S A T A N

Of an overflowing chest of treasures with golden trinkets and coins mortals would tear at one another to obtain, the extended hand merely plucked out a singular band. A silver ring, engraved with an amethyst gemstone that glittered whenever a stream of light hit it’s epicenter. A simple novelty any of her status could’ve obtained at a flicker of their wrist and yet, here she was, out and about on the land of hubris-ridden mortals to obtain a trinket not worthy of even her glimpse.

“Do you intend to disclose to me why you’ve brought me along with you to visit a cave? And over some silly jewelry no less. I didn’t take you for the materialistic type Riri.”

“I’m not.”

“Not willing to justify our reason for being here or not temporal? Which is it?”

“Whichever you conclude,” The Empress hummed, tucking away the jewelry into her pocket and returning up the muddied stone stairway.

Vines coiled around the cobblestone walls, treading from the gaping circular entryway above down to the floor of the enclosed igloo of stone. Water trickled in from a coursing mother-river somewhere farther below ground with its only indication of presence: the echo of running water.

“Nevs will mutilate you for tarnishing the hem of that gown you know? Since it’s woven from silk and gold.”

“I’d almost forgotten.”

The General heaved a sigh, agitated with the childish conduct of her elder sibling whose persona was meant to be that of a regal lady. Even so, the sophomoric behavior was a breath of fresh air in comparison to the usual constraining atmosphere Riye carried.

“From speculation, you’re not the type to value anything material for the mere action of doing so. That must mean that that ring must have some sentimental value for you. It’s amethyst so perhaps an ancient gift-“

“Rei -please- not now.” Pleading whimper exuded from haughty lips brought forth upturned brows from following companion. To see once regal presence allow mundane sentiments to be brought forth gave her enough sense of conscience to understand the subject was not one that needed further prying despite conjuring curiosity. Assumptions as to the trinkets maker however, continued to cross her train of thought: perhaps her late spouse, maybe her lost love, or simply a gift from some mortal suitor. Whichever the case, the jewel was a treasure the Empress would jeopardize her reputation for.

“Nevs wished for me to ask if it would be alright for her to host a luncheon for Zion’s birthday. The boy wanted to see how his ‘Lady Aunt’ was fairing.” Swift to alter the topic in attempt to continue the bit of time they’d have to speak, Rei proceeded to announce the doings of their family. Her continuous visits to the mortal realm didn’t allow much time to spend with her elder sibling who remained confined to her workroom despite incessant nagging.

“Of course she can. It would be nice to see how Zion and Adelaide are doing considering their magic must’ve finally appeared. Nevs was fretful they would be mortals due to their birth there. I’m glad she no longer needs to worry so much.” Tender sweet care only extended to those who her protection had brought; a calm kindness she’d endow to all those who regarded her with love.

Reaching the heart of the oasis, hanging palm trees overhead providing shade whilst rumbling cicadas sang choruses about blistering heat, one could never tell why such a high-standing woman would trudge down for a trinket. Stray rays of sunlight peeked through cracks in the palms craving blessed skin, wishing to allow its golden lure to shimmer amidst plain world. Finding the forgotten antiquated sigil carved upon a stone doorway, miniature chips and cracks over the material from long disuse, dainty tan digits brushed the imprint of the first rune. Magic seeped into the carvings, light protruding from the sigil in moments; a click sounding to signal the door was open.

“When we return to the palace, do me a favor and be polite.” Stricken with confusion, Rei spun to barrage her sister with questions but received a face full of clamoring guards instead. Questions were spewed like blasting canons, hardly leaving an impact for all the sound meshed into one another to create a horrendous choir.

“Please settle down! One at a time!” The General ordered, the walls rumbling in response. Silence soon followed and one by one, the fiddling guards regaled their General with the knowledge that a procession was on its way to the palace doors. From what had been observed it appeared to be quite a festive group with several performers dazzling the crowds, only a single soldier following.

“I see. Return to your posts. I'll inform the Empress we have guests.” Odd acts meant to create endearing sentiments often went dismissed for her sister was known as the Empress of Stone, whose heart never seemed to be pierced by wayward admirers. Thus, the General strolled back to the stuffy pistachio painted workplace of her sibling where mountains of paper and books dominated the scene.

“Hey, someone sent a fancy shmancy parade to appease you. I’ll alert Gabriel to send them-”

“Let them in. I wish to greet them personally.” Tilting her head and narrowing her gaze upon unfazed sibling, the General could hardly conjure up syllables that would explain her sudden bewilderment at such a reply. This wasn’t ordinary. It would have been considered miracle enough if the Empress had simply contemplated their entrance, but for her approval: something was off.

“Whose representatives are they? What use will you get from hearing what they have to say? Just who-”

“I cannot answer all your questions at this moment but what I can say is that they are here to deliver an invitation with their most ‘attentive’ efforts. From what shadows have told me, their king wishes me to attend this gala of his to speak on a special offer he wishes to present.”

“Offer?” Rei pressed.

“Nothing is certain though, I already have the topic in mind. Even so, it’s nothing you need concern yourself with my dear nita.” Waving her hand in the air, dismissal certain, the General retreated with a bow to her superior. A storm was brewing and the deity of chaos felt it fester in the air. Blood would be spilt soon and the mere thought of it riled her senses. But she'd sworn to leave those things be. An oath made long ago to cease needless destruction kept her bonded to sanity she’d easily cast away for a taste of forbidden fruit.

“Another dismissal I presume?” Gabriel came sighing.

“No. Allow them passage. The Empress will greet them in the Throne Room as the guests they are. However, station the first squadron overhead and the second around the doorways. Inform them to remain out of sight. If I spot one, they’ll be dealt swift punishment for disobedience.” Command given, adjacent baffled sibling nodded, and set off to welcome unforeseen visitors. Abandoned in her silence, fiery goddess sucked in a breath through clenched teeth, brewed unease fluttering away like butterflies off her skin.

Thundering horn signaled the entrance of blessed vessel to the throne room, appointed second hurrying over on obsidian coated wings, landing behind her superior. Regal statue leisurely sat upon glorified seat, raising two fingers to then tilt down; a signal to open the doors. A rambunctious crowd trailed in, several performers beginning their acts so that frigid exterior would feign a smile. Men and women pranced around the painted circle on the floor, flashing smiles and raising hope they’d accomplish their paid mission.

But carved stone could not be altered, piercing silver glare landing upon the final enterer to her domain, a small man whose demeanor appeared haughty even in the presence of a Goddess. Truly, this was Senju’s subject: egotistical to a default.

“State your business with the Empress of the Heavens,” Designated monster sneered from appointed station behind frigid enchantress.

“At ease Lady Rei. We must greet our guests with respect for they have traveled far to see us. Be at ease honored guests, please, tell me the purpose of your visit.” Opposing characters fit their roles well to present long told stories of the imperial family: ruthless avenger Rei, and merciful ruler Riye.

“We’ve come to present an invitation from his Highness of ƧЦП DIΛᄂ to her Majesty. He wishes for Her Majesty’s attendance at the upcoming gala where her honor shall be celebrated.”

The Empress of Stone wished to burst out into fits of giggles like a plebeian at the deception intended to lure her. Senju, whose hubris ridden soul allowed not a single person respect, would never honor another god in his own lands. The mere thought was laughable.

“Tell your King that he may expect my presence at his Gala but to cease any attempts of flattery. I’d rather greet him as the sibling I’ve always regarded him as, not another colleague.” With request stated, the Empress offered the traveling troupe a night’s stay, having maids lead them the way to the guest rooms.

Once prying eyes had been cut off by closing doors, the goddess sunk in her seat, sighing heavily with a hand to her temple. Shadows had sent whispers to which she’d already prepared fitting punishment yet, her heart couldn’t stand the thought. This boy she’d seen grow from a sprout had become a weed in his own garden and now dared to expand his roots.

“So you didn’t even consider discussing with your council beforehand? You’re simply going to do as you fucking please without a single regard for your safety?” Rei barked, palms curled into fists and quivering at her sides. Habitual fury from known spitfire had been an anticipated rejection.

“I’ve already taken precautionary measures and no matter what trials I cannot die. My body is indestructible even if I were to be blasted by all the stars in the sky. Believe me, I’ve done all I can nita, but for this to work: I need your faith in me.” Weary mass stood from her seat to stand before her dear sister, resting a palm on her cheek and shoulder. Blazing purple irises stared directly into twinkling murky skies that often seemed like they’d spill rain at a seconds notice and yet remained clear. Rei despised this about her sister; the ability to conceal all her falsehoods with a confidant gaze.

“I’ll trust you IF you reveal your plan to me. Knowing you, you’ve already concocted every step that follows this so tell me. Just what are you intending to do?” Truth had never been given by scheming tongue who’s plans were worth much more than gold. To ask for truth was as if asking her sibling to catch her a falling star.

“Alright then. If you must know, I don’t intend much. I wish to see the true state of his kingdom and decide if he merely deserves a tongue lashing or a physical punishment. His kingdom is a sight to behold from what I’ve seen through the Eye but…,” Riye paused, nipping the inner of her own cheek before continuing, “something feels amiss and I wish to see it with my own eyes.” Merciful, mortal soul encased within immortal carcass held the ability to wish no ill towards another, not even when they were in the wrong. Meaningless hope maintained belief that this brute she’d once seen as a boy had not become demanding Zeus.

“If that is what you command sire, I shall heed your orders,” Diligent decree began only to halt and return to crude tongue, “But who will accompany you?”

“You as my right hand and Nev-“

“What, why!? Not even you can conclude what that monster will do! If he were to take Nevs-“

“I would never allow it to come to that. If Senju so much as lays a hand on a strand of her hair I’ll have magma swallow his palace whole only to then suffocate his soul within a cauldron of mortal misery far worse than the ones we lived.” Vitriolic solemness sung from tongue fed only honey, a truth to her threat that often never came. For an Empress whose goal remained peace, she was never one to shy away from the atrocities of war or whatever punishment came with what she desired. All that mattered was the goal; not the means.

“But what if he proves harsher to deal with?” Apprehensive bloom flowered in the depths of the General's bosom, not a lack of faith but an anxiousness that rationality may not be the only driving force in her sister’s cause.

Riye grinned, ducking her head that tittered from laughter. Truly such an amusing statement to utmost divinity. Senju was a deity of innumerable strength - that she would admit - but he did not have the power to defeat her. No, Senju lacked a crucial piece to his divinity much like all those he claimed below him.