Gods are a weird bunch, and gods of death tend to be especially so. He’d happily include himself in that. But for how he’s gotten to know her so far, he’d still noticed that she was a bit gloomier than most. Less confident than most too, though he has a skewed perception because she’s usually better in her confidence with him out of necessity…
No wonder, he thinks. And she’s still so dutiful even with it being such a lonely job…? ]
Hm. Not what I would’ve guessed.
[ He means for the Underworld itself more than her, but there’s something sad to him about both. He at least doesn’t explain his Underworld further, because despite his usual behavior that would seem to imply the opposite, he’s more thoughtful than that. He can easily understand how the comparison would sting. ]
[ That sucks. Why is he reminding her of the fact she is - unavoidably - going to go back? Not that she doesn't want to, her duties are way too important and her souls need her! But... After vacations like that, it's going to be hard going back to being alone. ]
Dumuzid is supposed to stay six months a year down there, but...
[ Sometimes he just sits by the exit waiting for his six months to be up. Sometimes he just wanders around so she can't give him work. And when she manages to catch him he transforms into a sheep and she can't bring herself to punish him for being a slacker. At least he's a good emotional support plushie for when she really breaks down. ]
T-That doesn't bother me, not one bit. The souls need quiet and peace and you won't find any place in all of existence that's quieter than my Underworld!
[ If she was a wooden doll, Ereshkigal's nose would be growing at a dangerous speed right now. Thankfully, it doesn't take that to see she's blatantly lying to herself. ]
Bullshit. C’mon, if you’re gonna lie to me, at least get better at it.
[ He calls the lie flatly and charmingly as ever, but there’s no sharp, mocking smile like there usually is. His expression is more serious, though he doesn’t outwardly show the sympathy he might feel. He shifts a little in her arms, because he now wishes he’d found this out when he hadn’t just lost some organ, but at least it wasn’t a disabling one. He might not have learned anything about here, but maybe it’d been worthwhile in a different way. ]
That’s a tough gig.
[ Understatement, but he’s allergic to sentiment. Also, her earlier warning was right that trying to hold a conversation isn’t the best idea, but he pushes through it. ]
God or not, shouldn’t have to be alone doin’ your work.
[ That's... Unexpected. Maybe sacrificing his intestine mellowed him out. ]
I wouldn't have expected you to say that.
[ She would have expected him to say "that's tough but that's your job" or something along those lines. That's a lot more like the Tezcatlipoca she knows. But... That's nice to hear all the same. She looks up at the sky. It's funny that what everyone takes for granted is still a novelty to her. ]
Did you speak to Zagreus? In Greece, Hades' entire family works together in their Underworld. [It doesn't sound like they're exactly having a great time there either. Zagreus had been attempting to escape, after all. But eternity in the Underworld is not as bad when you're not alone. Especially when the people with you are people you love - family.] When Ishtar and I were split, I awakened to my divinity and was immediately brought to the Underworld.
[ She barely remembers the surface of that time. It's all vague and fuzzy... There's only the aftermath that's still clear in her mind. How she was told this was her realm, given the vaguest of explanations and then left there. Alone. ]
I could have easily forced the other gods into helping me. But then... The souls would have suffered for it. [Or is that just an excuse? She never even tried threatening them, she just accepted it all without fighting back...
... Why is she even talking about that? She sighs and shakes her head.] I should have donated my tongue for your ritual.
took out the intenstines that made him annoying clearly
[ He just grumbles something indistinct and slightly sourly, because the expectation… Is probably fair. He knows that. It’s why he doesn’t object, but he can still be just a bit sour because of the assumption… ]
I’m surprised it works that way, that’s all. Mictlan is huge and busy, and from what I’ve heard, the Greek Underworld is pretty active too. Haven’t spoken to him, by the way.
[ thankfully they are like just getting to exchanging names in their thread lmf… But he’s almost not sure what to say here, since as much as it explains to him why she is the way she is, it’s not a revelation he’s happy about. But nor would he lift a finger to change it, even if he had that power. It wouldn’t be his place from one pantheon to another, but that also seems like the kind of thing where his good intentions could very much go awry if he tried. ]
…I’m glad this came up, actually.
[ He settles on that first. And though it’s not the case, what follows comes out sounding somewhat reluctant, like it’s going against his very nature to be nice to her. ]
That’s tougher than I thought your job was. Sometimes what fate picks for us is a real bitch so… You have my sympathy, is what I mean.
[ ... If he could be like that all the time, perhaps she wouldn't have as many problems with him stalking her. Thankfully, he said sympathy and not pity. She would have taken it very poorly if he had said the later. The difference between the two words may be technically small, and yet they couldn't be more different.
She doesn't want pity. It's her own fault she's been all alone down there all this time. hen Ishtar came, she told her exactly what she should have done from the first.
"You should just leave the Underworld and go outside!."
Sometimes she wonders how things would have turned out if she had listened to her. What would have happened if they had left the Underworld together. But no. Instead she'd killed her. She'd interpreted her words as a mockery, an offense from the goddess who had everything and did not need to think about anyone but herself. ]
... Thank you.
[ She continues carrying him, silently so. Though... There is something she is curious about, admittedly. ]
[ At least it makes sense why she asks now. He has a feeling if he were to ask her in return, it would be an answer of extremes. Her Underworld must either be full of flowers or completely lacking in them, but considering her gloominess… He has to assume it’s the latter. ]
…Sure. Like I said, it’s a big place. There’s nine levels that the soul has to pass through.
[ Which might depress her further at first, but he elaborates after a pause. ]
But not much. Mictlan’s a trial, so there’s no place for rest or beauty. Only place you’ll find them is in my paradise at the first layer. The souls have to rest up and gather their strength before they journey down further.
[ The pause is of course because he wouldn’t normally explain it that way. It’s perfectly true, but as Ereshkigal has seen (suffered) firsthand, that’s just not how Tezcatlipoca chooses to present himself. He’s harsh before he’ll ever show a hint that he’s quite thoughtful. ]
[ He's right. No flowers can bloom in Kûr, and that's not for lack of trying. She's tried everything she could do get something to grow, to no avail. Even Enkidu, when he accidentally fell into the Underworld, tried to grow flowers as thanks and failed.
But it's possible. She's known it ever since the flower mage used his magic to fill her Underworld with flowers. And clearly in his pantheon, that's possible too. ]
... Then that's the payment.
[ She looks down at him with a smile. ]
Teach me how to grow flowers in a land where life cannot flourish. [On a conceptual level, Kûr and Mictlan should be the same thing. If flowers can grow in his realm... Then they can grow in hers. Maybe to him it's nothing special, but that's a secret none in her pantheon know of.] And we'll be even.
[ Honestly she would have carried him to LILITH for free, that was the idea at first anyway...
... But she hopes making it out to be a "payment" will make it likelier he will accept. ]
[ It’s just a quick, quiet little laugh, but it’s not mocking. In fact, his expression almost looks tired as he sighs it out. Sheesh… He should have known, but still. ]
You’re pretty cute for a god of death, you know that?
[ But that part is mocking—Well, no, teasing is more accurate. But there’s a little fondness there, since even if she’d rejected it completely, he still tends to think of himself as the eldest brother of his pantheon, and thus, to others as well. Their divinity may have been a longer, stranger path than others (thanks nasu), but that’s why he feels it carries further. But even if that might annoy her deeply, the teasing is gone when he speaks again. ]
Yeah. I promise.
[ There’s the weight of an oath in the words, which is important among their kind, at least. At home, it would be something he truly couldn’t break, and here… Well, that depends on how trustworthy she thinks he is, ultimately. ]
But fair warning that I can only teach ya how to grow flowers that were meaningful to us. You’ll probably have to do some tweaks to grow anything else.
[ SHE IS NOT CUTE!! He is fortunate she really cares about those flowers, or she might just drop him there and then for calling her cute like that! She is a scary and fearsome goddess of death, thank you very much. ]
[ Thankfully he doesn't push. Gosh... She really hates him. They're nearly getting along at times. But then every time he has to do something to infuriate her. She wonders if Ritsuka will be more efficient at mellowing him out. Her precious master got a real gift with that, whereas she has the charisma of a dead turtle. ]
That's fine.
[ Flowers are flowers. In fact, getting strange and exotic ones by her standards could be fun. The more the better. If she manages to tweak it so she can grow flowers she already likes, all the better. ]
It is my dream to fill the Underworld with flowers. Some souls stay there a really long time... So there should be enough variety for them to not get bored.
[ sorry eresh you are never beating the cute allegations… Because her elaboration only solidifies it in his mind. Of course, being able to be cute and be a fearsome god aren’t exactly concepts at odds for him, so. That helps. ]
Yeah. They like that kinda thing.
[ He chuckles gently like he’s recalling something fond, but he doesn’t share. He’s simply thinking of the Mictlampa of centuries ago, when human desires were “simpler”, in a way. He’s always shaped it to reflect what people consider restful, so in earlier times, it had been a peaceful city on a lake like Tenochtitlan. So, naturally, the flowers and bounty of nature were what people enjoyed. ]
They go back to the Root once they’re done in your neck of the woods, or do they have another place they have to go first?
[ She will scream if he ever uses the word cute to define her again! ... Which would probably only encourage him if he knew. ]
Usually, yes. [She nods.] They can choose to stay, if they'd rather. Or fade away entirely if that is their desire.
[ She doesn't like it when they choose to fade away, but that's not a choice she'll take away from them. It's rather rare, but it happens. ]
But they are only given those choices when they have rested and found peace.
[ Souls that just died are usually not the most apt to make difficult decisions like that. Left on their own, they would return to haunt the living or freeze eternally while wandering Kûr. Not a good idea. ]
[ He falls (blissfully) silent for a moment, and he’s clearly considering what to say rather than leave it at that. Tezcatlipoca has an easy, straightforward answer when it comes to humanity asking about Mictlan. It’s simple and factual. It’s a journey that’s so difficult it’ll make you wish you could die a second time. But for a fellow god, there’s more to the story it could impart. It is that, but there’s far more meaning in it. The journey is a metaphor made reality. ]
Our world is based around sacrifice. Applies to gods too, as you can see.
[ He taps his stomach lightly, he gets into the further meaning of it, even if it’s the very condensed version. He’s not sure if she’s all that interested in the philosophy of it, so he’ll keep it simple. ]
So, our process is a lot longer. They can rest up with me as much as they want up at the top. But after that, it’s down through the layers, since making your way to the Root is a trial that has to be endured. No matter what they suffer, they have to push forward if they want to reach it. You suffer, you sacrifice, and then you gather your resolve and continue.
[ Though he doesn’t lay it out explicitly, it’s not hard to guess what the “point” is, so much as there is one. It’s a reflection of life, at least in his pantheon’s conception of it. ]
By the time they make it, they’re stronger and wiser for it. It’s a journey they won’t remember, sure. But that soul that makes it will be better prepared for their next life. Maybe the next time around, they’ll make it to the better destinations.
[ ... That sounds harsh. Possibly harsher than life itself.
She understands the meaning behind it though. It's not suffering for the sake of suffering, as she knows some afterlife dish out to those whose sins weigh heavy. It's suffering to ensure the soul grows and that in their next life, they'll surpass the achievements of their last. Still, even though she understands it... On a fundamental level, it sounds wrong to her. ]
I believe life is filled with sacrifices enough. To live is a trial all must go through. [...] I couldn't bear to subject my souls to more.
[ Death should be a gentle thing. What he describes... She feels like it must exhaust the dead. How many depart the world of the living bearing sorrows and wounds in their heart? Death is the sleep of the soul. ]
In their dreams, they can make peace with themselves. Accept their death, accept their lives and let go of their regrets. Of sorrow and sadness. [A smile.] Inevitably, they come to the realization that even if they are reborn, they will die again. And this epiphany fills them with an ardent desire to make what little time they are granted shine brighter for it.
[ Like in his Underworld, they don't remember. But she's convinced the souls carry those experiences with them. In the modern era, many are the souls who skip Underworlds altogether and just return to the root. And she has to wonder if the rise in so many human suffering mentally is related to that... ]
I am not judging your underworld, lest you be mistaken. [It sounds wrong to her, but she respects that it's the way they're going about it in his pantheon. Though she would absolutely abolish it if given the means...] Though our methods differ, our goal is the same.
Hey, I don’t disagree with ya, so I don’t take it as judgement. Besides. You weren’t exactly wrong that I’m more the doorman. Mictlantecuhtli and Mictecacíhuatl are the power couple in charge of Mictlan and its trials. I’m just there to make sure a soul is nice and rested up before they decide to take it on. [ He chuckles, like he’s remembering a private joke. ] Or if they’re real feisty, I might strike a bargain to let them return to the land of the living.
[ It’s an offhand comment that sure to seem more like a boast of his own power, and that’s how he intends for it to be heard. But in reality, it’s a comment that comes from his foresight. It’s not guaranteed, since every conflict Chaldea’s master sticks their nose in rerolls the dice, but he’s seen the possibility. She’ll end up at his campfire and make that bargain. How and why, that’s fuzzy to him, but those details also don’t particularly matter.
Of course, that’s context he’ll never share, lest Ereshkigal or Izou try and change that possibility. It’s not even something he keeps out of malice or wanting Daybit to win, but they’re just not beings that should try and toy with fate that way. However it plays out, that’s how it’s meant to be. ]
…Point being. I think I understand you a bit better now.
[ He scoffs, and his voice tilts towards sarcastic, but it’s clearly for himself. Or the World (proper noun). ]
Hell, maybe that’s the knowledge I was meant to gain. This world’s not inclined to let me take a peek, so, sure, might as well be this.
[ Suddenly, he'll feel she's stopped in her track. She's still carrying him, but she looks down at him with horrified eyes. The sudden stop may hurt, he's brought that on himself. ]
You return them?
[ She's tempted to just drop him there and now. Of everything she's heard, this is the worst by far. Not because he is able to revive them, no. It is a very powerful ability, but not unheard of. Ishtar had been revived too, through not by her powers directly.
No, the part that is worrisome is: ]
Do you at least take another soul in return?
[ He who keeps talking about balance - having to pay a price and what other nonsense - he better than anyone should know you can't just remove a soul from the afterlife and call it a day! You need a substitute, and she sure as Kûr doesn't believe any bargain of his would work as well as a proper substitute.
No wonder his civilization met an early end with their top god being that incredibly reckless. Yeah sure, send back to the world of the living whoever you take a liking to. How irresponsible!! ]
[ The sudden, sharp jostle is indeed a bit painful, so he flinches and grunts. He looks surprised, since he didn’t expect this reaction… Especially with what she focuses on. It says a lot about their “relationship” that he was more thinking that her offense was going to be over his comment of understanding her better. ]
…It ain’t a forever kinda deal. They’re comin’ back eventually. Hell, usually quickly.
[ He’s genuinely baffled that she takes issue with this. It’s a difference in how their pantheons work, sure, but also just that his Authority is so much more potent than any other deity’s within it. It’s never something that had been questioned, since it’s Tezcatlipoca. ]
It wouldn’t be a bargain if I was takin’ another soul. They can’t do that. Depends on the person and what their whole deal is what I ask for.
[ Of course it's not a forever deal, they'll die again someday! But until then, he's still broken a fundamental law of nature just... Because he can? Because he doesn't see any problem with it? She stares at him, silently, for what feels like a very long time. ]
...
[ Finally her walks resumes and she looks towards the LILITH headquarters in the distance. They're not too far any more. There's only one thing she has to say about what she just learned: ]
Which is to say. Her silence is even more perplexing, since he’s not even fully sure what she’s so mad about, but her single, insulting answer says it all, in a way… This is another thing he’d just chalk up to “cultural differences” on an extreme scale. Or maybe structural differences? Might as well be both. ]
Yeah, yeah, another thing you’re pissed off at me about. Add it to the list.
[ Unfortunately, he feels no shame about being able to return people to the land of the living if he so chooses, even with her (partial) admonishment. While it’s not impossible, it’s very difficult for him to feel shame at all. ]
Why’s it such a surprise that we do things differently? You met Quetzalcoatl, right? So I'm sure he was weird about shit by your measures too.
[ The list is getting real long. And somehow, this may just sit at the top of it. Though she's as perplexed as him as to why he doesn't see a problem in what he's doing. Isn't he supposed to be the chief god of his pantheon and know everything?
Or maybe he does know and just doesn't care. ]
That you do things differently does not surprise me. [A beat.] That you so casually violate a fundamental law of nature does.
[ Putting aside the issue of whether bringing the dead back to life does have actual consequences (she thinks it does but who knows what Nasu thinks), it's just wrong on a fundamental level. ]
[ The disappointment in his tone is clear, but it’s a teasing joke more than it’s serious. Not that she can tell the difference, though. There’s certainly a place for those gods and he doesn’t actually begrudge it but calling her a square is just fun. ]
I’m not violating it, first of all. Even I couldn’t do that without makin’ some sacrifices. Think of it more as using loopholes in how the laws are “written”. It’s what humans call a near death experience. It’s just real near it.
[ Not that he thinks that would convince her, but how much does he actually want to get into this? He doesn’t feel like he needs to justify himself or improve her opinion of him, so he could leave it at that and not give it further thought. But it still bothers him just enough that he clicks his tongue and murmurs an indistinct noise of discontent before he elaborates very slightly. ]
…And it’s only because I can see their futures. If they have a good fight awaiting them, then sending them to meet it’s not a bad thing. Makes their actual death something they can better accept.
[ Goodness, how can you be so talkative when you're missing part of your intestine and your insides are an absolute mess? If he needs so much words to justify why he's not breaking the rules, he's probably breaking the rules.
When they finally reach LILITH's headquarters, Ereshkigal goes by a section he probably hasn't set foot in very often and goes up the stairs. She knows all the best routes to walk around the base without anyone seeing you, very handy when you're a mega-introvert. ]
You are talking too much.
[ She takes a small and very narrow staircase to get him to the second floor. Is she purposefully taking the stairs rather than the elevator because she knows every bump probably cause him untold pain? What a good question, one that unfortunately shall never be answered. ]
And do not use your sister's name to justify your own sins.
[ She has no doubt Quetzalcoatl has done her fair share of questionable stuff, but she has never violated the rules of death in such a manner. That and she would actually give it her all to protect humans, unlike her idiot brother whom she is carrying to the medical bay. ]
[ Maybe it’s divine resilience? Maybe it’s just him because this is something that he’s used to doing? Who knows, but she’s absolutely right that his inability to shut up is terminal. Part of it is because of her relatively smooth ride thus far, but by the time there’s the matter of stairs, that manages to do the job better, seemingly.
He grunts at the first step and gives her a withering look, but after the first few, he’s a little bit paler. He’s not in danger of keeling over (further), but. ]
You picked this way on purpose…
[ It’s said softly through grit teeth, so this is at least a win for Ereshkigal. He still wants to complain about Quetzalcoatl, but at the moment, he can’t. Hooray. ♥ ]
[ Well at least it did work, he's not talking nearly as much now! Thankfully, his torment doesn't last too long. They're soon at the second floor and she goes straight for the medical bay. The pleasant scents coming from the cafeteria nearby? Unfortunately he's probably not going to be allowed to eat proper food for a while.
Once in there, she puts him down on the nearest cot and looks around. ]
There... [She calls out for the medical staff that should be nearby.] H-Hello...? There is someone who needs emergency treatment!
[ ... But nobody came.
Sighs. There's no one else, must be a slow day. They're probably on break. Which is a good thing really, that means everyone in the base is doing fine! And playing his role, Tezcatlipoca brought back balance by not doing fine at all. ]
The nurses must be in the cafeteria. I'm going to fetch them. And don't try anything foolish until they say you're good to go! [While some would say the warning is unnecessary, she would absolutely disagree. She knows gods, they're stupid and believe themselves invincible.] We're not gods in this world. We're not even "Servants." We're just humans who have lived for a very long time and once existed as another kind of entity.
[ That's what she has had to accept after Seoul, what so many of her friends have told her. "Goddess of Death" is only a title now. One she wears proudly and intends to go back to once her stay in this world is over. But ultimately? They live and exist as humans do now. ]
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no subject
Gods are a weird bunch, and gods of death tend to be especially so. He’d happily include himself in that. But for how he’s gotten to know her so far, he’d still noticed that she was a bit gloomier than most. Less confident than most too, though he has a skewed perception because she’s usually better in her confidence with him out of necessity…
No wonder, he thinks. And she’s still so dutiful even with it being such a lonely job…? ]
Hm. Not what I would’ve guessed.
[ He means for the Underworld itself more than her, but there’s something sad to him about both. He at least doesn’t explain his Underworld further, because despite his usual behavior that would seem to imply the opposite, he’s more thoughtful than that. He can easily understand how the comparison would sting. ]
So you’re just all by yourself down there?
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[ That sucks. Why is he reminding her of the fact she is - unavoidably - going to go back? Not that she doesn't want to, her duties are way too important and her souls need her! But... After vacations like that, it's going to be hard going back to being alone. ]
Dumuzid is supposed to stay six months a year down there, but...
[ Sometimes he just sits by the exit waiting for his six months to be up. Sometimes he just wanders around so she can't give him work. And when she manages to catch him he transforms into a sheep and she can't bring herself to punish him for being a slacker. At least he's a good emotional support plushie for when she really breaks down. ]
T-That doesn't bother me, not one bit. The souls need quiet and peace and you won't find any place in all of existence that's quieter than my Underworld!
[ If she was a wooden doll, Ereshkigal's nose would be growing at a dangerous speed right now. Thankfully, it doesn't take that to see she's blatantly lying to herself. ]
no subject
[ He calls the lie flatly and charmingly as ever, but there’s no sharp, mocking smile like there usually is. His expression is more serious, though he doesn’t outwardly show the sympathy he might feel. He shifts a little in her arms, because he now wishes he’d found this out when he hadn’t just lost some organ, but at least it wasn’t a disabling one. He might not have learned anything about here, but maybe it’d been worthwhile in a different way. ]
That’s a tough gig.
[ Understatement, but he’s allergic to sentiment. Also, her earlier warning was right that trying to hold a conversation isn’t the best idea, but he pushes through it. ]
God or not, shouldn’t have to be alone doin’ your work.
no subject
[ That's... Unexpected. Maybe sacrificing his intestine mellowed him out. ]
I wouldn't have expected you to say that.
[ She would have expected him to say "that's tough but that's your job" or something along those lines. That's a lot more like the Tezcatlipoca she knows. But... That's nice to hear all the same. She looks up at the sky. It's funny that what everyone takes for granted is still a novelty to her. ]
Did you speak to Zagreus? In Greece, Hades' entire family works together in their Underworld. [It doesn't sound like they're exactly having a great time there either. Zagreus had been attempting to escape, after all. But eternity in the Underworld is not as bad when you're not alone. Especially when the people with you are people you love - family.] When Ishtar and I were split, I awakened to my divinity and was immediately brought to the Underworld.
[ She barely remembers the surface of that time. It's all vague and fuzzy... There's only the aftermath that's still clear in her mind. How she was told this was her realm, given the vaguest of explanations and then left there. Alone. ]
I could have easily forced the other gods into helping me. But then... The souls would have suffered for it. [Or is that just an excuse? She never even tried threatening them, she just accepted it all without fighting back...
... Why is she even talking about that? She sighs and shakes her head.] I should have donated my tongue for your ritual.
took out the intenstines that made him annoying clearly
I’m surprised it works that way, that’s all. Mictlan is huge and busy, and from what I’ve heard, the Greek Underworld is pretty active too. Haven’t spoken to him, by the way.
[ thankfully they are like just getting to exchanging names in their thread lmf… But he’s almost not sure what to say here, since as much as it explains to him why she is the way she is, it’s not a revelation he’s happy about. But nor would he lift a finger to change it, even if he had that power. It wouldn’t be his place from one pantheon to another, but that also seems like the kind of thing where his good intentions could very much go awry if he tried. ]
…I’m glad this came up, actually.
[ He settles on that first. And though it’s not the case, what follows comes out sounding somewhat reluctant, like it’s going against his very nature to be nice to her. ]
That’s tougher than I thought your job was. Sometimes what fate picks for us is a real bitch so… You have my sympathy, is what I mean.
may it never grow back
She doesn't want pity. It's her own fault she's been all alone down there all this time. hen Ishtar came, she told her exactly what she should have done from the first.
"You should just leave the Underworld and go outside!."
Sometimes she wonders how things would have turned out if she had listened to her. What would have happened if they had left the Underworld together. But no. Instead she'd killed her. She'd interpreted her words as a mockery, an offense from the goddess who had everything and did not need to think about anyone but herself. ]
... Thank you.
[ She continues carrying him, silently so. Though... There is something she is curious about, admittedly. ]
Are there flowers in Mictlan?
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…Sure. Like I said, it’s a big place. There’s nine levels that the soul has to pass through.
[ Which might depress her further at first, but he elaborates after a pause. ]
But not much. Mictlan’s a trial, so there’s no place for rest or beauty. Only place you’ll find them is in my paradise at the first layer. The souls have to rest up and gather their strength before they journey down further.
[ The pause is of course because he wouldn’t normally explain it that way. It’s perfectly true, but as Ereshkigal has seen (suffered) firsthand, that’s just not how Tezcatlipoca chooses to present himself. He’s harsh before he’ll ever show a hint that he’s quite thoughtful. ]
no subject
But it's possible. She's known it ever since the flower mage used his magic to fill her Underworld with flowers. And clearly in his pantheon, that's possible too. ]
... Then that's the payment.
[ She looks down at him with a smile. ]
Teach me how to grow flowers in a land where life cannot flourish. [On a conceptual level, Kûr and Mictlan should be the same thing. If flowers can grow in his realm... Then they can grow in hers. Maybe to him it's nothing special, but that's a secret none in her pantheon know of.] And we'll be even.
[ Honestly she would have carried him to LILITH for free, that was the idea at first anyway...
... But she hopes making it out to be a "payment" will make it likelier he will accept. ]
no subject
[ It’s just a quick, quiet little laugh, but it’s not mocking. In fact, his expression almost looks tired as he sighs it out. Sheesh… He should have known, but still. ]
You’re pretty cute for a god of death, you know that?
[ But that part is mocking—Well, no, teasing is more accurate. But there’s a little fondness there, since even if she’d rejected it completely, he still tends to think of himself as the eldest brother of his pantheon, and thus, to others as well. Their divinity may have been a longer, stranger path than others (thanks nasu), but that’s why he feels it carries further. But even if that might annoy her deeply, the teasing is gone when he speaks again. ]
Yeah. I promise.
[ There’s the weight of an oath in the words, which is important among their kind, at least. At home, it would be something he truly couldn’t break, and here… Well, that depends on how trustworthy she thinks he is, ultimately. ]
But fair warning that I can only teach ya how to grow flowers that were meaningful to us. You’ll probably have to do some tweaks to grow anything else.
1/2
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That's fine.
[ Flowers are flowers. In fact, getting strange and exotic ones by her standards could be fun. The more the better. If she manages to tweak it so she can grow flowers she already likes, all the better. ]
It is my dream to fill the Underworld with flowers. Some souls stay there a really long time... So there should be enough variety for them to not get bored.
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Yeah. They like that kinda thing.
[ He chuckles gently like he’s recalling something fond, but he doesn’t share. He’s simply thinking of the Mictlampa of centuries ago, when human desires were “simpler”, in a way. He’s always shaped it to reflect what people consider restful, so in earlier times, it had been a peaceful city on a lake like Tenochtitlan. So, naturally, the flowers and bounty of nature were what people enjoyed. ]
They go back to the Root once they’re done in your neck of the woods, or do they have another place they have to go first?
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Usually, yes. [She nods.] They can choose to stay, if they'd rather. Or fade away entirely if that is their desire.
[ She doesn't like it when they choose to fade away, but that's not a choice she'll take away from them. It's rather rare, but it happens. ]
But they are only given those choices when they have rested and found peace.
[ Souls that just died are usually not the most apt to make difficult decisions like that. Left on their own, they would return to haunt the living or freeze eternally while wandering Kûr. Not a good idea. ]
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[ He falls (blissfully) silent for a moment, and he’s clearly considering what to say rather than leave it at that. Tezcatlipoca has an easy, straightforward answer when it comes to humanity asking about Mictlan. It’s simple and factual. It’s a journey that’s so difficult it’ll make you wish you could die a second time. But for a fellow god, there’s more to the story it could impart. It is that, but there’s far more meaning in it. The journey is a metaphor made reality. ]
Our world is based around sacrifice. Applies to gods too, as you can see.
[ He taps his stomach lightly, he gets into the further meaning of it, even if it’s the very condensed version. He’s not sure if she’s all that interested in the philosophy of it, so he’ll keep it simple. ]
So, our process is a lot longer. They can rest up with me as much as they want up at the top. But after that, it’s down through the layers, since making your way to the Root is a trial that has to be endured. No matter what they suffer, they have to push forward if they want to reach it. You suffer, you sacrifice, and then you gather your resolve and continue.
[ Though he doesn’t lay it out explicitly, it’s not hard to guess what the “point” is, so much as there is one. It’s a reflection of life, at least in his pantheon’s conception of it. ]
By the time they make it, they’re stronger and wiser for it. It’s a journey they won’t remember, sure. But that soul that makes it will be better prepared for their next life. Maybe the next time around, they’ll make it to the better destinations.
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She understands the meaning behind it though. It's not suffering for the sake of suffering, as she knows some afterlife dish out to those whose sins weigh heavy. It's suffering to ensure the soul grows and that in their next life, they'll surpass the achievements of their last. Still, even though she understands it... On a fundamental level, it sounds wrong to her. ]
I believe life is filled with sacrifices enough. To live is a trial all must go through. [...] I couldn't bear to subject my souls to more.
[ Death should be a gentle thing. What he describes... She feels like it must exhaust the dead. How many depart the world of the living bearing sorrows and wounds in their heart? Death is the sleep of the soul. ]
In their dreams, they can make peace with themselves. Accept their death, accept their lives and let go of their regrets. Of sorrow and sadness. [A smile.] Inevitably, they come to the realization that even if they are reborn, they will die again. And this epiphany fills them with an ardent desire to make what little time they are granted shine brighter for it.
[ Like in his Underworld, they don't remember. But she's convinced the souls carry those experiences with them. In the modern era, many are the souls who skip Underworlds altogether and just return to the root. And she has to wonder if the rise in so many human suffering mentally is related to that... ]
I am not judging your underworld, lest you be mistaken. [It sounds wrong to her, but she respects that it's the way they're going about it in his pantheon. Though she would absolutely abolish it if given the means...] Though our methods differ, our goal is the same.
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[ It’s an offhand comment that sure to seem more like a boast of his own power, and that’s how he intends for it to be heard. But in reality, it’s a comment that comes from his foresight. It’s not guaranteed, since every conflict Chaldea’s master sticks their nose in rerolls the dice, but he’s seen the possibility. She’ll end up at his campfire and make that bargain. How and why, that’s fuzzy to him, but those details also don’t particularly matter.
Of course, that’s context he’ll never share, lest Ereshkigal or Izou try and change that possibility. It’s not even something he keeps out of malice or wanting Daybit to win, but they’re just not beings that should try and toy with fate that way. However it plays out, that’s how it’s meant to be. ]
…Point being. I think I understand you a bit better now.
[ He scoffs, and his voice tilts towards sarcastic, but it’s clearly for himself. Or the World (proper noun). ]
Hell, maybe that’s the knowledge I was meant to gain. This world’s not inclined to let me take a peek, so, sure, might as well be this.
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You return them?
[ She's tempted to just drop him there and now. Of everything she's heard, this is the worst by far. Not because he is able to revive them, no. It is a very powerful ability, but not unheard of. Ishtar had been revived too, through not by her powers directly.
No, the part that is worrisome is: ]
Do you at least take another soul in return?
[ He who keeps talking about balance - having to pay a price and what other nonsense - he better than anyone should know you can't just remove a soul from the afterlife and call it a day! You need a substitute, and she sure as Kûr doesn't believe any bargain of his would work as well as a proper substitute.
No wonder his civilization met an early end with their top god being that incredibly reckless. Yeah sure, send back to the world of the living whoever you take a liking to. How irresponsible!! ]
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…It ain’t a forever kinda deal. They’re comin’ back eventually. Hell, usually quickly.
[ He’s genuinely baffled that she takes issue with this. It’s a difference in how their pantheons work, sure, but also just that his Authority is so much more potent than any other deity’s within it. It’s never something that had been questioned, since it’s Tezcatlipoca. ]
It wouldn’t be a bargain if I was takin’ another soul. They can’t do that. Depends on the person and what their whole deal is what I ask for.
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...
[ Finally her walks resumes and she looks towards the LILITH headquarters in the distance. They're not too far any more. There's only one thing she has to say about what she just learned: ]
Nitwit.
[ And she's not changing her mind about that. ]
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Which is to say. Her silence is even more perplexing, since he’s not even fully sure what she’s so mad about, but her single, insulting answer says it all, in a way… This is another thing he’d just chalk up to “cultural differences” on an extreme scale. Or maybe structural differences? Might as well be both. ]
Yeah, yeah, another thing you’re pissed off at me about. Add it to the list.
[ Unfortunately, he feels no shame about being able to return people to the land of the living if he so chooses, even with her (partial) admonishment. While it’s not impossible, it’s very difficult for him to feel shame at all. ]
Why’s it such a surprise that we do things differently? You met Quetzalcoatl, right? So I'm sure he was weird about shit by your measures too.
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Or maybe he does know and just doesn't care. ]
That you do things differently does not surprise me. [A beat.] That you so casually violate a fundamental law of nature does.
[ Putting aside the issue of whether bringing the dead back to life does have actual consequences (she thinks it does but who knows what Nasu thinks), it's just wrong on a fundamental level. ]
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[ The disappointment in his tone is clear, but it’s a teasing joke more than it’s serious. Not that she can tell the difference, though. There’s certainly a place for those gods and he doesn’t actually begrudge it but calling her a square is just fun. ]
I’m not violating it, first of all. Even I couldn’t do that without makin’ some sacrifices. Think of it more as using loopholes in how the laws are “written”. It’s what humans call a near death experience. It’s just real near it.
[ Not that he thinks that would convince her, but how much does he actually want to get into this? He doesn’t feel like he needs to justify himself or improve her opinion of him, so he could leave it at that and not give it further thought. But it still bothers him just enough that he clicks his tongue and murmurs an indistinct noise of discontent before he elaborates very slightly. ]
…And it’s only because I can see their futures. If they have a good fight awaiting them, then sending them to meet it’s not a bad thing. Makes their actual death something they can better accept.
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When they finally reach LILITH's headquarters, Ereshkigal goes by a section he probably hasn't set foot in very often and goes up the stairs. She knows all the best routes to walk around the base without anyone seeing you, very handy when you're a mega-introvert. ]
You are talking too much.
[ She takes a small and very narrow staircase to get him to the second floor. Is she purposefully taking the stairs rather than the elevator because she knows every bump probably cause him untold pain? What a good question, one that unfortunately shall never be answered. ]
And do not use your sister's name to justify your own sins.
[ She has no doubt Quetzalcoatl has done her fair share of questionable stuff, but she has never violated the rules of death in such a manner. That and she would actually give it her all to protect humans, unlike her idiot brother whom she is carrying to the medical bay. ]
LMAO PETTY I LOVE IT
He grunts at the first step and gives her a withering look, but after the first few, he’s a little bit paler. He’s not in danger of keeling over (further), but. ]
You picked this way on purpose…
[ It’s said softly through grit teeth, so this is at least a win for Ereshkigal. He still wants to complain about Quetzalcoatl, but at the moment, he can’t. Hooray. ♥ ]
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Once in there, she puts him down on the nearest cot and looks around. ]
There... [She calls out for the medical staff that should be nearby.] H-Hello...? There is someone who needs emergency treatment!
[ ... But nobody came.
Sighs. There's no one else, must be a slow day. They're probably on break. Which is a good thing really, that means everyone in the base is doing fine! And playing his role, Tezcatlipoca brought back balance by not doing fine at all. ]
The nurses must be in the cafeteria. I'm going to fetch them. And don't try anything foolish until they say you're good to go! [While some would say the warning is unnecessary, she would absolutely disagree. She knows gods, they're stupid and believe themselves invincible.] We're not gods in this world. We're not even "Servants." We're just humans who have lived for a very long time and once existed as another kind of entity.
[ That's what she has had to accept after Seoul, what so many of her friends have told her. "Goddess of Death" is only a title now. One she wears proudly and intends to go back to once her stay in this world is over. But ultimately? They live and exist as humans do now. ]
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