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Lord of Death grasped the railing of the balcony outside his chambers staring down at the courtyard. He wasn’t thinking of much, rather simply enjoying the view. Even so, he did not hear the soft footsteps; however the arms wrapping around his chest did not startle him, nor the head burrowing into the back of his neck. Lord of Death was not worried of course- there was only one who would touch him so. His heart swelled, especially as his husband pressed a soft kiss into the scales there.“Whatcha thinkin’ about?” Came the lilting voice of the blond man, now resting his head on his shoulder.“Oh, nothing really. I was just enjoying the view.”“Hmm. It is very pretty, all those flowers, and that sunset…”- then the blond turned to look the god in the eye- “not as pretty as youu~ though.”The Death God felt his face flush. He would have been thankful for his skin’s pitch black hue, but his husband could somehow sense it, and he had to glance away embarrassedly from the gorgeous man’s annoying, cute smirk. His embarrassment wasn’t really helped by the fact that he still had no idea what the former human saw in his looks, even after five years.Unbidden, Lord of Death remembered the first time he had met the Spirit of Genocide.Lord of Death had felt the creation of the new spirit under his scope, but then hadn’t put much thought into it. Even so, he was never allowed to forget it, as the spirit dropped mortals like flies, bringing swathes of new subjects into his vast kingdom’s ever-growing ranks. The god’s interest became peaked, but not enough to go searching the spirit out.That is until some of his Reapers reported the massacre of around 30 dead mortals, oddly, strewn with red rose petals, and something drew Lord of Death to personally take care of the scene (dead bodies- something Lord of Death loved, red roses- a mortal symbol of romance… Could it be…?)Drenched in blood, the man had professed his undying love, explained how since his baptism into spirithood he’d known the two had been meant to be together, though he had never even seen him.He was the most beautiful man Lord of Death had ever seen. It was the most romantic scene he’d ever witnessed. Lord of Death had fallen instantly in love with Bladein the Bloodsoaked. (The whole thing stank of Lady of Love herself’s doing. He had never thanked her. He should.)And now they had been dating for four years, and married for nearly a full year.Lord of Death was the luckiest god in the pantheon.
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Bladein the Bloodsoaked perched on top of a table, swinging his legs idly as he stared at his husband, who was busy speaking to a couple of Reapers about something boring near the throne room’s door.From the angle Bladein was facing he was looking at his husband in profile, could see the sparkling of one his galaxy-like eyes, the soft purple glow they emanated. Lord of Death truly was stunning, at least in the eyes of the Spirit of Genocide. His skin was completely pitch black like a black hole, though partially covered in scales that the light shone off. His eyes looked exactly like the starry night sky. Big, sturdy, curved black horns protruded from the sides of his head like a crown, run through with veins of rich red. A thick tail with white spikes running down the spine could be seen peeking out from under his robe to drag on the floor, for about a foot.Bladein was so absorbed in admiring his husband that he didn’t notice the god dismiss the Reaper pair, and was shocked out of his reverie when the man turned and he was now gazing directly into those celestial eyes.The death god froze in his movements, apparently mesmerized by the spirit’s own blue eyes.Lord of Death continued forward, his rich rumble rang out into the air of the expansive throne room warmly, “did I leave you waiting long, love?”Bladein giggled, “mmhmmm, but I passed the time rather easily.” He conspicuously raked his gaze down and back up his husband’s gorgeous form appreciatively.This action caused the desired effect, as the man in the rusted coat knew it would. Lord of Death’s purple eye-glow flared and darkened in what the Spirit of Genocide long figured out was his version of a blush.As Bladein admired his beloved’s adorable embarrassed face, he knew that there was no being cuter in all of existence.
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Lady of Love sat on a fancy metal chair near the refreshment table, one leg crossed primly over the other, and covered by her spade-ended tail; stemmed glass of cherry punch lightly grasped between two dainty, clawed fingers.Despite the lovely atmosphere of the party surrounding her (which she fit perfectly in with her short frilly pink and white dress) she only had her white-glowing galactic eyes for the couple clinging to each other meters away.Sue her if she couldn’t help but admire her handiwork.The Spirit of Genocide was held (fittingly) bridalstyle in his newly-wedded’s arms, the couple gazing at each other adoringly. The entire pantheon had been invited to their wedding, along with any spouses or other plus ones they may have had. Of course, Lady of Love just HAD to come to any such occasion she was invited to, especially since she had technically indirectly caused this one.“You really have picked the perfect pair in those two, Lady of Love,” called a bright, androgynous voice from her right suddenly.Lady of Love turned slightly to see Liege of Happiness plop itself into a seat beside her.“I’m absorbing so much delicious joy from them even across the entire party!” It told her, gazing at her placidly with its perpetual smile. Honestly, it was a little bit creepy, it seemed a bit too wide, and the eyes shut a bit too tightly, not helped by the fact it could see perfectly despite that. Lady of Love shook off the uneasy feeling as always, and gave it a (much softer) smile back.“I’m glad you think so, Liege of Happiness.”The two gods continued to chat small talk, until Lady of Love felt a presence brush up on her other side. She glanced over and Liege of Happiness followed her gaze. It was Liege of Deception, filling up a plate with pastries and cheeses. Seeing it had caught their gazes, it nodded its head in the direction of the lovers, who were now sharing a sweet kiss as they swayed to nonexistent music.“Those two are really disgusting together,” it said, “they really are the worst for each other.”“So you agree too!” Lady of Love grinned. “Liege of Happiness was just applauding me on my pairing as well.”Liege of Deception made a triumphant noise. “So I was wrong! It WASN’T your doing!”It ate a couple cubes of cheddar, then cleared its throat. “I’m not surprised it took them this long to tie the knot though. I would have thought they would have done this way later than now.”There was a giggle from her other side. “Yep, it did take them a surprisingly long time.”Lady of Love privately agreed with the pair. Liege of Deception startled to walk away, and Liege of Happiness scrambled up to follow, throwing an arm around the other’s shoulder.Lady of Love returned to watching the newly wed couple, a feeling of smugness taking over. She really had outdone herself this time.Suddenly an idea struck her and she brought her attention back to the retreating Lieges, who seemed to be in deep conversation. Maybe she should give a final push to those two. Some of her Cupids seemed to think they’d be good together, and she trusted their judgement.…Ehh, she’d wait another year or two for themselves.
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Lord of Death felt like he was floating on clouds, almost unable to believe that he was now married, (married!), to his boyfriend of four years.“I wonder if those two are going to be the next to get married?” The man in question asked apropos of nothing, shocking the god out of his love struck reverie.“Huh, what? Who?” He couldn’t think of any non-married couples who were in love.He tried to follow Bladein’s gaze, but the spirit was already turning to look back at him.“Why, Lieges of Deception and Happiness of course!” Bladein clarified in a tone as if it were obvious.Now Lord of Death was even more confused. Both Liege of Deception and Liege of Happiness had given zero indication ever that they were in love with the other. He told as much to his husband.Bladein the Bloodsoaked snorted and raised an eyebrow at him. “Seriously, you’ve really never noticed?”“No. Because there is nothing to notice. Why in the world would a Cupid ever think to pair Liege of Deceptionand Liege of Happiness of all people together?” The two were nothing alike at all.But Bladein shook his head. “Shows how much you know, sweetheart. The Cupids titter about those two like, all the time.”Lord of Death looked at his husband incredulously. “Since when did you start spending any time around Cupids at all?”Bladein was inspecting his nails now. “They’re good gossips. And if you must know, a group of them are friends with that group of Reapers I talk to sometimes. Anyway, just observe those two, okay? I’m sure even you’ll be able see it.”Curious despite himself, Lord of Death looked at the pair chatting a few feet away. As he watched, Liege of Happiness plucked a cream puff from the plate the other was holding and popped it into the other’s mouth. It glanced away coyly after the action, rubbing the back of its neck in what seemed to be embarrassment. Embarrassment and coyness were very uncharacteristic for Liege of Happiness. Liege of Deception looked similarly flustered. Huh.“Huh. Maybe they really ARE in love.”
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Liege of Happiness stared at the phone in its grip. Or more specifically, at the text on the screen.‘Sorry, I don’t have anything to do today!’That was what the text it had received from Liege of Deception in reply to its query of going to do something together, read.Its ever-present smile dimmed at the brush off from its object of affection. Logically, it knew the other had no obligation to hang out with it, and that whatever it had to do was probably important, but a pang of hurt still pulsed through its chest. It threw itself onto its bed, tossing the phone somewhere to the side. A scream of frustration tore out of its throat, muffled by the pillows its head was now buried in.Liege of Happiness had the thought that it should go out and absorb some happiness from someone. It could go to Dead Kingdom and visit Lord of Death and the Spirit of Genocide. Those two always exuded so much happiness when they were together, which was pretty much all the time. But Lord of Happiness found that it didn’t want to go anywhere if it wasn’t with Liege of Deception.Something about that thought made Liege of Happiness open its eyes and raise its head slightly from the pillows. Liege of Happiness never had to open its eyes, it could see the same either way. But for some reason, when ever it had some sort of realization or negative thought surrounding its feelings for Liege of Deception made it want to open them. It thought it was because something about the golden glow was comforting.Lifting up more, its gaze caught on the nearby mirror. Its expression had dropped all the way down to a mere smirk, as close to a frown as it could physically get. Liege of Happiness couldn’t believe it itself, it was feeling… sad. Liege of Happiness wasn’t supposed to feel sad. It was a completely alien feeling and Liege of Happiness hated it. It dropped back into the pillows with a groan that turned into a whine.If Liege of Happiness ever found out which Cupid was responsible for giving it these feelings, it was going to beat them with an inch of their life.
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Lord of Time sat in a gray and white armchair, sipping tea from a teacup and leafing through a large tome, when the brusque knocks sounded from the door.Ah yes, he did remember that someone was supposed to knock on his door today. He placed the book and teacup on the side table, and extricated himself from the seat cushions to answer the door. When he opened it, on the other side was Liege of Deception wringing its hands nervously.“Ah, hello Liege of Deception, to what do I owe this pleasure?”Liege of Deception seemed to flounder for a moment, then it found its voice and blurted out, “I don’t need any advice from you.”Lord of Time smiled softly and stepped to the side, gesturing for the other to come inside. As the oldest God, the others often came to him for advice, so he wasn’t fazed by the request. Liege of Deception itself had come to him a few times previously. Besides, Lord of Time had a not inconsiderate soft spot for the shrouded liege, and there was not very much he would deny it.Lord of Time sat down on the couch, and motioned for the liege to take a seat on the other end. “So, what is I you would like my advice on then?”Liege of Deception said nothing, staring at its hands in its lap. Lord of Time could see the red glow emanating from under its hood flicker embarrassedly. Ahh, Lord of Time thought he knew what this was about.He looked at the liege knowingly. “Does this, by any chance, have to do with Liege of Happiness, hmm?”Liege of Deception’s head snapped up in surprise, knocking its shroud off so Lord of Time could see its head, a sight very few had ever seen. Its grey-scaled, purple cheeks were stained dark with a blush. “You can’t tell!?”Lord of Time chuckled. “You’re not as subtle as you think you are, child.”“Now, you’ve asked for my advice, and the first piece I have to give to is to tell me exactly how you feel. Admitting things out loud can make it easier.” He explained.Liege of Deception nodded, and, after a pause, took a deep breath and let out, “I-I hate Liege of Happiness (by the way, it actually winced as that particular lie came out of its mouth, for once in its existence. Lord of Time marvelled at that). …Platonically.” It clarified.It looked towards Lord of Time pleadingly. “I know exactly what to dooo~” Its eyes’ red glow flashed with unshed tears.“I think that it’s pretty obvious what you should do, child,” he began, “tell it how you feel about it.”“I can do that!” It yelled, panicked.“Well, why not?”“B-because, it likes me back, there’s definitely a way it doesn’t!” It burst out, and then deflated right after, “and when it rejects me it will mend my heart, and it will feel really pleasant.”“Now I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” he retorted, “I’ve seen the way it acts around you.”The other stared at him disbelievingly.Lord of Time sighed internally. "Anyway, you asked for my advice, and I have given it." Leaning over, he patted it on the shoulder, "Liege of Deception, this is a matter between the two of you. You'll have to decide whether you are going to confess to it or not."Liege of Deception sighed and dropped its shoulders, "...You're wrong," it conceded.As it got up to leave out the door, Lord of Time turned its time back in his mind to when it had been shot by the Cupid. He chuckled when he saw that they’d both been shot simultaneously whilst deep in conversation by two Cupids, who were then both high-fived by another each.That woman’s minions really were something.
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Gabriel and Samson the Reapers were chatting in the palace corridor when the shrill, angry voice of the Consort rang though the passageway.“Ugh, I cannot believe you!"The two Reapers froze, then quickly pushed against the wall, hoping desperately that they would not be seen. They hoped that he would turn down another hallway, but it was no dice. Bladein's voice was quickly followed by his stomping boots, and- oh shit- the scrape of his favorite long blade on the marble floors."Come on sweetheart!" Lord of Death's pleading voice called after his husband. He was a few paces behind the spirit, and was reaching a hand out, expression frantic."Stop following me you big lug, I'm so mad at you!"The Reaper brothers were frozen, not daring to move a muscle. When the Spirit of Genocide was angry, especially at his husband, no one in the palace excepting the couple was safe.“Look, Sweetness, I’m sorry!” Lord of Death tried to placate his spouse.“NO! Sorry is NOTgoing to cut it here you OAF! I CANNOT believe you forgot our WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!” the spirit shrieked, voice shrill with rage as he whirled on his husband.The brothers winced. No wonder the man was pissed.“Leave me alone, I don’t want to even LOOK at you right now!” He cried and a sob escaped him.As the Spirit of Genocide stalked down the hall Gabriel and Samson breathed sighs of relief that they were still alive.If fact, neither lover had seemed to even notice their presence at all.
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Lady of Love strode through the gates of Las Kingdom was purposeful steps. As far as the eye could see was casinos, bars, and other similar establishments. Normally Lady of Love would never have set foot in such a place, but she REALLY needed to talk to the ruler of the Kingdom.“Oh? And to what do I owe this pleasure?” A smoky, sultry voice rang out from behind her.She whirled around to face other deity, who had materialized behind her after sensing her presence in their Kingdom.The newcomer was a tall red-skinned, black-scaled woman in a sharp black and red pantsuit with a low neckline showing off her ample cleavage. She wore stiletto heels, silk gloves and a small top hat patterned with card suits with a mesh veil on one side. In her left pocket was a white pocket square patterned like a die. Her short black hair was in a bob style with perfectly straight bangs, and her face was adorned with black eyeliner, smoky red eyeshadow and rich red painted lips. In one hand she held a long cigarette holder, cigarette burning lazily at the end, and with the other she was flipping a silver coin.“Lady of Luck,” she said with tight controlled anger, “I’m here to tell you in no uncertain terms to tell your Jinxes to stay out of my castle!”Lady of Luck was unperturbed. One perfectly shaped eyebrow rose bemusedly. “Oh, is that why you look so… uncharacteristic?” She said as she took in the other Lady’s frazzled appearance.Lady of Love’s hair was all frizzled, makeup was smeared all over her face and her dress had a rip. The mischievous little Jinxes had really done a number on her. Their interference had messed up her life and she would not stand for it any longer! She told Lady of Luck as much.“Hmm, we’ll see,” Lady of Luck replied, catching the coin in her hand.Lady of Love’s gaze sharpened on the closed fist disapprovingly.Lady of Luck chuckled at the look. “Oh come on now, I’m Lady of Luck am I not? Do you really expect me to do something that doesn’t benefit me without the luck of the draw? However… I do have one condition. If this coin here is the proper heads I will only do it if you play the slots once. Just once.”“…Ugh fine.”With the confirmation Lady of Luck uncurled her hand… to reveal the heads side up. “Hmm, looks like it’s turning around for you, Sugarplum~”Lady of Love huffed and stalked off towards the casino. As she did so, a knowing smirk graced Lady of Luck’s lips. She pocketed the double-headed coin and returned to flipping the original, normal one.Even fickle chance was not so cruel.
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Lady of Luck perched regally on the countertop, smoking her cigarette and continuing to flip her ever present coin. The only sound in the room was the clink of the coin against her claws as she flicked it into the air again and again. Her gaze was severe, cold, and disapproving.In front of her in a perfect row sat four small, fuzzy creatures. Sitting uncharacteristically perfectly still, they tried hard not to fidget. Their normally mischievously grinning faces were now guiltily somber as they stared at the ground, waiting to be scolded by their mistress.Finally, after what seemed like hours to the Jinxes, she began to speak. “You cannot do what you’ve been doing any longer.” Her voice was final and filled with cold fury. “I am aware that it is your job and nature to spread bad luck, but what you four have done is simply mean spirited. Do you understand me?”The four Jinxes nodded as one.“I will not allow you to specifically and persistently target Lady of Love or anyone else ever again. Do I make myself clear?”The Jinxes nodded again and made chitters of assent.“Good. Now, you four are going to write her an apology card and send her some chocolates with it. And if I ever hear that you go anywhere near her castle again I will make you wait on her hand and foot!”He next words were explosive in an anger born of worry. “WHAT WERE YOU FOUR THINKING. Are you trying to be crushed by an angry God?” A hint of fondness entered her voice as she shook her head. “That little Sugarplum has quite a temper when she’s mad, don’t think she would not.”She dismissed the four unruly troublemakers and watched as they filled out the door. When the door closed behind them she deflated and shook her head. At least, she thought, there was one silver lining to this whole fiasco.At least she had finally won that bet with Bladein that she could get Lady of Love to play the slots.
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In one small corner of the Celestial Abode sat a forest of metal trees, their wire-leaves dangling and swaying in a light breeze.Exuberant, childish giggles filled the air, along with the soft pitter-patter of little legs. Lady of Programs ran excitedly through her Kingdom’s dense forest, arms splayed out to her sides like an airplane’s wings. Though she appeared to be having aimless fun, there was actually a mission she was on, something she had sensed and was very excited to see.There! She glimpsed the flash of red and black in the corner of her eye and pivoted towards it. Or rather, her.Lady of Luck stood against a tree, inspecting her claws. She looked up as the cries of “Auntie!” rang out from the blur of silver and white speeding towards her. A soft smile lit up the beautiful woman’s face as the child goddess skidded to a stop before her, the computer chips that littered the ground flying from the stop.“Hello, Honeybunch,” she greeted the beaming younger Lady.“Hi Auntie!” Lady of Programs said. “Why are you here? Do you need me for something?”Lady of Luck sighed. “Unfortunately yes. As much as I’d love to be here just to see you, there is a problem I need your special expertise for.”“It’s alright,” the girl replied. “If a machine is hurt I can’t just leave it to suffer!” She held her arms out in the universal sign of a child wanting to be picked up.Lady of Luck scooped Lady of Programs into her arms and began the walk back to Las Kingdom.Lady of Programs got down to business. “What’s the problem?”“One of my slot machines broke, and now will only give out the highest jackpot. This simply cannot do.”Lady of Programs nodded solemnly. “This problem will greatly upset the balance of luck,” she analyzed. “And going so far against its nature must be causing it so much agony!”Eventually, the two Ladies arrived at the gates of Las Kingdom. Now inside her domain, Lady of Luck warped them to the casino. She strode up to the afflicted machine and plopped her charge onto the ground at its back.Lady of Programs pried the panel off the machine and frowned at the processor, little eyebrows scrunched up on her face. She placed her hand on the tiny chip. The green lines of binary code that ran down her big eyes flashed, her godly power flowing through the tech to fix its systems. The slot machine rolled its reels and the payline landed on a losing combination. The problem had been resolved.The machine’s programs sent out waves of gratitude to the Lady for fixing its pain.Lady of Programs beamed, showing off the gap in her teeth. “You’re welcome, little slot machine!”