idolpro | Izanagi's Heart Game

As you descend into the darkness, you become aware of a consistent, shrill sound... It seems electronic in nature, and it grows louder, though never overpowering as you descend rung by rung.

Eventually your foot meets a tile floor, and you find yourself in a dark hallway. Enough illumination comes from a door at the end of the hallway to see that the walls and flooring all seem to be a sterile white - and whatever’s in the room has got to be the source of the sound. The door is ajar, although there is nothing in particular visible from this part of the hallway.

The Fragments float up again, pointing towards the door.

[He taps the wall to see if it made of tile or wood. An idle curiosity before he follows the hallway down to the door.

As he approached he does shout out 'Hizumi Mizushiro' just a touch louder than the constant shrill sound.]

[The walls are tile, interestingly enough.

He receives no response - however, the reason for that may be clearer upon entrance into the room.

It's a hospital room.

The heart monitor is flatlining, leaving it droning, a consistent and inescapable whine. Laid in the bed with white sheets drawn over a hospital robe is the thin and pale body of one who you may know better as Izanagi, eyes closed and unmoving.

Oddly enough, the light no longer seems as consistent - in fact, the Fragments are pulsing now, blinking in a steady beat. They seem to be tugging towards the body... and with a soft click, the badge loosens from your clothing, leaving the badge sagging.

It seems it may now be removed, although no matter how it is moved, the Fragments will continue to pull on their chains as they point at the body.

[He holds the badge firmly in one hand behind his back as he approaches the bed. He brushes a few stray from Izanagi's forehead.

He waits a good thirty seconds to a minute before he places the badge on top of Izanagi's chest.]

The Fragments continue to pulse, steady and strong, the light growing stronger as they near the body. Once close enough, the Fragments begin to lose their color and shine - but Izanagi’s body gains it instead, skin flushing as the blood flow resumes once more.

Slowly, his eyes open, a glint of gold in the otherwise coldly lit room.

He’s alive.

[He takes his hand.]

Welcome back.

[Blinking at the hand before taking it.]

I see... so even you decided to help, in the end.

That was a nice song, by the way.

Cosmo can play better. Eichi is a master at the craft if you ask him nicely.

And why would I not help? You hardly deserve this burden which has been thrust upon you.

[How cold is the room?]

[A bit under the regular room temperature, but not much more than mildly uncomfortable.]

"He" doesn't have much faith in people, if you hadn't noticed already.

I would like to change that, however.

I wonder if "He" has anyone whom he would bear his heart to. If only for a moment.

[He takes off his coat then and places it over him. He'll have to release his hand, but will hold onto it after.]

I would like to change that as well. How do you propose we start?

[Taking that coat, thank you.]

Currently? Not a one. Though he'll act the part if it gets people to stop bothering him.

As for changing it... well, you've already begun it. By saving me, "the piece that believes he is dead," and the "piece that wishes to be saved anyway." And also...

[He'll hold out his free hand - and two books appear in it. Emet-Selch's, and Hizumi's.]

These books contain everything he knows or believes, about you and your relationship to him, as well as about himself.

Knowing that... are there any other changes you'd like to make?

I did notice. Though I had hoped he would have taken my words to heart. Though I am glad to hear this is a first step in the right direction.

[He will sit on the edge of the bed.]

I believe I already changed a bit in his own book. The most important fact.

I was not aware he was as sick as Yvette's interest. There are many brilliant minds here. Perhaps a cure can be found, perhaps not. If not, then I would recommend he use his wish to heal himself. Yes, you will be bound by the rules of Hell, but life is never perfect.

I used to be a caretaker of souls such a longtime ago. Thus I find it difficult to alter who someone is. Anything forced might unravel over time or not have the support it needs to flourish. And I would not change who he is. Rather. I would embrace it and start moving forward in a direction of his choosing. One not bound by fate or desires of others.

So I ask of you. What do you want? What does he want?

As for our relationship, I will not change it. To thrive, he does not need to trust or open up to me. He just needs to find someone. He is free to judge my deeds however he wishes. Though I do wish he would hear our side before making judgment.

[He gives a soft shake of his head.]

If I can get through this without being buried... I wouldn't allow him the path to hell. He wouldn't find any happiness there, not when Chrysanthemum is planning to take the heaven route.

Though... make no mistake. The books are knowledge only - I couldn't change his heart, not totally. So, if there is anything you would like him to know about you that might make it easier to talk, that could be worth writing. Or if not, then there is no need.

[He does seem pensive as he contemplates the questions however.]

I want to be saved from that fate. And so, deep down, so does he. He wants someone to give him something he can believe in. But no one's given him anything solid enough, not with his current issues in trust.

If that is his true desire, then I will not argue against it. But I'll have no self sacrifice when there is a path of less bloodshed. Why is Chrysanthemum set on Heaven's route?

You remind me of Wildfire. A little less naive. A lot less brash. I made the mistake of burdening him with my past. It is not his to bear. Nor it is sensitIV's even though those whom I had strife with are not present. It was never with you though I know it spilled from time to time.

Then perhaps to get past his issues of trust, what is causing him not to? Has he held out his hand only to have it discarded?

Other worlds are possible on Heaven's route. That includes worlds that could provide healing... but one that can heal both the body and the curse are difficult for him to imagine.

[His gaze drifts to the ceiling.]

He's endured many failures, and the ending he received, like it or not, was to be sentenced to die alone. It didn't matter how "good" he was. His fate was to die, and most people around him accepted that and reminded him of it whenever it looked like he might try to stray from it.

So, no. He hasn't known many people who sincerely wanted to help, or at least, wanted to help before ultimately leaving him.

I'd offer mine were it not in shambles. Cosmo is a brilliant scholar though he doesn't get the chance to use it here. But at least a star to match your requirements I can keep an eye out for.

And thus the fatal flaw. No one should be alone. And the more I hear the more I care less and less about gods and fated destiny. The issue here is his health and the curse. Neither unsurmountable.

But I know that trust will not be easy between the two of us.

[He does eventually take his own book and a pen and writes.]

I would like to have a conversation with you. An honest one. If you do not approve of my goals, then I do tell you that it will not affect the relationship between BARiTONES and sensitIV. A worry I believe you have.

Trust is not an easy task. Truly, it is terrifying, but I will not put you down the path you were destined.

Thus we can start with a conversation and let our minds and hearts move from there.

[He pauses before closing it.]

Perhaps it is time I had another talk with Yvette.

[Smiling a little at the extra writing.]

I'd appreciate it. I'm... so, so tired of being constantly buried.

Yvette has her own plans. But I don't think those are my place to say.

Let's see if we can't make it lighter.

She does. Ones I which I encouraged her to consider. She loves her work and thought that meant she had to be alone forever. That is not the case. She doesn't need a person tied to her hip, but a friend to speak too can make all the difference.

I feel you are the same. You need presence, but you are independent enough to not always need that presence at your side if you know it is there.

Or perhaps I have you wrong, but the first step is considering we solve the curse and the health issues, what do you want? And then work from there.

...The curse is the biggest problem. It's a death of its own, in a way. "He" won't be himself anymore. And in the worst case scenario, he'll be killed for it by the person he cares for most.

There is one who offered to use his wish to heal everything. But the curse affects Chrysanthemum, too. It needs to be solved for both.

Can you not just remove the curse in its entirety with a wish?

And I do wish if I knew if the curse was magical in nature. Does it wind tightly around your soul, I wonder?

[He pats his hands.]

These are easier questions to answer when you feel you have the support you need. So we can start on that first. One problem at a time.

And do text me anytime if you simply need to speak. I will make time to listen even if it is not always immediate.

I'll remember that for him.

Forgive him if he's still a little wary, though. Your help is very unexpected, from his point of view.

I imagine I sound like a deranged murder of countless individuals. With naught else for information, he would be right to be wary.

I can only open the door. It is up to the two of you to step through. And I do hope he finds others, too. Especially one on his unit he can get close too, but I'm having a hard time considering a candidate.

It's all I ask.

...We really do have a rough reputation, don't we?

Actually no. You are all simply cagey.

The Exarch. Persephone. Lucifel. Dante. Even Thancred. A bravado you wear, tough or demure, but such strength lies underneath. Worries you would not share with others.

I have been trying since I started with Persephone, and I believe I have middle little to no progress. I am seen in a neutral light at best.

You will have to take that first step as terrifying as it is. And you will get hurt from time to time when you open your heart, but it seems you have experienced nothing but disappointment. That we can hopefully change.

Izanagi's Heart Game - Session #1

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