Part 98: Prayer

BGM: The Sacred Large Hall


07/08 (SUN), Midnight
Good evening, my lovely little slaves to fate.

That's the tenth time that I've had to listen to her voice. Parca addresses the Court of Fate as she always does. I'm well aware of the cruelty being masked by her divine tone. As well as the reality that I have the same cruelty within me.

Four remain, but who will survive until the end?

I'm guessing you'd prefer a girl if you're gonna use us as your host.

Goodness, no. I view all genders equally.

Says the goddess that went on about how I must reek of booze.

Did I? I'm afraid I don't recall such an exchange.

You little...!



Hmph... At it again, I see. I can't say I mind it tonight, though.

Holy crap. Seeing you smile might just be the creepiest thing I've ever experienced.

Alan and Federico have no issue engaging Parca in senseless conversation. That's been the case since the beginning, in fact. Especially with Federico. That's right... Tonight is the last night I'll get to see this. I don't feel sad about it. Just... empty. I can't say for sure how Miharu feels. But at the very least, she's chosen to remain silent like me.



We're finally nearing the end of Divine Selection. I do look forward to seeing what fate has in store for you all. Allow me to begin tonight's election. Revolve, O' Clock of Fate!

Her sly grin signals the beginning of the election procedure. My place as Numeral I is one that I detest. I'm always the one forced to make the first declaration as a result.

Well, Numeral I?

...I elect Numeral XII.

I make sure to look Alan in the eyes as I say so. I'm using his life as a stepping stone for my own. It's a truth that no rationalization can change. Thus, I have to accept it. He smiles upon hearing my declaration and nods.

Next is Numeral II.

I elect Numeral III.



Things are proceeding as expected. Federico nods in response, his expression an odd mix of satisfaction and displeasure. I understand now just how incredible it is for him to remain that composed.

And yourself, Numeral III?

Who, me? Sure, I've got an election... and it's got your name all over it, Alan!

Good grief... Can you please refer to him by his numeral?

Hey now, everyone knows each other's names at this point, so it should be fine. But okay, I'll obey your rules. Numeral XII, I'm electing you.

Very well.

Parca nods and then turns to face Alan. He raises his voice before she can prompt him, though.



Allow me to elect Federico Carminati.

Heavens, must you be like this, too? Please wait until I ask before you make your declaration.

Hmph... That was my way of accepting his provocation. I elect Numeral III.

Very well. Do allow me to stress the importance of adhering to the rules, however.

Federico and I have elected Alan. Meanwhile, Miharu and Alan have elected Federico. All four of us face duplicate elections. This isn't a situation I had anticipated. I get that Federico wants to elect Alan even if it means causing that situation, but I honestly didn't think he had all of his cards. I'm not quite sure why Alan wants to elect Federico when Miharu's already doing so, either.

This entire situation has me slightly bewildered. I can't see this being a tactic to make us back off. It should be clear at this point that I won't hesitate to earn election priority.

What are you thinking...?

Well, well! Quite the clash of wills we have tonight. Allow me to handle this all in order.



Sure, go ahead. Yo, Miharu! I ain't too fond of letting that asshole be the one to put the nail in my coffin. Still wish I could've spent a wild night with you, but hey. You'll at least be the one to put an end to this for me, won't you?

Argh! How many times must I tell you not to speak?! I have a role to carry out!

Federico ignores Parca's distress and tells Miharu that he's leaving it to her. What's more, Alan turns to speak to me.

I share the same sentiment as him. I would be ashamed to call myself Amrita's brother if he were the one to eliminate me.

I clench my fists as I listen to his words. I finally understand his thought process. It's not a logical decision at all, but it's one I can understand.

Ahaha. Men truly are hopeless... Is that what you were hoping I'd say?

I ain't really into that sort of thing, but sure. That works.

I didn't expect you to think about things this way.



It's in my nature as a brother, which is all I will be at the moment.

That's enough! I need you all to follow proper protocol!

Parca actually raises her voice at us. How unusual. There's no anger in her tone, though. If anything, I think she's excited. It's an abnormal situation, one where myriad emotions are all crossing paths.

Numeral I and III's election of Numeral XII shall be our first priority. As you know, revealing a personal card will allow you to obtain election priority. What will you do, Numeral I?

I'll reveal my name card.

I'll reveal my regret.

I close my eyes as Parca chides Federico for ignoring protocol again. My actions are essentially throwing mud in his face after he helped me. But that's okay. What I'm about to do is through my own will.



I'll reveal my cause of death, then.

Heh. I'm fresh out of cards to reveal, so I guess I'll let you have the right to eliminate him. I won the moment I gathered all three of his cards. Hell, I should thank you for giving me the final push I needed.

...So that's why.

I finally understood his actions from last night. He must have learned about Amrita somehow. I've never met her myself, but the similarities must be authentic if even he is able to make the connection between me and her. Still, it doesn't feel right for him to thank me. I never did anything for him. He's the one who obtained the answer he was looking for on his own.

Very well. Up next is Numeral II and XII's election of Numeral III.

Hmph... We never did have the pleasure of meeting face to face.

Indeed. You helped Rinka out though, didn't you? I owe you my thanks for that.



Spare me your gratitude. I'm sure you've been told that I'm not fond of such niceties.

I have every intention of earning election priority. What will you do?

I have three cards remaining, but... the last thing I want is for him to haunt Amrita if I eliminate him. You may have the right. As for us... how does continuing our bout at a later time sound, Federico Carminati?

Tch. That sure ain't gonna sit well with me. How about we just call it a win on both sides?

No.

Oh, come on!

No talking amongst each other! How many times must I repeat myself?

Parca halts the conversation for us. Next, she begins the process of bringing two lives to their end.



With that decided, Numeral I and Numeral XII, Numeral II and Numeral III... Allow me to proceed on with the election procedure.

The Court of Fate rumbles following her exclamation. I'm up first. My platform makes its way to the upper stratum. As does Alan's.

…



Hmph.

Alan and I face one another upon completing our ascension. He remains silent, albeit with a peaceful expression.

I already told you everything there is to say during that night.

...Yeah.

His current silence compared to the night he's referring to says it all. That silence is soon disturbed by Parca.

Oh my, done chatting already? I must admit, I expected you to express some anguish over this, Numeral I.



Everyone has a surprising side to them. Right?

...Indeed.

Oh-ho... Granted, I shan't complain about everything proceeding smoothly. Do begin your election, then.

BGM: Fated Selection


I open up my card book once she shuts her mouth. My cards float out in response, despite the majority of them being useless now.

His name is Alan Scorpion. He was killed with poison.

If there's one thing I regret, it's not using my position to present you with a diamond that you no doubt would never be able to afford.

...You being sarcastic now?

To make up for it, allow me to teach you a magic phrase. One based on my belief that Amrita will become the next CEO. A time will come when you require such jewelry. This phrase will allow you to purchase some for a remarkably low price.

He chuckles to himself before continuing.



'You wet the bed until you were thirteen years old.' Say this to her and you'll be able to afford any jewelry you desire.

That's messed up.

I can't help but crack a smile. He cares for his sister far more than I imagined. An overprotective big brother, through and through. To be honest, I'm a bit jealous.

I must admit, being elected under these circumstances isn't too bad. Go on. Finish your job.

Yeah... His regret is his sister's future.

My cards begin to shine in response, floating to the middle of the Court of Fate. Once there, the light engulfs the entire space. It's then that I hear his last words.

Hmph... Then again, you've no need for jewelry when those eyes of yours shine brighter than any stone.

…

BGM: Fall Into...


The scenery switches to that of a hotel room. Alan was going through documents. Not just paper documents, but files stored on his laptop and tablet as well. Room service arrived shortly thereafter. It was coffee. Alan didn't normally partake, but his secretary recommended it if he needed a way to keep himself awake. They claimed the coffee here was especially good.

He took a sip.

Full body paralysis followed mere moments later.

Only then did he notice... Just how many people had to have worked together through their shared hatred of him. His time was short, however. He lacked the means to judge them for their decision. Only the outcome mattered. And how it was a fitting end for someone who had thrown so much away. But in his heart remained one regret.



He hadn't seen his dear sister in half a year. A child could grow like a weed in that little time. If only he could've seen that growth. Her baby steps toward adulthood.

…

My consciousness returns in what I'd guess was five minutes. I wasn't surprised by what I saw. It all made sense based on what Alan had told me. One question lingers in my mind, though. Why did no one see how kind he was?



Do you see all of what I see?

Memories are beyond my realm of expertise, I'm afraid.

What's that supposed to mean...?

Allow me to show you the cards in Numeral XII's possession. Please consider which you'd like to obtain as you descend.

Wait a minute!

My attempt to stop her is in vain as she has already disappeared. Following that, my platform begins its descent.

…...

BGM: The Sacred Large Hall


Rinka's platform returns to the lower stratum not long after she leaves. Miharu looks her in the eye and nods. Words aren't needed between them now. Her own platform begins its rise after this. Federico's follows suit.

They face one another once in the upper stratum. It's the first time they've done so since their last encounter in the real world. Federico is the first one to break the silence.

There's something I wanna ask you.

What is it?



You a lesbian or something? Far as I can tell, you're in love with that squirt.

This is not the question Miharu had anticipated. While she may have gotten angry under normal circumstances, being asked in such a blunt manner renders her completely speechless.

Guess it doesn't matter when this is the end for me.

Do you make it a point to sour people's impressions of you whenever you leave?

No need to feel embarrassed. Can't claim to understand why some people are gay, but it ain't weird or anything to me. Hell, I'd have taught you a technique or two if you'd said so earlier.



Miharu responds to his joke with an icy stare. There's no animosity behind it, however. Just her silly way of responding to his silly joke.



Is that all you wanted to ask?

Why, do feel free to talk for a bit longer, if you so wish.

Nah, I'm good. Nothing left to say, is there?

...You're right.

Neither of them are surprised by Parca's sudden appearance. While somewhat displeased, she continues with the procedure.

Do select your cards then, Numeral II.

BGM: Fated Selection


Miharu opens her card book when prompted.

His name is Federico Carminati.

Oh yeah. This isn't about me, but there's one last thing I want to say. That beast of a woman never forgot how to enjoy life, even after all she'd been through. She even threw away an easy chance at survival to save me. But then I up and died anyway.



My point is, well... just remember that people like us lived our lives the best we could. What's important is that you enjoy the ride, so don't you dare go killing yourself again. Got it?

He was crushed to death.

Parca said that she can change fate last time, so make sure to take advantage of that if both you and the kiddo make it through to the end. Let your desires take priority a bit more. Don't worry about your image... Your looks will keep you covered there.

His regret is success.

She bites her lip as she reads out his final card. She has no idea what emotion she is feeling right now.

I dunno where I'm going after this place, but I'll pray that you two have a great relationship.

The Court of Fate is once again engulfed by the light from Miharu's cards.

…

BGM: Fall Into...


The scenery of a sinking ship unfolds. The ship's captain leapt toward him. Her body collided with his immediately after. The ship's components collapsed at the same time, crushing him underneath them. His resentment toward both his failure and something else accompanied his death.



...Sorry, but I don't need your prayers. If anything, that'll just make things worse.

There's no need to fool yourself, Miharu.

Stop it. You were only allowed to call me by name when I was your vessel.

Ahaha. Is that so?

...Wait a minute. Your only method of observing the real world up until Divine Selection was through me, wasn't it? In that case, how have you been keeping tabs on it up until now?

Your friend is waiting below.

Miharu's platform begins to move after Parca ignores her question. It helps her to realize something, though. She is getting ever closer to an answer...

…...

BGM: The Sacred Large Hall


Miharu returns from the upper stratum alone. Her platform settles next to mine once more. Thus, only us and Parca remain in the Court of Fate. The seemingly endless space somehow feels even bigger now.

Well done. Have you decided which card to take?

Not like anything's worth it... Maybe I'll take Numeral VI's name card.

It belongs to the woman Alan eliminated on the first night. I never met her, but learning her name should allow me to remember her.

I'll take a page out of Rinka's book and have Numeral VII's name, then.

She must have understood what I was going for. That name belonged to the man Odette eliminated on the second night. I'll ask her about it later. That way I'll finally know the names of all twelve participants. I'll be able to remember every last one of them.

Oh-ho? I see that the cards are useless to you two at this point.

...Maybe, maybe not.



Can you end it already? I want to get some proper rest.

Yes, yes. Very well.

Parca gives an apathetic response before returning to the center of the Court of Fate.

Tonight's session resulted in two eliminations. I bid you farewell for now.

I might not like her, but I can't deny how pleasant her voice sounds.

Divine Selection. It won't be long before this cruel ritual is finally over.

[END OF WEEK TEN: A MAN'S WORLD]

-----

Cardbook has updated.




I – Name – Shishimai Rinka
I – Cause of Death – Death by Asphyxiation
I – Regret – Daily Routine
II – Name – Hebinata Miharu
II – Cause of Death – Suicide
II – Regret – Shishimai Rinka
III – Name – Federico Carminati
III – Cause of Death – Death from Structural Collapse
IV – Name – Yu
IV – Cause of Death – Fire
IV – Regret – Daily Routine
V – Name – Ushizuka Shigetsugu
V – Cause of Death – Death from Starvation
V – Regret – Back when I was Close with Family
VI – Name – Chan Chan
VIII – Name – Kamebuchi Keiko
VIII – Cause of Death – Brain Hemorrhage
VIII – Regret – Child's Name
IX – Name – Scale Jones
IX – Cause of Death – Death from an Accident
IX – Regret – Gold Medal
X – Name – Sofiya Priessnitz Alexeievna
X – Regret – Seeing the World
XI – Name – Odette Malencon
XII – Name – Alan Scorpion
XII – Cause of Death – Death from Poison
XII – Regret – Little Sister's Future