*It was achingly hard to allow consciousness to pull him from quiet and comforting oblivion. A soft light shimmered beyond heavy eyelids like a soothing caress he could not ignore, lids feeling like lead as he pryed them open. Everything was blurred, even as he forced lids to blink, a kaleidoscope of colour twisting before him. Sensations now - he was floating, his limbs feeling heavy, the trill of cold against damp skin as the water surface broke. The first gasp of air, the sudden shiver as finally, finally, his body awoke to life.
He huddled in on himself a moment, clutching his masculine frame, trying to calm the shivers, even as he tried to figure out what on earth was going on. Everything seemed strange, yet achingly familiar.
It was hard to command muscles that seemed to have never been used, but he forced himself to ignore the call of the warm and gentle slumber, instead to slowly ease himself unsteadily from the pool, trembling from cold and weakness as he tried to get his bearings, as the soft tapping of footsteps resonated through the halls*
Parame: Ah, my sweet boy. You're finally awake?
Inari: Mother…? Its cold...
Parame: Understandable. ‘Twas not long ago that you were wrapped tightly in my embrace.
*She gestured towards the draining waters. It seemed strangely dulled now, no longer bathed in the comforting luminescence. As he turned to look at her again, she gestured for him to approach, a fluffy towel awaiting him*
Parame: Although it was adorable to hold my sweet boy once again, I unfortunately lack the luxury to fawn over you for another week.
Inari: A...A week? Wait! Where-!
Parame: *Flippant* The boy is fine. Your concern should lie in yourself. While black hair is nice,’You kinda look like a villain’, don’t you agree?
Inari: *Knitted brow* What are you…?
*His voice trailed off as he caught sight of his reflection. An odd feeling churning in his gut, he looked back to the goddess, eye twitching.*
Inari: ...Who...?
Parame: You tell me? Now, come, let me dry you off. Ah, from now on, I suggest you wear the cloth that only I provide. It will lower your presence and stabilize you somewhat.
Inai: Stabilize?
*He walked over the the goddess,who began meticulously grooming the young god to perfection, drying, oiled and clothed his form*
Parame: You are as a newborn. For some reason, your powers destabilised. I have a theory - stress. The trauma of your situation, your mate releasing you...I can imagine the strain. I’m no certain how the other news will-
Inari: *Snarl* What other news?!
Parame: *Glare*....
Inari: *Flinches* …I’m Sorry. I….
Parame: Better.
*She didn’t elaborate as she focused her attention to his hair, gracefully gathering it, pining it in place with ornate ornaments. Finally, she continued*
Parame: It would be wise to learn when one must be patient and when one must act. When one must pursue my stupid son, and when to hold back. Your issue is...you hold back when you should press forward. How can I act when you continue to hesitate? Hm~?
Inari: *Downcast eyes* What am I to do?
Parame: That, my dear, is up to you. Be it to push him down and hold on tight, or shake him to the core - whatever the decision, it must be swift, before that boy marries another.
Inari: *Grit teeth* He cannot. He is my bride
Venus: Not for much longer. I’m afraid there is only three weeks until his wedding
Inari: WHAT! How!!! Why would he-?
*The younger goddess gathered together makeup and body paint, carefully brushing it over the god’s face and lips*
Venus: There is something new twisting the order of things. However, my question for you is do you have the strength to resolve it?
*Nails digging into palms, Inari rose to his feet, summoning his familiars, one of which bowed, presenting him with his sacred weapon. Sliding it into place at his hip, the god turned on his heel and strode towards the doors, not turning back*
Inari: *Fangs bared* I clearly recall telling you ‘I have no intention of letting him go... I won’t give up. Not now. Not when we’re so close to the finish line.’ because ‘I’m well aware how to deal with their tribe….’ And ‘As for this rival...*Tone Darkening* I will do whatever needs to be done.’
*As the two goddesses watched, the doors slammed shut behind him, echoing through the chamber as the last hint of his presence faded into obscurity. A new sound light the room as the younger goddess chuckled*
Venus: Fuhuhuhuh!
Parame: What?
Venus: Do you not find it funny?
*A strange whirring sound pierced the air as a thread whipped violently through a woven tapestry, landing feather light in the goddesses’ hands.*
Venus: Ah, the ugly side of love
*The younger deity curled and twisted her hands vigorously, weaving the thread into a parody of a ‘cat's cradle’ as the elder coxed other strings from the ceiling, using them to weave along.
Parame: ...Who said love was beautiful? Though I must say, now that things are moving again...
Both: *Dark Grin* This might become interesting.
Parame: My thoughts exactly.
[END]
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