My Decision
Chapter 2
"This is a major offense, Alicia. Suicide shows a lack of a will to live. Typically, suicidal goddesses are sentenced to guardian angel duty until the end of time," Peorth said.
"I know. That's how I got Kuroni, remember?" I replied.
"Kuroni was a fool to pass up reincarnation in an attempt to stay with Kuronue. Her only chance to stay with him was reincarnation. He would have been reincarnated too."
"Kuroni did what her heart told her to. I follow the same system of beliefs as Kuroni- do anything and everything in your power to stay with and, more importantly protect, those you love."
"It's good to a certain extent, Alicia, but…," Peorth sighed.
"The Almighty is on my side, Peorth. If he wasn't, Hiei would be here with me. Hiei and I were doublets."
"You don't know it was him," Peorth insisted. "Nobody remembers."
"I didn't remember, but I did have… a little reminder," I pulled the old papers from my pocket. "Hiei, before we left the room where we had become doublets, scribbled down nearly an entire biography of himself for me. Afterwards, I stuffed it in my waistband, so as not to get caught."
"Amazing. You do know I have to report this though."
"He already knows, Peorth, for He confirmed it a few years ago," I said.
"He confirmed it?" she blinked.
"Hiei was deathly ill and he wouldn't accept my aid. All of a sudden, Skuld showed up and took me away to see the council. That's when He told me He knew. He said it was okay and that He knew all along but He still felt it necessary to confirm it. He insisted a goddess of my ranks couldn't be allowed to die over some pathetic illness and ordered me to take care of Hiei, whether Hiei accepted my help or not."
"We're here," Peorth opened the door. "Good luck to you, Alicia."
"Thank you, my friend," I smiled before entering. I was sure this was the last time Peorth ever thought she would see me but I was also sure that she was wrong.
I was immediately informed by the council of the severity and criminal nature of what I had done. I wanted to laugh. They considered giving one's life in exchange for another's criminal! How hilarious! I kept my mouth shut, however.
It came as quite a surprise. As the council was condemning me for my actions, He spoke up. "She has done nothing wrong," He said.
"What!?!" the entire council yelled in shock.
"It was a display of loyalty. Alicia is a fine goddess with a heart of gold that is in the right place. The purpose behind our existence is to guide and protect all forms of life. With that purpose in mind, none of you can condemn her for her actions," He answered.
"Thank you, Lord. I only did what my heart told me," I smiled.
"Alicia, back when your soul belonged to Suni the half-goddess, I heard quite an interesting remark you made to your comrades. You said, 'Loyalty is an important virtue so learn it.' Goddesses are no more difficult to corrupt than humans. However, if all goddesses followed your example, they might turn out to be the image of perfection."
"You are too kind, Lord. I am not the only one to show my loyalty through life and death."
"Oh yes, Kuroni. I made a terrible mistake in sentencing her. Alicia, you'll be sent back to your body tomorrow morning with a new angel. Kuroni is going to be reincarnated, along with Kuronue. They will once again be doublets, they will have partial memories of each other in their previous lives, and they will once again meet. Kuroni will remain a goddess and Kuronue will remain a demon. That is all. Now go back down to King Enma and ask for his judgement," He said.
"Certainly, Lord! Right away!" I pushed open the door and left for hell.
"Ohayo gozaimass Koenma-san," I smiled when I reached his desk.
"Alicia!?! I wasn't expecting you to come back," Koenma said.
"The Lord is putting me back in my body tomorrow with a new angel," I giggled, "and He's giving Kuronue and Kuroni a second chance."
"Now the only opposition you have is…," he gulped nervously, "my father…"
"There's nothing wrong with that. Enma-sama can't hurt me. I can't be hurt by anyone right now," I said. "I feel wonderful."
"You'll be changing your tune in a minute," Koenma sighed. "Straight through that door there."
"Okay! Goodbye, Koenma-san!" I called over my shoulder as I pushed the door open.
….
"This most certainly is a criminal offense. The Almighty overlooked the fact that suicide is a major sin in any faith. You should be punished greatly for your actions," King Enma said.
"You can't overrule God," I replied.
"I know that!" he shouted. "However, I can still punish you in anyway that does not contradict what He has ordered. Tell me, Alicia, what kind of person was Kuronue?"
"Kuronue? Well let's see… Kuronue had a good heart but a bad liver. He drank anyone and everyone under the table. He smoked occasionally, and he swore constantly. He was awfully nice to his friends and family but he did have a temper. Oh and he was a horrible womanizer until he met Kuroni," I admitted all Kuronue's faults along with his good points.
"A difficult one to control, then?" he asked.
"Quite," I nodded, sighing.
"I think I've decided on your punishment. You shall be the mother of Kuronue once he is reincarnated," Enma ordered.
"No!" I cried.
"That is your punishment."
"Damn it! Now I've gotta raise a smoker, drinker and womanizer who swears!"