Puppeteer
Chapter 10: Stage-fright

The stage is an important element in a performance. Its meaning is often underestimated, however, it is not any more low-valued than that of every single actor, for it is the stage that will take the audience into the world of the play, and it therefore contributes to the atmosphere of the whole show.

Stage-fright contains the anxiety to enter this new, unknown world, to dive from the usual surroundings into another. No matter, how often you rehearsed your part before, a stage will become another world first when the audience creates it. Yet, every audience differs and creates different kind of worlds for the actors to dive into. Therefore stage-fright will always be present, before the play starts...

»DID YOU JUST PROSTITUTE YOURSELF TO SATAN?!« The words escaped from Rin's mouth, before he could tame his loose tongue. Jumping out of his armchair and pointing an accusing forefinger at Mephisto, his face, he was pretty sure about that, must have had an look of enragement and confusion displayed and he yelled as if everyone in this room was as deaf as a doorpost. Yes, maybe he was acting overly dramatic, but Mephisto made them believe he had been abused by his father to gain their sympathy. And that didn't only take Rin by surprise but was also enough of a reason to be majorly pissed.

It worked pretty well. He had everybody's attention now. Amaimon narrowed his eyes and growled, while Yukio eyed him with him with a mixture of shock and shame, as if it was Rin of all the attendants here who was the most unfathomable of persons in this room. Mephisto, however, broke into resounding laughter, shaking and choking and wiping tears of joy from the corner of his eyes.

»Hehehehe... good gracious, what an announcement! You are definitely an extremely entertaining fellow, Rin, with such a tremendously impudent choice of words. I can't blame you, though, for your accusations are someway justified for someone whose heart got pestered by human morals and ethics. Nevertheless, I already explained that if one aims for power, one must not fear certain sacrifices, ja? Twisting Satan round my little finger like that was a piece of cake and, besides, it was a simple means to seal the pact decently. It's demon law, a business you, in your current state, would not understand yet.«

»I tell you what it is: IT'S DISGUSTING!« Rin snorted contemptuously.

»Nii-san! You can't talk like this to Sir Pheles. Apologise at once!«

"You're not my Mum, four-eyes, and I'm not gonna apologize for expressing my opinion!" Really, did his brother have to object everything he said? He had a point and it wouldn't harm the other twin to be on his side for once. Mephisto's intentions were dubious and Yukio admitted it himself last night. So why should he hit around the bush?

»It's alright, Yukio, I am not offended. I understand how humankind comes to judge my behaviour as being repellent. Incest is an immense taboo in Assiah as it jars with your injected concept of morality. Nevertheless, among demons it is not prohibited, it's rather the other way around. For once, we don't possess an own body and therefore no DNA and, for second, we have the ability to steer our procreation deliberately.«

Rin could feel how the colour drained from his face. »You saying matter of factly that you and Satan could have... reproduce?« he whispered in terror.

Mephisto chortled. »What are you thinking? Even among demons there has to be a female and a male part to breed. This concept remains always the same, presuming, of course, there are gender signs in species. Only hermaphrodite beings form a certain exception, but I trust that you are aware of the very basics about the process of propagation." He raised a mocking eye-brow at Rin, before continuing, "I merely aim to explain to you why demonkind does not oppose copulation with their brothers and sisters or even with their parents. It would have no degenerating effect on the progeny, even if they wish to reproduce.«

Rin felt the feeling of sickness climb up his throat like a distasteful sour and bitter lump. Even if it wasn't about reproduction, he could never understand the appeal in... ohhh no... he wouldn't go there! Yukio was his brother and the old geezer had been way too good a father to think about him about something that sickening even once. Besides, Rin liked women, with huge boobs that would bounce like wobbly jelly if the girl attached to them started a jog.

Mephisto probably found his reaction and facial expression quite amusing judging by the lewd grin he set on him. »You ponder on it already, don't you? My kingdom for a peek into that indecorous mental cinema of yours.«

»No... hell, no! I did NOT ponder... I just shoved those foul, abnormal and... and SICK mental images into the far, far, faaaar back of my mind!« Unfortunately he could feel the heat climbing up his cheeks and knew that his face betrayed him with a blush. No matter what Mephisto might make out of that, it was just that he felt embarrassed about it all... and of course disgusted.

From the corner of his eyes he could see Yukio throwing a sideway glance to him. He looked like Rin felt: pale in the face - that shade of whiteness that would make chalk envy the lack of colour - and utter horror displaying in his eyes. Same train of thoughts? Same Sickness? Hopefully. On the contrary, maybe Yukio just thought Rin was trespassing dangerous territory with his accusations.

Mephisto cleared his throat, sounding actually slightly annoyed now, which was even more accentuated by his protruding curl that convulsed and pulsed at the same time. »I told you that it is just due to bigoted, human ethics that you think about it so restrictedly. Fujimoto did a fair good job at raising you as humans. That's the reason why you actually feel and think like humans even though you are not – you're half-demons, both of you." The principal stopped talking for a short moment, sighed theatrically and raised a hand to his temples, gently massaging it with his fingertips. "Oh dear, I never guessed it would cause so much trouble to wipe such ideas from your minds. However, let me explain it all to you, before you interrupt me so ungallantly once again. There is another crucial aspect as to why a demon considers and prefers certain bedmates. If you recall, I already stated that I would have been killed by my family if it had not contravened the will of Satan. Sexual intercourse between demons forms a bond which is recognised and respected by every other demon in Gehenna. See of it as an exchange. The lower demon deliberately offers unbounded loyalty to the demon with stronger power an therefore receives protection or something else of value, which would result into a pact. The stronger the bedmate the stronger the protection and even more so, the level of respect in demon society. Being the fortunate one mating with Satan himself on various occasions, brought me my position as second strongest in Gehenna.«

Rin snorted. No matter how much sense Mephisto's words seemed to make to him it still sounded sick. Gaining power and influence by mating... tzk! Maybe if he grew up in Gehenna, he were able to understand why it was so important, but, being raised in Assiah for good, the human side in him would never tolerate sex with parents and siblings.

"I'll never get it... you can explain as much as you want, freaking clown. It's still disgusting." he muttered grimly and crossed his arms in front of his chest, glaring at Mephisto.

Then his eyes wandered downwards to Amaimon, behaving like the happiest lap dog in all over the world. So, were Mephisto's explanation the answer to the questions he had regarding the Earth King? Was that lollipop-eating freak acting so naive around the principal, because he was bound by demon law, sleeping with Mephisto to gain power and paying with loyalty? Urgh... the teenager didn't even want to think about them doing it... the very thought was absolutely twisted!

Yukio did not feel all too well discussing this awkward topic. The problem wasn't the sex life of demons in itself. After all, it had been part of his education on exorcism to know about the basics of demonic intercourse, essentially for the reason to better understand their actions and way of thinking. But back then it had been a subject only, nothing more.

Now, however, this discussion was linked to Sir Pheles personal sex life and therefore completely surreal and utterly unpleasant. Regardless how skilled the demon principal explained it matter-of-factly, Yukio still felt ashamed for getting to know such intimate things about him.

It stirred those horrible pictures in his mind and even created new ones.

He sighed. All he ever wanted was to protect Rin. Yet, why did it always have to end up so complicated? He liked it better, when things were easier and in control.

On top of that all these explanations made his train of thoughts rattle on. Why did Mephisto tell them this? Was it some sort of justification? But, then again, Sir Pheles never justified his actions if it wasn't absolutely necessary. His patience and willingness to lay his cards on the table had to mean something. There had to be more behind it all, strings Yukio didn't yet see, but that were being pulled none the less. The young exorcist's thoughts wandered back to their encounter in the study and to the words that had been said, when he lost control...

Wouldn't you like to follow in your father's footsteps?

Did father and Mephisto really...? And why did Sir Pheles actually chose to corner him... going this far just to break his powers lose? Sexual harassment was a serious delict and could cost him both his job and his reputation. So, why...? It had to mean something... it just had to.

Yet, the most tantalising questions of them all, was: Did he really want to know this? After all what had happened, what he had seen and experienced... would he be able to handle the answers without breaking once more?

A world might seem big, his father had explained once, but basically it was divided into many small worlds. The small worlds which every individual created around itself, limited to the knowledge and believes owned by that single being.

Everyone looks at our world differently, Yukio, and no one will ever completely understand the way you look at it, neither will you ever completely understand the way Rin, Shura or I look at it, even though we share some opinions. That's what makes every human unique.

Yukio's worlds consisted of two aspects: Becoming stronger, as strong as his father used to be, and protecting Rin against harm. Sir Pheles was able to shatter that world, at least a part of it, the part that would aim after his father's actions and believes. He had been an idol, strong, courageous, flawless, untainted... a hero in his naive eyes, one could say. He had been a great father figure, a splendid exorcist, the Paladin even and yet he had also been Mephisto Pheles' bedmate? Yukio shivered slightly... that thought made him sick.

Knowledge is power, but also a curse. It lies in our nature to satisfy our inexhaustible craving for knowledge, but the deeper we dig and the more knowledge we gain, the more cruel and dark reality will appear to us. After all, there's a reason for the saying "ignorance is bliss".

The young exorcist remembered almost every word of advice from his father. Shiro had been right in so many things and even now these words were like signposts for him, telling him which ways to choose and which to avoid. But he pushed those thoughts aside for now, as well as Sir Pheles insinuations regarding Shiro Fujimoto.

He had to concentrate on what was really important right now: Sir Pheles presented information and even more so hidden hints. Hidden behind a clutter of sly choices of words and subtly woven into complex paraphrases, but they were ever-present, they were always somewhere. Yukio had to filter them...

One could say, it was an important turning point... not only for me, but also for Gehenna and Assiah.

That sentence.

It was important, gravely important.

His mind raced at least a hundred miles per hour and without notice, he pondered on his musings aloud, moving himself into the center of attention, before he could prevent it.

»You made Satan the God of Gehenna he is now... due to your pact he became so powerful that there is no vessel in Assiah that is capable of containing him... this can't be...« he looked up and was confronted with a mischievous toothy grin. No way, that meant...! »This means... At that time you already planned to leave Gehenna and go to Assiah, but you weren't able to do that as long as Satan was "weak" enough to posses humans and roam Assiah. You needed both, the title of being the King of Time and Satan's confinement, for your plan to work... this is... that's unbelievable!« Yukio was sure his amazement was shown on his features, but he was too befuddled by this revelation to keep his face under control.

How cunning and malicious!

What a mind to come up with such a elaborated long-range stratagem!

What a foresight, even though he wasn't King of Time back then!

A mind like this was dangerous, far more dangerous than anyone in Assiah ever guessed.

A cold shiver crept over his back, down his spine and left goosebumps on his skin. For the first time he was really aware of the monster in front of him, the reckless demon beast that lived amidst human society, among the True Cross Order, ruling over a school meant for exorcism. What if Mephisto Pheles ever lost interest in humankind...?

The principal applauded him, still grinning and raising an eyebrow while slightly nodding his head in approval. »Very good. One hundred points, Yukio, as expected from you. Indeed, Bravo! And many thanks for the compliment, I feel rather flattered.« The demon answered smugly.

»This was no compliment!« Yukio exclaimed, his voice still a bit shaky, but furious none the less. »You created a monster! A monster that became a God because of your struggle for power!«

»But a monster that is unable to stay in Assiah for long. Well, at least up until the moment you two were born. Unfortunately every single one of you makes a fine vessel for him, but this problem can be solved with proper training. Anyway, if you're asking me I did humankind a favour by doing that and they should rather thank me for freeing Assiah from the burden Satan."

»You played him...you tricked Satan!« Yukio whispered, still somewhat scared of the demon principal with that wicked mind who could outplay the God of Gehenna.

Mephisto's eyes went wide, then he laughed out loud and whole-heartedly. To everyone's surprise even Amaimon on his lap couldn't suppress an amused snorting chortle. What was so funny about this statement that even this usually impassive... verdigris laughed at him?

»By all the lords in Gehenna... hahaha... Yukio, who would have guessed that you are just as hilarious as your big brother? Hehehehe... playing Satan? No way... hahahaha... he got what he wanted. He did blame me though after he found out and I had to go through quite a troublesome time, but he finally realized that it was him who did not expect the consequences of this pact and that it was due to pure vanity.«

»How bad can a curse be? I mean... why did Satan so willingly fall for the trick, without even reconsidering?« Rin interfered. It was an exceptionally intelligent question... What was this curse of the fallen angel?

Mephisto sighed irritated and shot an annoyed glare at Rin. Obviously this question required a more complicated answer. »Listen, Rin, you saw him. He didn't expect much from me. I was just one of many incubus demon with not much power and an uncommon plan to gain it. He may have recognized my ambitions but not my wit and he never understood that being weak when it comes to physical power can be overruled by the power of a witty mind, because it is plain unusual. A demon's strongest weapon may be its silver tongue when it comes to humans who are easily tempted but it usually doesn't work for other demons. They know the tactic, they use it themselves, so no demon actually suspects it being used against them, especially not Great Lord Satan. Exactly that arrogance made it so easy for me to accomplish my plan." His eyes sparkled in delight and a victorious grin plastered his lips. Despite his irritated tone when he started explaining, he enjoyed it very much to talk about his greatest success. Who could have blamed him? Even Yukio admired the wickedness of Sir Pheles' mind by now, even though it still scared him. "As for the curse... I already told you that it chained Satan to God, even though they went separate ways.«

»W-wait a sec... you saying... no way! You want to tell us that every word about that curse was true? It wasn't just one of your metaphors? Meaning... there is a God...?«

»Of course, there is. After all you know about the existence of demons and after all Fujimoto taught you how can you still doubt that there is a God?«

»That's completely different! The old geezer had been a priest, of course he taught us to believe in God. And demons can be seen, if one gets that mashou-thingy...«

»Oh boy, you are severely blessed with ignorance. Think it over. Fujimoto was never the type of person who would carry proper priest potential inside him, very down-to-earth, even more so perverted and, not forgetting, that extraordinarily awful use of language. No, he wasn't a man of church right from the start. Yet, did he ever leave the impression on you that he didn't believe in what he told you about God?"

The twins shook their heads in unison. Shiro Fujimoto always sounded convinced when talking about God.

"And apart from that, up to your fifteenth year of age, Rin, you knew nothing about the existence of demons. Even today more than 70% people of the world population aren't aware that demons live in Assiah, and most of them will never find out about them, before they die. Not seeing them, however, doesn't mean they don't exist. Where there is light, there is also shadow, but the same goes for the other way around, there won't be no shadow without light. As you see, everything in our worlds and even our worlds themselves are in balance. The world of material, Assiah, and the world of nothingness, Gehenna. So put two and two together: If there is a God in Gehenna then there's also a God in Assiah.«

»The yin yang concept.« Yukio added attentively. It was incomprehensible and crazy, but it made sense. »This is most fascinating. But please tell us more about that curse. What effect does it have? How does it bind a demon to God?«

Sir Pheles chuckled, making Yukio blush sheepishly. His curiosity was sometimes a curse, too. But he really wanted to know all about it and Mephisto seemed so eager to tell them everything they wanted to know if only they picked the right questions.

»Think about the information I just offered you. Everything is in balance. One thing that makes it hard for you to believe that there is a God in Assiah is the fact that this God appears passive. He keeps back from all worldly interests and allows his creation to do as it pleases. Satan, on the contrary, is active or, well, he used to be. He roamed Assiah when he was still able to do so, he spread chaos, enticed the mortals and hence interfered actively. This didn't only gain him some souls to devour, but he also sorted the wheat from the chaff like that, a task given to him by God. Thus the curse of the fallen angel helped God to still make use of Satan by restricting him. Satan could not devour just any soul, he had to tempt them first and tempted souls are corrupted souls. Corrupted souls are not allowed to return to heaven.«

»Saying, that you, who carries the curse now, are restricted, too?« Rin concluded. He had a confused expression on his features and scratched the back of his head. Even though he said something smart for once, he still looked like an idiot who had no clue of what he was talking about. Well, even a blind squirrel will find a nut once in a while.

»It doesn't matter any more. Vatican restricted me to behave around humans and to not devour any soul at all." Mephisto primed his statement with a dismissive movement of the hand and a vicious grin.

Rin slumped into his seat, crossed his arms in front of his chest and furrowed his eyebrows, obviously deeply in thought. Yukio leant back in his chair, too, and sighed. Sir Pheles worried him more and more. A demon with a calculating mind was unsettling... a demon with such a mind and, in addition, such ambition and success rate was frightening. Where would his ambition end and what might be his final goal?

»Sir Pheles, you still owe us one more answer.« Tensely Yukio licked over his dry lips. He was sure there was a hitch somewhere. Sir Pheles still withheld the most important information from them. »What do you need us for?"

... One cannot take away stage-fright. One can only try to persuade them by telling them that the play cannot take place without them that they are an important part of the whole act and that everything will turn out good, if only they will participate. It makes it easier for them to overcome this fear and to step into the world they yet do not know...

Success or Fail?

Plunging in or drawing back?

One can only try... with the right choice of words and a pinch of curiosity.

~*~ TBC ~*~

A/n: Whooo... this took me long. _ I had many ideas when writing this, but half of them didn't make it inside this chapter. It's getting a bit more religious and cryptic in here than I actually planned, though. Again, blame Mephisto for it, he just won't stop talking once started. He so loves it when things go according to plan. *rolls eyes*

Well, anyways, I hope you enjoyed the read and I hope it made sense... I always tend to make things too complicated for my own mind, but it kinda all makes sense to me up until now... x'D

So the big question stands. What does Mephisto actually want? Will he get it?
I'd love to hear your opinion on that. ;3

And thanks so very much for all the kind reviews so far. You guys keep me motivated. :'3 *happy author is touched*

Oh, and in case some of you didn't notice... I changed the Rating to T. Why, you ask? Well, wait until the final curtain falls and I shall explain. ;3