AN: I've seen a lot of theories and fictions about Yuya and co. actually being the four split forms of a destruction god, and Yuzu and co. actually being a creation goddess, but this story is based on my theory of a more human origin for the two. This first chapter won't explain who they once were (I am very intentionally vague in it), but it should explain their relationship on a core level. I hope you guys enjoy the tale I've woven.
-V-
He was screaming in pain and distress as he clutched his head with his eyes shut tight. Curling up into a pitiful ball, he felt like his body and soul were being ripped apart by hell-fire from the inside, and even though the boy had never longed for destruction or craved suffering, he was being continuously subjected to visions of ruined landscapes scattered with crumpled bodies. A foul, sickening wave of pleasure bubbled up from within him, which he shoved down with horror. This wasn't him. He couldn't be having these feelings. Yet he felt his resolve crack as he started to have doubts about the true reason behind these desires. It terrified him. He knew he couldn't avoid eventually breaking and being swallowed up by the darkness that even now clawed at his soul, but he still held one glimmer of hope within his heart that kept him struggling for every second of control over his body.
That she would stop him before that happened.
-V-
She was weeping at the rapid deterioration of the boy's mind and soul. Even being right next to him, she felt completely powerless to save him, and so she held his contorting body closer than ever. The trembling girl prayed to any and every god that he be spared from his torture, that whatever darkness that had taken hold of the boy be purged from him to leave him with his life intact, but there were no answers. Not giving up, she instead wished upon herself, to sacrifice her entire being so that he could be spared, and the charm bracelet dangling on her wrist resonated with her sparkling, selfless wish.
However, in those moments, a shadow of desire slipped in. She couldn't hold back the bitter tears that betrayed what she wanted most: she wanted to be alive with him. She tried to reason with herself that it was impossible, that she couldn't expect to sacrifice nothing and still create a miracle, and the only thing she had to offer was herself. Her heart wouldn't allow it. Even if the very fabric of the world had to be distorted, ripped apart, and rewoven to accept her wish, she would make it, as long as she could still be with him.
-V-
The miracle failed, at least in its initial purpose. The boy was not completely saved from the darkness that gripped him, nor did he remain as he once was. Rather, his soul was split into four pieces and scattered across the now-four worlds, unfortunately closely followed by the four split pieces of the darkness, albeit weaker and unable to exert enough influence alone. It was the price paid dearly by the girl, also split into four, who desperately wanted to stay with him. No longer with true forms, the three sets of four waited to be reborn in each world and to meet each other again, which would set the wheels of fate into motion once more...
-V-
AN: So, this is the first fanfic that I've ever officially shown to others. It feels weird to do this since I've always made up stories for shows and books that I've liked before, but I rarely ever write them down somewhere since I just like imagining "what-ifs".
Anyway, about the first chapter: yes, there is going to be more to this story, but I wanted to start in media res, since this is the scene that I felt most strongly about when thinking up this scenario. Yuu (優) and Ai (愛), as I'm going to be calling the two originals, (Japanese for "gentleness" and "love", respectively) are very much tragic heroes in this chapter. My friends say I gravitate towards tragedy too easily, so I'll be remedying that in later chapters with fluffier times for the two sweethearts, but please let me know how I did! I'm not afraid of any sort of feedback, and critical ones would greatly be appreciated!