[The Floating Islands - Divine Realm]
"How is the tea?" asks a divine-looking feminine figure. She is covered in a white robe, a halo floating gracefully above her head.
"It's decent," answers the Deity from before. He slowly puts down the teacup and picks up a napkin nearby.
"I tried my best," the feminine figure replies, placing her cup down as well. She waves her hand, and a ghostly figure in a maid's dress appears to refill their cups.
"So... did you find a suitable person for that problem?" she asks, picking up the freshly refilled cup.
"Hmm... I wonder why you are interested," the Deity answers. "Well, it's not like I have anything to hide. Let me tell you."
He stands up from his chair and holds out his hand, gesturing for the feminine figure to follow him.
"Seriously? You're going to make me get up just for asking a question?" she sighs, standing up without taking his hand.
"Not at all. I just want to show you the person I found... suitable," the Deity says, retracting his hand. He puts a strange emphasis on the word.
They walk toward the edge of the floating island. As they reach the precipice, the Deity points downward, toward what seems to be endless clouds.
"You realize I can't see that far," the feminine figure answers, trying to hide her displeasure.
"Oh, right. I forgot that you recently lost thousands of your followers," the Deity answers. A hint of mockery laces his words.
"Well, I can't do anything about that," she replies, getting angrier by the minute.
"Certainly you can," the Deity answers, stepping closer to her. "You just have to convince your followers to accept my followers' deal."
The feminine figure clenches her fists in anger. Before she can speak, the Deity continues.
"I mean, what's wrong with being slaves to superior people?" He smirks, implying her followers are worth less than dirt.
"Unfortunately, I can't bear to see my followers be slaves to anyone," she says, forcing herself to calm down. She unclenches her fists.
Before the Deity can retort, she interrupts.
"Oh, would you look at the time? It is time for your followers to start praying. I suggest you go and hear their prayers. Wouldn't want them to think even worse of their god."
She turns around to leave.
"Well, you're right. Seems like we will continue this at a later date. When I am free... since I don't have to worry about you being busy," he calls out, waving goodbye.
Once she is gone, he looks down toward the endless sky again. His gaze pierces through the clouds, landing on a red-headed male practicing with a sword.
"You better not disappoint me," he whispers, fading away.
[***** POV]
"Is this Heaven?" I ask.
I am standing in a lively forest. Different types of bunnies, dogs, and cats roam around freely. The air is fresh and sweet.
"Well, that was a short life," I mumble, walking around, waiting to see if someone appears.
As I walk, I see an old figure in the far distance. His back is facing me. He seems to be struggling to stand up.
I decide to help.
"Are you okay? Should I help?" I ask, bending down a little as I get close.
"Will you? Can you just take off the scarf?" the old man says, still facing away from me.
"Okay?" I answer, confused.
I put my hands on the scarf to untie it, only to reveal deep, jagged scars underneath. Chain marks.
"Umm... can I ask what these scars are from?" I ask, stepping back.
"Oh, that? That's what normally happens when you die by being choked!" he screams.
He whips around.
It is none other than the lean man.
"Wha—what?" I stammer, backing away in panic.
I stumble and fall. Before I can realize what is happening, the scarf in my right hand turns into a snake. It slithers up my arm, aiming for my neck.
I shake my hand frantically to get it off, but it clings tight. As it reaches my throat, it transforms again—into a cold iron chain.
It tightens instantly.
The lean man appears behind me.
"See? This is how it feels to be choked. Killed by those you trusted," he whispers in my ear.
He stomps his foot onto my back—the exact same way I pinned him down.
The pressure crushes me into the ground.
The scenery shifts. The white, holy forest melts away, replaced by a dark, sinister wasteland.
The cute animals that were roaming around carelessly stop. Their fur rots away, revealing bone and muscle. Their eyes glow red.
They turn toward me.
They start running, teeth bared, tearing into my flesh.
"AAAAAHHH!"
I scream, jerking awake.
My chest heaves. Sweat pours down my face.
It was just a nightmare.