elnysa | Audio | un: anonymous

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Audio | un: anonymous

[The poster on the network today is listed as anonymous -- but for anyone who has met him in person, they'll be sure to recognize his voice. He's not making an attempt at keeping a secret so much as making sure his name only goes out to those he wants it to. He's going by more than one these days, after all.]

[If someone listens carefully, they'll hear the sound of fire crackling in the background. Is he sitting by a campfire? Strange, it seems a little early in the day for that.]

I do hope everyone is having a lovely morning! Or at the very least, I hope you're all fairing better than I am at the moment. You see, I'm having something of a demon problem, and was wondering if anyone might be able to assist me in taking care of it! Naturally, I wouldn't be asking for anyone to help me for free.

[Something shatters in the background, and there's a good minute or two of silence. When he returns, his voice is as calm and unflappable as before... but it's probably good no one can see the face he's making.]

I'm currently in need of a large amount of holy water, but I'm afraid I'm rather incapable of producing it myself. I already know the proper rituals of course, but typically only someone of a certain caliber of purity or faith is capable of imbuing the water with the right properties. [And, ya know, not being a demon helps.] If there are any holy men, priests, priestesses, monks... ah, or even someone of particularly devout faith of any sort who would be willing to assist me, I'd be more than happy to return the favor in whatever way you see fit! ☆

That is, assuming the end result is successful. I'm afraid I don't have the resources to reward you on effort alone! Ah, and of course: serious inquires only, please.

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Ah, right again! You're quite the perceptive one, aren't you?

[Not that he's being too subtle about it, honestly.]

Indeed, he and I come from the same world. Our paths had already crossed many times before we wound up here. And it just so happens that I'm a practicing exorcist -- which is why I'm more than confident in my ability to handle him on my own, should the need arise.

[It's not technically a lie... but his ability to restrain Rin has nothing to do with exorcism.]

However, the real issue are those flames of his! Seeing as he's not in a state to be reasoned with right now, the only other option for putting them out is holy water. Otherwise, they'll continue to burn endlessly with or without a source of fuel until he passes out.

Just put someone whose read a verse in a few heavy robes and it'll have the same effect.

[ Look at him brimming with optimism. ]

The existence of anything holy doesn't really ring right with me. It's all a big joke.

Oh, so you've noticed~?

[ Deep down Dazai doesn't care about flattery, but the exterior persona he wears like a second skin indulges in it. And since no one really sees a preening idiot as much of a threat, it means spilled secrets and accidental admissions happen far more frequently. ]

I can already tell you and I are going to get along fabulously.

[ He drives that point home by posing a little in front of his device, stroking his chin as if in thought. ]

I was a detective in my former life. My coworkers seemed to get credit for solving most of the cases, but I'm sure my help was absolutely essential to their success.

[ Dazai also stretches the truth a little, even though he did feign being a good for nothing layabout at his prior job. ]

Ah, then your friend really is lucky to have you! I had someone like that here. Except, he disappeared... just like that.

[ A snap of his fingers punctuates the dramatic story. ]

Once your buddy is on the mend, how about we three celebrate his recovery? My treat. [ Actually. He'll probably steal the money from Chuuya. But...details. ] Since it's the perfect atmosphere to show appreciation for everything you've done.

[Ah yes, the preening idiot type... perhaps for anyone else, it'd be an easy enough facade to fall for. But seeing as not only Mephisto himself, but most of his closest associates also use such a false persona to hide their true intentions, it's actually having the opposite effect and making him all the more suspicious. Just what was this guy after?]

[But in any case, it certainly doesn't do anything to negate what he says -- if there really is more to him than this outward persona, then they'll almost certainly get along fabulously. Already, those little factoids he dropped have him curious to learn more.]

That's quite generous of you to offer! But I do wonder just how you plan on extending such an invitation to me when you have no idea who I am. [This post is anonymous, after all. Unless he's fishing for an introduction--]

[...or flirting. He can't exactly discount that either.]

Not that I'm opposed to becoming more well acquainted, of course. One can't have too many connections in a world like this.

[He laughs! It's been a while since he's had a conversation like this.]

Hahah! Well, I suppose there's no need to convince you otherwise. Why, even in my world, there are those who deny the existence of demons, despite all evidence pointing to the contrary. Most people refuse to believe in anything they can't see with their own eyes, after all.

Edited 2017-10-30 00:08 (UTC)

I completely understand how your companion's delicate situation calls for secrecy from the general population. However...

As you so adeptly put it, we all could use a little help and a few friends in these oh-so trying times.

[ Think of this as an RPG guild. Everyone wants strong players by their side. A demon and his demon-taming companion don't sound shabby to him. And Dazai is always looking to tuck people into his fold - or keep close tabs on them for less than friendly reasons.

Same difference, right? ]

And I figure it could get tricky delivering the necessary watery cure-all for your pressing troubles....and get paid for it [ He quietly murmurs. ] if we fail to meet.

There could be people following this post with less than honorable intentions. Who knows what would happen if our transaction isn't face to face?

[ Anonymity is a good way to lose a commission. And Dazai doesn't trust anyone, despite his occasional bouts of overly friendly behavior. ]

So naturally, eventual introductions would benefit all parties involved.

[ Whew. What a long-winded and roundabout way to say, 'LMIRL' ]

[Less than honorable intentions, huh--]

[But it's not like Mephisto didn't already roll with the less than honorable crowd on a day to day basis. He may be a self-proclaimed ally of humanity, but at the end of the day, he was still a demon. Honestly, he probably had more to worry about from those of more honorable intentions. A holyman seeking a demon to smite was of far more concern to him than some shady used-card-salesman-sounding fellow.]

Hahah! Well, I can't say I disagree with that! So, what say you and I continue this little discussion of ours in person? I still have a few loose ends to tie up here, but I should have some free time coming up... ah, as soon as I put my patient to bed, of course.

[...easier said than done, he's gonna have to strap him the goddamn bed.]

My, with a man like you on the job, I feel I can put my heart at ease!

[The words sound sincere, but they are almost certainly sarcastic.]

Shall I send you my contact information then, so you might be able to reach me should you stumble upon a priest I can rely on?

[Uh oh. Are you ready for this? Are you ready for this tone of voice? because here it comes.]

Well, Maker knows I'm always up for a bit of experimentation. Perhaps when you're done with your burning problem.

[Yes, he went there. How could he not??]

Know anywhere good?

Hm... perhaps it would be easier if I were to simply show you?

[Aaand the audio post turn into a video! But neither Rin nor Mephisto will appear it. Instead, he gets an interesting view of a room covered in scorch marks. There's an odd blue glow seen off screen -- something he's definitely not going to show.]

You see, I've been fortunate enough to receive some manner of help from the local shamans -- but I'm afraid their holy water simply isn't potent enough. It still does the job, but--

[On a desk, sits a candle, with a blue flame flickering at the wick (while whatever blue glow is illuminating the rest of the room seems to be coming from somewhere else). A gloved hand can be seen reaching into view with a cup of water, which he pours over it. But rather than go out, the water seemingly boils and turns to steam instantly -- and though the flame is mostly put out, the embers on the wick still flicker, as if threatening to jump back to life.]

--it requires such a large amount of it, that it would be easier to simply knock the boy unconscious and wait for the flames to burn out on their own. Of course, this is hardly a long-term solution.

[Even if it would make his job so much easier. Rin is a brat.]

[HEH. That gets a laugh out of him.]

Unfortunately, I can't afford to stray too far from my patient lest he decide to flee his bed and wander the streets. [AGAIN] But I think I know a place where we can get better acquainted.

[Using that same tone of voice he just used because of course. He follows it up with a private message sent to his email, containing the address of a bar in the old city and a time, as well as revealing his username to be mephychan.]

[ 'Loose ends'. Goodness, Dazai has to put an extra bit of elbow grease into schooling his expression towards something neutral after that slightly nefarious mention. ]

I'll let you get to it, since it sounds like you... have your hands full.

[ If he was actually someone whose moral compass always pointed due north, perhaps he'd try harder to connect the dots pointing to this person's character. If only to ensure the 'patient' is question is there willingly. But he's not.

And first thing's first. If anything shady is going on he'll worry about that after he's been paid. Lending someone else a helping hand won't do him any good if he ends up starving as a penniless vagabond. ]

Should I expect our rendezvous to be at your place?

[ Dazai doubts he's going to be welcomed into this man's lair when he's this hesitant to show his face. Still, that doesn't mean he can taunt him, as though expecting as much, no matter how well aware that it's likely out of the question. ]

Or should we be considerate of your guest and take this small talk somewhere else?

Edited (Stop me from using 'ah' to death.) 2017-10-30 21:41 (UTC)

Goodness, of course not! I wouldn't want to risk anyone else catching this terrible disease. It's far easier to take proper precautions when it's simply myself, after all... and not to mention that too much excitement may risk needlessly agitating my dear demon friend.

[Well, all that and-- duh, of course he's not going to let anyone here see Rin's face. He knows all too well how important it can be to keep one's demon heritage a secret.]

I can't afford to stray too far from where he's staying at the moment, but I think I know a good place nearby where we can chat.

[Aaand as if on cue, he's going to receive a private message to his email with the address of a bar in the old city and a time, as well as revealing his username to be mephychan. Kawaii.]

How responsible of you to consider the issue of my well-being, if not the health of the community at large, too.

A lesser man might let those slide for his own interests.

[ Once the conversation begins to consist of mostly the fluff courteous people call polite etiquette, Dazai instinctively begins relying on flattery to navigate the societal niceties he doesn't quite feel. ]

I should have expected nothing less from such a dedicated caretaker as yourself!

[ Dazai happens to occasionally moonlight as a bar-fly himself, so the familiar destination is right up his alley. That and it has enough exits to make a speedy escape in the event he accidentally gives Mr. Good Intentions reasons to be unfriendly.

Or even if he doesn't. ]

Everything seems to be in order, so I'll see you soon.

[ The message within his inbox won't be met with a name that can rival that level of otaku pride, but Dazai does muster up the most obnoxious kaomoji he can to send under his own username null: ☆⌒d(*^ｰﾟ)b⌒☆

Once done he'll waste no time heading for the bar in question, with reasons that pertain less to punctuality and instead his own cautious nature. ]

[Mephisto takes the flattery in stride, not particularly agreeing with or rejecting it. Much as he enjoys a little padding to his ego, it's a bit odd to receive it in such high amounts from someone who still doesn't even know his name.]

[...but the emoji is immediately charming. And naturally, he's gotta reply with something equally obnoxious: -(๑☆‿ ☆#)ᕗ ]

[The bar in question is definitely more of the seedy type than a tourist destination, full of older faces who seem more than happy to keep to themselves. There's likely just a bit more tension in the room than usual with the recent mingling of Wyver natives and Olympians -- but at the moment, it doesn't look like anyone is too keen on starting a scene.]

[You know. Until Mephisto gets there. Tall as heck and wearing a finely pressed white pin-stripe suit, he's practically a scene in and of itself when he walks in. But for all that he clearly stands out, he gets a wave from a few people at the bar, as if he were a regular.]

[He chose this place for a reason, after all. Location aside, so few new faces showed up here that he knew he'd find the person he arranged to meet with whether he knew what they looked like or not. And indeed -- he'll immediately make his way over to where Dazai is seated.]

My, I hope I haven't kept you waiting too long... ah, come to think of it, I don't believe I ever got your name!

Not at all. I've been enjoying myself and soaking up the atmosphere.

[ While still full-throttle into his act, the last part isn't untrue. Seedy, dimly lit bars are like home to him, so if anything it's dreadfully nostalgic. Not bad, and oddly relaxing if anything. ]

How rude of me, failing to introduce myself. [ As if it wasn't intentional. ] It's Dazai Osamu. But just Dazai is fine.

[ In times past Dazai has met plenty of well to do plutocrats and would-be dons whose pockets were as deep as their greed. Their fashion tastes tend to easily label which is which, just as the cheap knockoffs worn by dime store goons mark them as their leader's disposable cannon fodder.

So his companion's attire throws him for a bit of a loop, when the man looks more mafioso than a dabbler in demon-taming, healing, or whatever he may be actually up to. ]

Well, if I'd known this was a formal occasion I'd have worn a tie.

[ The lazy smirk Dazai maintains suggests he's not serious. But it is a more polite acknowledgment than what he's capable of. He still has to keep up appearances that he's not a completely terrible person in order to get paid.

Except. This fellow is making it so hard to behave himself. ]

Wait a second- [ He whistles to himself, looking Mephisto up and down as though anything about being vertically gifted deserved a nod of impressed approval. ]

I'd almost forgotten they make people that tall!!

[This man must enjoy hearing the sound of his own voice nearly as much as Mephisto does. It's getting a little eerie at this point, the similarities--]

[But this could certainly work in his favor, couldn't it? It was always wise to plan for the future. After all, who really knows whether the Natha will uphold their promise to keep this body from breaking down...]

[Mephisto's own expression is affable and calm, smiling almost warmly as he chuckles and takes a seat across from him.]

Hahah, well met, Dazai-kun!

[Yep. He's getting the -kun treatment. He deserves it for giving him (what he assumes, for now) a fake-ass name. He's lived in Japan long enough to have probably met the real man behind that pen name. Surely if one is going to pick a fake name, they should lean towards something less obvious? ...not that Mephisto's is any better. Demon McFakename.]

Likewise, I apologize for going to such lengths to hide my identity before! You never know what sort of people might be listening, after all. [He tips his hat.] My name is Mephisto Pheles.

I will do my best for you, mein freund!

Please do. That way, if I can find one, I will send him your way.

[That's an interesting username. He makes note of the address--just the right level of seedy that he likes--and nods.]

It's a date.

[He snickers at that -- but date or not, there were serious motivations behind all the flirting. Whether he ended up with some quality holy water or not, he could always use more interesting contacts and allies.]

[The bar itself is a little hole-in-the-wall place full of old faces who seem keen on keeping to themselves. With all the tension in the city these days with so many Olympians hanging around, it's probably to be expected...]

[But the choice is intentional, helping to guarantee Mephisto will know his man even without having seen his face. Likewise, Mephisto stands out a great deal himself, dressed in a white pinstripe suit and clearly a pretty tall dude, even while sitting down.]

[He'll already be sitting in a booth waiting when Zevran walks in, Mephisto waving him over.]

Thank you for meeting me on such short notice, Mr... ah, how rude of me, I don't believe I got your name!

[And he does, sending a private message to Reinhardt's email and revealing his own username to be mephychan.]

[But probably of more interest than that will be what he sends him--]

Guten tag! This is Johann Faust-- ah, and I don't believe I got your name, mein Herr!

[Is it time for gratuitous German? Yes, yes it is.]

[ Well, that certainly is illustrative! ]

It's not like the local shamans are lacking in faith.

[ A faint wryness to his tone, but it's not mockery. More thoughtful, Cain trying to think of what else they can try. From what the man's said, those "local shamans" should have been able to provide holy water the same as anyone else with great faith. ]

I'll come take a look, but you may need something other than holy water for this. A whole spell, it sounds like.

[ mephychan? really???

But yes. German is much more important. It makes him so happy. He'll just eagerly go right into his native tongue, which is definitely heavily Bavarian in regional accent. ]

Ah! Hallo, Herr Faust [ Not questioning the name. Nope nope nope.] You must forgive my rudeness. Reinhardt Wilhelm, at your service!

[Ahh, it's been a while since he's actively conversed in his native tongue! That is, this body's native tongue. But it certainly takes a bit of extra concentration, what with their language replaced by the Natha to make them all speak the same thing.]

[His own accent will be harder to place -- but it'll sound notably older, seeing as it'd be a dialect from a couple of centuries ago.]

A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Herr Wilhelm. But please -- I'm the one who should apologize for this little charade in the first place! One simply can't be too careful with what they reveal to the general public. After all, I would hate for some upstart exorcist to take advantage of my friend's weakness to test their skills. Demonic heritage aside -- he's really a rather sweet boy.

[Okay, even he can't manage to say that without at least a bit of a snicker-- it's a good thing Rin's unconscious right now, or hearing that come out of Mephisto's mouth would probably make him worse.]

There is a certain element of what sort of faith, I suppose. But considering the circumstances, I can't exactly effort to be picky. [~~And the mods said the Shamans can't actually bless holy water for some reason so let's just pretend it's only as effective as normal tap water would be oops.~~]

Ah, but if you know a spell that could do the job just as well, I'd certainly be open to it! Provided, of course, it will bring no harm to the demon himself.

He's only a child, after all... ah, but I shouldn't reveal too much here, where just anyone can see. Shall we arrange for a place to meet in person?

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