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The Goddess of Life and the God of Death, two powerful beings appointed with this world, were called to the universal court to present their newest creations. Life, brought her beloved angel, Ashido Mina, who she created to rule all beings of earth and keep balance to the purity and goodness within it. Death, brought his most prized devil, Kirishima Eijirou, who he made to also rule all beings of earth, but maintain balance between the evil and chaos.
Once the universe was happy with their creations, Life and Death were given permission to bestow upon earth, the angel and devil. Even Love and Birth allowed their fellow deities to maintain a world of their own, not bothering to create something to walk earth with the two. Kirishima and Ashido were cast off to earth as mere light, ready to serve and protect each of their distinct areas, and the two makers watched in awe from the distance as the beings unfolded.
What the court was not aware of, was that Life and Death had fallen in love with each other many, many aeons ago, even though they knew that they were forbidden. So Kirishima and Ashido were made in spite of their fate. The two deceived the universal court, using the angel and devil as their own props and attempts at love.
Sadly, the secret was let out early on in the angel and devil’s life. One morning, when Love came to criticize the establishment of the twos creations, she stumbled upon the two deities mingling with each other; Lollygagging and creating things as a pair and not as their distinct rulings. This was not balance; this was not just.
The court was infuriated at the news, then ordering that Ashido and Kirishima never meet, for if they do—and dare they become more than acquaintances, dare they love each other—their closeness will obliterate this new world, punishing the two creators and banishing them from ever seeing each other for the rest of eternity.
A spell was put upon Kirishima and Ashido, wherein they would be unable to see the other’s creator. So whenever Life gets too close to Kirishima, or Death gets too close to Ashido, they seemingly dissolve in thin air. This was put in place to keep the deities from interfering with their creations’ bond. If they do get close, that is a consequence Life and Death will have to deal with.
The other goddesses, Love and Birth, were then assigned to keep an eye on Life and Death. They did not create their own beings still, but they were always around. They seemed to be everywhere, but nowhere all at once, and it made every day dreadful for the poor star crossed lovers.
Death told Kirishima, when he was four years old and bubbling with curiosity, “Never fall in love, for love is the most destructive thing in this world.”
And Life told Ashido, tears streaming down her face when the innocent angel asked what love was, “Do not fall for him, my precious Mina. I beg you to never fall for him.”
The children were perplexed.
Fall in love? Kirishima wondered, moping around the underworld.
Fall for him? Ashido questioned, flying amongst the clouds.
Little did they know
~~~
At ten years old, there was a boom in population. Socio-economic classes were meshing, the humans were spreading too quickly, and sickness was at its peak. Ashido was disheveled, flying around day in and day out, trying to manage on her own but she couldn’t. There was too much chaos, too much burden, this was not her realm to deal with.
Kirishima was rebellious, telling Death he wanted more than looking for evil and nitpicking chaotic events that ensued around him. He would only achieve half of his duties, leaving the rest to swell and overflow. He didn’t want this, he was ready to go out into the world and see what else it had to offer, and Death couldn’t restrain him any longer.
Kirishima crept past the gates, up into the shrubbery and out into the light. His eyes adjusted and he heaved a sigh, soaking in the green and blue hues around him. He heard bird song he had only ever been told about from Death, and saw flowers colored in more ways than he imagined.
Kicking a pebble nearby, he started his trek into Ashido’s territory, unaware of her existence and wondering why Death never let him explore. What harm could he do? He just wanted to look at things, he would never fall.
Rounding a bush, he grabbed a twig off the dirt beneath him, snapping it into tiny bits till he scattered them along his way. He mimicked the birdsong, watching in awe at the small beings fluttering around him, swooping and gliding. He saw two, one red and one pink.
“Death, what color is that? It almost looks the color of my hair.” He asked his maker, sure that he’d be listening.
“That...is pink.”
“What a silly color, did you create that?”
“I did not. The Goddess of Birth did.”
“Why would we need that color? What is its purpose?”
“It merely exists Kirishima, just like the color of the sky, or the ground below.”
“Do all beings get to see that color?”
“Most do, not all.” Suddenly, a light gust of wind hit the devil, alerting him that something—or someone—was nearby. The loud flap of wings was heard, followed by a small ‘thud’ deeper into the forest.
“What was that?” The young devil asked aloud, rushing off in the direction of the source.
“Eijirou!” Death called after him, suddenly vanishing and leaving Kirishima to fend for himself.
What Kirishima saw was white...and pink. There were large wings with white feathers atop a small, pink build. He was astounded! What on earth was this?
“Who’s there?” Ashido squeaked, a twig snapping under Kirishima’s foot as he made his way towards her with caution. When she turned to face him, his eyes widened and his heart fluttered.
“What are you?” He found himself asking, pushing his way out of the foliage and under the sunlight. Ashido gasped, jumping back and almost taking flight until he put a hand out to her, silently asking her to stay.
“Y-You’re…” They stared at each other, their jaws slack and their minds whirling with questions. Ashido was frazzled; this being was handsome. He was peculiar but alluring, his crimson eyes hypnotizing.
Before either of them could process the events unfolding between them, they both spoke each other’s words,
“It’s you.”
~~~~
Years passed and Kirishima and Ashido became close friends. He would give her an update on the underworld, and she would tell him about the life above. Every morning they would find each other in the forest, constantly scolded and chastised by their makers, but not giving a second thought.
They were both harmless for one another, weren’t they? They just coexisted on earth and it’s not like anybody was doing any falling?
Except Kirishima sometimes; falling out of a tree trying to catch the beautiful angel as she flew around, or tripping and falling over a log he thought he cleared. He was rather clumsy.
Or on the rare occasion Ashido also falling out of a tree because she’s laughing so hard and the branch beneath her snaps, or when she’s so exhausted she seemingly falls back onto the ground, unable to keep flight.
That’s all the falling they ever did! Harmless and innocent.
Kirishima didn’t even understand how you could “fall” in love. Why would somebody let themselves fall? That’s quite silly. When you fall, you get hurt!
And Ashido couldn’t see herself “falling” for anyone. What does falling have to do with love?
They were naive and young. The concept of a feeling that they were never supposed to feel, was never grasped simply because Love would not allow it.
But one day, Love spotted the two together by a lake in a hidden cave. She approached them both, asking them what their biggest wish was. She said,
“I will grant you one wish, but never tell your makers.”
The kids were ecstatic. Oh! A wish!
“I want to fall in love!” Eijirou said proudly, and Mina squealed next to him.
“Me too! Me too! How do you do that?” Their excitement made the goddess chuckle. So innocent, so pure…. but they were asking so much.
“I will allow you to fall in love, on one condition. Do you remember what that condition is?”
“Never tell Death.” The devil huffed, putting his hand up to make a pinky promise—Mina taught him this.
“Never tell Life!”
“Good. Now give me your hands.” The two children did so, smiling at each other with wide eyes. The three of them stood there for a second, a glowing light emitted from Love’s palms and onto their own.
“That’s it?” Mina asked once she pulled away.
“I don’t get it.” Eijirou grumbled, folding his arms.
“Just wait, dear children. All will come to those who wait.”
So they waited, for days, weeks, not really understanding what Love meant; what love meant.
Mina only ever heard the humans talk about it whenever there were couples together, or families hugging each other goodbye. She only ever saw mother’s kissing their children on the head, saying they loved them very much.
Was that all? Could Mina go over to a cat and say she loved it and that was all? That was experiencing love? It couldn’t be! There had to be more! There had to be more, she was certain. Those in love always had a partner, so she had to find one and fall?
Kirishima was even further from understanding it. He only ever saw humans say it on their deathbeds. He saw families crying and shouting ‘I love you’ when somebody they “love” is being taken away. That was all to him. That was what love was. Did humans fall into that?
~~~~
Well into their teenage years, Eijirou and Mina were maintaining the balance of earth very harmoniously. Life and Death were proud; their creations were amazing and hadn’t caused any type of destruction yet, even after being friends for so long.
The God and Goddess were no longer worried. If they heard about their little creation spending time with the other, they barely bat a lash.
But one day Mina came back to the heavens, a little confused and her face flushed.
“What is it, my dear child?”
“My stomach is upset. I was hanging out with Eijirou in the field just outside barren land—you know, the field I practiced flying?”
“I’m aware of that field, continue.” Mina nodded and sat on the nearest cloud, her lips pulled into a tight line.
“Eijirou said he was getting hot, so he took his shirt off—and it wasn’t the first time I had seen him topless!! But something—my stomach—it churned. Or no, it erupted. With… I can’t place it!”
“Were you angry at him?”
“Heavens no! I was laughing! I laughed the whole rest of the day for no reason? It was like I lost control! Everything he said was so funny to me! But he wasn’t even trying to make jokes!” The angel threw her hands up in frustration and fell back onto the cloud, shutting her eyes.
“Maybe you’re coming down with a cold.” Life appeared before her, placing the back of her hand on Mina’s forehead.
“It’s not that. I know I have been in good health, why would I possibly get sick? In the summer of all times!”
“Unfortunately, I am the one to blame a phenomenon like that.” Life giggled, brushing back Mina’s bangs and kissing her forehead.
“I know it isn’t an illness. It’s like…” The angel trailed off, falling into the comfort of Life’s touch and sighing a little.
“It’s okay child, you’ll be okay. Maybe young Eijirou was pulling a prank on you. Or you drank out of the wrong spring.”
“A cloud!” Mina sat upright, snapping her fingers and twisting her upper body to look back at her creator, “It’s like a cloud! When I saw him like that I felt so weightless! I wasn’t even flying, but dear goddess I was so light and up in the air! My body was just - just overwhelmed and yet I had no worry in the world! I could barely….” The angel’s words were drowned out by Life’s own emotions.
How is that possible!? She could never feel that! She wasn’t ever supposed to feel that!
“Ashido, I must excuse myself for a second. Please look after the pool.” Said girl stopped her rambling and nodded hesitantly. Her maker then vanished and headed for the court, rampaging in, in search of her sister.
“Life? Control yourself, you look a mess!” Birth teased her once she entered the room.
“Where is Goddess Love?”
“Why do you search for her? You’re forbidd -“
“Forbidden from ever making deals with her, I know.”
“She’s on earth. Probably admiring the beauty of those humans Ashido maintains so well.”
“I must find her.”
“Do as you wish. I’m not stopping you, sister.” The goddess vanished once more, floating through many towns and villages, peeking in on chapels and skyscrapers. She must find her sister. She must.
~~~~
It had been days since Ashido had her talk with Life, and ever since then, she’s been more closed off. This was unlike the goddess; the goddess of Life was always cheerful and smiling.
The angel took this issue up with Eijirou. Meeting him at a park in a very populated city. They both shapeshifted into wingless and hornless versions of themselves, clad in civilian attire and whispering amongst themselves. Mina made herself a slight tan color, her hair still pink as ever, and her eyes a very pale brown. Eijirou changed his hair to black, and instead of it being spiked up he let it lay flat on his head. His skin was also a light tan like the angel’s, and his eyes a deep, deep brown.
“What did you say to end the conversation?” Eijirou quirked his head to the side as he spoke.
“I was talking about a feeling.” Mina shrugged, stuffing her hands into the pocket of her hoodie.
“And what feeling was that?”
“This weightless feeling. Like I was on a cloud.”
“Were you sitting on a cloud?” Eijirou chuckled, watching as a couple chased each other around the playground.
“Indeed I was. But that’s beyond the point!”
“Okay, lead me back to said point.”
“Why would Life be so kept to herself because of cloud talk?”
“Mm,” Eijirou pursed his lips and then shook his head, “I couldn’t tell you Mina. She might be going through something with the court. You never know.”
“Does Death ever speak about the goddesses?”
“No. Not that I’m aware. He keeps to himself; doesn’t like to mingle with the ‘giggling folk’—as he would say.”
“Giggling folk… Does that make me giggling folk Ei?” Mina bat her eyelashes dramatically and the devil laughed, admiring her expression.
“Well you do giggle a lot…”
“Hey!”
“I’m joking. I don’t consider you this ‘giggle folk’. You’re just Ashido Mina.”
“‘Just’ Ashido Mina? What’s that supposed to mean?” The pink-haired girl teased, staring at her friend mischievously.
“It’s not meant to mean much.”
“I don’t mean much!?”
“No!”
“‘No’!?”
“No! I mean -“ Kirishima boomed with laughter, unable to respond to her shocked and hurt expression, “Mina you mean a lot to me!”
“Behind you!” A runner brushed past the couple and Eijirou jumped to the side, pulling Mina out of the way but then tumbling backwards.
They both fall to the hard cement beneath them and Eijirou lies on the ground, the wind absolutely knocked out of him. Mina struggles to get up, pushing her upper body off of him and examining his face for any sign of injury.
“Are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere? You hit your head pretty hard, is it okay?” Eijirou blinks up at her, the sun casting the perfect shadow on her face, highlighting the contours of her cheeks and nose. He almost feels his heart squeeze.
Wait what?
“Ei? Can you hear me? Earth to Ei??” Mina rolls off of him and waves a hand frantically across his face.
“I - Wou - Yes! Sorry. I’m…. Ow.” The pain surges up to his temples and he grimaces as he tries to push himself up into a sitting position.
“Are you two alright?” The couple from earlier rushes towards them and helps both of them to their feet.
“We are...quite alright.” Kirishima glances at the angel in disguise and can’t seem to stop the smile that spreads across his face.
“Wow I love your hair! You two are so cute!” The woman shrieks, bouncing excitedly.
“Oh, thank you!”
“How long have you been together?”
“Together?? Oh…. Uh…” Mina looks at Eijirou and they exchange confused glances.
“Are you two not -“ The male motions between the two teenagers and then laughed a bit, “Sorry, we just assumed you two were another young couple in love!”
They both froze. In love? Them? That’s what it looks like?
Were they in love?
~~~~
Kirishima and Ashido’s relationship shifted after that. They weren’t uncomfortable with the idea, rather they were pretty delighted. At this point in time they were like best friends, and Mina always heard about love stories between best friends!
They continued to act the same, meeting a little more than usual, but it didn’t cause any harm to the world—or so they thought.
The court had said, if Ashido and Kirishima get close, it will bring destruction to earth. Death even warned the devil boy, specifically. Life, however, didn’t ever give an explanation for why the angel should never fall in love.
As time passed, earth started dying; certain animal species were extinct, many of them endangered. The oceans were polluted, the air even more so, and both Ashido and Kirishima couldn’t understand why. The seasons were changing--warming, and the humans among earth were becoming selfish, trying to find another planet to live on.
Every morning they did their duties, and every night again they would do them just the same. They would check each continent, each country, each province, each state, every bit of territory to find out what was wrong. Where was there no balance? Where was there no harmony?
Life was more closed off now than ever before, and Mina was beginning to panic. Had she lost faith in Mina? Death didn’t even bother; he seemingly accepted his fate better than Life but never discussed it with his devil child. Kirishima didn’t see the problem then, so the topic of he and Ashido’s relationship never came about.
It wasn’t till one night, the devil came running into Death’s hideout within the underworld, panting and heaving.
“What ever is the matter, Kirishima?”
“I had to wipe another species of plant life, and two birds. The humans are expanding their territory way too quickly, and I’m having a hard time maintaining the deforestation. They don’t see the harm they are doing! Even though...that’s not really my realm to meddle with. The pandas are almost extinct too, and they fail to evolve! But the humans want to keep them so, I guess I shouldn’t really worry about them either...”
“There’s something else on your mind, isn’t there?”
“There’s a lot, Death.”
“Well I’m listening.”
“Mina and I don’t -”
“You and the angel? You… You two are working together?”
“Yeah… We have been. Why?”
“Boy you must deal with your own realm by yourself!”
“I do! I do all my duties by myself and then I relay them to her.”
“No! That’s not how this works. You’re only causing more harm to the planet by trying to devise a plan for its fate.”
“What do you mea -”
“Whatever has been decided, is already decided Kirishima Eijirou.” The devil narrowed his eyes, utterly confused at the Gods words.
“How is there no changing fate? Can’t you do something about this? You’re a God!”
“I do not meddle with the humans, and more importantly I do not meddle with this world. I simply look after you, who maintains this world.”
“But the Gods should help?! You just want this world destroyed?”
“If that is it’s fate, so be it. We can make another. Birth can make many.”
“I’m going to talk to Goddess Love, she’s way more empathetic than you’ll ever be.” This statement caught the God off guard. He’s met the Goddess of Love? And since when was Kirishima, his literal devil child, so soft?
“Kirishima,” Death called after the boy, standing from his throne and advancing forward. He grasped onto his creation’s forearm, pulling him back and staring down at him menacingly, “What do you know about Love?”
“‘Love’ as in the goddess? Or ‘love’ as in the fee -”
“Why do you know about the feeling? Who told you?” Death cut him off, squeezing his arm a little tighter.
“No one. Well - You! You told me that love is the most -”
“The most destructive thing in this world, I know what I said. But how do you understand the feeling Kirishima?”
“W-Well I -”
“You mustn’t.”
“Must - What? What are you getting on about?! You’re being oddly strange, even for you!” Kirishima ripped his arm out of the God’s hold, cowering back and assuming a defensive pose.
“You’ve already fallen…. Haven’t you?” Death murmured, falling back into his throne and feeling his chest pang with guilt and turmoil.
“I didn’t - Well, I fell? I fell - I don’t know!” The devil threw his hands into his hair, tugging on the strands and shaking his head violently, “I guess I have! I feel this ache in my chest when I’m not with Mina. I get worried for her because I know she stresses out about the outcome of this planet! She cares for the world, and so do I! Which I know isn’t me, but ever since Love -”
“Love what?” Death sat up in his throne, leaning forward at the mention of the goddess, “What did Love do?” He was practically growling.
“I -” Was he supposed to tell him? Love said to never talk about the wish, and he was doing extremely well upholding the secret but now, now was a dire time.
“Kirishima, my boy, what has she done?”
“I was given...the ability to love, the ability to feel love, and...to fall…” Death fell back into his chair again, his eyes losing the little bit of light it had left in them at the realization that this was the end of him and Life.
The God would be condemned to an existence without the goddess he’s so in love with.
~~~~
The next time Kirishima and Ashido hung out, she could sense a change in his behavior. He was distant, and it made an unsettling feeling form in the pit of her stomach. The devil boy in charge of ruling earth with her was always so energetic and curious. He was never quiet. He was never upset.
“Hey Kiri, what’s got you down?” Mina spoke like she was talking to an angry beast, ready to pounce on her at any moment.
“Not much.”
“Okay, that’s a lie. I know there’s a lot that’s got us both down, but this in particular… I can tell something else is on your mind, and it’s not about earth. Is it me?” The boys eyes lit up and he shook his head.
“You didn’t do anything wrong. It’s not you.” Well it’s about you.
“You know you can talk to me. We’re supposed to tell each other everything.”
“But we’re not, actually.”
“Why do you say t -”
“Mina, do you ever wonder why we never saw each other’s makers? Like why I can never see Life? Or why you can never see Death?”
“I suppose I wouldn’t really...want...to see Death.” Mina gulped, noticing Eijirou’s jaw clench.
“That’s not the point I’m trying to make. Why were we given this earth? Death said that if this world is destroyed, Birth can just create another. Then what will happen to us?”
“Life and Death will bring us to the new world.”
“Has she said that to you?” Eijirou stared at the angel beside him expectantly. Please say yes.
“Well n-no…”
“So how do you know we’d make it out of this world?”
“I mean -”
“Love is the most destructive thing in this world.” Mina blinked at the red-haired boy’s words.
“Huh?”
“Love is the most destructive thing in this world.”
“Who told you that?”
“Death.”
“What an ominous thing to say, but I shouldn’t expect anything less from the God of Death.” Mina said that last bit under her breath and Eijirou just barely caught it.
“He means well.”
“I’m sure he does, but love is a beautiful thing.” The angel reasoned, her voice laced with worry and doubt.
“She is also very beautiful.” Ejirou sighed, remembering the day that she granted the two the ability to love.
“Was it a stupid wish then?”
“Hmm?”
“Our wish, Ei, was it stupid? To feel love, did you think it was a mistake? If you knew that love was the destruction of this world, why did you wish it?”
“I...I don’t know. I wanted...to know.”
“And are you happy now?” Mina whispered, staring at her hands in her lap, her wings slightly drooped as she could feel the weight of the conversation increasing.
“What are your intentions?” Eijirou shot back, “Why are you asking that question? Of course I’m happy?! You made the same wish!”
“I wasn’t asking to attack you! Why are you getting so riled up?!” Because I love you so much and I’m scared, the devil cried out in his head. Mina searched his face for an answer but got nothing.
“How come love is bad? I’ll never understand.”
“Why don’t you ask Death? Won’t he elaborate?”
“We haven’t spoken about it in years.”
“I’m sure he’d be willing to talk to you about it. I’ll have to talk to Life too, she’s very standoffish still, and I want to understand so I can sympathize better.”
“Yeah, I guess I should open up the darkness that is Death.” Kirishima sighed, standing up and then offering his hand for Ashido to take.
“Death, as a phenomenon, is very dark.” She took his hand and he pulled her up, forgetting how light she was and making her ram into him. He caught her just in the nick of time, making sure he didn’t fall back again like that day in the park. But the proximity of their bodies--feeling her pushed up against him--he couldn’t help but blush wildly and he almost choked on his own breath.
“S-Sorry.” The devil boy said through choked breath, trying his best to not look down at her because he just knew if he looked down at the same time that she looked up then they would - with their height differences they might -
Kiss.
Kissing.
They were kissing now?!
Kirishima pushed Ashido away, absolute horror etched across his face as he tried to catch his breath. Why was his face so hot?! And her lips, they were soft; so incredibly soft.
“Ei-Eijirou? Are y -”
“Destruction!” He wailed, covering his face with his hands and beginning to hyperventilate. The cry of birds could be heard in the distance, a slow rumble sounding above them. Oh no what have they done.
“Eijirou I - I -” Mina could feel herself starting to shake, unsure of what was going to happen next.
“I have to go.”
“Wait! Eijirou!?” Before she could even think of chasing after him, the atmosphere suddenly warmed. A slight breeze blew against her wings and her heartbeat unknowingly sped up. Life appeared before her once Eijirou was out of sight and the goddess had a solemn look on her face.
“G-Goddess Life we -”
“It’s...happening.”
“I was just - We didn’t - Life, I can explain! I - Why is this happening!?” Mina screeched, the wind now roaring above her.
“What did you do?”
“Me and Eijirou - Eijrou and I! We accidentally--well not accidentally, it was on purpose--made a deal with -”
“The Goddess of Love.” She knew?
“How could you -”
“I talked to her a while ago. Have you not noticed my change in behavior because of it?” Of course she noticed it?! Mina why didn’t you talk to her!
“Goddess, I -”
“You’ve been spending so much time with that devil boy, Ashido. Do you forget what you are? What your purpose is?” The sky grew darker, and she began hearing screams in the distance coming in the direction of all the towns and villages nearby.
“B-But we -”
“Earth was not made for you. You were made for earth.” Mina clutched her hands to her chest and shook her head, tears welling in her eyes.
“You’re going to leave me here to be destroyed.”
“That is the fate you decided for yourself.”
“No it isn’t!”
“I warned you from the very beginning Ashido.”
“Why?!” She screamed, the tears now spilling over and her heart raking against her chest, “Why have you done this to me?! Why have you done this to us?!”
“You brought this upon yourselves!”
“How!? That doesn’t explain anything!”
“I told you not to fall for him.” The goddess croaked, tears welling in her own eyes.
“Why was he made if you were concerned that I would?”
“He was made for you, but fate had been decided long ago that it wasn’t meant to be.”
“What do you mean!? What was the point?!” Ashido sobbed, her hair sticking to her face as it got caught in her tears and blown around by the wind.
“I’m sorry, my angel.”
“So I’m left here? We’re left here?”
“It’s not as simple as you think.”
“This is the end of me and Eijirou!” The angel screamed, her shoulders heaving up and down as she cried harder, “You doomed us from the very beginning!”
“Please Ashido...”
“How could the deities be so cruel?! How could the counsel be so cruel?!”
“Ashido, do not talk about them like that.”
“Why would you do this.” The goddess couldn’t answer, only floating forward and grabbing the angel, hugging her tightly and finally letting her tears go.
“I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t leave me here. Don’t leave us here.” Ashido cried into the goddess, holding her like she was about to disappear.
“I can’t change fate, my child.”
“Do something! Anything! Make it hurt less! Make me forget! Anything to make it more bearable, I’m begging you.” Thunder cracked in the sky above them and the angel held onto her creator just a little tighter. The goddess bit back a sob, pulling from her precious Ashido and looking down at her. She wiped away a few of her tears, the wind whipping their hair all over the place and picking up it’s speed the longer they stood before each other.
“I enjoyed my time with you Ashido Mina, thank you for everything you did for this world, and especially for me. Unfortunately you’re destined to be by yourself, just like your creator and although I cannot be destroyed, I will be sentenced to exist the rest of eternity never to see my love again.”
“Death? Is that who you love?” Mina sniffled, holding onto the hands wiping her tears away.
“Yes.”
“Goddess, I - Eijirou, I -”
“Restrain yourself, child. Please do not say what I assume you wish to say. I cannot bear it.” Life wept, her heart wrenching at the idea that her creation, her beautiful Ashido, was able to experience something she could only ever dream of feeling.
“I fell for him. I fell so hard for him,” The pink-haired girl pulled away from her maker, “I love him, and I wish to be with him for the rest of my existence on this planet.”
“Ashido please!” The angel took flight, soaring into the heavens and crash landing into her dwelling. She got up, hiccupping and sobbing, looking every which way for the one being that she needed to find before this was over.
“Birth!” She shouted at the top of her lungs, “Goddess of Birth please come to me!” Ashido fell to her knees, knowing that she was running out of time as she failed to drown out the countless screams of horror just below her.
“What is it, angel?” The goddess appeared before her, her eyebrows knitted together and a crease apparent on her forehead. Once she saw the tears streaking the angel's cheeks, her jaw went slack and she rushed for her, holding her close.
"Why? Why is she like this?"
"My dear sister, Life, is unfair."
“I need something from you.”
“You dare ask a goddess for something?”
“You’re the Goddess of Birth. Do you believe in reincarnation?” Birth gave Ashido a weary look, but nodded anyway.
“What are you getting at?”
“Goddess Love was able to grant me and Kirishima a wish, can you grant me one as well?”
“I am not obligated to do anything for -”
“I know you aren’t, but I am begging you on my deathbed.” There was a crash and the heavens shook, gates creaking and raindrops beginning to hit against Ashido’s dwelling.
“What do you wish of me?”
“Rebirth.”
~~~~
Kirishima ran as hard as he could, stumbling into the underworld as the ground shook and moaned, falling apart beneath him. Once Death spotted him, the deity took in a deep breath and shook his head.
“You should have never done it Eijirou.”
“What happens now?!” The devil roared, shaking with anger and anxiety, “What is going to happen now?!”
“Why does it matter?”
“Where will Ashido go?!”
“You two will cease to exist. It will be quick. Easy.”
“You’re cruel.” Kirishima snarled, realizing a second later that he shouldn’t have left Ashido so easily. He turned to dart out of the underworld but Death appeared at his side, holding him back.
“You want me to be even crueler?” The devil struggled against him, fear flashing before his eyes.
“Don’t do this to me. Don’t.”
“You already left her Eijirou, are you sure you aren’t the cruel one?” Said boy shouted in anger and frustration, taking his stand and shoving the deity away from him.
“You’re a monster! You’re a monster, not a god!”
“I created you!” Death grabbed him by his throat and shoved him up against the nearest wall, “I created you and I can destroy you just as fast!”
“You wouldn’t.” Eijirou sputtered, gripping the god’s hand with both of his, trying to pry it off of him.
“I wouldn’t.” Death muttered, his throat dry and his chest heavy. He released Eijirou and the devil fell to the ground, gasping for air, but just as soon as he was let go, he got up to his feet and bolted back up to the surface.
Debris and dirt fell in his pathway, the earth ready to give way as the wind howled and the rain beat down on the ground violently. Eijirou could barely see anything trying to walk back into the forest to find his lover.
“Ashido!” The red-haired boy bellowed, cupping his hands around his mouth to try and make himself even louder, “Ashido Mina!” He yelled repeatedly, running in every which direction trying to make his voice heard.
But he was unsuccessful.
After his entire body was soaked, and it got harder for him to breathe in the roaring winds, he laid flat on the ground, staring up at the trees and waiting.
Waiting.
Waiting.
Until the angel came falling out of the sky, crashing into every branch possible and landing with a loud ‘oof’ a couple feet away from him.
“Ashido!” He cried out, struggling against the wind to get to his feet and rush towards her. Once they were holding each other again she laughed loudly at his hair and pulled him in for another kiss.
“I should be mad at you for leaving me, but I couldn’t resist with your hair looking like that!” She seemed so...cheerful; too cheerful.
“Ashido why -”
“This isn’t the end Kiri,” She said breathlessly, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing their foreheads together, “This isn’t the end. We’ll get a second chance.”
“But, how?” The sky grew dark and then everything went quiet. They held each other close, the only sound being their ragged breathing and chattering teeth as the atmosphere changed to freezing cold. A blinding light shone from above, and before their end Mina whispered,
“I’ll see you in the next life.”