[Log] Inquiry
Who: Genya Arikado and Kevin Graham
When: Saturday, Jan 10th, 2009
Where: IPA Headquarters - Arikado's Office
What: Kevin's checking in on a few things involving Gehenna. This requires getting more information on Soma.
Watch For: Pay close attention to Luke. He's going to get people into trouble~
Fac-IPA> Kevin Graham clicks onto the frequency. "...is there a..." He pauses-
he's reading the name from something, "Genya Arikado available?"
Fac-IPA> Genya Arikado says, "I am available, yes."
Fac-IPA> Kevin Graham says, "Excellent. I was hoping ya would be on th'
frequency. I saw yer name in somethin' I read. Would I be able t' ask ya a few
questions in person?"
Fac-IPA> Genya Arikado says, "Regarding?"
Fac-IPA> Kevin Graham says, "I'm doin' a bit o' research on a few things. I'm
sure you may be interested as I'm afraid that it may concern Soma as well."
Fac-IPA> Luke fon Fabre suddenly: "Is he okay?"
Fac-IPA> Kevin Graham says, "Oh, he's fine."
Fac-IPA> Luke fon Fabre says, "Oh good."
Fac-IPA> Kevin Graham adds, idly, "Fer now, at least."
Fac-IPA> Luke fon Fabre says, "--- What's that supposed to mean?!"
Fac-IPA> Kevin Graham says, "Well, nothin' if I can work out some details
first. There won't be anythin' t' worry 'bout in th' first place."
Fac-IPA> Luke fon Fabre says, "Too late! What's going on?"
Fac-IPA> Kevin Graham says, "Lemme speak with Mr. Arikado first, 'kay?"
Fac-IPA> Luke fon Fabre /whine/.
Fac-IPA> Genya Arikado says, "Mister Cruz is a resilient young man. In any
case, my office is open, Father Graham."
Fac-IPA> Kevin Graham says, "Jus' Kevin will do. But I'll be on my way."
Fac-IPA> Kevin Graham says, "Maria? Are you available as well?"
Fac-IPA> Maria Tegawa says, "Depends on what you mean by 'available'."
Fac-IPA> Kevin Graham says, "I jus' had a quick question- do ya trust Mr.
Arikado t' keep an eye on me? It might be a bit o' a handful with the current
escort I've got."
Fac-IPA> Kevin Graham says, "He is an IPA operative afterall- from what I've
read, at least."
Fac-IPA> Maria Tegawa says, "Yes."
Fac-IPA> Kevin Graham says, "Fantastic. Thank ya."
Fac-IPA> Luke fon Fabre unhappily bacon-crunches.
Fac-IPA> Maria Tegawa says, "Genya, I'm counting on you."
Fac-IPA> Genya Arikado says, "If anything occurs, and I doubt it will, I
will...handle it, Miss Tegawa."
Arikado's office is...honestly a little more opulant than most would think.
With dark wood bookshelves, silvery accents and no windows, it seems smaller
than it is. Dominating the room is a massive, and clearly antique by /many/
degrees, desk of mahogany. Two well cared for, but comfortably worn leather
chairs sit in front of the desk, while behind it is the man himself. With a pen
in hand, he's scratching away at something or other, almost looking like a
moving marble statue. Kind of creepy, really.
Kevin is a pretty punctual individual. Though with a quasi-military
background, it would not be any surprise. When he arrives to the office,
there's another officer of the agency with him- one that's armed, even.
However, as he reaches the door- he can be heard explaining to the officer that
Maria's accepted to let him be under this man's watch for the time being. 'Go
have a break. Get some coffee. Watch somethin' in th' break room. I won't take
long.' - that sort of conversation.
Eventually, the two part ways, and Kevin steps in, idly using the heel
of his foot to close the door behind him.
The priest is carrying a number a pad with a number of printouts and
photocopies. "Mr. Arikado? Thank ya fer takin' some time out to answer some o'
my questions." It's polite, but Kevin's actions on the radio had an ulterior
motive. He wanted to speak with him alone, for obvious reasons. Quietly, Kevin
pulls the earpiece from his radio and pockets it. However, he remains standing
in front of the desk. As with his own superiors in Arteria- he would not seat
unless invited to do so.
Arikado could hear the two as they came up the hall almost as if he were right
there. He's still looking at whatever he's doing as Kevin comes in and
approaches. It's another full minute before he even looks up from what he's
doing. He sets the pen down and looks up, his expression neutral, but that's
nothing new. He regards the man for a long moment before one slim hand gestures
to the seats before the desk. "Sit," he says, expression unchanging. "Sit and
explain to me your dealings with Mister Cruz, and what it is you need of me."
If Kevin's mystical senses are sharp, it's clear that there'ssomething not
quite normal about Genya Arikado. For one, his presence is...almost oppressive.
As the offer is made, Kevin settles into the chair. He takes a slow
breath. The priest does have supernatural senses- this is typical of a knight.
The degree of Kevin's, though, makes him quite a bit more sensitive. There is
that 'pressure,' that he can pick up- it's almost difficult to want to speak to
this man- but as a Dominion, he was trained to not let these things show at all.
"I'm sure ya are aware o' th' work I'm doin' as part o' my agreement
fer my release?" Kevin says this easily as he begins to thumb through papers.
"Shortly before that, Soma visited me in prison. He wanted t' ask 'bout
somethin' that had happened to him recently. He also left a request fer more
info on a message board." He pulls out the print out- a request written by
Soma, asking for information on multiplanar demons. It's set on the desk and
slid towards Genya. "I've yet to fully prove that what he encountered was from
my plane, but if it was, it may be imperative t' find out a bit more
information on 'em."
Arikado had seen Soma's request, but he hadn't had the time to ask the young
man what, exactly, was going on. He also did not know that Soma had visted
Kevin in prison. His lips twitch ever so slightly into a frown. It's almost
imperceptable. "What, exactly, happened to Mister Cruz? Furthermore, what,
exactly is it that I can do?" Blunt and to the point? Yes sir. This is the guy
who told a young lady that they'd never meet again and ran off to sleep forever.
We see how well that worked.
"What you can do?" Kevin says this with a slightly raised eyebrow.
"Well, his reports are showin' 'em tied to the agency that ya work wit'... And
that's partially how he came t' be part o' the IPA. Though his file on th'
activities he did fer his own plane are pretty barren." Another shift through
the papers- and photocopies of this information is produced.
"Soma apparently encountered a bein' that was able to take on shapes
an' forms from his memories- he specifically said that it appeared to take an
appearance from *sealed* memories o' his." Kevin's pretty quick and knows
exactly how he's getting to things. He setting up evidence from what he has on
hand to ensure that answers have to rely on this sort of thing. "I'm doin'
research on a world known as Gehenna. At least, that's what it is t' us. It's
th' realm o' th' dead. The restin' place fer lost souls. There may be a threat
involvin' 'em, an' it seems that Soma has drawn their attention. Now- I know a
bit 'bout him. It's no secret to the IPA, I'm sure, that I'm not th' most
'pure' o' clergymen. It's pretty obvious t' me- much how I can sense somethin'
'bout you. I'm tryin' to figure out motivations, and Soma's encounter is,
unfortunately, my only lead right now."
Arikado frowns. A land of the restless dead. Of course they would be interested
in Soma. "What did Soma tell you, Father Graham, about himself? Specifics, if
you would. I already know what there is to know about him, I just wish to know
what you do so that I may tailor my answer to preserve his privacy." And his
own. Maybe. Arikado's mind, in the meantime, runs over these current facts:
Demons are interested in Soma. They can access Dracula's memories. This is a
bad thing. If they can assume shapes and, perhaps, even powers, the last thing
needed is for one of them to assume the guise of, say, Death. This would be bad.
Kevin leans back in his seat, setting his pad of paperwork on his
knees. He keeps his arms wrapped around them at this point. "It wasn't exactly
what he told me- more o' what wasn't told." He tilts his head, bringing a hand
up to his forehead. He's trying to figure out how to word that encounter. "He
specifically described these memories as locked away...
The priest is quiet as he muses away, thinking over the next portion.
He even lets his blue eyes glance away from Genya for the time being. "It's
what I felt from 'em that worries me more." No mention on the open invite to
use his power. "There's a depth to his darkness that's far beyond what I've
encountered in th' past when performin' my duties. I'm moreso worried o' what
they can do wit' this darkness- not so much o' the mimics. Th' most common
mimic ya'll find is a Grimoire- they hardly have any power compared t'
others... but he told me they were testin' 'em t' see if he were what they
needed."
Arikado sighs just a little. Kevin knows something already. Likely, Soma
realizes this already. He rises from his desk, stretching to his full height
and looks down at Graham, dark eyes boring into the man. "You already know more
than most do. For some reason, I do believe that you are working in the best
interests of all in this matter. This is why I am giving you a choice. Swear to
absolute secrecy, for this information is not mine to give, but I believe you
should know why these beings may want Mister Cruz. If you refuse, I send you on
your way right now and this conversation is over."
As the man rises to his feet, Kevin does not appear to flinch from that
gaze. He listens in silence, until he finally crosses his arms. "Mr. Arikado-
please understand that my previous life wit' the Septian Church dealt in
nothing but secrets." This is very true. And it's that sheer reason that got
him in trouble with the IPA in the first place- his unwillingness to speak many
of these secrets.
"But this is also somethin' that may bring harm t' countless lives if
he is, indeed targeted." The priest never wavers in his words. He is resolved
in what he feels needs to be done. "I may even be breakin' the holiest of my
oaths should I refuse yer offer. What you say will never leave this room. I
swear this upon Eidos' name Herself."
The son of Dracula stares at the priest intently for a long moment before he
nods. He feels no deception. "Very well. On my world there was a man. This man
renounced God and swore that he would do all in his power to bring darkness and
chaos to the entire earth. This man was Vlad Tepes Dracul. Dracula." He pauses,
this is still a long story, even if it is the Cliff's Notes version.
"He...somehow gained the power of Dominance, bending souls to his will and
gaining power, even over Death himself. There arose a family that, through the
centuries, fought him every time he rose until in the year nineteen
ninety-nine, his existance was ended forever."
He pauses a beat for effect and to let the man absorb the information, it is
quite a lot. "In my world, it is Two Thousand and Thirty Six. Eighteen years
ago, Soma Cruz was born. Eighteen years after the sealing of Dracula's castle,
the soul, and power, of the Dark Lord were reborn in Mister Cruz." Another
heavy pause. He likes these. "Soma is the reincarnation of Dracula. He harbors
both his soul and his memories. Were there...sufficient provocation, he could
be awakened to his True Self, and Dracula would walk the earth again."
No deception- what Kevin says is true. His oath is to serve the Goddess
at his fullest capacity. And hearing this, who Soma is, helps him understand
exactly why the creatures of Gehenna would be responding to him. Slowly, the
priest narrows his eyes, and he then makes a mental note to try and find what
he can on Dracula, without having to question Genya frequently. The only
response that comes from the young priest after minutes of silence is just, "I
see."
Finally, Kevin adjusts his position, before he says, "Reincarnation
isn't somethin' too unusual fer us. But for a creature such as that t'
continually rise in th' world o' th' livin'... even after bein' banished
repeatedly by this family... He must have th' power somewhere t' be able to
cross over- specifically as ya mentioned Death as one of the souls under his
control." Kevin lets himself fall into silence again. He looks down towards the
ground- his mind is turning over information, and trying to add different
things upon different things. Data and knowledge and... "...if Soma were
brought t' Gehenna, I'm sure that they could most certainly reawaken Dracula
from there. It could- o' course- be a double edged sword fer them. He mentioned
that the creature that approached him said she was testin' 'em. So far, they
appear t' not 'ave decided on him, yet." And I pray that they don't- it's
unspoken, but most certainly, those last words hang in the air.
"The situation, were Dracula to arise, is more grave than even that. The last
Belmont is an old man, and even as potent as he is, I doubt he has the power
any longer to put him down yet again after so many years. The responsibility
would fall to the IPA and while I am sure we can defeat him, it would merely
prolong the inevitable. Only a Belmont can slay Dracula permanantly." Finally,
Arikado sits again, folding his hands in front of him. "So you see, it is of
absolute importance that we do not let Soma fall into the hands of these
creatures."
That is most troubling. This can be seen in Kevin's eyes as he hears
what Genya has to say about the last Belmont. Quietly, the priest fists a hand,
before he sits up slightly. "An' Soma has managed to remain in control... Is he
aware of this? If so, how long?" This is mostly for a personal reason, of
course. One that doesn't exactly end up being spoken.
"It would be such a loss t' everyone should we lose someone as
strong-willed as he." This is true in Kevin's eyes. He fell. To give someone
the opportunity to keep going? "I will do everythin' within my power t' ensure
that, Mr. Arikado." When he says 'everything,' he truly means it. This isn't
just with his holy abilities.
"Mister Cruz is aware of his....state. He knows he is the reincarnation of the
Dark Lord. He has access to the power of Dominance, but the personality,
memories and evil of Dracula are locked away. If I have my way, they will
remain so, for the sake of all." Plus he doesn't want the double whammy of
having to take out both his Father /and/ Soma at the same time. He only looks
like an unfeeling rock. "We agree, then, that these things that seem to want
Soma must be stopped. I am a fairly skilled....exorcist. Among other things. If
you can get me the information you have on these creatures, perhaps I can
formulate a plan, or a ward to place on Soma."
Kevin raises a hand. "If one o' the primary issues we're worried 'bout
pertains to Dracula's personality and memories taking over Soma's will, then
per'aps I may have somethin' that I can help wit' in that regard." He slowly
looks to his hand, before he gestures slightly. "I am a tainted priest. I have
some o' th' powers o' Gehenna in me. One of th' things I can do is manipulate
the memories of another. I don't like doin' it- in fact, it's a great toll on
me, dependin' on what I'm doin'. But I am sure I can make it easier for a
consciousness t' fight over a forceful will on itself.
"Nevertheless, I'll keep ya posted on what info I pull up. In fact,
I'll 'ave a copy of my notes and gathered reports transmitted t' ya."
Arikado shakes his head. "I do not think that is a very good idea. I would
leave Soma alone and concentrate on either sealing Gehenna or defeating its
inhabitants." He's good at beating up undead. He's better if his true self is
released but, details. "I would appreciate all the information you have,
however, I can formulate a plan, or at the very least be entirely informed."
Kevin nods once. "If th' situation presents itself where there is a
need fer a last resort, know that my offer's on th' table." He starts to gather
his things before he stands. "But I'll do my best t' keep ya informed. Thank ya
fer takin' the time out t' speak with me, Mr. Arikado."
The priest looks ready to start for the door when he stops. "However,
there's still one thing in on all o' this." He turns to look to Genya once
more. "Where d' you stand in all o' this? I understand Soma- who he is now, and
who he was... But you seemed t' be a bit tied t' 'em from the files I saw."
"I was present in nineteen ninety-nine when Dracula was killed and Castlevania
sealed." He could leave it at that, but Kevin swore to secrecy and, well, it
may be handy to have someone else know exactly what's going on, especially if
they need to save Soma. "I was also present in seventeen ninety-seven when I
defeated him myself. I was present in Fourteen seventy-six when he was struck
down by Trevor Belmont, and I was present in fourteen fifty when Dracula was
defeated for the very first time by Sonia Belmont."
He pauses a moment before speaking again. "My true name is Adrian Farenheights
Tepes. I am the son of Dracula. This is why I aid Soma, so as not to see my
Father's crimes repeated once more."
Kevin, a person who is pretty good at hiding surprises- actually fails
on this. He blinks once, as he hears Genya listing the years. Ages such as this
are not normal in his plane. -though he would certainly guess that to be
similar in this man's case as well. "Then..." The priest stops himself before
he simply nods once. "I understand. It makes sense what I feel from ya, as
well, then." He turns to look to the door. "Yer secrets are safe wit' me, this
I swear. Thank you for answerin' me." He glances back towards Genya. "If ya
ever have anythin' ya wanna ask me- I am willin' return th' favor."
Arikado carefully holds his neutral expression. He's not one to spread secrets
like that, but anything to prevent the repeats of the past. Anything. Even his
own life. His own secrets. He has given the priest a measure of trust. Strange
for such an enigmatic creature, but he senses no malice. Nothing but the desire
to do good, and in that, they are similar.
"I will keep this in mind, Father Graham. In any case, your guard has returned.
I heard him walking up the hall."
Slowly, the priest looks towards the door before he looks back to
Genya. "Thank you fer takin' this time, then. What you've told me is most
certainly safe." He finds it strange, the trust he's been given in this
situation, when there are others who have not- as is obvious from the escort.
Kevin hopes that, through this work, he'll be able to reacquire the
trust he once had before everything happened.
When: Saturday, Jan 10th, 2009
Where: IPA Headquarters - Arikado's Office
What: Kevin's checking in on a few things involving Gehenna. This requires getting more information on Soma.
Watch For: Pay close attention to Luke. He's going to get people into trouble~
Fac-IPA> Kevin Graham clicks onto the frequency. "...is there a..." He pauses-
he's reading the name from something, "Genya Arikado available?"
Fac-IPA> Genya Arikado says, "I am available, yes."
Fac-IPA> Kevin Graham says, "Excellent. I was hoping ya would be on th'
frequency. I saw yer name in somethin' I read. Would I be able t' ask ya a few
questions in person?"
Fac-IPA> Genya Arikado says, "Regarding?"
Fac-IPA> Kevin Graham says, "I'm doin' a bit o' research on a few things. I'm
sure you may be interested as I'm afraid that it may concern Soma as well."
Fac-IPA> Luke fon Fabre suddenly: "Is he okay?"
Fac-IPA> Kevin Graham says, "Oh, he's fine."
Fac-IPA> Luke fon Fabre says, "Oh good."
Fac-IPA> Kevin Graham adds, idly, "Fer now, at least."
Fac-IPA> Luke fon Fabre says, "--- What's that supposed to mean?!"
Fac-IPA> Kevin Graham says, "Well, nothin' if I can work out some details
first. There won't be anythin' t' worry 'bout in th' first place."
Fac-IPA> Luke fon Fabre says, "Too late! What's going on?"
Fac-IPA> Kevin Graham says, "Lemme speak with Mr. Arikado first, 'kay?"
Fac-IPA> Luke fon Fabre /whine/.
Fac-IPA> Genya Arikado says, "Mister Cruz is a resilient young man. In any
case, my office is open, Father Graham."
Fac-IPA> Kevin Graham says, "Jus' Kevin will do. But I'll be on my way."
Fac-IPA> Kevin Graham says, "Maria? Are you available as well?"
Fac-IPA> Maria Tegawa says, "Depends on what you mean by 'available'."
Fac-IPA> Kevin Graham says, "I jus' had a quick question- do ya trust Mr.
Arikado t' keep an eye on me? It might be a bit o' a handful with the current
escort I've got."
Fac-IPA> Kevin Graham says, "He is an IPA operative afterall- from what I've
read, at least."
Fac-IPA> Maria Tegawa says, "Yes."
Fac-IPA> Kevin Graham says, "Fantastic. Thank ya."
Fac-IPA> Luke fon Fabre unhappily bacon-crunches.
Fac-IPA> Maria Tegawa says, "Genya, I'm counting on you."
Fac-IPA> Genya Arikado says, "If anything occurs, and I doubt it will, I
will...handle it, Miss Tegawa."
Arikado's office is...honestly a little more opulant than most would think.
With dark wood bookshelves, silvery accents and no windows, it seems smaller
than it is. Dominating the room is a massive, and clearly antique by /many/
degrees, desk of mahogany. Two well cared for, but comfortably worn leather
chairs sit in front of the desk, while behind it is the man himself. With a pen
in hand, he's scratching away at something or other, almost looking like a
moving marble statue. Kind of creepy, really.
Kevin is a pretty punctual individual. Though with a quasi-military
background, it would not be any surprise. When he arrives to the office,
there's another officer of the agency with him- one that's armed, even.
However, as he reaches the door- he can be heard explaining to the officer that
Maria's accepted to let him be under this man's watch for the time being. 'Go
have a break. Get some coffee. Watch somethin' in th' break room. I won't take
long.' - that sort of conversation.
Eventually, the two part ways, and Kevin steps in, idly using the heel
of his foot to close the door behind him.
The priest is carrying a number a pad with a number of printouts and
photocopies. "Mr. Arikado? Thank ya fer takin' some time out to answer some o'
my questions." It's polite, but Kevin's actions on the radio had an ulterior
motive. He wanted to speak with him alone, for obvious reasons. Quietly, Kevin
pulls the earpiece from his radio and pockets it. However, he remains standing
in front of the desk. As with his own superiors in Arteria- he would not seat
unless invited to do so.
Arikado could hear the two as they came up the hall almost as if he were right
there. He's still looking at whatever he's doing as Kevin comes in and
approaches. It's another full minute before he even looks up from what he's
doing. He sets the pen down and looks up, his expression neutral, but that's
nothing new. He regards the man for a long moment before one slim hand gestures
to the seats before the desk. "Sit," he says, expression unchanging. "Sit and
explain to me your dealings with Mister Cruz, and what it is you need of me."
If Kevin's mystical senses are sharp, it's clear that there'ssomething not
quite normal about Genya Arikado. For one, his presence is...almost oppressive.
As the offer is made, Kevin settles into the chair. He takes a slow
breath. The priest does have supernatural senses- this is typical of a knight.
The degree of Kevin's, though, makes him quite a bit more sensitive. There is
that 'pressure,' that he can pick up- it's almost difficult to want to speak to
this man- but as a Dominion, he was trained to not let these things show at all.
"I'm sure ya are aware o' th' work I'm doin' as part o' my agreement
fer my release?" Kevin says this easily as he begins to thumb through papers.
"Shortly before that, Soma visited me in prison. He wanted t' ask 'bout
somethin' that had happened to him recently. He also left a request fer more
info on a message board." He pulls out the print out- a request written by
Soma, asking for information on multiplanar demons. It's set on the desk and
slid towards Genya. "I've yet to fully prove that what he encountered was from
my plane, but if it was, it may be imperative t' find out a bit more
information on 'em."
Arikado had seen Soma's request, but he hadn't had the time to ask the young
man what, exactly, was going on. He also did not know that Soma had visted
Kevin in prison. His lips twitch ever so slightly into a frown. It's almost
imperceptable. "What, exactly, happened to Mister Cruz? Furthermore, what,
exactly is it that I can do?" Blunt and to the point? Yes sir. This is the guy
who told a young lady that they'd never meet again and ran off to sleep forever.
We see how well that worked.
"What you can do?" Kevin says this with a slightly raised eyebrow.
"Well, his reports are showin' 'em tied to the agency that ya work wit'... And
that's partially how he came t' be part o' the IPA. Though his file on th'
activities he did fer his own plane are pretty barren." Another shift through
the papers- and photocopies of this information is produced.
"Soma apparently encountered a bein' that was able to take on shapes
an' forms from his memories- he specifically said that it appeared to take an
appearance from *sealed* memories o' his." Kevin's pretty quick and knows
exactly how he's getting to things. He setting up evidence from what he has on
hand to ensure that answers have to rely on this sort of thing. "I'm doin'
research on a world known as Gehenna. At least, that's what it is t' us. It's
th' realm o' th' dead. The restin' place fer lost souls. There may be a threat
involvin' 'em, an' it seems that Soma has drawn their attention. Now- I know a
bit 'bout him. It's no secret to the IPA, I'm sure, that I'm not th' most
'pure' o' clergymen. It's pretty obvious t' me- much how I can sense somethin'
'bout you. I'm tryin' to figure out motivations, and Soma's encounter is,
unfortunately, my only lead right now."
Arikado frowns. A land of the restless dead. Of course they would be interested
in Soma. "What did Soma tell you, Father Graham, about himself? Specifics, if
you would. I already know what there is to know about him, I just wish to know
what you do so that I may tailor my answer to preserve his privacy." And his
own. Maybe. Arikado's mind, in the meantime, runs over these current facts:
Demons are interested in Soma. They can access Dracula's memories. This is a
bad thing. If they can assume shapes and, perhaps, even powers, the last thing
needed is for one of them to assume the guise of, say, Death. This would be bad.
Kevin leans back in his seat, setting his pad of paperwork on his
knees. He keeps his arms wrapped around them at this point. "It wasn't exactly
what he told me- more o' what wasn't told." He tilts his head, bringing a hand
up to his forehead. He's trying to figure out how to word that encounter. "He
specifically described these memories as locked away...
The priest is quiet as he muses away, thinking over the next portion.
He even lets his blue eyes glance away from Genya for the time being. "It's
what I felt from 'em that worries me more." No mention on the open invite to
use his power. "There's a depth to his darkness that's far beyond what I've
encountered in th' past when performin' my duties. I'm moreso worried o' what
they can do wit' this darkness- not so much o' the mimics. Th' most common
mimic ya'll find is a Grimoire- they hardly have any power compared t'
others... but he told me they were testin' 'em t' see if he were what they
needed."
Arikado sighs just a little. Kevin knows something already. Likely, Soma
realizes this already. He rises from his desk, stretching to his full height
and looks down at Graham, dark eyes boring into the man. "You already know more
than most do. For some reason, I do believe that you are working in the best
interests of all in this matter. This is why I am giving you a choice. Swear to
absolute secrecy, for this information is not mine to give, but I believe you
should know why these beings may want Mister Cruz. If you refuse, I send you on
your way right now and this conversation is over."
As the man rises to his feet, Kevin does not appear to flinch from that
gaze. He listens in silence, until he finally crosses his arms. "Mr. Arikado-
please understand that my previous life wit' the Septian Church dealt in
nothing but secrets." This is very true. And it's that sheer reason that got
him in trouble with the IPA in the first place- his unwillingness to speak many
of these secrets.
"But this is also somethin' that may bring harm t' countless lives if
he is, indeed targeted." The priest never wavers in his words. He is resolved
in what he feels needs to be done. "I may even be breakin' the holiest of my
oaths should I refuse yer offer. What you say will never leave this room. I
swear this upon Eidos' name Herself."
The son of Dracula stares at the priest intently for a long moment before he
nods. He feels no deception. "Very well. On my world there was a man. This man
renounced God and swore that he would do all in his power to bring darkness and
chaos to the entire earth. This man was Vlad Tepes Dracul. Dracula." He pauses,
this is still a long story, even if it is the Cliff's Notes version.
"He...somehow gained the power of Dominance, bending souls to his will and
gaining power, even over Death himself. There arose a family that, through the
centuries, fought him every time he rose until in the year nineteen
ninety-nine, his existance was ended forever."
He pauses a beat for effect and to let the man absorb the information, it is
quite a lot. "In my world, it is Two Thousand and Thirty Six. Eighteen years
ago, Soma Cruz was born. Eighteen years after the sealing of Dracula's castle,
the soul, and power, of the Dark Lord were reborn in Mister Cruz." Another
heavy pause. He likes these. "Soma is the reincarnation of Dracula. He harbors
both his soul and his memories. Were there...sufficient provocation, he could
be awakened to his True Self, and Dracula would walk the earth again."
No deception- what Kevin says is true. His oath is to serve the Goddess
at his fullest capacity. And hearing this, who Soma is, helps him understand
exactly why the creatures of Gehenna would be responding to him. Slowly, the
priest narrows his eyes, and he then makes a mental note to try and find what
he can on Dracula, without having to question Genya frequently. The only
response that comes from the young priest after minutes of silence is just, "I
see."
Finally, Kevin adjusts his position, before he says, "Reincarnation
isn't somethin' too unusual fer us. But for a creature such as that t'
continually rise in th' world o' th' livin'... even after bein' banished
repeatedly by this family... He must have th' power somewhere t' be able to
cross over- specifically as ya mentioned Death as one of the souls under his
control." Kevin lets himself fall into silence again. He looks down towards the
ground- his mind is turning over information, and trying to add different
things upon different things. Data and knowledge and... "...if Soma were
brought t' Gehenna, I'm sure that they could most certainly reawaken Dracula
from there. It could- o' course- be a double edged sword fer them. He mentioned
that the creature that approached him said she was testin' 'em. So far, they
appear t' not 'ave decided on him, yet." And I pray that they don't- it's
unspoken, but most certainly, those last words hang in the air.
"The situation, were Dracula to arise, is more grave than even that. The last
Belmont is an old man, and even as potent as he is, I doubt he has the power
any longer to put him down yet again after so many years. The responsibility
would fall to the IPA and while I am sure we can defeat him, it would merely
prolong the inevitable. Only a Belmont can slay Dracula permanantly." Finally,
Arikado sits again, folding his hands in front of him. "So you see, it is of
absolute importance that we do not let Soma fall into the hands of these
creatures."
That is most troubling. This can be seen in Kevin's eyes as he hears
what Genya has to say about the last Belmont. Quietly, the priest fists a hand,
before he sits up slightly. "An' Soma has managed to remain in control... Is he
aware of this? If so, how long?" This is mostly for a personal reason, of
course. One that doesn't exactly end up being spoken.
"It would be such a loss t' everyone should we lose someone as
strong-willed as he." This is true in Kevin's eyes. He fell. To give someone
the opportunity to keep going? "I will do everythin' within my power t' ensure
that, Mr. Arikado." When he says 'everything,' he truly means it. This isn't
just with his holy abilities.
"Mister Cruz is aware of his....state. He knows he is the reincarnation of the
Dark Lord. He has access to the power of Dominance, but the personality,
memories and evil of Dracula are locked away. If I have my way, they will
remain so, for the sake of all." Plus he doesn't want the double whammy of
having to take out both his Father /and/ Soma at the same time. He only looks
like an unfeeling rock. "We agree, then, that these things that seem to want
Soma must be stopped. I am a fairly skilled....exorcist. Among other things. If
you can get me the information you have on these creatures, perhaps I can
formulate a plan, or a ward to place on Soma."
Kevin raises a hand. "If one o' the primary issues we're worried 'bout
pertains to Dracula's personality and memories taking over Soma's will, then
per'aps I may have somethin' that I can help wit' in that regard." He slowly
looks to his hand, before he gestures slightly. "I am a tainted priest. I have
some o' th' powers o' Gehenna in me. One of th' things I can do is manipulate
the memories of another. I don't like doin' it- in fact, it's a great toll on
me, dependin' on what I'm doin'. But I am sure I can make it easier for a
consciousness t' fight over a forceful will on itself.
"Nevertheless, I'll keep ya posted on what info I pull up. In fact,
I'll 'ave a copy of my notes and gathered reports transmitted t' ya."
Arikado shakes his head. "I do not think that is a very good idea. I would
leave Soma alone and concentrate on either sealing Gehenna or defeating its
inhabitants." He's good at beating up undead. He's better if his true self is
released but, details. "I would appreciate all the information you have,
however, I can formulate a plan, or at the very least be entirely informed."
Kevin nods once. "If th' situation presents itself where there is a
need fer a last resort, know that my offer's on th' table." He starts to gather
his things before he stands. "But I'll do my best t' keep ya informed. Thank ya
fer takin' the time out t' speak with me, Mr. Arikado."
The priest looks ready to start for the door when he stops. "However,
there's still one thing in on all o' this." He turns to look to Genya once
more. "Where d' you stand in all o' this? I understand Soma- who he is now, and
who he was... But you seemed t' be a bit tied t' 'em from the files I saw."
"I was present in nineteen ninety-nine when Dracula was killed and Castlevania
sealed." He could leave it at that, but Kevin swore to secrecy and, well, it
may be handy to have someone else know exactly what's going on, especially if
they need to save Soma. "I was also present in seventeen ninety-seven when I
defeated him myself. I was present in Fourteen seventy-six when he was struck
down by Trevor Belmont, and I was present in fourteen fifty when Dracula was
defeated for the very first time by Sonia Belmont."
He pauses a moment before speaking again. "My true name is Adrian Farenheights
Tepes. I am the son of Dracula. This is why I aid Soma, so as not to see my
Father's crimes repeated once more."
Kevin, a person who is pretty good at hiding surprises- actually fails
on this. He blinks once, as he hears Genya listing the years. Ages such as this
are not normal in his plane. -though he would certainly guess that to be
similar in this man's case as well. "Then..." The priest stops himself before
he simply nods once. "I understand. It makes sense what I feel from ya, as
well, then." He turns to look to the door. "Yer secrets are safe wit' me, this
I swear. Thank you for answerin' me." He glances back towards Genya. "If ya
ever have anythin' ya wanna ask me- I am willin' return th' favor."
Arikado carefully holds his neutral expression. He's not one to spread secrets
like that, but anything to prevent the repeats of the past. Anything. Even his
own life. His own secrets. He has given the priest a measure of trust. Strange
for such an enigmatic creature, but he senses no malice. Nothing but the desire
to do good, and in that, they are similar.
"I will keep this in mind, Father Graham. In any case, your guard has returned.
I heard him walking up the hall."
Slowly, the priest looks towards the door before he looks back to
Genya. "Thank you fer takin' this time, then. What you've told me is most
certainly safe." He finds it strange, the trust he's been given in this
situation, when there are others who have not- as is obvious from the escort.
Kevin hopes that, through this work, he'll be able to reacquire the
trust he once had before everything happened.