I'm dreading about being confined in this whole shrine. I'm really thankful that they have provided me a home to stay, but I never knew I have to abandon freedom. Michaelis is being too uptight. He disapproves eveything I do, and keeps calling me 'human', like I was an alienated creature against his origin. It sounds discriminating. And it is getting into my nerves.
"Follow me, human. You have a prayer to answer to," he said as he turned his way towards the door.
Human.
For the a hundred times, he called me human. Again. Seriously, I have a name. A name that would refer me.
"Nina." I blurted out, making him raised his left eyebrow in question.
"I'm Nina Aihsenhart."
He exited the room and I followed suitely. Well, that was rude. He didn't even bother to nod at me or something. Didn't because he saw me almost half naked and dressed me because I screwed the dress, he can act all mighty, all right. I'll show him who's the boss here. As my anger rise, my attention glued in to the way his tails sway as he walked. Oh, how I love to touch those tails again. He mentioned that he is a Nine-tailed fox last time. Sure, I get the part where he claims to be a fox, but not the nine-tailed. How many tails does he exactly have? I don't exactly believe that it's nine. A normal fox has only one. But as I can see, he has lots of it, not to mention his perky white ears at the top of his head that matches his white hair.
Our footsteps echoed all throughout the hall. I could not see even a single person walking around this place, except us. Not even a manservant is in sight. As much as I didn't want to think that this place is abandoned and that we forcibly live our way here, I can't just stop being suspicious. Who lives alone in such a spacious house that almost looks like a palace? That would be too boring and bothersome. Since you might get lost in your own house.
Come to think of it, wasn't I in a shrine before? So how did I ended up in this place?
We stopped in front of a room without a door. Inside, is a table with a japanese seat. Papers and pen lie motionless on the table.
"Sit there," Michaelis instructed.
I followed and seated myself comfortably. In front of me is an open window that shows a familiar entrance. This looks like the place where the shrine is.
"Where am I?"
"At the shrine, your Highness," said the children.
They sure does pop out like mushrooms.
"But this place doesn't look like a shrine at all," I said.
"Yes, it's true indeed. However, your Highness, this is your home. A shrine is a god's home. On the human eye, they perceive this as a normal shrine. But thanks to Master Michaelis' powers, the normal view of the shrine inside is maintained. This also designed by Master Michaelis with your comfort in mind." They explained. "As you can see, you are provided with things that you need. And as to appliances and furniture, it is for you not to feel homesick."
"My home? But I am not a god," I stated as a matter of fact.
I am completely human. Like I grow,I bleed, and most likely I will die and rot away, and go back into being a part this world.
"You are officially a god, starting today." His voice boomed.
"And what makes me a god, Michaelis?" I asked.
"I have no idea as well. But the fact that you have the proof of being a god on your wrist, shows that you are indeed a god."
I glanced down at my wrist and found an intricate design of what looks like a crown. Is this is a tattoo?
"You put this on me, didn't you?" I accused.
"Oh please. The one being chained here is not you, but I am." Michaelis rolled his eyes on me.
"What do you mean?" Bewildered, I asked.
"What Master Michaelis meant to say is that, he will be your familiar from now on, and will obey your every word, and follow your every desire," said the children.
The familiar part hasn't really caught my attention. Actually, it's sound of being my slave. If that's the catch, then I don't mind living here and pretending to be a god they all talked about. And at the very least, I'm not homeless anymore.
"Is that so."
I hummed.
"If I should live here, then, may I know your name?" I asked, and heard Michaelis clicked his tongue.
"Call me Aka," said the boy.
"And I'm Ao." The girl cheerfully informed.
"Hi, Aka and Ao. I'm Nina. Are you perhaps a set of twins?"
"Oh no, your Highness. We are but a keeper of this shrine. We are the will-o-wisp's."
My eyes widen in recognition. I thought they are twins. I guess not. I look down on the table and stared blankly at the inked pen. Now what? What should I do with these things? At my peripheral view, I could see Michaelis sitting idly, looking so bored. Irritation entered my system. What should I be doing here? I stood up and was about to exit the room when suddenly, I heard faint voices.
"Please, give me courage for my job interview. May I pass and land a job," said a woman's voice.
"I don't want to be beaten up again. I hope not to see them at school. It hurts when his fist landed on my face."
And this time, a voice of crying child entered my ears.
I froze and slowly looked at the window. There stood a woman my age, with her hands clasped together, sincerely praying. At her side, a boy wearing a school bag and a cap, prayed as he keeps his hiccups down. Why am I hearing this? I stumbled back only be caught by Michaelis' keen eyes.
"You heard them."
It wasn't a question. Not a question at all. It was directly stated towards me. And yes, I heard them. I felt the heaviness of their words. And it overwhelmed me.
"You are responsible for answering all of their prayers, from here on." He stated.
It is my resonsibility? How am I suppose to do that? I don't even have some specials powers, let alone answer some prayers. But, I can hear them. Loud and clear like they have spoken it to me. I can't just ignore them.
Am I truly a god?
How could I become a god?
I thought it was a joke.
How could I pretend I've never heard their prayers? I saw them. They seek me out. They seek my help. What should I do?
After all, I am now a god.