Let me in.

"We'll let Jing Wei go—but on one condition: you let me inside your body."

Persephone's eyes widened. "What? Let you... inside my body?" She was confused. Why would Maman want to enter her like that?

"Yep," Maman replied, her tone almost playful. "We need to reach Izanami, and the only way to her is through you, cutie."

Persephone tried to mask her fear. "You really think Horus or Ah Puch would let you walk away after this?" She hoped to rattle them, even a little, but her words barely phased them.

Maman tilted her head with a smirk. "That's why I need you, sweetie. Do you really think I'll just leave your body after we catch Iza?" She stepped closer, her voice dropping to a sly whisper. "As long as we have the Queen, they can't touch me or Da Ji." She paused, casting a sidelong glance at Persephone before walking toward Jing Wei, who stood trembling. "Now, what do you say? Do we have a deal?"

Persephone's mind raced. Why her body? Why not demand anything else? She already had so few moments of control over herself, and now she'd have to give up even that just to keep Jing Wei from facing punishment...

As Persephone remained silent, still weighing her decision, Da Ji grew impatient. She approached Jing Wei, grabbing her roughly by the collar, making the poor girl whimper. "Take any longer, and I'll have to play with my toy again," she threatened, her grip tightening.

"Okay! Fine! Just... let her go. She needs to get back to Bakasura before she gets into any more trouble."

Maman's smile grew wider. "So you're agreeing to let me take up residence in your body?"

Persephone hesitated. "Y-yes..." she whispered, reluctantly.

"Perfect! We have a deal, then!" Maman grinned. "Da Ji, go ahead—send the little bird back to her master. We have a new toy to play with." Da Ji picked up Jing Wei, preparing to take her away. Jing Wei looked back, mouthing, "I'm sorry," before disappearing from sight. Persephone forced a sad smile, lifting a hand in a goodbye wave.

This was okay... as long as Jing Wei made it back in time.

"Now, let's get started, shall we?" Maman murmured, advancing on Persephone. Instinctively, Persephone backed up until her shoulders met the cold, unyielding wall behind her. "But there is one more thing."

"What is it?" Persephone's voice wavered.

"You have to keep your eyes on me the entire time I enter you."

"What?! No! Why do I have to do that?" Giving up her body was already horrifying enough, and now she was supposed to watch while Maman entered her?

Maman's smirk deepened. "If you don't, I can always bring Jing Wei back here for Da Ji." The threat was laced with sick amusement.

Persephone clenched her fists, her shoulders dropping in defeat. "No! Okay, I'll do it... please, just leave her alone. She's been through enough," she pleaded. Her voice softened. All the girls from her faction had suffered so much. All she wanted was for them to be left in peace.

"Good," Maman purred. "Now, let's begin."

Without warning, Maman's hands plunged into Persephone's chest, knocking the air from her lungs and catching her completely off guard. Persephone fought against the urge to close her eyes, to look away from the horror unfolding before her. But Maman showed no mercy, forcing more of herself inside, seeming to relish the fear and dread radiating from Persephone.

Moments stretched as Persephone felt Maman's presence flooding into her. Finally, with a sickening lurch, she disappeared completely inside. Persephone fell to her knees, her eyes wide and unseeing as she clutched at herself, shivering. An icy, foreign sensation crept through her, spreading until it reached her mind, clawing its way to the core of her thoughts.

A strangled scream escaped her as she gripped herself tighter, begging Maman to stop, pleading for any other way. "Please," she whispered. "I... I don't want this..."

Maman's laughter echoed inside her mind. "I found it," she whispered.

Persephone stilled, feeling Maman's grip tighten around her consciousness. Tears spilled down her cheeks, her strength fading, until finally, her mind went dark, and she slipped into unconsciousness.

After some time, Persephone stood up. Her eyes were blank at first, but then a slow, wicked smile crept across her face. Her eyes shifted to a vivid emerald green, snake-like symbols swirling around her pupils, and her hair darkened to an inky black. Maman flexed her new hands, opening and closing them experimentally, testing the extent of her control over Persephone's body.

"Comfortable already, I see," came a familiar, amused voice. Maman turned to find Da Ji watching with a sly grin.

"Of course," Maman replied in a sing-song tone. "This is the only way we're getting close enough to Izanami."

"Shall we go get our new toy, then?" Da Ji purred, already heading toward the exit.

Maman, now in full control of the Spring Goddess, followed, her new lips humming a low, haunting melody.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

thank you for making it this far! I hope you all enjoyed! i decided to leave whatever happened before up to everyone imaginations and whatever happens afterwards as well. feedback is always appreciated!