Rozyus: Stupid Master! Stupid elder Gods, always forcing your ‘Choices’ onto the rest of us. I hate you, dummy! Stupid uncle, I hate you the most! Apologizing now, it’s unfair! How-how could I not forgive now? *Hick hick*
*Gently, Thanatos wrapped the boy up in his embrace, resting his head on top of Rozyus’*
Lord Thanatos: I’m afraid that is something that is both a gift and a curse to all sentient beings, my child. Though you know that, had I forced you in any way, you, with your strong spirit, would never allow yourself to be chained. It is, after all, why I chose you in the first place. You have a soul that will never be tamed. One that can soar the skies. No, I could never have forced you do do anything. In my case, at least, I offer you choice because I love you, silly niece of mine.
Rozyus: *Sob sob* Stupid Uncle.
--- Inari’s Tent, Main Camp ---
*Morning has broken back at the camp, and with it, stirred Inari. However, as they wake, they realised something was….off. After all, they had fallen asleep with Rozyus by their side, but when they opened their eyes, there was no one in the bed with them, and the coldness of the sheets beside them indicated they had actually not been there at all that night. Panicking, Inari sat up quickly, looking for any sign of the other, but Rozyus wasn’t there at all. Though they did spot his sleep clothes draped over a chair by the desk, and a cursory glance found the better of the clothing that Rozyus had brought with him was also missing. It looked like, wherever they had gone, it was of their own will. Had Thanatos taken him for some kind of training? ….It seemed unlikely, when one considered the clothes taken with him. They had seemed far too good a quality to have been used for simple training - borderline too good for the battlefield, even. No…..it was more likely something to do with that odd visitor they had yesterday who had delivered that letter, the one that Rozyus had seemed so angry about receiving, but had hidden from him. Had he been threatened to go somewhere alone?*
Inari [Inner thoughts]: Get a hold of yourself. If there’s something wrong like that, then panicking is the worst thing you can do. There are plenty of people here who have abilities to know if something was a threat like that. They had all reacted so quickly when He had attacked in Rozyus’ dream, but there was nothing this time. Either that means it was not a threat that drew him away, or, if it was a threat, it wasn’t one that was physically harming him. It could even be exactly as Rozyus had said, that there was someone with information. Just because you don’t want to meet someone doesn’t mean they don’t have uses. Rozyus has always been good at finding uses for things in unexpected places after all. Still….
*They quickly dressed, drawing their hair into a rough ponytail for now - they could improve on it later, once they were absolutely sure that they had time to fuss about their appearances*
Inari [Inner thoughts]: If this is something to do with Him, or even just some kind of threat towards Rozyus that I’m not even aware of, something that started while I was on my mission, then surely either Thanatos or Parame will have some form of inkling. If I start with either of them, then I’ll know if this is something I need to help with, or something I just need to trust Rozyus with. He’s a strong god in his own right, after all, but even a strong god needs back up sometimes.
*They paused, trying to sense where either Elder god might be. Thanatos was always the hardest to find, able to completely hide his presence most of the time, but Parame was connected to them in a way. She was their master, after all, and, unlike Thanatos, didn’t seem to be just another shadow in the background. It seemed that she was in the tent that she was sharing with the other Elder god. That in mind, they quickly made their way through the camp with purposeful strides and barely stopped to ring the bell, announcing their presence, before poking their head inside.
Inari: Mother? Are you free to speak to? It’s somewhat urgent.
*The elder god seemed to foresee their arrival and was already done with a previous ‘conversation’. She
was lounging on one of the luxurious sofas, sipping a glass of divine liquor, despite the early hour.*
Parame: Of course, my sweet child come forth.
*Glad that they wouldn’t be forced to try to wake the goddess up - who was as difficult to wake as Rozyus at times - Inari quickly enters the tent and sits in seiza before her*
Inari: I’m unsure if you’re aware, but it would seem that at some point last night, Rozyus left without waking me. It seemed to be of their own fruition, though. At the very least he has time to change and left nothing in disorganization. I have a distinct feeling it involves a letter that he received from a villager yesterday. He seemed….almost angry or frustrated about it, and refused to let anyone see it. I was hoping that you might tell me if this was something that threatened Rozyus, if he might need back up in some way, or if this, in and of itself, is a test that the Elder Gods feel is needed for him?
*She looked at the younger deity before her, memories of a previous discussion with the four gods floated through her mind as she demolished the contents of her glass before filling it up once more with the remainder of the divine liquor’s container. Waving her hand showing an illusion of a game board in front of her, the goddess chose her words carefully she spoke.*
Parame: Little one… do you know what this is? I believe you have seen it multiple times throughout your life whenever you return to my temple, no?
Inari: Ah, yes. I remember thinking that it resembled Shougi, or something like ‘chess’ that gods of other pantheons have tried to teach me, yet at the same time it resembles neither. I believe you didn’t tell me the first time I asked, as I, at the time, was still too young. The subject never came up again after that.
Parame: Then I will begin by reiterating: this is a game of Nothing, Choice and Destiny. There are three players in this game: two command armies and the other mediates. Theses pieces represent the souls of those in our employ.
*She picks up a piece, presenting it to Inari, as if to convey her point*
Parame: There are some, like you, who have chosen a side, and then there are those who walk a fine line between the two, too rebellious to immediately pick a side without examining the whole picture. They only hold faith in what they see with their own eyes.
*She sighs, looking down at her glass, the golden liquid glimmered with a slight pink glow as she placed candied petals in the glass to sweeten the taste.*
Prame: Oh, how I do love that boy of mine, but his nature is some what like… like ‘him’ and that what make his choice so dangerous. The six prime pieces are so important. All it takes is four of the pieces to move to the other side of the board… and the ‘fate’ of that round will be decided. It a terrible cycle, truly. One that must be broken soon, before more lives are lost. In our last round, I lost you, because of his underhanded move. But it was caught out by the mediator before You could be truly seduced by his charm.
But I’m afraid that boy may not be so lucky… saying that though I may lay out the rods that one may walk down. It is ultimately up to the individual to chose their path before the threads are intertwined. Very soon that boy will make his choice. And to what will be the repercussions. Will you stand by him? Will the guilt consume him will he have the strength to walk down that path. Or will he path another path. To get the result that he longs for? Tuly the anticipation is vexing.
*For a moment, Inari remains quiet, considering her words. She would not have brought up this game for no reason. Rather, she was essentially telling them that the letter, and the reason Rozyus vanished during the night, was very likely to do with this ‘Game’. If they thought about it, they could already guess who must be who as the players: surely the two competing must be ‘Him’ and Parame herself - they were the leaders of this war after all. The Mediator….was very likely Lord Thanatos. As death, surely he must remain somewhat neutral, even if, in this case, he appeared to be helping Parame. No other gods they could think of fit, only those they consider Elders.
For a moment, they did feel a flash of anger - after all, actual lives were at stake here, yet they were being played as a game, as if they were all pawns rather than people, gods or mortals alike. However they quickly squashed the anger with reason. A game it might be to them, however they didn’t have to see it as a game and could do their best to bring it to an end, so that this ‘game’ could never be played again. But either way, what Inari cared about the most was Rozyus. They certainly didn’t want Rozyus to pay the price because of a game being played. They didn’t want Rozyus’ heart to be torn because of a game.*
*Closing their eyes, they took a few deep breaths, before slowly letting it out once more. If they were going to do anything, they couldn’t act on pure emotion, but it must be tempered with calmness, observation and tactics.*
Inari [Inner Thoughts]: Treat it like steel. Treat it like forging a blade, the way you aided in forging Kogitsunemaru. Temper the flames, do not let them go out of control, and the results will create a far finer sword. In this case, haste because of blazing emotion will only serve to burn everything around you. If what I remember from what Parame revealed about my last incarnations was correct, the reason that I was so lost to an underhanded move was because I was also lost to emotion, and in doing so, I burned myself to ashes through hasty choice. This is something I can’t do here, not if I wish to help stop this game from ever being played again. Acting rashly will only result in yet another turn of the game.
*Bowing their head, they took one last breath, letting it out slowly once more, before opening their eyes once more*
Inari: I believe that distrusting him, that chaining him in any way will only push Rozyus away. Have you not seen it for yourself when you chose to send me on my mission? Because you pushed and pushed at him when he denied you, he pushed back in turn, resulting in the broken relationship between you. Rushing him will also not help.
*They place their hand over their heart*
Inari: For me, I feel that they are like their master in the fact that they both are not people who can be simply tied to a cause. I feel that, if one side is truly correct, they will chose that side, but only in their own time, if they chose a side at all *They smile gently* Ah, but my love is very headstrong. If neither side is correct, I think they will find a new path, not dictated by a game, by rules, or by tradition. In that case, what I will do is trust him. I believe that he could very well be what finally puts an end to a game where so many must die for the sake of the will of three. Yes, I believe that, what will happen, is that something that none of you can predict will happen.
*They offer a grin*
Inari: Yes, If you are destiny, and Lord Thanatos is Nothingness, and He is choice, then Rozyus is chaos and will create a path that none of you have ever seen. He will be a Wild Card in this game. I know this, deep down, heart and soul.
Parame: *Chuckle* A Wild Card, huh? Well, we may have to forge another ‘game’ with more players at the helm… I believe that the next few cycles will be interesting indeed - we might just be able to finally end this. Besides, your wife has finished her little waterworks and I think… she's almost ready to decide. They’re at the front gate, if you care to go.
*Barely taking time to even bow politely, Inari was up and out of the tent like a whirlwind. It wasn’t hard to find them - the two were not hiding near the gate at all, but out in the open. Since there was no one really around to notice them, the Master and Hero were undisturbed. Rozyus seemed as though he was upset, but calming down now, wrapped up in death’s calm embrace. Carefully, Inari slowed to walking pace, not wanting to startle them. It wouldn’t help to keep the soothing atmosphere if Inari burst in like the camp was on fire. Instead, they stepped forwards, making sure to create enough sound in his step as warning of their approach.*
Lord Thanatos: I’m afraid that is something that is both a gift and a curse to all sentient beings, my child. Though you know that, had I forced you in any way, you, with your strong spirit, would never allow yourself to be chained. It is, after all, why I chose you in the first place. You have a soul that will never be tamed. One that can soar the skies. No, I could never have forced you do do anything. In my case, at least, I offer you choice because I love you, silly niece of mine.
Rozyus: *Sob sob* Stupid Uncle.
Lord Thanatos: I feel like the most fitting person to comfort you is you lover. If you cry any longer, I feel that they might begin to resent me, so run along now.
*The Boy looked up for his Master's arms, slightly shocked to see such an early rise from his lover. Had they known the reason for the his absence? Their expression was unreadable as they strode up to the boy, peeling him away from his master and hoisting him over the shoulder. Offering a quick nod to the Boy’s master, he strolled over to his tent once more.*
Inari: It is far too early for anyone to be causing you any form of distress. Not to mention you look as though you’re about to keel over from exhaustion. So, I believe it is my duty to nest you in my tent and lavish you with affection until the tears flee. I think I’m due a few snuggles, don’t you like, my love?
Rozyus: ... My love you are far too good to me… if you knew…. If you knew where I was you would… you would-
Inari: I think what I would and wouldn’t do is up to me. But what I would do, is believe in you, because you are the one I trust with all my heart. And what I would do, is know that what you did or did not do was for a good reason, because that is who and what you have always been. So, what I think I would do, is, rather than condemn you as you seem to be thinking, is instead say ‘Welcome home’.
*With tears filling his eyes once more, all the boy could muster was the Child’s name over and over again*
Rozyus: ‘Narie… ’Narie… ‘Narie!
*Nuzzling their head against their side comfortingly, they continued to carry Rozyus pack to the tent, where they gently placed the boy on the bed and sat beside him, pulling him into his embrace, whispering soothing sweet nothings into his ear and allowing Rozyus the time and comfort he needed. No matter what, Inari hoped that even just this would help to give Rozyus just a little more peace of mind. Game or no game, Inari loved Rozyus, and if they could help him in only this small way, then Inari would be content.*
Rozyus: My love? I-I believe it’s only right that you should know first… I don’t blame ‘Him’ for the actions he took - to be honest, I sympathise with his way of thinking...But! I don’t agree with what he’s done, what he’s continuing to do. So...I want to stop him. Though I will continue on his work, but in a more humane way. It wouldn't be hard to train the next generation. Persuading the older generation would be the hard part. I know I sound like a traitor, but honestly, I feel this is right.
Rozyus & Echoed Voice: Something drastic needs to happen to bring about change for the better. I don’t want to hurt anyone. I don't want to see innocence suffer. I know there will always be collateral in terms of war, but... We must do this. If only for the sake of the braking the cycle. I know I can do it. Will you stand by me?
*Carefully sitting back, Inari takes both of his hands, searching the boy’s eyes for a long moment, before nodding.*
Inari: Wanting the world to change for the better is not, in and of itself, a traitorous act. Even as Mother’s Hero, I know that the world is not a perfect place. If there was nothing wrong at all, why would there be war? Why would there be discrimination, or hate, or pain? What would have been a traitorous act would have been if you had wanted to destroy everyone. There is so many good things in this world, love, friendship, family, faith and hope. So long as those traits can be protected, I think that people can learn to change and adapt. That is, after all, what humans do best. And something I feel even gods should learn to do at times. Immortal as we are, we are not infallible. We, too, are prone to mistakes.
*Reaching up, they gently brush aside Rozyus’ hair.*
Inari: What I feel is that, so long as time is there, so long as their are those who might fight for the good of this world, and to show a path, one better than war or unnecessary deaths….well, I believe that it might be a step, a true step, in a far better future.
*They offer a bright smile*
Inari: You have always been a light to me in the darkness. Who’s to say that you can’t also be a light to everyone else? If it’s you….then I believe in you.
*Sniffing slightly, The Boy looks up at The Child*
Rozyus: You believe in me too much. I’m only one girl. Besides, if anything you were the one to pull me from the darkness. I would have more than likely become something more attune to a god of destruction if not for your love, to guide me back to the light.
Inari: Ah, but that is the thing, my love. You will not be alone. I know that there would be many who believe in your ideal, who wish for, not the destruction of the world to start anew, but for their loved ones to growing a world where they never have to worry about pain or war or cruelty. And I know that I would also want to help to bring such a cycle to an end. I want us both to live in a world where no war will separate us again. You will never be alone. Let us instead be a light to each other. If one were to despair, the other will give hope. If one was to fall, the other will be there to carry them on. And if we work together to stop this war, then we can bring about a future we can all be proud of. You are determined, the most determined person that I know. I think that, with people who back you, that you can do anything. I wish for your future, too.
*The Boy clung close to The Child, listening to their melodic heart beat. It relaxed him some.*
Rozyus: I won’t cry anymore…. Not until this is over. I have to be strong now, stronger than those three. If I want this to end peacefully I need to be one of the players at their table. So so, this is my resolve.
Inari: Then, know that, if you ever need to lean on me, you can come to me. If you need strength, I will stand with you. One day, we’ll be able to finish this, once and for all.
*Meanwhile, in another location, three shadows stand around a board. Indeed, the board was the true version of the hologram that Parame had shown to Inari earlier. Each of them was looking at the locations of each piece - or rather, the location of a specific piece in particular.*
Voice 1: Hm….This is certainly new. I didn’t think it could happen, but….
Voice 2: It seems they finally made their choice.
Voice 3: Saying that, I think it would be BEST if you stop manipulating them, don't you think? I believe we should just be spectators for a time, don't you think?
Voice 2: *Laughing* Right now, this is something unprecedented. It must erk you so. Still, of all the choices they could have made…..this is so much more interesting.
Voice 1: So it’s decided that there will be no further tampering with them?
Voice 2: For now. I want to see if they can pull off what they say. What about you? Can you avoid sticking your own fingers where they don’t belong?
Voice 3: Screw you. I’ll have you know I’ve rarely had input in there path unless necessary.
Voice 2: Ah, there’s that word. ‘Necessary’. Who knows what you feel is ‘necessary’.
Voice 3: Huh. you sound like you know better when your level of judgment is on par with mine.
Voice 2: Ah, but there is a difference. I know when I am being hypocritical. Can you say the same?
Voice 3: Don’t test my patience, of course I do bastard. So unless the next thing to come out of your mouth is something intelligent I suggest you be a good debate and zip it!
Voice 2: You would almost think I struck a nerve.
Voice 1: Enough, both of you. Now, it has been decided. The rules have changed. This piece is one that neither side can manipulate. Should they choose by their own volition to be swayed to either side, only then may either of you truly interfere with them. Until then, that boy is off limits. Are we all in agreement?
Voice 2&3: Understood.
[END]
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