bin

its not the best, but you know, its something. i hope you like it, because i clearly did not.

this is just a beginning—from here, ill be writing the three alternative ending endings ive thought about for muriels reversed end (so this is like- a prologue i guess). again, i hope you like it

—

shades of red and crimson block your view as the clamorous shouts from in front of you continue to bellow. its muriels voice, the deep grumble gradually progressing into a painful roar. he needs your help, but the chains manage to hold you in place, straining your power away from you. how has this managed to happen?

you hear a last shriek from muriel. hes clearly to the point of passing out from the amount of times he has tried to resist the power of the devil.

"dont hurt MC, please.." muriel murmurs, his voice soft and hushed. "ill do anything... just dont hurt them."

by the sound of your name your eyes see it all clear—dripping blood painted all over muriels body; the scars on him that seem to glow, yet feel dark; the terror on his face, knowing you can see the state hes in. this is the man you fell in love with, his hands once soft and careful, now treating his anger with violence.

"anything?" says the devil, a smirk creeping on his face. he slowly strokes his chin, villainous eyes fixed on muriel.

"... yes."

"i will need a little something of yours in return for the safety of your beloved MC, muriel."

"i.. dont care. just as long as theyre safe."

the devils smirk is now a wide toothy grin, something incredibly sinister hiding behind it.

"hmm.. how mortals like you wish to do anything for their loved ones. how ... interesting."

and with the snap of his finger your vision goes black.

—

from here, i will continue writing the final parts of the ending and will post each of them one by one.

"MC, youre awake. finally," asra sighs in relief. "are you okay? you passed out at the masquerade, so i brought you back home."

you look up at him in confusion.

"i passed out?"

"yes, but youre fine now.. i hope. ill go make you some tea."

you open your mouth to speak, only to be interrupted by a faint knock coming from the door, somehow startling the both of you. you stay silent, waiting for asra to make a move.

"... huh, thats weird," asra says, facing the direction of the sound. "i havent lit the lantern yet. lets check it out."

nodding, you head towards the door. once you get there, your hands tentatively twist the handle, opening the door just slightly. you peek outside, taking a tiny glimpse of what seemed to be a customer.

in front of you stood a large hulking figure, looking down to meet your eyes. although his hair covers most of his face, youre just about able to see his piercing eyes that softened at the sight of you. staying behind the door out of intimidation, you turn around for asras assistance: but even he looks uneasy.

"hello, sir. can we help you?"

"... MC?"

the mans voice is surprisingly gentle when he says your name: it doesnt match his form at all. both your and asras eyes widen in shock. theres an obscure feeling about him—about how this stranger knows your name—while you have never seen him before. curiosity fills your mind with burning questions.

"what...? do i know you?" you ask, your eyebrows furrowing in confusion, then turning to asra. "do we know him?"

"... i.. dont.. think ive seen him before.. no," asra replies, eyeing the man carefully. "hes probably heard about us—from the people. do you need anything, sir?"

the man is frozen, looking horrified by asras response. his eyes start to shine and his hands tremble as they reach out to you.

"... a-asra..? MC? its... me, muriel... i-"

the brittle voice cuts with sobs as tears trickle down his face. though concerned, you stay back as asra steps in front to shield you from "muriel"s touch.

"im sorry, but we dont know who you are. if you came for anything from our shop then we can provide it for you. otherwise leave."

an odd stroke of regret and sorrow wipes on the mans face. he apologizes for disturbing us, then leaves, mumbling something barely audible.

"you taught me how to feel loved..."