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sidthedollface2 · 7 months

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A Crown fit for a God

(Part 2)

(Part 1 here)

Pairing: Azriel x Fem Reader

Summary: An enemy threatens Velaris leaving Azriel to choose between his found family and a long lost friend. Can he juggle the two or will he fall for the enemy?

Ch Summary: After you threaten Velaris with war. Azriel is tasked to find you and bring you to the prison above the mountain. He shadows have other plans when they confront you.

word count: 2.6k

Series warnings: 18+ MDNI, angst, hurt/comfort,light smut, war, including injuries, fighting, sign language, no use of y/n, nicknames, magic, greek mythology, pining, jealousy, azriel with other women (sorry), reader with another man (get it friend ; )

A/n: I hope this Ch sheds a little light as to what reader is and about her powers. I'm a daydreamer not a writer so if you see any mistakes that's how I dreamt it. Lol

In the beginning there was Khaos. The first God in existence to precede creation. Khaos filled the space between, invoking darkness and shadow. Unable to witness her work, her intense desire to see flickered before her. Discovering her own spark, she flew towards it, the force of her wings igniting, leaving a trail of stardust; giving birth to the vast universe. From her own will khaos had created the primordial deities that would reign over the elements of the universe. And thus terra, sky, darkness, light, night and day were created.

From the very desires of the first primordial gods, Demi Gods emerged, living among mortals and immortals. Soon enough these half gods no longer wanted the responsibility of mortals. Thanatos and his sisters, the Gods of Death grew tired of being witness to so much violence and bloodshed. Leaving their duties caused a riot. No other God would carry the burden of their responsibilities on top of their own. Those loyal to the Divine fought in the war of Gods, neither side backing down regardless of how much blood had been spilled. Khaos wept as she witnessed her slain children. Fighting against her kin, tears streamed down her face as she slaughtered her very own. Devastated, she fell to her knees in defeat, between her sobs she whispered in the ancient tongue, “I bind myself to the darkness of death, overpowering my light within so long as my spark prevails through the moonless journey.” All fighting ceased as every God witnessed khaos, bringer of life, descend to the lands in the form of a falling star. The fates of two entwined.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The house of wind was anxious, each door closed with a slam, rattling the photos that hung along the walls. The foundation, made from the mountain rock, shook and with it pieces of rubble and dust would float to the floors. Often the roaring would come back, leaving its inhabitants wide eyed and on edge.

every member of the inner circle sat in Rhys office. The air thick with tension as Azriel explained his actions, why he blocked Cassian from hurting you, why he needed to be the one to search for you. Many questions left unanswered. How did you find Velaris? And what kind of ancient magic would allow you to pass through his wards so easily?

“Rhys, I know her! We were childhood friends!” Azriel pleads, “let me find her.”

Elain’s eyes darted to Azriel, questioning his reason for his blatant lies. She knew he saw you once and never again. Yet she remained silent, a question for another day.

Rhys sighed, leaning back in his chair. All eyes were on him as he stared at the map of Prythian that lay across his desk. He took a sip of his whiskey, considering his next move. One by one he informed them of their duties, sending every member away as soon as they received their mission.

Cassian was sent to Windhaven to ready the warriors and ensure their weapons were up to par for battle. Amren and Nesta were to stay in Velaris to survey and defend the city in case you returned. Mor was to revisit the courts that had scorched farmlands and buildings, to see if there were any more details that they overlooked. Elain wished to stay in Velaris and investigate the reason the house was slowly deteriorating. Rhys agreed. Finally he ordered Feyre to accompany Azriel in his search for you.

Azriel ran his fingers through his hair in frustration, “No Rhys it has to be me alone. You can trust me.”

“After what I saw today, I’m not so sure where your mind is. I trust that you ‘ll do the right thing, but I don't agree with your current judgment so I’m sending Feyre with you.”

Azriels shoulders slumped as he nodded in defeat. Feyre placed a gentle hand on his back, attempting to soothe his disappointment.

~~~~~~~~~~

Feyre walked Azriel back to his room but before he entered she grabbed his arm moving him to face her. “ I have a friend I need to visit and he doesn't like when others tag along,” she whispered, hoping no one else would hear her. Azriel narrowed his eyes. “ So I hope you understand that I won't be joining you on your mission,” she winked, releasing her hold on him. Azriel just smirked, mouthing her a ‘thank you.’

Back in his room, Azriel cleared his desk of all the healer books he had meticulously studied. All these years he’d been searching for a healer when in fact you were a God, at least according to Amren. He spent hours searching Death Gods and tracing back their lineage and none had the powers you possessed, the power in which made him search for you. The power to heal. “You've been at it for hours, come to bed honey,” Elains sweet voice brought him out of his thoughts. “None of this makes sense,” he said mostly to himself as he shook his head, ignoring Elains request.

She stood behind him, gently kneading his tense shoulders with her slim fingers. His back tensed at her touch, purely focused on his work. Determined to get him to bed, Elain rested her chin on his shoulder, angling her head towards his ear as she whispered seductively her desires. His eyes fluttered closed in frustration, as she placed wet kisses to the curve of his neck, humming at the taste of him. “Not tonight.” Coldly he shrugged her off, hating the pain she held in her eyes. Without a word Elain stepped away, leaving Azriel to drown in his work, drown in his thoughts of you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“And then I pushed through, you should have seen their faces,” you chuckled, recounting the events from Velaris to your dearest friend. “No matter the job you always try to make it fun.” He replied, petting the hen that sat in his lap; a gift you had brought him for the delicious tea leaves he had acquired.

You smile, enjoying his company that you often missed. Out of the corner of your eye, a wisp of shadow scurries into the darkness of the night, earning your full undivided attention. Nothing but silence is heard. “What was that?” you ask, turning back to the Suriel. “An invisible thread that weaves and winds, binding hearts two of a kind.” you gape at him, blinking your eyes rapidly, “I don't even want to know.” A chuckle rattles in his throat, “go before he finds you.” Without another word shimmer and darkness envelope you, winnowing you far from the Night Court.

Azriels shadows darted through the low grounds of the woods, swerving through a dense thicket of birch trees and rock formations, scouring each bush and body of water in search of you. Once they spotted you, they quickly returned to their master, curling around his ear ,whispering ‘Suriel.’

Just as you winnowed away a blade launched itself toward the Suriel; flying through the air from a shroud of darkness, pinning his cloak to a tree. “Where is she?” he asks, tone impatient and demanding.

“Here, there, everywhere.”

Azriel pinches the space between his brows in annoyance. Shaking his head he asks another question, hoping for a straight answer.

“How do I find her?”

“Evoke emotions without a single touch, no wings yet able to fly. To catch this God let her hear the cords of the night.”

“I don’t…..these riddles. I don't understand.” Azriel paced in front of the Suriel, wracking his brain for any clues.

“The touch of a memory will carry her to you.”

“Stop with the riddles!” Azriel fumed, teeth clenched tight as he stared the Suriel down.

“Are you not a shadowsinger?” he replied, pulling out the blade that held his cloak to the tree. “I've answered your questions, whether you can decipher the meaning is no business of mine.” Finished with Azriels questioning, the Suriel made his way through the woods, hen in hand for a fresh slaughter.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

It had taken Azriel a few days to figure out the riddle. Repeating the words over and over, analyzing each term and its meaning. The line ‘hear the cords of the night’ was what led him to realize it was a song, but what song was what stumped him. He felt like a fool singing his favorite songs in the middle of the forest, belting it out with his whole chest.

He sang songs that made him teary eyed and even sang songs in the ancient tongue, but none of those had lured you to him. The Suriel mentioned ‘the touch of a memory,’ “oh Gods, I’m an idiot,” he said to himself. He only had one encounter with you, so it was easy to remember the events of that night, all these years he could never forget. He would never forget the song, the song he thinks is about you. His mother sang this song to him as a child and he wonders if she knew the dark power you possessed, was she singing to a God in hopes to answer her prayers, to lift her from the chains that held her down.

The house of wind kindly provided warm tea and honey. It's eagerness to assist him piqued his curiosity. He would ask Elain about her findings another day. Soothing his vocal cords, a plan was formed to capture you and send you to the prison on top of the mountain.

You're the chaos of the night,

A little girl lost in the woods

You're a folktale, the unexplainable

You're a bedtime story

The one that keeps the curtains closed

And I hope you're waiting for me

'Cause I can't make it on my own

I can't make it on my own.

Azriel sang the words from his childhood, voice harmonious with a smooth baritone that held the memories from the past. He sang from the depths of his heart in hopes that the meaning behind his words would grace your ears and become a light in the dark. Guiding you towards his waiting arms.

Weathered leaves crunch under the weight of your relaxed body, grass floor cold and damp from the night. But the view of the stars in the Night Court were your favorite, they called to you as if saying 'stay.' Stars glitter like rare diamonds, and the crescent moon smiled brighter than the sun. The evening scent of mist and night felt familiar in the way that reminded you of home. It had been so long since you’ve been home, the thought of never returning grew closer and closer.

The midnight breeze caresses your skin, its gentle touch has your eyes closing, focusing on the chirping of crickets and running water. A mellow voice sings the harmonious music of the night, its soft whisper tickles your ear like a past lover, luring you to follow the rich sound.

I hope you're waiting for me

Across your carpet of stars

You're the chaos of the night,

You're everything that we can't see

Chaos, you're the possibility.

Azriel ceases to sing once he spots you round a thick tree, his shadows excitedly rush towards you and Azriel curses under his breath at their eagerness. He observes as they affectionately coil around your neck, fluffing about in your hair before they trail down your arms. You giggle at their curiosity as they loop around your fingers, “you wanna play?” you ask, as you slowly move your fingers in awe at their closeness. They playfully bounce from one hand to the other, and you take that as a yes. Azriel is dumbfounded as he admires his shadows from afar. He has his arms crossed over his chest as he leans against a tree, his gaze slowly trails up the delicious curves of your body and he imagines what it would be like to lay with a God. He sees you smile and nod at whatever they’ve whispered in your ear and he fears you both are up to no good. As the shadows dance in a circle just a few feet in front of you, they rapidly circle around and around creating a whirlwind of darkness. Cautiously you near the edge of their tornado and zap one of the shadows, creating an orb of light within the vortex. You're mesmerized by the display in front of you. Your power bounces off the shadowed wisps like an elegant dance, the wisps gently stroke the flame of your power, careful to not get scorched.

With the blink of your eye the orb bursts, spraying the ground and trees with thousands of specs of glittering starlight. Azriel feels a jolt of electricity zip up his body, shaking him so hard he loses balance off the tree, quickly righting himself before you notice. His effort is too late, you've already spotted him.

“You're not a stalker are you?” you ask, voice playful and curious as you near him.

If you only knew, Azriel thinks with a smirk.

“No, but I can be. Nice party trick by the way.” Azriel pushes off the tree to meet you. The first thing you notice is his eyes, hazel and dreamy framed by long thick lashes. His nose is straight and a little too perfect for a warrior, you wonder if he’s ever been punched in the face before, or maybe he's just that good at fighting. His high cheekbones and strong jaw remind you of the many demi gods that have been sculpted throughout the years. You eye him up and down, taking in his stature and broad shoulders. He’s a little too handsome and in your experience these types of males are conceited snobs who only enjoy their own reflection and company. Meanwhile Azriel does the same, completely entranced by the sway of your hips and how your hair flows over the swell of your breasts.

“They seemed friendly.” you respond, tipping your head to the shadows that have swirled around the both of you, appearing to close the distance between you.

Azriel shakes his head, “I meant in Velaris. You threaten my home, my friends and my High Lord and expect to get away with it? How did you get past the wards? And how did you find Velaris?”

Before you could respond the ground shakes as a blast erupts creating a cloud of dust and forest debris. Instinctually Azriel pulls your body flush to his, shielding you from injury. Dark membranous wings curl around your body, cocooning you safely in his arms. Your hands find the planes of his toned chest as you peer up at him through your full lashes. You know what the blast was but the feeling of his body pressed against yours had your knees weak, and you couldn't break away.

Azriels heart is ramming against his chest at the proximity, his gaze is locked on your brilliant eyes as he dares to cup the side of your cheek. Angling your face to meet his, your exposed collarbone catches his attention when a bargain tattoo vanishes before his eyes; breaking the trance you had him in.

“What did you bargain?” he urges, hands now tightly gripping your upper arms.

“Your worst nightmare.”

Azriel staggered back, paling in horror as he registered your words.

Only one creature carried that name.

Bryaxis.

Part 3

Taglist: @blackgirlmagicforever @going-through-shit

#acotar x reader #azriel shadowsinger #azriel spymaster #acotar fanfic #acotar imagine #acotar #azriel x reader #azriel x you #azriel fanfic #azriel angst #azriel x fem!reader #azriel x y/n #azriel

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tachlys · 3 months

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QUEM É ACHLYS? Achlys é filho de Thanatos, a personificação da morte . Sua origem sombria e a relação conturbada com seu pai, que frequentemente os abandonava, moldaram uma infância difícil e dolorosa. Ele cresceu assumindo o papel de cuidador de sua mãe narcisista, Anne, que sofria imensamente com as ausências de Thanatos. Essa responsabilidade precoce forçou Achlys a amadurecer rapidamente, sempre tentando, sem sucesso, preencher o vazio deixado pelo pai e consolar sua mãe. Achlys por um lado, exibe uma fachada de indiferença e desprezo, muitas vezes se envolvendo em brigas e comportamentos autodestrutivos, como o abuso de álcool. usa a violência como um meio de se sentir vivo e de exercer poder sobre os outros, refletindo sua natureza doentia e desumana. Por outro lado, ele é extremamente vulnerável, lutando com uma incapacidade de expressar seus sentimentos e um medo paralisante de rejeição. Sua tendência a se fechar e a se isolar é uma defesa contra a dor emocional que teme enfrentar. O uso de máscaras emocionais é uma forma de se proteger, mas também o isola das conexões significativas que ele secretamente anseia. é um paradoxo ambulante, alguém que anseia por amor e aceitação, mas que se sabota constantemente, temendo a rejeição e o fracasso. abaixo do read more você encontrará algumas cnns disponíveis com Achlys, do chalé 22, filho de Thanatos, um problema ambulante:

FRIENDSHIP:

INVASÃO: Meu ex violento acabou de tentar invadir meu quarto, e Achlys ajudou a afastá-lo de você. Você é tão gentil, compreensivo e protetor, e faz tanto tempo que eu não me sinto seguro ao redor de alguém. Eu não quero que você vá embora. Achlys se transformou no seu protetor, salvando você de qualquer problema.

VERGONHA: Muse B dormiu com alguém que é amigo de Achlys. Foi horrível, e todos os detalhes sangrentos foram compartilhados entre eles. Agora, eles têm que manter a cara séria na frente do amigo do parceiro, que continua perguntando como foi e por que o outro não liga.

VERDADEIROS AMIGOS: Um grupo de amigos que faz festa juntos, essencialmente. Eles não se conhecem muito bem fora das festas, mas quando saem, parecem os melhores amigos. Eles cuidam uns dos outros e nunca deixam ninguém para trás. A festa realmente não começa até que eles cheguem. Eles sempre têm saídas loucas e têm as melhores histórias, mas simplesmente não sentem a necessidade de socializar muito fora disso.

AMIGO COMO VOCÊ: De alguma forma, Achlys e MUSE B acabaram em uma festa juntos e passaram o tempo todo criticando tudo o que estava acontecendo ao redor deles: a organização, o drama, as pessoas em volta — eles odiavam estar naquela festa, mas passaram a noite inteira lá. Desde então, eles sabem que podem contar com alguém durante as saídas noturnas / festas, ou sabem que têm alguém com quem reclamar sobre as bobagens. Uma amizade baseada mais em desgostos do que em gostos, se é que existe algo assim.

MELHOR AMIGO: @alekseii @aidankeef Achlys e Aidan e Aleksei são como unha e carne. Eles passam muito tempo juntos, estão sempre se incentivando mutuamente a autodestruição e se divertem muito sempre que saem. Achlys definitivamente os considera seus amigos para a vida toda.

CONFIDENTES: Aclys não é necessariamente próximo de muse 2, mas uma encontro casual durante um momento de frustração/tristeza de um deles fez com que um desabafasse com o outro.

BOA INFLUÊNCIA: muse 1 é aquela pessoa que geralmente consegue por algum juízo na cabeça de Achlys, mesmo que por um curto período de tempo. muse 1, que está sempre de prontidão pra tirar o amigo de problemas, é como se fosse o anjo no ombro de Achlys.

FAMILY:

CLOSE BROTHERS: @deathpoiscn + podem ou não ser protetores um com o outro, também podem ser confidentes e melhores amigos.

BROTHER:(DON'T GET ALONG) por inveja, competição ou um acontecimento passado.

EXTENDED FAMILY: @kittybt podem até não dividir o mesmo sangue, mas considera Kitty como sua irmã caçula, é bastante protetor quanto a ela e a conhece desde que chegou no acampamento.

PROMANTIC: (PAST)

SCARED TO BE LONELY: @ladraderaioss Achlys e Alina podem não nutrir sentimentos reais um pelo outro, mas quando o sol se põe, os dois sentem a necessidade de estar nos braços de alguém. O compromisso pode ser um pouco assustador, mas estar sozinho no final da noite parece pior.

HEART TO BREAK: Achlys não é bom para MUSA A, seja por ser instável e pouco confiável ou simplesmente por não serem compatíveis — não importa. Pela primeira vez, Achlys está ciente de que eles e MUSA B não foram feitos um para o outro. No entanto, por alguma razão, Achlys não se importou. MUSA B conhece os riscos e já viu os sinais, mas está disposto a aceitar e ignorar todos eles.

EXES&OHs: @eroscandy Achlys e Candy namoraram por um período e acabaram terminando porque conta da maldição de Afrodite e devido a um quase infarto de Achlys, viram que eram melhores como amigos do que como namorados. Hoje em dia, estão se reaproximando e tentando descobrir o lugar que ocupam na vida um do outro.

ROMANTIC: (PRESENT)

CAUSE THIS HOUSE IS NOT A HOME WITHOUT MY BABY: @mcronnie "Cause my heart belongs to you i'll risk it all for you I want you next to me this time, I'll never leave" Achlys é atraído por Ronnie de uma maneira que vai além da superficialidade. Ele admira a sua força, a capacidade de enxergar o melhor nas pessoas, incluindo ele próprio, e a sua resiliência. Ronnie representa para ele uma luz em meio à escuridão, alguém que não desistiu dele, mesmo quando ele próprio já havia desistido de si. O relacionamento fadado a não funcionar pela maldição de Afrodite lhe rendeu algo que não sabia mais que tinha: esperança que por ela conseguiria um dia quebrar a maldição.

ENEMIES:

FRIENDS TO ENEMY: Um par de pessoas que eram amigas até certo ponto, mas ou perceberam que nunca gostaram realmente uma da outra ou uma simplesmente abandonou a outra.

ENEMIES BECAUSE OF A FRIEND: Um amigo é inimigo da pessoa mencionada, então elas também se consideram inimigas (não sei se isso faz sentido??).

EX-AMIGOS: Achlys e muse 2 eram amigos e acabaram se tornando desafetos por um mal entendido que até hoje não foi resolvido.

RIVAIS: pode ser que Achlys e muse 2 nem saibam porque se odeiam, mas existe uma rivalidade entre eles/as desde que se lembram. Costumam competir por absolutamente tudo e, mesmo que um não esteja interessado em algo, é só saber que o outro está para automaticamente querer o mesmo.

INIMIGOS DE INFÂNCIA: Achlys fez algo para muse 2 na infância, que nunca o perdoou. Nunca conseguiram se entender e agora não possuem mais motivos para se odiarem, porém a tensão quando se veem ainda é inevitável.

#extras; cnn list.#finalmente veio gente to tão orgulhosa #eu vou reabrir os chats e adc aqui os plots que já tenho #quiser plotar é só chamar ou dar like

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sixpossumsinatrenchcoat · 4 months

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a glittering house of cards [ch 3/3]

A retrospective on everyone's favorite Fortune Arcana (and only 15 years too late!!) [PERSONA 3 SPOILERS FOR THE ENTIRE GAME]

It’s nice to think that some things are universal. Meeting estranged family is always a little awkward, even when your mom is the moon. At the shuddering heights of Tartarus, Thanatos gives Nyx a wan smile. “Hello, mother,” he says dutifully. “You look well.” The moon glares down at him, one enormous pea-green eye. Even without what might be called a face, Nyx still manages to convey a faint air of surprise. It figures. Kids never turn out how you expect. “It's the scarf, isn’t it,” he says, looking down at it. “You think it makes me look frivolous.”

I suspect that this goes without saying, but just to be safe: spoiler warning for the end of Persona 3 Portable and, by extension, ancillary spoilers for P3/P3R/etc. You can start from part one here.

It’s nice to think that some things are universal. Meeting estranged family is always a little awkward, even when your mom is the moon.

At the shuddering heights of Tartarus, Thanatos gives Nyx a wan smile.

“Hello, mother,” he says dutifully. “You look well.”

The moon glares down at him, one enormous pea-green eye. Even without what might be called a face, Nyx still manages to convey a faint air of surprise. It figures. Kids never turn out how you expect.

“It's the scarf, isn’t it,” he says, looking down at it. “You think it makes me look frivolous.”

Nyx gives up on understanding. She does not know the steps to this dance. Sorry I’m late, traffic was hell. You wouldn’t believe the congestion in the mesosphere. You look wonderful, you’ve grown so much, but you’re too skinny! A growing boy needs to eat! Words that mean nothing and words that mean everything. Muscle memories and rituals and expectations to subvert. Chaos into order, dust into meat. Comedy. Drama. Heartache and heartbreak and limited-time-only seasonal crepes. The whole bloody theater of life. It isn’t for her.

(It wasn’t supposed to be for Thanatos, either. It’s just that he got to borrow a little, for a while.)

Thanatos watches himself disappear.

It doesn’t hurt. Dying never does. People just get the wrong idea because they’ve got so used to living, which hurts immensely.

The last indignity is this: no matter how much you didn't want to, if you live long enough, eventually, you will have to see yourself become your mother.

###

Ryoji dreams.

Which is weird because, as a rule, the dead generally don’t. Death isn’t a long sleep. It’s just what happens when everything else stops. No more sleep. No more dreams. No more anything, ever. Pretty much by definition. But that doesn’t read as well on the bereavement card.

Nevertheless, Ryoji dreams. Maybe it’s another of his little perks. More special treatment to reward him for being a monster who shattered into twelve nightmares and a leech.

(It couldn’t be mercy. Nyx doesn’t know the meaning of the word.)

Ryoji dreams of a sky stained red and a sea painted black. Asphalt studded with steel coffins, hiding meat that’s only just begun to bloat. Ribbons of yellow and green pulse from the moon. Putrescent, like a wound.

One car remains on the crumbling bridge, crunched and upended but intact. Something inside it calls to him.

Death draws near.

There are four bodies in the car. Three of them are empty, but there is light still stirring in the fourth. She wriggles against the belt that binds her to her seat, one tiny hand clutching at the hand of something dead. Its hand looks just like hers. A perfect mirror.

Thanatos cannot understand. What is it that makes life so alluring? Why do the living cling so hard to something they were never going to keep?

It matters little. The girl is an opportunity. A shelter from which to gather strength. Hiding inside her will be easy. Death dwells in everything that breathes.

The girl hardens as she ages, like a scab. Scar tissue seals over her wounds. Slowly she learns how to pretend. How to hold out her hands and put on a smile.

She chases sensation. Blood on her knuckles, ash in her mouth. The sting of the safety pin through the lobe of her ear, her yelp muffled by fabric clenched between her teeth. Grit and gravel ground into her knees. Warm palms clenched tight against hers. She feels something, for a moment, and then nothing. None of it is anything. No feeling ever lasts.

She goes to sleep in the dark, alone.

But she isn’t alone.

(She’s never alone.)

The girl transfers schools, again. She’s made too many enemies, and still more false friends. She has donned a thousand masks. She knows, now, how to pretend.

Soon it will be over. The watcher takes comfort in that. Perhaps the girl would, too, if only he could tell her.

All at once, he finds that he can. Not only can—he must. There’s a contract that she must sign. An agreement that every living thing has already made; that they’ll make again and again and again. Someday, the pain will end. Memento Mori: Remember That You Will Die.

And when she opens the dormitory door, for the first time, she can see him.

The camera tilts. The witnessed, bearing witness. The watcher, suddenly seen.

“Hello,” Pharos tells her, and smiles. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

The End

It's the end of the world.

Trees shudder and creak. Leaves pucker and drop. Steam curls off the surface of a sea already beginning to boil. And at the top of a very tall tower, nine specks of dust prepare for their final fight.

(There will be no more fighting, after this. There will be no ‘after.’ Only peace.)

Nyx will not mourn this world. Death is not the cost of life—it is its maker. Not an end, but an absence. What is light without shadow? What is shadow without something to cast it?

Death bounds life and life breeds death. Death defines life defines death, defines life, and around and around they go. Ring around the ro~sie, a pocket full of po~sies. Ashes, ashes, we all fall down. Such a merry game! Such a merry chase! And then we all fall down.

There is no absolute truth, except for this: all living things are born to die. It is the ouroboros of existence. A snake can only swallow its own tail for so long before it runs out of tail.

You can finish part three here. Or start from the beginning here.

#p3p #persona 3 portable #p3 femc #ryoham #hamuko arisato #ryoji mochizuki #p3p spoilers #p3 spoilers #persona 3 spoilers #p3r spoilers #(only sort of. but im tryna be careful)

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rowanisawriter · 4 months

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last rites

hades game | thanzag | priest AU! | ch 1 of 3

Outside, that strange and forbidden place. Thanatos’s work has been taking him outside and beyond their village, performing last rites, the sacrament that takes him places Zagreus has never been allowed to go for fear of the blemish it would bring to Cardinal Hades’s reputation, and the reputation of all who work under him. Thanatos has always known, in the back of his mind, that Zagreus couldn’t be contained forever. But he had hoped in his quiet and even way, secretly, that if Zagreus ever left, he would take Thanatos with him.

Instead, he snuck out one day, jumping out the window, landing heavily in the world outside when Thanatos was in another town, utterly unaware that his life and its careful balance of duty and friendship had been disrupted forever.

Zagreus, the wayward secret son of a cardinal, unexpectedly returns to the village of Hades after escaping to discover the truth of his parentage. Thanatos, the duty bound priest, tries not to let it get to him. Over the course of two days, Zagreus tags along on Thanatos’s duties of the sacrament of the last rite, while they both seek closure of a different kind.

#hi i have an illness #thanzag #hades game #thanatos hades #priest au #idk how to tag this lol #my fics #my writing #anyway come find me all priest au people let’s boogey

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niuniente · 1 year

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Have you ever heard of a podcast called Monstrous Agonies? It's an advice segment for creatures of the night, and I think it's really good. (They're also here on tumblr @monstrousagonies.) Asking because I realized you've reblogged the same types of posts as they have, which tells me you have similar tastes in at least some things, and also because I always want to share things I think are awesome. (All their episodes have transcripts, so one can read the stuff if listening to it might be a problem; great for ADHD, also great for when there was noisy construction going on outside.)

I listen to non-fiction podcasts (and videos) a lot! Especially when drawing. I will give a try to this podcast series, even though it's fictional.

I typically listen to peoples' experiences, like near-death experiences, cryptid encounters, paranormal encounters etc. My newest favorite is The Why Files, which is an investigating journalism channel or various topics as different paranormal encounters, CIA, UFOs, conspiracy theories like is the Moon a man-made object, secret USA military projects, time traveling etc. Always with the question "Is this REALLY true and if not, here are the facts supporting it and if yes, here are the facts supporting that". Highly fascinating and well composed, unbiased series!

Other channels I listen to are

Mom on the spectrum Taylor, a mom of 2, tells about her journey to autism diagnosis at the age of 32, and about life as an autistic, adult woman. Very informative, not a v-blog.

Weird World Stories of peoples' paranormal encounters, glitches in the matrix, past lives etc. unexplainable.

Darkness Prevails The best channel for all kinds of paranormal encounters! Contains tons of cryptid encounters, too.

Dogman Encounters An online "radio" program which interviews face-to-face people who have encounteres dogmen cryptids.

Raven Reads Tons of paranormal encounters of myriad of kinds! Typically sent to Raven directly. Raven also makes 5-10h long video compilations.

Absolute History Super amazing British history channel with short episodes of varied historical topics! These are made to be watched but you can follow them by listening, too.

What Lurks Beneath I haven't been listening to this channel much after it changed its format but the older episodes, which are just read compilations of peoples' paranormal experiences are amazing, especially the military encounters. These helped me to stay sane when I was recovering from a surgery and was in agony.

Paranormal Rising Another excellent channel for all kinds of paranormal experiences people have reported to have!

Anita Moorjani Official I love Anita and listen to her videos whenever I can. Anita is a spiritual speaker and a teacher, helping people to discover their own joyous lives.

Irish in Finland As it says, an Irish man lives in Finland with his Finnish wife. He makes lots of videos about Finnish mythology, history and ancient culture. Probably the best source for Finnish folklore history!

NDE Diary People tell about their near-death experiences. This is one of the best NDE channels if you ask me, as some of the American run NDE channels concentrate on NDEs which align only with Christian values. I want to listen to all kinds of experiences, not just something which supports one religion's views.

Thanatos TV EN An English version (dubbed) of a German channel, which interviews face-to-face German people who have had near-death experiences. Updates rarely but the quality is good.

SPECIAL MENTION - TO WATCH うさぎ村Ch - UsagimuraCh Usagimura - literally Rabbit Forest - is a Japanese breeder who breeds small rabbits. She always introduces newborn bunnies and follows their growth for a month. Videos have English subtitles, if you click them open. This is my happy mood channel!

#podcasts #recommendations #ask niu

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getitfrenchship · 2 months

Text

Meet the S/I: Anne

Time to get started on making posts about my S/I’s and OCs! In these posts, I’m hoping to share basic background & personality info along with character relationship dynamics.

Let’s start with the one that started it all, Anne!

Self Insert or OC? She takes Robin’s place in the story. Definitely more of a self insert.

Appearance: Her hair changes throughout the Awakening story (grows to her shoulders in the 2 year time skip before Valm, then she wears it up in a ponytail in the final arc. She has the older Robin model in that final arc). Could potentially turn white before the final battle if I really want to go anime with this. She also gets an orange robe and wears a ring with a sun engraved on it around her neck after the Valm arc ends.

Basic Info:

Birthday: June 7th

Likes: Adventures similar to the stories she’s read, storytelling, sometimes Henry’s puns, fruit, learning new things, her friends

Dislikes: Gossip, her father, Exce//llus, Ch//rom's romantic advances, not being able to help others

Classes: Tactician, Myrmidon, Mercenary, Strategist

Character relationship dynamics:

Romantic: Pr//iam Crushes: Stah//l & Yen fay Friends: Thar//ja, Henry, Sum//ia, Say ri, Cher che Mentors: Vir//ion, Basil//io, Gregor A bit intimidated by: Frederick

Background, Personality, & Changes I’ve Made from Canon:

CONTENT WARNINGS! Magical manipulation of memories, wanting to commit die, magic parasites, mentions of child having

Background: Anne was born and raised in Ple//gia, but she has her memories in tact unlike Robin. Thar//ja and Henry are also her childhood friends. Val//idar raises her to be a vessel of Gri//ma. With added lore from Echoes, she has a Thanato//phage (scarab that controls the dead) in her hand and she's capable of holding other Thanato//phages in her body. Val//idar has one in his forehead which grants him the ability to manipulate the mind. She ends up at the starting town of Awakening instead. rip.

Personality: She likes to think out of the box strategies to the point of them being very dangerous. She somehow still picks the plan with the least amount of casualties, but they still cause a lot of environmental damage. She gushes a lot about her favorite stories and after getting sword training, she starts to admire physical fighting as well as magical fighting. She's also prone to overthinking a situation to the point of thinking a battle's over before it even started. This thankfully changes over time as she grows more confident in her skills & companions.

Changes I've Made from Canon: She sees Bas/illio as a Pirate King because of how similar he is to a storybook character from her youth. Unofficially adopted moment. 3 years prior to this happening in Fates, Anne goes berserk when Emm//eryn sacrifices herself. She honors Must//afa's sacrifice by not attacking anyone as they traverse back home. She has Gang//rel thrown in a heavily guarded asylum rather than killed. She eventually does make it to Chon'sin during the timeskip. In my original fic, she romanced Yen fay during this time and ended up pregnant with Morgan. There's more relevancy with the Five Gemstones & what they do specifically. The Shepherds recruit Pr//iam to fight Walh//art and she immediately thinks Pri//am's like a storybook hero. The two hit it off even when Morgan's born, with Anne getting training advice from Pr//iam and Pri//am finding a new fan of his stories. (Morgan is born with the Wings of Gr//ima, meaning he can easily fly when he wants). Miiiight get rid of this part because it’s mainly for drama. When Yen fay dies, she goes berserk once more. This time, with a heavy amount of guilt eating at her, she turns herself into Wal//hart so that she can try to perform a similar sacrifice as Emm//eryn. wellllllll turns out with intense negative emotion & nothing to withhold him, this would be a way to revive gri//ma without the fire embul. Pri//am knows this and ends up killing Wal//hart in a really cool duel surrounded by fire. After this, Anne laments that she should die, and after a while, goes soul searching to understand Gri//ma's powers. Pri//am never saw Anne as Gri//ma and admired her for being herself. When she's gone on a couple year journey, she finds Pri//am working as a blacksmith in Valm and decides to stay with him. The two end up having twins: Cassandra and Helena. They both have the Eyes of Gri//ma, with Cassie being able to have dreams of the future and Helena being able to see spirits of the dead like Anne did during her soul searching journey. After a cool fight with Val//idar and Gri//ma, Anne suggests the family visit Pri//am's home in Tell//ius

Soul searching journey included helping Gang//rel reflect on his actions, realizing her mother's still around after she fled even if she has amnesia, understanding how Gri//ma's powers works and learning about his origins, facing her fears, and letting Yen fay's soul rest. She truly learns how to use her thunder magic this way, and with help from the Five Gemstones, is able to unlock the Apoth//eosis map in order to gain sacred weapons to put Gri//ma down for good without sacrificing herself or putting him to sleep for 1,000 years.

I've made Awakening's story go over the course of 10 years rather than the assumed 2.5 in the main game.

#pikes self inserts and ocs #anne #long post

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illbringthechaosmagic · 2 years

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[ pinch ] — my muse plays with your muse’s breasts/nipples ( Thanatos )

Wanda let out a soft whimper as she felt the other's fingers brushing over her breasts, especially when they came into contact with her nipples. They had been laying in bed together, naked and tangled in each other's embrace for what seemed like eternity. She hadn't wanted to leave his side, not before she was sure she was safe and so, they had kept each other company doing most things. Right now, they were getting reacquainted with each other's bodies.

"Keep that up and I might be needing something more," she teased, kissing over his shoulder. " But I have a feeling you knew that already."

#yourgirlsfriday #ch: thanatos #ns;fwish

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perhaps-in-anotherdream · 2 years

Text

[CN] Victor’s R&S: Hidden Arm (Eng Translation)

⌚ This post contains detailed spoilers for a R&S, 隐藏的臂膀, that is yet to be released on the global server. ⌚

This R&S accompanies Victor’s S2 CH 26-29 Karma.

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

Victor’s dialogues will be in bold and italics. Others’ dialogues will be in only bold.

I’ll use ( ✄┈┈┈┈ ) when moving on to the next page within the same chapter and partitions for different chapters, as usual.

Narrator of the R&S: Thanatos (the BS member who was ordered to kill MC).

The R&S contains crucial references from S2 CH 25, and fills in on the events prior.

It also has references to the events of S2 CH 10 and events occurring consequently~

—

✧ [CHAPTER 1] ✧

On my third day as a BS member, Thanatos, I meet the legendary vigorous and decisive BOSS.

It happens to be a general meeting consisting of every member. The atmosphere in the large room is as cold as ice and frost. At the end of the round table, a figure with his back to the crowd is faintly visible. A strong sense of shock sweeps over me, and I lean back in the corner, not daring to breathe.

“I don’t want to hear any more of these useless excuses.”

Along with this deep and low voice ringing out, almost everyone buries their heads in silence.

“I’ll only give you three days. How to hold yourselves accountable and how to deal with it – you guys should be clear on that. Nox, you will be following up on this matter.”

✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

Behind the barrier, the figure stands up unhurriedly.

“BS is not an institution to enjoy one’s life in retirement, nor has it ever needed youths who are incompetent.”

My heart shudders in the corner as I hear these words, bringing me a sense of déjà vu.

After graduating from high school, I’ve done a number of part-time jobs, such as courier delivery, cashiering at convenience stores, and all kinds of tedious work like this. But people like me, who don’t have much of high educational background but have a powerful Evol, are subject to peculiar looks even when doing these part-time jobs.

✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

[FLASHBACK BEGINS]

“Hey, see that delivery guy?”

“You mean that boy with body paint all over his hands? Doesn’t he often deliver couriers to us?”

“I just heard that he’s an Evolver who can control everything from a separate space!”

“Huh? How can such a person still come to LFG to bring deliveries? If he steals something, we won’t be able to find out, will we...”

✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

In the lobby of LFG, I handed over the deliveries to the front desk while trying hard to screen off the whispers not far away.

I heard so many analogous things since childhood that I’ve long since learned to brush them off apathetically and passively.

But suddenly, the two people stumbled to silence as if they had been frozen in place. There seemed to be an unmistakable sense of oppression hanging in the surroundings, and a voice that wasn’t angry yet was intimidating rang out from behind me:

“Seeing as you have time to criticize other people during work hours, it seems there isn’t much for you guys to do.”

✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

I turned my head, and what greeted my eyes were a dark-colored, well-ironed suit and a piercing gaze.

“I remember this man,” – I thought to myself. Such a powerful aura, you only needed to see it once, and there’s no way you could ever forget–– CEO of LFG, Victor. For such a humble youth as myself, he is almost a heavenly existence.

“LFG never keeps idlers, nor is it a place for causally sowing discord between people.”

Victor casually turned his wristwatch,

“I believe you guys are clear on exactly what needs to be done.”

The two of them immediately cast me apologetic gazes. As I was gathering the packages, I looked up and saw that Victor had already walked far away. It was as though he simply “happened to” pass by just a moment ago. Even if he had just done it unintentionally, he was one of the few people who had spoken up on my behalf, aside from my grandma, who is also an Evolver. At that moment, my heart swelled with an exceptional surge.

[FLASHBACK ENDS]

✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

I return to my senses and leave the conference room along with the crowd.

The words BOSS said just now reminds me of LFG’s Victor. It seems that all powerful people and those ahead of the rest probably have a similar vision and outlook.

No matter what, I must strive for my growth here, try my best to work hard, and live my life with integrity.

–

✧ [CHAPTER 2] ✧

After the all-members general meeting, I am transferred to the subordinates under Dionysus.

“What do you go by again… Thanatos? I heard about your Evol, being able to control from a separate space…”

Dionysus sizes me up impatiently,

“You’d better not be a good-for-nothing.”

Faced with the sense of oppression in his gaze, I try to straighten my back:

“You can assign me as many tasks as you like.”

He casually throws several photos at me, directly lifting his foot on the table.

“Then go and get rid of these traitors.”

“–– Get rid of?!”

✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

Probably because the shock on me was too apparent, Dionysus frowns and speaks in a rage:

“Concerning the paramount importance of human evolution, these useless moths shouldn’t be allowed to exist.”

He shakes his leg insolently,

“This is BS, not your convenience store. If all you can do is catch thieves, then beat it right now!”

Hearing Dionysus’ contemptuous roar, my breathing comes to a standstill. That’s because catching thieves using Evol is one of the things I’m most proud of to this very day, and it was also my “calling card” into BS.

✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

Before becoming a member of BS, I loathed my Evol for a time. Although there are now many people in the society claiming that Evolvers are no different from ordinary people, I’ve been subjected to too many bullies since childhood. Panic-stricken, even my parents abandoned me. Listening to grandma’s words, I kept living my life cautiously and timidly. As one wouldn’t expect, the more I’ve endured, the more people thought me to be cowardly…

The first time I was at the end of my patience and used Evol to strike back, something unexpected happened.

✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

[FLASHBACK BEGINS]

“It’s truly a matter of great regret that you have to live like this when you have such an amazing Evol.”

Following the abnormal shift in the white fog, a sound that had clearly changed voice rang out languidly. But no figure or shadow appeared in sight. Probably because of my vigilant look, the other person released an exaggerated chuckle like that on a stage play:

“Oh, kid, don’t be nervous. I just want to inform you of some good news.”

The tone of the other party seemed to soften deliberately:

“In this world, there’s an organization that is dedicated to the evolution of Evol. You can do whatever you wish as long as you have the ability. Given how much of an extraordinary Evolver you are, we need you to join us very much.”

“Need… me?”

His invitation sounded especially sincere, causing my heart to shudder slightly.

✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

“Ahh, your Evol is one people yearn to have even in dreams. Our need for you is justifiably so. However, the path to finding your own kind is always rugged. So first, let me see how much you’re capable of.”

“I sincerely wish you the very best of luck.”

✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

I stood behind the front desk in the convenience store, still unable to work out how exactly I could be “seen to be capable” by such a mysterious organization. But then again, who knew whether the man was really telling the truth or not. Right at that moment, I unexpectedly spotted a shoplifter who had stolen from the shop and swaggered off. Seizing the opportunity that no one was around, I used my Evol, lifted the thief by the back of his collar in mid-air, and dragged him back hard despite his struggles. The thief cried out in fear and was pulled back to the convenience store:

“Who is doing this… what are you doing! I can give you all the money!”

I blurted out:

“Turn yourself in. I don’t need your money.”

The moment I finished speaking, something suddenly dawned on me.

✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

That’s right. What I had desired all this time was never money or fame. I simply wanted to prove to everyone, to myself–– there were people in this world who needed me, who needed my Evol, who enabled me to give my everything for this reason with utter sincerity and meaning.

Involuntarily, I thought of the words the mysterious voice had said.

“Our need for you is justifiably so.”

...was there really anyone who would need me so much?

✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

As if in some kind of confirmation, a man attired in black from head to toe appeared in front of me that evening.

“Perhaps you’ve already guessed why we’ve come to you.”

The man said calmly,

“How exactly should you use your Evol correctly, perhaps it’s still not very clear to you. Now, please follow me.”

I was then taken to a building, and an “S” with an upturned tail end clearly reflected in my line of sight. After going through a series of scans by mysterious instruments, the man in black who led me over stood in front of me once again.

“Welcome to–– BLACK SWAN.”

✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

“Here, no one can stand in our way, for we are the ones to lead the world. Because we have Evol, we create everything.”

“For the better evolution and future of mankind, we need fresh blood to join us.”

“Congratulations on passing your test and becoming one of our members, Thanatos.”

[FLASHBACK ENDS]

The scene when I joined BS is still vivid in my mind. If Dionysus’ task is akin to a “mountain” I must pass for my growth…

I bite the bullet:

“Yes, I’ve got it.”

–

✧ [CHAPTER 3] ✧

After I’ve successfully completed the task, Dionysus finally reveals a smile of satisfaction. Shortly afterward, at midnight, as I’m leaving the BS building, that modulated voice sounds again from a dimly lit corner.

“It looks like you’re adapting very quickly.”

“…have you been watching me all along? It was you who helped point me in the right direction and let me discover that I’m needed too. And for that, I’m really grateful to you…”

“There’s no need to shed tears of gratitude like this. It’s your ability, your sincere and gentle heart that have paved the path for your smooth entry into BS.”

“When can I see you? …could it be that, you’re the BOSS?”

✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

“Oh, naïve boy, I’m afraid I have to disappoint you. Although I am a heavyweight within the organization, for the time being, I haven’t yet had the honor of becoming the BOSS.”

The other person lets out an exaggerated chuckle,

“As for the meeting… don’t be so impatient. As I’ve said, BS needs you. I really need you. I hope you will soon become my hidden arm and do more meaningful things for me. When you’re able to assume personal responsibilities, we’ll see each other.”

Even long after the modulated voice fades away, I’m unable to quell the stirring emotions in my heart. As it turns out, aside from grandma, there is someone who has such great trust and expectations in me.

✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

I remember when I excitedly told grandma that I’d found a “new job,” she wiped her tears and said with a smile:

“Really? What kind of work?”

Thinking of the series of confidentiality agreements I had signed in that building; I could only shake my head:

“It’s not very convenient to tell you specifically, but it’s something I’d have really liked to do right now.”

“Then grandma won’t ask any more questions.”

Grandma then went back to the room, opened a tiny tin box, took out a very old-fashioned wristwatch, and handed it to me,

“This is the wristwatch grandma had brought when she received her first salary. Now I’m giving it to you as a gift and a blessing. In the future, you must remember to do your job properly, live well, and become a grown adult soon.”

✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

Having the expectations of these two people with me, I’ve been able to work even harder on accomplishing Dionysus’ tasks. Probably due to his satisfaction with me, Dionysus speaks more and more casually in my presence. Today, he looks at the report on the “small syringe” and says with brimming displeasure:

“The BOSS’ process is too slow. How could he let other people surpass us with something like the small syringe!”

I naturally ignore Dionysus’ complaints about BOSS, but the two words “small syringe” cause a light to shine in my eyes.

✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

BOSS has issued a ban on all members of the organization. He declared that these drugs are still in the immature research and development period, and their side effects and dangers are still unknown. Therefore, it’s strictly prohibited for anyone within BS to use the small syringes without authorization. Despite so, when I think of my grandma, whose health is deteriorating increasingly, I can’t help being excited: “Since the small syringe can catalyze Evol, then for an Evolver, if their Evol can be enhanced… then could it be that her health can get better too?”

The more I think about this approach, the more I feel that this will work. Coincidentally, someone secretly peddles them in the convenience store where I usually work part-time. I quietly buy one on my way back. In just a few days, grandma’s complexion speedily becomes rosy, and her back is also much straighter than before.

✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

Just when I think I’ll take my chances, something unexpected happens. Reminiscent of a balloon puffed up to its limit at a great speed, it doesn’t take long before grandma’s body begins to wizen and become weak rapidly! At the same time, analogous conditions to grandma’s are constantly popping up online, leaving me extremely panicked.

Seeing me so anxious and on the verge of tears, grandma is very calm:

“Don’t beat yourself up. Grandma is too old; her days were coming to an end anyways.”

“There’s still a way… yes, we… can definitely develop better drugs!”

Just when I’m pinning my hopes on the organization, grievous news arrives–– BOSS’s approval of the decision to indefinitely suspend the evolution drugs has been passed on.

✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

–– How could this be? Isn’t BS working hard for the purpose of human evolution? At this juncture, when BOSS’s logical step clearly could’ve been seizing the opportunity and carrying on, why did he issue such a decision?!

With my mind a tangled mess of despair and panic, I look helplessly at Dionysus. Since returning from the meeting, the hurling insults and brimming dissatisfaction in his mouth haven’t seen a moment’s respite.

“The BOSS has gone absolutely crazy this time! He actually approved the proposal of those losers! …this won’t do. I must find him and talk about this!”

Dionysus turns to leave. Charred on the inside about the small syringe, this question subconsciously escapes my lips:

“Can you bring me along?”

Dionysus is solely occupied with hastening on his way:

“Whatever!”

✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

“The decision has already been announced. There’s no necessity for another discussion.”

BOSS’ voice drifts calmly from behind the barrier.

Hearing BOSS draw the final line like this, Dionysus is flustered and exasperated:

“This decision is an absolute mistake! BOSS, you shouldn’t listen to those bunch of losers. They’re obstacles and burdens on the path to evolution! The experiments in researching and developing drugs must proceed immediately!”

The air lapses into silence for a few seconds.

“It’s not for you to tell me how to do things.”

✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

“Regardless of whether you agree with it or not, I’ve already made my decision very clear.”

“Next time, don’t come to waste my time again.”

I freeze.

Seeing Dionysus’ side profile turning pale, I suddenly find myself sincerely agreeing with his words, and a strong sense of skepticism arises within me about BOSS’ decision–– is his process a bit too slow?

–

✧ [CHAPTER 4] ✧

After returning from the BOSS’ office, Dionysus fumes with rage between gritted teeth and glares at me with resentment:

“There are a number of obstacles standing in the way of getting to BOSS, with Nox at the very top of the list! You! Get rid of Nox for me!”

My heart shudders violently. Nox is the person BOSS trusts extremely. This isn’t an easy task at all… an indistinct entanglement of concern keeps me on my toes, and I keep putting it off by saying, “I haven’t yet found the right opportunity.” But when I find that grandma is soon deteriorating to the state of being unable to swallow food, I finally make up my mind.

Even if it is for grandma’s sake, I must do it.

✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

I begin to keep a close eye on Nox, but she’s always surrounded by other people these days. One night, when I’m talking to myself impetuously as I find myself at my wit’s end, that static noise suddenly appears again.

“If you wish to achieve great things, the first step is learning to not be impatient. What you’re about to do is a very significant matter, and if you can handle it properly, it will indeed be very wonderful.”

Reminiscent of a beacon amidst the fog, this voice will gently ring out whenever I’m caught up in a brief moment of bewilderment. And it brings with it overstated words that cause me to unconsciously disclose my inner voice.

✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

“I know I need to be patient. But aside from the opportunity to make a move, there’s actually another thing that’s been causing me to hold back… Nox is, after all, BOSS’ confidant. Although I believe I’ll definitely be able to handle it neatly, but if BOSS were to investigate deeper––”

“This can only mean that what you’re doing isn’t enough, and perhaps you need to make a more meaningful effort in a more extreme way.”

He gently interrupts me, slowing down his tone.

“For instance, ‘death’ to demonstrate your sincere convictions.”

✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

A violent shiver runs through me. The light smile hanging at the corners of my lips freezes instantly, and I hold my breath, only to hear him releasing a small exaggerated laugh. Then he speaks again:

“Don’t be afraid, kid. Just plan ahead, that’s all. However, the day you settle this matter satisfactorily, it may also be the time for you to assume personal responsibility.”

It’s as though I’ve been shown how to get to the right path, replenishing me with ample motivation and endurance. On the day when Nox drives out of BS alone, I think to myself – “the opportunity has finally come.” I follow behind her car cautiously. As I see her happening to arrive at an empty overhanging cliff by sea, I feel that even the gods are helping me: “It’s a great way to get rid of someone here, and not a soul will ever be able to know.”

✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

I take a deep breath, concentrate all my attention, and spread out both my hands vigorously–– a circle of light appears perfectly in Nox’s car. Just as I’ve planned everything, I confine Nox firmly, then swiftly swerve the steering wheel, and press the accelerator until her car expedites and falls into the sea with rumbling noise––

Along with the loud sound drifting from a distance, an enormous euphoria spreads throughout my body––

I’ve succeeded.

–

✧ [CHAPTER 5] ✧

[Tidbits]: This section takes place in S2 CH 25-7~ :>

–

Sure enough, BOSS has indeed carried out a speedy and extensive investigation. On tenterhooks, I find myself being tormented by fear and anxiety.

Dionysus leaves for the seniors’ meeting, and suddenly I receive a text message from him: “Quickly come to the conference room on the top floor.”

A little puzzled as to why he has asked me to come up, I apprehensively knock on the door to the conference room. However, the moment he sees me, Dionysus’ eyes reveal an ominous light, and he speaks in a fierce voice:

“Who allowed to come in, get the…”

“I was the one who asked him to come.”

–– It turns out that the text message was a trap! And at this critical juncture, there’s only one answer to why BOSS would set up a trap for a nobody like me: He suspects me of Nox’s death.

✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

Sure enough, the next second, BOSS says coldly:

“I asked him to come here because I’ve heard something. Nox is dead.”

I keep my head lowered, trying my utmost not to show any emotions, but the left side of my face still twitches involuntarily. I incessantly continue reviewing the process of events in my mind as if my life depends on it. The entire thing should have been completely flawless, and I didn’t overlook anything. BOSS should have no evidence. As long as I grit my teeth to death and deny it, the matter definitely will be resolved perfectly.

But my prayer fails.

✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

The phone message Nox has left is akin to a bomb, causing an unbelievable thought to explode in my head. And at the same time, BOSS releases a light laugh, directing his line of sight on me.

“Someone will betray me.”

“Thanatos, what do you think?”

The immense sense of oppression is akin to a boulder, and I’m unable to stop myself from shivering. But I know that I’m caught in a dead end, and I can only go for the desperate gamble of all-or-nothing:

“T-this is just the story on Nox’s side. Does the BOSS think that I did this merely relying on her phone call?”

BOSS gently taps his fingertips:

“Indeed.”

✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

The thought of him agreeing with me flashes through my mind, but before I can have the time to rejoice, a video recorded by the in-car recorder suddenly begins to broadcast, completely destroying all my luck––

How could that be possible?!

An enormous panic engulfs me, and I deny it subconsciously:

“If I really had done it, Nox would never have the chance to call you…”

“Thanatos!”

Dionysus stops me fiercely, and I don’t get another chance to argue my case.

✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

In despair, I realize that BOSS already had the victory within his grasp long ago. He set up this trap for me to come simply to convict me in front of everyone, that’s all. What should I do? At this point, should I really plead guilty? What if the fate that awaits me is eternal doom, and what’d happen to grandma…

“That’s all for today.”

BOSS gets up calmly,

“Thanatos, you stay.”

Frenetic, countless thoughts flash through my mind. Perhaps there will still be a glimmer of hope for me when I face BOSS alone?

✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

At this moment, when my thoughts are a muddled mess, Poseidon, whom I have rarely seen before, suddenly walks up to me. He lifts his hand in an exaggerated manner as if to casually declare some gentle words:

“Everyone has secrets and also has embarrassing troublesome matters. And perhaps behind all these, they guard a sincere and tender heart.”

I find myself completely unable to hear anything else he says afterward.

His voice doesn’t sound very familiar to me without the voice modulator, but the familiarity of these words causes me to tremble uncontrollably: So it’s him! That person who’s been guiding me until now is him! It’s Poseidon! And this slowing down of his tone is clearly a reminder to me–– the poison I’ve been concealing in my mouth since killing Nox, it’s time to bite through it.

•─────⋅◍◍⋅─────•