In the summer of 1990, Rika and Satoko enrolled in Clover University in Maine. The campus was relatively large for such a small state. With support from their friends, they adjusted quickly to American life. Classes were fairly standard and easy enough to follow, leaving plenty of time to explore the cultural differences between countries. One thing they immediately noticed was the food selection. While they were no strangers to foreign delicacies, the mesh of cuisines exceeded their expectations. There were dishes from Africa, Germany, France, Italy, and many other places around the globe. To blend in with their new surroundings, the pair bought themselves new outfits. Rika adopted a denim style consisting of a jacket, a belted skirt, band shirts, red converse sneakers, and a felt choker topped with a pentacle chain. Satoko took a darker approach, opting for black band hoodies, navy blue jeans, and black tennis shoes. Their new style drew plenty of attention from the opposite sex, but those affections were quickly rebuffed. Their bodies and souls belonged to the gods, and to prove it, Rika purchased a book dedicated to the practice of Wicca - a religion quickly gaining traction across the nation.
Rika and Satoko's first Halloween went by relatively quietly. They stayed in their dorm reading, praying, and jamming Altars of Madness on repeat. '91 told a different story. At Rika's request, Keiichi, Shion, Mion, Rena, and Hanyuu flew out to see them. They'd all grown substantially as people, though Hanyuu's physical size remained stagnant being the immortal deity she was. The pair met their friends at the airport. The latter were shocked to see the once sweet and innocent duo so intense: almost like they were ready for battle.
"'Sup, losers," Satoko greeted in a gaudy tone. Somehow, Keiichi didn't find this shocking.
"Still as bratty as ever I see."
"Maybe I need a big strong man to put me in my place."
Keiichi's face turned hot. He'd never thought of Satoko that way. To hear her say something so bold caught him off guard.
"She got you there, Kei." Mion teased.
"Yeah, well...It is my first time seeing you two all grown up."
"A hundred years of time loops leads to some interesting changes. I've had plenty of time to think and reflect."
Even Satoko was stunned. Had they heard that correctly!? A hundred years!?
"Wanna run that by us again?"
"I'll explain everything at the dorm. Follow me."
Back on campus, Rika told her friends what she'd lived through - endless cycles of death and suffering. In every timeline, she died one way or another, and the village was wiped out by the Japanese military. Only after Hanyuu's intervention did she finally discover the truth behind the outbreak. Miyoko had been injecting villagers with the syndrome in an attempt to target Rika, and every time, she succeeded. Only after learning the queen carrier theory was wrong did she finally leave an opening. Rika milked that opportunity for all it was worth.
"Now it all makes sense," Mion realized, "In hindsight, Hanyuu being a god should've been a dead giveaway. She must've felt responsible for your demise."
"I did," Hanyuu confirmed, "My lineage suffered because I revealed myself to humanity in your infancy. The world wasn't ready to face its gods in person."
"Why did you keep bringing her back," Keiichi questioned, "After so many attempts, most people would've given up. Why didn't you?"
"Because the possibilities are limitless. After so many failures, I only became more convinced there was something deeper here. Not only did we find this world, but another as well - a sinless world where the dam war never happened. Unfortunately, in that world, Rika was isolated and lonely. The game club never formed because you lacked your shared trauma."
"So the club never took off, huh...?" Mion lamented. She felt bad knowing Rika went through so much, and worse knowing she was unable to help.
"Controlling time is one thing. It only moves in two directions. Human nature is a whole other beast. What matters is we found this world. Even though it's not perfect, it's the best one we could hope for."
"Mm," Shion agreed, "You guys did well learning from the pattern. Now we can all live relatively peaceful lives."
"Can you forgive us for killing you?" Mion asked, hoping Rika held no hard feelings despite her ordeal.
"I've embraced the pain. Under proper circumstances, it leads to its own rewards."
"That sharp mind of yours definitely lends credibility to what you've said," Keiichi acknowledged, "I'm curious to see where this goes."
"You don't have to wonder much longer. While I was stuck in the loops, Hanyuu showed me glimpses of the future. I learned of cultures based on power and devotion. One such culture revolved around a style of music referred to as death metal. While we were attending St. Lucia, I introduced Satoko to Morbid Angel. At the time, they were the only band in the genre exploring spirituality in any kind of serious way. Since we enrolled, we've been studying the philosophy of Wicca - a religion based on seasonal change, polytheism, and personal growth."
"Yeah. I can tell you've matured quite a bit on your journey. How 'bout showin' us what you learned?"
"Where would you like to start?"
"How 'bout a spell for luck?"
"As you wish."
Rika formed a circle of candles, kneeling and placing her hands together in prayer. She spoke in a modest, humble tone, requesting fortune for her friends and family.
"Gods, godesses, mountains and seas. Bless those in our presence with kindness and security. We beg of thee, bring us solace in our darkest hour. Grant us peace forevermore, and gift us love and friendship where none may be found. Guide us as we walk this path of life, contributing courage through the trials and tribulations along the way. We offer up our souls to your will, and place our trust that you shall know what's best. Benedictus, o fortes. Noster erit tuus, tuum erit nostrum."
Gripping hold of her ceremonial dagger, she sketched through the air, carving the symbols for faith, trust, hope, and love. The others bowed their heads in solidarity. The ritual felt surprisingly natural and relaxed. Even Hanyuu couldn't help but feel at ease, finding comfort in the language of the old world.
"That's it," Rika concluded, "The spell is done."
"Impressive," Keiichi praised, "I've never seen someone so devout."
"The journey of spirituality is one that's deeply personal. We grow up in pre-determined environments where we're told what to think, what to believe, and what to feel. Our power as humans comes from the ability to make our own choices and find what suits our needs. I respect what I've been taught, but I also recognize it's just a small part of something much greater."
"That's true."
"Now for the fun part." Satoko cut in. She pulled several records from under her mattress, each one a representation of various beliefs across cultures, "Of course we have to start with the kings."
She held up Morbid Angel's second album Blessed are the Sick. It had only been released recently that year. The others were eager to see what such provocative and dark music had to offer. It was different from their previous sound - more visceral and sludgy. From the first blast beat on, they were hooked.
"HOT WIND BURNS ME! I'M BURNING AS I FALL! CAST AWAY! SPEECHLESS IN THE HOLY WAY! WILL I SURVIVE THIS SCOURGE OF BANISHING TO SCORCHING LANDS!? I AM LORD; I TAKE COMMAND!
FALL FROM GRACE!
FORGIVE ME NOT! THIS KNOWLEDGE MAKES ME STRONG - TO RESSURECT THE CITIES OF THE DAMNED! ALL THE TREASURES OF SODOM NOW BELONG TO ME!
CELEBRATE!
FALLEN ANGELS, TAKE MY HAND!"
The tempo shifted, slowing down to construct a gloomy, somber atmosphere.
"WHORES LONG FOR MY FLESH (and my desire...)
LUST ANNOINTING ME NOW! CONSUME MY SOUL!"
Trey Azagthoth's guitar solo kicked in, prompting the group to start a full-blown mosh pit.
"I writhe in the flesh and the sins of hell. I am Belial. I bend my knee not, but for my selfish desires..."
The song faded out, but the fun was far from over.
The group changed into their costumes, save for Hanyuu who already came prepared. The plan was simple. They would use her to collect as much candy as possible and return with the fattest stash the world had ever seen. With her childlike stature, no one would suspect a thing. While getting dressed, they let another song play. The more she heard, the more Hanyuu appreciated the artistry and storytelling behind the abrasive covering. Being a goddess herself, she was able to see things from an opposing perspective. The rituals surrounding religious worship fascinated her. She felt loved, feared, and revered all at once, and she barely had to lift a finger. The sensation bordered on orgasmic. She focused, honing in on the lyrics.
"GODS TRANSFORM ME! THIS STORM WILL CLEANSE ME! CIVILIZED I SHALL NOT BE BY THIS HOLY STRAIN OF LAWS!
I FALL BELOW THE EARTH! I SMELL THE ANCIENTS' BREATH! THE FIENDS ENCIRCLE ME! THEY SPEAK MY NAME IN TONGUES, FOR I'M NO HUMAN NOW! I BURN THE WAYS CONFORM! THE GODS ARE PLEASED WITH ME! THEY SPEAK MY NAME IN TONGUES!
I'M THE SEER! I KNOW THE TEXTS DIVINE! THUNDER WORDS! DEMONS RACE INTO MY EYES!
AZAZEL, LEND TO ME YOUR WINGS OF TWELVE! I SHALL FLY INTO THE STORM ON SON OF FIRE! IN ANGER, I BECOME THE LIGHTNING BOLTS THAT STRIKE THE EARTH!"
The miracle bringer mimicked a chef's kiss. The next decade promised to be interesting. Very interesting indeed...