Shiro Fujimoto

[antaressnipe]

IN THE NAME OF THE LORD

Comments

[antaressnipe]

[... This is hardly the time for it, but the corners of Chiron's mouth lift]

That is fine. I believe we are all allowed our biases. It's not as if any of us are machines.

[...]

I enjoyed his company, and am... saddened by the results.

[A sigh, and he drops his gaze to the ground]

But I agree. Understandably, many of the group do not want the burden of pressing others, especially as our bonds continue to be tested... but that is exactly what the killers will exploit to their benefit.

[lionson]

[He just nods wordlessly at the first part. He hasn't really explained his biases to anyone yet, it's something he holds close to his heart. The rest, though, he does have something to say about that.]

Maybe, but I can't help but think of Virid. The people who killed, it probably wasn't for shits and giggles, yeah? Something compelled them to do it.

If we could understand what that thing is, maybe we could stop the murders preemptively. But it can't just be over memories, can it?

[antaressnipe]

[... Quietly thinking that over]

I've talked to many in this realm... and the overwhelming majority have admitted that they would not kill over memories alone.

So... yes. There might be incentives we aren't privy to.

[lionson]

You know, I want to be able to say that, but I really can't. When I was younger- in my teens and twenties- I was such am asshole to everyone I knew. The 'me' of today wouldn't kill anyone over any incentives, but if I forgot so much that I became the 'me' of thirty years ago, I probably could be motivated to do it.

Part of me wonders if that's it. If people are losing the right memories to be okay with murder.

[antaressnipe]

... It is a possibility.

[Glancing down at his hand, thoughtful, before continuing]

But it is difficult for us to recall what memories we've forgotten in the first place... I know which one of mine are missing, but my circumstances are... unique.

[...]

Regardless, perhaps what we need is a system in place to hold our memories accountable. Share more with each other, if possible.

[lionson]

I have to ask you how that's even possible. I can't figure out what I've lost, even though I logically know I've forgotten something by now.

[antaressnipe]

There are people here that I trust, and I have told them many things about myself.

At the start of the week, we check on each other. We ask questions, and judge our responses accordingly.

[...]

Also, I am... famous on Earth. Even if I were to lose all of my memories, many of you already hold some knowledge of me, though you do not realize it.

[lionson]

What, you mean your name's not Archer?

[He's teasing.]

I don't think I could do that, though. It's risky. Secrets are enforced via demon contract in my world, and I'm under so many contracts that I'd probably get us all accidentally killed if I set them off.

[Ah, the hazards of working for a secret organization.]

[antaressnipe]

[Shiro he is an ancient deity, do not sass him!!!

Anyway just. Amused at first glance, but expression then growing bemused]

... Yes, but do remember you have immortals and deities in your presence. Some might be willing to assist you, if you think it possible.

[lionson]

[He has sassed Satan himself, don't deny him his sass.]

Yeah? Wanna try it? I could tell a State Secret and you could try fighting off the demon that shows up to kill me.

[antaressnipe]

-- Ah. Alright.

[He


fuckin gets his bow off his back]

Whenever you are ready, then.

[lionson]

Alright.

[He has no weapon himself, he's trusting you here, Chiron.]

In my world, the seven strongest demons could easily destroy everything several times over. The Church keeps them complicit in the survival of Earth by entertaining them with human bodies and curiosities to keep them too distracted to kill anyone.

[And then he waits.

And nothing's gonna happen because all magic is off, Shiro isn't gonna fukken die today. The mods have decided to spare him (for now).]

[antaressnipe]

[The fact that they were ready to square up against a demon and I was denied this...

Also frowningly deeply at what he just heard]

With-- human bodies?

And there are no such gods on your world to keep the demons in check?

[lionson]

[He seems almost disappointed to, he had the power of god and anime on his side.]

Yeah, so, here's another fun secret I can share now:

'divine' and 'demonic' beings? They're all the same thing. There is no physical difference. The only reason people think they're two different things is that some of 'em like humans and want them to live, while others hate humans and want to cause misery. But that's a personal choice for all of them. They're all demons. And the best way to deal with a demon is to keep them amused. Hence giving them bodies to play with.

...I guess I should specify that is how things work in my world.

[antaressnipe]

That part does not surprise me... but.

[Frowning, trying to voice why he finds this to be so heinous]

I suppose I am accustomed to some of the "divine" and "demonic" being ruled by their duties rather than personal feelings. The lack of balance is... unsightly.

[lionson]

I imagine some are, but that's why you enforce such things with a contract. You can't break demon contracts, not if you want to stay alive.

[antaressnipe]

You mean to say the demon contracts are binding both ways?

[lionson]

Of course. It's a contract, after all. Contracts bind everyone tied to them.

[antaressnipe]

... I see.

[Hm]

Did the humans of your world come up with this system, I wonder...?

[lionson]

...I want to say yes, but knowing some of the demons in charge of the whole program, it might have been the demons' doing all along.

[antaressnipe]

But what benefit would they have from this, purposefully binding themselves to this system?

[lionson]

One of these demons is an otaku. No humans means no anime, so he will help humans live so long as he keeps getting anime.

[antaressnipe]

[First off?

Cursed.

Secondly?

Chiron dips his head as if shamed to even have heard this]

That--

I cannot pretend I do not know deities who would have the same mindset.

[It's like he's trying to apologize for all of them. He's so fuckin sorry.]

[lionson]

[I'll have you know, I always burn copies of Edward Teach.]

See? I knew it couldn't be just him! I can't believe the world is kept safe by otaku degenerates gushing over their anime wives.

[antaressnipe]

[The only acceptable ascension for teach - straight into the trash.

ALSO HE JUST MAKES A DISTRESSED NOISE BECAUSE WHAT DOES ONE SAY TO THIS.

IT'S THE TRUTH.

TAKE HIM OFF THIS PLANET, ZEUS]

W-well, humans are very -- ah, creative? I suppose in a way that demons and deities cannot replicate, so...