Candy Coated || Buddha

Xs and Os

Your nerves are a complete mess as you get ready for the important meeting that Buddha had invited you to. For some strange reason, you aren't bought with the idea that he wants you there simply because the two of you are tethered, but it's not in your nature to nag him about his plans, so for now, you let it go.

Opting for an outfit, the Buddha recently had made for you, with comfort in mind, you quickly dress and then leave the confines of your room, sauntering toward the main hall where the God in question is waiting, having what seems to be a serious conversation with Jataka.

Upon approaching them, the former turns to you and grins.

"Are you ready to go?"

"I suppose so," you answer.

Your eyes turn to Jataka in question.

"Are you going with us?"

"Unfortunately not," the man in question answers. He gives you a gentle smile. "This meeting is meant only for the Gods."

Knowing this puts an even heavier strain on your nerves. What reason does Buddha want you to go? A comforting hand on your shoulder turns your attention to Jataka, who smiles at you.

"So long as you listen to Siddhartha everything will be fine."

You know this, but it does little to make you feel better. Thanking him, you force a smile and turn to Buddha, giving him a nod. He offers you his hand, warm against your own, and within seconds the scrolls appear, transporting you both.

It takes but a few seconds to arrive and once you do, the anxiety you feel only worsens. The sound of chatter feels your ears; a noise that easily overwhelms you. Tightening your jaw, you glance around to see that you and the Buddha are in an ornate hall with a gorgeous marble floor, one that reminds you of the Valhalla Arena.

"Where are we?" You ask.

"The Council Chamber," Buddha answers in a bored tone. "We're here as part of the Council of Valhalla."

You hum. It sounds similar to the Assembly Hall, used to house the United Nations. Perhaps it's similar in the aspect of protecting each of the God Realms. You aren't sure, but you know that you aren't meant to be here.

Releasing your hand, much to your annoyance, Buddha saunters down the hall in the direction of the noise. You rush to his side, allowing him to lead, but at the top of some stairs, overlooking an enormous circular room, you pause in fright. There are thousands of seats and each one is occupied by a God or Goddess.

Despite the composure you struggle to maintain, your mind is racing with thoughts.

There are so many Gods. I'm going to make a complete fool out of myself in front of them and I know it.

Buddha glances over his shoulder once he realizes that you aren't following him down the stairs and offers you a smile. An air of peacefulness surrounds you a moment later and though it eases your nerves, enough to help you move forward, you are still losing your shit.

Please don't let me trip down these stairs. Who needs this many steps anyway? This is ridiculous.

"Is that a...human?" A hushed voice asks.

Your legs feel numb. Of course, someone would notice. You ignore them, reaching out to grasp your soulmate's shirt. He leads you down to a section where several familiar Gods sit, one of which is Ganesha, the Hindu God of success, who comes across as a short overweight man with an elephant head.

"Are each of these from the Hindu Pantheon?" You ask in a whisper to Buddha.

He tosses his feet up on the table in front of him and nods.