The most metaphorical demon slaying

[ilikebigbuffs]

[It was kind of refreshing, having a new subject to delve into and squeeze for all the information it had available. He had passed the subject of possession a few times during his research of curses, but never had any reason to search it further. Now, however...a friend was in danger. Week lost to crazy implanted memories or no, he'd been a very, very busy bee.

There was certainly a lot to read on the subject, so his room had become cluttered in notes again. He found, however, that most documented cases of demonic possession he had come across at later dates were instead proven to be psychological ailments instead of spiritual. This gave earlier documented cases more dubious credibility, so he wasn't sure how accurate most of his notes even were. Frustrating as it may have been, it was worth writing down and keeping among the more important notes at his writing desk.

It was dusk now, but Gakupo had already been asleep for...a few hours. He could never keep a healthy schedule when he was studying, and with how long his face had been firmly planted in a compendium he may well wake up with ink on his cheek and nose.]

Comments

[inshepherdscloth]

[a nervous, shaky breath... then he closes his eyes, bowing his head.

a moment later he sits up again, his posture entirely different. he sneers as he pulls off the priest's glasses.]

So the imposter priest wants to hear of Hell, does he?

[ilikebigbuffs]

[He steels himself, doing his best not to back up out of fear at that stare. He could handle this.]

That was the idea, yes.

[inshepherdscloth]

So brave, and so foolish. Would you quake to hear what awaits you, to hear of the lake of eternal fire? Will it please you to hear how your soul will burn, how your God will turn away his head from your cries? Do you look forward to it, the weeping and the gnashing of teeth?

[ilikebigbuffs]

[Yes, as a matter of fact he does almost quake. He's well aware of what most likely awaits him, and asking for some secret amidst the hellfire wasn't going to do anything for his anxiety on the subject later, but this wasn't about his comfort. It was about helping a friend.]

Tell me something I don't already know.

[inshepherdscloth]

[That friend, still watching through the demon's eyes, is grateful for Gakupo's bravery. Even if it's true, that he is indeed only posing as a priest... well, Kiyoteru has known men of the cloth less deserving of it than this man.

meanwhile, the demon chuckles.]

Oh, but your scriptures cover the subject so well, do they not? The torments your dear, loving God visits upon all those who do not follow his exacting rules...

[ilikebigbuffs]

You should know it better than any mortal man that could write down, shouldn't you?

[inshepherdscloth]

DO YOU DOUBT ME?!!

I, who have held this pitiful priest's soul in my clutches since the day of his birth? I, who cannot be driven from his flesh by the feeble power of your puling God? I, who drove a man to madness with words alone?! YOU DOUBT THAT I AM OF HELL?!

[ilikebigbuffs]

[He does back up at the outburst, his fear betraying him. If this was a demon and came with everything that entailed, he was getting himself into some pretty hot water.

If.

Deep breaths, Gakupo.]

From the way you're stalling instead of telling me anything...yeah. I'm starting to.

[inshepherdscloth]

[snarling]

Then what am I? Pitiful mortal, liar, priest of lies, if I am not of Hell, then what do you suppose I am?!

[ilikebigbuffs]

[That was a good question, actually. He hadn't exactly formed a solid hypothesis before jumping into this little stunt. Think back, all the notes taken, all the alternate possibilities presented from false possessions--

His eyes widen at a sudden thought.]

...I think you're an illness.

this is literally his only icon that isn't smiling...

[inshepherdscloth]

AN ILLNESS?!

[ilikebigbuffs]

Illnesses misdiagnosed as possession aren't uncommon. Especially a certain one--split personalities. Same body, just two or more people in it. No demonic forces involved.

[inshepherdscloth]

[trembling with rage, his fists clenched at his sides.

... but there's something other than anger in his eyes, as well.

fear?]

You think... You think that I was born in this wretched body? That I am some... some... weak pitiful human?!

How dare you? HOW DARE YOU?

[ilikebigbuffs]

You've been with him since birth, right? Had no other hosts?

Do you remember a life before him?

[inshepherdscloth]

[he opens his mouth to snarl of course, of course I do - but before the words have even left his mouth, realization crashes in on him, hard and cold:

he doesn't.

his eyes widen in a growing panic as he casts his mind back as far as it can go. he doesn't remember. his earliest memory is of drawing on a wall, a horrified nun scooping him up and away...

why can't he remember any further back than that?]

[ilikebigbuffs]

[He sits silent, waiting. The gears are obviously turning at full speed and he doesn't want to interrupt them, especially when the other was already so agitated.]

[inshepherdscloth]

This...

His human mind, it... it must have done something to me! Dulled my senses, clouded my mind! I can't... I can't remember! Why can't I remember?!

[ilikebigbuffs]

That isn't how it works.

You...I really think you're just a different face on the same coin, here.

1/2

[inshepherdscloth]

No. NO! I cannot accept - I will not accept it! I am a demon, born in the fires of Hell! This is my life's truth! I will show you! I will remember, and on that day, lover of lies, I will show you all the power of Hell!

[inshepherdscloth]

[and he slumps back in his chair suddenly, looking shell-shocked.

after a long moment, he raises a shaking hand to put his glasses back on.]

[ilikebigbuffs]

[He waits again, speaking very softly once the glasses are back on.]

...Father Hiyama?

[inshepherdscloth]

All these years...

Do you... Is it possible? Do you really believe it's possible? That he's...?

[ilikebigbuffs]

[He nods, turning to look through and retrieve a few pages of notes from his desk.] I came across the same scenario a lot. I'm not a medical professional or anything, but if you ask me I'm pretty certain that's what you're dealing with.

[inshepherdscloth]

[slowly touches his rosary]

Then I...

[ilikebigbuffs]

...Are you going to be alright?