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[fullcursemeal]

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[fullcursemeal]

[laughs]

What?

[thefaultinthestars]

You're stuck with her, even if we kill her she'll just come back. It's what Khonsu wants anyway. And you're working on your own redemption arc? So you might learn some things.

[fullcursemeal]

Who says I'm working on anything.

[thefaultinthestars]

Me. We've been talking every day for this long and you think I haven't noticed?

[fullcursemeal]

Hmmm?

[nom]

[thefaultinthestars]

Why are you playing ignorant. Is it hard to admit?

[fullcursemeal]

I don't know what makes you think I can be "redeemed".

[thefaultinthestars]

Because Appointment with Death under a Curtain is too caring to not have a redemption arc.

I know it's not the same as saying you never did anything wrong. But even heroes have things in their past that they can't be forgiven for.

[fullcursemeal]

That's just your opinion.

[thefaultinthestars]

It's a very well informed one.

[fullcursemeal]

Okay, Demon King of Salvation.

[thefaultinthestars]

Are you trying to make a point?

[fullcursemeal]

I'm saying maybe you need to demonstrate your qualifications.

[thefaultinthestars]

It's in the title? What proof do you want?

[fullcursemeal]

What does it mean?

[thefaultinthestars]

Well it's sort of...


[uh]



I think you might not like it.

[fullcursemeal]

Go on.

[thefaultinthestars]

Well...

The short of it is that at the end of the tenth scenario, you are supposed to go fight a Demon King for his throne, and whoever wins gets to be the new 73rd ranked demon king. However, because Olympus really wanted to kill me they set up a trap. They killed the demon king before we all arrived. But there's no stopping the main scenario so easily, so from the people gathered to fight the demon king, someone had to assume his throne immediately so that everyone else could fight him to the death.

[fullcursemeal]

[oh.

oh he doesn't like where this is going.

quiet, though. listening.]

[thefaultinthestars]

[The story 'Demon King of Salvation' wants to tell it's story.]

[Dokja hesitates a little at this message, because probably, it's not something Curtain really wants to see. But at the same time... it is something he literally asked for, and stories exist to be told, afterall.

So slowly, quietly, the story 'Demon King of Salvation' begins to tell it's story in words and images. Kim Dokja's voice quiets so the story can tell itself. The fight with Yu Junghyeok over who would be allowed to carry the burden, winning that fight, and transforming for the first time into a demon king.]

[fullcursemeal]

[well, this isn't the first time he sees a fight between him and Yu Junghyeok, but the overall atmosphere is so different, he watches silently, expression mostly blank]

[thefaultinthestars]

[“Remember how to deal with a demon king.” The giant Kim Dokja, pulsing with demonic energy, rippling with dark power, reminds his party in a gentle tone.

And from that point in the story begins the coaxing. It's a struggle. The party does not want to come to terms with the reality, but the clock is ticking. They don't have the time to reconcile, argue, or mourn. He cajoles them with his own immortality, promises another miraculous resurrection, meets their shocked and frightened expressions with one that seems to smile all too easily.

But when the party still can't bring themselves to attack him, he turns to the person he most trusts to carry out any plan.

"You are the only one. You have to take charge."

"…You are always like this, Kim Dokja. Do you think I’m an emotionless monster?"

But despite her furious and frightened eyes, Han Suyeong does as she is asked. Taking up the burden of rallying the party into killing Kim Dokja. Either one person would die or they all would die.

"You aren’t willing to sacrifice yourself so don’t be a hypocrite. Instead of dying, say thank you and swing your weapons!"

And the silent, sincerely grateful "Thank you" that forms on Kim Dokja's lips even as Han Suyeong strikes the first blows meant to kill him.]


[Jae, for his part, also watches the story, distant but fascinated. Honestly it's been a while since he read this one. He murmurs to himself a bit.]

I forgot about that...

[fullcursemeal]

[WOW, IT'S LIKE THIS IS HIGHLY RELEVANT RIGHT NOW OR SOMETHING.

Curtain's eyes drift briefly towards Jae as he says that, but he doesn't reply, focusing on the story again.

he has... a lot of feelings about this, a lot of opinions too, but now is not the time]

[thefaultinthestars]

[Seeing Han Suyeong begin the fight seems to move the rest of the party, but not fast enough. So one by one Kim Dokja speaks to each of them, convincing them in turn to turn their most powerful attacks on him.

This works, slowly, until reaching Jeong Huiwon. The woman herself shows sorrow and fury at the injustice, but little hesitation to do what must be done. But upon trying to put her full effort into killing her companion, finds her abilities do not work, as her constellation sponsor refuses to participate in the death of Kim Dokja.

[The constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ is covering her eyes with a pained expression.]

When all the angels in heaven vote upon whether or not a demon king should die, only one opposes them.

“Uriel, you know. This is just a story.” Kim Dokja spoke like a dokkaebi. “You must’ve seen many people die in the meantime.”

[The constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ is weeping and repeatedly shaking her head.]

“Do what you need to do. Only then will this story be completed.”

[The constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ is looking down at you.]

[All constellations of the absolute good system are in favor of Judgment Time.]

And finally, Jeong Huiwon, the Judge of Destruction, the character Kim Dokja raised himself, set the demon king alight with the full fury of the flames of Heaven.]



[At this point, Jae seems quite conflicted. Unable to look away from the faces of his allies but tears are unmistakably glittering his eyes. Will getting Jae to cry at his own story count to trigger your square, Curtain? He's very close.]

[fullcursemeal]

[he's too engrossed in the story to notice that right away, but when he does his own heart drops. he simultaneously wants to reach for him to try and offer some comfort and also just... disappear, let Jae have this all for himself.

his compromise is to pointedly not look at Jae and continue focusing on the story. it's hard, though, but he'll try]