[ Interesting, indeed. But also harder to predict, which is obviously annoying. They can't figure Lucifer out, and he's got them figured out all too well. ]
Yeah I'm definitely not buying that. [ He raises an eyebrow, canting his head slightly. ] Are you "good", according to yourself?
[ He waves a hand a bit dismissively; this is definitely something he's heard before but it sounds just a bit too Wise TM to take that seriously, even if it's not wrong exactly. ]
Are you here just to talk about your good qualities?
[ He'd expect there to be something else, considering Lucifer rarely just showed up out of the blue in person like this. ]
[ Perhaps he should crack down with punishment one of those days. ]
Why not?
[ It's not like he expected it to make a difference -- and Lucifer certainly wasn't sin-free from what he'd seen -- but him being exempt from red tape had to have a more interesting explanation than him simply being in charge. Which was also questionable, honestly, with how he was all "Oh it wasn't me who decided to bring you here". ]
[ Could he read minds, though. He'd have to find that out too. ]
My list is long, darling... longer than yours, and longer than most mortals could fathom.
[He takes a step closer, tilting his head as he observes Squalo thoughtfully.]
I was judged well before any of you lot.
But it seems like you just want to see how far you can push before you're appropriately punished. Is that it? Do you desire being on the receiving end?
So you're already done, is that it? And yet you're still here.
[ Squalo meets the look, not budging from his spot, likewise regarding Lucifer with interest. Not backing off, not attacking, just sort watching the balance tip whichever way it might. ]
Suppose I wanna see how far I can push, period. [ He shrugs with a bit of a grin, not acknowledging that "on the receiving end" comment because it holds more truth than he cares to admit. No matter how much joy he can get out of making others suffer, he enjoys being put in his place by someone capable of it, after all. ] Call it a curiosity.
I said I was judged, not that I had redeemed myself, Squalo. Two very different things.
[He gives a shrug of his shoulders.] It's a dangerous curiosity, I'll have you know.
[Borderline insane, to some. He takes a step closer though, closing the distance between them.]
What torture you witnessed me do -- that was only a bit of what I'm capable of. I could spend an eternity carving on you, never letting you die and always restoring you entirely before I start again.
[A pause.] Of course, I could also give you pleasure beyond your wildest dreams... with or without the pain. It really depends on how nice you care to be.
[ Haha, look at that, The Devil's using his name rather than some nondescript "darling" for once. Small victories! ]
I assume your redemption process is different from ours, then.
[ Considering Lucifer didn't seem to partake in the fun torture times in any other way but as an announcer. ]
[ Dangerous and borderline insane is pretty much Squalo's middle name, though. He remains still, though he is growing just a bit anxious as Lucifer keeps drawing closer -- not in a bad way though; he always enjoyed that nervous tingle before a life and death duel and this was much the same. ]
[ Well, maybe less immediately lethal, although considering what Lucifer was saying, that wasn't necessarily reassuring. ]
A bit of an overkill, don't you think? [ He half-grins at the other. He'd watched him interrogate some demons after the whole blood sacrifice mess; it had been efficient, scary and beautiful and honestly it had turned him on at the time, but he could also acknowledge that in most cases he would not be pleased to be on the receiving end of it. There were certain circumstances, though. ] I'm teasing you, not orchestrating a revolt against you.
[ which, y'know, give it time. but if he can find a way to skip town without going against Lucifer at this point, he might just take that. ]
Does it involve guiding poor lost souls back to the light?
[ It's unnerving, just a little bit. It's like a cat watching a bird, and Squalo's used to being the cat in those situations. He's doing well, he thinks. ]
[ As well as one can while making deals left and right for any information that could help him escape. With that mention of "ideas", he suddenly wonders if Lucifer knows about it. He always seemed extremely receptive to their wants or their sins, but not necessarily the exact thoughts going through their heads. What exactly was it, then? ]
[ The corner of his lips curling a little, he imagines stabbing the man-shaped being in front of him in great detail, waiting for any hint that could imply he's aware of that thought. ]
I never really "behave" myself. Should I start? [ His expression shifts into a perfectly natural coy, even playful grin, as if that's what he was going for from the start, eyes narrowing slightly in amusement. ] I thought you liked it...
haha, yes, but squalo keeps ignoring it!!! he's his favorite dumbass
Well, I'm not doing it for the mere fun of it certainly.
[He isn't blind to people wanting to escape -- running around, trying to gather their ideas up. It wasn't something he was overly worried about at the moment, not yet at least.
He huffs out a laugh as he tilts his head.]
That's a rather dangerous look you've got, darling.
[Full of plotting an secrets, but Lucifer doesn't seem to mind it at all.]
You do offer some amusement though, so I'm not asking you to stop... though I do wish you'd direct all those efforts elsewhere, to others even more often. You could have anything you wanted from me for that.
he's not ignoring it he's relishing in it ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) it's his favorite hobby
So why not stack the cards in your favor? Surely you're capable of that. [ If Lucifer only "won" if their little souls went on the path of redemption, why allow all those temptations to sin in the first place? And vice versa. ] And yet it's almost as if you try to keep it... fair. Is it a bet?
[ An interesting reaction... or lack of it. It doesn't exactly confirm anything, but Squalo's relaxing a bit. Whatever the case, doesn't look like he's about to be smote for thoughts any time soon. ]
Oh? That sounds almost like a deal. [ He tilts his head slightly, examining Lucifer. Naturally, he can't read shit from the Devil's face, but by God he keeps trying. ] It's so vague, though. "Elsewhere". "Others". What would you have me do and to whom?
he can't whine when his hobby gets him in trouble ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Perhaps, or perhaps I can't change what I am. I like to tempt people... and unlike my Father, I know you humans are easily swayed regardless of your faith. [Or how good they seem.] It could also just be that I'm terribly bored.
[Or none of the reasons above. Lucifer isn't foolish enough to give everything away at least.]
Your fellow penitents, of course. Is there one that bothers you more than others?
People don't change. [ It may have been meant as a half-question, but he certainly states it as fact. ] Is that what you're trying to prove to him?
[ He's not yet sure how willing Lucifer may be to speak about this Father of his; on one hand it's clearly a sensitive subject, on another everyone with daddy issues usually loved to go on about it at great length. ]
Not particularly... I could think of a few, though. [ He raises an eyebrow. ] Is that what you want? My help to turn more of them away from redemption?
Say it.
[ If he wants to get anywhere with Squalo, Satan's gotta learn to be more direct. Whether or not what he says is true is of course an entirely different matter. ]
You act as though he'll ever accept that he's wrong... he's rather stubborn about these sorts of things, you know.
[He gives a slow shrug of his shoulders, considering Squalo quietly.]
It does let me improve upon Hell a bit, the more damned souls I have. That's all I'm saying. It's entirely your choice if you want things to be comfortable.
Or perhaps I'm entirely a liar, tempting you away from salvation.
[ Squalo regards Lucifer back. Yes, he could be lying with every breath and Squalo would probably not be able to tell -- but again, usually there had to be a reason for it. He can't think of too many so far. ]
[ He has to laugh a bit at the mention of salvation. ]
If you think I need to be tempted, you haven't been paying attention. [ He... maybe should consider if this is really what he wants to double down on, however. He's almost certain Xanxus will never accept changing himself on those terms... and yet, he also does not know what lies ahead. ] If I can get salvation same as anyone, what's the point of people trying to be rightful in life?
[ That's not very fair, if you ask him. He has fun his whole life and potentially ends up in the same place as some actually decent priest or whatever. That's like watching the guy who skipped or slept every class land 5x-yours-figure job right after graduation. ]
[ He gestures around them. ]
So is Hell just this, forever? Or is this the nice PR front?
Because I made a deal... and while he may be stubborn about certain things, he isn't dishonorable.
[At least not in that way, Lucifer believes.]
You make it sound so easy... if you were righteous in life, Father wouldn't banish you here... you'd never be tortured or hurt to make up for past wrongs.
[There's a short laugh.] Hell is whatever I make it. At the moment, this suits my needs just fine.
[ He's implying he wants to hear more, but he's not going to outright push it, at least not now. He still doesn't know enough about Lucifer to be able to tell what is safe and what isn't efficiently enough. Just another thing he misses about Xanxus; he'd known him like the back of his own hand. ]
[ He waves his hand a bit in a somewhat dismissive gesture. ]
A temporary inconvenience... potentially. If I'd wasted my whole life being nice and heard about this, I'd fucking riot.
[ There's... a lot to unpack in that last bit. It's light-hearted enough, and yet the implications are less so. Lucifer's doing whatever suits him, and when he's done with that, there's no telling what kind of a fire pit he might dump them at. It would almost be in their best interest to get out of here while they're given an option -- and yet, there's no telling whether that isn't a lie, either. Squalo particularly does not trust that whole redemption business. It sounds very fake. They might just end up somewhere worse anyway. At least this place could be fun. ]
[ He leans in closer, a conspicuous smirk on his face. ]
What really happens when people disappear? 'Nd don't give me the working-off-sins version, I know that ain't true.
The deal itself is a rather simple one... My Father believes in the good in each and every one of you. If I can redeem you, then I redeem myself.
[There's always more to be told, but like anyone down here truly wants to hear the fine details. They want to hear soothing reassurance that things will be okay.
And honestly, some mystery out to be left behind anyway.]
Would you now? People who are nice rarely riot anyway...
[Not entirely true. There have certainly been good reasons to riot -- ones approved of certainly. But that's not the topic of the conversation.
[ It's quite counterproductive to what they've talked about a minute ago; Lucifer benefitting from sins and being drawn to it naturally. ]
[ Squalo definitely wants to hear the fine details. Except he can't argue reassurance would be nice, too. He's working off what he knows, but there's maybe 1% doubt if he's not shooting himself in the foot with his decision. What if he ends up getting Xanxus into something worse than he may have been at otherwise? There's no telling how long Lucifer wants to play "nice". And yet, the concept of Hell had never stopped either of them before. ]
'Cause I know people who don't even try to work off their lists. [ He tilts his head to the side slightly. ] 'Nd before you say I don't know them well, someone I do know was here... and then wasn't. [ The magic of TDMs. ] I know for a fact he did shit all to absolve.
[ And if he had found a way... he definitely would not have left without Squalo. ]
Who's in charge of choosing people for this place? It's not you, is it?
[It's a complicated thing, really, and for a moment, he frowns just slightly before it's trained back under something a little more pleasant.]
I'm not. I'm the executioner, not the judge. That would be God. It's possible God had a reason to send him back home or that there's another Hell out there he's sending them to.
[ He's curious and he's just getting more curious the longer they speak. It's maybe strange that of all people, he seems to be emphatizing with Satan at the moment, while completely discarding the feelings of most of his fellow residents. ]
Thought as much. [ There's a hint of disappointment, but he doesn't look surprised by the revelation. Of course, it's not necessarily true, but Squalo thinks it checks out perfectly and doesn't doubt it. ] Alright, here's the deal; is there any way you can influence where someone goes after death? Not today, not tomorrow, only when it's time and not a second before that. But there's one person I need to be in the same place with at the end. I don't care where.
[ That's it. That's his price for essentially selling his soul and trying to damn everyone he comes in contact with. ]
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Yeah I'm definitely not buying that. [ He raises an eyebrow, canting his head slightly. ] Are you "good", according to yourself?
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[He gives a casual shrug of his shoulders.]
An even the biggest saint has at least one bad, whether they acknowledge it or not.
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[ He waves a hand a bit dismissively; this is definitely something he's heard before but it sounds just a bit too Wise TM to take that seriously, even if it's not wrong exactly. ]
Are you here just to talk about your good qualities?
[ He'd expect there to be something else, considering Lucifer rarely just showed up out of the blue in person like this. ]
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[He gives a shrug of his shoulders, taking a step closer.]
I came to answer questions.
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[ He doesn't budge, allowing Lucifer closer, watching him with a smirk -- no protest, no encouragement either. For now. ]
Did you write a letter to yourself, too?
[ .........if you thought he's learned any better about not pulling the Devil's tail since last time... Well. Some people just don't. ]
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[He arches a brow. Of course he hasn't learned a thing.
Lucifer hasn't particularly tried very hard to teach him yet, admittedly.]
You can't put your sins on me, I'm afraid. It wouldn't work.
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[ Perhaps he should crack down with punishment one of those days. ]
Why not?
[ It's not like he expected it to make a difference -- and Lucifer certainly wasn't sin-free from what he'd seen -- but him being exempt from red tape had to have a more interesting explanation than him simply being in charge. Which was also questionable, honestly, with how he was all "Oh it wasn't me who decided to bring you here". ]
[ Could he read minds, though. He'd have to find that out too. ]
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[He takes a step closer, tilting his head as he observes Squalo thoughtfully.]
I was judged well before any of you lot.
But it seems like you just want to see how far you can push before you're appropriately punished. Is that it? Do you desire being on the receiving end?
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[ Squalo meets the look, not budging from his spot, likewise regarding Lucifer with interest. Not backing off, not attacking, just sort watching the balance tip whichever way it might. ]
Suppose I wanna see how far I can push, period. [ He shrugs with a bit of a grin, not acknowledging that "on the receiving end" comment because it holds more truth than he cares to admit. No matter how much joy he can get out of making others suffer, he enjoys being put in his place by someone capable of it, after all. ] Call it a curiosity.
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[He gives a shrug of his shoulders.] It's a dangerous curiosity, I'll have you know.
[Borderline insane, to some. He takes a step closer though, closing the distance between them.]
What torture you witnessed me do -- that was only a bit of what I'm capable of. I could spend an eternity carving on you, never letting you die and always restoring you entirely before I start again.
[A pause.] Of course, I could also give you pleasure beyond your wildest dreams... with or without the pain. It really depends on how nice you care to be.
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I assume your redemption process is different from ours, then.
[ Considering Lucifer didn't seem to partake in the fun torture times in any other way but as an announcer. ]
[ Dangerous and borderline insane is pretty much Squalo's middle name, though. He remains still, though he is growing just a bit anxious as Lucifer keeps drawing closer -- not in a bad way though; he always enjoyed that nervous tingle before a life and death duel and this was much the same. ]
[ Well, maybe less immediately lethal, although considering what Lucifer was saying, that wasn't necessarily reassuring. ]
A bit of an overkill, don't you think? [ He half-grins at the other. He'd watched him interrogate some demons after the whole blood sacrifice mess; it had been efficient, scary and beautiful and honestly it had turned him on at the time, but he could also acknowledge that in most cases he would not be pleased to be on the receiving end of it. There were certain circumstances, though. ] I'm teasing you, not orchestrating a revolt against you.
[ which, y'know, give it time. but if he can find a way to skip town without going against Lucifer at this point, he might just take that. ]
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[He gives a shake of his head, lips curling up slightly, eyes locked on Squalo, watching every reaction he gives.]
It's simply a reminder... just in case you ever get any ideas, darling.
[He knows better than to trust anyone that much.]
But you're not in any danger at the moment, not as long as you behave yourself.
lucifer be all ♫ don't play with me, 'cause you're playing with fire
[ It's unnerving, just a little bit. It's like a cat watching a bird, and Squalo's used to being the cat in those situations. He's doing well, he thinks. ]
[ As well as one can while making deals left and right for any information that could help him escape. With that mention of "ideas", he suddenly wonders if Lucifer knows about it. He always seemed extremely receptive to their wants or their sins, but not necessarily the exact thoughts going through their heads. What exactly was it, then? ]
[ The corner of his lips curling a little, he imagines stabbing the man-shaped being in front of him in great detail, waiting for any hint that could imply he's aware of that thought. ]
I never really "behave" myself. Should I start? [ His expression shifts into a perfectly natural coy, even playful grin, as if that's what he was going for from the start, eyes narrowing slightly in amusement. ] I thought you liked it...
haha, yes, but squalo keeps ignoring it!!! he's his favorite dumbass
[He isn't blind to people wanting to escape -- running around, trying to gather their ideas up. It wasn't something he was overly worried about at the moment, not yet at least.
He huffs out a laugh as he tilts his head.]
That's a rather dangerous look you've got, darling.
[Full of plotting an secrets, but Lucifer doesn't seem to mind it at all.]
You do offer some amusement though, so I'm not asking you to stop... though I do wish you'd direct all those efforts elsewhere, to others even more often. You could have anything you wanted from me for that.
he's not ignoring it he's relishing in it ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) it's his favorite hobby
[ An interesting reaction... or lack of it. It doesn't exactly confirm anything, but Squalo's relaxing a bit. Whatever the case, doesn't look like he's about to be smote for thoughts any time soon. ]
Oh? That sounds almost like a deal. [ He tilts his head slightly, examining Lucifer. Naturally, he can't read shit from the Devil's face, but by God he keeps trying. ] It's so vague, though. "Elsewhere". "Others". What would you have me do and to whom?
he can't whine when his hobby gets him in trouble ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
[Or none of the reasons above. Lucifer isn't foolish enough to give everything away at least.]
Your fellow penitents, of course. Is there one that bothers you more than others?
well he's not!! yet
[ He's not yet sure how willing Lucifer may be to speak about this Father of his; on one hand it's clearly a sensitive subject, on another everyone with daddy issues usually loved to go on about it at great length. ]
Not particularly... I could think of a few, though. [ He raises an eyebrow. ] Is that what you want? My help to turn more of them away from redemption?
Say it.
[ If he wants to get anywhere with Squalo, Satan's gotta learn to be more direct. Whether or not what he says is true is of course an entirely different matter. ]
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[He gives a slow shrug of his shoulders, considering Squalo quietly.]
It does let me improve upon Hell a bit, the more damned souls I have. That's all I'm saying. It's entirely your choice if you want things to be comfortable.
Or perhaps I'm entirely a liar, tempting you away from salvation.
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[ Squalo regards Lucifer back. Yes, he could be lying with every breath and Squalo would probably not be able to tell -- but again, usually there had to be a reason for it. He can't think of too many so far. ]
[ He has to laugh a bit at the mention of salvation. ]
If you think I need to be tempted, you haven't been paying attention. [ He... maybe should consider if this is really what he wants to double down on, however. He's almost certain Xanxus will never accept changing himself on those terms... and yet, he also does not know what lies ahead. ] If I can get salvation same as anyone, what's the point of people trying to be rightful in life?
[ That's not very fair, if you ask him. He has fun his whole life and potentially ends up in the same place as some actually decent priest or whatever. That's like watching the guy who skipped or slept every class land 5x-yours-figure job right after graduation. ]
[ He gestures around them. ]
So is Hell just this, forever? Or is this the nice PR front?
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[At least not in that way, Lucifer believes.]
You make it sound so easy... if you were righteous in life, Father wouldn't banish you here... you'd never be tortured or hurt to make up for past wrongs.
[There's a short laugh.] Hell is whatever I make it. At the moment, this suits my needs just fine.
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[ He's implying he wants to hear more, but he's not going to outright push it, at least not now. He still doesn't know enough about Lucifer to be able to tell what is safe and what isn't efficiently enough. Just another thing he misses about Xanxus; he'd known him like the back of his own hand. ]
[ He waves his hand a bit in a somewhat dismissive gesture. ]
A temporary inconvenience... potentially. If I'd wasted my whole life being nice and heard about this, I'd fucking riot.
[ There's... a lot to unpack in that last bit. It's light-hearted enough, and yet the implications are less so. Lucifer's doing whatever suits him, and when he's done with that, there's no telling what kind of a fire pit he might dump them at. It would almost be in their best interest to get out of here while they're given an option -- and yet, there's no telling whether that isn't a lie, either. Squalo particularly does not trust that whole redemption business. It sounds very fake. They might just end up somewhere worse anyway. At least this place could be fun. ]
[ He leans in closer, a conspicuous smirk on his face. ]
What really happens when people disappear? 'Nd don't give me the working-off-sins version, I know that ain't true.
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[There's always more to be told, but like anyone down here truly wants to hear the fine details. They want to hear soothing reassurance that things will be okay.
And honestly, some mystery out to be left behind anyway.]
Would you now? People who are nice rarely riot anyway...
[Not entirely true. There have certainly been good reasons to riot -- ones approved of certainly. But that's not the topic of the conversation.
When Squalo leans in, so does Lucifer.]
What makes you doubt it, darling?
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[ It's quite counterproductive to what they've talked about a minute ago; Lucifer benefitting from sins and being drawn to it naturally. ]
[ Squalo definitely wants to hear the fine details. Except he can't argue reassurance would be nice, too. He's working off what he knows, but there's maybe 1% doubt if he's not shooting himself in the foot with his decision. What if he ends up getting Xanxus into something worse than he may have been at otherwise? There's no telling how long Lucifer wants to play "nice". And yet, the concept of Hell had never stopped either of them before. ]
'Cause I know people who don't even try to work off their lists. [ He tilts his head to the side slightly. ] 'Nd before you say I don't know them well, someone I do know was here... and then wasn't. [ The magic of TDMs. ] I know for a fact he did shit all to absolve.
[ And if he had found a way... he definitely would not have left without Squalo. ]
Who's in charge of choosing people for this place? It's not you, is it?
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[It's a complicated thing, really, and for a moment, he frowns just slightly before it's trained back under something a little more pleasant.]
I'm not. I'm the executioner, not the judge. That would be God. It's possible God had a reason to send him back home or that there's another Hell out there he's sending them to.
It's interesting to consider, really.
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What kind of change, if that's not a secret?
[ He's curious and he's just getting more curious the longer they speak. It's maybe strange that of all people, he seems to be emphatizing with Satan at the moment, while completely discarding the feelings of most of his fellow residents. ]
Thought as much. [ There's a hint of disappointment, but he doesn't look surprised by the revelation. Of course, it's not necessarily true, but Squalo thinks it checks out perfectly and doesn't doubt it. ] Alright, here's the deal; is there any way you can influence where someone goes after death? Not today, not tomorrow, only when it's time and not a second before that. But there's one person I need to be in the same place with at the end. I don't care where.
[ That's it. That's his price for essentially selling his soul and trying to damn everyone he comes in contact with. ]
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maybe wrapping up soon?
I think so!
and done probably