Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Day 1

Dear Diary,

Hello! My name is Shiori Novella. I’m surprised the prison guards even gave you to me, considering the cruel nature of the gods. Anyways, I’m not going to bother writing down dates. I’m going to be here for eternity, so what’s the point? Anyways, I should tell you a bit about myself. As you know, my name is Shiori Novella. I was an archiver at the Cursed Library for uhh three hundred years? I don’t really remember. Anyways, you might notice that I’ll be leaving a bookmark between your pages. That bookmark is very powerful so don’t lose it, okay? It was the last keepsake from my friend.

Oh, I should probably tell you about her. Her name was Eve and she was AMAZING! Apparently she’s from the future or something? I don’t really know how it makes sense, though, since she was working in that library long before I showed up. She really was amazing. She had every single book memorized to the dot. Something weird about her eyes. Now that I think about it, my eyesight has changed recently. I’ll have to investigate further.

Well, I’m sure you want to know about where you are. This jail cell is actually pretty crummy. It’s better than I thought, though. They told me they’ll be giving me books, so I’m excited to read them. I’m so happy that they don’t judge me for being able to read. Not like mom and dad did… Anyways, I really don’t want to think about that right now. The bed isn’t all that soft, but it’s not the worst. I think I can get used to staying here.

Ah, they’re calling me. I think it’s dinnertime. Thank the scriptures they’re actually feeding me. I’ll be sure to write to you every day, alright? I can’t wait to share everything that goes on in here. Shiori, signing out.

Day 727

Dear Diary,

So, I’ve been here for around two years and I’m starting to get a sense that time flows differently here. At first, the books I got were still using linen rags, but recently they’ve been giving me books made out of paper? It’s strange. They never told me what it was, but as soon as I saw it, the knowledge just appeared in my head. I don’t know if it has something to do with the bookmark or if my eyes are just acting funny again. Honestly, I thought plays weren’t my thing, but this manuscript of “King Henry VI” was pretty good. The guard told me it was from an up and coming playwright named William Shakespeare. Only the first two parts are out and the only reason it was written down was because the warden wanted a copy. She finished reading it so they just gave it to me. I’m super thankful for it, though. I wonder if he’ll write anything else. And if I’ll ever get to read them. I wish I could see the play in person, but we both know that isn’t going to happen.

On another note, I’m pretty sure you’re magical. No matter how much I write to you, the pages I’ve written in only consist of about half your pages. It’s weird because there were only one hundred fifty pages when I first got you. It’s no big deal, but I thought it would be cool to bring up. I’m sure you already know that, though.

There was a death in the prison today. Granny Elizabeth finally kicked the bucket. I knew she was on the older side, but she aged really quickly. Is it because of how the prison perceives time? She wouldn’t age for a whole year and then the next day, her head was full of white hair. I guess I’m pretty lucky that I can’t die from old age. I’m forever… Well, that’s not important. What is important is that I made a new friend!

Koseki Bijou showed up about two weeks ago. She was sealed in some sort of weird stone statue? Yesterday one of the guards went over to her cell with a pickaxe and hit it once and this adorable girl popped out! I mean, she was really cute. She was energetic and amazing and— I’m getting ahead of myself again. Sorry about that. Anyways, I approached her during dinnertime and she was super sweet! She was confused at first, though. She asked me why people weren’t killing each other. My heart almost broke for the poor girl. I couldn’t help but ask what kind of life she had. Apparently, a bunch of humans fought over her so she was imprisoned here. How does that even make sense? She did nothing wrong! She told me the same thing too, but I’m not so sure. The knowledge that I learned from that bookmark… it’s better if I’m locked in here.

I don’t think I want to write anymore. Goodnight, diary. I’ll see you tomorrow.

Day 1734

Dear Diary,

I think I’m in love. I’ve been reading a lot of novels lately so I wanted something different. The warden decided to give me these things called magazines. Most of them were boring, but this one edition of The Stand Magazine had this AMAZING short story. It was called a Study in Scarlet. I don’t know who Arthur Conan Doyle is, but he is an absolute genius. Genius, I tell you! I’m not sure how much I’m going to write, but man! I cannot get enough of his writing. I’ve already read the story a few times and it just keeps getting better and better as I do.

I’m starting to understand my eye powers a little better. If I focus really hard on something, I can learn pretty much everything about it. When it was made, how it was made, what it’s used for, what it’s called. Pretty much everything. I think Eve had the same power, too. She told me about it. Called it a curse. I don’t really know how this is a curse, but whatever. I’ve been learning so much about everything lately and honestly, I’m not sure if I can keep up. Did you know that your cover was made out of cow leather? And the guards are golems created by the gods? They seem so human, though!

I’ve been chatting with Bijou every day, but recently things have been getting a little tense. I think being here for so long is starting to get to her. She told me that some days feel like years. I know where she’s coming from. It’s like time is actively being distorted here. I’ve tried to look into it, but every time I try to look into things that aren’t tangible like time or the memories of other people, my eyes start to bleed and I get a massive headache. Honestly, I think I would have lost it if it weren’t for you, diary, so thank you. I’ll be sure to keep writing to you. Shiori, signing out.

Day 2038:

Dear Dai

Dear Diary,

Have you ever wanted to smash someone’s head into a wall? Because that’s how I feel. We got a new inmate today. Her name’s Nerrisa Ravencroft. I want to kill the gods so bad. What color do you think their blood is? Gold? Why does gold have any value anyways? It’s just a shiny metal.

Anyways, she got arrested for singing. SINGING! She just wanted people to listen to her. They broke her horns. THEY BROKE HER HORNS! I want to tear out their throats with my teeth and gouge their eyes with my fingers and—!

No, you’re right. I need to take some deep breaths. It’s just— she seems like such a sweet girl. She was devastated when she first got here. She couldn’t stop crying. All the other inmates just ignored her, but Bijou and I tried to comfort her. She told us what happened and I started crying too. It’s just so unfair! Why do we have to suffer because humanity isn’t prepared for our talents?! For our knowledge?!

Now poor Nerrisa swore off singing. With these eyes of mine, I could see the pain she was in. I could literally see pain. How crazy is that? Though my eyes started bleeding again. It hasn’t happened for a couple weeks, but she was in so much pain, diary. I want to help her. I want to help her so badly, but I don’t know how. Please, diary. Give me an answer. Please help me.

Day 2145:

Dear Diary,

Our little group got a couple more members. Fuwawa and Mococo Abyssguard, two more reasons why I hate the gods so much. They’re like the cutest things on Earth! And they’re so innocent! I was getting to that part, diary. They’re here because they were “too rowdy” when finding a ward to protect. Every day I’m in this fucking place I hate the gods more and more. So what if they’re a little rowdy? Humanity can handle it! They’re strong. They have all their fancy gadgets and stuff!

Speaking of fancy gadgets, Nerissa got a thing called a… computer? Well, Fuwawa told me it was called a laptop, but I don’t really know the difference. It’s absolutely amazing. The first time I saw a picture of the outside world, I cried for about an hour. It showed the date on the screen and I finally knew how long I’ve been in this damned prison.

Seven hundred years. I’ve been in this FUCKING SHITHOLE FOR SEVEN HUNDRED YEARS!

Oh my god, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to stab a hole into you. I’m such a terrible friend. No, I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I’m gonna stop for today. I don’t deserve to keep writing to you right now. Goodnight.

Day 3154

Dear Diary,

Why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down, why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down, why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down, why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down, why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down, why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down, why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down, why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down, why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down, why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down, why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is time slowing down why is

Day 4356

Dear Diary,

Why can’t I die?

Day 5439

Dear Diary,

Please kill me. I want to die.

Day 6483

Dear Diary,

Are you out there? I can’t hear your voice anymore. Please don’t leave me. You’re all I have left.

Day 7777

Dear Diary,

I’m free. Thank you for everything.

Chapter Text

Day 1

Dear Diary,

Why is heaven so empty? When I was being moved here, I noticed that it was so full of life. How I even remember it that all was an eternity since I’ve seen the outside world. Now, there’s nothing. None of us have seen a person for a while. I did find you, though. The warden’s office was full of journals just like my old one. I left it behind in the prison. It was like leaving that part of my life behind. Although it wasn’t particularly nice, I’ve made some invaluable friends. Nerissa, Bijou, Fuwawa, and Mococo. Honestly, I can’t really imagine life without them. I hope Eve is proud of me…

Anywho, we’ve set up camp for the night. Nerissa had the foresight to bring a few blankets and pillows when she saw Fuwawa and Mococo bring their blankets. I asked the two why they did, and they said they were attached to them. I’ve never really thought about it that way. Attachment. I feel attached to a few things. I was attached to my old diary. I feel attached to Eve’s bookmark and my friends…

I miss Eve. She was like a mother to me, diary. My parents didn’t have hair like mine. Half black, half white. They both had brown hair, like most of the people in my village. They tolerated me for a few years, but they called me a demon. I remember them bringing me to a church to be “exorcized.” When that didn’t work, they threw me out. At least they were nice enough to not have me burned. I wandered for three days. Three days, diary. I don’t know if you understand how bad that is, since, well, you’re a book, but it was agonizing. If you met me before I was thrown in jail, I would have called that hell. Turns out that I didn’t know anything.

Well, that aside, Eve found me and took me in. She taught me how to read and write. She taught me how to cook and treated me like her own daughter. As I grew older, she taught me how to use magic and as I matured, she started to treat me more like an adult. A friend. She was so good to me, diary. Even when things weren’t so good, she always made sure I was taken care of.

Then the gods came. Those damn gods. They ruined everything. I remember it like it was yesterday. It must have been over a thousand years now. I woke up to the sounds of fighting. I ran out of my room to see her fighting off like five or six of them. She was so cool. At first she was winning. Then she looked at me. One of them tried to kill me, but she got in the way. I… if I wasn’t there, she wouldn’t have died. We managed to escape, but she was mortally wounded. In her last moments, she gave me two important things. The first thing was the bookmark. I carry it with me to this day. The second thing was my name. Novella. Well, it’s not really a name. It’s more of a title. The Novella is the one who is tasked with taking care of the Cursed Library. I didn’t have a family name, though. Eve… she was my family. As she was the previous Novella, I decided to take the title as my name.

When I returned to the Cursed Library, it was completely burned to the ground. I cried for a long time that day. I lost my mother and my home on the same day. I had to rebuild the library from scratch. Transcribe the books from memory and magic. It took a long time, but everything returned to normal within a few years. For a while, I ran the library for a while. We didn’t get many visitors, but that’s not really the point of the library. Our job as Novellas were-

Oh, Bijou’s calling. I have to go for now. Sorry to trauma dump and everything, but if you’re interested, I can tell you the rest of the story tomorrow. Shori Novella, out.

Day 2

Dear Diary,

Whew, I’m beat. We did a lot of traveling today. I think we’ve traveled around… a thousand kilometers? Magic sure is convenient. Anyways, we ran into some angels. We tried to ask them some questions, but they didn’t answer anything. Well, they tried to kill us. Fortunately, they weren’t really strong. No, that isn’t the right term. I’ve fought angels before. They’re strong. Maybe honing my body and my magic in prison helped me. At first I thought that magic was sealed, but it was actually Nerissa who figured out that it was only heavily suppressed. I don’t think it’s even possible to completely seal magic, to be honest. Magic sealing is only as potent as its caster. Still, whoever made those seals was damn good. Fighting the seal to even cast basic spells required a lot of mana.

Anyways, since we’ve run into angels, we should start seeing civilization. Well, on paper. There used to be cities pretty much everywhere we passed, but there was nothing. Found a few ruins. They were fresh. No younger than ten years old. The golden ichor of the angels and gods still flowed through the streets. Who could have done this? I was surprised to find the corpse of Eston laying in the center of the ruins.The god of axes. Although he was a minor god, he was extremely powerful. Neither Eve nor I fought him, but I’ve read about him. Who could have killed a god this powerful? Just what happened ten years ago?

I think I’m going to try and get some answers. I’ll report back. Goodnight, diary. Shiori Novella, out.

Day 3

Dear Diary,

Something’s wrong with my eyes. Ever since Eve’s death, I’ve been able to use my eyes to basically learn about anything and everything. Like I can look at you and tell you everything about you, from the composition of your pages to the enchantment you have to never run out of them. I’ve had this ability for a long time, but I never really got the chance to hone it until I was thrown in prison. I’d go more into it, but that’s not important. What is important is that I went back to the ruins last night and tried to investigate with my eyes. What I saw made no sense.

The one fighting Eston was Eve. She looked a lot younger than what I remember, and she was with a few other people. I think… There were eight more. There was also this black blob moving across the battlefield, but for some reason, I don’t know anything about it. I tried looking at it, but it just gave me a splitting headache. It’s the first time that’s happened. Bah, I’m getting sidetracked.

The really weird thing was that the battle, from what my eyes told me, is dated back to seven years ago. My assumption of ten years was pretty close, but that’s not what’s important. Eve died hundreds of years ago. How is she popping up here? And younger, no less? Is this the past Eve was talking about? Ugh, all this convoluted thinking is making my head hurt. I think we should talk about something else.

We can see the capital from our campsite. It’s still standing, for better or for worse, but the obnoxious lights that would shine 24/7 are gone. Their lights shut off about three hours ago. When they did, Bijou seemed to shrink a bit. She’s been down ever since. Fuwawa and Mococo tried to cheer her up, but it didn’t seem to work. When I asked her what was up, she told me that there were a lot of negative emotions coming from the capital. How is that possible? Wasn’t this place supposed to be heaven? Just more things to give me a headache. I think I’m going to turn over for tonight. Rambling to you isn’t really helping me right now. Maybe a nap will clear my head. Goodnight, diary. I’ll see you tomorrow. Shiori Novella, signing out.

Day 4

Dear Diary,

Well, that could have gone better. We’re currently hiding in one of the alleyways here in heaven. Apparently the news of our little prison break didn’t reach heaven, but the guards definitely recognized our faces. When they attacked, we had to make a mad dash through the gates. Now we have the entire military on our asses. Thankfully, whatever happened seven years ago hit the military real hard. They’re small enough for us to evade without much trouble and I haven’t seen a single god since I’ve gotten here. I’m sure any one of us can take on a god at any given moment, but considering we’re in the capital, I expected at least a couple dozen to rain down on us. Good thing for us, at least.

None of us still have the faintest clue as to what the hell is going on. There wasn’t a single civilian willing to talk to us. Then again, we didn’t have much of an opportunity to talk to them, since we were running for our lives. There was this one person, though. She was a guardian angel. I remember the badge she had on her armor. She was obviously high ranking. Despite that, she was alone. She told us to come with her and she’d explain everything. None of us trusted her, though. Nerissa was able to distract her by singing and we were able to get out of there. It kinda sucks. She seemed like a trustworthy gal. If I wasn’t a wanted fugitive, I might have taken her up on her offer.

Anyways, I’ve been using my eyes every spare chance I get, and I think I know why Eve called it a curse. The bloodshed and carnage that happened here seven years ago… My legs gave out the first time I saw it and the twins had to carry me for a little while as I resisted the urge to hurl. It was terrible. And Eve was there, too. The things I saw her do… it broke my heart. Yeah, thank you. It really means a lot. I’m happy to have you by my side, diary.

I… think I should tell you what happened here. It was a war. My eyes told me it was called the War on Heaven. Those gods… those fucking hypocrites… they invaded Earth. My home. Despite that, there were only nine (ten if we’re including that black blob that I can’t discern) fought them off. They had to retreat back to heaven, but… those ten people. They followed the gods back here and they… they… it was a genocide. The rage and hatred in their eyes… I know we feel the same about the gods, but what they did was brutal. The only thing I can hold onto is that they didn’t kill any innocents, from what I know.

Diary, I… I don’t know if I can see Eve the same way anymore. The nice, caring woman that raised me. I’ve seen her kill so many now. I knew she had done it before, but I didn’t know it was that bad…

Yeah, I hear you, diary. I’m gonna take a break. I wish I could use a blindfold right now. Thank you. I’ll see you tomorrow. Shiori Novella, signing out.

Day 5

Dear Diary,

We made it out of heaven! Honestly the whole thing was a blur, but we did it. I’m still processing everything that happened. Yeah, we can do it together.

Alright, first thing’s first. You know that guardian angel I brought up yesterday? Well, she ran into us again. Apparently she wanted to give us an appeal, but since we evaded her last time, her boss got really mad, so she had to take us in. So we fought. She was actually pretty damn strong. I think we could have won if we kept going, but that was because there were five of us. Anyways, our fight got interrupted by this human. Honestly, I’m surprised there was a human strong enough to get in between us. The fact that she was actually alive was even weirder. Don’t humans die before going to heaven? You’re right. Sorry for getting off topic.

The human seemed to know the guardian angel and they talked for a bit. From what I could overhear, her name was Amelia Watson and she was looking for us specifically. It was really weird. Apparently earth learned about our breakout quicker than heaven. It’s quite funny, when you think about it. Anyways, they talked some more and then the angel got this really scared expression before flying away. I wonder what they talked about. I’m pretty sure I could have found out if I used my eyes, but after what happened yesterday, I decided not to use my eyes until I got out of heaven.

So this Ame person, right? Oh yeah, she let us call her Ame. She’s pretty chill. Anyways, she helped us get back to earth. We’re crashing at her place now. She told us that she was recruiting for an idol group and a friend told her about us. Nerissa jumped at the opportunity, naturally. Bijou seemed to be excited too. Fuwawa and Mococo agreed when Ame told them that they could stay together. For me? Well, I think I’m going to be joining them. I’m still a little curious as to who found out who we are and when we escaped, but I’m sure if I tag along, I’ll find them eventually. Plus, the five of us have already gone through so much. Why not do our advent together as well? Hm… Advent. Has a nice ring to it. Anyways, I hope you continue to stay with me through this next step of my life. Thank you so much for being with me. I… don’t think I could have done it without you. I’ll keep you posted, alright? Yeah. Shiori Novella, signing out.