Gaming Badly in DxD

-Izanami-

‘’Wait… He’s here? Seriously?!’’ The God of Travel asked in befuddlement before bursting into laughter. ‘’That’s hilarious! Oh, oh, but does he know about all of us? I wonder, I wonder…~!’’

‘’He most likely doesn’t.’’ Apollo informed nonchalantly, a goblet of wine resting in his right hand as he took a sip. ‘’But to so boldly demand another God’s attentions… It’s just like Dionysus all over again, such a fresh taste for the palette.’’

Artemis merely shrugged. The hood covering her eyes hid any sort of feeling she could express about the imminent meeting, though considering how she took to the shadows instead of remaining in open sight like her brother, it seemed she wished to be nothing but a spectator through and through.

‘’It is odd…’’ Thanatos' face parted into a small smile. With a wave of her hand, the blue flowers of her domain made a path, flowers that I let grow into my own grave’s steps, not only for their beautiful décor, but to make access to this realm all the easier. ‘’Hast thou wish to hold the first word, Izanami-no-Mikoto? As the first watcher, thou hast the utmost right.’’

‘’Aww, but Thanathoooos, I wanted to speak to him!’’ Hermes complained, having taken into the ‘sky’ and currently pouting at the Hand of Death while being completely upside down. Though after a moment, he stuck his tongue out and winked. ‘’Joking… Go ahead, Lady Izanami, I can wait for my own private chat another day! Oh, I already know what I want to chat about… It’s going to be such a great adventure~!’’

Shaking my head, I placed a hand on my chest and took deep breaths. It had been such a long time since such a feeling of nervousness had filled my chest. Possibly dating to before I was deemed the ‘Queen of Yomi’.

But why was it that this particular mortal-turned-god called out to me like so? Sure, his ‘pray’ drew her attention, but it’s not like there are few traditionalists who call my name when putting people to rest.

Was it because of the presence he imposed? His strange abilities, his exceptional growth?

Or maybe it was his ascension, his Domain, so opposing to my own, but that reminded me of old times, where I was deemed a creator and not merely a rotten corpse, reaping souls of everyone who fell in my lands?

Whatever the answer was, I was about to find out.

‘’I thank all of you for the politeness, yes, I would like a private word if it’s not much to ask?’’

‘’Of course, we are among friends, after all.’’ Apollo nodded with a charming smile.

‘’It is of no matter to me.’’ The Goddess of the Hunt nodded, leaning back-first against the shadows in this realm, as they clung to her like a second skin.

‘’Fiiiiine~’’ Hermes, the Traveler, gave a deep, over-exaggerated sigh as he flew around the room in circles, always retaining that mischievous smirk. ‘’But I’m getting seconds, it’s only fair!’’

‘’One holds no such objections against thy decision.’’ Thanatos nodded, a tiny, almost imperceptible smile on her face. The real shook, flowers bloomed, and the lamp in her hand dimmed, ready to hide away every presence that wasn’t my own. ‘’But… this one would also wish to hear stories from that man, if thou wouldst be so inclined…?’’

I nodded to the fellow Death Goddess. ‘’Very well, I cannot guarantee his stay, but I will tell him about the Greeks’ interest. It’s the least I could do.’’

‘’Yaaaay~!’’ Hermed cheered like a child who had gotten candy, before tipping his hat and laughing in a high-pitched, bordering on annoying manner. ‘’Now go and break that dry spell, Lady Izanami! Get yourself a new man who would look beyond the dark veil of the Yomi~!’’

An annoyed tick appeared on my head.

With a swipe of my hand, I threatened to engulf the trickster with death itself, knowing very well it won’t do much to the one who can travel through Thanatos' domain so freely, yet before I could, I was left alone in the field of flowers.

‘’…Uncouth Traveler. That is no way to speak to a divorced woman.’’ I turned my head away with nay a scoff to offer at such insolent wording. Instead, I made sure my clothes were finely treated, my hair in the right place, with the fan enveloped by it perfectly aligned. ‘’I wonder… could he even see through the darkness the Yomi put me through?’’

There was a reason for… him, Izanagi, to seal my tombstone after searching for my soul for years on end. What the Yomi had done to me after my parting due to childbirth was nothing short of condemning. That was also the reason none of my children had set foot into it, and the reason I could never leave it behind, no matter how I tried.

It was a miracle in and of itself that I could manage the strength to mold Yomi into letting me access Thanatos’ realm in the first place.

The feeling of fear and disgust clings to my chest like a crushing claw. If even my equal, the creator of what used to be our Shinto, and what it is now, could not see through, and had left me behind as nothing but a permanently rotting husk…

What would make him, the God of Abundance, so far and below a God of Creation, any different?

There was no time to wonder, however, for no more than a second later, steps echoed into the realm. The god had easily stepped into my tomb and was currently on the doorstep of this realm, also.

‘Oh goodness…’ I allowed a little smile to change my expression. ‘I understand now what dear little Ama meant when showing me those animations, and how she gushed about fictional characters.’

Was it really the same? Won’t it be like personally meeting the dancer or singer of a play you held dearly, so?

Well… I was about to find out, as the shadows parted, revealing a man with long, wild, dark hair, contained by nothing but a hairband. Eyes as sweet as honey, and an aura around him that just willingly took as it also gave.

He was a thief, as much as a lover, and he was mortal, yet also divine.

For he was Abundance.

-X-x-X-

-Zatren Fumigami-

‘Man, this place is really dark.’ I looked over the path. There were no walls, floor, or roof, nothing. Yet, my steps echoed as if there was ground. ‘It feels like a conceptual space, not fake, just… different.’

Something like a Domain, perhaps? Only that this one is more permanent.

The only thing besides myself was tiny blue lilies, guiding my path. There was a moment in which I considered straying from it, but a sudden shiver went down my spine, and I felt so very cold, like a stiff corpse.

Following the flowers, it was.

And I didn’t have to wait long for the path to end. Apparently, I was walking down some sort of stairs this entire time, because slowly but surely, I saw the path opening up as I went ‘’down’’.

The ‘’steps’’ disappeared behind me, and I was left all alone in a field of these flowers, only that this time, they were much more different.

‘These are…’ Petals blew across the field, like a gentle breeze had blown them away. Instinctively, I felt the presence of what was contained in every little flower thanks to my Senjutsu.

Souls.

Well, I was mingling with a Goddess of Death, wasn’t I?

‘Speaking of…’ I wasn’t really alone, not in the proper sense, but I could not pick away at the woman’s presence either. ‘’My, a beautiful woman for a beautiful field of flowers, aren’t you?’’

That was what I said… but it was the complete opposite.

As I approached, I noticed more details of the feminine figure in front of me. Pale, almost green skin that was on the border of turning to dust, always decaying and rotting.

Sunken pupils without eyes stared into my very soul. Something foul nestled inside them, and with a little more attention, I could see squirming maggots eating away at her insides.

Her dress, once fine white and red silk in the form of a shrine maiden’s outfit, lay torn, revealing patches of decaying flesh and even bone.

Lastly, her hair was a mess of foul-smelling clumps and knots, completely frizzy, going all the way to the ground, and hiding part of the corpse’s ugliness.

Then why compliment her, besides for the sake of politeness, of course?

Well… because I knew that was not her proper self.

There was a layer of death clinging to her form like a sick, rotten, moth-infested blanket. It was covering and transforming her form without the Goddess being able to tear it away from herself. It was like they were one, if just barely.

‘’God of Abundance…’’ Izanami spoke, her voice felt rough and dry, with a hint of shamefulness as the corpse turned her gaze away. ‘’While your visit is a welcome surprise, may I ask first … what do you see me as?’’

And before I could open my mouth, those sunken pupils locked with mine once again, a dark fire lighting deep inside them. Instinctively, I knew that lying would bring either ire or disappointment.

Not like I planned to.

‘’A corpse, rotten, decayed, yet living,’’ I stated bluntly, making her almost recoil. ‘’But, I also see more… Do you wish for me to tell you?’’

The woman’s shoulders sagged at my initial words, only to freeze right after. I felt bad, mostly because of the lingering hopes that radiated to the surface so easily, that they replaced the inexpressiveness and stone-cold mannerisms of her body.

‘’…If you’re able to look beneath this hideous surface.’’ Izanami wondered, almost blissfully, as she took a step forward, and then another, until she was right in front of me. ‘’I ask of thee… Inform me of it.’’

With our closeness, the essence of death itself that clung to her form practically tried to invade my senses, touch my body, and erode my soul. Almost the same as what it had done to Izanami herself. It was disgusting, it was terrifying, it was…

...It was lonely.

Yomi infests every nook and crevice of living beings, corruption that only a true master of the Soul Arts or a Divine being could refuse.

[The Curse of Yomi] has been negated by [Divinity (Perk)].

And I stated it properly.

‘’I see a deep sense of betrayal followed closely by resigned acceptance.’’ I started, making sure not to look away from Izanami’s face.

Contrary to what every instinct in my body told me, I reached out, making her freeze. Slowly but surely, my palm reached Death’s face; the strands of hair covering half of her face were softly blown away, revealing even more leathery, bordering on skeletal skin.

‘’Resigned to loneliness, yet you do not regret it, because the only way for you to have fallen into Yomi in the first place was thanks to the gift of motherhood.’’

‘’…’’ The Goddess didn’t speak, didn’t flinch, yet her robes moved as I felt a hand cold as ice place itself on top of mine.

‘’I did not lie, you know? You are beautiful.’’ I chuckled, yet I couldn’t stare at her anymore, because I was mesmerized by what was inside, Izanami’s true beauty. ‘’I should know, I have one part of my divinity put into that domain.’’

Which was what called to me when I laid eyes on her, which was why I was not afraid to put my hand on her face or to compliment her. She was Death, yes, but she was not pain nor suffering; she was the reassuring embrace of eternal rest, and the last vestige of the world you shall see before passing on.

Which means…

‘’The living see death as this scary reaper that would tear out your soul, ripping them away from their loved ones… but that’s not true, now, is it?’’ I moved what hair remained on the woman’s face, which let me stare into her eyes properly. ‘’Death is just the final destination of a mortal’s soul, it is then cleansed, and laid to rest for whoever long it needs. You’re not salvation, yet you aren’t punishment either. You’re peace. And as such… You are beautiful.’’

A pause filled the field of flowers, the only sound being my own breathing and the soft breeze.

And then it happened. Like a keylock being opened with one swift yet resounding click.

Gone was the leathery skin and sunken pupils, replaced by pale yet soft and peerless skin. There was no defect, almost like looking at the most perfect porcelain doll, but her beauty was much more than just merely artificial or static.

The shrine outfit was back to its former glory, with intense red and not a single stitch out of place, not like it was brand new, but cared for with love and effort that only a knowing hand could provide.

Her hair became silky and well-maintained, but it retained its length. I could feel its softness as it moved on its own, clinging to my palm before letting go, as if it were a reassuring gesture.

Lastly, her eyes. The pupils changed color, as if they were undecided, from black, to red, purple, until finally, they settled on gold. If that was to either imitate mine without fully committing to it, trying to replicate the one from my first lover, or it was merely her favorite color, I did not know.

I released Izanami’s face, and she didn’t object, merely locking eyes with me with an undecipherable expression. With a knowing grin, I bowed my head cordially.

‘’Well then, it’s a pleasure to meet you proper, oh Izanami-no-Mikoto.’’ My grin widened as I raised an eyebrow. ‘’Sorry to say, my ‘show’ does not have any merchandise, but I hope to have been a great source of entertainment.’’

‘’Quite.’’ Izanami mumbled. Her hands, as smooth-looking and soft as the rest of her, slowly raised out of her long, big cuffs and clenched repeatedly. ‘’…You can really see, can you not? Your words… I felt them; they were not just for show.’’

‘’They weren’t,’’ I confirmed with a happy smile.

‘’I see…’’

An awkward silence filled the field. To be honest, I was not expecting to have this sort of thing dropped into my lap, though I didn’t really know what to expect. Maybe like a fan’s meeting?

…Yeah, that was dumb.

‘’Sooo…’’ I cleared my throat. ‘’I don’t know how these things really work. Maybe I should have brought an offering, right?’’

Izanami’s stone-cold expression broke as a small, humorous smile appeared. ‘’It… is quite the tradition, no matter the pantheon, to bring a tribute when speaking to a deity, yes.’’

Pulling my hands behind my head, I stretched and looked around. ‘’Well… I’m sorry, then. But, surely, you didn’t bring me one, right? Both of us are forgiven then—‘’

Something poked my face. I turned.

Izanami held an extended hand. The thing that had poked me was a blood-red flower with long, arching stems, almost as if they were the legs of a spider. From a single glance, I could tell it was no regular flower, but I couldn’t place the feeling it gave off.

‘’I… uh…’’ I genuinely stammered but extended my hand as Izanami put the flower on my open palm. ‘’What… what a way to make me look bad. Fine, I’ll get you something, too.’’

‘’Lycoris Radiata.’’ Izanami spoke, as if she were ignoring my words. Delicately, like handling a precious cloth, she pushed my hand containing the flower closer to my chest. ‘’My people use it to make sure their loved ones have a safe passing. This flower, as you say, could represent death. Won’t you say then, that even with its sad connotation, that is also a beautiful thing…? Like say, how you just complimented me, dear Abundance?’’

I stared, without words, as Izanami’s warm smile turned the slightest bit mischievous. Pompous yet beautiful laughter escaped past her lips as she contemplated my expression, and I couldn’t help but feel I got out-charisma’d.

‘’I jest, I jest…’’ Izanami shook her head, but without releasing my hand. ‘’However, this is my gift to you. Fitting, isn’t it? Death gifting a flower to Abundance. I put some thought behind it, and I feel like this little one plays into both of our realms…’’

I pressed my lips thin and looked between the smiling, happy woman and the gift she had put so much thought into being pressed into my chest. I do not think I’ve got flowers gifted to me in my life, and on another occasion, I might have overlooked the true importance of this gift.

My face felt awfully hot, too, and were my hands shaking? I had to take a calming breath, otherwise—Holy shit, I was getting rizzed the fuck up.

The realization hit me like a bag of bricks. Is this what it felt like to be on the opposite side of this sort of conversation? Gabriel above, I feel butterflies.

Shaking my head, I stared at the flower for a moment, not knowing where to put it, since simply shoving it into my Inventory felt like I was brushing it aside.

But then I got an idea, because I was not the only one who would get teased today.

‘’I thank you sincerely, and receive your gift with great esteem, Death.’’ I followed along with a little grin, but then, I pulled the flower close to my tied hair, and with a little push of my govern over Abundance, I made it extend. ‘’Know that, I’ll make sure to keep it with me, be it casually, or during battle, where Death and Life share a beautiful yet tragic waltz.’’

Izanami’s eyes widened, and her mouth opened slightly as the spider red lily opened its stems. At the same time, I broke off my hair tie and instead let the flower envelop my escaping ponytail, tying it anew with Izanami’s gift as its new holder.

What better way to have such a pretty thing exposed than to let it be on my person the entire time, right?

‘’You…’’ Izanami stared before chuckling. ‘’What a childish gesture. Do you see ourselves as two little kids exchanging friendship gifts? Fufufu…’’

Yet, if the way the woman’s skin and smile glowed was anything to go by, she was incredibly happy with the outcome.

‘’I may not have a perfect gift for you, as you have given me, but may I offer something for your palate to enjoy as an apology?’’ I brushed off and, in a bold move, pushed her long hair back, above her left ear, before pulling back and revealing a chocolate muffin I just took out of my Inventory. ‘’Ta-da~ Hope you enjoy, Iza-na-mi~’’

Shaking her head, amused by the small magic trick, the Goddess took the pastry into her hands and took a small, confident bite. Even the way she ate was elegant, not leaving any crumbs on her clothing or face.

After the first bite came another, and a third. Each one done in measure and with gusto, until nothing was left. Izanami sighed and bowed her head in a small nod, the same way I had done before.

‘’It has been… a long time since I could properly eat food from the living world,’’ Izanami admitted, looking me in the eye with a spark of happiness in her golden gaze. ‘’Even if the gesture was small as you claim, I thank you all the same, Abundance. I am truly happy that we could meet.’’

‘’I’ll have to say the same.’’ I chuckled. ‘’I did not expect my first meeting with another God to be so pleasant. Thank you, Death.’’

For a moment, both of us stayed silent. With the field of flowers below our feet, and the soft, calming breeze in this place of rest. My eyes didn’t leave hers, and I was getting the feeling that my admirer here was about to ask for something, as she slowly closed the distance.

‘’Hermes, thou shouldn’t make so much noise…!’’ Suddenly, a feminine voice speaking in an old tongue chastised.

‘’Aww, but look at them, it’s adorable!’’ And another one, high-pitched and androgynous in nature, followed right after.

I looked around in confusion, even as Izanami sighed in slight frustration. All of a sudden, space shifted, expanding, revealing hills of these small flowers all over, and with it, more people also appeared.

A lady veiled top to bottom in black robes with purple accents, holding a lamp. She, I felt, had the exact same connection to souls as Izanami, meaning that she also held dominion over Death or the Dead.

Funnily enough, she was trying to reach and hold another person with a smidge of panic, but as she turned around and noticed us, she looked almost ashamed.

Then, a shorter… man? Girl? I couldn’t tell, but what I could say is that they looked exactly like a character from a game I remembered. Short black hair tied in twin braids that fell forward. Their clothing was more akin to an explorer, with maps tied around their belt, green silks, and brown leather covering their form.

Also, they had stockings, and their face was akin to that of a cat, not in appearance, but in symmetry, making them look incredibly cute, even if I couldn’t properly see their eyes thanks to the green hat with a feather currently covering them.

…They were also looking at me and shaking like a kid on too much sugar, so that’s that.

‘’My, sorry to interrupt. It wasn’t our intention, but our friend here seems to be quite restless.’’ A man with curly black hair and orange eyes, dressed in nothing but a fancy robe that screamed ‘Greek’ said with a friendly smile, he was the only one sitting on a couch made of roots and flowers as he sipped calmly from a goblet of wine. ‘’Well met, foreign God, I hold this drink to you!’’

Lastly, in the corner of the room, I saw a shadow—No, a lady covered in shadows, indistinguishable from them except for huntress robes clinging to her form and the bow on her back. Instead of words, she merely gave an acknowledging nod, which I returned with squinted eyes.

Because honestly, I was way too confused.

‘’You’re really quite the character, Lord Zatren! Ah, the way you fought that Sacred Gear Wielder… The fight against the Knight from another world!’’ The green-clad person squirmed, like they couldn’t stay in place, as they flew across the room, doing exaggerated motions to recall the events. ‘’And how could I forget the sweet moments with your family, along with your most recent ‘fight’ with the name of an old Devil house! Ah, I bet the big man above—which I mean Zeus, by the way—would laugh and share a goblet of Dionysus' finest wine for this tale~!’’

Wait… These people have seen how much exactly?!

‘’What exactly is happening here?’’ I asked the room with a suspicious glint in my eye, turning to the Goddess of Death, I raised an eyebrow. ‘’…Izanami?’’

‘’It’s… a long story, dear Abundance.’’ The Goddess, for the first time, smiled sheepishly.

Well, it’s a good thing I didn’t really need to sleep, and I took a recent nap then.

-X-x-X-

‘’So, let me get this straight.’’ I frowned, seated on the couch, a goblet of wine in hand, as I was surrounded by Gods on all sides. ‘’Izanami here has been watching me the longest. When I went to Rome, she asked Thanatos here for permission due to… deity’s version of border laws? And then all of you followed one after the other because you were bored?’’

‘’When you put it that way…’’ Izanami covered her mouth with her cuff, looking aside.

‘’Thou maketh a great point, it may seem a little unorthodox…’’ Thanatos, just like Izanami, showed a little bit of shame by contemplating the thought.

‘’Hey, hey! I was here to deliver a message, you know? It’s the same as stumbling into your friend's house and sitting to watch television~!’’ The God of Travel, Hermes, that I was now sure was a he with a crossdressing tendency, answered without a single drop of shame.

‘’It is quite impolite, for that, I apologize. Rest assured, as long as you keep being entertaining, I could offer you great riches for your service?’’ Apollo, like a true distinguished gentleman, offered me treasure with a friendly grin.

Considering that they have been staring at my life for quite a bit now, I was sure he knew about my fancy for shiny things, so this was obviously bribery.

I’ll hold him onto that.

‘’Yes.’’ Lastly, there was Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt, who merely shrugged and spoke as bluntly as possible. ‘’You do fine work on the battlefield, and you choose your marks well. Good job.’’

‘’…Thanks?’’ I only got a thumbs up as I processed the strange compliment. ‘’No, wait, that’s not the point. Just how bored are you guys to find my life entertaining?’’

My words, much to my surprise, made the Gods and Goddesses blink, and then look at me like I just said the stupidest thing in the world.

‘’Dear Abundance…’’ Izanami started. ‘’How should I put it, your life is…’’

‘’Strange. A pleasant strangeness that thou seem unaware of.’’ Thanathos concluded, a tiny smile on her veiled face. ‘’Taking on most a dangerous foe without none fear or hesitation.’’

‘’And bedding lovely maidens left and right!’’ Hermes cheered, patting me on the back as he floated behind me. ‘’Some of these prudes didn’t want to watch, but I’ll say, you can make even me feel curiosity, hahaha!’’

‘’…Well, that’s an odd way to say you’re okay with getting railed, my guy.’’ I spoke without thinking, but it only made Hermes laugh all the louder. ‘Right… Greeks are probably pretty used to that.’

‘’In any case, we hope that this is not an inconvenience for you? We can, of course, respect your privacy, doubly so since apparently, you’re quite immune to any sort of scrying, hm?’’ Apollo offered with a knowing look. It was almost amazing how this dude looked stylish and somewhat menacing while merely stating things. ‘’For now, how about we all share a drink? In honor of our fellow God rising to a proper Deity status…’’

Apollo clicked his fingers, and all of a sudden, everyone had a golden goblet with fresh, sweet-smelling wine that just made the mouth water. Even Izanami, who, considering she’s from the Shinto, was possibly not all that used to this type of beverage, couldn’t help but be enticed by the aroma.

Apollo made his glass clink three times and raised it into the air with a friendly smile. ‘’To the one over Abundance, Beauty, and Devilkind, cheers!’’

‘’’’Cheers!’’’’

Yet, as I reluctantly clinked my goblet with my fellow Gods, in a private meeting turned party, and took a sip of the delicious wine that felt like ambrosia on my palate… I froze.

‘’Devilkind…?’’ I frowned.

Due to the input of a meddlesome Greek, you know the slightest bit more about your roots.

As the first ever Devil to reach the realm of the Divine, you are, obviously, closely rooted to either the home of such creatures or their species itself, allowing for Devils, no matter who they are, to look at you with a different gaze, even unknowingly.

Minor Domain Discovered: Devilkind.

I choked on my drink, almost spilling onto the floor, much to the confusion of everyone else, except Apollo, who merely grinned like a madman and shot me a knowing wink.

This… explained so much about my relationship with every and any devil going so smoothly, but still.

What the actual fuck?!

-X-x-X-

‘’What a night… Jeez, just how much did I drink? Deus livers sure are freaking tough.’’ I sighed, stretching hard as I felt the satisfaction of every vertebra in my back popping at once like I was made of bubble wrap.

Maybe it wasn’t healthy, but try to convince me otherwise.

Yet, as I made my way out of this domain and into Izanami’s grave, I felt something watching me. With a little smile, I turned around.

‘’You know… You can’t be missing me when I’m just about to leave.’’ I teased the darkness.

‘’…Can’t I?’’ Suddenly, it spoke back. The form of Izanami revealed itself. Her expression was much warmer, showing genuine happiness at today’s events. ‘’It was a lovely night. I wish I could spend more of them like this… You’re easy to get used to, dear Abundance.’’

Before I could interrupt, the Goddess smiled knowingly, raising an open palm into the air. ‘’However, this one knows such desire is selfish. You have plenty of lovers… genuine partners that warm your body and heart. Not to mention, little ones to raise.’’

‘’I can still visit, you know?’’ I shrugged awkwardly. ‘’You can still write me, we can talk—Oh, and maybe ask Hermes? I’m sure he can get you a phone. Don’t get me wrong, your writing is beautiful, but it’s slightly inconvenient.’’

Izanami paused and then started to chuckle. Small, little sounds, so noble and proper, like a lady. The sound was closely followed by my own, much less measured.

‘’You’re right.’’ Izanami sighed, and with a gesture of her hand, I saw the darkness part, revealing silent, embracing moonlight. ‘’Then… until we see each other again? Do note, you’re always welcome at Death’s door.’’

I paused, raising an eyebrow. ‘’You know, that sounds more like a threat than an invitation.’’

‘’Oh, run along, you greedy imp, you understood what I meant!’’ Izanami borderline pouted before waving me off.

I shook my head, turning around and walking to the light. Slowly but surely, I felt Death’s embrace leave me as the darkness was left behind, waiting for my return one day.

But before that.

I stopped right at the door, taking a deep breath. I already knew what I was going to say before I did, and even if it was stupid and maybe impossible, I was going to follow along with it.

‘’I will get you out of Yomi,’’ I stated with complete seriousness, clenching my fist. ‘’And then, you don’t get to be selfish, because I’ll be the selfish one, you hear?’’

No answer followed my words as I exited, or at least, I didn’t believe so, but the moment I set foot outside, I heard a whisper, filled with resignation, yet with a smidge of lingering hope.

‘’We shall see, dear Abundance…’’

Fresh air hit my lungs as I just stood there, grave sealed once again thanks to a giant, magic boulder. I pressed a hand against my chest and couldn’t help the little smile covering my face.

I felt like I didn’t do this nearly enough as I should. So, as the barrier containing Izanami’s grave was left behind, and I was once more back to the ‘real’ world, I smiled brightly and looked into the lovely and clear night sky.

And I thanked.

I thanked the world, I thanked my friends, my loved ones, my luck.

Even if not said out loud, the feeling was still there, and I was happy with just that.

And with the gift of Izanami clinging to my hair like the perfect ornament, and a brand new day following after this beautiful night, I decided that there was no better way to end it than on a very high note.

By being a little shit.

I picked up my phone and didn’t even bother calling, considering the hour. Instead, I sent an audio message.

‘’Hey, Serafall? I decided to take a night stroll in a completely random city in Japan. You know, take in the sights.’’ I started casually as I walked into the forest, deciding to take the scenic route home. ‘’And… I may or may not have discovered that the Greeks and a certain Death Goddess of the Shinto had taken a liking to me! Oh, also? Apparently, my remaining domain as a God was devils. Like, the entire race or something. How crazy is that, right?’’

With a shit-eating grin and knowing very well I was going to hear about this in the morning, I continued. ‘’Well, that was pretty much it. Have a beautiful night, hope we can get some dinner going soon. So long, Levi-tan~’’

And just like that, I may have put the tiniest smidge of stress on the woman’s shoulders.

Honestly, the tiniest bit deserved for threatening to pounce on me and steal a kiss by surprise earlier today. Seriously, just who does that?

…

I do that, of course, but it was funny only when I did it, duh.

With that thought, I let the night follow its course as I made my way back home.

-X-x-X-

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Author's Note:

Nah, bro got out-rizzed. My goat a fraud.

The long-awaited meeting with Izanami. I'm sure... SURE that this won't make any future events with a certain faction a bit complicated.

...Foreshadowing is a tool that-

Anyway. We'll probably see more of Izanami later on. So will we of Hermes and some Greeks... (It's an arc I have planned eventually, trust)

If you guessed that Hermes looks like a certain wind twink from a Gacha Game, you are correct. (So is Thanatos, actually. Castorice from HSR)

I also publish on other sites, if you wish to check them out:

FFN: https://www.fanfiction.net/u/15809388/HamsterX42

QQ: https://forum.questionablequesting.com/search/35199387/?c[users]=HamsterX42&o=date

Ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/users/HamsterX42

Discord Link: .gg/92Yt5wxeWN