Chapter Text
How did I get here? I don't know. Why am I here? I don't know. What is going on? Just the usual. Murder at dinner. Hope it doesn't spoil anyone's appetite.
“Alright. Everyone in a circle. There has to be some clues about the killer somewhere…”
Oh, right. This is when the whole investigation thing happens. How everyone can still keep up this serious attitude after however many times this has happened, who knows. They certainly don't seem to know. I did ask once about what they remembered of a previous game, but no one remembered… They looked at me with odd stares. What a weird group. What a weird place.
I'm allowed to wander away, unchosen. Good. I'd rather not be distracted. Heading for a mirror, I check myself.
Slightly different hair. Its weight leaned to my left instead of my right, but still long and unruly. Thick and luscious too. I also have the scruffy beard and grey eyes still too. My clothing has taken a shift, as usual. The shirt is black with white bands at the sleeves and neck rather than green, along with the pants being a black khakis rather than skinny jeans. The clothes fit loosely on my thin, masculine frame. Comfortable too. Content with this new knowledge, I wander off to search. Marching on to look around corners.
This place has gotten so exhausting. I'd leave this dumb party if I wasn't stuck. It would be nice to do something to make these games interesting, at least for myself, but I don't have anything. I don't have weapons. I don't have smarts. Not even a delusion like that fake prophet. I'm just kind of a…
Bystander. I suppose there's one of me in every group. A helpless little damsel amidst a world of chaos, able to give little more than mediocre lip service to the situation.
It always repeats. Either I show up, or I don't. If I show up, I live or I die. Doesn't matter either way. I won't move on from this blood party. There's nothing to move on to. How monotonous. I'm so tired. Maybe I'll go to bed instead of joining. If only I could get a break from this ritualistic death. Maybe I should annoy people and then the killer would want me dead and I'll get my break.
… Maybe not. I don't know how these things work. Either way, it feels like I'm walking in circles. It'd be nice to see something beyond this city for a day. Guess I'll just keep searching.
“What did you find?” One asked as soon as the others came back from the investigation.
“A few things. First of all, I found some fingerprints on a vase.”
“I found maple syrup!”
“I found a sword…”
CRASH SNAP CRICK.
Memories of past sounds and sights returned to me. Metal creaked and wood snapped, cloth tearing away. At least, that's what I heard. What I could… sort of see. I think that was a dream. Wait, that was when I was dead. Or was it from before I woke up? No no, it was definitely while I was dead. I could sense the blade nearing my neck to reap. I could only assume so with the mystical and ominous foreboding I got from it.
But the reap never came. What is going on? I guess I should just… keep doing what I'm doing. As usual. At least this place is big, with a variety of interesting things to look at.
Wait. Is that… a pocket watch? It looks familiar. And it's energy… I want to touch it…
“What are you doing?” The pocket watch’s owner snapped at me, pulling the object close to him. He was rough in appearance and wore a grey cloak, hiding his body along with the simple button up shirt and pants underneath.
I pulled my hand back. “Whu- oh! Sorry, I got a little lost there.”
“Got lost staring at my watch, were you? Planning on stealing it?” He growled with narrowed eyes, clutching the item.
“No no, it's just… very familiar to me. I've been looking for my pocket watch for ages. I recall it being practically one of a kind! I remember some of the details, like that metal, the shape, the nifty chain. But most of all, I recall the inside being painted with a beautiful picture.”
The owner's eyes widened, darting away before narrowing back at me. Flipping it over and showing a signature on the back written in permanent marker.
“Is this familiar?”
My face fell. “Oh, that's… That wasn't there at all. There must be… other versions made that I'm unaware of. Apologies, I shall leave you to yourself.” He hesitantly tucks it away as I wandered off elsewhere. Hoping of see that metallic glimmer again. It's clear that it was his, and that mine was still waiting for me.
With a sigh, I wander the halls on my own. Looking under tables again. Behind paintings. In corners. Shuffling about to find that resonating sensation. That energy… I could have sworn I knew it intimately. Somehow.
The lights crackled, flickered, and gave way with a buzz. Lights out. Damn these eyes… I can't see a thing now. Guess I'll just sit and wait while hoping everything turns out alright-
“Gah!” Nevermind. I got stabbed. I hate getting stabbed, especially in the chest or stomach. It's so slow. Pain crawls all over. Coughing, struggling to gasp in air but blood rushes back into my lungs each time I clear them. Pain rises as my head buzzes, fizzling until the apex.
Eyelids close. Coughing weakens. Each gasp smaller than the last. Easier to suppress. Thoughts give way to void. Finally, visions flash before my eyes. The last sight I see: a light in the corner of the room. Watching me as vision begins to fail. Finally, the sparks are snuffed out…
…
At last. It's over. A nice sleep for a little bit. Darkness embraces me once more. I cannot breathe, but I don't need it. I don't have a body to need anymore. If only I didn't have to wake up and do that game all over again… it's draining to be awake all the time.
“What do you remember from beyond the city?” A small voice said with an echo, almost fragile. No… more of young.
“It's… vast.” A low, aged voice began. “More vast than a mortal could comprehend. Ordinary eyes would be unable to view everything, even with magic and technology at their side. It's full of strife like now but… more beauty too.” He sounded more grim, yet his voice resonated with a sweetness. And he sounds so tired…
I open my eyes and sit up. Awakened in a dying forest. The moonless sky was pitch black, the only light coming from a quaint temple far off. It was entirely open, almost like a gazebo except made of stone, with vines and flowers blooming all over.
This is certainly. Somewhere. Is this where people go when they die? Probably. I don't see anyone else, though. Just… trees. Perhaps most people go elsewhere. How curious…
I won't learn anything more sitting here. Coming to a stand, I slowly turn as my eyes flitted from place to place. Absorbing the view. Quite the forest, if a bit sad looking. I can't see the horizon. It seems to go on forever. I wonder what it would look like above?
My eyes land on two figures. One was a tall figure. Cloak black as the sky above. His head was hidden by the hood, but it couldn't hide the white halo shining around it. Just to his left was a small floating object. A jewel, I think. It shimmered beside him, the halo seeming more like a pastel red (or perhaps more of pink?) ring around them. Both were intent on their conversation, leaving me completely unnoticed.
I clear my throat, causing the both of them to jolt. Turning towards me. The black cloaked figure had a… unique face. His face was as pale as bone, and the skin surrounding the eyes was dark to the point they looked like eye sockets. His mouth seemed to be mimicking the appearance of teeth, lined but lacking depth like marks on bloodless lips. But most interestingly, his irises glowed a sharp, icy blue. It was the only part of his body that glowed aside from the halo. Such a face brought anemoia, lingering just behind me. Or is it nostalgia? Or deja vu?
I shake my head. “Hello there! My name is Horacio. What might yours be?”
He glanced at his stone companion, then both came near. The cloaked figure was… very tall. Much taller than expected. He was probably double my height.
“My name is Death.”
…
“Well, nice to meet you then, Death.” I said as I held out my hand, giving a gentle smile.
His eyes widened a moment, but were swift to return to neutral morose. “Pleasant to meet you as well, Horacio.” He said, reaching out and giving my hand a loose shake.
I turned my gaze to the floating figure. My assumption of them being a jewel was correct. A shimmering black stone. An Apache Tear I believe it was called. It was perfectly round, glimmering with a soft light.
“And what might yours be?”
“My name is Acceptance. Are you a human?”
I checked my chest, arms, legs… all the same. “Yeah, I'm pretty sure I'm human. Just… dead.” It was at this moment I realized I was “breathing” as usual, yet there was no sensation of air.
“And yet you remain active. Such a powerful soul.” Death noted. He closed his eyes, brows furrowed as he hummed to himself. “Horacio… Where have I heard of that before…?”
“Hm? You know someone by that name?”
“Yes… I believe I did know someone of that name. I doubt they're alive, though. It's not like I get much time to do idle chit chat with others. Especially mortals.”
“Ah, I see. I understand that you're busy, but… perhaps you could help me? If it helps, I came from earth and I have no clue where this is. Could you help me if you have the time, please?” I clasped my hands together as I gave the request.
Acceptance leaned close to Death and caught his attention, whispering amongst themselves. I couldn't make out many of their words, something about it being unfortunate, but it was obvious it was about me.
“Good choice.” Death began. “It is best for you to stay near. Hold my hand if you need to, and ignore whatever urges that pull at you. This land doesn't function like any upon earth. If you try to leave, you'll wander for eternity trying to find your way. But if you stick close to me, then I can promise the eternal night will treat you well.”
I stared out at the woods. It's difficult to tell if they are false or real. Their branches lowered with claws reaching towards me. Yet beyond this, past the ominous void, a different aura emanated. Something cool and comforting, like a smooth stone. Urging me to come. Perhaps this was the call?
“Good to know.” I said as I turned to him, shaking off the feeling and taking hold of his hand. Pale skin icy against mine, yet soft to the touch. “Because I think it's trying to do that with me right now.”
His thumb rubbed against the back of my hand, staring with what I could only read as astonishment with the slight shift. But he shook off the state and nodded, beginning to trek towards the temple at the heart of the woods.
“You're more clever than you seemed. Better than what I saw when you died. Rather foolish to stray from the group. Makes you an easy target to kill, hence you getting stabbed in the back.”
“So you've been watching all of them? Well, if you paid attention when all of it started, you would have noticed that I already knew that. I just don't really bother that much with surviving anymore. I'll come back either way, whether I live or die.”
Acceptance floated near my head, “You remember the other cycles? What happened in them?”
“Well, first I took it seriously. I managed to help catch the killer the first time around, but the witness was then killed afterwards. Then it looped. I died a few times after that, mostly by knife but I did get blown up in an investigation one time, until maybe… number six. That time, I managed to survive AND we all made it out! The innocents, anyway. I thought I was finally going to be out of that mansion for good… And then I wound up right where I started. I realized then that there was no escape. No matter what. I kinda stopped helping with investigations a few cycles after that. I'm just too tired to keep trying.”
I noticed that Death was staring at me. Eyes widened slightly.
“What? Did I say something weird?”
Noticing his staring, he shook his head and focused ahead. “Apologies for my manners. I didn't think you knew so much about what was going on.”
I tilted my head. “You mean the others don't know this is happening?”
“For most, no. Very few know about these endless games. Aside from myself and the other deities with me, there's only a small clutch of other people and you.”
I turned my gaze afar, forcing my chest to breathe. Useless as it may be. “That… explains a lot. I tried talking to the others about what happened in previous cycles but… they looked at me like I'm crazy. The stuff I said was pretty wild, thinking about it now. I guess I just never thought about it that way before…” Looking up at the two, I gave a warm grin. “I'm glad I found the both of you. It's nice to have someone else who knows and isn't trying to kill me! I just have one question: who are these ‘other deities'?”
Acceptance floated back to Death's shoulder. “You’ll see them soon. There are others besides me, and you might recognize the concepts we encapsulate.”
Energy surged up in my chest. “Really? Well then, I guess I'll have to wait and see!” Fortunately, it wasn't long.
Just a short walk with Death and Acceptance, and the temple was before us. Despite its humble appearance from afar, it was towering up close. Just inside was a giant chalice shaped container, short enough that you could sit down beside it and overlook the contents inside. Within it, a pool of water that glowed white. Further back were six thrones that rose high up. One was overgrown with carefully manicured vines, flowers blooming all over them. Wisteria now that I'm close enough to identify them. The others, meanwhile, we're mostly untarnished. Though they were still differentiated from one another through other means, such as one having silk decorations, one covered in scratches, one having a shield with a tilted peace symbol showing at the top, one had a chain of flowers placed on the back, and one only having a pillow on the seat. Right behind the thrones was a solid, undecorated stone wall. And right between the thrones in plain sight was a quaint wooden door.
The next thing I noticed was that there were several other figures. Similar to Acceptance, they appear as objects while emanating powerful souls with glowing rings around themselves. Except instead of being gemstones, they were fragments of a sword.
“I. Can't. Stand. BY ANYMORE! I am going down in a timeline and am going to do something! I'll change the course of destiny, no matter how useless it is!” The sword guard screamed, glowing a vibrant green. There wasn't much blade on them, having broken off, but there was enough that they could block a blade on their own. If a person were to try to wield them… not so much. They had little grip left on them, snapped off as well.
“Feel free to piss off! I don't need anymore of your goody goody speeches about ‘the value of life’ and other such bullshit!” The rest of the blade yelled back. Only they could utilize their body to slice. And from the way they act, they probably prefer it. Their halo was orange, this time.
“Oh, is a game starting? Excellent, I've been hoping to make a few bets. Anyone interested?” A ribbon slithered from the seat of their silk coated throne, revealing their purple form and halo. Approaching the blade that was still hovering near the pool.
“No one cares, you damn weasel.” The blade spat.
The silk ribbon huffed at them and backed away, swerving over to the once white glow, now waivering with color. “Oh well. Guess I shall join our dear Denial's quest. Perhaps they will appreciate my offers.” And they slipped in without a trace. The water wavering until images began appearing.
I looked over the edge as the waters calmed. The even waters showed two human bodies. One was already up and about, firm and straight, almost soldier-like. They were wearing white false armor with a green cape, like a fantasy version of a knight. The cross-guard that was once themself sheathed by their hip, making it seem as if it was a full sword if it weren't for the missing grip. It was hidden under their cape, hoping to sneak it in.
One was entered by the ribbon and jerked about, raising the lifeless back to motion. Seemingly having always been alive. Standing up and joining the once cross-guard's side, they were very different compared to the other's chosen appearance. The ribbon’s once-body wrapped around the neck like a scarf (though it looks really weird as one due to it being a cloth meant to wrap around a sword grip). Their attire was purple and fanciful, like silk robes you would see on someone cosplaying as a merchant or noble at a Renaissance Fair.
Both passed by the butler with a greeting and an invitation, looking quite short in comparison to the human. They might be barely over four and a half feet tall at most. They both looked a bit young to be by themselves too. Still, they entered without issue and joined a new game of death alongside the handful of other unknowing victims.
“Hm. Interesting asthetic choices.” Death spoke up.
I turned to him, “Are you planning on joining them?”
“No, I shall not join. There would be no point.”
“Okay… So who is everyone here?”
“Ugh, seriously?” The blade snipped. “Are you not gonna get rid of the mortal standing around? I thought they didn't walk around here!”
“Don't mind the talking blade. That's just Anger. Deity of Anger, specifically. They're always a grump.” Death explained. Anger grumbled as they headed over to their throne to sulk, using themself to leave more scratches in the stone.
“Deity, huh? So are all of you deities of some form?”
Death nodded. “Indeed. Each and every one of us who has stood here before you came.”
He turned back to the pool, pointing to the knight-esque person. “Deity of Denial is the crossguard.” He then pointed to the silk wearing person. “Deity of Bargaining is the silk ribbon.”
“Deity of Depression is busy hiding under their pillow.” He said as he pointed to the pillow throne. Now that it's pointed out, I notice there's faint crying beneath it… “And to more formally greet them, Deity of Acceptance is here.” He said as he gestured to the gem hovering over his shoulder.
I turned to him fully. “So that makes you…”
“Yes.” He begins as he nears me. Causing his shadow to loom over. Overtaking mine. Sharp blue eyes peering down at me. “The shadow that lurks behind every moment. The inevitable end all living must face. And one day, you will be laid to rest by me.
I am the Deity of Death.”
…
“Okay. Kinda figured that when you introduced yourself as Death in the middle of a weird, mystical forest. You don't have to act all ominous on me.”
Death backed away, completely baffled. The first emotion I've seen fully expressed since meeting him.
“I… What? Why are you so casual? I'm literally death itself in metaphysical form! I've seen people furious with me. I've seen people apathetic, terrified, joyful… but casual? How? Why? Just…” He let out a sigh, pressing a hand to his face and dragging it down.
I shrugged, gaze back on the death game again. Denial was focused on working through the investigation. Meanwhile, Bargaining seemed more focused on a single person, a deal from the looks of it. Even if I can't hear what they're saying.
“I mean, it's not like ceasing to exist would be that bad. I'd say it'd be an improvement compared to trying to evade death over and over, only to have to do it all again. It can be so exhausting having so much stress go on around you. I just wish one of them was just an ordinary dinner so I can relax…”
Death hummed, lowering his head. “That does sound exhausting… but I'm afraid I cannot be your reprieve.”
My eyes flitted back to him. “How come?”
“I am… unable to reap anymore. I wield no weapon. I can't contact anyone for another, either.” He drifted over to his throne, vine covered and worn lovingly. Raven wings springing from hiding to easily fly him up into his seat, while Acceptance floated to their more newly made and decorated throne with flowers. Once comfortable with wings tucked under the cloak again, he rested a head in his hand and slouched forward, his free hand resting on the opposing arm rest.
Underneath the large cloak, he was decrepitly thin and his clothing was black. Specifically, he wore old fashioned robes meant for the deceased, which looked almost like a nightgown except for those put to sleep forever. Around his waist was a gardener's belt with a few tools, especially the trowel speckled in dirt with a fair bit of rust on it (though it seems to have been washed off recently). His gaze blanked at the large pool below. Eyes void of anything but exhaustion.
Acceptance, meanwhile, had a different way of holding themself. Barely readable as a rock, but it was still clear they were interested in what was happening. An innocent curiosity towards the gore and bloodshed.
Stepping away from the pool, I approach the two high above me. “So… what now?”
“Nothing.” Death breathed out.
“I suppose… but what's keeping you here?”
He hummed once more, shutting his eyes. After a pause, wondering and shuffling my feet, his eyes opened with his focus centered on me.
“I suppose there's no point in hiding such information from you. ‘Tis nothing revolutionary. To put simply, time seems to be unable to progress beyond the festival of blood.” Leaning back, he stares up at the ceiling. “No use leaving the city, either. I can neither take physical nor spirit form all that far beyond the city limits. And the only time I can take form anymore is right before the start of the death game. I always take form near the Massacre Mansion, too. To say it's constraining would be an understatement…”
I make my way to his throne, tugging on the vines to test their strength. With confirmation that they can hold me, I grasp firm and climb all the way up to his height.
“I can imagine.” He slowly turned his head, worn eyes on me. “I mean, I don't know the full extent of what you can do or what you’re supposed to do. But as a deity, it gives off the idea you're supposed to go practically anywhere. Is that right?”
He straightens up in his seat. “Correct. My duty is actually quite similar to what is portrayed in certain entertainments utilized by mortals. I'm sure you've heard of the Grim Reaper?” I nodded to him. “It's very similar to that. In fact, the idea of it began with people telling others of their near death confrontations, as they had met me for a moment. I use a weapon and reap the soul. The soul stays in the weapon until it is stored elsewhere. I'm not sure after that, but I do know that the souls are reused. That and I can't really do anything to reverse a reap. Like cutting a plant, once it is cut there is no undoing it.
Well… until recently. Ever since the beginning of this killing game, any deaths and reaps I do are reversed once the final evening strikes midnight. Then the counter reverses.” Once more, he slouched in his seat. Staring ahead at the empty horizon.
I don't know what I would have expected if I was told I would eventually meet Death as a person when I died, but I certainly didn't expect him to be so… downtrodden. Maybe stoic or disconnected but… this just tugs at my heart to the point it hurts.
“Maybe… I could hang around? We could like… talk about stuff. I doubt I know the full extent of things like you do, and I'm not sure how helpful or how good of a talker I am but… You know, I'll try. I can promise you that.”
Slowly, his lips rose. His eyes softened. A laugh flitted from him, gentle like a breeze. He shifted to sit upright and rolled his shoulders, shaking off the weight of everything.
“Thank you. Anyone willing to lend a kind ear, or simply be warm company, is welcome. A little bit of positivity should do me some good. Really, all of us here could use it.”
I smiled back at him. “Anytime.
Can I have a seat on the armrest or something? My arms are getting numb.”
Death agreed, picking me off the vines and resting me by his side. Letting me sit with the rock supporting me behind and beneath. Finally, I could let out a sigh of relief. Overlooking the other deities as all settled to comfortable silence.
Despite the mayhem in the living, all was calm among the dead.