[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.
[Out of all the Bels he had to scramble over to become the King, Belberith was the worst of the bunch. True, Belzaboul had traumatised him for life, but Belberith had drawn humans into his cult, made them serve him, put a demon inside Amane and then consumed her father before her eyes! Nope. No way was he forgiving that freak for doing that to one of his friends!]
Ah, yes, exactly. You get me, you get me so much, future husband. [Kazuya smiled brightly, his mood buoying from the brief dip it had taken] Here, we can just be normal guys! Hell, we might as well be - do you know how many weird people live here? Compared to them, our worlds and lives are practically mundane and boring. It's a great feeling...
[If his friends back home were here, it'd be perfect. He'd never want to return to his world at all!]
There are a lot of weird sorts here, aren't there?
[Countries who were people, small monster hunting girls who liked lace too much, idiots as far as the eye could see...]
Granted, I hardly consider myself mundane in the slightest. And not because of demons or reincarnation or any silly rubbish like that.
[He was going places with his amazing brain. Sure, his dreams of being prime minster were impossible here, at least for now. But that was a minor detail.]
But yes, I do get you. And it is... refreshing to meet someone who knows what it is like. It is a difficult feeling, when your destiny isn't always your own.
[Kazuya lifted his tea cup in a mock cheer, before slowly lowering it to take a sip. Ah, he hadn't felt so happy and relieved in a long time. He never felt like he could connect with people ever since his... coronation, so to speak, and it made him feel so lonely. Not, painfully so, but enough for him to... well, ache, just a little bit. But now...]
So troublesome, having supernatural entities meddling in your life... say, if you didn't have to get bogged down with this Solomon business, what would you do with your life? If you don't mind me asking, of course. I'm just curious to see what kind of man my future husband aspires to be~
[He actually joined in on the little mock toast, because why not? A toast to comrades in... suffering. ]
What would I do?
[There is this big, arrogant smile on his face now.]
I have it all planned out! Once I am done with my schooling, I am moving on to a prestigious University. Then I will find a job in either law or politics. and then, I shall become my country's youngest prime minister. And then, after I have retired, I shall make a living through book royalties and lecture fees.
[He seriously has it all planned out.]
And I am going to do it regardless of those demons! And my current financial situation. And this place.
[Kazuya blinked, genuinely taken aback by this ambitious yet weirdly mundane goal. Youngest Prime Minister? That wasn't a common dream amongst teenagers in this day and age, where politicians were deemed negatively by the modern generation. It wasn't an easy thing either, and to get a shot at a Prime Minister seat? That was like aiming for the stars.
But William's enthusiasm and belief was plain as day to see. This guy really thought he could do it - no, he knew he could do it. It was...aspiring to witness]
That's... [Kazuya overcame his surprise and smiled - he couldn't help it, that stubborn type of belief reminded him almost of...] That's pretty cool. That you're so determined, I mean. Lots of people would give up in your situation, since, like, getting trapped in an alternative dimension, er, world... thingy would seem like a dream-ender to most.
[Well he likes being flattered and is getting used to being called "cool" by now. Sure some people are impressed with him back home, but many others tend to find him off putting for honestly justified reasons. Jealously is ugly sometimes. But here, it's simply gratifying to be thought of so highly.
Though he does think on what Kazuya said about being in this place a little more fully.]
Well I will admit, this has put a spanner in the works for me, since there is no government as we know it here and they do not wish to give us any sort of leadership roles. It's why I would rather go home. But, if by some awful chance I cannot do so...
[Honestly he hasn't come up with a good solution yet, but he's come up with options, because one must plan for the worst case scenario.]
I will just have to force them to allow me to do something of import. And in the mean time, I mean to learn as much as I can about the world we are in. My knowledge of certain things is out of date, so I need to catch up anyways. It would be irresponsible to do otherwise.
[Science could explain everything, but only when you understood it in full. And even for a brain such as his, it was taking time to absorb it all.
But well, enough about him, as much as his ego is enjoying it.]
What about you? What would you do without being the Messiah or whatever it is?
[Kazuya looked startled at the focus turned upon him, and he dithered for a moment. He honestly had no idea on how to answer that question. He never had a dream job, and he was well aware of his own limits, intelligence wise, so knew better than to aspire beyond his reach. He was, simply put, not very smart. He understood concepts and the like when they were explained to him (otherwise the lockdown would've been an even bigger, confusing mess than it already was), but he was nowhere near the same level as Atsuro or Naoya in terms of sheer brilliance or innovation]
I hadn't really thought about it. [Kazuya looked faintly embarrassed] I was still figuring out what I wanted to do before the whole... Messiah mess kicked off. Not that it matters. I don't really have any, uh, unique skills outside of killing demons anyway.
[Though, to be honest, Kazuya's rough "career plan" pre-lockdown had been banking on Atsuro becoming some sort of super amazing genius CEO of a computing company and doing him a solid by employing him as Coffee Boy, or even a footstool - God knows Atsuro deserved a human footstool - rather than striking out on his own and potentially festering in some sort of loveless, low-paying job for pure survival]
[Well now William feels a little guilty. While he doesn't always have patience for those who lack ambition or intellgence, he's also accepted that not everyone is like him in that regard. And it definitely hadn't been his intention to embarrass Kazuya, not when their conversation had been going so well up until this point.
He had to figure out a way to smooth this over.]
Ah, well not everyone is able to figure that sort of thing out. It just means that your options are open. Or rather, were...
[Okay, somehow that was even more awkward. He could have said something encouraging like "everyone is good at something," but that also felt trite.]
[Kazuya sounded a little dry there, but he didn't seem annoyed at William's fumbled attempt at comfort. In fact, his embarrassment eased somewhat, and he smiled wryly]
It's okay. Don't worry about it. I mean, it was probably best I didn't have a dream job. Less disappointment when getting dragged into this Abel business.
[After all, Messiah was for life... if only because they died criminally young. No time for dreams and what not]
[Kazuya looked somewhat guarded at the question, and there was a notable pause as he tried to think of a nice way to describe his role. His role of Messiah was linked so closely to being the King of Bel, it'd be difficult to...]
...no. [His voice was subdued] I'm... I'm supposed to ensure that humanity stays on the right path. Humans get led astray by demons easily, so one of my roles is to ensure that nobody is summoning them or making contracts when they shouldn't be. God doesn't tolerate anything like that, and if too many humans consort with demons too often, he... won't be pleased.
[The looming threat of having humanity's free will revoked still shadowed him. If he messed up, or didn't keep a strict watch or control over humanity, then everyone would become as puppet-like as the angels]
So, I, er, kill demons, block their access into my world, things like that. As well... [He paused, obviously debating on whether to say something] I'm meant to cleanse any, um... 'negative influences' within humanity itself. So, if there's an unrepentant sinner, or a demon summoner, then...
[He trailed off, his expression unhappy. He resisted that command as much as he could - many people they condemned to death had only committed sinful acts out of desperation or fear - but Kazuya only had so much leeway. If he couldn't get the sinner to repent, too bad, they were dead. Vaporised, in fact, if Kazuya didn't immediately slay them where they stood (which he didn't, so far, no human blood had stained his hands, but he knew it was only a matter of time until it did). It was a sort of tyranny that stuck sharply in his throat, but humanity just had to suffer it for a while longer. Kazuya was determined to make sure that they will escape from God's shadow, one way or another, with no casualties...!]
[That was a bit... not what he was expecting and William took a moment to think on it. Truth be told, he still held now to the impression of God he had expressed to Kevin: a pitiable being whose mistaken need to control humanity was futile. Humans were capable of great and small evils. He'd experienced that himself within his own family and knew of what was out there in the world. Humans were flawed and inherently sinful, and you were not going to stop that through fear and coercion. Nay, you only made it worse.
Such tyranny struck him as inherently wrong headed, yet it was also obvious that this wasn't what Kazuya wanted.]
So you are stuck in an unfair position, huh? The divine is illogical in that way. What was it I remember Solomon saying: humans sin because they enjoy it.
[It was simplistic and stupid way to put it, but Solomon did have a point.]
What a thankless job for you.
[It made him a little angry honestly, especially when he thought of his own situation. These demons, angels and gods, that held themselves so high above humanity had the nerve to shove their responsibilities onto others. With no regard as to what that person's wishes might be. Or their suitability to the task at hand. What nonsense.]
Though honestly, it sounds like your situation is far worse than mine. They haven't demanded that I kill anyone.
Give it time. It'll probably come out that you're the "chosen one" to slay, I dunno, Lucifer or something at some point, and the hope of the world rests on you beating him at rock, paper, scissors.
[Kazuya's feeble attempt at humour fell flat, as his words came out a little more bitter than he intended. He lowered his gaze, staring at the tea in his hands blankly. Every time he had to genuinely consider what his job as Messiah entailed, he always felt this great... something. Something far too cold and hard for anger, and that weighed greatly on his diaphragm like a sharp edged rock.
Something that felt like hatred, a rancour so alien and bitter that Kazuya simply couldn't comprehend it. Was it his own? Bel's? Abel's? All three of them combined? He didn't know. It existed. It was there. It remained.]
...I. [Kazuya stopped, remembering who he was talking to. He made an odd noise, difficult to discern, and lifted his head and gaze, the shadow gone from his eyes] I mean, it's fine. To be honest, mine's more straightforward than your situation of refereeing a demon election. That sounds way more troublesome.
[That was a horrifying thought, because much as William liked to brag, he didn't think he would ever have a chance. He couldn't even help Baphomet in the end. What would he do against Lucifer? Even in a case like rock, paper, scissors, Lucifer was probably capable of cheating somehow.
He blinks when they turn back to his own duties, but decides to go with it. Especially since Kazuya seems so bitterly unhappy.]
I do not know if it is all that troublesome. I have abstained from voting thus far and I mean to keep at it. I just wish they understood I had bigger problems to deal with than their stupid power struggle.
It is just difficult when nothing I do against them seems to matter.
[Even the few steps he took in the end were futile.]
And the few safe ones, I cannot rely on them forever...
[Would Dantalion have even came back? Did he even wish to?]
[Kazuya said this rather emphatically, punctuating his words with a sharp nod. Even though he himself used demons, he ensured that he didn't rely on them, because that was a dangerous crutch. Reliance meant you needed them, and if you needed them, you gave them an opening, and if you gave them an opening, then they had you, and that would be that. Kazuya treated his demons how they should be treated - an ends to a means, and tools to be utilised to their fullest capacity]
Which is why you should learn how to deal with demons on your own. Though... that's difficult, considering you're a mostly normal human. No offence, but even a Pixie could snap you in half, and they're the weakest demons around. Hm...
[Which was why he did think William had it worse in that respect. Kazuya, at the very least, couldn't be menaced or bullied by demons. After clawing his way to the very top of the demonic food chain, there were only a scant few who'd dare to openly challenge him. The angels were still an issue, but even then, Metatron was the only legitimate threat. William... well, William was pretty much at the demons' whims, from the sound of it. He may have an advantageous position of having what the demons wanted, but in the end, he couldn't fight them one-on-one and win]
But, maybe... [Should he? Would it even work for him?] I may have a solution. I could give you a way to stand on the same level as a demon, you know, able to fight back and win if you ever get stuck in a tight spot.
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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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[Out of all the Bels he had to scramble over to become the King, Belberith was the worst of the bunch. True, Belzaboul had traumatised him for life, but Belberith had drawn humans into his cult, made them serve him, put a demon inside Amane and then consumed her father before her eyes! Nope. No way was he forgiving that freak for doing that to one of his friends!]
Ah, yes, exactly. You get me, you get me so much, future husband. [Kazuya smiled brightly, his mood buoying from the brief dip it had taken] Here, we can just be normal guys! Hell, we might as well be - do you know how many weird people live here? Compared to them, our worlds and lives are practically mundane and boring. It's a great feeling...
[If his friends back home were here, it'd be perfect. He'd never want to return to his world at all!]
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[Countries who were people, small monster hunting girls who liked lace too much, idiots as far as the eye could see...]
Granted, I hardly consider myself mundane in the slightest. And not because of demons or reincarnation or any silly rubbish like that.
[He was going places with his amazing brain. Sure, his dreams of being prime minster were impossible here, at least for now. But that was a minor detail.]
But yes, I do get you. And it is... refreshing to meet someone who knows what it is like. It is a difficult feeling, when your destiny isn't always your own.
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[Kazuya lifted his tea cup in a mock cheer, before slowly lowering it to take a sip. Ah, he hadn't felt so happy and relieved in a long time. He never felt like he could connect with people ever since his... coronation, so to speak, and it made him feel so lonely. Not, painfully so, but enough for him to... well, ache, just a little bit. But now...]
So troublesome, having supernatural entities meddling in your life... say, if you didn't have to get bogged down with this Solomon business, what would you do with your life? If you don't mind me asking, of course. I'm just curious to see what kind of man my future husband aspires to be~
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What would I do?
[There is this big, arrogant smile on his face now.]
I have it all planned out! Once I am done with my schooling, I am moving on to a prestigious University. Then I will find a job in either law or politics. and then, I shall become my country's youngest prime minister. And then, after I have retired, I shall make a living through book royalties and lecture fees.
[He seriously has it all planned out.]
And I am going to do it regardless of those demons! And my current financial situation. And this place.
[He says the last into his tea very bitterly.]
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But William's enthusiasm and belief was plain as day to see. This guy really thought he could do it - no, he knew he could do it. It was...aspiring to witness]
That's... [Kazuya overcame his surprise and smiled - he couldn't help it, that stubborn type of belief reminded him almost of...] That's pretty cool. That you're so determined, I mean. Lots of people would give up in your situation, since, like, getting trapped in an alternative dimension, er, world... thingy would seem like a dream-ender to most.
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Though he does think on what Kazuya said about being in this place a little more fully.]
Well I will admit, this has put a spanner in the works for me, since there is no government as we know it here and they do not wish to give us any sort of leadership roles. It's why I would rather go home. But, if by some awful chance I cannot do so...
[Honestly he hasn't come up with a good solution yet, but he's come up with options, because one must plan for the worst case scenario.]
I will just have to force them to allow me to do something of import. And in the mean time, I mean to learn as much as I can about the world we are in. My knowledge of certain things is out of date, so I need to catch up anyways. It would be irresponsible to do otherwise.
[Science could explain everything, but only when you understood it in full. And even for a brain such as his, it was taking time to absorb it all.
But well, enough about him, as much as his ego is enjoying it.]
What about you? What would you do without being the Messiah or whatever it is?
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[Kazuya looked startled at the focus turned upon him, and he dithered for a moment. He honestly had no idea on how to answer that question. He never had a dream job, and he was well aware of his own limits, intelligence wise, so knew better than to aspire beyond his reach. He was, simply put, not very smart. He understood concepts and the like when they were explained to him (otherwise the lockdown would've been an even bigger, confusing mess than it already was), but he was nowhere near the same level as Atsuro or Naoya in terms of sheer brilliance or innovation]
I hadn't really thought about it. [Kazuya looked faintly embarrassed] I was still figuring out what I wanted to do before the whole... Messiah mess kicked off. Not that it matters. I don't really have any, uh, unique skills outside of killing demons anyway.
[Though, to be honest, Kazuya's rough "career plan" pre-lockdown had been banking on Atsuro becoming some sort of super amazing genius CEO of a computing company and doing him a solid by employing him as Coffee Boy, or even a footstool - God knows Atsuro deserved a human footstool - rather than striking out on his own and potentially festering in some sort of loveless, low-paying job for pure survival]
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He had to figure out a way to smooth this over.]
Ah, well not everyone is able to figure that sort of thing out. It just means that your options are open. Or rather, were...
[Okay, somehow that was even more awkward. He could have said something encouraging like "everyone is good at something," but that also felt trite.]
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[Kazuya sounded a little dry there, but he didn't seem annoyed at William's fumbled attempt at comfort. In fact, his embarrassment eased somewhat, and he smiled wryly]
It's okay. Don't worry about it. I mean, it was probably best I didn't have a dream job. Less disappointment when getting dragged into this Abel business.
[After all, Messiah was for life... if only because they died criminally young. No time for dreams and what not]
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So, if you are the Messiah, what does that entail? I assume it is not the same as Christ.
[And what did that mean for Kevin? That's what he was really itching to know.]
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...no. [His voice was subdued] I'm... I'm supposed to ensure that humanity stays on the right path. Humans get led astray by demons easily, so one of my roles is to ensure that nobody is summoning them or making contracts when they shouldn't be. God doesn't tolerate anything like that, and if too many humans consort with demons too often, he... won't be pleased.
[The looming threat of having humanity's free will revoked still shadowed him. If he messed up, or didn't keep a strict watch or control over humanity, then everyone would become as puppet-like as the angels]
So, I, er, kill demons, block their access into my world, things like that. As well... [He paused, obviously debating on whether to say something] I'm meant to cleanse any, um... 'negative influences' within humanity itself. So, if there's an unrepentant sinner, or a demon summoner, then...
[He trailed off, his expression unhappy. He resisted that command as much as he could - many people they condemned to death had only committed sinful acts out of desperation or fear - but Kazuya only had so much leeway. If he couldn't get the sinner to repent, too bad, they were dead. Vaporised, in fact, if Kazuya didn't immediately slay them where they stood (which he didn't, so far, no human blood had stained his hands, but he knew it was only a matter of time until it did). It was a sort of tyranny that stuck sharply in his throat, but humanity just had to suffer it for a while longer. Kazuya was determined to make sure that they will escape from God's shadow, one way or another, with no casualties...!]
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Such tyranny struck him as inherently wrong headed, yet it was also obvious that this wasn't what Kazuya wanted.]
So you are stuck in an unfair position, huh? The divine is illogical in that way. What was it I remember Solomon saying: humans sin because they enjoy it.
[It was simplistic and stupid way to put it, but Solomon did have a point.]
What a thankless job for you.
[It made him a little angry honestly, especially when he thought of his own situation. These demons, angels and gods, that held themselves so high above humanity had the nerve to shove their responsibilities onto others. With no regard as to what that person's wishes might be. Or their suitability to the task at hand. What nonsense.]
Though honestly, it sounds like your situation is far worse than mine. They haven't demanded that I kill anyone.
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[Kazuya's feeble attempt at humour fell flat, as his words came out a little more bitter than he intended. He lowered his gaze, staring at the tea in his hands blankly. Every time he had to genuinely consider what his job as Messiah entailed, he always felt this great... something. Something far too cold and hard for anger, and that weighed greatly on his diaphragm like a sharp edged rock.
Something that felt like hatred, a rancour so alien and bitter that Kazuya simply couldn't comprehend it. Was it his own? Bel's? Abel's? All three of them combined? He didn't know. It existed. It was there. It remained.]
...I. [Kazuya stopped, remembering who he was talking to. He made an odd noise, difficult to discern, and lifted his head and gaze, the shadow gone from his eyes] I mean, it's fine. To be honest, mine's more straightforward than your situation of refereeing a demon election. That sounds way more troublesome.
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He blinks when they turn back to his own duties, but decides to go with it. Especially since Kazuya seems so bitterly unhappy.]
I do not know if it is all that troublesome. I have abstained from voting thus far and I mean to keep at it. I just wish they understood I had bigger problems to deal with than their stupid power struggle.
It is just difficult when nothing I do against them seems to matter.
[Even the few steps he took in the end were futile.]
And the few safe ones, I cannot rely on them forever...
[Would Dantalion have even came back? Did he even wish to?]
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[Kazuya said this rather emphatically, punctuating his words with a sharp nod. Even though he himself used demons, he ensured that he didn't rely on them, because that was a dangerous crutch. Reliance meant you needed them, and if you needed them, you gave them an opening, and if you gave them an opening, then they had you, and that would be that. Kazuya treated his demons how they should be treated - an ends to a means, and tools to be utilised to their fullest capacity]
Which is why you should learn how to deal with demons on your own. Though... that's difficult, considering you're a mostly normal human. No offence, but even a Pixie could snap you in half, and they're the weakest demons around. Hm...
[Which was why he did think William had it worse in that respect. Kazuya, at the very least, couldn't be menaced or bullied by demons. After clawing his way to the very top of the demonic food chain, there were only a scant few who'd dare to openly challenge him. The angels were still an issue, but even then, Metatron was the only legitimate threat. William... well, William was pretty much at the demons' whims, from the sound of it. He may have an advantageous position of having what the demons wanted, but in the end, he couldn't fight them one-on-one and win]
But, maybe... [Should he? Would it even work for him?] I may have a solution. I could give you a way to stand on the same level as a demon, you know, able to fight back and win if you ever get stuck in a tight spot.
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