Bernadette had received a letter from Cattleya. She opened it and carefully read the report. Upon reading the first few lines she immediately began drafting a reply. As she continued reading she thought she had begun losing control as the contents were shocking to say the least.
***
The Tarot club had gathered above the grey fog for an emergency meeting.
"Madam Hermit. I may not have directly said this however we are a secret organisation. But perhaps you didn't understand that." The Fool's tone was rather calm however it carried a hint of disappointment.
Cattleya didn't say anything as she was receiving various looks from the rest of the members. Beside her the High priestess looked rather amused which was strange.
"Mr Fool, what do you have planned?" The High priestess asked.
The Fool snapped "his" fingers and Cattleya was gifted a small bit of knowledge from the cosmos. Immediately she began losing control however The Fool quickly suppressed it.
"Conceal the information." The Fool commanded the High priestess.
She nodded and carefully concealed the information.
The meeting ended however Amanises told The Fool to summon the projection of the other world's Amanises. After following the Evernight goddess left with a worried expression.
"Zhou, don't you think that was too far?" Amanises asked.
"It was practically the same as what I did in my world." The Fool replied absent-mindedly.
"You seem to be in a worse state than before." She pointed out.
"It's fine, I'll recover some humanity at some point. We both know that I have days where I am better or worse."
"You're falling in to a dangerous mindset."
"That will fix itself when I gain more humanity."
Amanises grabbed The Fool.
"Klein, that's exactly what I'm talking about."
"Amanises, you worry too much."
"Klein!"
"I'm fine, if I can't feel emotions then I don't need to worry about them holding me back when fighting the outer gods. Also I won't feel sad so that's a bonus." The Fool rambled on.
"Is that really what you think?"
"Yes."
"You've gone insane."
"Perhaps I have… but is there really anything you can do about it?" The Fool asked unseriously.
Amanises paused.
"I don't know but I'm your friend so I will try my best to help you." Amanises answered.
"Hmm, friend… that is an interesting idea. You know I have had a lot of time to think recently." The Fool muttered.
"Klein, what are you thinking?" Amanises asked worriedly.
"You know, are we even really friends?"
"Of course we are!"
"Really? Because we honestly hardly know each other. Before entering this universe have we really done anything that would make us be considered friends?"
"No… but that's not what determines that."
"We have never really had a proper friendly conversation. The closest we have gotten is that conversation about the pre-epoch."
"Isn't the fact we are from the same time enough?" Amanises was getting more worried.
"No. We come from completely different places and don't know anything about each other. Our connection to the pre-epoch only meant something when there were few transmigrators and even then it was only a shallow connection. You didn't actually care about me didn't you? All that you really cared about was a connection to the hometown you lost. We aren't friends, the only reason we bother interacting is simply for maintaining our humanity and protecting our world." The Fool spoke with a cold venom.
Amanises couldn't really deny it. At first the only reason she wanted Klein to become Lord of the Mysteries was because he was a connection to the pre-epoch. She stepped back and bit her lip.
"Well, I suppose we should end this conversation here. As you said. We aren't friends." She believed he was right however it was still hard to say.
The Fool silently dismissed the projection.
***
"How'd it go?" The Evernight goddess asked.
The Eternal Darkness threw a quick glance at this universe's her.
"I realised something." She said bitterly.
***
Lumian listened to the events that happened.
"Well… what are you planning now?" Lumian asked.
"We will help protect this world and try to return home."
"Alright, but," Lumian stopped as he noticed a slight hint of sadness within Amanises. "Nevermind. But though this might not mean much I think we are friends."
"Thanks." Amanises replied absent-mindedly.
***
"Great master, I believe you should apologise to Amanises as I believe your words were quite harsh since she was just trying to help you." Arrodes spoke.
"Arrodes shut up. I don't need your advice especially on something like this. Now be quiet and wait until I call on you." The Fool commanded.
"Of course." Arrodes replied meekly.
The Fool sent Arrodes to the junk pile.
"Sigh, I need a distraction. Perhaps I should pay Bernadette a visit."
***
Bernadette was inside the captain's room on The Dawn. Suddenly the room filled with grey fog dulling her thoughts and senses as a door of starlight opened revealing a man wearing a typical Loen gentleman's suit.
"Hello, I have come for a few reasons. One is due to how Cattleya leaked information about the Tarot club to you, another is just because I'm bored." The Fool said with an enigmatic smile.
Bernadette looked at the strange man who suddenly appeared.
"Are you The Fool?" Bernadette asked.
"Isn't it obvious?"
"What are you doing here?"
"Didn't I just say? Oh right."
The fog dissipated and Bernadette's senses returned to normal. Immediately every cell in her body shook in fear telling her to run away.
"Is something wrong?" The Fool asked seemingly oblivious to her state.
"No! Umm, sorry, is there something you want in exchange for the breach of secrecy?" Bernadette tried to avoid looking at The Fool.
"Hmm," The Fool thought for a moment. "Could I have the magic wishing lamp?"
"Sure."
The Fool took the lamp.
"I'll be back, if you need any help just chant my honorific name. After all, I should do something for my niece right?" The Fool said before leaving.
'Niece? What does "he" mean by that?' Bernadette's thoughts wandered.
***
The Fool joked at the genie lamp trying to get "him" out.
"Perhaps I should just crush the lamp."
Suddenly the genie emerged.
"No, you don't have to do that! I was just napping."
The Fool smiled.
"What's wrong? I'm not the Celestial Worthy."
"No you're worse."
"Hmm, what do you mean by that?"
"Umm, nothing."
"No, no, please elaborate." The Fool
"Well, for one you're more unstable."
"Fair enough." The Fool muttered.
"Second, you're more powerful."
"I expected that."
"Finally you're human."
The Fool froze in surprise.
"How does that make me scarier?" The Fool said with an inquisitive look.
"The Celestial Worthy was born as a pillar, "he" never understood emotions and things like that. Every action "he" took was for "his" own survival, while some may dream "his" actions the work of a madman. They were all done with a singular intent behind them. Sealing me in the lamp may be seen as a joke, but there was a clear reason behind it. Because "he" wanted to obtain my Sefirot and because I was a potential threat." The genie explained.
"And how does being human make a difference? Wouldn't that make me less of a threat in your eyes because I am bound by things the Celestial Worthy isn't."
"If you weren't a pillar then yes you would be less scary. But because you are human you will make irrational decisions. Being too rational is sometimes a curse as it makes you predictable, which was a weakness that the Celestial Worthy had. On the other hand someone like you who will do things not because of reason but something else makes you the perfect fit for your position. Because why should the Lord of the Mysteries be rational?"
"Then why did you see the Celestial Worthy as a threat if he was predictable?"
"Because we're not as smart nor cunning as "him". Also I never said it was a big weakness. Just because we can predict something doesn't mean we can do anything about it. By the time we begin to unravel his " plans "he" would already be thousands of steps ahead."
"Well, the you of my timeline said I wasn't as cunning as "him" so do you really have to be so worried?" The Fool said playfully.
"What else did "he" say?" The genie gulped.
"That I was just as shameless as "him" The Fool's smile turned sinister.
***
"Error 4040483773738383838383848484484 pl3939383864279937eas299277272728292939sav2920383737397362289927e922027628292me374749440276294040483773738383838383848484484pl3939383864279937eas299277272728292939sav2920383737397362289927e922027628292m37474944027629e292083739337622838!923973370183749494948
Error 4040483773738383838383848484484 pl3939383864279937eas299277272728292939sav2920383737397362289927e922027628292me374749440276294040483773738383838383848484484pl3939383864279937eas299277272728292939sav2920383737397362289927e922027628292m37474944027629e292083739337622838!923973370183749494948Error 4040483773738383838383848484484 pl3939383864279937eas299277272728292939sav2920383737397362289927e922027628292me374749440276294040483773738383838383848484484pl3939383864279937eas299277272728292939sav2920383737397362289927e922027628292m37474944027629e292083739337622838!923973370183749494948
Please save me!"
"How annoying." The Fool hissed.
In front of "him" was a TV displaying static. It constantly repeated the same error message in a distorted scream. The static flickered and if someone paid close attention they could make out a vague figure.
***
Klein woke up from a strange dream. His mind raced as he checked under the covers.
'Yep, something is wrong.'
His seer's intuition told him there was some force that made him dream that. Klein tried moving the events of that dream to the back of his mind as he prepared for the worst. He sent a message to The Fool in order to contact Hela.
'Wait, I can't look at her after that what am I doing!' Klein screamed inwardly.
It was too late for him to take back the message now though. Klein searched the admiral's house as he looked for the source of the issues. Along the way he found Hela.
"Damn this place is umm. I don't know what to say." Hela said.
"Mhm." Klein's heart raced as he tried to avoid looking at Hela.
"Klein, you have been acting weird. Is something wrong?"
"No, I didn't think anything like that." Klein realised how suspicious he sounded. 'Fuck, I'm going to die!'
"Hmm, well let's just handle this and get paid." Hela looked at Klein suspiciously.
***
"We should have just gotten Mr Fool to nuke that place." Hela said.
"Mhm." Klein stared down at the desi pie poking it with his fork.
"You know you have been extremely distracted since that whole thing. Did something happen? Did you fuck one of those things and were too embarrassed to tell me." Hela teased.
"What? No!" Klein shouted.
"Then what was it?"
Klein looked at Hela and tried his best to maintain that straight face with every bit of his clown powers.
"It's just that I was slightly affected by the power." Klein replied.
"Oh, so you were tempted. Hey, I'm not judging it was magic after all."
"No." Klein meekly replied.
"Well then what happened? Did it involve me? Because you have been struggling to look at me the entire time." Hela pointed out.
"It's just I'll probably have a hard time looking at the female Tarot club members after what happened."
"You thought about doing that with Amanises!"
"No! I mean yeah it would be weird not to when under the influence."
"So what was it like?"
"It was just a dream… a very vivid one."
"So what did you think of me?" Hela teased.
"I don't want to answer that."
"Come on we're friends aren't we?"
"Fine, you're annoying and much prettier when you shut up." Klein replied with a snide remark.
"That's better!" Hela patted Klein on the shoulder.
"Well at the very least you know how to liven the mood."
"Yeah, now let's get some drinks to keep this going!" Hela cheered.
***
In the astral world The Fool emerged from Sefirah Castle. "His" sinister tentacles extended out towards the world barrier gently brushing against it. "His" presence caused the cosmos to shrink back as thousands of gods hid from "his" gaze. The great old ones outside the barrier shook as "his" eyes forged of starlight looked in to space. "His" movements were lax, perhaps even whimsical as "his" tendrils moved like an inflatable man blown by the wind. However "his" smile despite looking bright and cheery hid "his" indescribable nature.
"Oh, hello there~" The Fool said in a sing-songy tone.
The cosmos immediately hid as best they could, even the crimson moon retreated out of sight. However none could escape the many eyes of The Fool.
Notes:The Fool hummed a whimsical melody as "he" took out an old fashioned television. "He" clicked the on button as TV static flickered and in between the constant repeating error messages there was a cry for help that could be heard.
"What's wrong everyone? I just came to show off my little toy." The Fool said "his" voice echoed throughout the universe.
Son of Chaos's screams reverberated striking fear in to the gods who thought they were above that. The Fool's sinister tentacles reached out of the world barrier as they grasped the crimson moon. They reached towards a figure who covered the surface of the moon.
"Are you scared? Why is that? Clowns are meant to be funny so you should be smiling." The Fool's face contorted in to a mad smile.
The Mother Goddess of Depravity nervously smiled in the presence of the duel pillar.
"That's better." The Fool wore a bright smile.
The Fool then gazed towards the other celestial bodies in the solar system.
"Looks like my audience isn't very understanding." The Fool muttered.
"Zhou, what are you doing?" The Evernight goddess shouted.
The Fool's body snapped in the direction of the voice.
"Ah, I'm just showing my audience a cool magic trick." The Fool explained as if this were the most normal thing in the world.
"This is insane!" Amanises yelled.
One of The Fool's tentacles grabbed Amanises's shoulder.
"Well you have to make some sacrifices to make a good show. Isn't that right everyone?"
The Fool's gaze turned to the cosmos which suddenly burst out in nervous laughter.
"See, they're enjoying it. Isn't that great? Don't you agree, genie?" The Fool tapped on the television.
The static dissipated and the genie could now be seen. "His" body seemed to glitch and distort as error messages covered parts of "his" body.
"Plea-."
The screen turned back to static.
"Whoops, looks like "he" was cut off."
Amanises took a step back. While the genie's appearance was certainly bad. She alongside the viewers saw how truly horrifying it was. "His" form on every layer had been mutilated by authority and symbolisms. What was most prominent was the symbolism of the inconceivable.
Amanises was taken back to the pre-epoch where people would write stories about cosmic horror. Now that she was a god, she had become one herself and no longer viewed them as scary. However seeing that thing brought her fear that should not have been possible for a being like herself. She continued slowly increasing the distance between herself and The Fool.
"What's wrong? "He" was an outer deity anyway why do you look scared? All I did was deal with a pest." The Fool said in a calm manner.
"Y-you could have just killed "him"." Amanises stuttered.
"And where is the fun in that?" The Fool asked.
The Fool took a step towards her, making her instinctively leap back.
"Why are you running? It's not like I'll do anything to you." The Fool said as if speaking to a pet.
"Klein." Amanises said nervously.
"You know I'm confused at why you're calling me by that name."
"Because that's your name."
"Ah, right it was. Yes it was."
"Klein, there is clearly something wrong so let's just talk."
"What do you mean? We're talking right now. You're the one running away. Sorry but what was my name again?"
"Right, so Klein just think about your good memories as a human. We could talk about food. I know you like food."
"Hmm, food. Isn't that for mortals?"
"Yes, but that's because you were a mortal."
"Oh, right like that time I," The Fool told a folklore story.
"That wasn't you."
"Huh, it wasn't? Aren't I the Celestial Worthy?"
Everyone in the cosmos stood still staring at The Fool.
"Hahaha, the look on your faces. No, I'm not the Celestial Worthy. Amanises you look so pale right now. Maybe you should relax on the beach and get a tan." The Fool joked.
"Klein, that wasn't funny."
"Really I found it quite hilarious. Anyway I'm going to prepare for my next magic show. So bye."
***
Evernight stood in her divine kingdom. Despite its isolation she could still hear the tormented screams from Son of Chaos.
"Hey, do you think we can save Klein." Evernight asked her other self.
"Huh? Oh, right that." Eternal Darkness was snapped out of her stupor.
"You have been distracted since that meeting, did you get in to a fight?"
"Umm, I guess you could say that."
"Well what did you realise then?"
"Well not much. Just that my entire relationship with Klein was built on a meaningless foundation and we never had any real connection nor actually even cared about each other more than just having another person to defend Earth."
"Well why do you look down if you say you never had any connection?"
"Well having the only relationship you thought would last shatter in the span of a few seconds will do that to you."
"So you do care."
"Why am I being judged by myself?"
"You're your own worst critic."
Eternal Darkness Amanises place her palms over her face.
"I hate my life." She muttered.
***
"Ugh, I think I drank too much." Klein muttered as he woke up.
"Yeah, same." Hela sat up from the bed.
Klein's expression didn't hide what he was thinking at all.
"No we didn't, you pervert." Hela teased.
"I-I. You know what, I'm not even going to try and argue." Klein sighed.
"That's no fun" Hela flicked Klein on the forehead.
"You know, I heard from the others that the other universe you was much nicer, quieter and also pre-" Klein was interrupted by Hela grabbing his collar.
"And she's also way out of your league." Hela said with a menacing glare.
"Isn't this kinda insulting yourself as it implies you're in my league?"
"Mhm, but I don't mind. I didn't even get to meet you in that universe."
"Well you met the other transmigrators."
"Yes, but I don't think it's quite the same."
Hela pulled Klein in for a kiss. Klein's first thought was about how cold she was. Then it changed as he realised what was going on. Klein felt his heart beating rapidly and his face flushed. Hela placed her other hand on his heart. She moved back slightly.
"So are you like this with all women?" Hela teased.
"Shut up."
Klein wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her in for another kiss.
***
"Ha, I don't even have anyone to be mad at, well I suppose they do look good together." Evernight said.
"Yes they do." Eternal Darkness replied absent-mindedly.
"You know, isn't there quite the age difference between them?"
"Stop looking for excuses to shut this down."
'Looks like you finally got your head out of the clouds.' Amanises thought.
***
The Fool looked at Klein. "His" smile dropped for a moment as "he" seemingly thought about something. It soon returned and "his" thoughts wandered elsewhere.
'Hmm, what should I get them for the wedding? Oh, do I get to be the kids God parent. Hehe.'
***
'This was a reasonable development.' Adam put down his quill and closed the book.
"Why did you write that?" Amon asked while playing with Lumian.
"If I didn't write that three epochs would have passed by the time they confessed. You wouldn't understand as you have not read pre-epoch romance novels."
"You're right I don't and I'm glad I didn't read them since you sound… quite frustrated."
"This is why I like Madam Fors's novels." Lumian blurted out.
"You shouldn't read those." Amon said.
***
At the next Tarot club meeting Death and the World's seats were moved next to each other.
"Umm, Mr Fool, what is the meaning of this?" Death asked.
The Fool smiled. "He" clapped "his" hands as a banner came down over the two of them and confetti cannons went off. The two looked up and read the banner.
'Congratulations on dating. Finally.'
There was also a small bit of fine print.
'I have the novel, this took a lot of reasonable developments because you two are denser than a star. -The Hierophant.'
The two of them immediately blushed as they realised that they were being watched.
"Alright, we have to set up some rules on spying." The World said.
"I mean you watched porn with your divination."
"T-this is different." The World stuttered.
"You were just kissing." The Fool said.
"Just want to remind everyone that Mr Fool is a virgin." The High priestess said.
"Just want to remind you that both Amanises are also virgins. Oh and they're thousands of years older than me." The Fool said.
Silence enveloped the room.
***
"Why are we in a wedding hall?" Klein asked.
"Just preparing." The Fool said.
"I don't know anything about clothes." Derrick said as he looked through the suits for Klein.
They all looked around for anyone who knew anything about clothes.
"Why did we let Emlyn go with the others?" The Fool sighed.
***
Emlyn and Audrey carefully looked through the various dresses.
"This is challenging." Emlyn mumbled.
"Yes. I have never really thought about dressing for a wedding before so it is something new. Especially since we're also dealing with clothes from Mr Fool's hometown." Audrey said.
***
"Alright we got the measurements done, so I'll have the designs sent to a tailor." Audrey said.
Everyone cheered as they descended from the Sefirah castle.
***Klein." Hela said.
"Yes." Klein replied.
"You know how our meeting only happened because Mr Fool came to this world."
"Yes. What are you thinking?"
"It's just I wonder what would have happened if he never came here."
"Probably something similar to his own world. I heard that before he decided to interfere everything was pretty similar."
"Well since he caused us to meet. Does that mean we have to make him our kids God father?"
'Hehe. Godfather.' Klein laughed inwardly.
"I'm glad you're happy." Hela said.
"Am I not hiding my emotions around you?"
"No. That's a good thing by the way. You shouldn't wear masks in our relationship."
"Alright I won't. By the way, should I change my normal appearance to Zhou or keep it as Klein?"
"I don't mind Gehrman. He's got a nice face," Hela joked. "But in all honesty, just pick the one who you think is the real you. That isn't my job to figure out."
"Maybe I'll copy Mr Fool and do a fusion."
"Sure but don't copy it exactly because then it will be weird."
***
(Just some skits because I want to end the chapter here but also reach 2000 words. These aren't canon.)
***
(Why aren't the other transmigrators being released.)
"Hey, why can't you release the other transmigrators?" Lumian asked The Fool.
"Because I don't want to mess up this world's you's relationships." The Fool replied.
"Oh right I forgot. But I have a feeling being a demoness will affect that as well."
"Well I guess Aurore is getting a sister."
"By the way won't he be a high sequence by then?"
"Well, then she's getting a really tall younger brother."
"I mean could also be a sequence 3 demoness."
"Just shut up."
***
(Hela meets Hela)
"Hmm, an unexpected pairing." Hela said.
"Umm, it just turned out this way." Miss Death replied.
"By the way, is your name actually Hela?"
"Umm, yeah it is."
"Interesting, Hela's just my codename."
"For what?"
"A secret organisation."
"Oh, cool, I'm also in a secret organisation. My codename is Death. What's your organisation called?"
Hela paused.
"The Curly Haired Baboon Research Society."
"I mean, the Tarot Club isn't the best name either."
"Let's move away from this."
"Right, so are you in a relationship?"
"I don't want to talk anymore."
Notes: