Saitou may not feel that she needs to, but Chizuru kneels beside him anyway, clasping her hands together as she slides her eyes shut. They're in this together, after all - and they both have the same wish.

There is a man that I want to save. He's dying because of a traitor - it's not his time to go!

At first, there is silence. And perhaps that's the first indication that something is happening; before, there had been subtle sounds. Their own breathing, the rustle of silk and cushions under them. None of that is there now.

The statue of the Goddess doesn't move, but after a moment, the silence is broken by a voice. It isn't spoken aloud, but rather, it's just there, in their heads. It is not a voice that is easily distinguished; it's like every voice they've ever heard, all rolled into one. Familiar and unfamiliar at the same time.

You, who ask for more time for a dear friend...
And then there is another sound. That same, horrible scraping sound of the Reaper's scythe against stone. Chizuru looks over her shoulder and has to stifle a scream - because there it is. Right there, right behind them...

His life hangs in the balance. I am not cruel... Make an offering to me, and I will grant you what you seek.
The statue of the Reaper slowly, carefully, raises its scythe.

You know that my domain is life, not death. Make me an offering of life, or else perish at the hands of the Reaper.