EPISODE 11 — The Cage of Divine Hands
Renji woke up strapped to a stone chair.
Cold metal bit into his wrists and ankles.
Chains—thin, glowing ones covered in divine inscriptions—wrapped his torso like serpents made of pure light.
His head felt heavy, like something had reached inside his mind and stirred everything around.
A soft hum filled the room.
He slowly opened his eyes.
He wasn't in a shrine.
He wasn't anywhere near home.
He was in a white chamber, circular, with floating symbols drifting like glowing feathers in the air. Every wall pulsed faintly, as if the room itself was alive, watching him.
The Divine Enforcer Facility.
He could feel it.
He could feel the building judging him.
Something flared on his chest, and the God of Fear growled deep inside him.
"Be still. They want to isolate me."
Renji whispered, "Where… where are we?"
"A prison built to hold gods. Badly, if I may add."
Renji didn't have time to respond.
The door hissed open.
Three figures entered.
The silver-eyed vessel from before led the group, now wearing white ceremonial armor threaded with golden spirit-wires. Behind them stood two Enforcers: masked, stiff, and radiating an oppressive aura that felt like a punishment waiting to happen.
The silver-eyed vessel stepped closer, studying Renji like a specimen.
"You regained consciousness faster than expected," they said. "Good. That will make this easier."
Renji glared up weakly. "Where am I? What do you want?"
The vessel didn't answer immediately. They raised a glowing clipboard-like panel and tapped it.
"Subject: Vessel-07," they read calmly. "Host name: Renji Kurogane. Containment is stable. God presence still active."
Renji's stomach twisted.
Subject.
Not person.
Not human.
The vessel finally lowered the panel.
"This is the Hall of Judgement," they said. "Where corrupted vessels are evaluated, corrected, or purified."
"Purified?" Renji repeated, voice shaking. "What does that mean?"
"Separated," the vessel replied. "You will live. The god will not."
Inside Renji, the God of Fear hissed.
"Pathetic. They seek to cut me out like a stain."
Renji felt his heart pounding harder. "You can't just—! I didn't choose this. I didn't ask for him!"
The silver-eyed vessel's eyes softened a fraction.
"That is why we are giving you a chance. If you cooperate, you will not be harmed."
Renji stared at them. "And if I don't?"
The air froze.
The vessel didn't need to answer.
The chains tightened, burning his skin.
Pain shot through his arms and chest, and the god inside him stirred violently.
Shadow mist leaked from Renji's fingertips.
The two masked enforcers stepped forward instantly, their hands glowing with seals.
The silver-eyed vessel raised a hand to stop them.
"He's reacting to the purification chains," they said quietly. "That is expected."
They knelt in front of Renji, face calm but strangely hollow.
"Renji Kurogane," they said, voice softer than before. "You must understand. The god inside you is older than nations. Its influence will corrupt you. It will twist your mind, your heart, and finally your body."
Renji's breathing faltered.
Because part of him feared… they were right.
But the god inside him laughed, a low, chilling sound.
"He fears corruption? Oh, vessel… you're already mine."
Renji's vision shook.
"I'm not— I'm not your puppet!" he shouted inside his own head.
"We shall see."
The silver-eyed vessel stood.
"You may rest. Your evaluation begins tomorrow. Surrender now, and the pain will be minimal."
They turned.
The enforcers followed.
The door closed.
The room fell silent except for Renji's trembling breath.
Then—
A whisper.
Not from the god.
Not from the room.
From the vent above him.
"Psst. Renji."
Renji froze.
Another whisper. Urgent. Familiar.
"Renji, it's me."
His eyes widened.
"Aya!?"
Her voice trembled but determined:
"Hold on. I found this place. I'm getting you out."
Renji felt something inside him crack open—not fear, not despair—
Hope.
For the first time since being captured.
To Be Continued....