【Clover】 Karma by OR3O

POV Valentine

"The brightest star, the darkest void, all hear my ass cheeks clap! The demon God's, asunder torn, demonic laughter. The resonance of echoes past, in waves is on the horizon. The Night devoured all."

I am going crazy from nothingness. Complete and utter lack of everything. Time, space, any stimulus, everything was taken from me.

"One hungers~ for the bottle~ today! Two share a bottle~ for fun. Three compete~ to see it empty~. The fourth brought a bottle~ to join~. We five~ are lacking a bottle in sight~."

I keep track of time with the only thing left to me, my thoughts. Admittedly, I have lost track of what the fuck is going on in my head. A fucking month of NOTHING does that to you. I fear getting lost.

I'm not even sure if it was a month, or longer, or shorter. At first I still could remember sensations and went into full panic attack mode by the end of the third? fifth? day. Next thing I know, there is completely NOTHING left except for my thoughts.

"Ye-ra-ra-ra! The cat is rough! Fear the coming claws! Offer one tangerine, then decide it in two! Three makes sense! Four quarters are an easy number... ."

I've ran out of imagination cursing the hell out of the DEMON that sent me here after a week. Now, I don't even care what words surface in my head. I just cling desperately to everything as I feel my memories slipping away from me. Memories of life, feelings, needs, wants ... everything is slipping into the void.

'A day more. Repeat what makes you yourself. Age 1X shopping with Grandma, vitamin candy... No, before that...was...was...'

This place isn't the damn purification river, so I must not drown here. I MUST get back, or I'll be lost forever.

"A goose is chaos incarnate, hide your bread! One slice to appease, two to please! Cut the first in half, and you have three! Add the fourth or it will catch you!"

........ ...... ..... .... ... .. .

Dead On Arrival · Mori Calliope

POV Mari

"Mari: It's almost midnight."

The moment of truth is almost upon us. After this, we will move on one way or another. All of us have come together to see the latest notice arrive and last minutes are keeping us on edge of our seats.

`Ding!

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

End of Month Notice.

Total: 397 EP

EP gained: 191 EP

Passive: 57 EP

+ 1 point per repeat visitor = 10 EP,

+ 2 points per repeat adventurer = 20 EP,

+ 3 points per supporter = 27 EP.

Active: 0 EP

+ 1 point per new visitor = 0 EP

+ 2 points per new adventurer = 0 EP

+ 3 points per new supporter = 0 EP

Submissions: 134 EP

Collection of festival performances = 134 EP

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

HQ system upgrade -300 EP. CONFIRMED.

New functions available:

Advanced camouflage.

HQ layout modification (Each room is designated as an interchangeable unit. Cost varies for each unit).

Limited spatial expansion (Cost varies for each unit).

Fast travel between units.

Create a local portal (Within effective range of 6 km).

New units available:

Simulated combat training facility.

Forging facility.

Upgraded:

All existing facilities improved.

Mana gathering array efficiency 400 Mp/d.

Owner - Valentine, maximum allowable distance from HQ 6 km.

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

ERROR - Owner - Valentine - deceased.

Soul status - degradation 23%.

Emergency vessel creation - CONFIRMED.

Time: 12 h. Cost: 50 EP, 40k MP - CONFIRMED.

WARNING - soul degradation exceeds 20%. Loss of emergency vessel will lead to permanent soul damage.

Recovery time - 2.5 years.

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

"Mari: ..Ah.. we've made it in time."

I almost lose all strength in my body. The nightmares plaguing my mind didn't come true, I can get another chance. A chance to be a better person, a chance to repay my debt, a chance to do things right.

"Kate: It doesn't look like there will be another miracle for a long time. Or is it a curse? Regardless, we better not make any mistakes from now on. ... Should we leave checking all those functions for another day? I doubt it will interfere with anything, but... ."

'But it's best to let it do what it needs to do without any interference from us.'

"Mari: Yes, we should get a good night's sleep and come back in 11 hours. Fortunately it's Saturday and we can be here when the timer is up."

There is no reason to stay awake tonight, we have done all that we could. The girls agreed to retire for the night and I can give Father a quick call once I'm back in my room.

"A.K: ...I see. If everything is alright, I will visit... tomorrow. A father needs to give his thanks for saving his daughter... regardless of the cost. ... Yes, have a good night Mari."

I feel ready to collapse on the bed and decide not to prolong the inevitable.

This time, I easily fall into a dreamless slumber until the morning sun is shining brightly through the curtains. Checking the time tells me that I have slept for nearly 9 hours. Compared to my usual 6 hours of restless sleep, today I feel refreshed and full of anticipation.

After a quick refresh in the shower, I'm greeted by Meiko bringing me breakfast.

At exactly 10.30 a.m. we make our way towards the HQ and settle down for another hour of waiting.

"Anna: This damn thing doesn't give much of a description before you purchase the upgrade. Judging strictly by the names, I suggest we invest into this training room. Perhaps it will be some type of VR or holographic training? Something that can be immediately beneficial."

"Yumi: We have around 20k mana gather, so we can afford at least two things."

"Tai: Camouflage is important. It could turn this whole place invisible, maybe."

"Kate: A description would have helped. Hmm.. this local portal sounds promising. There is utility in having off-site access to the HQ. If the camouflage turns out to be actually useful, we could finally have a way to completely hide our tracks."

We take the small window of free time to discuss our options. With each update costing over 7k mana, even after months of work we can't afford to buy everything. No-one mentioned the 40k mana used earlier today. Slowly, minutes pass, and we get ready to move downstairs.

"Hana: So... does he just pop into existence in his room?"

'... Probably?'

As we open the door to his room, we are greeted by a sight of a glowing, humanoid shape on the bed.

"Kate: At least we can see that it's working. It's going to be too cramped with all of us waiting here. I'll take a look for a minute and go back upstairs."

It's hard to tell what is going on, there seems to be a protective membrane obscuring our view. We keep our hands to ourselves, not daring to mess anything up.

I'm not sure if I'm the right person to stay, but everyone else has already voiced their agreement to have Haruka and me stay behind. We take a seat and wait.

"Haruka: ...I don't understand 90% of what I'm seeing. However, the last 10%...this can help me improve my healing skills."

I don't get in her way and quietly observe the blob myself. After 10 minutes I conclude that I'm not able to see anything useful for myself.

'It is likely that Haruka is more in tune to healing mana and can see something that I can't. Yumi didn't say anything either, but she isn't specialized in healing.'

Just to be sure that I'm right, I focus to my limit, unfortunately coming up empty-handed.

"Haruka: Uuugh... My head is being pounded by Yumi's sledgehammer... Understanding this process is out of my reach."

Complaining with gritted teeth and glowing hands on her head, Haruka continued to watch the process to the very end. Only closing her eyes as the membrane started to disappear.

'.. It's really him.'

Turning from side to side, he inhaled loudly and opened his eyes. I hesitate to say anything out loud, having forgotten what I planned to say. We wait until someone else starts talking.

"Valentine: I'm... I'm... Me? Yes... I am myself. Remember, remember...the first of... Fuuu, fuuu, fuu? ...I can ...breathe? Don't forget..."

He looks completely lost to the world around him. Not realising where he is or what is happening. I gather up my courage and do what's right. I put my hands on his and talk.

"Mari: Welcome back. You've had us scared for a moment. It's good to see you back in good shape."

Haruka looks in pain herself, but throws a blanket over his lower half while I smooth him into regaining his bearings. After a minute of coaxing, he snaps out of it and becomes aware of being back.

"Valentine: I need... a moment."

I feel him shaking like a lost and frightened child. Even I'm not heartless enough to let go and walk away when he is desperately clinging to anything in reach. Haruka sat beside him and started patting his back.

"Valentine: Ok, ok, I'm ok.. fuuu...I need to write down... memories. The emptiness took... memories. Remember, remember..."

'Is this the result of soul degradation that was mentioned in the notice? Would a person remain themselves if it progresses further, or become a blank slate? Just a hollow puppet with strings pulled by whatever beings created this place?'

I feel that such a fate would be worse than most people could imagine. Complete desecration of the human soul is simply barbaric.

"Haruka: Shhhh, Shhhh. It's ok, everything will be alright. We've got voice recorders. They are easier to use and convey more emotions. Focus on sorting out your thoughts, then we can make a nice recording."

Meiko popped in for a moment to check up on us and I silently let her know that we need some more time to work things out. He continues mumbling for another 10 minutes, recalling bits and pieces of his past. Most of it is a disjointed mess of a few languages accompanied by grunts of frustration and gibberish.

'...There doesn't appear to be that much left of... him. ... ...I can fix this. Fresh experience will fill the void. I just need to fix this, and everything will be back to normal.'

This is my responsibility. Regardless of my likes and dislikes, I have to find the resolve to see this through.

"Valentine: Haaa... I'm tired of being lost in the void. I'm... I'm ok now. Please leave me to sort out my head."

I'm deep in thought making plans, when I feel my hands being released. I see him holding on to the blanket trying to keep it in place.

'He has regained enough awareness to be embarrassed of being naked, good, very good.'

"Mari: I'll bring down some food and water in half an hour. Rest until then."

We let him be and return to the rest of the nervously waiting girls upstairs.

POV Valentine

"`Sigh. There is a whole orchestra in my head and each musician is playing a different piece."

I don't understand my own mind, there is too much noise.

"I'm naked too. Haaa... Think, think... right."

My body feels surprisingly normal, similar to my first time waking up here. I find clothes in the closet and get finally dressed.

"I didn't ask how much time has passed. It was... over three months by my count. Was it more? Did I lose count? ...When did I die?"

I feel strange. My understanding of the situation I am in is fragmented and conflicting. I'm totally lost.

"...I should sleep. The music is too distracting to think clearly."

Mentally drained, I close my eyes and let the melody guide me to sleep.

.. .

Upon waking up I try to recall my dream, but it slipped away further away with every passing second. Looking around I find a glass of water by my side. I know myself to be a person who takes a bathroom break before anything else, so I follow my morning ritual as much as can remember.

"This is weird. I'm doubting my every action because everything feels wrong somehow."

Fresh out of the shower I stare at my body. It looks normal, works normal, feels normal, but...it just doesn't make sense. I don't recognize the reflection staring back at me.

"No, you'll go more crazy if you think about it. This is you, accept it."

The reflection tells me to move on with my life, and I have no reason to ignore its advice. I'll put all this doubt into a box and tuck it into a corner for the future me to deal with. I'm too much of a mess to even consider doing anything about it. Getting fresh air is my best course of action.

"Valentine: Good... afternoon? Early evening?"

"Mari: You could say it's early evening. Good to see you moving about."

I greet the women having tea and catch a glimpse of the outside. It's sunny and tranquil. I can't help but keep my eyes focused there for longer than intended.

"Valentine: Excuse me, I'll go out to get some fresh air."

It feels heavenly outside. So much activity, colour, freedom. Compared to the nothingness I've experienced, there is a whole world before my eyes, and I get absorbed in taking it all in. As I walk, I come across a patch of flowers and a little statue.

"... Soldiers. I've given the order ... and we have paid the price. May the river of time be calm during your journey."

I hope that they don't get to meet that Devil, or are smarter than me and ignore its whispers. Finished with a quick prayer, I sit down and just take in all the nature surrounding me.

I'm soon reminded that only a glass of water is filling my stomach, by a rumble and actual feeling of hunger. A decent meal is a must for getting my life back on track, so I move with purpose to the kitchen.

I decline the offers to help and reacquaint myself with my kitchen.

"There was a reason I took up cooking. What was it again? Something about...pie or something?"

It matters not. There will be time for thinking later, for now I should focus on cooking up a meal. There is plenty of ingredients in the fridge and on the shelves to choose from. I take a bit everything to make fried rice.

My hands move with little conscious input from me, slicing bits and pieces of veggies and meat. I have the leisure to enjoy the music in my head, humming to the tune while my body works mostly on an autopilot.

I have ended up making enough for three portions. On further consideration, I serve one larger than the other two.

"Mari: Thank you. You didn't have to go through the trouble of cooking for us."

"Valentine: No trouble at all, it felt right to do this. I'll bring the tea."

"Meiko: I'll give you a hand."

Food tastes soo..new? It is hard to appreciate something readily available without loosing everything.

"Meiko: Thank you for the food. Mmm! Mmmmm! This is soo good! Oh, how I've missed this taste! It's much better than I remembered."

"Mari: Mm. It's very satisfying."

"Valentine: Yes. This tastes better in warm company, thank you."

I retire for the day after our meal. This body is well rested, but I'm crashing from this sudden overload of life. I need time to get used to the world of the living again.

POV Meiko

I wash the plates while thinking about the resurrected man and Lady Mari. It's painful to see that things didn't work out how I expected them to. Lady Mari's pain didn't magically disappear, Valentine didn't magically return back without any consequences, we didn't magically return to how things were before.

"Meiko: He... He doesn't feel the same. There is a void in place of his previously nervous personality."

"Mari: I can fix this. With a bit of time and effort, I can fix this. He is back and that's what matters the most."

"Meiko: Of course Lady Mari, I'll do my best to help you."

She speaks out the words without any belief in them, merely going through the motion of saying them. I have never heard such hollow words from Lady Mari in my life.

'It is likely impossible to get him back completely. We can only mend the damage and replace the missing parts.'

"...It is the natural course of life for people to change. The best we can do is guide the process in a positive direction. You've helped me to become a better person. I'm sure that you can do the same for him."

It is my sincerest wish to see Lady Mari happy. I look her directly in the eyes and reassure her that she is strong enough to do anything. Be it slaying otherworldly horrors or healing souls, I will stand by her side and provide the best support that I can.

"Mari: H he~h. You know that I'm not good with men. I... don't know if I should be the one helping. `Sigh. I'm plagued by turmoil."

"Meiko: Together. All of us are prepared to lend a hand. This burden isn't meant solely for any ONE person. Help us, to help him."

I'm prepared to crush mountains to dust if it gets Lady Mari out of this month long depression. I need this to help me get her confidence back. Anything, to restore my Lady Mari's radiance.

My plea is answered by a weak but heartfelt smile.

"Mari: I can do at least that much. For his sake and for my own. Thank you Meiko, for being always with me. I don't say it often enough, thank you."

The two of us share this intimate moment and I release a sigh of relief. Accepting help is as difficult as the road to recovery. With this first step taken, we will grow stronger and with time, move confidently to meet new challenges.