[Log] A Pair of Tainted Souls?
Who: Kevin Graham, Soma Cruz
When: Sunday, Jan 4, 2009
Where: IPA Prison Facility
What: Soma goes to question Kevin about his recent encounter.
Watch For: The two seem to be a bit more alike than they realize.
Kevin had thought that the round of visitors would finally end, after
that last time of being pulled out of the prison. The day itself was a bit
unusual, though. He had not slept well, as he had been been dealing with some
unpleasant dreams over the past few days- pulling forward memories he'd rather
he simply forgot. Hands are cuffed as he's brought into the room and he finds
that he's let go from the cuffs and given a place to sit again.
The young priest remains seated at the table in silence, not sure
what's happening. But for now, he'll wait, and see who he's got coming to speak
with him. He does, however, set his hands in front of him. What he doesn't
expect, though- he begins to lower his head, starting to nod off a bit.
There were some forgotten forms to sign, keeping Soma from being first
in the room. But the door opens about ten minutes later, admitting the pale
man, not very much younger than the priest himself. Pale skin, pale hair, even
pale eyes. A white coat, dark clothes. Weapons checked, etc. The visitor walks
with an air of self confidence that borders upon arrogance, but the expression
he turns on Kevin is a little less harsh.
"You're Kevin Graham of the Septian Church?" he questions. Sounds like
he's faintly surprised. Probably expecting someone older.
Or maybe someone who didn't have green hair, though it's not as if he
The door opening is enough to snap Kevin out of his sleepy daze. He
sits up suddenly, and looks towards the entrance, raising an eyebrow at his
visitor. He remains quiet until Soma's facing him, and asks him who hs is.
The priest simply nods once. "I am. I'm 'fraid I don't know who ya
are." As he speaks, he has a bit of a quirky accent to his words. He finally
leans back in his seat. "Is there somethin' I can help ya with?"
Soma, spending a good deal of his time in Japan, doesn't have room to
speak on quirky accents, either. There's an inflection in his voice that
suggests he might be more accustomed to another language, for all he's quite
fluent in what passes for the common speak in... most places.
"I know. My name is Soma Cruz. I work with the IPA," A hand is raised
to suggest a degree of separation. "But I'm here to ask you a few questions
about a personal matter." It's probably not hard to guess what he's here about.
And besides, Soma isn't one for hedging around the matter. "Some
reports to the IPA about events surrounding you and your world list a type of
demon similar to one I encountered the other day. I want to find out more about
them." There is a sense of urgency under the cool voice.
The priest keeps his arms crossed and listens in silence still.
"...more questions 'bout 'em? The last guy who came t' speak wit' me came t'
ask 'bout it as well." He tilts his head a bit, thinking, before he finally
leans forward. "Th' IPA doesn't quite like me much, y'know. I'm almost willin'
t' bet that they'll think my information is suspect, o' course." He gestures
idly. "...but its yer choice t' believe what I say. I dunno what Miss Tegawa
will do if she heard 'bout ya comin' to talk t' me."
Once this warning has been set out, he finally gestures idly. "Now- ya
'ave questions 'bout the demons I've fought in the past? Please- ask. I'm
listenin'."
There's a look on the young man's face that a faint shrug confirms. He
doesn't care what the IPA /or/ Tegawa will think of him coming here to ask for
information. This is important to him. If he was here for the IPA, it'd be
another story.
The young man crosses the room, drawing near to the table and sitting
down at the other side. "Supernatural creatures are real on my plane. But the
one I encountered was very specific in claiming to be from another world." He
pauses. "There were two of them, actually. One looked like a friend of mine.
The other, the one that talked about being from a different plane..." Abruptly,
the young man draws up short. How to explain this? "...Some of my memories are
locked away." This... isn't the truth, really. But for the sake of argument,
you could say it /is/. Technically. "But this thing managed to take on an
appearance by reading those sealed memories. She-- it talked about testing to
see if I was good enough to 'help' it."
Kevin, still, remains in silence. ...but then there's the mention of
memories being sealed. The priest suddenly sits up a bit in his seat, wringing
one hand lightly with the other. He raises an eyebrow just a bit before he
finally leans forward to look carefully at the young man. "What kinda
background do ya 'ave in those sealed memories?"
He idly waves a hand. "I 'pologize. But if ya have somethin' that's
drawn the attention of a creature from Gehenna, ya will need t' be very
careful. I don't get the idea o' helpin' it, really. They're likely t' devour
yer soul before anythin' else. Ya turned it down, I hope?"
The apologize came in a timely fashion, because the defensive scowl was
immediate and obvious. 'That's not important' had been curt and on the tip of
his tongue, but the lashing words are restrained.
The irritation is then directed into a sharp response to the latter
query. "Of course I did." Soma shakes his head slightly. "I know I need to be
careful. But I have to know what I'm up against, too. The details behind those
memories aren't important." They probably are, but this is his way of saying
he's going to be stubborn about telling. "But if they're attracting these
creatures, I need to find a way to block them. If they can copy abilities as
well as memories..." With agitation, Soma pushes himself from the seat and
begins to pace the small area before the table.
Kevin shakes his head quietly. "I don' think it's quite as complicated
as that." He considers for a moment, then adds, "Maybe it just encountered ya.
Th' creatures like that have th' ability t' know yer memories. They're part o'
the element that determines such things." He watches Soma in silence afterwards
before leaning back in his seat.
"I dunno what they can an' can't copy, honestly. I only know what's in
our scriptures. I've seen possessions, an' handled 'gainst weaker demons that
had fallen through th' cracks o' reality... but... The Grimoire- smaller,
lesser demons can mimic memories o' allies. They're not powerful... but if ya
found somethin' that could draw on deeper memories- ya might've even found
somethin' as powerful as o' th' Seventy-Seven greater devils of our
scriptures." The priest is sounding fairly serious at this point. "This means
that they've found their way outta Gehenna and into th' other planes through
their Gate...."
Not just a demon. A potentially very /powerful/ demon. Soma stops and
closes his eyes for a second. It figures. Once again, the young man's eyes open
and he turns to focus on the priest with a resigned expression. "Alright," he
says then. "What do I do to stop them?"
As if it were as simple as that. The fact is that Soma /knows/ it won't
be, just as he knows he can't stand aside and expect peace to come to him. It
never, ever works that way. And that is why he asks the question.
"Can they be defeated and sealed? Do they..." Here, he pauses. About to
ask someone who speaks of scriptures and legends if the creatures have souls.
Now /that/ seems a self-defeating circumstance. "Just how much do you really
know about these things?" he says instead. The question is not intended to be
impolite as much as an attempt to assess how useful Kevin's information is
going to be on the field. As Soma's learned, what's written and what's reality
can have similiar appearances, but very different events. Take that book Bram
Stoker wrote, for instance.
The priest sets his hands on the table and pushes himself up to stand.
His blue eyes hold steady on Soma- until he finally speaks quietly. "I know
more 'bout th' demons than th' clergymen ya'd find in the Septian Church." This
is stated very quietly, before he finally shakes his head. "I'm a bit closer t'
what ya ran into, unfortunately. I know... a bit more than the norm, due t' it."
"The Seventy Seven greater devils are, unfortunately, far more
destructive and beyond a single person's capability. They nearly destroyed my
plane 'bout a thousand years ago. It was just a matter o' luck an' faith that
they were locked away." Kevin crosses his arms, frowning a bit. "But if they
want ya, ya gotta 'ave somethin' useful t' 'em."
The idea that he can't handle this himself doesn't seem to sit well
with Soma. Not at all. So much so, in fact, he almost misses the inference
Kevin makes, considering a question he's sorely tempted to ask. What of a
single person who has an army of souls at his command? But common sense
reasserts itself.
So does the recognition that he does have friends and allies he could
ask for help. Perhaps. "It's not something I'm going to let them take," Soma
returns, thereby implying that he knows perfectly well what it is and possibly
what the gist of those 'sealed memories' really are.
He's not really sure when he started believing, without a doubt, that
these creatures of Gehenna are the same he had encountered. The information
fits well enough. Most of what Kevin is telling him right now doesn't change
the facts he knows.
"A bit closer, how?" he asks abruptly, the question leaving him before
he realizes it could easily open a door to similar questions fired back.
Namely, about what these demons would want from him.
There's quite the laugh from the priest. Perhaps it's a bit of the more
bitter and cynical side of him showing. "They don't want yer memories. That's
jus' the easiest way t' get t' ya." He taps at his head. "What can a creature
with a malevolent mind do t' another if they knew how ya think? What affected
ya?"
Suddenly Kevin reaches across the table to tap two fingers to Soma's
forehead, if the youth will let him. But Kevin's fast, still. "Bam." He pulls
his hand back, with a slight grin on his face. "Wit' that, I could know how ya
think. Or I could destroy yer psyche. It's a curse fer someone t' have this
sorta power. It's th' power o' th' demons. I hold th' power o' th' goddess as
well as th' power of death that ya'd find in Gehenna." He moves to take a seat
again. "I'm a damned priest, if ya will."
Soma isn't much for physical contact. And though Kevin's fingers tap
successfully against the pale youth's brow, the scowl and dark glower come in
quick succession. He doesn't perform anything so undignified as a swipe of his
hand, no. There is simply an aura that radiates displeasure. "Don't do that."
Soma seriously /did not like that/.
The glare has its own arrogance, as if daring Kevin to even /try/ the
things he claims himself capable of.
Just as abruptly as it manifested, the attitude seems dampened again.
"Alright," Soma seems to accept the response as it stands. Even to sympathsize,
for it's quite true; the power of demons and devils is a terrible burden.
Curse? Well you can't help the way you're born. Maybe if he had this stuff
forced on him as a normal human, then he'd have reason to call it that. But
he's never been 'normal', if you look at it. Right?
These thoughts he keeps to himself. It's Kevin's right to look at it in
another way. "Is that why you're here?" he asks abruptly. Soma's eyes narrow,
though more for a thoughtful regard of the priest.
Kevin's slight smile never fades, even as the irritation he's picked up
from Soma. He simply crosses his arms, and shrugs. To be honest, Kevin doesn't
like using his memory control abilities. Perhaps if he honed them to a fine
art, he'd be a monstrous opponent- much like....
That man is unimportant. The priest chastises himself for even bringing
the former minister up in mind. He finally leans back comfortably in his seat,
letting the smile fade. To be honest, Kevin's ability is considered a gift by
many. -but as someone raised in a church that deems the 'holy' marks as heresy?
Well, then of course it's a curse. That, and there's been the loss of many
lives due to his own hidden nature- and his inability to control it.
"Hardly," Kevin finally answers Soma's question. "You can call me a
priest, but I'm more of a spy or assassin. I had a plan go very wrong and it
resulted in the near complete annhilation of a major city."
Oddly enough, Soma can understand where Kevin's coming from there, too.
Not the assassin part or the spy. But the whole issue with doing something that
can pretty much threaten an entire city or the whole world. Even in 2035, what
Dracula means to the world would be a terrible thing. It's.... just hard to
explain how.
In any case, Soma knows the stakes. Just because it hasn't happened,
doesn't mean he isn't concerned about it. ...Just because it could happen
doesn't mean he shouldn't do what he has to do. The young man nods again. "I
guess that means you're not going to be able to help me directly. Who else can
I ask?" The suggestion that this is a personal matter is further emphasized by
an additional comment. "I don't want to complicate this by going through
official channels. If there's people in the IPA, fine. Otherwise, anyone you
can recommend for support, I'll take."
Kevin considers things for a moment. "I dunno if people will be willin'
t' help if I'm involved, I'm 'fraid. There might be a few- perhaps Gwen, or
Maria..." He considers for a moment, before shaking his head. "Ya'll want to
keep yer eyes open. I'm sure yer not th' only one approached. They might be
desperate." The priest thinks for a moment, then he waves a hand. "If ya've got
questions, though... I'm sure yer more than welcome t' ask me." He finally
leans forward, setting his arms across the table in front of him, leaning on
them.
"...do ya mind if I ask ya somethin' personal, though?" An eyebrow is
raised as Kevin cocks his head slightly to the side. "What is it that they want
from ya? Ya and yer sealed memories... Is there anythin' else in there I should
be wonderin' 'bout? Is it a mistake t' give ya this information?" A pause. "I'd
hope not, since yer part of the IPA." Kevin has a slightly bitter laugh at this
point. "...though, they did take me in, too."
He waves a hand. "Sorry 'bout t' be so presumptuous, but there has t'
be somethin' that they wanted from ya t' approach ya like that. Yer not hidin'
from anythin'? Those memories that are sealed away? Is there any particular
reason for it?"
Soma knew the conversation would probably come back to it, sooner or
later. In a way he's prepared and another, he's not. The names and advice are
filed away for later review. On to other matters. A shrug invites Kevin to ask
and suggests his complete lack of surprise at what follows.
"If they're like you said and they're after it, then you should be
concerned if you care," he answers frankly. "If it's a mistake to tell me about
these demons when I already know about them... looks like I would have found
out this information sooner or later. Who would you rather tell me? You or the
demons?"
What is he hiding from? "I'm hiding from nothing," he says bluntly. "I
don't know what they want, but I know I can't hide. Not from them or my past.
Because it'll find me eventually." he begins to stand. "And it's better to
confront it than to hide under the covers and hope it'll go away." ...And
hoping that it won't hurt anyone around him is an even more futile dream in his
experience. Better to stop it before it can...
"You said you were close to these demons. So you'd know better than I
do about what they'd want. Use your power, if you think you can."
One chance then. "But if you can't figure it out, then what they want
from me is none of your business."
Kevin nods slowly. "No- do not run. Yer right. It'll catch up wit' ya
later." That's what it did to me. The priest wants to say that, but he finally
reaches up to scratch the side of his head. Then, almost as if he even heard
the young man's thoughts- "...an' problems like this will involve those close
t' ya if yer not careful."
But the comment- the final comment from Soma is almost a challenge. The
priest raises an eyebrow idly, watching him and studying if this is meant to be
the case.... until he says nothing and closes his eyes. Lowering his head, he
opens his own spirit to the dark power that runs within him. To one with the
senses to pick up the demonic power within the priest, it's not hard at all to
feel. He is trying to pull from the power of the Stigma without fully
activating the mark. It would become threatening and would most likely invite
more trouble as long as he's a prisoner.
But reaching for it in small increments- that's another thing entirely.
With entire days to himself, he's found himself working on control, or keeping
his mind level underneath whatever power could be found buried inside him. It's
far easier now than it was in the past, though. And that's truly frightening.
The priest reaches out towards Soma with his subconscious- he's trying
to find what he can, without truly delving into the young man's memories. That
is one power that will remain 'forbidden' in his eyes. Maybe, when there are
situations when it would do more help than harm... this is not one of them. He
has no control. He could even ruin the side within Soma that makes him what he
is...
All Kevin needs to know is what do the denizens of the Shadow Kingdom
find so... attractive of this young man. But how will Soma take to this force
from within the priest?
Memories are memories. Tempting and shining but not read. In a way,
what Soma said is true. There are memories tied to his soul that are locked
away. But it is not through a seal, it is not /his/ memories of /this/ life.
They belong to ages past, older than he is, as the false-Carmilla had said.
What resides in the young man is probably frightening, even at a
glimpse. As the demon who took the shape of Carmilla might have witnessed; two
powerful spirits, one Soma's own, the other... dormant, but with frightening
power even behind that sleeper's seal. Something else keeps the sleeping spirit
of Dracula from easily awakening, a softer, gentler power that is neither
Soma's will or the conditions for its release. Something bound to the necklace
the young man wears around his neck, if the priest can sense things that
accurately.
Then the young man's soul itself, a lord in his own right, with
subjects that are dozens, maybe hundreds of souls caught and bound to his
dominion. Surely, there's enough time to see the crowd, but to assess there is
room for countless more.
"Get out," the pale young man /orders/. Verbally, mentally, there's
still a powerful force of /his/ will seeking to evict the intruder. It's not a
soul under his dominion so it's not the same struggle he needs Yoko's help with
to release a soul from his command. Silver eyes are wide in the real world. His
physical voice is a violent hiss, though not just to prevent the guards outside
the room from overhearing a commotion and coming to investigate.
Oh, the age is quite there. It's something that Kevin can sense. That
soul, as dark and horrible as it is... Suddenly, the priest slumps forward,
finding himself struggling under what it is he senses. It's almost as if it's
calling to that darker side of him- it makes him want to give in. He forces his
mind to cling to Soma's own strength- and perhaps that extra power that is
everything against what's been in play.
His fingers tighten, and he lets out a deep breath, until- the young
man's words are enough to get him to release his ability. It's almost abrupt.
Everything is gone. It's all quiet. And Kevin has slumped forward onto the
table, breathing heavily. He brings a hand to the side of his head, and he
looks up to Soma, his blue eyes focused on the youth. This time, that calm
casual look is gone- it's a quiet gaze. One that shows a great deal of sadness.
Someone who... "You are..." He begins to say between each ragged breath.
This is like me, isn't it? He never speaks those words. Instead, the
priest chooses to say, "I... I think I can see why..." But if he is- then
there's something else. Kevin slowly lowers his hand from his head and he
reaches forward, out towards Soma. This is something far different- a holy
power, this time. It's barely there; strained, in fact. All the young priest
wants to do is return some strength to Soma's soul after that struggle. "I'm...
I'm sorry." This time? The accent is gone. His focus is so carefully on his
words. And he truly does sound remorseful.
"No, don't." No need to apologize, don't... tax yourself. Though Soma's
hands hold a slight tremor, he steps away from Kevin. "Don't make your own
condition worse for my sake." Weak as they both may be, Soma has the advantage
of knowing what he can withstand. This moment is nothing compared to an
awakening and a near awakening of Dracula's spirit. He sounds cold, but it's
more firm than anger.
"The only thing I want you to remember," the young man then says. His
chest rises and falls, forcing relaxation through a subconscious exercise of
steady breathing. "Is that my name is Soma. That's who I am. It's who I want to
be." Silver eyes meet blue.
"...I suppose we'll both find out now if we can trust one another."
Kevin has a glimpse of Soma's secret, Soma has a gist of the priest's. What
they do with that information next will determine a lot of things.
Soma begins to move toward the door. "Thanks for your time. I'll be
seeing you around." The soul? It is Soma's, now, and while dark, as it /must
be/, it is not terrible or horrible while he holds sway over it. Should he ever
falter...
But for now, there seems to be no more danger of that. Just a very
proud young man striding for the door, seeking to get out of the prison and
back home, where he can collapse into slumber. He'd be hoping for too much to
pray hat it was dreamless.
Kevin withdraws his hand with Soma's command, then he nods once. It,
too, is shaking. While Soma's own condition is far different from his own, he
sees a similarity to his own. And he closes his eyes, to resign and withdraw
his own gift. The priest can see that he is, indeed a proud individual. With
that, he pushes himself to stand- a gesture of respect to the young man's wish.
"Have the strength to remain that way, Soma Cruz." Kevin's words are
soft after the request. He certainly does not have that sort of strength-
according to the blood on his own hands. "Hold onto th' sense of yerself, 'cuz
sometimes in th' end, that's all ya have." It's true. When Kevin lost control
of the Stigma, he no longer knew who he was. That his own being was ripped
away- and gave him the power to blindly murder one of the closest people he had
in is life. "Thank ya fer comin' t' visit, as well..."
He simply waits until Soma has stepped out of the room, and makes a
quiet gesture in front of him. His words are mumbled underneath his breath, but
spoken quickly to ensure that the prayer could be completed before the guards
come in to return him to his cell: "Oh, blessed Eidos- Please watch o'er this
wayward man, an' see that his chosen path will not lead 'em astray." He finally
stands, once the door opens. A soundless, "Amen," is whispered. Soma is a proud
and strong young man- Kevin would rather not see someone like him fall to his
own strength within.
When: Sunday, Jan 4, 2009
Where: IPA Prison Facility
What: Soma goes to question Kevin about his recent encounter.
Watch For: The two seem to be a bit more alike than they realize.
Kevin had thought that the round of visitors would finally end, after
that last time of being pulled out of the prison. The day itself was a bit
unusual, though. He had not slept well, as he had been been dealing with some
unpleasant dreams over the past few days- pulling forward memories he'd rather
he simply forgot. Hands are cuffed as he's brought into the room and he finds
that he's let go from the cuffs and given a place to sit again.
The young priest remains seated at the table in silence, not sure
what's happening. But for now, he'll wait, and see who he's got coming to speak
with him. He does, however, set his hands in front of him. What he doesn't
expect, though- he begins to lower his head, starting to nod off a bit.
There were some forgotten forms to sign, keeping Soma from being first
in the room. But the door opens about ten minutes later, admitting the pale
man, not very much younger than the priest himself. Pale skin, pale hair, even
pale eyes. A white coat, dark clothes. Weapons checked, etc. The visitor walks
with an air of self confidence that borders upon arrogance, but the expression
he turns on Kevin is a little less harsh.
"You're Kevin Graham of the Septian Church?" he questions. Sounds like
he's faintly surprised. Probably expecting someone older.
Or maybe someone who didn't have green hair, though it's not as if he
The door opening is enough to snap Kevin out of his sleepy daze. He
sits up suddenly, and looks towards the entrance, raising an eyebrow at his
visitor. He remains quiet until Soma's facing him, and asks him who hs is.
The priest simply nods once. "I am. I'm 'fraid I don't know who ya
are." As he speaks, he has a bit of a quirky accent to his words. He finally
leans back in his seat. "Is there somethin' I can help ya with?"
Soma, spending a good deal of his time in Japan, doesn't have room to
speak on quirky accents, either. There's an inflection in his voice that
suggests he might be more accustomed to another language, for all he's quite
fluent in what passes for the common speak in... most places.
"I know. My name is Soma Cruz. I work with the IPA," A hand is raised
to suggest a degree of separation. "But I'm here to ask you a few questions
about a personal matter." It's probably not hard to guess what he's here about.
And besides, Soma isn't one for hedging around the matter. "Some
reports to the IPA about events surrounding you and your world list a type of
demon similar to one I encountered the other day. I want to find out more about
them." There is a sense of urgency under the cool voice.
The priest keeps his arms crossed and listens in silence still.
"...more questions 'bout 'em? The last guy who came t' speak wit' me came t'
ask 'bout it as well." He tilts his head a bit, thinking, before he finally
leans forward. "Th' IPA doesn't quite like me much, y'know. I'm almost willin'
t' bet that they'll think my information is suspect, o' course." He gestures
idly. "...but its yer choice t' believe what I say. I dunno what Miss Tegawa
will do if she heard 'bout ya comin' to talk t' me."
Once this warning has been set out, he finally gestures idly. "Now- ya
'ave questions 'bout the demons I've fought in the past? Please- ask. I'm
listenin'."
There's a look on the young man's face that a faint shrug confirms. He
doesn't care what the IPA /or/ Tegawa will think of him coming here to ask for
information. This is important to him. If he was here for the IPA, it'd be
another story.
The young man crosses the room, drawing near to the table and sitting
down at the other side. "Supernatural creatures are real on my plane. But the
one I encountered was very specific in claiming to be from another world." He
pauses. "There were two of them, actually. One looked like a friend of mine.
The other, the one that talked about being from a different plane..." Abruptly,
the young man draws up short. How to explain this? "...Some of my memories are
locked away." This... isn't the truth, really. But for the sake of argument,
you could say it /is/. Technically. "But this thing managed to take on an
appearance by reading those sealed memories. She-- it talked about testing to
see if I was good enough to 'help' it."
Kevin, still, remains in silence. ...but then there's the mention of
memories being sealed. The priest suddenly sits up a bit in his seat, wringing
one hand lightly with the other. He raises an eyebrow just a bit before he
finally leans forward to look carefully at the young man. "What kinda
background do ya 'ave in those sealed memories?"
He idly waves a hand. "I 'pologize. But if ya have somethin' that's
drawn the attention of a creature from Gehenna, ya will need t' be very
careful. I don't get the idea o' helpin' it, really. They're likely t' devour
yer soul before anythin' else. Ya turned it down, I hope?"
The apologize came in a timely fashion, because the defensive scowl was
immediate and obvious. 'That's not important' had been curt and on the tip of
his tongue, but the lashing words are restrained.
The irritation is then directed into a sharp response to the latter
query. "Of course I did." Soma shakes his head slightly. "I know I need to be
careful. But I have to know what I'm up against, too. The details behind those
memories aren't important." They probably are, but this is his way of saying
he's going to be stubborn about telling. "But if they're attracting these
creatures, I need to find a way to block them. If they can copy abilities as
well as memories..." With agitation, Soma pushes himself from the seat and
begins to pace the small area before the table.
Kevin shakes his head quietly. "I don' think it's quite as complicated
as that." He considers for a moment, then adds, "Maybe it just encountered ya.
Th' creatures like that have th' ability t' know yer memories. They're part o'
the element that determines such things." He watches Soma in silence afterwards
before leaning back in his seat.
"I dunno what they can an' can't copy, honestly. I only know what's in
our scriptures. I've seen possessions, an' handled 'gainst weaker demons that
had fallen through th' cracks o' reality... but... The Grimoire- smaller,
lesser demons can mimic memories o' allies. They're not powerful... but if ya
found somethin' that could draw on deeper memories- ya might've even found
somethin' as powerful as o' th' Seventy-Seven greater devils of our
scriptures." The priest is sounding fairly serious at this point. "This means
that they've found their way outta Gehenna and into th' other planes through
their Gate...."
Not just a demon. A potentially very /powerful/ demon. Soma stops and
closes his eyes for a second. It figures. Once again, the young man's eyes open
and he turns to focus on the priest with a resigned expression. "Alright," he
says then. "What do I do to stop them?"
As if it were as simple as that. The fact is that Soma /knows/ it won't
be, just as he knows he can't stand aside and expect peace to come to him. It
never, ever works that way. And that is why he asks the question.
"Can they be defeated and sealed? Do they..." Here, he pauses. About to
ask someone who speaks of scriptures and legends if the creatures have souls.
Now /that/ seems a self-defeating circumstance. "Just how much do you really
know about these things?" he says instead. The question is not intended to be
impolite as much as an attempt to assess how useful Kevin's information is
going to be on the field. As Soma's learned, what's written and what's reality
can have similiar appearances, but very different events. Take that book Bram
Stoker wrote, for instance.
The priest sets his hands on the table and pushes himself up to stand.
His blue eyes hold steady on Soma- until he finally speaks quietly. "I know
more 'bout th' demons than th' clergymen ya'd find in the Septian Church." This
is stated very quietly, before he finally shakes his head. "I'm a bit closer t'
what ya ran into, unfortunately. I know... a bit more than the norm, due t' it."
"The Seventy Seven greater devils are, unfortunately, far more
destructive and beyond a single person's capability. They nearly destroyed my
plane 'bout a thousand years ago. It was just a matter o' luck an' faith that
they were locked away." Kevin crosses his arms, frowning a bit. "But if they
want ya, ya gotta 'ave somethin' useful t' 'em."
The idea that he can't handle this himself doesn't seem to sit well
with Soma. Not at all. So much so, in fact, he almost misses the inference
Kevin makes, considering a question he's sorely tempted to ask. What of a
single person who has an army of souls at his command? But common sense
reasserts itself.
So does the recognition that he does have friends and allies he could
ask for help. Perhaps. "It's not something I'm going to let them take," Soma
returns, thereby implying that he knows perfectly well what it is and possibly
what the gist of those 'sealed memories' really are.
He's not really sure when he started believing, without a doubt, that
these creatures of Gehenna are the same he had encountered. The information
fits well enough. Most of what Kevin is telling him right now doesn't change
the facts he knows.
"A bit closer, how?" he asks abruptly, the question leaving him before
he realizes it could easily open a door to similar questions fired back.
Namely, about what these demons would want from him.
There's quite the laugh from the priest. Perhaps it's a bit of the more
bitter and cynical side of him showing. "They don't want yer memories. That's
jus' the easiest way t' get t' ya." He taps at his head. "What can a creature
with a malevolent mind do t' another if they knew how ya think? What affected
ya?"
Suddenly Kevin reaches across the table to tap two fingers to Soma's
forehead, if the youth will let him. But Kevin's fast, still. "Bam." He pulls
his hand back, with a slight grin on his face. "Wit' that, I could know how ya
think. Or I could destroy yer psyche. It's a curse fer someone t' have this
sorta power. It's th' power o' th' demons. I hold th' power o' th' goddess as
well as th' power of death that ya'd find in Gehenna." He moves to take a seat
again. "I'm a damned priest, if ya will."
Soma isn't much for physical contact. And though Kevin's fingers tap
successfully against the pale youth's brow, the scowl and dark glower come in
quick succession. He doesn't perform anything so undignified as a swipe of his
hand, no. There is simply an aura that radiates displeasure. "Don't do that."
Soma seriously /did not like that/.
The glare has its own arrogance, as if daring Kevin to even /try/ the
things he claims himself capable of.
Just as abruptly as it manifested, the attitude seems dampened again.
"Alright," Soma seems to accept the response as it stands. Even to sympathsize,
for it's quite true; the power of demons and devils is a terrible burden.
Curse? Well you can't help the way you're born. Maybe if he had this stuff
forced on him as a normal human, then he'd have reason to call it that. But
he's never been 'normal', if you look at it. Right?
These thoughts he keeps to himself. It's Kevin's right to look at it in
another way. "Is that why you're here?" he asks abruptly. Soma's eyes narrow,
though more for a thoughtful regard of the priest.
Kevin's slight smile never fades, even as the irritation he's picked up
from Soma. He simply crosses his arms, and shrugs. To be honest, Kevin doesn't
like using his memory control abilities. Perhaps if he honed them to a fine
art, he'd be a monstrous opponent- much like....
That man is unimportant. The priest chastises himself for even bringing
the former minister up in mind. He finally leans back comfortably in his seat,
letting the smile fade. To be honest, Kevin's ability is considered a gift by
many. -but as someone raised in a church that deems the 'holy' marks as heresy?
Well, then of course it's a curse. That, and there's been the loss of many
lives due to his own hidden nature- and his inability to control it.
"Hardly," Kevin finally answers Soma's question. "You can call me a
priest, but I'm more of a spy or assassin. I had a plan go very wrong and it
resulted in the near complete annhilation of a major city."
Oddly enough, Soma can understand where Kevin's coming from there, too.
Not the assassin part or the spy. But the whole issue with doing something that
can pretty much threaten an entire city or the whole world. Even in 2035, what
Dracula means to the world would be a terrible thing. It's.... just hard to
explain how.
In any case, Soma knows the stakes. Just because it hasn't happened,
doesn't mean he isn't concerned about it. ...Just because it could happen
doesn't mean he shouldn't do what he has to do. The young man nods again. "I
guess that means you're not going to be able to help me directly. Who else can
I ask?" The suggestion that this is a personal matter is further emphasized by
an additional comment. "I don't want to complicate this by going through
official channels. If there's people in the IPA, fine. Otherwise, anyone you
can recommend for support, I'll take."
Kevin considers things for a moment. "I dunno if people will be willin'
t' help if I'm involved, I'm 'fraid. There might be a few- perhaps Gwen, or
Maria..." He considers for a moment, before shaking his head. "Ya'll want to
keep yer eyes open. I'm sure yer not th' only one approached. They might be
desperate." The priest thinks for a moment, then he waves a hand. "If ya've got
questions, though... I'm sure yer more than welcome t' ask me." He finally
leans forward, setting his arms across the table in front of him, leaning on
them.
"...do ya mind if I ask ya somethin' personal, though?" An eyebrow is
raised as Kevin cocks his head slightly to the side. "What is it that they want
from ya? Ya and yer sealed memories... Is there anythin' else in there I should
be wonderin' 'bout? Is it a mistake t' give ya this information?" A pause. "I'd
hope not, since yer part of the IPA." Kevin has a slightly bitter laugh at this
point. "...though, they did take me in, too."
He waves a hand. "Sorry 'bout t' be so presumptuous, but there has t'
be somethin' that they wanted from ya t' approach ya like that. Yer not hidin'
from anythin'? Those memories that are sealed away? Is there any particular
reason for it?"
Soma knew the conversation would probably come back to it, sooner or
later. In a way he's prepared and another, he's not. The names and advice are
filed away for later review. On to other matters. A shrug invites Kevin to ask
and suggests his complete lack of surprise at what follows.
"If they're like you said and they're after it, then you should be
concerned if you care," he answers frankly. "If it's a mistake to tell me about
these demons when I already know about them... looks like I would have found
out this information sooner or later. Who would you rather tell me? You or the
demons?"
What is he hiding from? "I'm hiding from nothing," he says bluntly. "I
don't know what they want, but I know I can't hide. Not from them or my past.
Because it'll find me eventually." he begins to stand. "And it's better to
confront it than to hide under the covers and hope it'll go away." ...And
hoping that it won't hurt anyone around him is an even more futile dream in his
experience. Better to stop it before it can...
"You said you were close to these demons. So you'd know better than I
do about what they'd want. Use your power, if you think you can."
One chance then. "But if you can't figure it out, then what they want
from me is none of your business."
Kevin nods slowly. "No- do not run. Yer right. It'll catch up wit' ya
later." That's what it did to me. The priest wants to say that, but he finally
reaches up to scratch the side of his head. Then, almost as if he even heard
the young man's thoughts- "...an' problems like this will involve those close
t' ya if yer not careful."
But the comment- the final comment from Soma is almost a challenge. The
priest raises an eyebrow idly, watching him and studying if this is meant to be
the case.... until he says nothing and closes his eyes. Lowering his head, he
opens his own spirit to the dark power that runs within him. To one with the
senses to pick up the demonic power within the priest, it's not hard at all to
feel. He is trying to pull from the power of the Stigma without fully
activating the mark. It would become threatening and would most likely invite
more trouble as long as he's a prisoner.
But reaching for it in small increments- that's another thing entirely.
With entire days to himself, he's found himself working on control, or keeping
his mind level underneath whatever power could be found buried inside him. It's
far easier now than it was in the past, though. And that's truly frightening.
The priest reaches out towards Soma with his subconscious- he's trying
to find what he can, without truly delving into the young man's memories. That
is one power that will remain 'forbidden' in his eyes. Maybe, when there are
situations when it would do more help than harm... this is not one of them. He
has no control. He could even ruin the side within Soma that makes him what he
is...
All Kevin needs to know is what do the denizens of the Shadow Kingdom
find so... attractive of this young man. But how will Soma take to this force
from within the priest?
Memories are memories. Tempting and shining but not read. In a way,
what Soma said is true. There are memories tied to his soul that are locked
away. But it is not through a seal, it is not /his/ memories of /this/ life.
They belong to ages past, older than he is, as the false-Carmilla had said.
What resides in the young man is probably frightening, even at a
glimpse. As the demon who took the shape of Carmilla might have witnessed; two
powerful spirits, one Soma's own, the other... dormant, but with frightening
power even behind that sleeper's seal. Something else keeps the sleeping spirit
of Dracula from easily awakening, a softer, gentler power that is neither
Soma's will or the conditions for its release. Something bound to the necklace
the young man wears around his neck, if the priest can sense things that
accurately.
Then the young man's soul itself, a lord in his own right, with
subjects that are dozens, maybe hundreds of souls caught and bound to his
dominion. Surely, there's enough time to see the crowd, but to assess there is
room for countless more.
"Get out," the pale young man /orders/. Verbally, mentally, there's
still a powerful force of /his/ will seeking to evict the intruder. It's not a
soul under his dominion so it's not the same struggle he needs Yoko's help with
to release a soul from his command. Silver eyes are wide in the real world. His
physical voice is a violent hiss, though not just to prevent the guards outside
the room from overhearing a commotion and coming to investigate.
Oh, the age is quite there. It's something that Kevin can sense. That
soul, as dark and horrible as it is... Suddenly, the priest slumps forward,
finding himself struggling under what it is he senses. It's almost as if it's
calling to that darker side of him- it makes him want to give in. He forces his
mind to cling to Soma's own strength- and perhaps that extra power that is
everything against what's been in play.
His fingers tighten, and he lets out a deep breath, until- the young
man's words are enough to get him to release his ability. It's almost abrupt.
Everything is gone. It's all quiet. And Kevin has slumped forward onto the
table, breathing heavily. He brings a hand to the side of his head, and he
looks up to Soma, his blue eyes focused on the youth. This time, that calm
casual look is gone- it's a quiet gaze. One that shows a great deal of sadness.
Someone who... "You are..." He begins to say between each ragged breath.
This is like me, isn't it? He never speaks those words. Instead, the
priest chooses to say, "I... I think I can see why..." But if he is- then
there's something else. Kevin slowly lowers his hand from his head and he
reaches forward, out towards Soma. This is something far different- a holy
power, this time. It's barely there; strained, in fact. All the young priest
wants to do is return some strength to Soma's soul after that struggle. "I'm...
I'm sorry." This time? The accent is gone. His focus is so carefully on his
words. And he truly does sound remorseful.
"No, don't." No need to apologize, don't... tax yourself. Though Soma's
hands hold a slight tremor, he steps away from Kevin. "Don't make your own
condition worse for my sake." Weak as they both may be, Soma has the advantage
of knowing what he can withstand. This moment is nothing compared to an
awakening and a near awakening of Dracula's spirit. He sounds cold, but it's
more firm than anger.
"The only thing I want you to remember," the young man then says. His
chest rises and falls, forcing relaxation through a subconscious exercise of
steady breathing. "Is that my name is Soma. That's who I am. It's who I want to
be." Silver eyes meet blue.
"...I suppose we'll both find out now if we can trust one another."
Kevin has a glimpse of Soma's secret, Soma has a gist of the priest's. What
they do with that information next will determine a lot of things.
Soma begins to move toward the door. "Thanks for your time. I'll be
seeing you around." The soul? It is Soma's, now, and while dark, as it /must
be/, it is not terrible or horrible while he holds sway over it. Should he ever
falter...
But for now, there seems to be no more danger of that. Just a very
proud young man striding for the door, seeking to get out of the prison and
back home, where he can collapse into slumber. He'd be hoping for too much to
pray hat it was dreamless.
Kevin withdraws his hand with Soma's command, then he nods once. It,
too, is shaking. While Soma's own condition is far different from his own, he
sees a similarity to his own. And he closes his eyes, to resign and withdraw
his own gift. The priest can see that he is, indeed a proud individual. With
that, he pushes himself to stand- a gesture of respect to the young man's wish.
"Have the strength to remain that way, Soma Cruz." Kevin's words are
soft after the request. He certainly does not have that sort of strength-
according to the blood on his own hands. "Hold onto th' sense of yerself, 'cuz
sometimes in th' end, that's all ya have." It's true. When Kevin lost control
of the Stigma, he no longer knew who he was. That his own being was ripped
away- and gave him the power to blindly murder one of the closest people he had
in is life. "Thank ya fer comin' t' visit, as well..."
He simply waits until Soma has stepped out of the room, and makes a
quiet gesture in front of him. His words are mumbled underneath his breath, but
spoken quickly to ensure that the prayer could be completed before the guards
come in to return him to his cell: "Oh, blessed Eidos- Please watch o'er this
wayward man, an' see that his chosen path will not lead 'em astray." He finally
stands, once the door opens. A soundless, "Amen," is whispered. Soma is a proud
and strong young man- Kevin would rather not see someone like him fall to his
own strength within.