False God. Okkotsu Yūta

𝖔. Get the Job Done

PROLOGUE / GET THE JOB DONE

Sunday evening is Ayaka's least favorite period of the day.

Early mornings are definitely her favorite. It's usually silent, as everyone in the clan is busy doing their own thing. Except for the one hour of prayers her family partakes in as a tradition, she spends most of the morning by herself, pacing around her household and taking delight in simple things such as observing the sunrise. Still, her indolent time is nothing but momentary, and soon she finds herself undertaking her extensive daily training. Like clockwork, hours go by without her noticing and it's already afternoon.

Afternoons, much like nights, are bustling and often messy. Following her superiors orders, there's not an specific schedule to follow in these times. Sometimes she's told to train more, yet other times she's sent to missions or errands. And, when she's lucky enough, there's days when she's just asked to clean the residence or arrange the warehouse.

Ayaka is used to most of this lifestyle, yet she can't help but think there's somethint so eerie about Sunday evenings.

A silence that is no longer comforting surrounds the clan's shrine when the second hour of prayer of the day arrives. Most evenings follow the usual routine, however Sunday evening's practice extends beyond just that. Everyone is kneeling down as they pray quietly until the head of the clan, Kurosaki Katashi, finally stands up and declares the prayer is finished. After that, every member has to, one by one, give a sacrificial offering to Byakko, the clan's God.

Standing there unperturbed, Ayaka just listens to her family's disturbing deeds being told in graphic detail until it's her turn. She gives her weekly offering, this time it being only a rat, and walks away without uttering a single word, head low and eyes glued to the floor.

She can feel her mother's sharp stare from across the room.

Those who fail to provide any tribute are dragged out of the room, and their screams begging for mercy can be heard across the halls, until they slowly fade away.

What a dull end.

"Ayaka." Her mother's voice reaches out to her. For a second, it's soothing enough for her to believe her evening is not going to be so bad, but with just a glance at her mother's face she knows she's not pleased. "Come here." Arms crossed and wearing traditional attire stands Kurosaki Sue, a disappointed look in her face.

As most people leave the room, Ayaka walks slowly towards her, already knowing what is about to happen. "Yes, mother?"

There's a moment of silence between the two and, when they're already alone, her mother decides to speak again.

"Do you enjoy embarrassing me in front of everyone?" Sue's voice comes out screaming, however since she already expected this kind of reaction she doesn't flinch. "This is the first and last time you do this. Seriously, a mere rat? That's all you have to offer?" She takes a step closer as the tone in her voice increases. "And then you have the nerve to simply walk away without saying a word. Do you take me from granted, is that it?" Pointing at herself as if she's the most important part of the argument, she continues speaking now lowering her voice. "Well, what do you think your father is going to think of this? You are so lucky he is out of the country, but don't expect me to be silent when he comes back. I'll let him know about your behavior."