Hope you like it!
I don't think this needs a trigger warning but please tell me if it does! There's nothin bad, in my opinion, but I know experiences differ!
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The council isn't nearly as terrifying as Strife made them seem, to be perfectly honest. They're just really big heads in a sea of lava with irritatingly loud voices.
The only real problem you have with this situation is how hot it is.
You nervously shift from foot to foot as you stand before the council, Strife awkwardly sitting off to the side to 'await farther instruction' while they quite literally grill you.
"Explain your presence in this universe, human!" The middle growls, apparently under the assumption you voluntarily came to be in this situation.
Frowning, you tilt you head in confusion. "What? You think- your guess is as good as mine, dude. I have no idea how the hell I ended up here, although it does make sense that it would disrupt the balance... Although I never ended up finishing the second game because I was playing it on my friend's system, which is really a shame because following Death's story line was really interesting!"
You have a serious problem with nervous rambling. And by that, you mean sickeningly truthful word vomit whenever a situation becomes remotely intimidating.
At least you didn't mention how much you adore Death's sass, which you're sure Strife would comment on. He'd probably tell Death too, just to see his reaction. You would be beside yourself with embarrassment.
There's a long pause, the council all rumbling in an unfamiliar, ancient sounding language. You shift from one foot to the other and back, stopping when the movement makes you dizzy. You hold your hand up experimentally, finding it to be shaking even worse than earlier. Probably a combination of your hunger and being scared witless.
"They are ill." The head on the left booms, taking you off-guard.
You snap to attention, subconsciously pressing your hand against your abdomen. "I'm just... Tired, actually. And hungry. I couldn't really find any food topside."
"It is deeper than that, otherworldly human." The left replies condescendingly.
"Or I'm just fucking starving." You purse your lips, looking down at the molten floor.
"They cannot remain here." It continues, completely disregarding you.
"Not without our assistance." The one directly in front of you declares, sounding much too smug. You narrow your eyes, realizing it must think it has the upper hand in this.
Because it does, the more reasonable side of you hisses.
You jerk your chin up, trying to seem fearless. "What are you talking about?"
"Your life force is already being depleted. You will die within a matter of days, unless of course, we help you stabilize in this universe." The right explains clinically. "Your body is already beginning to shut down, and the lack of nourishment is not helping."
You blink, mentally going back to when you first arrived here. It couldn't have been more than a few days, although the overcast skies didn't help keeping track. You were significantly weaker now, but you had filed that into the whole dehydration and hunger thing.
"And what would you have me do in return for 'assisting' me?" You finally ask, knowing there has to be a catch.
"What do you have to offer, human?" The middle spits, as if they don't already have something in mind. Or maybe they're honestly wondering what such an insignificant human could do. It's not one person can bring back the third kingdom.
You defiantly straighten your shoulders, firing back, "Information. I know what you've got planned for the youngest Horseman, and endgame ain't exactly in your favor."
You really really hope they can't call your bluff.
Then again, it's not like you're lying. War does sort of trigger the actual apocalypse and murder the Council's leash holder. Poor Shadow totally deserved it though.
The Council roars with indignation, the lava in front of you flying up. Thankfully, none of it hits you, but you do take a few steps backwards. Moving makes your dizziness worse.
"You believe yourself to be in a position of power, human!?" The middle demands. This one seems to have a thing for reminding you of your humanity, you note.
"Well, you are talking to the entirety of the Third Kingdom." You reply lightly, biting the inside of your cheek to keep yourself focused. "And one with knowledge of the future!"
"Supposedly." The left hisses.
"Prove yourself."
"Prove what? My knowledge? For starters, War jumped the gun nearly a hundred years ago and was subsequently squashed by Straga, that annoying son of a bitch." You curse Straga passionately, remembering how absolutely ridiculous his tower puzzles were. "And now he's imprisoned and awaiting your judgment. It that enough proof?" You have to force yourself not to add wrongfully imprisoned, but that would be a bit much, you think.
They start mumbling in that language again, the sound making your head pound. You sway on your feet, the fiery sea in front of you becoming fuzzy.
"We will keep you alive for now, and you will swear loyalty to us in return." They say all at once, bringing you back.
You try to blink away your fatigue (although it doesn't work well), looking up at the council expectantly. "How?"
"Step forward, human." The middle orders.
You look at the small pit of lava, not quite understanding. "Excuse me?"
"Step forward and prove yourself loyal to the Charred Council." It repeats, now sounding mildly amused.
Oh fuck. You think miserably, going through your options. There's really no way out of this, is there?
You take a single step forward, keeping a tight hold on your panic. You can do this, you cheer half-heatedly. You don't give yourself any more time to mule over your choices, jumping into the pit without hesitation.
It's thicker than water, but nonetheless swallows you nigh instantly. Wrapping around your limbs and pulling into its rough embrace, it fills you with a suffocating sense of warmth. It's not... Pleasant by any means, but its also not mind-searingly painful as you expected.
As if response to this thought, the lava hikes up the heat. Dammit, you think. It tears your arms away their position curled around your midsection, white hot as it curls up your stomach.
You want to cry out, but the idea of opening your mouth while engulfed in lava seems horrid. You're not even sure why you're not asphyxiated yet... Hopefully that didn't jinx it. You shudder at the thought.
Thankfully the heat around your stomach dissipates after a few moments, leaving only a very heavy feeling, and tosses you out. You land in a heap a few feet away, taking large gulps of air and trying not to sob in relief.
"That will be all for now, human. The Watcher's will provide sustenance for you." The heads tell you.
You do notice that the sound no longer makes your head pound, but you're more preoccupied with being on solid ground. It was a very short little bath, you know, but nonetheless traumatizing. You wrap your arms around your waist, startled by the metal chain now adorning it. So that's what they meant.
"Strife, you will take them back to the Horseman's realm in the mean time. Neither of you may speak of their 'information'." They continue, ignoring your state.
You let out a pathetic whimper as Strife scoops you up, and somewhere in your mind you're cringing.
"Shush, little one." He murmurs, easily holding you with one arm. "You're perfectly fine."
You carefully lay your head on his chest, concentrating on calming yourself. It's easier after you cross the portal, the cool air a welcome reprieve.
"Better?" Strife asks after a pause, sounding much less tense.
"Arguably." Your voice cracks.
"Gotta admit I've never seen 'em do that to a human. A Horseman, definitely, but you?" He responds conversationally.
You let out a breathless laugh, looking up at him curiously. "Thank you?"
He shrugs, reminding you that you're in his arms. "Just an observation. You're branded now, kid."
"I gathered that." You hum, glancing around. There's no windows that you can see, and both the floor and walls are made of hard stone, the portal positioned as if its a door opening into a large, spacious room. It's rather chilly, but at the moment that's a plus. "Home sweet home, or what?"
"Or what." He says shortly, also taking in your surroundings. "This is our realm, for the most part. We stay here between missions and... personal things, you could say. It's pretty rare for all of us to be here, so don't get your hopes up."
You smile confidently, "Too late. I'm totally gonna meet all four of y'all."
"Humans." He sighs, moving to put you down.
You keep on hand on his arm as you steady yourself, very pleased to note you're no longer shaking like a leaf. Apparently your bath was also to 'stabilize' you. Probably not a permeant fix, but you're happy anyway.
"So..." Strife starts, sounding honestly perplexed. "What do humans do exactly?"
You snort. "That is, like, the vaguest question I have ever been asked."