Labor of love from the hiatus. I don't know what my deal is with fantasy world building, maybe it's the DM in me, but here you go, I hope you enjoy. More characters will be revealed and more tags will be added as the story progresses, so strap in.

Tadashi looks out on his Realm, making an effort to keep from biting his lip. The skin there is already patchy and somewhat bloody, he'd rather not make it any worse.

The only source of light in their underground world comes from the several hundred glowing orbs floating at the rock ceiling. They were of Matsukawa's creation, a vast improvement to the bonfires and torches their predecessor used. They glow or dim in accordance with the passage of time, an unnecessary addition, but Tadashi figures that his small populace might appreciate some semblance of normality.

Distractions are always good.

There's a knock at the door and Tadashi moves from the window and back to his desk, waving away some of the towering stacks of paper. There's a blinking indicator on his desk, evidence that Kenma tried to contact him. It was likely to inform him about whoever's knocking on his door.

"Enter," he calls, opening a folder to look busy.

The handle turns and Tendou pokes his head into the office, the usual grin affixed to his face. Tadashi makes the mental note to put Lev into more rotations; Tendou shouldn't be doing so many patrols around the Rot.

"You have a visitor," Tendou says, pushing the door open wider.

He ushers in the visitor and Tadashi takes a breath, preparing for what may come. It's rare that other Leaders make the journey to his Realm. It's an unpopular destination, with the Toll being the least of their concerns, so whenever the others need to see him, they call him to their own Realms, or to the Center.

It's even more rare for his visitor to be Leader Law himself.

He's not dressed in his formal robes, more like he belongs here than in his own Realm. The drab black does nothing for him, and the only indication that he doesn't belong is the string of pearls around his neck. Clothing aside he looks as he did since Tadashi last saw him, messy brown hair and all. His height is offset by the slight slouch he's adopted, leaning heavy to his left.

An injury similar to his own, Tadashi figures, in origin anyhow, the Underbelly must be getting worse.

"Leader Law," Tadashi says, closing the folder and leaning back in his chair with feigned ease. "What brings you here? I wasn't aware we had anything to discuss."

Tendou takes his leave but Tadashi doesn't take his eyes off Law. He's not afraid of the Leader, maybe he was at some point or another, but not anymore. No, the issue is that Law is unsettling to engage with as a general rule. It's impossible to lie to him, and even if someone were to tell the truth, Law has a habit of looking at the words coming out of their mouth rather than at the being themself.

Law takes a seat in one of the high backed chairs facing Tadashi's desk, all but draping himself over it.

"I've been monitoring the progress of the Rot."

"That's not your job, Law, and you know that. While I appreciate it, you should probably try worrying about your own Underbelly before tackling my Realm."

Tadashi's been working with Bronze for some time on the Rot, but hasn't had the time to consult with him recently. He doesn't get out much, so Law's concern for this issue is news to him

"Well, the illustrious Keen Eye is a tad busy at the moment, which is exactly what I'm here to talk about actually."

Tadashi tries his best to appear uninterested. He's not fond of variables, and Law always seems to bring some along with him.

"What is there to discuss?"

"The Eternal Library, of course."

"That's within neither of our Realms but I don't see why you're bringing this up with me. If you wish to go, then go, Keen Eye will allow it."

Law gives an exaggerated grimace, before arranging himself properly in the chair. He leans in, one hand to the side of his mouth as he whispers.

"Here's the thing, it's in the Hidden Matter, and Leader Keen Eye can't know about it. We can't ask him, he'll say no."

"Ask him what?"

"Ask him for a Rite, of course."

Tadashi takes a breath and rubs at his eyes.

"You're suggesting thievery?" he whisper yells. "What- How can you- You're Leader Law, how can you even entertain a plan that breaks the laws? You can't just sneak into the Library and steal something Hidden like it's no big deal."

Law just grins.

"See, you didn't let me get to the details. First of all, I won't be sneaking anywhere, that's your skill set, Abyss. And second-"

"Law, I don't know why you've come here, or why you thought this was a good idea, but-"

"Aren't you going to ask me what the Rite is?"

"What?"

"The Rite, would you like to know what it's for?"

Tadashi hesitates. He doesn't know why Law is doing this, can't entertain any theories. Never in his existence has he ordered one of his Shadow Walkers to tail a Leader, but Law makes him want to do just that. The other Leaders haven't said anything, but Tadashi has to wonder. They're reflective of their Realms, and Law doesn't seem to be in the greatest health. Tadashi can't really speak on that though, being how he is.

"What is it?"

"A Rite of Purification."

Law leans back as if he's pleased with himself, and the world around Tadashi slows down.

"Impossible."

Tadashi drops his head to the desk and draws in a shaky breath. There's no way such a Rite exists. He's been dealing with the consequences of the predecessors for as long as he can remember. If such a Rite existed, someone would have told him, they never would have let it get this bad. They're friends, more or less, surely he would have been informed.

"Keen Eye would have said something," Tadashi nearly leaps from his seat, standing straight as he slams his hand on his desk. "He would have told me!"

"Keen Eye wouldn't know. He doesn't look into the Hidden Matter because his predecessor told him not to. He won't allow entry, and he'll ask questions about how I came about my information."

"How did you get this information?"

"It's not important."

Tadashi slumps back down into his chair, resting his hands on his desk, forcing himself not to fidget.

"Law, how do I know this Rite actually exists? If it's Hidden, how would you know about it?"

"I wouldn't lie about this," Law says. His usual air and posture fades, he moves so his back is flush with the chair. He crosses one leg over the other and folds his arms. "I rule over Balance, Abyss, I handle matters of Justice. In the creation of the Underbelly, I've realized how arbitrary and flimsy some of our rules are. That's not the matter though. What occurred to your Realm was an Injustice, you know that, I'm trying to fix things. In order to do that, I need the Rite, and in order to get that, I need you."

Law's silver eye emits a subtle glow in the dim of Tadashi's office. It does that sometimes, usually whenever Law drops his casual attitude to talk serious business.

Tadashi can't help but notice that Law didn't actually answer his question.

It's a risk, a big one. There's a lot to consider. He has some contacts in Knowledge but if this mission is really so severe as Law is making it sound, then he can't rely on another being. Keen Eye can monitor any part of his Realm at his whim, and most of his beings are devoutly loyal to him. If Tadashi were to do this, he can't just stroll into the Eternal Library.. It would be a gamble to ask any of his own beings for assistance. Sneaking in would carry more risks, but if he can manage, he'd be in and out without a trace. And it has to be him, he's not risking anyone else-

"I'll take your silence as a willingness to cooperate."

"I- give me some time," Tadashi says after a moment. "I'll tell Kozume to let you through without a Toll when you come back."

"I can give you a little time, but you need to choose quickly, Abyss, okay? Once you've come to a decision, I can tell you more so you're not flying blind." Law takes Tadashi's hands in his own, they're freezing cold, and squeezes a moment before letting go.

"Right, thank you for this. Uh, I'll have Tendou escort you out." Tadashi knocks twice on the desk and the moment he does so the door swings open.

"All right, Mr. Law, sir, let's get you out of here."

"Tendou, send Kunimi in."

"Will do, boss."

Law stands up, gives Tadashi a nod, then leaves with Tendou.

The door doesn't even swing shut after them, stopped by a leather gloved hand.

Kunimi, it seems, has come straight from his Observation Post. The material of his robes is an inky black but reflects a rainbow like oil slick. He's completely covered from his neck down, at Tadashi's request, and he's only just removed his mask.

"Tendou said you wanted to see me?"

"How much has the Rot progressed?" Tadashi asks.

Kunimi digs in his satchel for a notebook, flipping to one of the last pages.

"It's nearly converged upon the Forest Lands. Luckily, with those beings Bronze sent, we were able to uproot the Forest and move it to a new location. It's taken nicely, so there is nothing to be concerned about there."

"Any other interactions?"

"No, it has yet to infringe on any other areas. It maintains a sizeable distance from the cliffs, the caves too for that matter."

"And what of the pools?"

"There is no good news there, I'm afraid, they're spreading to the outreaches. Matsukawa is still working on getting everyone into the citadel."

"Do you have an estimates on how long we have?"

"A couple hundred years, maybe? And even then, we'd be suffering the side effects of the Rot before it overtakes us completely."

"Okay, that is all, thank you."

Kunimi nods and takes his leave, closing the door behind him.

The moment he is alone, a lightning shock works its way through his body. It starts from his chest and spreads outward, but there are aftershocks. The smaller ripples burn, and leave him shaking, seizing as his muscles tense far too tightly. His eyes flash, light blinking over the room as his eyelids strain open, unable to close. His hands spasm, and he grips the edge of his desk, feeling the wood splinter after only a moment. The pain stops eventually, and his energy seeps out of him as his muscles relax one by one.

Tadashi slumps over his desk, entirely prepared to lay there for a few days.

"What to do? What to do?"

He reaches a shaky hand for the stone hanging from his neck. It's larger than his other adornments, the cord is black and roughly as thick as his pinkie finger, while the stone is the size of his fist. It changes color on occasion, but right now it's a steady turquoise, translucent and shimmering with flecks of orange..

As he speaks aloud, the stone grows warm in his hand, shaking slightly.

"We have no reason not to trust him."

The stone stays warm.

"But he has no motive, he's concerned himself with the Rot, but it has nothing to do with him."

The stone freezes almost instantaneously, prompting Tadashi to drop it. He looks down to it, surprised to find it a dark blue.

"If you think so, I have no objections."

Tadashi waits a moment, only taking hold of the stone again when it returns to its usual state.

He waits until he is steady once again before making his way back to the window sill. He leans against the stone wall and breathes for a few moments. He can feel it when his eyes begin to glow, and once they're produced enough light, he throws his vision across the Realm.

Beyond the maze encompassing the citadel, above the layers of pure obsidian, is a land slowly dying. There were small settlements at one point, various factions living where they saw fit to complete their Tasks. Now they've been moved below ground to the citadel where Tadashi and the guards can better protect them. There are still those who work topside though.

Kenma sits at the gate, his sword across his lap as he stares at their Realm's entry point. His eyes flash purple as Tendou and Law come up behind him. He stands, opens the gate for Law and closes it immediately after him.

The gate is obsidian, like most of the Realm, tall and deep, dark purple energy crackling between the bars. Its physical form brushes against the sky, while the purple energy continues both above and below it, surrounding the Realm in a near perfect sphere.

Law disappears down the Bridge and Tadashi turns his sights elsewhere.

Lev is on patrol, balanced atop the gate as he jogs. His own weapon is strapped to his back, eyes constantly darting around him. Nothing escapes Lev's attention, it's why Tadashi put him on patrol in the first place.

Matsukawa is topside at the moment, directing beings below ground and into the citadel. They've had some of Bronze's finest within the Realm, Tadashi imposed a limit to how long any single being could stay, they're working to expand the holding capacity of the citadel to fit everybody, following the transplant of the Forest.

He checks in on Kunimi, finding him easily in the Observation Post. This close to the Rot, he's properly dressed, covered head to toe in the rainbow black fabric. A floating journal hovers beside him as he sits at the observation window, words appearing on the pages in blue script.

The Rot itself is a sea of brightly shining white, webbed through with murky grey veins. Bubbles break upon its surface, the air around it shimmering and warping. It's the brightest part of the Realm, a beacon showcasing their undoing.

Tadashi brings his sight back and closes his eyes, breathing deeply.

Transgressing against another Leader has never been a thought he's entertained, but if Law is correct, if there truly is a Rite that could fix the Rot? He'd gladly risk his position. Matsukawa would make a fine Leader should Tadashi be deposed.

Leaders have been deposed before, none in Tadashi's time, and none for a long while, but it has been done before. Sneaking into the Hidden Matter to steal a Rite would definitely qualify Tadashi for removal from his post.

The one part he can't come to terms with, however, is the fact that none of the other Leaders made mention of the Rite. Something so crucial to his Realm's survival would surely be made known to him by the other Leaders. His Realm is barely staying alive and it's an important part of their system. They can't afford to let it die. He's been assured that the Archivists are doing all that they can, but it's been thousands of years, how could they not have found the Rite? And how did the predecessors not know? Why didn't they say anything? Tadashi's predecessor was in power when the problem with the Rot began, surely the others would have a thought or a record somewhere indicating why it happened?

Tadashi rubs his face and sighs, taking a moment to collect himself.

A knock at his door sends him back to his desk and he gives the call for entry.

Tendou stands there, apparently having just returned from escorting Law to the gate.

"Mind if I sit?" Tendou asks, already sitting down in one of the chairs.

"By all means," Tadashi says, leaning forward to reset his arms on the desk. "Did something happen?"

"Depends." Tendou leans in as well, and Tadashi gets the sense that Law's proposal isn't the only out of the ordinary business he'll be conducting today. "Does Balance have a Patron?"

It's a question that Tadashi isn't expecting. To his knowledge, there are only two including his own, and Balance isn't one of them.

"Not that I know of, they've never had a Patron, no. Why do you ask?"

"Law had a stone similar to yours." Tendou points to the stone hanging from Tadashi's neck, and as he does, it glows a soft blue. "What does that mean?"

"It's just a reaction," Tadashi says, "nothing to be concerned about. Now, you said he had a stone?"

"Yes, it was hidden beneath his robes but I caught a glimpse before he disappeared down the Bridge."

"It's possible they could have gained one," Tadashi says. "We didn't always have a Patron. Strange though, that there was no celebration."

Tendou looks deep in thought, mulling the ideas over as he bites his lip and wrings his fingers.

"Do you want me to look into it?"

"No, we have enough on our plate as is, I don't need you getting thrown into the Resting Place on top of it all. But you're free to investigate further when he returns."

"He's coming back?"

"He is, which reminds me."

Tadashi places his palm flat on the desk. The surface ripples out like water, presenting him with a series of colored circles. He picks up his hand, pressing a red circle with his index and middle finger.

"Kenma?"

"Leader, gate's quiet."

"Thank you. Leader Law will be making a return trip sometime soon, when he arrives you're to let him through without a Toll."

Kenma's quiet for a long while before Tadashi hears a sigh.

"Understood."

The desk returns to normal and Tadashi looks up to see a rather judgemental look plastered on Tendou's face.

"Yes?"

"You're letting him back without a Toll, what did you two talk about?"

Usually, Tendou shadow walks whenever he wants to know something, he'll sit in the dark and listen to whatever conversation grabs his attention. The beauty of Tadashi's office is the wards that prevent that from happening. It's not that he doesn't trust his people, but he likes his privacy.

"I think it best that I don't make any of you an accessory," Tadashi says after a moment.

"If he's having you do something, then you can't go to prison! He owns the damn thing!" Tendou pounds the desk once with his fist, not loud enough to be angry, but enough to make his point. "Is he risking anything in this? If it's so bad that you don't want to implicate us, then what are you doing?"

Tadashi rubs his eyes again, exhaling heavily before fixing his mismatched gaze on Tendou.

"Hopefully something that will benefit all of us. I'm the one doing this, I'm the one who will handle the repercussions."

"Leader-"

"Trust me, Tendou, I wouldn't consider it if there was no merit."

"I don't like it."

"You don't have to."

"What does the Patron have to say?"

"There's no objection."

"Can I snoop around Balance? To see if anything's changed."

"Fine, but stay away from Law," Tadashi says after a moment. He could say no, but Tendou would do it anyway

"Wouldn't dream of it." Tendou rises from his chair with fluid grace and heads for the door.

"Satori, I mean it."

Tendou pauses just long enough that Tadashi knows he's listening.

"And this conversation doesn't leave this room."

"Understood."

Then Tendou's out the door.

Tadashi eases back into his chair, breathing in deep and holding the breath until his chest aches. He's always done what's best for his Realm, for as long as he's held it anyway.

Law's never done anything to paint him as untrustworthy. He's Law, for crying out loud, his Realm is governed by rules and founded on belief in those rules. He has a cleaner record than some of their other Leaders, so Tadashi hears anyhow. For as long as Tadashi's been in existence, Law's done nothing to set any true alarms off. He's presented Tadashi with an out, a perfect out, a way to fix the problem that will ultimately be his end.

It's just the circumstances that hold him back from accepting fully.

His Patron trusts the proposition, and that would be enough if this were any other situation.

He has time to think on this, Law has given him that much.

As more characters are revealed, I'll compile a page on tumblr wire-pudding to keep it organized for you guys. I really hope you guys like this one, let me know what you think.