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In the dimly lit hall of the Infinity Castle, the air was heavy with an eerie stillness. Douma, lounged lazily on an elaborate ice throne of his own making, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. Nearby, Akaza stood with his arms crossed, his perpetual scowl deepening as he watched Douma’s every move.
“Akaza-dono” Douma sang, breaking the silence. “Why do you always look so serious? You’ll get wrinkles, you know.”
“Shut it, bastard." Akaza snapped, his tone sharp. “Unlike you, I don’t have time for nonsense.”
Douma tilted his head, his rainbow coloured eyes glinting with amusement. “Oh, nonsense..you say? I think you’ll appreciate this one.”
Before Akaza could question him, Douma clapped his hands. Ice began to form at his feet, spreading upward with an unnatural grace. Akaza watched as the ice twisted and molded itself into a figure..broad-shouldered, muscular with distinct markings etched into its frozen skin.
“Ta-da!” Douma exclaimed, gesturing toward the finished sculpture.
Akaza’s jaw tightened as he realized the ice statue was a near perfect replica of himself. “What is this?”
“It’s you, of course!” Douma replied, his voice dripping with cheerfulness. “Do you like it? I worked very hard to capture your… intensity.”
Akaza stared at the statue, his expression a mix of annoyance and disbelief. “You wasted your time on this?”
Douma gasped theatrically, placing a hand over his chest. “Wasted? Oh, Akaza-dono, you wound me! I thought you’d be flattered.”
“I’m not flattered” Akaza glared, his hands clenching into fists. “This is ridiculous!”
“Ridiculously accurate, you mean?” Douma teased, stepping closer to examine his handiwork. “I even got the little vein on your forehead right. You know..the one that pops when you’re mad? Like right now.”
“Douma.” Akaza warned, his voice low.
“What?” Douma asked innocently. “It’s a compliment! You’re so… inspiring, Akaza-dono. I just had to immortalize you in ice.”
Akaza glared at him, his fists trembling. “If you don’t get rid of that thing, I swear..”
“Swear what?” Douma interrupted, leaning in with a smirk. “You’ll smash it? Oh, please do! Then I’ll just have to make another one. Maybe I’ll add a smile next time.”
Akaza’s face turned red. Not from embarrassment but pure rage. “You’re insufferable!”
“You’re adorable when you’re mad” Douma quipped, his tone light and teasing. Akaza took a step forward, his knuckles cracking ominously. “Douma, I’m warning you-”
Before he could finish, Douma dissolved into a fit of laughter. “Oh, Akaza-dono.. you’re too much fun! Don’t worry, I’ll keep the statue somewhere safe. Maybe I’ll show it to Muzan-sama. I’m sure he’ll appreciate my craftsmanship.”
“You wouldn’t dare.” Akaza hissed.
“Wouldn’t I?” Douma replied, his grin widening.
For a moment, the two stared each other down, the tension thick enough to cut with a blade. Then..much to Akaza’s surprise, Douma snapped his fingers and the ice statue melted away in an instant.
“There, happy?” Douma said, his tone still playful.
Akaza huffed, turning away. “You’re an idiot.”
“And you’re my favorite person to mess with.” Douma shot back, his voice filled with genuine delight.
Akaza paused for a moment, glancing over his shoulder. “Stop wasting time on nonsense. We have work to do.”
“Of course, of course..” Douma said, waving him off. “But don’t think this is over. I’ve got plenty more ideas, Akaza-dono.”
Akaza gritted his teeth but said nothing, stomping off as Douma chuckled behind him.
As frustrating as Douma was, Akaza couldn’t help but feel that the Upper Moon 2’s antics while infuriating, brought a..strange..unexpected liveliness to the otherwise grim world they inhabited.
