[ Maybe this story does belong to a manga. Or even a journal-based roleplaying platform used by extra-dimensional entities who don't realize they're puppeteering the real lives of characters in a weird kaiju world. We'll never know.
Regardless, Ereshkigal puts a hand on Hiyori's shoulder and helps stabilize her. Turning her around gently so her face is free of those darn blanket and she can breath more easily. ]
Deep breathes, Hiyori! [She can do it!] Inhale through the nose and then slowly exhale through the mouth...!
[ She's in good hands, Ereshkigal knows all the best routines to fight off stress and anxiety! W-Well, one could argue they're not very good routine given the average mental state of this goddess, but!! Details. ]
I will be there to help you every steps of the way! And other bridesmaids, as well. [Surely Hiyori will have others, r-right?] And if you feel too overwhelmed, you can ask Yato to push back to summer or autumn.
when eresh turns her, hiyori avoids her eyes and is red-cheeked, red-nosed, and frowning. but!! she can't help the small smile to hear words echoed back at her. all they need is fresh air and a glass of water. how the turntables.
deep breaths, though. okay, yeah. innnn, outtttt.
wow it helps. she keeps laying on her side, though. as if she doesn't have the strength to hold up her own body for the moment. ]
I don't want to put too much on you and Ishmael, though. [ ERESH AND ISH. this should go well. they get along now, right? they're both important to her please get along. ]
... And I don't want to let him down. [ LOUD SIGH. ] But, also? I want to enjoy being engaged for longer than a few months.
It... feels like it's going so fast, Ereshkigal. Am I crazy? Am I being fussy? I - I'm not having second thoughts...! I just - I... don't want to hurt him. I do love him! I do want to marry him.
[ Ehehe, her anti-anxiety methods work best on humans it seems! Well, they were developed for humans so it makes sense... And Hiyori will be very happy to know she and Ishmael get along amazingly now! How things have changed in a few months. ]
It's normal. A lot is happening very quickly.
[ She puts a hand on Hiyori's shoulder. ]
You should speak of it with him. Let him know of your fears and worries, your feelings and desires. If you cannot do that... [A small, sad smile.] Then your marriage will either fail or be a very sad one.
[ She's sure that's not what Hiyori wants to hear. But that's the truth of it. They're both romantic who believe in fairytale-like love... But you can't ignore the reality of love. And while Ereshkigal does totally believe in her ideal love, she also knows it's something that demands efforts from both sides to work. ]
If today you remain silent out of fear to hurt him... How can he ever hope to understand your heart? [A pause.] Don't feel guilty for having feelings, Hiyori. And especially not for speaking of them to the one who will become your other half.
it would be sad if, at this point, she still couldn't confide in him. it's just like the gala where ereshkigal had to give her a little kick in the butt to do what she already knew she had to do. once again, she's there to put a hand at her back and urge her on the right path.
at the end, she sighs. relieved and a bit exhausted in equal measure before nodding to herself, raising her hand to put it on ereshkigal's and gripping it in hers. ]
You're right. With everything else, I don't hesitate so much. I don't know why I'm doing it again now. [ a sense of calm settles over her and she sits up. ] It's not that I feel guilty for having feelings. It's... a lot more complicated than that.
[ If love was a simple matter, everyone would be married and happy. Her sister and her trail of ex-husbands is a testament to how complicated such things are! Yet again, Ishtar may be a really bad example for this... ]
If it was me... I'd want to savor it too. [She stands up and smiles at Hiyori.] If I found love and they wanted to marry me immediately, I'd immediately say no. The journey is just as important as the destination.
[ She starts walking idly through the room, looking up dreamily. ]
I'd want a lot of dates in all sorts of gardens, or slow walks by a Christmas market on the beach, or-or... [And lo: The goddess is silent for a few second as she's sparkling, lost in her thoughts. But she soon shakes her head and ceases sparkling.] W-Well, nevermind that! What's important is that this is something you should enjoy at your own pace.
[ as similar as yato and ishtar sound at times??? it'd be best not to compare them like that. she doesn't want to be a part of the trail of any ex-partners...
that sounds like ereshkigal. a romantic at her heart. not so hopeless, though. hiyori watches her, unable to help but smile while she relays her daydreams and sparkles in her room. all of it has her reflecting back on her time with yato. their dates. every visit he made to the hospital to bring her food. the little gifts he picked up for her, here and there. the gifts she picked for him. his face being the first she saw when she woke up and how happy that made her. how he's been a pillar for her since getting here.
how different he is now to the yato she first met. not just with her but with everyone around them. he's made so many friends just by being himself.
it still feels a little like she's being fussy about it all. at the same time, yato's stance makes sense. tomorrow, in a week, in a month -
if one of them were to leave, she'd regret not listening to him. ]
Or horseback rides in your true love's arms? [ hiyori finishes for her, flashing a smile. it dims, a moment later and her eyes drop to her knees. ]
[ Horseback rides! While being carried in the arms of her beloved, ehehe. That would be... That would be so... ]
... That would be so wonderful!
[ But when she turns back to Hiyori, it's evident her friend isn't in the mood to daydream about silly scenarios like that. She'd hoped some levity would help her, but sometimes words just don't cut it.
That happens often with her souls too. Sometimes, there are no words that comforts them, no matter how hard she tries. Sometimes, they already know everything you tell them and just saying it in a kind and understanding manner doesn't help with the pain. ]
...
[ She goes back to the bed and sits next to Hiyori again, before slowly wrapping her arms around her friend and pulling her into a hug, wordlessly so. She is noticeably cold as always, Ereshkigal can never change that aspect of her physiology... But she hopes the hug is warm in other ways. ]
[ mentioning the horseback ride is worth it just to see ereshkigal sparkle again. hehe. that cheers her up more than the words, funnily enough.
unfortunately, it doesn't last. there's so much on her mind. she just gets like this when there's so much to think about. so, it does help. for a bit.
feeling the bed sink next to her, she looks up from her knees and sees the hug incoming and accepts it. leaning into it and burying her face in her shoulder. as ever, the temperature doesn't bother her. if anything, it's nice.
all this thinking has overheated her brain and the cool pressure of the goddess's arms around her is a relief. it is warm, though. warmth to know you're cared about so far, far away from home. after a steadying breath, she leans back and smiles more fully and it lasts much longer than a second at ereshkigal. ]
I can't decide on the color of the bridesmaid dresses. Maybe a soft blue? Or, like, a champagne color? I'm thinking of a cherry blossom theme.
[ Ah, now that's a beautiful smile! She closes her eyes and ponders for a few seconds. ]
Mhm... Perhaps a color that complements that of the bride's dress?
[ It all depends on what Hiyori will pick for herself! A white dress she wagers, but she knows some bride decide to go for different colors. And she can see the appeal, really? ]
When I think about weddings, I'm always torn between tradition and preferences. The traditional white dress is like a dream! But black is a much better color to wear... [Will Ereshkigal have a white or black wedding dress the day she'll finally meet her significant other? To be continued... someday!] Regardless, there's time for you to think about that, right? I know it's not easy...
[ It's going to be painful when she tells Yato she wants to delay, that's unavoidable. Even if he understands and agrees, it's gonna hurt just a bit to have and disappoint him...
She gently takes Hiyori's hands with her own and holds them close. ]
... But I'll be here to help you bear the burden if it gets too heavy sometimes, I promise.
A light pink, I think... so maybe the champagne color after all...
[ this is good. this is helping. if she gets into the wedding so much, she won't have to think about everything else. how afraid she is LILITH will decide she's useless and send her back. or something will happen to yato. she can't be sick to her stomach, sometimes, wondering if a kaiju will interrupt the entire thing out of nowhere. yato's mortality. her normalness. no matter how in love with yato she is, this voice won't leave her alone.
it sounds a lot like tenjin and kazuma.
that's not for now.
besides, she can hear those like ereshkigal just as loudly. louder, even. all the friends they made here who support them.
she clutches the hands in hers, squeezing gratefully. nodding - just a bit tightly, a bit jerkily. still a bit breathless from giggling at ereshkigal wanting to wear a black dress for her wedding. that's SOOOOO her. goth girl.
maybe she should get her one of those super cute lolita dresses she used to see in fashion magazines. with the frills and stripes and dark colors. ]
You should definitely go with black when you get married. [ not if, when. ]
... Same to you. Moving isn't easy. I did it with my family when we chose to live with my dying grandmother. And, I could use something else to focus on while I figure out what to say to Yato...
I feel like my head's going to explode with how much I was thinking about this.
[ She hadn't expected for Hiyori to encourage her black dress dreams like that! Honestly, she would probably love those kind of cute lolita dresses... But the pink dress she's picked for herself sounds adorable, ehe. Like a fairytale princess.
She wonders if Yato will be dressed with a top hat and a carnival mask? Maybe that's too over the top. ]
Black it shall be then.
[ She closes an eye in a wink and pulls away, before standing up. ]
Do you want to come to the flower shop? The opening is next week and I could use a hand to tidy things up.
[ What a liar, the shop is already totally ready and there is nothing left to tidy up! But she hopes it may distract Hiyori a bit. ]
[ dreams are something she will ALWAYS encourage. something as harmless and perfectly suited to ereshkigal? all the more.
note to self: figure out a way to get her in a goth lolita dress ]
Hehe. Good.
[ letting her go, hiyori moves onto her feet too. at the invitation, she obviously brightens at the prospect of helping her and getting her mind off things. keeping her hands busy. moving her body. ]
Would I? You don't have to ask. I'm really good at cleaning! I'd compete with our housemaid at our old house all the time, haha!
[ already rolling up her sleeves. lie or not, the gesture means the most. besides, hiyori will find SOMETHING to do there. if not, chatting with ereshkigal a bit more would never be something she'd turn down either.
for the record? nothing is too over the tope with yato. ever. ]
[ And off she is to lead the way! Normally she'd use the teleportation chip to just go there instantly, but she's not sure Hiyori has it... And it's less anxiety-inducing to walk in the town when you have a friend with you! ]
The new flower shop is next to the cemetery... It's convenient for me but I also hope it'll also encourage people to visit the dead more often. [The idea behind the move had absolutely been so she could be more effective in both of her jobs, rather than constantly waste time running from one place to the other. But... She's kind of hopeful this will also make people more likely to visit the place. She turns her head to look at Hiyori and smiles.] Do you have a favorite flower?
hiyori doesn't think about it, falling into step beside ereshkigal and bumping into her playfully as they go like she used to do with yama and ami. before they started yammering about where they were going to go after school or what they were doing that weekend.
even with a teleport chip, she prefers the pleasure of walking with a friend. as efficient as it is, stopping the smell the roses (AS IT WERE!!!) is important. although roses, in their case, is more like wet concrete and burnt wire. ]
I hope so, too. The dead deserve to be remembered.
[ ereshkigal is likely more comfortable with both of her duties so close, too. she takes it so seriously. it's noble. maybe a bit overdoing it? as if she can talk. ]
I do, yeah! It's been cherry blossoms for a looong time. It's my favorite smell- [ she stumbles a little here, blinking rapidly ] My... favorite scent to use in shampoo and perfumes ever since I was a kid. I haven't been able to find one here that I really like yet, though.
What about you? You work with so many flowers it's probably hard to pick one, but do you have one?
[ There is no such thing as overdoing it...! That is until the reality of her human body catches up on her and she collapses of exhaustion, but she's not there yet. And besides Hiyori is totally overdoing it too, hadn't she half her limbs broken just a few months back? Hmpf! ]
Cherry blossoms are so pretty. [Now she knows what perfume set to get her for her birthday.] Mine is a similar color. Amarcrinum. There's a bit of a story behind it though.
[ And that's a bit of a long story, but thank goodness she's gonna skip most of the details. ]
Mother Tiamat awoke as a Beast and attempted to destroy humanity. And as she cannot die unless she's the last living entity in the world, she was virtually unstoppable... But Ritsuka thought of a loophole: to fight her in a world with no life - the Underworld. [Isn't her little grape so smart??] She wasn't happy with that of course, so she tried corrupting the Underworld itself with her chaos tide.
[ All hope was lost! And while she won't admit it, Ereshkigal had been panicking hard when it'd happen. Not only the world ending but her Underworld being corrupted? ]
But then... Merlin used his magic to turn the chaos tide into flowers-- Amarcrinum. [She looks up at the (gray) sky happily.] It was for such a brief moment, but my Underworld was filled with flowers.
[ That's her one most precious memory. Nevermind she kind of died, but she came back so it's all good. ]
[ GEH. p-point. but she's okay now! physically, okay! mentally...?
working on it.
ritsuka, the one she loves. a normal human, just like her, saving the world with a crazy but brilliant idea. and at the end of that story is a happy ending. life filling a world of the dead, ereshkigal's domain. ]
So Amarcrinum reminds you of that beautiful moment when your Underworld saw flowers for the first time. That's so lovely, Ereshkigal.
Is that why you decided to run a flower shop, too? And why it's nearby the cemetery? You want that moment where the dead are surrounded by flowers again?
[ She nods and smiles all the more brightly. This memory is very important to her... Honestly she would have been fine if her existence had ended there and then, there's no way this will ever be topped.
Buuuuut since she was allowed to keep existing, she might as well hope for the best! ]
It's always been my dream to fill the Underworld with flowers. But nothing's ever worked. [Her smile fades a bit. It's very much painful whenever she thinks about the eventual after. When this world and her world will both be saved, and she'll be back to her desolate Underworld. All she'll have left will be memories with nothing in her future.] Hopefully Tezcatlipoca's method will work...
[ ... Right, Hiyori probably has no idea what she's talking about. ]
We made a deal and he's going to teach me how flowers grow in the Underworld in his pantheon.
[ nothing's ever worked because it's the land of the dead. you'd need a very special flower to thrive down there, if one ever could. and so hiyori smiles with sympathy, wishing she could do something to help ereshkigal's dream come true as well.
but she's just a little human with no powers. only medical terms and diseases and diagnosis on the brain as far as her abilities go. martial arts moves. some archery now, too.
she can support it, like she does eresh's love. like she does eresh herself, doing her best to remind her she's not alone by spending time with her or being a comforting hand when she needs it. they can drink wine together and talk about romance and love and flowers and why those flowers mean so much to them.
tez-cat-li-poca...? aaaaah. another god! who can grow flowers in his - hiyori feels a flicker of worry. ]
[ D-Does she really give the vibes of such a naive goddess that she would take a deal that puts her in great danger? She would never! Nevermind she does in her future she just doesn't know about it yet. ]
He wanted to check in on this world's afterlife, my presence would make his ritual easier. That and he needed someone to help him in case something went wrong. [She shakes her head.] He failed and I had to carry him back to the hospital wing. [A sigh.] Nitwit.
[ They approach the flower shop and Ereshkigal looks for the keys in her bag. She hasn't realized yet she doesn't have the keys on her person (some things never change). ]
He has difficulties reckoning with the fact we're no longer gods in this world. [She looks at Hiyori with something of a worried smile.] Avoid him if you can. Unlike Yato and I, he doesn't value individual human lives very highly and takes great pleasure in fanning the flames of conflict.
[ So basically he's more like what most people expect gods to be like. ]
ok maybe. a little. that's not her fault, though! it's because she was in the underworld for so long and hiyori watches the people around her closely. too closely. after knowing ereshkigal for over half a year now, she's picked on some things. besides, she wouldn't say she's naive!! just
it's a common theme with the divine, that's all. SEE SHE WAS RIGHT TO BE CONCERNEDLKDGJD ]
So, neither of you found out anything about the Underworld?
[ seems like LILITH really is the only organization with that power. how did they get it...? is it by draining the divinity of the gods they summon? since now there's three hiyori knows of.
yato, ereshkigal, and this tezcatlipoca. beside her, hiyori's steps slow and she stares at the ground in thought as she rummages around in her bag.
nobody she'll get along with.... probably.... but ]
He must enjoy the kaiju fights.... [ AT LEAST SOMEONE IS??? ]
[ She nods at her question. It's not surprising really... Though she hopes if this world has its own goddess of death, she's taking some well needed break because she must be overworked as heck! ]
Yes, in his own way. [She marks a pause.] We are enemies in our world. He believes the future that awaits humanity to be a worse fate than their extinction, therefore he has chosen to become an enemy of humanity.
[ Ereshkigal is a firm believer in his approach being utterly stupid. When you're a disappointed parent, you don't kill your kid because they've become a criminal! You try to set them back on the right path. Sighs.
She looks increasingly panicked though. But not about that evil god. ]
[ ah. yeah. she can see why ereshkigal would be enemies with that type. someone quite positive about humanity vs someone who is quite negative would clash like that.
the divide between the near and far shore shows itself again. immortality and the curse of unending life. living long enough to see the future of humanity. among other things. the loneliness.
hiyori's left with her own thoughts on the matter. how, in her lifetime, she won't see what will become of humanity but how she wants to fight for them regardless. for herself. to be able to look at herself in the mirror. ]
... Huh? You... huh?
[ uh oh ]
It's okay! [ whether or not it is, doesn't matter. IT WILL BE OKAY. ] Um. Did you leave a window open maybe? Let's check!
[ she takes ereshkigal's hand and walks around the perimeter. ]
Worse comes to worse, Yato can teleport. Maybe he can find a way inside if we call him for help.
[ Ereshkigal follows her, but she has no hope. W-Where has she put those keys? Are they still in her room? Has she lost them somewhere? Has someone ill-intentioned stolen them from her to torment her??
There are countless possibilities! ]
N-No, I would never. [You bet she triples check everything is properly closed before leaving every single time.] I can teleport too, but that won't unlock the door...
[ She could break the door, but then that'll ring the alarm and bring the police! ]
I-I'm sorry, I was so excited to show you the shop...
wherever they are, hiyori isn't going anywhere until they find them. that's a promise. ]
... You wouldn't. [ diligent ereshkigal would NEVER. ]
Hey, don't worry about it. It, um... can be like an adventure for you and me. What if we checked on the cemetery in the meantime? Actually, if I can be honest, I didn't expect for there to be one. Everything is so high-tech now. It's a relief there are still some things I'm used to being around here and there....
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Regardless, Ereshkigal puts a hand on Hiyori's shoulder and helps stabilize her. Turning her around gently so her face is free of those darn blanket and she can breath more easily. ]
Deep breathes, Hiyori! [She can do it!] Inhale through the nose and then slowly exhale through the mouth...!
[ She's in good hands, Ereshkigal knows all the best routines to fight off stress and anxiety! W-Well, one could argue they're not very good routine given the average mental state of this goddess, but!! Details. ]
I will be there to help you every steps of the way! And other bridesmaids, as well. [Surely Hiyori will have others, r-right?] And if you feel too overwhelmed, you can ask Yato to push back to summer or autumn.
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when eresh turns her, hiyori avoids her eyes and is red-cheeked, red-nosed, and frowning. but!! she can't help the small smile to hear words echoed back at her. all they need is fresh air and a glass of water. how the turntables.
deep breaths, though. okay, yeah. innnn, outtttt.
wow it helps. she keeps laying on her side, though. as if she doesn't have the strength to hold up her own body for the moment. ]
I don't want to put too much on you and Ishmael, though. [ ERESH AND ISH. this should go well. they get along now, right? they're both important to her please get along. ]
... And I don't want to let him down. [ LOUD SIGH. ] But, also? I want to enjoy being engaged for longer than a few months.
It... feels like it's going so fast, Ereshkigal. Am I crazy? Am I being fussy? I - I'm not having second thoughts...! I just - I... don't want to hurt him. I do love him! I do want to marry him.
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It's normal. A lot is happening very quickly.
[ She puts a hand on Hiyori's shoulder. ]
You should speak of it with him. Let him know of your fears and worries, your feelings and desires. If you cannot do that... [A small, sad smile.] Then your marriage will either fail or be a very sad one.
[ She's sure that's not what Hiyori wants to hear. But that's the truth of it. They're both romantic who believe in fairytale-like love... But you can't ignore the reality of love. And while Ereshkigal does totally believe in her ideal love, she also knows it's something that demands efforts from both sides to work. ]
If today you remain silent out of fear to hurt him... How can he ever hope to understand your heart? [A pause.] Don't feel guilty for having feelings, Hiyori. And especially not for speaking of them to the one who will become your other half.
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but back to the matter -
it would be sad if, at this point, she still couldn't confide in him. it's just like the gala where ereshkigal had to give her a little kick in the butt to do what she already knew she had to do. once again, she's there to put a hand at her back and urge her on the right path.
at the end, she sighs. relieved and a bit exhausted in equal measure before nodding to herself, raising her hand to put it on ereshkigal's and gripping it in hers. ]
You're right. With everything else, I don't hesitate so much. I don't know why I'm doing it again now. [ a sense of calm settles over her and she sits up. ] It's not that I feel guilty for having feelings. It's... a lot more complicated than that.
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If it was me... I'd want to savor it too. [She stands up and smiles at Hiyori.] If I found love and they wanted to marry me immediately, I'd immediately say no. The journey is just as important as the destination.
[ She starts walking idly through the room, looking up dreamily. ]
I'd want a lot of dates in all sorts of gardens, or slow walks by a Christmas market on the beach, or-or... [And lo: The goddess is silent for a few second as she's sparkling, lost in her thoughts. But she soon shakes her head and ceases sparkling.] W-Well, nevermind that! What's important is that this is something you should enjoy at your own pace.
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that sounds like ereshkigal. a romantic at her heart. not so hopeless, though. hiyori watches her, unable to help but smile while she relays her daydreams and sparkles in her room. all of it has her reflecting back on her time with yato. their dates. every visit he made to the hospital to bring her food. the little gifts he picked up for her, here and there. the gifts she picked for him. his face being the first she saw when she woke up and how happy that made her. how he's been a pillar for her since getting here.
how different he is now to the yato she first met. not just with her but with everyone around them. he's made so many friends just by being himself.
it still feels a little like she's being fussy about it all. at the same time, yato's stance makes sense. tomorrow, in a week, in a month -
if one of them were to leave, she'd regret not listening to him. ]
Or horseback rides in your true love's arms? [ hiyori finishes for her, flashing a smile. it dims, a moment later and her eyes drop to her knees. ]
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... That would be so wonderful!
[ But when she turns back to Hiyori, it's evident her friend isn't in the mood to daydream about silly scenarios like that. She'd hoped some levity would help her, but sometimes words just don't cut it.
That happens often with her souls too. Sometimes, there are no words that comforts them, no matter how hard she tries. Sometimes, they already know everything you tell them and just saying it in a kind and understanding manner doesn't help with the pain. ]
...
[ She goes back to the bed and sits next to Hiyori again, before slowly wrapping her arms around her friend and pulling her into a hug, wordlessly so. She is noticeably cold as always, Ereshkigal can never change that aspect of her physiology... But she hopes the hug is warm in other ways. ]
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unfortunately, it doesn't last. there's so much on her mind. she just gets like this when there's so much to think about. so, it does help. for a bit.
feeling the bed sink next to her, she looks up from her knees and sees the hug incoming and accepts it. leaning into it and burying her face in her shoulder. as ever, the temperature doesn't bother her. if anything, it's nice.
all this thinking has overheated her brain and the cool pressure of the goddess's arms around her is a relief. it is warm, though. warmth to know you're cared about so far, far away from home. after a steadying breath, she leans back and smiles more fully and it lasts much longer than a second at ereshkigal. ]
I can't decide on the color of the bridesmaid dresses. Maybe a soft blue? Or, like, a champagne color? I'm thinking of a cherry blossom theme.
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Mhm... Perhaps a color that complements that of the bride's dress?
[ It all depends on what Hiyori will pick for herself! A white dress she wagers, but she knows some bride decide to go for different colors. And she can see the appeal, really? ]
When I think about weddings, I'm always torn between tradition and preferences. The traditional white dress is like a dream! But black is a much better color to wear... [Will Ereshkigal have a white or black wedding dress the day she'll finally meet her significant other? To be continued... someday!] Regardless, there's time for you to think about that, right? I know it's not easy...
[ It's going to be painful when she tells Yato she wants to delay, that's unavoidable. Even if he understands and agrees, it's gonna hurt just a bit to have and disappoint him...
She gently takes Hiyori's hands with her own and holds them close. ]
... But I'll be here to help you bear the burden if it gets too heavy sometimes, I promise.
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[ this is good. this is helping. if she gets into the wedding so much, she won't have to think about everything else. how afraid she is LILITH will decide she's useless and send her back. or something will happen to yato. she can't be sick to her stomach, sometimes, wondering if a kaiju will interrupt the entire thing out of nowhere. yato's mortality. her normalness. no matter how in love with yato she is, this voice won't leave her alone.
it sounds a lot like tenjin and kazuma.
that's not for now.
besides, she can hear those like ereshkigal just as loudly. louder, even. all the friends they made here who support them.
she clutches the hands in hers, squeezing gratefully. nodding - just a bit tightly, a bit jerkily. still a bit breathless from giggling at ereshkigal wanting to wear a black dress for her wedding. that's SOOOOO her. goth girl.
maybe she should get her one of those super cute lolita dresses she used to see in fashion magazines. with the frills and stripes and dark colors. ]
You should definitely go with black when you get married. [ not if, when. ]
... Same to you. Moving isn't easy. I did it with my family when we chose to live with my dying grandmother. And, I could use something else to focus on while I figure out what to say to Yato...
I feel like my head's going to explode with how much I was thinking about this.
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She wonders if Yato will be dressed with a top hat and a carnival mask? Maybe that's too over the top. ]
Black it shall be then.
[ She closes an eye in a wink and pulls away, before standing up. ]
Do you want to come to the flower shop? The opening is next week and I could use a hand to tidy things up.
[ What a liar, the shop is already totally ready and there is nothing left to tidy up! But she hopes it may distract Hiyori a bit. ]
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note to self: figure out a way to get her in a goth lolita dress ]
Hehe. Good.
[ letting her go, hiyori moves onto her feet too. at the invitation, she obviously brightens at the prospect of helping her and getting her mind off things. keeping her hands busy. moving her body. ]
Would I? You don't have to ask. I'm really good at cleaning! I'd compete with our housemaid at our old house all the time, haha!
[ already rolling up her sleeves. lie or not, the gesture means the most. besides, hiyori will find SOMETHING to do there. if not, chatting with ereshkigal a bit more would never be something she'd turn down either.
for the record? nothing is too over the tope with yato. ever. ]
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Let's go then!
[ And off she is to lead the way! Normally she'd use the teleportation chip to just go there instantly, but she's not sure Hiyori has it... And it's less anxiety-inducing to walk in the town when you have a friend with you! ]
The new flower shop is next to the cemetery... It's convenient for me but I also hope it'll also encourage people to visit the dead more often. [The idea behind the move had absolutely been so she could be more effective in both of her jobs, rather than constantly waste time running from one place to the other. But... She's kind of hopeful this will also make people more likely to visit the place. She turns her head to look at Hiyori and smiles.] Do you have a favorite flower?
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hiyori doesn't think about it, falling into step beside ereshkigal and bumping into her playfully as they go like she used to do with yama and ami. before they started yammering about where they were going to go after school or what they were doing that weekend.
even with a teleport chip, she prefers the pleasure of walking with a friend. as efficient as it is, stopping the smell the roses (AS IT WERE!!!) is important. although roses, in their case, is more like wet concrete and burnt wire. ]
I hope so, too. The dead deserve to be remembered.
[ ereshkigal is likely more comfortable with both of her duties so close, too. she takes it so seriously. it's noble. maybe a bit overdoing it? as if she can talk. ]
I do, yeah! It's been cherry blossoms for a looong time. It's my favorite smell- [ she stumbles a little here, blinking rapidly ] My... favorite scent to use in shampoo and perfumes ever since I was a kid. I haven't been able to find one here that I really like yet, though.
What about you? You work with so many flowers it's probably hard to pick one, but do you have one?
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Cherry blossoms are so pretty. [Now she knows what perfume set to get her for her birthday.] Mine is a similar color. Amarcrinum. There's a bit of a story behind it though.
[ And that's a bit of a long story, but thank goodness she's gonna skip most of the details. ]
Mother Tiamat awoke as a Beast and attempted to destroy humanity. And as she cannot die unless she's the last living entity in the world, she was virtually unstoppable... But Ritsuka thought of a loophole: to fight her in a world with no life - the Underworld. [Isn't her little grape so smart??] She wasn't happy with that of course, so she tried corrupting the Underworld itself with her chaos tide.
[ All hope was lost! And while she won't admit it, Ereshkigal had been panicking hard when it'd happen. Not only the world ending but her Underworld being corrupted? ]
But then... Merlin used his magic to turn the chaos tide into flowers-- Amarcrinum. [She looks up at the (gray) sky happily.] It was for such a brief moment, but my Underworld was filled with flowers.
[ That's her one most precious memory. Nevermind she kind of died, but she came back so it's all good. ]
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working on it.
ritsuka, the one she loves. a normal human, just like her, saving the world with a crazy but brilliant idea. and at the end of that story is a happy ending. life filling a world of the dead, ereshkigal's domain. ]
So Amarcrinum reminds you of that beautiful moment when your Underworld saw flowers for the first time. That's so lovely, Ereshkigal.
Is that why you decided to run a flower shop, too? And why it's nearby the cemetery? You want that moment where the dead are surrounded by flowers again?
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Buuuuut since she was allowed to keep existing, she might as well hope for the best! ]
It's always been my dream to fill the Underworld with flowers. But nothing's ever worked. [Her smile fades a bit. It's very much painful whenever she thinks about the eventual after. When this world and her world will both be saved, and she'll be back to her desolate Underworld. All she'll have left will be memories with nothing in her future.] Hopefully Tezcatlipoca's method will work...
[ ... Right, Hiyori probably has no idea what she's talking about. ]
We made a deal and he's going to teach me how flowers grow in the Underworld in his pantheon.
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but she's just a little human with no powers. only medical terms and diseases and diagnosis on the brain as far as her abilities go. martial arts moves. some archery now, too.
she can support it, like she does eresh's love. like she does eresh herself, doing her best to remind her she's not alone by spending time with her or being a comforting hand when she needs it. they can drink wine together and talk about romance and love and flowers and why those flowers mean so much to them.
tez-cat-li-poca...? aaaaah. another god! who can grow flowers in his - hiyori feels a flicker of worry. ]
A deal? What was your end of the deal?
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Nevermind she does in her future she just doesn't know about it yet.]He wanted to check in on this world's afterlife, my presence would make his ritual easier. That and he needed someone to help him in case something went wrong. [She shakes her head.] He failed and I had to carry him back to the hospital wing. [A sigh.] Nitwit.
[ They approach the flower shop and Ereshkigal looks for the keys in her bag. She hasn't realized yet she doesn't have the keys on her person (some things never change). ]
He has difficulties reckoning with the fact we're no longer gods in this world. [She looks at Hiyori with something of a worried smile.] Avoid him if you can. Unlike Yato and I, he doesn't value individual human lives very highly and takes great pleasure in fanning the flames of conflict.
[ So basically he's more like what most people expect gods to be like. ]
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ok maybe. a little. that's not her fault, though! it's because she was in the underworld for so long and hiyori watches the people around her closely. too closely. after knowing ereshkigal for over half a year now, she's picked on some things. besides, she wouldn't say she's naive!! just
it's a common theme with the divine, that's all.
SEE SHE WAS RIGHT TO BE CONCERNEDLKDGJD]So, neither of you found out anything about the Underworld?
[ seems like LILITH really is the only organization with that power. how did they get it...? is it by draining the divinity of the gods they summon? since now there's three hiyori knows of.
yato, ereshkigal, and this tezcatlipoca. beside her, hiyori's steps slow and she stares at the ground in thought as she rummages around in her bag.
nobody she'll get along with.... probably.... but ]
He must enjoy the kaiju fights.... [ AT LEAST SOMEONE IS??? ]
Does he at least value humanity as a whole?
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Yes, in his own way. [She marks a pause.] We are enemies in our world. He believes the future that awaits humanity to be a worse fate than their extinction, therefore he has chosen to become an enemy of humanity.
[ Ereshkigal is a firm believer in his approach being utterly stupid. When you're a disappointed parent, you don't kill your kid because they've become a criminal! You try to set them back on the right path. Sighs.
She looks increasingly panicked though. But not about that evil god. ]
I-I don't have the keys...?
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the divide between the near and far shore shows itself again. immortality and the curse of unending life. living long enough to see the future of humanity. among other things. the loneliness.
hiyori's left with her own thoughts on the matter. how, in her lifetime, she won't see what will become of humanity but how she wants to fight for them regardless. for herself. to be able to look at herself in the mirror. ]
... Huh? You... huh?
[ uh oh ]
It's okay! [ whether or not it is, doesn't matter. IT WILL BE OKAY. ] Um. Did you leave a window open maybe? Let's check!
[ she takes ereshkigal's hand and walks around the perimeter. ]
Worse comes to worse, Yato can teleport. Maybe he can find a way inside if we call him for help.
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There are countless possibilities! ]
N-No, I would never. [You bet she triples check everything is properly closed before leaving every single time.] I can teleport too, but that won't unlock the door...
[ She could break the door, but then that'll ring the alarm and bring the police! ]
I-I'm sorry, I was so excited to show you the shop...
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wherever they are, hiyori isn't going anywhere until they find them. that's a promise. ]
... You wouldn't. [ diligent ereshkigal would NEVER. ]
Hey, don't worry about it. It, um... can be like an adventure for you and me. What if we checked on the cemetery in the meantime? Actually, if I can be honest, I didn't expect for there to be one. Everything is so high-tech now. It's a relief there are still some things I'm used to being around here and there....
[ yato keeps her sane.
and insane. ]
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Delusional.]R-Right...
[ She nods and takes her towards the cemetery, still looking more than a little bit confused and disappointed. ]
I wouldn't have agreed to help this world if they didn't respect the dead.
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