I don't own anything. All characters and all rights belong to Natsume Akatsuki*
M for mature topics. No children allowed. *
Konosuba (Not): Thanatos Blessing Upon This Broken World
By Try Another Time
The warmth of a welcoming hand drew her attention. The carefulness of the touch, as it caresses her hair, forces her to open her eyes.
As her tired eyes opened up, she found a mysterious ceiling made of metal with bright futuristic lights illuminating the room in which she found herself.
Her eyes wandered for a second as her mind tried to recall her memories.
"Komekko?" A warm voice called out her name.
Komekko turns her head to the left, only to meet the worried expression of an eyepatched spellcaster. This mysterious figure looked older and drained before her like she had experienced many challenges. Yet it felt like she knew this person.
Besides that figure was another spellcaster, who held a black 'cat' in her arms as joyful tears rushed down her face.
"Megumin, she's awake. Your sister is finally awake." The second spellcaster said with hopeful cheers.
Sadly, as soon as Komekko heard that name, many memories came rushing in. The trauma of many years came back to her at full strength as her mind couldn't stop it.
Megumin's POV.
Megumin expected a hopeful moment with her sister, but what she got only brought her even more pain.
"Ahhhh!" Komekko began to scream in complete anguish and despair as her body twitched uncontrollably. Years of restless pain and horror came back to her as she recalled all her horrible experiences as she was forced into a cube where no freedom or rest was found.
"Komekko! I'm right here. Please calm down." Megumin tried to calm her sister down as she tried to aid her.
Suddenly, the doors to the room were opened as doctors and nurses rushed in to aid Komekko, who was entering a severe 'panic attack.' The staff wasted no time in using sedatives to assist in their effort to calm the poor teen down.
It took them around 6 minutes to accomplish the task until finally, Komekko settled down before she went back to sleep.
Megumin and Yunyun remained silent as their faces looked down to the floor after witnessing such a concerning episode.
"She's not ready like all other patients. Your sister was trapped inside that cube for years, and she likely experienced pain beyond our wildest dreams. It will take time before you can have a normal conversation with her. This has traumatized her for life, but we will do our best to aid in her recovery. We'll give you some space. We'll be monitoring her state at all times." The leading doctor said as she patted Megumin's shoulder before walking away with the rest of the staff.
Megumin sank into her chair while holding Komekko's right hand. No words came out of her as she was forced to face another wall. Her sister, the child she thought had lost for years, was now before her, but Konekko wasn't in a state where she could talk. Her poor sister was a broken mess, and she didn't know what to do to fix it.
"Megu." Yunyun places her hand on her shoulder.
"She was so young. So innocent. So precious to me…. I wasn't able to protect her or anybody." Megumin says with an expression filled with regret.
"... Neither of us was able to do anything at that time. We… only survived because of Chomusuke. We were also kids. Kids who had to face a war neither of us wanted. Konekko…. She will get better. Time is on our side. We have to believe in her. Konekko is a member of our clan, and we always get back up as long as our hearts still have a pulse." Yunyun said with a saddened smile, knowing it might take years for Konekko to recover.
And even after many years, there was still a chance she might never fully recover.
They could only wait and hope for the best.
Meanwhile, Chris's office.
Aqua stood before the wooden doors to Chris's office. After walking around and exploring the underground base of the Black Daggers, Aqua learned how much power the organization possessed compared to the outside world.
They had kept many of the technology and relics from past civilizations for their own usage while staying in the shadows and only interfering when necessary. The organization had the power and resources to seek to control the outside under normal circumstances, yet they didn't break their codes.
We shall not seek conquest.
We shall not seek fame.
We shall remain in the shadows while protecting the innocent.
Kingdoms will rise and fall, but she shall remain.
We watch, protect, and interfere only when it is completely necessary.
Aqua always wondered why and how such an organization had risen from nowhere but never pushed to figure out its secrets. Now, it was time for her to have a one-on-one with their leader.
Aqua lifted her hand before knocking on the door three times.
"Come in." A voice replied.
Aqua grabbed the handle before she opened the door. Once inside, she locked the door behind herself. Her eyes then wandered around the room, only to realize that besides acting as her office, it was also Chris's private quarters.
Paintings and even photos that contained long passed agents of the organization adorned the walls. Trinkets and even a few gifts, such as dolls, hung from the walls as well as symbols of her bonds with the many agents of the organization.
"You can touch them if you want, but be mindful. Many are really old, and I wish not to repair them unless completely necessary." Chris says as she sits behind her desk while reading a few documents.
"..." Aqua says nothing as she approaches one of the walls. One of the paintings grabs her attention due to its date. "Year 7, Month of Wind…. You've been there since the very beginning."
"..." Chris doesn't reply.
Aqua moves to the painting to the right, showing Chris sitting with a group of youngsters while wearing masks similar to hers. "Year 13, Month of Ice…. Always hiding before my very eyes. Eris…. Who put you up to this?"
The goddess sights under her breath as her eyes met those of Aqua. "... The elders. You're not the first goddess they feel concerned about. The responsibility of caring for an entire world doesn't always end well for deities who are too careless about their tasks. We both know what happened to other deities before us; they led their worlds to Ragnarok, and we both know what that meant for such deities." Eris says as she places a hand over her mask before she puts it to the side. Her eyes shine with divine energy as she meets the gaze of her fellow goddess. "We're the first pair of a new system in which they sought to ensure the safety of a world. A deity will stand as the central figure of worship while another one supports it from the shadows."
"And you accepted that? You really allowed yourself to be downgraded into a deity that is not widely known or prayed to?" Aqua asks.
Eris shakes her head. "I never wanted to be widely known. We study together, and while you were charmed by the billions of souls that pray to Poseidon, your father, I wished for a different path. Thanatos-sama taught me that being a deity is more than just getting prayers from millions, if not billions, of souls. We're responsible for mortals' lives and should offer aid when necessary. Mortals do need some semblance of guidance, and I was the goddess who wanted to be the closest to mortals. So when you were made responsible for this world, I was offered the chance of being part of this new system. You shine bright in the sky while I remain hidden and support you as necessary. Civilizations came and went, mortals with gifts were brought to this world, and I, alongside my organization, reacted to all these events. A war broke out between two massive nations; my organization acted to prevent the deaths of as many innocents as possible. A 'hero' fell in battle after being betrayed by his allies; I interfered and eliminated anyone involved in the betrayal while ensuring that a worthy heir inherited the throne."
Aqua can't believe what she's hearing from Eris. "... You have been my shadow for centuries, and you're okay with that?" Aqua asks as she takes a seat with a confused expression.
Eris chuckles. "I've been free to do many things because of such a position. Free to interact with mortals, drink and eat by their side, be the mother figure for some, train many, participate in their weddings and events, and be as close to a mortal as I could. I never had a lover, and that's my only regret, but I got to do many things. Those joyful moments also allowed me to experience mortals' pain when they lose somebody. I have stood by their side for many generations, and although they never get to know who I am, the members of the Black Daggers know that "Chris" is always at their side."
"They don't know you're a deity?"
Eris shakes her head. "They only know Chris as an agent from Eris who will always lead them and fight at their side. They don't know my face but know my allegiance to them and that I will always stand by their side. Their children will always have me at their side, and the ones to come 100 years after will do as well."
"... heaven o mighty." Aqua covers her face as she takes all this information in. "You have been working with them for all this time… The elders kept this all a secret from me!"
"They did it for your sake. You know that it is not so easy to keep track of every single detail of an entire planet. One second, you're looking at what nation X is doing, while three seconds later, nations Y and Z are already at each other's throats. We're not supposed to interfere, but we can offer so aid to prevent as many deaths as possible. This world will always lead to the rise and fall of civilizations. It is a world that pushes its denizens to fight and strive to survive against monsters or each other—a world with wonders, beauty, and many challenges. You, me, and the four goddesses that blessed the four cardinal points of this world are the ones that watch over it. Each of us has a task; you're the one that shines above, while the rest of us do our own thing. You have been far from perfect, but I wouldn't call you a bad goddess. But you have given me enough challenges for a list. I said this once since I've gotten the chance, but stop giving broken blessings and gifts to these reincarnated souls."
Aqua raises an eyebrow. "Really? You're doing this now?"
"I mean, I'm the one that has to deal with the mess, so yes. Stop giving that kind of blessing to mortals. Ultimate sword of desolation? Ultimate soul-stealing jewel? Unbreakable raging armor of the berserker? The power to use ultimate magic? Aqua mortals don't need or deserve such dangerous things. When this is done, I hope you never give another blessing like that again."
Aqua grows silent for a moment after that last sentence. "... You think we can fix this?"
"Aqua, this world faced many challenges before, and although demons are by far the worst challenge we ever face, we can still turn this around. Kazuma is the element that will turn things around. I trust him because Thanatos-sama chose him, and I see it in his eyes: he's nothing like the others." Eris says.
Aqua looks at her with curiosity. "... Did Thanatos have anything to do with Kazuma's death back in Japan?"
Eris shakes her head. "Thanatos-sama didn't cause his death… but he did see his death in a vision."
"A vision?"
Eris nods. "Gods like Thanatos-sama see all possible deaths before they happen. Kazuma was going to die one way or another in Japan due to the path he was following. There's no way to deny that. Now, the only reason he's here with us is because you tried to reincarnate him like the others, and Thanatos didn't want any of that. He's tired of the same formula failing 12 times, so he interfered to ensure a change in the equation. A change that he believes in, an agent of his making. I think Thanatos-sama saw something in Kazuma that neither of us considered."
"What is that?"
"His undying will; you have seen it before. He's broken, a mess of a human, yet a human who hasn't let his pain and guilt define him. Kazuma has his demons, but he hasn't let go of his humanity. He keeps getting up no matter how many times he's crushed. Society, demons, or his own guilt, Kazuma will get up every time, regardless of all that. You saw the report, and you can't deny that Kazuma has something that all others lack. If anyone will take the heads of the demon lords, it is that man."
"Kazuma… I do believe he can do it, but it won't be easy. I know what powers and abilities I gave each demon lord. The first four are normal compared to the other eight. They are monsters that I help to create."
Eris shakes her head. "They are indeed monsters, but monsters get slayed in this world of ours, and Kazuma is a reaper that won't stop. Kazuma won't fail to achieve his mission as long as he has our aid. I heard from Thanatos-sama that he met Rephilis in his dreams."
Aqua stands up with visible concern. "He… met Rephilis?"
Eris nods. "Based on what Thanatos said, Rephilis tried to recruit him. The same tactic he likely used with the others. You didn't sense anything?"
Aqua grows quiet. "An unnatural nosebleed and headache woke me last night. I thought Kazuma was either training or facing a monster in the middle of the night…. I never expected Rephilis to have this kind of tactic."
Eris interlocks her fingers while her face turns serious. "Rephilis likely did the same with the others and used his silver tongue to convince them. 13 were his targets, and Kazuma was the only one not to fall for the trap. I don't know about you, but this has reaffirmed my trust in Kazuma. The offer of power, fame, and complete control can easily charm most mortals. Power can corrupt the purest of souls, and even with all that being offered, Kazuma didn't fall. Our reaper didn't betray us, and that is something that puts me at ease."
Aqua smiles as she thinks about the reaper. "He didn't fall…. I'm glad that he didn't fall for Rephilis…. I feared that something like that could have happened. Romeo was once an important member of my order, yet he turned to the enemy's side."
"That priest was never your ally, Aqua. I met him once, and I can tell you that Romeo lusted after you intensely like no other. His eyes were tainted with desire like no other. I should have slain him when I had the chance, but I didn't want to interfere with your order. Now, we have to deal with that lustful demon lord when the time comes. Inquisitioner Rook won't miss that mission." Eris says.
"... Cecily was his student. She saw Romeo almost as an older brother or even a parental figure, but he… tried to absorb her alongside everyone else. He was willing to make her into a sacrifice for his plan. I couldn't let her fall like the others." Aqua says.
"... What happened that day? What happened at Arcanletia?" Eris asks with visible concern. "My agents couldn't enter that place. It is a nest of corruption and demons."
"... He put something in everyone's drinks—demon blood. I don't know how or when he got it, but he did. As the ceremony was taking place, everyone was supposed to share the pure water of Arcanletia, but instead, they drank the corrupted water he had tainted. People began to lose their minds to lust and corruption as their bodies turned into formless masses of flesh. I tried to reach them, but they didn't hear my voice; they were beyond saving. Cecily also drank the water, but she forced herself to throw up when she saw what was happening. That poor child prayed to me as she began to run away while Romeo chased after her with amorphous walls of flesh closing in around her. They captured her and tried to fuse with her; they tried to turn her into one of them, but she fought back; that's why her hair turned white. I couldn't let her fall, so I used my power to transport her away. Your agents found her outside Arcanletia…. I was only able to save her, and I ensured her body didn't retain any of the demon's blood. Is the only thing I could do for her." Aqua admits with visible regret as she recalls the fall of her believers.
"Heaven o mighty…. She believes you abandoned them. She blames herself for being the only survivor of the entire event. Her home fell in a single day, and her entire religion was deemed as heretics due to the actions of one demon. Everyone seems to carry their scars due to this war. I…. We could try to discuss this with her." Eris suggests.
Aqua shakes her head. "My words won't appease her feelings. The best I can do is to protect her by eliminating Romeo. If Cecily takes part in that mission, I fear the worst. Don't let her go near that place when the time comes. Going back won't be good for her. That place is no longer the home she once knew."
"Aqua, this won't do. Girls like Megumin, Yunyun, Irene, or Cecily can't move on until they get to face the demons behind their traumas. Darkness got to face Talus, and the others deserved the same. As long as Kazuma is by their side, they can face them." Eris adds.
"Eris, this is putting them in danger. We're not talking about normal demons but instead demon lords." Aqua argues.
"And we're not talking about normal people either. Each of them has potential; I am actively moving things around to give Kazuma the best team he can get. I won't back down if I can give Kazuma an advantage in this war. That man needs a team and resources; I'm determined to finish this war. I'm putting everything I have into him, and if we fai,l there won't be another chance. It is do or die, and we both know the Elders gods won't play around if we can't turn things around. Thanatos is already doing enough for us, and we must do our best to ensure this war ends. Cecily won't forgive you or me if we were to prevent her from facing Romeo. If you want to protect her, fight by her side like I have done with my agents. Show that you truly care by supporting her." Eris says with a determined expression.
"Eris…. I-"
"Boss! The reaper has arrived at the coast." A voice shouted as someone knocked on the door.
"... We can continue this afterward." Eris grabs her mask before she places it on her face.
Aqua nods before she stands up and follows her fellow goddess.
Their conversation could wait as they needed to meet the reaper after being separated for over a week.
A couple of minutes later. The surface of the deserted island.
Kazuma looked around the island but he couldn't find any buildings or signs of the base.
"Wait a moment, Mr. Reaper. You'll see soon enough." Rust says as he pats his winged partner.
Kazuma wondered what he meant until his body sensed the vibrations beneath him. The reaper looked around until he saw an elevator hatch burst open, followed by the arrival of a large elevator.
As the elevator came to a stop, Kazuma met the gazes of the rest of his team.
"Kazuma!" The girls shouted as they rushed to meet him. They seemed happy, but the smiles stopped as soon as they saw the smirking expression on Darkness's face.
Megumin and Yunyun's eyes turn to Kazuma before their expressions turn cold, as if they smell something.
Aqua thew daggers at the fallen knight.
Darkness approached him before she grabbed his hand. "Glad to see you all after so long. We had a good time at Axel. A wonderful time by ourselves."
Kazuma began to sweat as the glares were directed at him. "Thanatos, please protect me."
The flames of war had ignited once more as emotions ran high in the party, with Kazuma right in the middle of all.