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Being the only archangel in Eden, who isn’t entirely pure and good and all that bullshit, is troubling sometimes. Aggravating, definitely. Irritating to the point where he feels the urge to light something on fire, at worst.
Savior of Corruption. King of the Corrupted Archangels.
Infamously known for the heads of his victims that hang carelessly around his waist.
Michael. Lucifer. Pick your favorite; he’s the same, no matter how differently his brethren regard him in his more… disturbing form.
Whether it was with the power of constellations, or the power of demon kings, he doesn’t change. It’s only in appearance, when he allows himself to transform into something more unholy, that he’s on display for others to fear.
But he doesn’t transform in essence. All he’s done is let his true thoughts come to life, tinted with a bit more darkness.
Savior of Corruption. King of the Corrupted Archangels.
Such grand, impressive titles. They alluded to his power.
He was a useful tool, at best. One of the most exceptional in slaughtering scum. In other scenarios, he was a ticking time bomb ready to blow. Something to look out for, in case he lost his composure.
(But that’s what made him so thrilling .)
At one point, he believed he was the only one with his modifier. An exception to the laws that defined ‘good’ and ‘evil.’ He was one of the Scribe’s greatest weapons at his arsenal, and he was even more versatile than some of the most powerful archangels.
He has an extraordinary, unmatched status. He’s nearly invincible, and renowned across various nebulas. His name is echoed throughout multiple stories.
And yet, it’s an odd feeling.
Having eyes on your back at all times, being watched for any signs of unruliness, perhaps losing control.
Having eyes on your back, and hushed whispers following you wherever you went.
He’s different from the rest. That’s obvious enough. Why, if Eden wasn’t so perfect and holy , he’d say he’s being ostracized.
(Of course, the oh-so kind ‘absolute good’ would never dream of casting out one of their own. Not when they’ve turned him into the monster that they desired. Not him, they . They wanted this.)
But, he puts up with it. It’s not difficult to pretend to be indifferent to their backstabbing remarks. His volatile personality is expected anyway. If he lashing out, he only receives a few reprimands.
After all, they can’t afford to lose such a weapon.
There’s no other entity like him in the <Star Stream>.
Or at least, that’s what he thought.
Before the anomaly that was the Demon King of Salvation walked in, practically sauntering through Eden’s gate.
Stygian wings on display to provoke .
Oh, how Michael wants to strangle his neck. That pretentious demon king, acting as if he has the right to bear that modifier, bear that status, as if it’s his own.
As if he has the right to enter the most holiest places in existence, despite his revolting nature.
(As if he has the right to be loved by his comrades, loved by the archangels that have shunned him for so long. As if he has the right to be exalted, even though he is the enemy, and he is the opposing side.)
When the Demon King of Salvation walks through Eden’s gate, his assistant incarnation in tow, Michael wants to kill him.
He doesn’t. Thankfully. There’s consequences he’ll face if he does.
But he wants to.
And maybe he will. One day.
Instead, he greets him, with faux hospitality on his face, and a mocking bow to his appearance.
He watches those stygian wings closely, in case they believe they have any chance of escape.
He puts on his best smile, and makes sure his teeth are gleaming sharply.
And in return, the Demon King of Salvation grins back.
“To what do I owe the honor,” his mirrored side nearly whispers, anticipation in his breath, and that’s when he knows–
– he’s found someone like him.
Oh, how it’s going to be entertaining to toy with this one.
“Savior of Corruption.” The demon king greets, returning with a shallow bow of his own. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
[Likewise.] Michael lies, bold-faced. This is for formality; both of them know this. Both of them also know that he could hardly care for being polite half the time, but perhaps they’re also thinking the same thing.
That this new paradox is an exception.
“Kim Dokja.” The incarnation next to him speaks, interrupting their moment with her tense voice.
He doesn’t bother to suppress the urge to scoff. For a small gnat like her, he’s surprised– and disgusted– that she’s allowed to speak freely. And to utter a demon king’s true name? As if they are familiar, and on the same level?
It’s a disgrace to the very moniker they share.
The incarnation in return gives him a withering glare, to which he ignores. There’s no need to give any more of his attention to her, anyway.
He already has his eye on the prize.
“Jung Heewon,” the Demon King of Salvation nods in her direction, and Michael can faintly recall hearing her name somewhere else. Perhaps in the broadcast that Uriel watches so often. Or perhaps was it Gabriel? Jophiel? He doesn’t spend enough time and energy to care.
“Stand down.” Pointedly, the other constellation glances down at the sword that’s being drawn, and the cold stare ‘Jung Heewon’ is sporting.
Yes. This was common.
Little bugs thinking they can take on beings of his caliber.
As if they could even land a single blow on him.
It’s amusing, sometimes, to watch as they struggle to comprehend that they are thousands of years behind him, and that they can only dream to reach his level.
Yes. This is almost hilarious.
The pair. They were amusing, to say the least.
[You brought a companion.] He rasps, and his eyes briefly scrutinize her. She doesn’t look weak , by any means. And based on her stance, and the aura she radiates…
Perhaps, if he wasn’t as strong as he is now, he’d be impressed.
“I did.” The Demon King of Salvation confirms, moving almost imperceptibly to shield her with his body. He even raises his status slightly.
And Michael wants to laugh at that.
Because of course, the other believes that he’s going to try to harm her.
He wouldn’t sink to that level.
Why does everyone always think he will?
(Perhaps he’s done so in the past. But the past is the past. Isn’t that what they say? You couldn’t always judge someone by their history.)
Peculiar. It was peculiar, if anything, to see a demon king care so strongly about a mere tool.
He wonders what exactly is the relationship between the two.
“I won’t hurt her.” It’s not a reassurance, but it’s the closest thing. “She’s insignificant to me.”
Unsurprisingly, the incarnation gets irritated by that.
“Insignificant, huh?” She raises an eyebrow at him, her scowl deepening. “I could show you insignificant –”
“Jung Heewon.” The Demon King of Salvation interrupts her, shooting her a warning glance. Good. She should know her place.
“Don’t mess with him. Seriously.”
And it’s the acknowledgement to his strength that makes him grin once more. Because, at the very least, if there’s any redeeming quality to this horrendous excuse of a constellation, it’s that he knows danger when he sees it.
Fear is the most reasonable reaction everyone should have when meeting him after all.
[What, demon king?] He can’t help but try to elicit a reaction out of him. [Afraid?]
The said demon king turns his gaze over to him, and levels out an even stare. Unflinching. Unwavering. Unfaltering.
Most definitely not afraid.
“Yes.” He replies and his answer is contrary to his demeanor, which is calm, composed, and utterly apathetic. “I’m absolutely terrified. Please don’t try anything.”
Impudence. Blatant disrespect, considering his status is far below his own.
Perhaps Michael should annihilate him immediately for that.
And yet, the response is oh-so interesting. Intriguing. Fascinating.
He wants to know more.
But from his peripheral vision, he can see a distraction coming in. A distraction, coming to bother him.
[Michael.]
Golden hair cascading down a back, and a delicate figure approaching from the side. Wings of pure white extend from her, and she walks with elegance and grace. But the look in her eyes is a silent threat, and she’s watching him carefully.
[I hope you’re not antagonizing our guests. Are you?]
He rolls his eyes.
He has every right to antagonize their guests. Their guests being a sworn nemesis , a demon king .
But he’s complacent. He always has been. Or at least, he’s always tried to be.
(He fails, most of the time.)
And so he merely settles for an aggravated glare, and displeasure that illustrates his face easily.
[I would never dream of it, Uriel.] He gives a nod to the archangel. Yes, he suddenly remembers. This is her Demon King of Salvation that she cares so much about. She single-handedly made him a beloved of the heavens, despite his current standing.
What was so captivating about him, he won’t ever understand.
Still, he’d like to find out.
[Your friend and I were becoming acquaintances.] He turns to the outsider, who’s sporting a bored expression. [Isn’t that right?]
“You could say that.” A careful shrug, and glittering obsidian eyes. They catch gold in Eden’s light, is what he notices abruptly. They catch gold, and they coruscate with the light of the stars.
“But we’re more than acquaintances, aren’t we?” The Demon King of Salvation’s lips curve into a deadly smile, and Michael doesn’t miss the sword that’s tucked behind his back.
“Savior of Corruption.” And he speaks the name like a proposition. “Aren’t we friends already? After all, it’d be a shame if entities like us become enemies.”
The sword drops a little, and the grip around the hilt loosens.
“A waste of potential, isn’t it?”
The implications within the words are not lost on him.
The Savior of Corruption, Michael, wants to laugh with delight.
Already so bold. Already so daring.
Already taking calculated risks, assessing threats, and gaining assets.
Five seconds into Eden, and he’s already trying to corrupt its greatest warriors.
He can see it, in the demon king’s eyes. The glint that radiates danger, the pull that draws you in, and doesn’t let you escape.
The amber light that encases him, like a dark Messiah, and the expression on his obscure face that’s completely unreadable.
He knows what he’s doing.
And he knows he’s going to win.
It’s more than fascinating, actually. He retracts his previous statement. In fact, he can faintly see what Uriel likes about this man so much. That is, if he can be called a man still.
He has no urge to betray Eden. Not yet.
But sometimes, playing at the edge of acceptable and loyal is fun.
And so perhaps, he’ll indulge the demon king a little.
“That’s right.” Michael agrees with a small nod, his smile sharpening. Uriel tosses him a suspicious look.
Don’t blame me , he wants to say, it’s your favored one that has brought this.
“We’re friends.”
Perhaps, he’ll let the demon king breathe a moment before trying to kill him.
Yes, his death will be interesting indeed .