30 Days | (ONC 2022) ✓

Chapter 12: Highway To Hell (20k)

December 11, 00XX

Hell was obviously not somewhere Elliot wanted to go. If heaven was everything pure and virtuous, then hell was the exact opposite. He remembers stories of how the angels had made a deal with the demons about where souls would go after death. They would be willing to take in the untainted and redeemable while the demons would get the wicked and despicable.

Valerie and Emiya recently returned from their trip, and their search was put back on track. Ythyr had gone out to ask them for a favor which left Elliot splayed down on the bed inside their tent.

Being Elliot, he couldn't even manage to keep still, knowing he would be going to hell in a few moments. Hell! He wasn't even allowed to take a step down on Earth, and now he was going somewhere worse!

There was still the matter with Ythyr, little moments of doubt that he had to crush if he wanted to make things work with him. Yes, they had the same goal of ending the time loop, but he didn't know how far his trust extended.

Elliot rubbed an exasperated hand over his face, then stopped. He could overhear parts of a conversation by the tent just a little to his right.

"...I heard that the angels were visiting a lot, so they're sending guards now?" came a female voice. It took him a moment to realize it was Valerie.

"They're 'increasing patrols' apparently. Just keep a close eye and make sure they don't try anything funny." said Ythyr.

"And what of your little angel friend?"

Elliot stilled. They were talking about him! He scooted a bit closer to hear better.

"Him? Well..."

The voices grew hushed and Elliot fought a huff. Who knew what they were plotting but he was sure it wasn't good.

The voices rose back in volume and he was back to listening, trying to glean anything about him.

"Well, I'm quite surprised. You did a great job at keeping the camp from exploding."

"Like you can't manage that on your own?"

"I'm sure you would do worse."

"Aww, is that a compliment? Well, if you're so eager to flatter today then I must say, your dress really matches your eyes today."

"Cute. Even Emi could say nothing and do better than whatever that was."

"Well, has anyone ever told you that... you're as radiant as the sun?"

Elliot wanted to gag.

Outside, Valerie erupted into uproarious laughter. "No Darmy, I don't think anyone has ever told me that. I don't think they'd want to risk the embarrassment." Her laughter died down and lined up with Ythyr's unamused silence.

"You want something from me." It wasn't a question.

Ythyr coughed. "I want to ask for a favor."

"Well spit it out already before you humiliate yourself any further."

"Could you open the gates of hell for a short while?"

Valerie frowned. "Now, why would I do that?"

"Just for the day."

"No. Do you want me to get in trouble? I was assigned the keys for a reason."

Ythyr didn't relent. "Five hours."

"No."

"Come on Val, I watched the camp while you were gone and kept track of the angels. Three hours. I won't go any less than that."