Lamb & Love

The hopeful Party, of Selene and Purnama, nervously strolled to the residence of the Principals. More than wary of their audience to these foreboding figure heads, Selene and Purnama slowly ascended to the illusionary architecture of the temple.

Every hallway displays an attractiveness that faithful leadership can encourage. Spotless and seductive, everything screams pride in that they are untarnished by the wicked forces of this world. Arrogantly boasting that their secrecy is almost godlike as they are closer to the heavens above than any other Sect.

Selene placed her hand on the door to the room of the Principals. Her hand frozen, seemingly stuck on the door. Selene is without a doubt the most composed of the four, although, in this moment, her confidence diminished with every breath; it is apparent that these individuals must have great influence over the lives of the Party.

Purnama took a hold of Selene’s hand, grabbing her attention. They looked at one another.

“It doesn’t take long, right? I’ll be waiting right here.” Purnama expressed.

With heavy hearts. Selene knocked on the door, as Purnama moved to the side.

“Good evening, Yên Xuân, is it?” The possible Principal that answered the door has visually similar attire to the other members, with notable distinctions that must honor their status. They are the same as Selene, towering with delight along with their villainous horns curved in a fiendish fashion. Almost wanting to be asked a question for the sole purpose to announce their extensive years of wisdom.

“Yes, Pontiff Hen Niê.” Selene respectfully answered, and yet the lingering aura that's fixed in the room, causing her to freeze, paralyzing her spine and vocals.

Selene slowly enters a large room that seems small due to the countless objects that are embroidered into the room, screaming sanctified artifacts shining in a bewitching darkness. With a massive stained glass window at the back, illustrating a highly symbolic being with dozens of tails.

In front of the window, is a secure desk with another individual sitting calmly as the Pontiff talked to Selene. Incredibly vague, as the only attributes of this other Principal is that they are possibly the same as Purnama and Bulan, at the same time, willfully revealing their shadowy smile of dominance.

“I’ve been told that you and your Party have retrieved a member of a lowly Sect.” The Pontiff mentioned as their tongue clicked with superiority at the end of each sentence.

“Correct, we aren’t sure which one, but this Beyonder must have encountered another Sect, and given him the mission to locate other Sects.” Selene explained.

“That is grand, that is grand, is there anything else you’d like to add?” The Pontiff asked.

“Ye-Yes, but not about the mission…” Selene mentioned, struggling to maintain eye contact with the Pontiff.

“Please, you’ve earned that at least.” The Pontiff remarked in a sinister airiness.

“I’d like to know… H-how much longer do… We have.” Selene asked slowly, choking on each word.

“Yes, Well…” The Pontiff paused, slowly glancing at the other Principal. “You have made some grand improvements… When compared to the past failures… If you continue this momentum, I'd say you and your Party will complete your contract in no time.” The Pontiff slickly explained, pausing with elegance.

“T-Thank you.” Selene bowed hastily in terrified gratitude.

“Anything else that you’d like to mention?” The Pontiff clicked with dark glee.

“Yes, one more request… It's Astrid… She’s been severely injured and will need some time to heal, she’s very important to our Party’s success.” Selene quickly explained, facing downward.

“Ahh, that is unfortunate… Is there anything specific that you require?” The Pontiff asked with a sinister grin of forgiveness.

“Just the basics, and enough time for Astrid to be at full health.” Selene fastly worded, removing the anxious air from her lungs.

“I suppose you’ve earned it. The one that is part of another Sect will be a great asset to our cause. That should be rewarded to a certain degree. Not to mention, Winter is beginning its yearly appearance.” The Pontiff granted with reserved glee.

“Thank you.” Selene relieved herself of one long breath that was held with anticipation for a hopeful answer.

“Of course.” The Pontiff remarked. “Is there anything you’d like to pronounce, Madam Premier.” The Pontiff then said, as this Madam Premier simply gestured with a small wave of the hand. Indicating that they had no additional comments.

“Marvelous, Your Voyage with Inari Ōkami shall be rewarded.” The Pontiff announced, as he returned to the room’s decorated seats.

“May You Prosper With O-Inari-sama.” Said Selene as she bowed respectfully out of the room.

Purnama was quick to comfort Selene as punishing tears blocked her eyes with her irregular breaths. The two then hastily made their way back to their room, hands held tightly to one another.

“It's so… Difficult talking to them.” Selene mentioned, slowing down as her tears faded. Purnama simply nodded in agreement as they soon made it to their place of absolute solace.

⯂

“Astrid!” Purnama cried the moment they opened the door to their room. She quickly fell to the edge of Bulan’s bed, lightly grabbing her hand, looking at her with love.

“What’s with the tears?” Bulan mocked with a loving grin. “I’m the one in bandages.” Bulan added somewhat loudly.

“How are you?” Purnama gently asked, with a small giggle.

“Huh?” Bulan remarked a grin, again at an increased volume.

“Astrid, how do you feel?” Selene then repeated, her voice slightly increased.

Bulan paused for a moment. “Good, but I… Have this ringing in my ears…” Bulan said slowly, tears soon flooded her eyes. “I actually kind of hate it… It won’t go away.” Bulan mentioned as her voice shattered with sorrow, covering her eyes with one arm, heartbroken by the reality.

“It's okay Astrid, I have really good news. I was told that we can rest until you get better, and once you're back on your feet only a few more missions and we’re done!” Selene tearfully divulged.

“Really?” Luna gasped with dried tears, from earlier. Selene quickly nodded to her with a smile.

“You have all the time you need, okay?” Selene smiled, carefully caressing Bulan’s cheek.

“But I… But I…” Mumbled Bulan, her voice shook with overwhelming guilt, as small tears were quickly absorbed by the bandages on her neck and ears.

“No, no, no, Astrid.” Selene raised her voice, as Bulan focused on Selene’s verklempt expression. “You made the toughest and smartest decision, for us. You are so incredibly strong and brave for that… Understand?” Selene lovingly reassured, her voice breaking from the swelling of emotions.

“Heh, it's been a while since we all cried like this.” Luna giggled as a few newly recovered tears fell from her face, the others provided a lighthearted laugh of agreement.

“We’re so close.” Selene nodded with a hopeful beam. “We’ll finally have the life we’ve been dreaming of for so long.” Selene’s tears slowed as she gazed at her family with love.

Astrid, Solveig, Arinya, and Yên Xuân. Embracing one another with indescribable affection; purifying themselves with catharsis for the unbearable journey that they were forced to endure. The Party in blissful reverie, possessed by hope of a future that they’ll be in peace with one another. As they mentioned endless times: it's only been them, and that’s all they need.

Aside from being part of a beneficial organization. There is one more crucial element for the mind and soul that staves away the consistency of delirium—Love—As seen by Cassandra, Nasir, and Kim. Hashi and Momo. Even Morakot and her pet Mora. A faithfully ineffable sensation. An absolute necessity to live in this as well as so many realms and dimensions.

One can only hope for the Party’s success, just as the Party does for themselves every waking day. One can only hope that their suffering will dissipate in due time. One can only speculate their future. One can only observe that if they simply waited one day into their odyssey most of their misfortunes would have never transpired.

And yet—One can only laugh at the absurdity of it all—As the smallest of changes from the limitless possibilities could have drastically led to even more immeasurable suffering. From all that is: One can only hope. The fixture on time or the contingencies of reality, the Void destroys Determinism. As one can only hope for prosperity in the incomprehensible enigma of Living.

In some manifestation, a Leap of Faith is needed for such a wish. Yielding all rationality to this Faith. As one’s vehemence shall become that Lover. A passive Lover of the Sublime.

One such being will likely never have control.

One such being will only need Hope.

Surrendering to the Sublime.