Sweet Child

--- Unknown Location, Main Camp, Post Mind Attack ---

*A few hours go by and the sun's harsh light creeps over the horizon, and the campsite began to spring to life once more. Soldiers began to rebuild what was damaged in the encounter with the the foes forces. Small as it was, the destruction and power difference was still evident. The two of the elder gods began to make their way back to the Child’s tent. The male stopped her a little ways before the tent, taking a deep breath before sighing.*

Lord Thanatos: I don’t like this one bit...This getting too risky for these children, it's even fraying their fate lines.

Mother: That be as it may, even if we were to hide them away, he is aware of them. If he could reach my son through his dreams, then it is entirely possible that he can reach them anywhere if we were to remove them from this entirely. Even if I wanted to, it is out of our hands. The best we can do now is be sure we prepare them for what is to come, your hero, and mine.

Lord Thanatos: That not what I meant, Paramae. We need to tell the children, at least to their level of understanding. We won't tell them everything for now, but we should at least tell them what they're really fighting for, before you become incompatible with your hero…. You know what happened last time. How painful it was, and how we were barely able to stitch their souls back together…. What was left was barely able to create one being.

*Paramae sighs and closes her eyes for a moment*

Paramae: I am….aware. It is not something I could ever forget. It is why I act as I do towards them both, especially to Inari. I never wish to put them through that again, even if they may never recall it themselves….However, telling them too much at the same time could do the same thing. It is something of a trap, no matter what I do. I only hope a solution presents itself to me...

Lord Thanatos:  That's why I said to tell them to their level of understanding. It doesn't mean we should tell them everything quite yet. If we remain silent then nothing good shall come of it. It’s why we were as ill prepared as we were when the attack happened… As worried as I am, as we are, we should not let things get to us the way they have. It’s not good for our heros. And for our sanity, as well. You'd think after all this time we would become numb to all of this… but, then, it feels like the winds are changing…

Paramae: No one could become numb to it. I suspect neither could he. If he had, then I believe things might never have come to this at all. *She opens her eyes once more, before nodding to Thanatos* Very well, I shall follow your lead on this, if only because I’m aware that Rozyus will not hear me yet, but he will you. This is not to say I’ll say nothing, of course. Only that we will go at your pace. However, if I forsee something that could be avoided by not telling them something, I hope you will trust my word in return.

Lord Thanatos: *Chuckle* of course.

*The pair approach the tent but are then halted for a moment by loud voices coming from with in*

Voice 1: Don’t you think you’ve looked over me enough? We should be getting ready they’ll be here soon.

Voice 2: I don’t believe I could ever ‘look you over’ too much. But….joking aside, I know. There isn’t anything I could do, even if there was something wrong. I suppose it’s more for peace of mind? That if there was something, we could inform them straight away. Still, I’m sorry. Thank you for putting up with me.

Voice 1: That would have been kind of sweet if you weren't still groping me! Geeez! Look *Voice gets softer* I told you, I’m fine. I’ll come running if something happens, ‘k? So…. CAN WE PLEASE get out of this position already!!!!

*Voice 2 laughs softly. There is a sound of skin striking skin - a slap - before the second voice laughs more and there is further sounds of fabric being thrown against someone - the owner of the first voice.*

Voice 1: You damn perverted God of Fertility! That it, I’m sleeping in a different tent tonight! Dummy! Stupid, stupid ‘Nari! Just when I think you’re being sweet, Geeez.

Voice 2: Careful, Rozy-dear. People might think you happen to enjoy it.

Voice 1: AAAAAAAAH!!!! Thats it im getting changed, you, you, you!

*A loud crashing sound, followed by what seemed to be a pillow repeatedly striking someone, is heard for a time, followed by a laughter. Finally, things settle down.*

Lord Thanatos: Should we give them a moment? It seems as if they’re… in the middle of something, no?

Paramae: One does not need to know the future to know that much. It’s almost startling that Inari has kept their word at this point. I wouldn’t be surprised if one of them was not aware we are here, though.

Lord Thanatos: *Deep chuckle* Most likely. They’re that infatuated with each other it dosent dosent surprise me. Their past selves were like that, too. I won’t lie, it’s entertaining to watch.

That imbecilic, love bird, comedy act.

Paramae: Ah yes, young love….no matter how many times I witness it, it is always just as funny and absolutely adorably dorky as always. I wonder which of them might come to greet us first once they’re *ahem* ready.

*As if on cue, a disheveled  boy bursts out from the tent, screaming*

Rozious: THAT’S IT! GO TAKE A COLD SHOWER YOU MONGREL! HORNDOG!!!

Lord Thanatos: Ah.. it would appear my young shadow is our greeter this fine morning.

Rozyus: Huh? Master?  You’re here already? I was expecting...You’re quite early. Is everything…?

Lord Thanatos: *Chuckle* It would appear you and yours are enjoying yourselves, yes?

*In a panic the boy temporarily loses the ability to speak cheeks burning of the thought of how much his master over heard, moments later the kiss of pink that painted his cheeks turned into a brilliant crimson as he felt the warmth of his partner drape around him*

Inari: You do realise exactly who it is that we’re dealing with here, right? They would know, whether we were ‘vocal’ or not’

*The Child looked over at the two elder gods before inclining their head*

Inari: Greetings, Lord Thanatos, Mother. I apologize for the display. I suppose I was hoping to keep the atmosphere….light?

*Loard Thanasose cocs a n eyebrow trying to controle the grin that threatened to form, feebly attempting to smother his laughter*

Lord Thanatos: You claim to apologize, yet you’re still holding him so tightly in our presence.

*Inari offers a semi smirk which is partly hidden by Rozyus’ shoulder*

Inari: I believe there was enough of a scare last night to warrant my closeness, don’t you think? Of course, if it’s an official order to let go…?

*They speak somewhat flippantly, but there is a hint of a deeper pain in their words, obviously still affected by the helplessness they had felt the day before, however well hidden they made it*

Lord Thanatos: Hmm...no, not an order. Do with him as you will.

Rozyus: MASTER!

Inari: See? You worry too much about propriety, my love. It is somewhat funny that my culture is meant to be the more reserved. Relax. Your Master does not mind.

Rozyus: He may not ,but I do!!! Jeez, let’s at least go inside - we’re building up an audience here.

*The boy gestures over to some familiar drunken faces, a few of them have slight tears in  their eyes, but attempt to block the path of others coming towards the tent.*

*Inari looks over to them with a dull expression*

Inari: Aaaaaaaand…..I’m supposed to caaaaaare….how?

Rozyus: GEEEZ! The Great Deity, acting like this… Get Offa ME! *Struggle, struggle* Geez, why are you so damn strong!!!! *Huff huff* Damn it, I give up…

Inari: *Practically purring* Glad you see it my way. Anyway, we probably should go inside. I imagine that what we need to talk about will be a heavy subject and should not be privy to just any ears. Not to mention I imagine that Lord Thanatos and Mother have important places to be soon enough.

Mother: A shame to cut this short, but yes, it would be for the best. We have much to discuss.

Rozyus: *Sigh* Very well…

*A short time later, the boy sets down tea for the two gods, himself and the Child. The room is silent, not one soul says a word, the only sound the crackle of the fire and the faint heart beats of each of those present.*

*Eventually, however, Inari sighs and places down their tea gracefully, before speaking up, finally breaking the uncomfortable silence*

Inari: We all know this is not a social visit. May I ask that we get to the point?

Lord Thanatos: You enquired last time to know the truth...the origin of the war, and about ‘him’, correct? But, I’m afraid we can’t tell you everything quite yet. You see, this tale is quite complicated. However, we do feel that it would be in your best interest to at least enlighten you.

Paramae: We only ask that you will listen, and that if we say we cannot tell you more, you will understand. We do this for your own good. Not even other gods could truly understand the truth that only we elder gods know. Suffice to say, in time, we will tell you the full truth. We only ask for your patience until then.

Rozyus: Get on with it, before I decide to leave.

Inari: As much as I’d rather not have in fighting, Rozyus has a point. What is this ‘truth’? At least as much as we can know of it. And why is it that we’re unable to hear all of it now? Why is it hidden from the other gods as well?

Thanatos: Because, knowing too much, too quickly, would be the same as throwing a child into deep water and expecting it to swim. A difficult task at best and deadly outcome a worst. Rest assured, we will tell you the full details in time, but as for now… please, just have faith in us, as your masters, as our heros.

*Taking a deep breath, Inari nods*

Inari: Alright. Please, tell us what you can.

*The hours seem to tick by. Tea now gone cold and the expressions on both heros faces flicker from shock, to anger, to pity. The small bit of truth presented onto their lap hurt, but at the end of the god’s tale, all that was left was empathy. The Child looked up at their Master. She seemed to be attempting to compose herself. Though she had not shed a tear, her eyes were red. Biting her lips and nails digging into her balled fists. They could see the face of guilt that washed over her. It was a hard story to tell, but she told it all the same. Once her tale was done, she looked up to face their eyes...*

Paramae: I do not ask that you understand why things happened the way they did. However, can you see, at least, why this tale is not so wide spread?

Rozyus: ... Yes…

*Lord Thanatos, stood up before stretching out his hand to her, bring her to her feet as well. She seemed almost lifeless at she looked at him.*

Lord Thanatos: I believe it would be best if we break up into two i believe there are things you wish to speak with Paramae in confidence. Use one of the tents we were assigned you won't be disturbed there young one.

*Inari, who had been oddly quiet, eyes distant and expression oddly blank, nodded in understanding.*

Inari: I…..Yes, I understand. Mother and I….will have a lot we need to….to talk about.

Paramae: ...So it seems. Thanatos, I’ll leave your hero to you.

*Boths parties exchange a look before departing, the sun seemed to beat down on the two now as they made their way to the elder gods tent. As they stepped into the tent she eemed to collapse on the nearest sofer. Her once radiant skin looked pale in the ambiant light, the younger god approched her kneeling beside her and clutching her hand, she faintly squeezed back. The tears seemed endless, centuries old tears, the pain of lost love, the loss of life that had been snuffed out because of countless wars, and the guilt… the memory that haunted her till this day. *

Inari: I’m sorry…..If I could take this pain…...but…. *They take a breath and pull Paramae a little closer* To think that could have happened. It is no surprise that he was so fixated on Rozyus. *They close their eyes* ...Mother, am I partly to blame for this?

Paramae: No… he would have been after that boy one way or another… but, that is not what pains my heart the most.

*She combs her fingers through their hair, holding them tighter.*

Paramae: No matter what happens, please, I beg that you always be one with me, mind and sole…. I- I could not bare it. I lost them once, I do not want to lose you again. I was barely able to save you all last time, I-! *Gasp*

*She bite her tongue there, she forced the words to stay within her but in doing so pushed more tears out. The Child's eyes looked down art her flickering between surprise and sympathy.*

Inari: I….I can promise you that I will do my best as your Hero. There may be times we will argue. There may be times when we disagree. But I threw in my lot with you a long time ago. I’m sure that you know that you are one of the only others I care for with all my heart beyond Rozyus, whom I will always hold highest. And, even if something was to happen to me…..

*They place a hand over their heart, or rather, their soul*

Inari: Perhaps their souls before were not strong enough and shattered, but mine….I believe that, no matter what, my soul will survive. Even if it takes time, I will remain as your hero. All I ask is that you believe in me, too. As your hero, it would be wrong of me to ask you to keep your burden to yourself, mother. Allow me to help you carry it where I can.

*she sobbed once more, gripping them close again, barely audible apologies she repeated, mourning her fallen heros, each one a faded star all reborn in the Child that now towered over her. Holding the child felt like she were embracing her lost children again, what little of them that was left resided in this beeing. The thought managed to ease the pain some. And, gradually, the tears stopped. For the first time in a long while, she fell asleep peacefully. Her heart less heavy and the temporary peace was enough to ease the Child too. They carried her to her cot. Her expression looking somewhat familiar. He set her down and lay beside her. Not bothering to wrap their head around the situation, they just stared at her a while. She tossed and turned for moment, letting out a small moan, before setting into a deep slumber. The Child giggled.*

Inari: And to think that you are the ‘Mother’. You more resemble a child than I.

*Gently, they smooths her hair, their eyes softening slightly*

Inari [Inner Thoughts]: Indeed, if I didn’t know already, seeing you asleep like this, your relation to Rozyus is obvious. It would surprise me if no one had noticed before now. I’m glad that you will sleep well. I could never bare to see Rozyus’ face in pain, even if it it just one who bears resemblance to it.

Inari: Sleep well, Mother.

*They close their eyes and the world seems to flutter by.*

* Back in the Child’s tent, another conversation seemed to be be taking place.*

Rozyus: Tell Me! You’ve been stalling my progress for a while now, master, and I know you’ve been doing it on purpose! I'm sick of it! stop treating me like a child!

[END]