Chapter Text
With a satisfactory sigh, Death cut the film and shut off the camera. It was large, clunky, and finicky. It had many moving parts. Mostly internally, but the most prominent ones were the two great big spools of film that needed careful treatment. Whether it be the extra unused film, or the used film that needs to be clipped and prepared to be attached to the master film. Even with all the trouble he has to go through to make a piece of film over a small scrap, it would all be worth it in the end. He's learned from his past experiences maintaining his scrap collection.
No book is untearable. The damn thing has torn four times at this point, each time causing the cards to scatter and disappear. He only chuckles at the thought of it anymore. Sometimes wondering if he should challenge himself with specialized rules for the sake of it the next time it happens. He'd consider it more if scraps such as Reborn weren't such a pain, then maybe he'd enjoy it more.
… Then again, hunting them gives a bit of contrast for easier cards like the Balancer. They're one of the easiest. No abilities or passives to keep them safe. Not only that, but a lot of cards are pretty easy to get. Just takes a long time to hunt them. The cards that can revive themselves or others are the ones that get him the most. Who do they think they are, evading his grasp? It's against the rules of nature! Such annoyances. It's inevitable they eventually meet with him. What's the point of delaying?
Letting out a breath, he snipped out the used film and put it in a small drawer with several other snippets for later treatment. The rest of the film stayed on their reels and were shut away in one of the larger bottom drawers. The camera and its additions were placed within a large case and shut, flipping on the latches. Safe and sound from any dangers the outside could bring.
Taking out the scrapbook once more, he flipped the pages until he found the first open space. Grabbing blank paper to make the card pocket and gluing it on. After some blowing and a moment to dry, he tucked the finished extra away into the new sleeve. Can't forget to write down some notes, of course.
201. 201 scraps. He never thought there would be any more after the Grief Deities came along, but it seems he was wrong. A tad annoying with the uneven number, but oh well. Existence does as it wishes, per Fate's command. Content, he placed the book where it belonged.
Overlooking his desk, he noticed the original scrap was still where he left it. Taking it up and inspecting it. It emanated the strange, yet faintly powerful aura Horacio had.
Strange. I thought this would have disappeared by now. Are they still around? He turned away, taking the card with him as he exited.
The central pool was crowded by many figures clustered next to one another, the largest being Horacio themself. Discussions fluttered about with ease, voices loud and firm. They all were carried away by the conversation. He was undetected. Assessing the situation more, he noticed they were calling each other by different names, excluding Horacio. Sometimes they didn't, but those were likely flukes, as they corrected themselves before returning to the new names.
Approaching the group, he cleared his voice. Catching everyone's attention and drawing their eyes to look up at him. His feathers ruffled against his will while Horacio focused on him.
“Oh, hi Death!” Quies spoke up chipperly. “Want to join us in a bit of betting? You might have to wait a bit, this current one is about to end.”
As swiftly as they were raised, the feathers lowered once more. “Betting, hm? I assume there is nothing on the line.”
“Yes. But the entertainment from it is plenty for I and the rest.” Lepor said. Receiving agreements from the rest. Death nodded, giving them a grin, though his eyes read more as confused.
“So… you all seem to have taken different names now, I have noticed.”
“Horacio suggested it. They said humans don't recognize Latin very well. Is that true, sir?” Apophasis asked.
Death nodded. “Indeed. For many generations, humans have abandoned Latin as a language. By their terms, it is a dead language, meaning there is no one who is a natural speaker who uses it throughout their life. It no longer changes and grows naturally anymore. Merely studied from a distance and is partially understood.” The Grief Deities listened intently. Little mutters and hums of curiosity by the end.
He turned to Horacio, “I merely have one question… how do you know Latin? Did you study it?”
“I think so. I know I've used it to hold conversations.”
He hummed, nodding to it with a pensive expression. “Alright… Makes enough sense.” He wandered over to Horacio, kneeling beside them to hold out their scrap. They recognized the card and nodded, taking it in silence. He proceeded to wander past the pool, heading towards the forest.
Glancing behind himself, “I shall head out to search for scraps again. Anyone interested in joining?”
The Grief Deities turned to Quies. The stone with the pink halo glanced at the rest of the group, then back at Death. Silence weighing heavy on them.
Horacio tried to reach out, but Death spoke first. “You don't have to join me. I can go alone. See all of you soon… eventually.”
Quies gave a small nod. “Thank you.” And their focus returned to the chaos. Chatting amongst the others of what they observed. Curiosities they noticed and such.
Horacio continued to stare at Death as he left. A sense of foreboding sank beneath their skin hearing his last words. The others don't seem to notice anything wrong, but the sense of dread for him refused to leave.
They came to stand, stretching. “Hey, I'm gonna join Death on a little walk. I need to stretch for a bit after sitting for so long. You guys mind?”
Lepor nodded. “Carry on as you please. We shall notify the results of this game when you return.” The rest also agreed or brushed off the question.
Horacio nodded in turn, exiting the temple and easily catching up with Death, who hadn't even reached the forest just beyond the temple. His pace was sluggish, gaze shifting about, intent yet aimless. Eyes heavy with the glow in his irises dimmed.
“Hey, hold up for me!”
With a jolt, he turned to them. “Oh… you startled me. Is there something you need from me?” He said while brushing down his feathers under his cloak.
“Nope, just wanted to go on a walk with you. Sitting on stone isn't exactly comfortable after a while, you know?”
He eyed them, but nodded. Turning back in the direction he was heading before. Eyes to the ground, scanning about. Horacio joined him in the search amidst the roots.
“So… what are you looking for in specific?”
He pulled out a list. It had names written down. Not people's names, but names similar to what is put on the cards such as “The Warper”.
“I shall tell you if we manage to find one. Until then, we search. If you choose to join, that is.”
“Cool! Might as well join, since I'm here and all.”
And so, the scrap hunt began. The two remained side by side with shadow all around them. The trees swayed and howled with no wind, creaking with each little bend. Leafless branches drooping with no stars or sun to shine upon them. The void circled them, but Death's white crown kept the darkness at bay and bowed to his whim. Every now and then, he would glance at them, but always turned around before they would notice.
Every now and then, a card would appear in the corner of their vision. But as soon as they would turn to look, it would vanish. Colors came and went, piercing the dark, but never long enough.
Hiding amongst the roots, Death crouched down and picked one up. Glancing at his list.
“Ah. This one's on the list. Let us make our return.”
Horacio kneeled beside him, leaning up to look. “Oooh! What is it? What's it called? What can they do?” He reeled back at first. Then, he began to lower, holding out the card. It was a card colored a mellow dark green. The picture seemed to be two different flaming orbs cycling around with tails like comets.
“‘The Barterer’. I know this fellow from many lifetimes back. Within the cycle, she can make a trade to bring one person back to life, but at the sacrifice of another. She's lost herself through all our trades, but she still lives. Seems she's gotten herself stuck here, though.”
Horacio gazed upon the card with bright eyes. “Fascinating! Sounds like you've made deals with her before. Is that a thing you usually do, or is that something exclusive to her? Or are there others you haven't mentioned?” They looked up, but any other questions they had died in their throat.
Death was giving them a tense stare. Colder than ice. The sharp luminescence of their eyes sank beneath their skin, freezing their blood. Pinpoint pupils piercing into theirs.
“What do you want from me?” He demanded.
“Want… what? What could I possibly want?”
“I know you're hiding something.” He grasped them by the shoulder, clenching to the point they could feel his nails dig into them. “I know you want something from me. Now is the opportune time to ask.”
“I-I don't know! I think things are fine as they are now!” Shrinking under his harsh gaze, they rubbed their hands against one another.
The nails dug deeper. “Don't try to trick me. I have been around longer than humanity has. I know how mortals work. Now out with it. What is it you want? No one seeks me without desiring something in turn.”
They shut their eyes. “I don't know, man! I just wanted to go on a walk!”
His eyes narrowed. “Why?”
“I dunno…” With a thick swallow, they opened their eyes again. “Because you seemed upset? You looked pretty sad when no one wanted to come with you, so I figured ‘Hey! Why not go on a walk with Death?’ Hah…” Inhaling deeply, their heart slowed. The nails eased their pressing. Slipping away from their shoulder. “I guess it was bold of me to assume you were upset. I don't know how this deity stuff works. I especially don't know you all that well. We just met. Even with an ordinary person it would be bold…” They came to a stand, brushing themself down. “What I'm trying to say is: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bother you this much. I can leave if you want.”
The hand that dug into their shoulder reached out once more. Except it grabbed their wrist gently. Carefully. Like a delicate hourglass, vulnerable to shattering at any moment.
“No…” Death began, shifting to have a seat, voice soft and head low. “I realize now that I was… overly harsh to your behavior. It did not warrant me to grab you, or even be upset really. From what I have gathered, you came to me with an intent, but it seems I have misread what that intent was. I assumed it was meant for a trade or a deal of some kind. That you wanted to receive something from me for whatever you do by my side here. But I see that is not the case. So… I apologize for mistreating you, and assuming bad intentions.”
Horacio grinned to them. “It's cool. What caused you to think I was wanting to strike a deal or something?”
He hummed to himself, gaze turned afar. “It… was when you ran up to me. Said you only wanted a walk. I had the feeling that it was merely a set up so I would have my guard down upon asking a request. I must admit, this was a mishap on my part. Upon reflecting now, there isn't anything nefarious in the statement itself.” He let out a heavy sigh, hunching over. “How many mind games have I had to contend with? I can't recall the last truly open conversation I've had before you and the Deities of Grief… Just thinking of any more double meanings is giving me a headache.”
They came up beside him, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. “Well, that sounds rough. But I'm not going to be that way! If I ever need something, I'll just ask you. Sound good?”
Faintly, Death gave a grin back. “I would deeply appreciate such a scenario. If you trust me, that is.”
“Considering everything going on so far? I think trust will come pretty easy if things keep up. I get it if it's tough on your end. I'm sure we can work out everything with time… or whatever this place uses.” Letting him go, they walked out in front and held out a hand. “What do you say? Let's get that card back and you can get to your hobby.”
With a faltering smile, he tentatively grabbed their hand. Aided to a stand, to which he let out a sigh of relief.
“Thank you for your patience. It is relieving to find someone as compassionate as you. Now, let us-” In an instant, the scrap vanished from his hands.
Horacio blinked. “Did that… disappear?”
Death's cheeks turned a deep red, pulling on his hood to hide the heat on his face. “Eheh, yeah… They tend to do that. Happens whenever a cycle calls to them. They last longer with my presence, but my will can only go so far! Ehehe…” His bird feet scratched at the ground as his eyes flickered about.
“Okay then, let's get back to searching!” Horacio said. Death nodded, the two returning to wandering the woods. Remaining close and holding hands once more. Venturing the dreary scenery and stumbling upon more scraps, then burying the ones that were of no interest. Enjoying the calm quiet amidst the forest. So much so that neither thought to say a word. Only Horacio's gentle humming resonated.
Far up above, a star formed in the sky. The trees drooped low still, and the light was dim and small. Its glow went unnoticed. But against the eternal night, it shined ever bright.
One long walk of unknown time later, the two returned to the temple. Heading up the brief steps with long surface area. Arriving to find a recovered Apophasis and the demigods chanting for the private eye. Except Volnus. They were rooting for the killer.
“What's all the chanting about?” Death asked.
Quies snapped from their chant and noticed their arrival. “Oh! You came at a good time! This one's gotten really intense. Just look!”
As presented by the pool, it was down to three people. One blue, one red, and one yellow.
“What does yellow stand for?” Horacio asked, having a seat.
“A none role. A lot of them make up their own rules, or at least have really weird ones. Not sure who this one is supposed to be. They look nice with those colorful clothes.”
Death needed little more than a glance. “Looks like the Fool might be there. Somehow they aren't dead.” He said as he joined Horacio on the floor.
“Who do you think will win?” Quies turned to Death, a curious tinge in their voice.
“Well… The fool has a high chance of winning since both the killer and the private eye have a chance to kill them. There is also chance for a draw between everyone too and-”
“No no no, not how they can win, who do you think will win?”
His eyes flickered back to the present, turning back to the image. Focus tense, unblinking. Slowly, he reached out to touch it.
His hand was pulled away by an invisible force. “No peeking! With what you can see alone, who do you think will win?” He nodded, placing his hand to his lap. Glancing between the three.
“I will go with the murderous. The killer seems to be ready for the final blow.”
“Alright! Let's see what happens next…”
Right on time, the lights went out. The killer was moving… and the yellow figure vanished. Red fizzling out immediately afterwards.
When the light went on again, the only person remaining was the single, blue highlighted figure. The private eye stood alone. The knife embedded in another, already dead body, seemingly tossed afar at them.
“Whoops. Wrong guess. That wasn't the witness. Looks like the murderous lost.” Quies said.
Death's eyes widened, resting a hand to his chin. The majority of the demigods gave cheers, big and small. Volnus knocked the pool with the flat side of the tip, swearing to themself. The blade fragments that floated above their body flaring.
Horacio turned to Death. “So, how was that?”
“Strangely enjoyable, even if I lost. Is there any consequence for the loss?”
“Your enjoyment was the consequence! It's all we're after.” Quies stated. They turned to Horacio next. “Also, you lost the game you left on.”
“Ah, shoot. What happened?”
“First all the innocents got turned or killed, then it was a battle between the undead and the murderers. It was intense, but eventually the undead overtook the rest and took over the place.” Quies, finished with their message, returned to the other deities to begin conversing with them.
Death hummed with discontent, turning his focus back to the pool. Now cleared of any images.
Horacio leaned forward, looking up at him in the eye. “You still seem bothered.”
“I don't get it… What's the point of doing these bets? I've heard of bets with little consequence, but there's usually something on the line. If not wealth, then trinkets or baubles or even your flesh. Is this actually something else? And is it really a good idea to allow these to continue? I wouldn't want it to develop into anything bad. I just… am so confused about everything. Including me.”
They pat him on the arm. “Thinking about deals again, huh?”
He let out a light sigh. “I suppose I am. Gods, all the mind games have had more effect than I anticipated.”
“If it helps, I have a few words to give. There's nothing too wild going on with these bets. I've done several, it's all in good fun. Just putting a new spin on a tired, old experience. Sure, we're stuck, but a little change makes it easier. A sort of ‘make do with what you have’ mindset going on.”
He turned his focus upwards, pressing a hand to his chin, tugging on his skin. Eyes glossy with everything and nothing all at once.
Finally, he turned to them. “You make a firm point. I have passed it by many times in the past. Perhaps I haven't given it a fair chance. I could give it a chance for myself.” Hiracio nodded and gestured to follow, Death obeying the signal.
“Hey, got any plans for more bets?” They asked the group as they approached.
“Oh yes! Seems we all have a bit of a fervor in this session! Interested in joining as well, Horacio?” Lepor said with an eager shiver.
They nodded, then turned to Death. He perked, noticing his cue and clearing his throat. Attention drawn to him.
His voice clung to his throat a second. “Uh, greetings. Perhaps… I could join as well?”
Stunned silence. He really disliked this silence. Or really any awkward pause whenever he said anything. Always made him-
“Yes! Yes yes yes, of course you can!” Quies said. They turned to Apophasis, whispering very loudly. “I'm so glad I took your advice! It worked like a charm!”
His chest warmed from the words. He tried not to let it show.
Horacio and Death took a seat near the group, sitting next to one another. Horacio sitting beside the young deities to converse with them some more, while Death remained quiet. Twiddling with his thumbs.
The anxious bubbling in him ended as soon as the pool rippled again. Images appearing once more. Speculation took prominence in the conversations, recognizing and wondering about who the guests are this time.
“Looks more classic this time. I don't see any hungry or undead this time.” Lepor noted.
Horacio squinted at them. “You sure? Some of them have a bit of an awkward gait, and one has a cloak hiding most of their head.”
“The person in the cloak is the Bone King. I recognize them pretty well from previous cycles. Quite memorable to witness, I must say. So much mystery around them…”
After an all too quiet moment, he risked a glanced. Everyone stared at him with eagerness resonating.
“What?” He said as he pulled his hood over his face.
“I never noticed it was the Bone King. You're really good at spotting differences between people.” Quies said.
“How can you tell it's the Bone King? He's hiding his crown…” Demissio asked.
Letting go of his hood, he turned to the waters. Pointing to the cloaked figure. “I can tell from the stitchery on the cloak and hood. They're embroidered with old symbols; magic sigils if one searches hard enough. They're likely to maintain a human form. I'm not entirely sure though. I have yet to fully know of the crown’s full power and its origins.”
“You're very knowledgeable.” Horacio began, shifting a leg to rest their arms and head on it. Looking up with an enamored grin. “What else do you know about them? Who is the Bone King?” The demigods joined them and crowded around him. Silently gazing up at him with implied eyes.
He cleared his voice, straightening his cloak. “Well, I can give all I can. The Bone King is not actually the person itself. It is merely the artifact - made during a bygone age - possessing someone. The body serves as a vessel for the artifact to utilize its power to control both the dead and the undead, preventing revivals and turnings alike. The most bizarre part of it is that I've never heard of a Bone King… ever. Not a single instance of such a person have I ever heard or seen. Not even a single word. He just kind of… showed up here. The artifact just does what it does for whatever reason.”
The demigods murmured in intrigue. Muttering to one another with imaginations livened.
“Fascinating! I never noticed the Bone King until now, and now I kinda wish I did! It would have been neat to go up to him and just… talk.” Horacio thought aloud.
Death chuckled. “I doubt you would have gotten anything of value from him. Everyone is secretive in these games. If you had an immense and potentially forbidden power, would you tell anyone?”
“Fair point. Still interesting to know. Fascinating how so many unique folks show up here…”
He turned back to the cycle shown in the waters. “It is, isn't it? ‘Tis quite the mystery…”
Horacio nodded. The whole group joined him and made their choice. Asking him of the various people there, who he recognized, what sort of differences…
Horacio spoke up from a single thought sparking. “Wait, you want a nickname of some kind? The others have a nickname in case we head down to join the living. I think I have a few words that could work if you'd like.”
Awkward murmurs and mumbles broke out through the quintet. Even Death shifted with discomfort. All the while Horacio looked around with confusion. Anxiety rising.
“He doesn't really join us…” Demissio confessed.
“Yeah. He says there's not much point for him to go down there. Endless time loop and all that. The sissy.” Volnus said.
“Really?” Horacio said, turning to Death. “Care to explain?”
Tugging on his hood, “I just… don't really prefer going down there. Any attempts to change the circumstances are pointless. It's especially pointless now without a weapon to use. I just don't see any benefit in joining…”
“Oh… well, even if you don't join, maybe a nickname would be nice to have anyway?”
He turned his focus into the distance. Light dancing in his eyes.
He shook his head, glow dimming. “No… It won't be good in the long term. It is inevitable that, at some point, I will have to reap you once the death cycle ends. It just makes it too… difficult…”
“Will we even find a way to escape this though…?” Demissio asked.
“No, we surely will! We simply have to keep searching.” Apophasis retorted.
Horacio placed a hand over Death's, drawing his eyes to theirs. “I get it. You don't want us to get personal in case I use it against you. Mortals tend to get pretty scared about death. No mortal knows what happens afterwards. Not really. They don't want to lose themselves.
But, if you truly want to go with a nickname, I can promise to never use it, along with anything we do together, against you. When my time comes, my time comes. I will welcome you as Death. Does that sound alright?”
He let out a low hum, staring deep into their eyes. After a long, tense moment, he let out a sigh with his shoulders lowering.
“I appreciate the offer. I… I shall take on a nickname if it helps you feel more comfortable, Horacio. No need to bring a new one. I already have one. From a long time back.”
Quies raised themself. “You don't have to use that one-” A hand halted them.
“At ease. This is my personal choice. As much as it carries a heavy weight on me, I can only see myself being burdened more by taking a new one.” Turning back to Horacio, he straightened his cloak. “Most know me as Death. But you may call me… Obitus.”
Horacio smiled. “Huh… Funny. Obitus was the first idea I had. It fits you really well.”
He turned his head away and pulled his hood further down. But Horacio caught a glimpse of a red blush and raised lips.
Amidst the silence, casual conversations bubbled up again. Drawing Obitus from hiding while everyone was intent on the current cycle. Slowly, his voice came out of hiding. Catching the interest of the others. But in time, they adjusted to him joining. Even if his contributions were brief.
How the night shined.