[Not inaccurate though. The past year of his life pre-Cerealia had been an experience. Usually annoying, sometimes a little fun, but recently just upsetting and horrifying.
But he finishes up everything, setting it on a platter and then heads for the living room. He's focusing on settling himself a bit more, because this level of evaluation is disconcerting. Being ranked on his own merits is one thing, but when it comes to all of this...
It is a pain.
He takes the arm chair as he sets the platter down, not bothering to grab his own cup right away.]
So first of all, what are demons and angels like in your world? For the sake of comparison.
Edited (wow I can html, I swear) 2015-11-10 01:15 (UTC)
[Kazuya followed docilely enough - though William would be glad to know that his intense gaze had transferred over to the platter, an unmistakeable expression of hunger on his face. The moment his ass touched the sofa seat, and the platter hit the coffee table, Kazuya was upon it in seconds. Two crackers stolen away, and his cup held in his other hand, a contented smile on his face.
Ah. Lovely. There was something to be said about how Westerners had their tea...hm? Oh, William was talking- oh right.]
Ah, well... [Kazuya dunked his cracker into his tea, not caring that this was not the proper way to eat one. It tasted nice, don't judge him] That's a complicated subject.
[There was a pause]
They're... probably different to how you imagine. [Chomp, there went the now soggy cracker] The angels especially. They're not what you would expect.
[This was something Kazuya had pondered over deeply. Angels came under the same bracket as demons did when it came to summoning; they required a ritual, Aya's song, and the emotional energy source the Internet provided. Kazuya didn't know if the type of emotions or desires they required differed from demons, but the fact remained that they were summoned in the same way. There was also what Loki told him before, how God was not the true creator of his world, but an usurper who had ousted Bel - Marduk - from his throne, many millennia before.
He pondered... were the angels in his world just an artificial type of demon, created by God's hands - who could be a demon himself? Bel was a demon, despite being a God as well, it was a possibility... but so far only a theory, one Kazuya didn't really want to blather on about with Kevin's master. If that angel heard him lumping him and demons together... shudder...]
But I'll try to explain as well I can. So, um, let's see... angels and demons are both supernatural beings that can exist in my world. Though, it's not something they can do freely, y'know? Some angels need to possess humans, and demons need to have a contract to exist in the human world, because... ah, this bit I'm unsure of because it's all this complicated science stuff involving Magnetite and Magatsuhi and the COMP, so... um...
[Urgh, how was it explained? Where was Atsuro when he needed him?]
Nevermind. That's probably not important. Anyway, basically, in my world demons and angels are real and they're as bad as each other. [He harrumphed] They prey on people's desires, and think only on furthering their own agenda, with humans stuck in the middle. Though, I guess you can say that demons are more likely to be jerks because they actually, like, eat humans, so, yeah.
[Willliam's not going to judge how Kazuya has his tea too much. It was rather mild compared to Sytry's own habits, which tended to result in the tea being more sugar than actual liquid. He has his own tea without sugar for the moment, taking a few crackers for himself, since he suspects they will be gone rather quickly.
He listens to Kazuya carefully, mentally noting down what he was being told. It wasn't being explained very well, but he could get the gist of it.]
Hmmm, I see. That sounds a little different, but not by much.
[William set his cup aside, having manged to polish off his own crackers rather quickly.]
First off, as far as I have gathered, in my world, Angels and Demons are pretty much the same as well. The only difference is that Demons are those that were cast out of Heaven during Lucifer's rebellion. I do not know the details of why, though from what I understand it is complicated.
[And quite frankly, William didn't care terribly much. Sure, he was a bit curious, but really, what did it have to do with him?]
But because of this, they share a few unique quirks when it comes to their biology. First of all, while they can reproduce as humans do, they have limited amounts of children. So they are forced to increase their numbers though other means. To that end, Demons make contracts with humans, and when those humans die, they become new demons, called Nephilim. Heaven calls their human converts Saints.
[He took some more tea, before going onto the next bit.]
But, most importantly, is the fact that they occasionally have to go to sleep. They live long, immortal lives and in order to sustain this, they enter a time of hibernation, which can last many centuries. If they do not do this on occasion, they will die. It seems they all must do this, no exceptions.
And Lucifer is about to enter his own sleep.
[A long pause then.]
I suppose you can guess how many problems that would cause.
[Kazuya blinked as slow as it took to yawn, looking somewhat flummoxed. Demons and angels could have kids? Huh. Huh. Who'da thought...]
Not really? [He forced himself to focus on the subject at hand though, his confusion melting away into thoughtfulness. This was all very interesting - and different to the demons he knew - but he had no clue what Lucifer taking a dirt nap would mean] I don't get how Lucy taking a dirt nap is a big deal. It's not like he does an important job or anything.
[From Kazuya's very brief, yet terrifying experience with the fallen angel, he knew that Lucifer commanded a certain level of obedience and respect amongst the demons (for Belzaboul was his very loyal servant, and those feelings remained deep within his - Bel's - soul), but his rule wasn't unconditional. Whereas all demons not bound by contract had to bend their necks to Bel's rule, demons chose to do so for Lucifer - to an extent anyway. Might made right, etc, etc...
In short, what he meant was... Lucifer going to sleep didn't mean Hell grinding to a halt. Demons governed themselves quite well, if only because they existed in a state of permanent anarchy. Hell, they existed without Bel sitting on the throne for thousands of years before Kazuya strolled by. The only problem he could see happening was...]
What, do the demons do naughty things in the human world when his back's turned? [He couldn't see the angels abiding that without kicking humanity into another Ordeal of some sort] I guess that'd be a big problem...
No, but they do have a war with Heaven that they do not wish to lose. And strategically, being without a leader is a rather bad situation.
[Cut off the head and all that. Granted, pinning everything on a single leader like that seemed a bit misguided to him, especially when their life cycles were so undependable.]
But yes, they need to choose a new leader, some to take Lucifer's place should he go to sleep, or die during his nap. So they are holding a little election right now.
[Really why did William have to know any of this? Why was this real? And why was he talking about it?
Oh how he missed the days when life was simpler and he could have written this whole thing off as a fever dream. But now was not the time for nostalgia.]
There are three candidates right now, Sytry, Dantalion and Camio, though Camio is not interested in the throne.
[Maybe. But then again, why had Camio been had that meeting in hell? But, like many things, that was something William didn't want to know the answer to. And besides, he could trust Camio, that much he knew.]
And naturally, they need someone to choose the right candidate, to cast the vote. Guess who that is.
[Kazuya practically sighed this, looking both wry and sympathetic. Of course, stuff like that always ended up dropping on some ordinary guy who wanted nothing to do with the whole situation - teenagers to be specific, which was always weird and kind of animeish, but hey.]
That sounds so troublesome. Though... I didn't think demons would actually go about it with a democratic vote. In my world, we settled the whole empty throne business by killing the competition.
[Which was, in its own way, very effective. No one could cry foul, because the opponents would be dead, and since Might Makes Right in the demon world, the victor would, of course, be the best man- er, demon for the job. Not to say that he liked that style of brutish politics, if only because having very powerful, angry demons chasing him with murderous intent had done nothing for his nerves, but it was a lot more simple than dragging a human in to vote on a leader.
But... wait a minute. Why William specifically? Once more, he was very ordinary. Kazuya's whole fiasco of getting dragged headfirst into messy demon politics had been because at the very base of his soul, he was a demon. He possessed a valid right to the throne, the same as the other Bels. William? William was 100% human, and it seemed totally bizarre that the demons - as well as casting a democratic vote of all things - would take a random, mediocre human's input on something so important]
But, why you specifically? Like, don't take offence or anything, but you don't scream "special". You're human, you're not possessed or magical, and you smell normal too. [He leaned in slightly, almost spilling his tea over his lap from the movement, his eyes narrowed at maximum squint] Maybe, you're like Naoya... you a reincarnation of somebody biblically important or something?
Oh, they are not above base things like bribery. Trust me. It is only democratic in the loosest sense of the word.
[Granted, it wasn't like William came from any sort of democratic land. Sure, Parliament could claim to be whatever it wanted, but the system was corrupt, one ruled by the upper class William was part of. It was a fact of life, simple as that. Honestly, in their own way, Demons were pretty honest about it. Which was a strange realization to make after all this time.
When Kazuya mentioned the word "reincarnation," William flinched. His true connection to Solomon was something he chose not to mention here, because really, why should he? Let people think he was a mere descendant. No one need think him mad. And he could be himself for once and not have the shadow of that man flavoring most of his social interactions.
But then again, now that it was put out as a possibility, was there any point in hiding it? No, probably not.]
...you are more astute than you look. But yes, I am, both a reincarnation and descendant of someone. A very annoying person. King Solomon.
[Kazuya caught the flinch. His eyes flickered with an unknown emotion]
Solomon, eh?
[He pawed through his memory, hoping something would leap out at him. The name, King Solomon, did ring a bell, but in the "I-heard-that-once-on-TV" kind of way. But could you blame him? What ordinary Japanese teenager would know Judeo-Christian figures like the back of his hand? He barely knew of Cain and Abel, and he was one of them!]
Drawing a blank, I gotta admit. But. [He paused for a moment, looked down at his tea, then looked up again, smiling wryly;] If it makes you feel any better about your crazy situation... you're not alone. Abel's Reincarnation, at your service!
[He lifted his teacup in a mock-salute, even adding a cheeky wink. Yes, hard to imagine this guy as a gentle, ye olde shepherd...]
But, seriously, that explains a lot... [Er, kind of. He didn't really know Solomon's significance, but he sort of had the gist of the situation at the very least. Though, really, what was with God digging up old corpses and reusing them? The phrase "Rest In Peace" existed for a reason!] I'm guessing Solomon was a pretty important guy, back in the day - someone who had respect of demons too, if he, er, you, are allowed to have a say in their politics... ah, don't tell me he was a Marduk worshipper...
[Well, William couldn't fault Kazuya for not knowing who Solomon was. William hadn't either, despite years and years of church and Isaac's blathering about the supernatural. Actually it was a bit of a relief in someways. Anytime someone didn't have expectations of him because of something that happened millennia ago was a plus.
He raised an eyebrow then, because while he had expected that he would inevitably meet someone in the same situation as himself, William hadn't expected it to be this guy.]
I do not know whether to pity you or not then, since the man was known for being murdered and not much else.
[Granted, that was probably for the best. He lifted his teacup and paused.]
Marduk? No. He was the Third King of Israel, who bound 72 demons to his will. I have inherited those seals, unfortunately.
[Why couldn't Solomon have left all his treasures to William instead? Seriously. That would have actually been useful. Instead William had a number of demons who wanted to kill him and few who didn't. And two of them were stupid man children.]
[Kazuya pulled an odd expression at the "known for being murdered" part, but he didn't say anything. Probably for the best that the part of Abel becoming a demon didn't become common knowledge]
Oh, I see. [...hold on a mo'] Wait, 72 demons? [He let out a slow, appreciative whistle] That's impressive! I mean, for a human, considering in those days he'd have to go through the old fashioned way of summoning...
[In Kazuya's world, 72 was achievable if you were stinking rich in Macca. Thank the Lord for the COMP, automating demonic rituals for the open public!]
Though, I didn't realise you could "inherit" contracts like that. They tend to go null and void once the human dies - no renewals allowed... unless you had the demonic compendium...
[Somehow he doubted William summoned forth these 72 demons with that method though. For one, that'd cost way too much money... (the fate of a demon tamer was to be eternally broke)]
Apparantly it doesn't work that way. Solomon was killed before he could release the contracts. So they can not be nullfied and just carry over with his soul.
[Yeah William wouldn't want to think about a world where that required money. Banktruptcy was bad enough without going into debt to use a power he didn't even care for.]
I do not really know most of them though or have any use for them though. And the ones I do know are pretty annoying for the most part. Three of them, the ones in line for the throne are going to school. Two of them think that they can make me vote for them eventually.
[He shook his head at the mention of the compendium though.]
I have no book like that, though I do have a grimoire of magic and some sigils to allow me to summon a few of them more easily. Though it does not work here, since CERES did not feel like bringing any of them over.
[That sounded like a plotline to some sort of wacky anime...]
Wow, sounds rough, buddy. [Kazuya plucked up some of the remaining crackers and took a sip of his tea - ah, it cooled down some during their talk. Alas. He sadly dunked a cracker in it, pouting slightly] Though, probably for the best that you can't summon them here.
[He took a bite of the now half-soggy cracker, eyeing William contemplatively. He had a firm idea of what he was about now - or rather, understood why he had the supernatural attention he did. Important biblical figure reborn, binding contracts that persist after death, the key to an important decision - boy, throw in a lockdown and their similarities would border on eerie]
The less people summoning demons left, right and centre, the better. [Something in his gaze sharpened] ...so, what do you think of demons anyway? Sounds like they give you a lot of grief, so you probably dislike them a lot, huh?
[The tea was a bit tepid by now, so William decided to finish it off, giving him some time to think, because it was all more complicated than he liked to let on.
For the best? Yes, it was. Because they couldn't annoy him or complicate his life any further. And they could be dangerous, especially Dantalion. But at the same time, he had become very used to them. And strange as it was, he felt like they had become closer lately. And now, for all he knew, they could all be dead. It wasn't what he had wanted, at all.]
What do I think of demons?
[That is a much easier question though.]
They are a nuisance. Demons, angels, and all that supernatural lot, they are a blasted inconvenience. They just throw their weight around with no consideration for their actions and drag people into matters that have nothing to do with them.
[He hmmphed a little.]
Granted, most humans are like that as well. They just can't kill you as easily and are sometimes less honest in their ill intentions towards you.
[For a long moment, Kazuya stared at William, his half-eaten cracker hovering awkwardly midway to his mouth. He blinked once, twice... and then made a very indescribable expression. It almost looked... amused? Pained? Difficult to tell]
William. [He set his cracker down on the coffee table, and leaned forwards slightly, elbows on his knees and fingers linked together, adopting a serious pose as he stared the human down] I think you're my soulmate.
[In a totally no homo "you are a kindred spirit and I think I'm in love with you because of it" sort of way, of course. Look, it was very difficult to find someone who shared his woes, alright! Don't judge his low standards!]
[Kazuya flung himself back, sprawling against the back of the sofa, one arm draped theatrically over his forehead. It last for about two seconds before he slumped out of it with a small laugh, straightening up and picking up his half-eaten cracker]
But seriously, we've got a lot of similarities. You know what they say, misery loves company, and to think there's someone else who suffers from reincarnation insanity and holier than thou angels and unwanted demons...
[Kazuya fell silent, nibbling on his cracker with an unreadable look in his eyes. Once nothing but crumbs remained, he brushed off his hands, and smiled slightly]
Well, it makes something in me ease, y'know? Not alone and all that. So, anyway, future husband~ [he picked up his teacup, turning up the charm in his smile a fraction] Mind topping me up? Looks like the tea's gone cold.
I'm all for equality, so you can be my future husband, and I'll be yours. That's fair, right?
[Kazuya withdrew his cup once it'd been topped up, and gave it a sip. Ah, back to being nice and warm!]
But on a serious note, I have a question. You don't have to answer if you don't want to, since you've explained a lot already. [Enough that Kazuya was worried he'd have to explain a considerable amount in turn, but he'll burn that bridge when he came to it] But, ah, do you remember being Solomon? Clearly, I mean?
[He's not going to dignify the husband thing with an answer, because uptight prude. Instead he's going to refill his own cup and think on that other question.]
Well there is no point in holding back right now, is there? [William sighed before continuing.] But I have had dreams. Before I met Dantalion, they were always very vague and uncomfortable.
[More likely holy fuck, how embarrassing.]
But afterwards, they started to become far more clear and extended. I have also been told that he sometimes takes over my body, though I remember nothing that occurs when it happens. And we spoke not too long ago before I came here and I told me he would give me all the wisdom god had given him. I do not know if that is true, since all that happened was awoke with a horrible migraine, though I feel like my magic did improve.
[Kazuya made an odd noise at the "sometimes takes over my body" part, like he had choked on the tea he was drinking, but managed to recover within the split second it occurred. Throughout the rest of William's explanation, he seemed to be staring intently into his tea cup, one hand cupped over his mouth in a gesture of worry]
Really...? Ah. I see. [There was a pause - a long one - until Kazuya lifted his head a long last] I should've known that... since, I...
[...]
I asked, because I have a similar problem, sometimes. [Speaking about himself and his past was something he always struggled with, so his words came out a little slowly and unsure, yet at the same time, he sort of wanted... understanding. Someone else suffered from the same troubles and worries of him, and he just wanted to... he wasn't quite sure, but maybe, extend his hand in response to William's honesty] Ah, though, only in specific circumstances you see. Um. I have...
[He can't say "Bel", since there was no way in hell he was telling William about his current demon issue. Kindred spirit and future husband he may be, but Kazuya had no idea if he'd accidentally let it slip to Kevin, and he didn't want Kevin to hate him. He was a genuinely nice angel, and even if Kazuya was wary of him, it was...well. He just didn't want that relationship to sour. But at the same time, he couldn't say "Abel" - could he? His true story wasn't known... not even Kevin made mention of it]
...how much do you know about the story of Cain and Abel? I mean, really know?
[While William had stated it plainly and simply, truth was, he had been a little nervous about explaining it. Afraid that somehow, out of everything they had spoken of so far, it would be the thing that made him sound insane. It wasn't something he was proud of by any means, this knowledge that at anytime his mind could stop being his own and instead be that of some long lost relic.
So somehow, this was a bit of a relief.]
The story of Cain and Abel?
[That was an odd transition, especially related to the current topic. And likely connected. But he will worry about that later and focus on the question at hand.]
Only what the bible says, when I forced myself to read it a while back. Unacceptable sacrifices, Cain becoming the first fratricide and God cursing him, that was what I understood the basic story to be.
But I take it that you are implying there is more to the tale?
[Kazuya's head moved in a very slow nod, not immediately replying. Honestly, he himself didn't know where to begin in the murky, disturbing story of Cain and Abel. The people who spoke of the story were influenced by bias and own personal gain, and over the millennia, those details had been warped and corrupted until no one but Cain and Abel himself knew the truth - the awful, unreliable truth.
Kazuya had glimpsed that truth, once, when his hand had pierced through Beldr's heart and torn it right out. For the very briefest moment, though at the time he hadn't known what it was he saw, that ancient echo of Abel that...]
So, back then, Cain and Abel were very devout followers of God. Cain tilled the fields, and Abel tended to the flock. [He idly turned his tea cup in his hands, his gaze distant] People did die in those times, but those people were "sacrifices", so it wasn't murder then. It wasn't a concept. It isn't an excuse for what happened but, it explained why he...
[Off topic, stay on topic, don't press too deeply into that]
I mean, anyway- it's like you said, Cain's offerings were rejected, and Abel's standing with God went up. But.
[The tricky part - how to explain this...]
Did you know, that Abel was a child of Lucifer, not God? Or, he was God's child, but Lucifer's too. Since, um, back then Abel was a remnant of a God that existed before, well, God: Marduk, or Bel, as he's more commonly known. God had usurped his position and split him into pieces, so he couldn't come back, and one of those pieces was Abel.
[Why and how it happened, Kazuya nor Abel were privy to that information. It simply... was. Abel was Bel, or a remnant of him, shaped by God's hand into mortal flesh and made a devout follower. Why He did that... well, only God would know His reasons, but Kaz was willing to bet it all on a show of dominance. How insulting would it be to see a part of yourself made a thrall of the God that took your throne?]
And, Cain murdering him wasn't just an unpleasant accident. It was... an act of necessity. Like, it was... [he made a frustrated noise, obviously struggling to explain this part - this was the murky bit, where Abel's final moments were more like smears of emotions and pain, than anything coherent and sharp, and everything else was somebody else's theory or opinion] It's believed that Abel was supposed to die. For some reason. And when he did, God dropped him like a hot potato.
[Red hot - that memory was simply red hot. Red. Very red.]
Cain was cursed with immortality, and Abel was dropped into hell. Just like that. Fell, right... in... and... was... [Something snatched at the edges of his vision, and he briefly felt dislocated from his own self. He struggled the sensation off, firmly slamming the metaphorical lid down on that dangerous pot of seething rage and resentment buried deep in his core before Bel took advantage of such a glaring weakspot] b-but- But- ah, he, didn't remain there for long. He, he split apart. His soul got so warped by hatred and resentment that he eventually... um...
[Oh shit, he just basically outed Abel as a demon. Fuck, roll back, roll back - why the hell did he go too far with that?]
W-Well, you get the picture! So, ah, what I mean is, Abel's murder was, um, not as cut and dry as the bible makes it out, h-hahaa... ah... so... that's why I get... possessed sometimes, because.... he, um, didn't... rest well after... dying........
[.....see this is why he didn't talk about his past - he was a horrible bluffer and liar]
[William listened to it all as he sipped on his tea. He wasn't entirely surprised, because one thing he had learned quickly in the past year or so was that matters were often not what they appeared to be. Dantalion coming into his life had forced William to adjust to a different and bizarre reality. So he's just listening right now and mentally organizing his notes, a little like this:
So a past of human sacrifices, not plants and animals. And Abel was a child of God and Lucifer, or rather a piece of an old god? That was a bit strange, but his mind could comprehend that. And then Cain killed Abel as some sort of grand sacrifice? And Cain became immortal and Abel was dropped into hell and then split again and became... oh, okay. That's so obvious.
He almost thinks about pressing the point, but doesn't, because well there is probably a reason Kazuya is holding back with him. Even if it is a little unfair when William has been completely honest with him. So far.]
...I imagine that must be a pain, being taken over by someone who is so angry. Solomon, he is just pathetically sad most of the time, despite trying to hide it.
You must really have a lot of dangerous people bothering you over it then. It's bothersome, isn't it?
[Kazuya visibly relaxed from his half-panicked fluster when William didn't comment or press on his slip of Abel's descent into demonhood. There was a twinge of guilt there, though, since William had been so frank and open, but- well. He just... didn't want Kevin to know...]
Ahh, ha ha, yeah. I've had more than a few demons trying to kill me so they can eat Abel's soul, or... something like that. [He started to tick them off;] Ignoring the run of the mill demons who just wanted to eat me out of hunger, there was Beldr, Belial, Belzaboul, Jezebel, Belberith, Babel... hell, even Lucifer took a whack at me once, but I think he was holding back in that encounter. He was very creepy, a little too forward for my tastes...
[Yeah, he had no idea how to react to having the Fallen Angel himself wax poetics about his "beautiful" soul, and how he wanted to see his "innermost, blood-red emotions" after declaring himself his true father. Like. Um? You were giving out very weird, mixed signals there, Lucy.]
It's only since coming to Cerealia that I feel like I can relax, y'know? Don't have to worry about this or that demon or angel leaping out of the shadows to decapitate me, or whatever.
Yes it is rather terrible, isn't it? They kept wanting to kill me to keep Heaven from having my soul. And half of them hate Solomon for enslaving them. And the ones that are not bound to him fear that I will do the same. So it is a fifty-fifty percent chance of violence whenever I meet a new one. Especially if one of the others is not around to stop them.
[He sets down his cup of tea and laughs a little at the word creepy.]
Yes, some of them really are perverse like that! Though I never met Lucifer, at least from what I can remember. But Balberith and Gilles, they are a bit... much.
[Why did Sytry end up surround by the all creepers? If William ever saw him again, they needed to have a talk about that.]
But it is nice here, is it? No one wants to kill you, or wants you to make any important decisions. You can just be. Not that I want things to stay like this, but it is a good break.
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[Not inaccurate though. The past year of his life pre-Cerealia had been an experience. Usually annoying, sometimes a little fun, but recently just upsetting and horrifying.
But he finishes up everything, setting it on a platter and then heads for the living room. He's focusing on settling himself a bit more, because this level of evaluation is disconcerting. Being ranked on his own merits is one thing, but when it comes to all of this...
It is a pain.
He takes the arm chair as he sets the platter down, not bothering to grab his own cup right away.]
So first of all, what are demons and angels like in your world? For the sake of comparison.
holy tl'dr!!!
Ah. Lovely. There was something to be said about how Westerners had their tea...hm? Oh, William was talking- oh right.]
Ah, well... [Kazuya dunked his cracker into his tea, not caring that this was not the proper way to eat one. It tasted nice, don't judge him] That's a complicated subject.
[There was a pause]
They're... probably different to how you imagine. [Chomp, there went the now soggy cracker] The angels especially. They're not what you would expect.
[This was something Kazuya had pondered over deeply. Angels came under the same bracket as demons did when it came to summoning; they required a ritual, Aya's song, and the emotional energy source the Internet provided. Kazuya didn't know if the type of emotions or desires they required differed from demons, but the fact remained that they were summoned in the same way. There was also what Loki told him before, how God was not the true creator of his world, but an usurper who had ousted Bel - Marduk - from his throne, many millennia before.
He pondered... were the angels in his world just an artificial type of demon, created by God's hands - who could be a demon himself? Bel was a demon, despite being a God as well, it was a possibility... but so far only a theory, one Kazuya didn't really want to blather on about with Kevin's master. If that angel heard him lumping him and demons together... shudder...]
But I'll try to explain as well I can. So, um, let's see... angels and demons are both supernatural beings that can exist in my world. Though, it's not something they can do freely, y'know? Some angels need to possess humans, and demons need to have a contract to exist in the human world, because... ah, this bit I'm unsure of because it's all this complicated science stuff involving Magnetite and Magatsuhi and the COMP, so... um...
[Urgh, how was it explained? Where was Atsuro when he needed him?]
Nevermind. That's probably not important. Anyway, basically, in my world demons and angels are real and they're as bad as each other. [He harrumphed] They prey on people's desires, and think only on furthering their own agenda, with humans stuck in the middle. Though, I guess you can say that demons are more likely to be jerks because they actually, like, eat humans, so, yeah.
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He listens to Kazuya carefully, mentally noting down what he was being told. It wasn't being explained very well, but he could get the gist of it.]
Hmmm, I see. That sounds a little different, but not by much.
[William set his cup aside, having manged to polish off his own crackers rather quickly.]
First off, as far as I have gathered, in my world, Angels and Demons are pretty much the same as well. The only difference is that Demons are those that were cast out of Heaven during Lucifer's rebellion. I do not know the details of why, though from what I understand it is complicated.
[And quite frankly, William didn't care terribly much. Sure, he was a bit curious, but really, what did it have to do with him?]
But because of this, they share a few unique quirks when it comes to their biology. First of all, while they can reproduce as humans do, they have limited amounts of children. So they are forced to increase their numbers though other means. To that end, Demons make contracts with humans, and when those humans die, they become new demons, called Nephilim. Heaven calls their human converts Saints.
[He took some more tea, before going onto the next bit.]
But, most importantly, is the fact that they occasionally have to go to sleep. They live long, immortal lives and in order to sustain this, they enter a time of hibernation, which can last many centuries. If they do not do this on occasion, they will die. It seems they all must do this, no exceptions.
And Lucifer is about to enter his own sleep.
[A long pause then.]
I suppose you can guess how many problems that would cause.
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Not really? [He forced himself to focus on the subject at hand though, his confusion melting away into thoughtfulness. This was all very interesting - and different to the demons he knew - but he had no clue what Lucifer taking a dirt nap would mean] I don't get how Lucy taking a dirt nap is a big deal. It's not like he does an important job or anything.
[From Kazuya's very brief, yet terrifying experience with the fallen angel, he knew that Lucifer commanded a certain level of obedience and respect amongst the demons (for Belzaboul was his very loyal servant, and those feelings remained deep within his - Bel's - soul), but his rule wasn't unconditional. Whereas all demons not bound by contract had to bend their necks to Bel's rule, demons chose to do so for Lucifer - to an extent anyway. Might made right, etc, etc...
In short, what he meant was... Lucifer going to sleep didn't mean Hell grinding to a halt. Demons governed themselves quite well, if only because they existed in a state of permanent anarchy. Hell, they existed without Bel sitting on the throne for thousands of years before Kazuya strolled by. The only problem he could see happening was...]
What, do the demons do naughty things in the human world when his back's turned? [He couldn't see the angels abiding that without kicking humanity into another Ordeal of some sort] I guess that'd be a big problem...
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[Cut off the head and all that. Granted, pinning everything on a single leader like that seemed a bit misguided to him, especially when their life cycles were so undependable.]
But yes, they need to choose a new leader, some to take Lucifer's place should he go to sleep, or die during his nap. So they are holding a little election right now.
[Really why did William have to know any of this? Why was this real? And why was he talking about it?
Oh how he missed the days when life was simpler and he could have written this whole thing off as a fever dream. But now was not the time for nostalgia.]
There are three candidates right now, Sytry, Dantalion and Camio, though Camio is not interested in the throne.
[Maybe. But then again, why had Camio been had that meeting in hell? But, like many things, that was something William didn't want to know the answer to. And besides, he could trust Camio, that much he knew.]
And naturally, they need someone to choose the right candidate, to cast the vote. Guess who that is.
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[Kazuya practically sighed this, looking both wry and sympathetic. Of course, stuff like that always ended up dropping on some ordinary guy who wanted nothing to do with the whole situation - teenagers to be specific, which was always weird and kind of animeish, but hey.]
That sounds so troublesome. Though... I didn't think demons would actually go about it with a democratic vote. In my world, we settled the whole empty throne business by killing the competition.
[Which was, in its own way, very effective. No one could cry foul, because the opponents would be dead, and since Might Makes Right in the demon world, the victor would, of course, be the best man- er, demon for the job. Not to say that he liked that style of brutish politics, if only because having very powerful, angry demons chasing him with murderous intent had done nothing for his nerves, but it was a lot more simple than dragging a human in to vote on a leader.
But... wait a minute. Why William specifically? Once more, he was very ordinary. Kazuya's whole fiasco of getting dragged headfirst into messy demon politics had been because at the very base of his soul, he was a demon. He possessed a valid right to the throne, the same as the other Bels. William? William was 100% human, and it seemed totally bizarre that the demons - as well as casting a democratic vote of all things - would take a random, mediocre human's input on something so important]
But, why you specifically? Like, don't take offence or anything, but you don't scream "special". You're human, you're not possessed or magical, and you smell normal too. [He leaned in slightly, almost spilling his tea over his lap from the movement, his eyes narrowed at maximum squint] Maybe, you're like Naoya... you a reincarnation of somebody biblically important or something?
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[Granted, it wasn't like William came from any sort of democratic land. Sure, Parliament could claim to be whatever it wanted, but the system was corrupt, one ruled by the upper class William was part of. It was a fact of life, simple as that. Honestly, in their own way, Demons were pretty honest about it. Which was a strange realization to make after all this time.
When Kazuya mentioned the word "reincarnation," William flinched. His true connection to Solomon was something he chose not to mention here, because really, why should he? Let people think he was a mere descendant. No one need think him mad. And he could be himself for once and not have the shadow of that man flavoring most of his social interactions.
But then again, now that it was put out as a possibility, was there any point in hiding it? No, probably not.]
...you are more astute than you look. But yes, I am, both a reincarnation and descendant of someone. A very annoying person. King Solomon.
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Solomon, eh?
[He pawed through his memory, hoping something would leap out at him. The name, King Solomon, did ring a bell, but in the "I-heard-that-once-on-TV" kind of way. But could you blame him? What ordinary Japanese teenager would know Judeo-Christian figures like the back of his hand? He barely knew of Cain and Abel, and he was one of them!]
Drawing a blank, I gotta admit. But. [He paused for a moment, looked down at his tea, then looked up again, smiling wryly;] If it makes you feel any better about your crazy situation... you're not alone. Abel's Reincarnation, at your service!
[He lifted his teacup in a mock-salute, even adding a cheeky wink. Yes, hard to imagine this guy as a gentle, ye olde shepherd...]
But, seriously, that explains a lot... [Er, kind of. He didn't really know Solomon's significance, but he sort of had the gist of the situation at the very least. Though, really, what was with God digging up old corpses and reusing them? The phrase "Rest In Peace" existed for a reason!] I'm guessing Solomon was a pretty important guy, back in the day - someone who had respect of demons too, if he, er, you, are allowed to have a say in their politics... ah, don't tell me he was a Marduk worshipper...
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He raised an eyebrow then, because while he had expected that he would inevitably meet someone in the same situation as himself, William hadn't expected it to be this guy.]
I do not know whether to pity you or not then, since the man was known for being murdered and not much else.
[Granted, that was probably for the best. He lifted his teacup and paused.]
Marduk? No. He was the Third King of Israel, who bound 72 demons to his will. I have inherited those seals, unfortunately.
[Why couldn't Solomon have left all his treasures to William instead? Seriously. That would have actually been useful. Instead William had a number of demons who wanted to kill him and few who didn't. And two of them were stupid man children.]
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Oh, I see. [...hold on a mo'] Wait, 72 demons? [He let out a slow, appreciative whistle] That's impressive! I mean, for a human, considering in those days he'd have to go through the old fashioned way of summoning...
[In Kazuya's world, 72 was achievable if you were stinking rich in Macca. Thank the Lord for the COMP, automating demonic rituals for the open public!]
Though, I didn't realise you could "inherit" contracts like that. They tend to go null and void once the human dies - no renewals allowed... unless you had the demonic compendium...
[Somehow he doubted William summoned forth these 72 demons with that method though. For one, that'd cost way too much money... (the fate of a demon tamer was to be eternally broke)]
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[Yeah William wouldn't want to think about a world where that required money. Banktruptcy was bad enough without going into debt to use a power he didn't even care for.]
I do not really know most of them though or have any use for them though. And the ones I do know are pretty annoying for the most part. Three of them, the ones in line for the throne are going to school. Two of them think that they can make me vote for them eventually.
[He shook his head at the mention of the compendium though.]
I have no book like that, though I do have a grimoire of magic and some sigils to allow me to summon a few of them more easily. Though it does not work here, since CERES did not feel like bringing any of them over.
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[That sounded like a plotline to some sort of wacky anime...]
Wow, sounds rough, buddy. [Kazuya plucked up some of the remaining crackers and took a sip of his tea - ah, it cooled down some during their talk. Alas. He sadly dunked a cracker in it, pouting slightly] Though, probably for the best that you can't summon them here.
[He took a bite of the now half-soggy cracker, eyeing William contemplatively. He had a firm idea of what he was about now - or rather, understood why he had the supernatural attention he did. Important biblical figure reborn, binding contracts that persist after death, the key to an important decision - boy, throw in a lockdown and their similarities would border on eerie]
The less people summoning demons left, right and centre, the better. [Something in his gaze sharpened] ...so, what do you think of demons anyway? Sounds like they give you a lot of grief, so you probably dislike them a lot, huh?
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For the best? Yes, it was. Because they couldn't annoy him or complicate his life any further. And they could be dangerous, especially Dantalion. But at the same time, he had become very used to them. And strange as it was, he felt like they had become closer lately. And now, for all he knew, they could all be dead. It wasn't what he had wanted, at all.]
What do I think of demons?
[That is a much easier question though.]
They are a nuisance. Demons, angels, and all that supernatural lot, they are a blasted inconvenience. They just throw their weight around with no consideration for their actions and drag people into matters that have nothing to do with them.
[He hmmphed a little.]
Granted, most humans are like that as well. They just can't kill you as easily and are sometimes less honest in their ill intentions towards you.
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William. [He set his cracker down on the coffee table, and leaned forwards slightly, elbows on his knees and fingers linked together, adopting a serious pose as he stared the human down] I think you're my soulmate.
[In a totally no homo "you are a kindred spirit and I think I'm in love with you because of it" sort of way, of course. Look, it was very difficult to find someone who shared his woes, alright! Don't judge his low standards!]
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Eh? Just over that?
[He's used to guys being kind of awkward at him, but this is a little much from such a normal fellow. He's leaning back a little now.]
But you seem to have had your share of troubles as well. So I can sympathize.
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[Kazuya flung himself back, sprawling against the back of the sofa, one arm draped theatrically over his forehead. It last for about two seconds before he slumped out of it with a small laugh, straightening up and picking up his half-eaten cracker]
But seriously, we've got a lot of similarities. You know what they say, misery loves company, and to think there's someone else who suffers from reincarnation insanity and holier than thou angels and unwanted demons...
[Kazuya fell silent, nibbling on his cracker with an unreadable look in his eyes. Once nothing but crumbs remained, he brushed off his hands, and smiled slightly]
Well, it makes something in me ease, y'know? Not alone and all that. So, anyway, future husband~ [he picked up his teacup, turning up the charm in his smile a fraction] Mind topping me up? Looks like the tea's gone cold.
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I would say it is a little much to find common cause in something like that. Reincarnation is logically not a rare thing.
[Wow did he hate even having to say that. Oh for the good old days when he believed you died and that was the end. That was far more comforting.]
But it is nice. [He rolled his eyes though at that, but reaches over for the teapot and does top him off.] And who is whose husband?
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[Kazuya withdrew his cup once it'd been topped up, and gave it a sip. Ah, back to being nice and warm!]
But on a serious note, I have a question. You don't have to answer if you don't want to, since you've explained a lot already. [Enough that Kazuya was worried he'd have to explain a considerable amount in turn, but he'll burn that bridge when he came to it] But, ah, do you remember being Solomon? Clearly, I mean?
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Well there is no point in holding back right now, is there? [William sighed before continuing.] But I have had dreams. Before I met Dantalion, they were always very vague and uncomfortable.
[More likely holy fuck, how embarrassing.]
But afterwards, they started to become far more clear and extended. I have also been told that he sometimes takes over my body, though I remember nothing that occurs when it happens. And we spoke not too long ago before I came here and I told me he would give me all the wisdom god had given him. I do not know if that is true, since all that happened was awoke with a horrible migraine, though I feel like my magic did improve.
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Really...? Ah. I see. [There was a pause - a long one - until Kazuya lifted his head a long last] I should've known that... since, I...
[...]
I asked, because I have a similar problem, sometimes. [Speaking about himself and his past was something he always struggled with, so his words came out a little slowly and unsure, yet at the same time, he sort of wanted... understanding. Someone else suffered from the same troubles and worries of him, and he just wanted to... he wasn't quite sure, but maybe, extend his hand in response to William's honesty] Ah, though, only in specific circumstances you see. Um. I have...
[He can't say "Bel", since there was no way in hell he was telling William about his current demon issue. Kindred spirit and future husband he may be, but Kazuya had no idea if he'd accidentally let it slip to Kevin, and he didn't want Kevin to hate him. He was a genuinely nice angel, and even if Kazuya was wary of him, it was...well. He just didn't want that relationship to sour. But at the same time, he couldn't say "Abel" - could he? His true story wasn't known... not even Kevin made mention of it]
...how much do you know about the story of Cain and Abel? I mean, really know?
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[While William had stated it plainly and simply, truth was, he had been a little nervous about explaining it. Afraid that somehow, out of everything they had spoken of so far, it would be the thing that made him sound insane. It wasn't something he was proud of by any means, this knowledge that at anytime his mind could stop being his own and instead be that of some long lost relic.
So somehow, this was a bit of a relief.]
The story of Cain and Abel?
[That was an odd transition, especially related to the current topic. And likely connected. But he will worry about that later and focus on the question at hand.]
Only what the bible says, when I forced myself to read it a while back. Unacceptable sacrifices, Cain becoming the first fratricide and God cursing him, that was what I understood the basic story to be.
But I take it that you are implying there is more to the tale?
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Kazuya had glimpsed that truth, once, when his hand had pierced through Beldr's heart and torn it right out. For the very briefest moment, though at the time he hadn't known what it was he saw, that ancient echo of Abel that...]
So, back then, Cain and Abel were very devout followers of God. Cain tilled the fields, and Abel tended to the flock. [He idly turned his tea cup in his hands, his gaze distant] People did die in those times, but those people were "sacrifices", so it wasn't murder then. It wasn't a concept. It isn't an excuse for what happened but, it explained why he...
[Off topic, stay on topic, don't press too deeply into that]
I mean, anyway- it's like you said, Cain's offerings were rejected, and Abel's standing with God went up. But.
[The tricky part - how to explain this...]
Did you know, that Abel was a child of Lucifer, not God? Or, he was God's child, but Lucifer's too. Since, um, back then Abel was a remnant of a God that existed before, well, God: Marduk, or Bel, as he's more commonly known. God had usurped his position and split him into pieces, so he couldn't come back, and one of those pieces was Abel.
[Why and how it happened, Kazuya nor Abel were privy to that information. It simply... was. Abel was Bel, or a remnant of him, shaped by God's hand into mortal flesh and made a devout follower. Why He did that... well, only God would know His reasons, but Kaz was willing to bet it all on a show of dominance. How insulting would it be to see a part of yourself made a thrall of the God that took your throne?]
And, Cain murdering him wasn't just an unpleasant accident. It was... an act of necessity. Like, it was... [he made a frustrated noise, obviously struggling to explain this part - this was the murky bit, where Abel's final moments were more like smears of emotions and pain, than anything coherent and sharp, and everything else was somebody else's theory or opinion] It's believed that Abel was supposed to die. For some reason. And when he did, God dropped him like a hot potato.
[Red hot - that memory was simply red hot. Red. Very red.]
Cain was cursed with immortality, and Abel was dropped into hell. Just like that. Fell, right... in... and... was... [Something snatched at the edges of his vision, and he briefly felt dislocated from his own self. He struggled the sensation off, firmly slamming the metaphorical lid down on that dangerous pot of seething rage and resentment buried deep in his core before Bel took advantage of such a glaring weakspot] b-but- But- ah, he, didn't remain there for long. He, he split apart. His soul got so warped by hatred and resentment that he eventually... um...
[Oh shit, he just basically outed Abel as a demon. Fuck, roll back, roll back - why the hell did he go too far with that?]
W-Well, you get the picture! So, ah, what I mean is, Abel's murder was, um, not as cut and dry as the bible makes it out, h-hahaa... ah... so... that's why I get... possessed sometimes, because.... he, um, didn't... rest well after... dying........
[.....see this is why he didn't talk about his past - he was a horrible bluffer and liar]
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So a past of human sacrifices, not plants and animals. And Abel was a child of God and Lucifer, or rather a piece of an old god? That was a bit strange, but his mind could comprehend that. And then Cain killed Abel as some sort of grand sacrifice? And Cain became immortal and Abel was dropped into hell and then split again and became... oh, okay. That's so obvious.
He almost thinks about pressing the point, but doesn't, because well there is probably a reason Kazuya is holding back with him. Even if it is a little unfair when William has been completely honest with him. So far.]
...I imagine that must be a pain, being taken over by someone who is so angry. Solomon, he is just pathetically sad most of the time, despite trying to hide it.
You must really have a lot of dangerous people bothering you over it then. It's bothersome, isn't it?
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Ahh, ha ha, yeah. I've had more than a few demons trying to kill me so they can eat Abel's soul, or... something like that. [He started to tick them off;] Ignoring the run of the mill demons who just wanted to eat me out of hunger, there was Beldr, Belial, Belzaboul, Jezebel, Belberith, Babel... hell, even Lucifer took a whack at me once, but I think he was holding back in that encounter. He was very creepy, a little too forward for my tastes...
[Yeah, he had no idea how to react to having the Fallen Angel himself wax poetics about his "beautiful" soul, and how he wanted to see his "innermost, blood-red emotions" after declaring himself his true father. Like. Um? You were giving out very weird, mixed signals there, Lucy.]
It's only since coming to Cerealia that I feel like I can relax, y'know? Don't have to worry about this or that demon or angel leaping out of the shadows to decapitate me, or whatever.
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[He sets down his cup of tea and laughs a little at the word creepy.]
Yes, some of them really are perverse like that! Though I never met Lucifer, at least from what I can remember. But Balberith and Gilles, they are a bit... much.
[Why did Sytry end up surround by the all creepers? If William ever saw him again, they needed to have a talk about that.]
But it is nice here, is it? No one wants to kill you, or wants you to make any important decisions. You can just be. Not that I want things to stay like this, but it is a good break.
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COMP TUTORIAL
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