was a mediocre fighter at best. So, he was glad when he found another person, and then he was disappointed when he sensed she was an ordinary human.
“What does it look like?” he said in reply. “I’m trying to get to the bottom of things. I don’t trust this place and neither should you. Did you come here alone?”
A library! It’s usually far from her first stop in a new place, but given that she’d like to stay as far away from the water’s edge and the fact that shegets the feeling that the technology here isn’t perhaps one she can tap into, if she wants to get any sense for the kind of place this is, she might haveto settle for some books. It’d be nicer if she had an idea of what to look foror…where to look for it, given how seemingly huge this place is, but she hasto start somewhere. It looks like they’ll be stuck underwater for a while,anyways, so she’s not in any particular rush, per say, though not particularlyfond of sticking it out any longer than she needs to, but, well ( sacrificeshave to be made sometimes, right? She’s not going to be useful if she’s got noknowledge, that’s how it goes )
Since she has no idea of where to start, picking one place and goingfrom there would be good— skipping things like the sciences of this place seemacceptable for now, if only because that doesn’t seem like an immediate concern.No, if past experience have taught her anything, things like how this placeruns, the laws and systems of this city would be keen info to know…if at leastfor her own sake. Even if she thinks that might be a little moot, but it’s notlike she can hack into government systems here if she gets into trouble (probably ). Hand reaches for a book that seems interesting, when—
Demeanor is indignant towards the other, a scowl of her own crossing herface. “Excuse you, I saw it first.” Voice hisses, if only because this is alibrary and she’s pretty sure that universally, it’s not acceptable to raise hervoice and yell just because she’s annoyed at a stranger. Arguably, annoyance is the only reason she doesn’t shy away ( in other words: out of spite ). “You’re supposed to benice to girls, you know.” On the bright side, she’s not being belittled for her age ( yet ) ?
Zagiha stuck up his already upturned nose, apparently surprised about the fact his brilliant quip didn’t charm her into submission. Well, he just had to turn the charisma factor up to eleven. He scoffed, tightening his grip around the book.
“That sure is a strange sound,” he said out of the blue. “It’s like a mixture between an annoying peep and a cacophony of unfounded claims with no evidence to back them up. It’s like, it’s arguing it saw the book first, but I could also say I saw it first, and I would be equally correct, because it’s impossible to prove either way. Isn’t that ridiculous?”
And he yoinked the book off the shelf, intentionally ignoring her as he rifled through the pages. Ah. Dense. Just the way he liked it. There was no way she could ever appreciate the fine beauty of torts and subclauses. After a few seconds of this, he slammed it shut and gave her a pointed look.
“Oh? You’re still here? I didn’t notice you under the crushing insignificance of your presence. Yeah? I’m supposed to be nice to girls, huh? Well, girls are also supposed to be cute, and here we are--so why don’t you ta-ta and read something more appropriate?” He jabbed his finger at a shelf. “The self-help section is over there.”
T : TRUE LOVE. does your muse believe in true love?
“Aside from drafting increasingly complex tax codes, there’s no pursuit in this world more noble than finding your one true love. I’ve found mine, but let me tell you, it takes a lot of effort. Sometimes three divorces worth of effort. But I found her, and everything is okay! She got wiped from existence, but I’m okay. I’m FINE.”
W : WEDDING. would your muse get married? why / why not?
“I love weddings. So much, I’ve had THREE OF THEM within the LAST SEVEN YEARS. Sure, my marriages all went down in flames, but the weddings were nice! And I’d do it again. I never learn my lesson. Fourth time’s the charm?”
//I still have one more part I starter for Zagiha, which I’ll get to VERY soon (gomen for the wait; work is busy lately and I’ve only had the energy to shitpost), but I’m putting out a Part II call now. I’m capping at 2. We can all thread together if you’d like!
Wow! A literal God! Sounds like a great team member, right? Unfortunately, the dumbass Bureau took away pretty much all his combat-related powers, so now he has nothing left except for the magic of bureaucracy. The three things he has going for him are these: 1) He still has the power to detect any lie, 2) His Angel’s defense system is up and running (but supposing he’s ko’d, if his Angel is active on the battlefield, the thing will go haywire), and 3) He maintains the ability to manipulate minds and force people to believe his lies. So basically he’s running a strategic build, and will rely on every slimy trick in his shady lawyer playbook to dupe the monsters. I’d say he has about a 50/50 chance of surviving.
“And why do you want to know? I know you have the attention span of a labrador retriever, but I already answered. I show affection by giving gifts. Notice you’ve not received one red cent out of me. And you won’t ever. In fact, give me your wallet.”