Chapter Text
Cale couldn't breathe.
He grunted as his struggle shifted the limp and lifeless body that lay on top of him. Wincing as he unlodged himself from under the corpse, he pushed up with his weak, trembling arms and took a deep breath in. The iron taste of the blood-ridden air invaded his nose and lungs, causing him to cough. After the coughing fit, he glanced back toward where his legs were buried under a pile of corpses. He spotted a tuff of orange hair amongst the pile and grit his teeth in frustration and bitter anger. His only remaining servant, the ever-loyal and protective Hans, died protecting him.
A clash of swords brought his hazy vision towards the two fighting figures. One was covered in black, the other drenched in blood. Black aura raged and attacked the surroundings and the swordman's opponent relentlessly, but Cale could see the exhaustion creeping up on him. The fiery cuts of the other's flaming sword burned bright, torching the blood-covered grass and the cloak of the determined swordmaster. Even with a blurry vision, Cale knew exactly who these two were. One once beat him till he was at death's door, the other razed the entire kingdom to the ground.
Choi Han and the White Star.
Cale could only watch helplessly as the White Star managed to take advantage of Choi Han's slowed reactions to knock his sword aside and bring the man into a chokehold. Choi Han brought his hands up to grab at the hand on his throat and grappled at it ferociously. Cale couldn't help but compare the man to a cornered and feral dog at that moment. Cale shook the thought away and began quietly maneuvering his way out from under the pile in an attempt to free his trapped legs. As he wriggled around, he listened closely to the two in front. His keen ears managed to pick up White Star's mumbling and Choi Han's weakening struggle and faint wheezing.
"Hm? Your time is warped. How interesting."
Cale froze. He was overwhelmed with a sudden feeling of deja vu. He's heard those words before. But his memories are foggy. Who was it that said that? When did he hear such a statement before?
He stared intently at the bastard who brought war and death upon these lands. A mop of messy red hair was tussled with the wind, a white mask hiding the upper half of his face, and brown eyes beneath that studied Choi Han. He looked suspiciously similar to Cale-
Wait.
Red hair. Time. Warped.
Cale's pupils shook as he remembered an age-old conversation he had with his mother when she was still alive. Cale's entire being is filled with resentment, anguish, and bitterness. The White Star had his mother's ancient power.
Cale, distracted with the new revelation, did not notice the White Star detecting his presence.
"Seems I missed a rat."
"NO-!"
Choi Han glanced over and let out a choked and panicked warning to the trash that he came to work along with. Cale didn't have time to react as his entire body lit aflame. He screamed in agony as he felt every inch of his skin being scorched with extreme heat. Every part of his body was engulfed in the flames, his tears evaporating as they formed and eventually, his brain couldn't process any more of the pain.
Cale's world faded to black.
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Cale didn't think he'd be able to open his eyes after he burned to a crisp, didn't think he'd even have eyes to open. But he did. And all he could see was complete darkness.
He was able to move his body, but he wasn't able to feel anything. It was as if he got disconnected from his body's sensations and was just controlling the body as if he were a puppeteer. Cale scoffed at the ridiculous notion and glanced around trying to figure out where he was. He ignored the encroaching fatigue and desire to rest, but his mind was in chaos. He just wants to sleep. Why can't he rest even after he's died? Why can't he finally join his mother, his family, his fellow soldiers? Why is he here? Why. Why why why. Whywhywhywhywhywhywhywhywhy-
"Hello, child."
Cale's head snapped over to the other presence that appeared. A figure of a man with white hair and glowing violet eyes. In contrast, his skin was dark and his outfit was a cloak and robe void of any color. While his appearance was that of a human, his aura was divine. Cale couldn't help but straighten up as he made eye contact with the other, but then a scowl formed on his face.
"Were you the bastard that brought me here?"
The other stared at Cale with widened eyes and mouth agape. After blinking a few times, the stranger let out an amused chuckle and smiled softly at Cale as if he were just a puppy acting scary and brave.
"It's been a while since I've met a human who treats me like you. Fear not, I simply want to have a conversation."
With a snap of his fingers, the surrounding area transforms into a lounge of some kind. The man took a seat on the couch and motioned for Cale to sit across from him.
Cale could only stare in disbelief. Seeing as little else could be done, he reluctantly sat down. A plate of cookies and a cup of tea were pushed over to him. He grabbed a cookie and munched on it in a daze. The sudden sweet flavor snapped him out of it and he nearly dropped the cookie in surprise. He didn't expect to be able to taste it when he could still barely feel anything.
The person watched Cale warmly before clearing his throat.
"Want to make a deal, my child?"
"Since when was I a child, much less yours?"
"That hurts, my child." The man placed a hand over his chest and clenched it, feigning heartbreak. Cale simply rolled his eyes before leaning back and crossing his arms in annoyance.
"Who the fuck are you and why the fuck am I here."
The other chuckled at the tone of the 40-year-old soldier which deepened Cale's scowl. Cale had a feeling that whoever this... Being was, they were strong and not to be trifled with. But did he care? No. He's dead anyway, or at least he should be. The bastard in front of him seems to be keeping him from eternal rest, which in his opinion was rude and impolite. And so he'll be just as rude and impolite in return.
"Apologies for the late introduction. I am the god of death. You were killed and I brought your soul into my domain for a little talk."
"Talk? Pfft, I'm not stupid. There's no way a god would ever want to simply talk to a human... You want something, that's why you were offering a deal. Whatever it is, you're quite desperate to come to me specifically to make this deal. Why not one of the heroes?"
"It's because it has to be you. The heroes have their own role to play out... And this? This is your role."
"Bullshit. Listen, I don't care about my supposed role. I'm dead. Burnt to a crisp with nothing but ashes if I were to guess. Nothing I could do now-"
"What if I said you could prevent everything that happened? That you can turn back time and change the future?"
"... What?"
"We both have the same objective, the defeat of the one known as the White Star. All you would need to do is accept the deal and that will be done. All the death and destruction can be prevented, including that of your loved ones and territory."
"Explain."
"If you accept the deal, you will be sent back to the time before you met Choi Han. As soon as you awaken, you will switch souls with my other child, Kim Rok Soo, and you will transmigrate into his body and vice versa. In fact, he should have been born in this world, but the White Star possessed the body his soul was to inhabit thus resulting in his birth in another world."
"So this other person will take my body and that'll change everything?"
"That's right. He can change the future for the better and defeat the White Star."
"... What could be in it for me? How can I be so sure that he can save my people?"
"Kim Rok Soo is a special child, trust him. He will save your world. But also, in accepting the deal, you'll be able to meet your mother again."
"Huh?"
"Your mother was reincarnated into the other world, the one Kim Rok Soo is currently in. She recently lost her parents in an accident and is currently living a lonely life in an orphanage."
"You're a bastard. Fine. Fine! I'll accept the deal but under two conditions."
"Negotiating with a God, your audacity knows no bounds. Name them."
"First, I want to know the truth behind my mother's death."
"Your mother's death... Ah, yes I remember it quite well. Your mother's death was unique, one of a kind. She willingly split her ancient power into two and planted them in separate areas. One half in Harris Village, the other in her diary as you already know. This of course wouldn't be done without repercussions. She died due to her plate breaking from splitting her power."
So that's it. She didn't die from the carriage accident. Did she know that she wouldn't survive that night? Why would she...? Cale already had a feeling that he knew why she did it. Why else would she tell him about Annual Rings of Life just before her visit to that cursed village?
'She must have done it to ensure the White Star wouldn't get her entire power. Because if he did, he would have known I had a strange relationship with time. In a way, she was the first to have died protecting me... But did she truly have no other choice? Couldn't we have tried to fight against the fate she saw?'
The God of Death remained silent seeing as Cale was in deep thought. Cale let out a long and heavy sigh. Somehow he was even more exhausted than when he was alive. He scoffed at his misfortune before crossing his arms and glaring at the God.
"My second condition... You will make sure that my family will be safe and happy after I trade places with this Rok Soo guy. If I ever find out that they got hurt in any way, I will personally come and smack you."
The God of Death laughed in joy and amusement. The sound bounced around the room and the atmosphere was light. Cale loosened up the slightest bit but was still annoyed at being laughed at. The God of Death wiped a fake tear from his eye before reaching out a hand for Cale to shake. Cale took a deep breath in before grabbing a hold of the hand.
"We have ourselves a deal then."
Cale watched as the room around them dissolved into a blinding white and before he knew it, he found himself falling backwards. He closed his eyes shut bracing for some kind of impact.
He didn't expect to get hit with intense nausea and feel as if he was getting thrown left and right by the wind. Suddenly, his eyes opened and he could feel again. Worried voices surrounded him, various blurs of bright colors entered his vision, wet and itchy grass was clenched in his fist, and his head was being crushed by some sort of mental pressure. It was overwhelming. He was scared, sick, and tired.
"...ng... Someone...! Hang on... Master...!"
Cale recognized that voice. How could he not? It was the voice of the one person who stayed by his side for over 20 years.
"... Hans...?"
Did something go wrong? Isn't he supposed to be in a different body in a different world? How was Hans here? Where is here? Or would asking when be more appropriate?
"It's me, young master! I'm here, I'm here. Let's- let's get you to your room."
He felt someone ( Hans, he tells himself. It's not a dream, it's real. This was real. Hans was real. He's here. Alive .) gently grasp his back and under his legs and lift him into a carry. Cale's head fell to the other's chest and listened to the rapidly beating heart. It was warm. Cale let himself close his eyes and settle into unconsciousness within the comfort and safety of his servant's arms.
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Cale stared at the sheepish God with judgmental eyes.
"You fucked up."
"... I wouldn't say that..."
"You fucked up bad."
"... I apologize."
They were back in the God of Death's realm to discuss their current predicament. The God had made some miscalculations that resulted in Cale's soul getting copied. The copy currently sitting in front of the God was sent to a completely different reality. Fortunately, the original plan was undisturbed which made Cale relax slightly. But what were they to do now? Cale wasn't sure how he felt about being a copy, but he also didn't care enough to feel anything about it.
"The thing is... This universe mirrors your world in all but fate. The people here are the same as your world, but you might find that some who were dead are now alive, or those who were bad are now living earnestly."
"Then... Mother?"
"Your mother in this world is alive, yes."
Cale felt a surge of emotions from that statement. He swallowed and cleared his throat to hide his sudden vulnerability.
"So, what? Do you want me to just replace the Cale that lives in this world? It wouldn't feel right if I just stole his life from him."
"That's the thing. The Cale in this world, or at least the body, was soulless. He was just a vessel with set parameters for a personality and lifestyle. Think of it like a puppet left on autopilot through magic. You'd just be filling in that void and turning the puppet into a living being."
"No soul...? What kind of convenient- You know what, I won't question it."
"Hm. I'm not too sure of the reason myself either, but I'll look into it. For now, I'll provide you with a guide to learn a bit more about this world."
The God snapped his fingers and the room rearranged itself. The couches were now facing towards one of the walls and the table in front of them had the snacks and drinks refilled. On the wall replacing the bookshelves was a weird black and reflective window of some sort with a few thick strands of colorful rope sticking out the bottom towards a rectangular cube on the edge of the table.
"That is a television. It's a screen that moving images can be displayed on. Think of it like your video recording devices but without the need for mana or magic. The box you see on the table is a game console."
"Right... And what's this?" Cale asked picking up a weirdly shaped remote device.
"That's the controller you'll use to play the game."
The God of Death turned the TV on and guided Cale in how to use the controller before standing up and heading to a door to the far right of the room.
"I've got some business to take care of so I'll say goodbye for now. Your time here is limited so play as much as you can before you're kicked out of my domain and wake up. Good luck and have fun!"
And just like that, Cale was left to his own devices. The jovial and upbeat music coming from the game made him frown and glare at the screen harder. The God left a pamphlet of some kind that describes the game he was about to play and he was not looking forward to it. He stared at the overwhelmingly pink front cover and turned to the similar-looking title screen on the TV.
༶•┈┈⛧┈♛ Oh My Dearest! ♛┈⛧┈┈•༶
※ Start ※
Load
Options
Quit
He glared at the title of the game before sighing and slouched back onto the couch and started the game.
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"What a weirdo..."
"Oh, fuck you too! I swear I'll ruin you so bad you'll never want to show your face again!"
"Huh, is that supposed to be me...? Wow, I really am trash in this world too. Though his skills could use some work..."
"Holy shit, he's an actual psychopath."
"Why did all of the targets have to be so goddamn crazy???"
"Why is the protagonist so obnoxiously clueless? Like, girl, you're a student at a prestigious academy. Stop playing dumb. Get your act together."
"Fucker thought he could steal from me and get away with it? Think again bitch."
"Hah! What a lameass reason. Why the fuck would anyone want to take the blame for someone who doesn't care about them??? Don't tell me he's actually blind to the people trying to take advantage of him. I swear the punk I knew wasn't this naive?"
"What? I get exiled for mistreating the protagonist? What a dumb reason. It's not like I was picky about who I was trashy to..."
"Guess that was the most common ending in the normal route. What a load of bull. The creator of the game really didn't do their research, huh? There's absolutely no way a crown prince would marry a commoner under any circumstance. True love and noble society don't mix well."
"Maybe I should read more of the pamphlet. I don't want to play the game for every single route... I just need to know which ones 'Cale Henituse' is involved in... Hm? Wait... Why the fuck am I involved in every single route? What? How does every good ending lead to my exile and every bad one leads to my death? What the fuck is this bullshit!?"
"Let's check the targets... Oh? The Duke has the highest ratings... But also the highest difficulty... Alright, guess I'll play his route first."
"Does this punk realize he's a capture target? Why are all of his events so lackluster..."
"He just forcefully booted me from his route and onto the fakeass Prince's route?! This guy..."
"Fucker really doesn't want to be wooed huh. Only cares about slacking off in the library... Well too bad for him, I'm here to ruin his plans. Take this gift and shove it up your-"
"Finally! Ugh, can't believe one character had over 15 different endings! I don't even know if I'll have enough time to get through the rest if they're like this..."
"Why the fuck is my character constantly getting killed in all these endings? The Cale in the game didn't even bully the protag on your shitty route and still ended up getting the short end of the stick. Hell, he got killed as collateral by the rampaging dragon on one of the wanna-be-slacker's ends! This game has it out for me..."
"Huh? 2 minutes left? But I'm barely done with the 2nd ending for this punk-"
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Cale opened his eyes to see an unfamiliar ceiling and a killer headache. He groaned and brought a hand up to his head. After soothing the ache to a dull pressure, he sat himself up and took a look around his new room.
The room was tidy and spacious. It was similar to his old childhood room back before the war and the destruction of his territory. The only major difference would be that one corner of the room was arranged as a study area. The shelves were filled to the brim with books and other trinkets, but Cale could see the dust covering most of them. Looks like the Cale in this world also dropped his studies at an early age.
"Then why was he attending the academy...?" Cale muttered to himself. He glanced at the bottom of the shelves where the cabinets and drawers were. He knew, that if this Cale really was like him, there would be bottles of wine and other alcoholic drinks stored in them. He padded his way over to the desk to check the names of the books and to grab an empty journal and a pen to write some things down.
"Huh... Guess the empty doll enjoyed reading for fun." He noted as he skimmed the book titles and spines. Nodding as he took a seat, he quickly wrote some notes into the journal. Some pages were dedicated to the plotline of the game and all the major events that will occur regardless of which capture target was chosen, another few pages focused on the capture targets and his opinions on them, and finally a page for his plan of action.
"The game starts when the protagonist enters the academy as part of a new program to try and integrate exceptional commoners into the education system. That's around a week into most of the character's senior year. This Cale was in the same grade and class as the protagonist... But he was usually skipping class or not paying attention. Everyone made an effort to avoid him as much as possible in the game... How convenient for me. Hm, first I'll need to find out what day it is." Cale mumbled as he closed the journal and stuffed it into one of the drawers. He'll need to go buy a spatial bag to keep his belongings in... Unless he already has one. He'll figure it out later.
He was reaching out to open his door when a knock sounded from behind the door.
"Young master Cale, I'm coming in." Hans's voice softly came from the other side. The door opened and a familiar tuff of vivid orange hair peaked into the room only to jump in shock after meeting Cale's eyes.
"Ah! Young master! You shouldn't be walking around just yet!" Hans worried as he pushed into the room and led Cale back into bed. Cale was still processing the man in front of him. Hans looked younger than ever before. His voice was also higher and the slightest bit squeaky with his youth. Cale's 40-year-old soul looked at the child in front of him with longing and warmth.
'Still the same as ever even in a different universe...' He thought to himself as he settled back into bed.
"You scared me, you know! Suddenly telling me you feel weird and then falling to your knees like that. There wasn't anyone else around either, so I had to bring you back to your dorm room alone! Oh, n-not that I'm complaining, of course! Taking care of the young master is my job and I take my job seriously. So next time, please tell me immediately if you feel weird or sick-"
"Hans."
"Because I really don't want to send a letter to your father and mother respectively to inform them of your ailment! They're really scary when it comes to young master after all. And I know I may not be as competent as Mr. Ron, but I swear on my honor as a servant of the Henituse and Thames family that I will care and look after you with all my might! Please put your trust in me-"
"Hans."
"I'm your personal servant while you're attending your last year in the academy so it'd be best if you rely on me! You're stuck with me for the next year and possibly even more if you decided to continue on a scholarly path, though I really doubt you'd do that-"
"Hans!"
"Yes?"
"Shut up."
"Right away, young master."