The Cosmos' Journey (Obey Me! x OC)

Chapter 63: The Time Loop 1

Barbatos was walking with Ivy and her siblings through the halls. Barbatos glanced at them out of the corner of his eye. "I've been serving Lord Diavolo for a very long time, much longer than you might think. But I must say, I never imagined the day would come when I'd actually be showing three humans to my room."

The three blinked in surprise. How long had Barbatos been alive? Ivy watched as Barbatos turned his head so that he could face them. He seemed intrigued. "I've been around for a VERY long time, and I suppose you never can tell what might end up happening in an interval as long as that."

Ivy tilted her head out of confusion, a frown etched upon her features. "I thought we were going to the past."

Avalon nodded. "What does your room have to do with it?"

Barbatos nodded in response to Ivy's statement. "You are, yes. You're about to go back into the past. But in order to do that, we must first head to my room, you see. I have the ability to see into both the past and the future..."

Ivy visibly stiffened at that. Both the past and the future... Did that mean he could find out what her father had done to her in the past? That he could easily figure out that she was transgender? Ivy shook her head. She couldn't let those thoughts get to her. Barbatos continued speaking. "...and I can send people to either one by using one of the countless doors in my room."

Ivy swallowed thickly. "Did you know all of this was going to happen?"

"No, I did not."

Ivy was shocked by that phrase. He didn't know?! How?! Barbatos continued speaking. "Also..."

Ivy perked up. Also? Barbatos hummed. "Imagine for a moment what it would be like to know everything that will happen from now until the end of time. Hehe, why nothing could possibly be more boring, wouldn't you agree?"

Ivy nodded with a hum. That did sound completely boring. Barbatos smiled. "Which is precisely why I find it so very interesting and refreshing to take three humans such as yourselves into my room. All right, we've arrived. Please, come in."

Ivy didn't know what to expect of his room walking in. It had a good amount of doors and objects out and about in an orderly fashion. It was intriguing to the young Cosmos. Barbatos turned to the three eying the new area. "Welcome to my room, Ivy, Avalon, and Maria. Now then, I am going to explain several points about traveling to the past--things you must be cautious of."

The three perked up. Avalon gestured to Maria. "Maria and I need to discuss something. Tell us when we get back, Ivy."

The two nodded before they stepped out, leaving Ivy with Barbatos. Barbatos gave Ivy a serious look. "First, you must not reveal that you are from the future to anyone you meet in the past. If you were to do so, you run the risk of warping history. For the very same reason, it would not be good at all if you were to meet your past self. It would probably be best if you didn't make contact with anyone at all. If you can, ascertain who set Belphegor free and then come right back, without speaking to anyone along the way."

Ivy nodded. That would be best. Barbatos suddenly blinked in surprise. "... Ah yes, I nearly forgot to tell you the most important part."

Ivy tilted her head. "¿Y eso es?"

"I understand what you just said, but please speak English. In any case, when you wish to return to this world, all you have to do is knock on the door you used to get to the past and then proceed through it. That same door will then bring you back here. Is there anything else you'd like to ask?"

"I think I get the gist of it. Ah, here come my sisters."

Avalon and Maria entered the room. Barbatos hummed. "Well, Ivy, you certainly sound confident. I hope that confidence doesn't turn out to be misplaced. Well then, you three, it's off to the past with you. Safe travels!"