Candy Coated || Buddha

Hard to Swallow

The following week is spent in the company of the Valkyries, mostly Göll, and Randgriz, a beautiful and kind-hearted woman with long light brown hair. They visit as often as they can, between ventures to Earth, trying to make your stay in the afterlife more comfortable.

So far it is.

The room constructed for you is warm and welcoming, but the fact you are dead still hits hard, much harder than you had expected. You appreciate the Valkyries for attempting to comfort you but this is something you must do on your own; accept your mortality.

But no matter how familiar you are with the concept of death, it's not something that comes easily.

With Randgriz and Göll in your company, it's easy to forget that your physical body is rotting in the aftermath of the hurricane, a sudden phenomenon that even the Valkyries won't bring up. It's strange, but you don't question it.

It's neither here nor now. All that matters is–

A soft voice calls your name, averting your attention. Your eyes snap back into focus, noticing the concerned look on Randgriz's face.

"Are you OK?" She asks.

You hum.

"I was miles away again."

"It's fine," Randgriz utters in understanding. "I believe it's your turn, however. We're on 2."

Your face turns red in embarrassment as you glance down at the cards in your hands. It's a silly notion, two Valkyries playing a card game with a human, but it comforts you.

Taking two cards from your hand, you set them face down on the growing pile.

"Two 3s," you claim.

It's a complete lie, but no one calls you out.

You glance over at Göll, waiting for her to take her turn. Her face turns red as she takes two cards and sets them face down on the pile.

"One 3."

"Bullshit!" You exclaim quickly.

Randgriz laughs.

"That is indeed bullshit, sister."

"N-no way! How did you both know?!" Göll asks with a squeak.

You don't know as much about her as Randgriz, but it's pretty obvious when she lies or gets nervous; her face shows her emotions.

Reaching down you flip over her cards, seeing that instead, she sat down one ace.

"You've got to learn to mask your expression when playing this game, or else you're going to take the pile again," you mention with a snort.

Göll whines and reaches down to gather the cards for the 2nd time. As she takes a moment to adjust them in whatever order suits her, your eyes wander to the cord around your ankles, sagging off the side of the couch as you rest with your legs beside you.

How long is it going to take before Brunhilde finds Yue-Lao? You have all the time in the world, but it would be nice to get the strings removed. They aren't hurting you, but since you've been in the afterlife you've had a craving for sweets. Perhaps this has something to do with whoever the God of Love and Marriage had paired you with.

They must be riddled with cavities... If that's possible for a soul.

"I'm ready to go!" Göll exclaims. Her eyes narrow in seriousness, inciting a snort from you.

"We shall see," Randgriz utters.

As she sets her first card down on the table, the door across the room bursts open unexpectedly and an enormous woman akin to a bodybuilder walks in; the sudden intrusion makes you lurch in fear.