Work Text:
One millisecond too late, the bug had managed to flee the graft in time, swapping his fate with another's, annoying. Zhou glared at the trojan who'd returned after abusing a few more loopholes, ‘Seriously… this is unfair..’ he grumbled in the back of his mind, the illusory voices growing louder, clouding his thought, vision, even his voice and touch, his smell and taste essentially elsewhere somehow. He could barely hold on, he felt as if he were fading from reality, his body simply couldn't take the pressure anymore, how? Even he didn't know, since he was a god, and gods shouldn't be able to experience such things, should they? “Ah.” he let out dumbly before pausing for a moment, his gaze lingering on Amon before…
Thump.
Amon looked blankly at the Fool who'd just collapsed in front of him, with a feeling he believed to be surprise. Celestial Worthy was still eating at his being, yet he managed to keep those whispers at bay. “Interesting..” he commented simply, it seems the man in front of him physically and mentally couldn't handle the situation further, involuntarily forcing him into a slumber to recover, something Amon hadn't thought was possible. Not that it mattered, no, this was quite perfect for him, yes, he could finally rise to the status of a pillar and gain the one who was the only one who managed to show him true humanity. And that was all he cared for at the moment.
One of the Attendant of Mysteries characteristics and the Fool Uniqueness removed themselves from Klein, floating over to Amon who absorbed them, as he also took over the Sefirah rather easily, as Klein could no longer defend it. He found this situation quite entertaining, as ridding himself of the stronger imprint that he'd gained while fighting Klein wasn't particularly difficult– even if he were ascending to the position. Likely because he lacked humanity, which tended to weaken divine beings, as humanity made them believe they were human rather than mystical creatures. Not to mention he was an error, a bug in the system, one that had existed for over a thousand years, he had deep understanding over the loopholes. Muttering his thoughts softly aloud, he couldn't help but think that such facts made Klein that much more special. Such a quick witted being Klein was, managing to outsmart and resist mythical creatures themselves while being weaker, as well as force them into situations all the time. This had made Amon extremely interested in such a former mortal, especially after their little ‘date’ in the Forsaken Land of the Gods. He learned much, much more about that fool during that time, which only helped to further his interests. To the point he didn't want to parasitize such a being, no, he wanted Klein as he was– of course, he should still parasitize him at a minimal level so the one he worked so hard to obtain didn't die. It would be good to watch his condition in the Sefirah Castle as well, Amon didn't know how long Klein would sleep for, but it'd be rather short, he could wait, indeed he could.
_.•°●【≈ ▪︎¤~ {♠︎} ~¤▪︎ ≈】●°•._
Monday came like every other, Audrey excusing herself as per usual a bit before 3PM hit, waiting patiently on her bed while Susie guarded her door, she saw crimson fill her sights once more, as she turned to greet Mr. Fool whose seat was empty. The World's seat was also empty.
‘Had something happened to Mr. Fool and The World..?’
This thought reverberated in the minds of all the members there, as they tensed up. After all, if Mr. Fool was in danger, they shouldn't have been brought up, so what had happened..? But what about Mr. World, the Fool's blessed, what happened to him? All of them subconsciously looked around the fog that hid the rest of the palace, before turning their gazes to each other. “Does anyone have an idea of why Mr. Fool is not here?” Cattleya asked after a moment, remaining stoic and calm as she inwardly tried to reason with rationality, even after everyone had shook their heads.
“My, they seem to worry about you quite a bit, don't they, Mr. Fool?”
A voice asked, the Tarot Club members immediately turning their head to the voice. The stone table in front of them had disappeared, their hearts beating faster. Leonard recognized this voice near instantly, as his eyes grew wide. ‘Did- did Mr. Fool lose? Was Klein injured?’ His breathing hitched as he could only watch the figure approach, adjusting the monocle over his right eye as he carried someone in his arms, giving a wide smile. ‘Amon!’ They all thought with fear, Mr. Fool had truly lost.
“...Sigh, you have instilled such great fear into them, truly, did you hate me that much? How one wounds me so…” He asked the sleeping fool in his arms with mock pain in his voice. “Ah, yes, you all must be quite curious.” Amon said, turning his attention back to them with a cheshire smile that uneased them all. “Hmm… your fool favors an equivalent exchange… Ah but I don't need anything. I suppose I could be so gracious as to answer all of your questions for free then.” Amon thought aloud, feigning deep thought. Yet even then there were no questions for a full minute, causing Amon to click his tongue, a frown on his lips.
“How boring. Fear gets old quite quickly, I suppose I'll just have to steal questions before I can answer, ah, such a pity indeed.” He muttered under his breath, as it felt as if he were tapping a non-existent table in disappointment. “I truly mean no harm, ah… if only your Mr. Fool were awake I wouldn't have to go through this, how annoying.”
Another long silence passed before Audrey finally pursed her lips and opened her mouth to speak. “...Why is Mr. Fool asleep– and why haven't you harmed him?” Audrey couldn't help but add that last part, unable to understand why someone like Amon wouldn't just kill or replace Mr. Fool, even if Amon had thrill seeking tendencies.
Amon smiled in return, unsettling. But all of his smiles were unsettling to the Tarot Club. ‘Tsk. I can never win.’ He frowned, though answered regardless. “Ah, such a foolish fool he was,” Amon patted the sleeping fool on the head like a cat with a smile, “he decided to sacrifice himself during our fight for control over this castle we're in, you see! But unfortunately I can't say more until you're an angel.” He explained, nodding along as he spoke, a habit he'd gained due to talking to himself often. “As for why I haven't harmed him…” Amon flicked the Fool with a hint of interest and excitement in his gaze as he stared at the sleeping beauty, as if expecting something. “Why would I?”
The Tarot Club couldn't seem to understand this fact, but were still more worried by the first answer. What did Amon mean their God had sacrificed himself, and it involved high sequence secrets! “What do you mean?” Derrick soon asked, having been parasitized by Amon himself before, and extremely concerned. For all he was concerned, those promises could easily be empty, Leonard thinking the same.
Amon simply chuckled lightly, his gaze sharpening. “Who wouldn't want to keep such an angel such as him? He's quite the oddity, I've never seen a mythical creature such as him, so human, aside from my father.” Amon explained with a smile, a strange smile.
‘How… possessive.’ Audrey couldn't help but think. Yes, that was correct though, wasn't it? Amon was possessive over Mr. Fool. She couldn't help but glance at Fors– her friend was most definitely thinking of a love story now, wasn't she?
Fors was desperately trying to stop the turmoil in her mind. The love story she was thinking about, was not at all platonic! No, and it was of Mr. Fool and Amon, who had just defeated their god and turned him into an angel, so she mustn't. How she wished she had a pillow to scream and cry into at this very moment.
_.•°●【≈ ▪︎¤~ {♠︎} ~¤▪︎ ≈】●°•._
In the end an agreement was somehow reached. Gatherings would be hosted as usual, however, once Mr. Fool woke up, a meeting would be called after everyone's conditions were confirmed.
Leonard let out a long sigh, as he opened his mouth to speak, but quickly stopped, shutting it. Thoughts running amuck in his head, since he didn't know if he could discuss this with Pallez.
“...Old man?”
He soon heard annoyed grumbles from within, as if he'd just woke him up. ‘What it is, brat.’ Pallez asked, though quickly changed his tone after sensing Leonard’s dilemma. “Well….” Leonard sighed once again, finally deciding he'd indeed consult Pallez regarding Amon.
…
Fors and Xio were back in their apartment, Fors physically reeling from the experience– not just from the fear, but also all the plots and romance that now plagued her mind. “Blasphemor Amon was carrying The Fool bridal style– how can I not?!” Fors shouted her mind towards Xio, who gave her a look even more judgemental and existential than her last.
…
Audrey placated herself several times as she thought through the conversation with Amon, and sorted the new information, one that went over the battle Amon and her god had just fought a couple days prior to the Tarot meeting. ‘Mr. Fool lost..’ that was fact, yet, Amon was strangely tame, and she had Mr. Fool to thank for that from her understanding. Even if it was some… twisted form of obsession and possession, causing her to draw the crimson moon over her chest from habit. Praying that he would awake soon, and deciding to frequently pray to him so he may recover faster.
…
Alger sat still for several minutes, his mind flooded with possibilities– what happened in the fight, or before in the past, to cause such a horrifying former angel to be so.. Dare he say, smitten? Mr. Fool and Amon must’ve clearly had been lovers in the past– or something of the sorts, and Amon was chasing after him this entire time! It made sense after all– why Amon never truly hurt him, only taking what he needed and moved to save his god! Why Mr. Fool was so afraid of Amon, and warned against him despite his abilities! Alger nodded after a second longer of silence, deciding this explanation made the most sense!
…
Emylyn tended to his dolls, dressing them up as he muttered broken words that came from the thoughts swirling about in his mind. ‘The Fool has failed, yet, there is still hope.’ That was the main thought that replayed in his head, deciding not to think of their relationship, since it was most definitely blasphemy. He wasn't sure how gracious Mr. Fool was, even though he was asleep, he’d rather not test it. He should treat it as if he were defaming the Sanguine Ancestor– a sin against god!
…
Derrick remained in his bed a little longer, taking time to reprocess the information he'd just received regarding his god, Mr. Fool. ‘Mr. Fool had lost against Amon… the child of the omnipotent and omniscient creator.’ Derrick got up from his bed, looking out to the Sun in the sky, forcing himself to stare even if it burned. ‘Yet, he has not killed god.’
Derrick turned his gaze away from the Sun, as he looked to the floor instead. Sending a prayer to wish for Mr. Fool's speedy and safe reawakening. That he would not die like the god they had once worshipped.
…
Cattleya murmured something under her breath, immediately moving to get a book from beside her. Flipping a few pages, reading each word until she grew calm again. The knowledge gained from the book calming her after the revelation she had just received from the blasphemer who'd just defeated the god she'd spent so long under. Sighing as she moved to her desk, shuffling through the papers until grabbing a pen and a journal. ‘I'll organize my thoughts here, and see what happens next Monday. Yes. I should pray to Mr. Fool to ensure a quick recovery, his anchors cannot be shaken. I will write to Mother as well.’
…
Amon adjusted his monocle, Zhou laid down on the bed next to him as he studied the crimson stars that allowed him to watch each member from the sefirot. Chuckling softly, “How these members of yours are foolish,” he paused, “yet devout.” The former grand room, fit for only the most wealthy nobles, soon shifted. Sinking into the walls and floors around it that pushed further and further away. Zhou in Amon’s arms once more, as he decided to pay a visit to a particular lady in a vanilla scented garden.
_.•°●【≈ ▪︎¤~ {♠︎} ~¤▪︎ ≈】●°•._
“Amon.” The female voice was harsh and cold, as his gaze met with the veiled woman who seemed to be adorned by the stars themselves. Holding the uniquenesses of eternal darkness, she gazed down at him with disdain, yet refrained, since he had ascended, and she had yet to. His lips curled up as he held the sleeping fool in his arms, “Amanises.” He greeted back, ignoring the disapproval that radiated off of her very being. “My, there's no need to be so rude… I've simply come for help, and I'm sure you'd be more than happy to assist your kitty.” Amon said with a sly grin, his eyes somewhat crinkled in amusement. “Tsk. Follow me.”
Amanises led Amon through the seemingly endless valley filled with vanilla that glowed with the light of stars. Serenity and calm blanketing the divine realm, as the mere still winds seemed to vibrate a soundless hum. The two of them, continuously walking, until they finally reached a singular stone bench. Amon laid his enemy down, who had long ceased breathing as he needed not for it.
Amanises watched over the sleeping angel, as Amon stood a bit aways, his eyes on him as well. A long silence passed, as Amanises remained silent, her lips in a line.
“He shall awake within a month.” She finally said, moving closer, moving her dress as she sat down beside the bench to pat her blessed. Calmness enveloping her, as her gaze softened while looking at Zhou.
Amon paused for a moment, before readjusting his monocle, keeping distance as he'd rather not piss off Amanises, who adored Zhou in many ways. “I'll leave him with you during that time then.” he said simply, though stopped his leave when he felt his spiritual intuition prick.
“Remember, he is not yours. You will have to earn that right.” Amanises said flatly, coldness in her tone as she spoke with a frown she tried to keep neutral yet failed. Amon simply smiled at her, “I understand.”
_.•°●【≈ ▪︎¤~ {♠︎} ~¤▪︎ ≈】●°•._
A figure, covered in a translucent, dark cloak with half illusory worms that contain 3D patterns on them, still with the humanoid figure, where they lay in a field of vanilla. The worms of spirit seemed to suddenly gain life as they slowly struggled in the flowers, attempting to pull themselves away from the main body, yet failed under the serenity, which seemed to euthanize them. The cloaked figure– Zhou, raising himself slowly, fixing his cloak as he sat in the quiet yet peaceful field. “I lost…” he muttered, the cloak obscuring his gaze. As a figure dressed similar to a warlock appeared in front of him.
…
“Amon.” Zhou said flatly, lacking emotion, something Amon had not expected. “Mr. Fool.” He soon replied, smiling widely, yet there was no reaction, not yet. “Why.” He asked, yet Amon did not reply, truthfully, he could, rationality, it didn't matter. Yet there seemed to be a strange lump in his throat, that would make him choke on his own words if he did. Still, he forced it, though shorter than he had intended. “Curiousity.”
…
Despite his emotionless gaze, he did feel something, only, it was suppressed. Mainly because of the sacrifice he took, and he still failed in the end. He clicked his tongue, turning away from Amon, the monocle bastard in front of him. He wouldn't have guessed any other reason aside from ‘curiosity’ when it came to Amon, it was predictable, something generic for someone like him. ‘Vague as ever too.’ He couldn't help but lampoon, before returning his gaze to meet Amon's eyes.
“Would you become my angel?” Amon asked with a smile slightly wider than before, which made Zhou frown. Of course he was asking that– blessed and now angel. Sighing again he remained silent.
…
“My, not a, ‘kill me,’ this time?” Amon teased, teasing the cat further, which only served to annoy him more, as intended. “Would you rather have me flock to Amanises instead?” Zhou hissed back, causing Amon to chuckle slightly. “So you're not against it.”, “I fear I would be kidnapped if I disagree.” Amon’s while remained, as a silence set in between the two for a few fleeting moments.
“How are my members?”
“Good, they're no longer staring in silence anymore, though they're still on edge.”
“I couldn't imagine why.”
Amon gave a sly smile, causing Zhou to roll his eyes. “I will consider it.” He finally answered, Amon pausing in response, since he hadn't expected this, a truthful and soft reply, not an answer wrapped in an insult. “...I see.” Amon finally responded, a calm and neutral expression on his face, a more genuine one, before he disappeared, leaving Zhou alone to think.
_.•°●【≈ ▪︎¤~ {♠︎} ~¤▪︎ ≈】●°•._
Time had passed, and in truth, despite their agreement, it felt the other way around. As if Amon, a pillar of the universe, was a being under Zhou instead, despite Zhou being a mere archangel. Zhou remained a god, interestingly enough, as the Church of the Fool became orthodox despite their god not even being a god, and Amon becoming a ‘subsidiary god’ under him. Which truthfully, was incredibly silly, yet the believers didn't have to know the truth.
The Tarot Club presumed as normal as well, though Mr. Fool was much more human-like, and had explained the truth, though not all details could be given due to corruption. This had made him more like a member rather than a convenor– though the actual convenor was Amon who now owned the sefirah. Luckily he didn't mind, and the organization remained faithful to Mr. Fool, Amon simply being a ‘helper.’
Pallez himself was the most content, no longer being hunted by Amon since the pillar didn't want to anger his ‘dearest’ angel over it. Pallez even joined the Tarot Club, with Mr. Azik, who wanted to see what his former student was doing. The two of them took the Death and Tower cards, despite Tower not particularly fitting Pallez, it had made sense as he avoided disasters and stood alive at the end.
All that was left now was the apocalypse to be dealt with, Ms. Magician had begun raising a candidate who had potential to become the next Calamity, all there was now, was to wait and see.
`~ End. ~`