Your Savior

@james-johnsen

James Johnsen ♦ Prophet ♦ 37

84 posts

"Personal information is different." Domiel conceded. That sort of thing didn't interest him in the same way. Not to say that he didn't care about the lives of others, especially when it came to his friends and loved ones. It just... It wasn't the same. He couldn't explain it. "Not all knowledge has to become useful to make it worth discovering and knowing. Sometimes you just learn for the hell of it."

Everyone here did seem genuinely happy to live here. Every time he visited people spoke highly of James and their experience. They did revered the man really. Truly fascinating. Domiel considered himself relatively well-liked among the student body, but no one ever looked at him like they all looked at James. He wasn't sure that he wanted them to.

"What sort of things do you grow?" He asked, looking in interest at all garden and its contents. The city had a good enough climate to grow many different sorts of crops but Domiel didn't normally see it in action. "Do you grow things year-round? It must prove difficult in the winter."

Personal information might be different, but James knew it to be just as juicy and useful under the right set of circumstances. It was noble of Domiel to give James the benefit of privacy regarding certain matters, although the man was certain that Domiel was making notes in his head of every little thing. It was a shame he couldn't use his ring to see into Domiel's thoughts. He had to be more fastidious with its use now that there was a question when Matthew would be able to give it a bit of a charge.

James waved at the workers, each taking a moment to acknowledge the cult leader and his guest. Not one person complained about the toil. Not one person wasn't gleeful to get a moment of his attentions. This was paradise. If only he could expand to a larger scale, then James would be truly happy.

Taking a strawberry from the vine, he handed it to Domiel. "Tomatoes, potatoes, berries, herbs: the sort of things that you would find in a home garden only on a larger scale." Perhaps they should open a stall at the boutique farmer's markets too. It would bring in a handsome profit for organic and locally grown produce. He'd need to talk about that with his accountant. No need to Domiel to be privy to new plans. "We have the green house for winter, but we do buy things from whole sellers when we cannot provide for ourselves. We have been blessed with a bounty that makes that possible. And with Brenda who does a wonder at pickling everything."

matthew-alexander

"And yet here you still are, James. Still standing before me wanting a dance," Matthew replied with a defiant tilt of his head. The fallen deity was depowered, which meant that there was a chance James could overpower him with that ring, but there was something inside Matthew telling him that this human would not do that.

"But yes, I suppose you're right. You prefer being fawned over and worshipped. I'd almost forgot."

"You say that as if I just requested a death sentence. Actually scratch that. You would probably be happier about smiting someone." He hadn't meant to remind him of his loss of power, but there were certainly still ways that Matthew could harm James should he wish. It would get his nice suit dirty, but it was still a possibility.

"Praise is addictive. I'll admit that. You should try it sometime. It might make you a friend."

#c: matthew #vcwf26

matthew-alexander

"On the contrary, you have too much fun at my expense," Matthew returned with a wave of his hand. That ring contained the fallen deity's magic after all and they both knew what and how often James used it.

"It was quick because you can't expect to keep coming to me for a recharge. You should be using the magic in that ring wisely," he said. "Don't flatter yourself, sweetheart. We're just having lunch."

"I have just the right amount of fun. You don't know how to relax." If he had an iota of the power that Matthew possessed, James surely wouldn't squander it as Matthew did. James was grateful for their little deal, but there was so much more that Matthew was capable of. He could fool people into believing he was an actual god with Matthew's powers. It was wasted on the fallen.

"I am using it wisely. My herd is growing exponentially. More people mean using more resources to preform more miracles. It's a supply and demand issue." He chuckled, shaking his head. "An intimate lunch that is just the two of us that you want me to pay for. "

"There is no such thing as knowledge that doesn't interest me." Domiel said honestly. What could bore him if it had to do with learning? How could he possible tire of the experience? If it ever changed then Domiel may just as well cease to be the same sort of man. "You learn something new every day, isn't that the saying?"

He didn't think James would make a good deity, though it seemed clear the man disagreed. Though it would probably make a better chapter in his book. Maybe he could pivot to fiction. Fiction was in these days.

"Is most of the work being done here on site, or do you encourage your... flock to extend their helping hands throughout the city? I am sure there are neighborhoods that would welcome the assistance." He tilted his head to the side. "Then your influence would be felt throughout Vievecor."

"I'm certain that there is some tidbit that would be considered too much information even for you. Privacy does exist for a good reason." His own reason to keep things private was to discourage anyone like Domiel from looking all that closely at his commune. There were quite a few things that outsiders simply wouldn't understand keeping the community functioning just as James thought best. "But I suppose there is always something worth knowing for reasons that are not always apparent at first."

"Both." He waved to a group of giggling girls who passed them. "It depends on the strength of each member. There is a place for all." Usually beneath James, but that was not something that was worth mentioning at the moment. He still needed to sell the whole utopian image.

He opened the door to a large garden being tended to by a vast number of workers who looked a bit more tired than they should. The hot sun beat down on their behatted heads, but James made certain that each person smiled when they passed. "This is the community garden. We grow all our food locally to provide optimum nutrition for the community. We give the left overs to charity to make certain that none goes to waste." And if those leftovers left something to be desired, he didn't care. It was good press without a ton of work being put in.

Domiel had to admit, there was something about cults that fascinated him. They were one of the odder human traits: flocking to one particularly charismatic person and letting them run their lives. The followers never seemed to get as much out of it as the leader did. It was like a tiny little godhood speed run but instead of getting powers, they took them. It was fascinating.

He had been told on several different occasions by many different people it was rude to write books about others without their consent but honestly, how was he supposed to help himself? James made it so easy. At least this time he had been polite enough not to show up with his physical notebook.

"Oh, just here to learn. You've never too young to learn new things. What an interesting talk you gave today. Will they truly go out to do good in their communities now?" He asked with a nod towards the slowly dispersing crowd.

This was hardly the first time that James had stumbled upon Domiel nor did he consider this being close to the last. The deity often spoke to members of his flock for reasons beyond James's comprehension- although the man would never admit such a thing. The powers that James preached about were within Domiel's grasp, yet the man settled for working at the museum and being a professor rather than the god he was. It was utterly befuddling to someone who believed the sun rose and set for him alone.

"And have you learned anything of interest?" Perhaps he might be able to get the man to join his organization. It was always the loners looking for something grander than themselves who tended to flock to James's teachings for guidance and community. It was so easy to shape their minds. "I'm always looking for ways to improve the message. The messenger is but a humble human with far too many limitation." For now at least. One of these days, he would strike the right deal to make himself into a godlike creation. Once he transcended the human, there would be no stopping them.

"Would you like to see?" The good works that he spoke of were closer to the community than to the city at large. Of course there were those who went out into the world to inspire others towards their cause, but most of the good works tended to remain on the compound. "I can show you some of what is being done."

For: @deitydomiel

"That concludes our service for today. I shall see you all tomorrow. And remember brothers and sisters that idle hands are the devil's tools. It benefits our whole community to keep up the good works." He took a step down from the pulpit at the front of the room, immediately being surrounded by his followers. They made his life so easy by paying for his lifestyle with their work. The fact that they stroked his ego by hanging off his every word was just the sweetness of life.

As the trickle of humans faded, James caught sight of someone who didn't belong at the FUN center. The professor looked completely at ease despite the fact that he didn't subscribe to the religious beliefs of the majority of the humans here. "Mr. Domiel, what brings you to our humble sanctuary?" He sat backwards on the chair, arms resting on the backrest. "Is there something that I can help you with today?"

He would probably pay for this all later, but James was a little too buzzed and having far too much fun to stop now. He took another step into Matthew's personal space, poking him in the chest. "That is speciest. There is nothing wrong with being a human." He poked him once more in the chest. "You should be glad that I am so forgiving least you hear from those upon high for your disgusting behaviors or worse." There was of course nothing that James really could do aside from withholding a name or two from the list of Artemis sympathizers and members from Matthew. Still there were enough members of his flock that could help Artemis if he was pushed too far.

matthew-alexander

"Tsk! As if I have ever kept my disdain from you," Matthew said with a roll of his eyes and caught the human's hand with his own to stop him from poking at him.

"If you think this is disgusting behaviour, I can definitely do a lot worse." But Matthew also had other ideas. "But I'm starting to think that you might actually enjoy it."

"I thought it was personal. I didn't think it was all my kind. That sort of thing hurts." To be lumped in with the rest of humanity was an insult. He was special. He had always been special. "And now you at link shaming. It's not my kink, but someone may like it. You really should be more careful. Words matter."

#c: matthew #Vcwf26 #/mobile and can't cut

matthew-alexander

Matthew's eyes narrowed as James did nothing to step back. This version of James, the one who was unafraid to overstep his boundaries due to Matthew's depowered state was new and he had to applaud the human for being so daring.

"Perhaps it is because I do not want to be seen dancing with a human," he said, not backing away either as he looked down his nose at the other man, a brow arching as if he dared James to say something about that.

He would probably pay for this all later, but James was a little too buzzed and having far too much fun to stop now. He took another step into Matthew's personal space, poking him in the chest. "That is speciest. There is nothing wrong with being a human." He poked him once more in the chest. "You should be glad that I am so forgiving least you hear from those upon high for your disgusting behaviors or worse." There was of course nothing that James really could do aside from withholding a name or two from the list of Artemis sympathizers and members from Matthew. Still there were enough members of his flock that could help Artemis if he was pushed too far.

#c: matthew #vcwf26

matthew-alexander

The fallen deity suddenly found himself being twirled in James' arms. The audacity of this human now that he knew Matthew did not have his magic or his demonic strength, because he was clearly not deterred. He yanked his hand from James' hold, a fire in his eyes that he levelled on the other man.

"What if I prefer it? There are too many people on the dance floor right now," Matthew complained over the music that was way too loud. The Rubicund was not an establishment that Matthew usually frequented since he preferred the more understated and supernatural-only Level Four that was not open that evening.

Oh that was Matthew's angry face. Normally the human would be more cautious with how he spoke to Matthew, but without his powers, James and Matt were equals. The cult leader was loving this new situation, even if it did make him cautious about how he used the ring that was slowly being depleted of its power.

"There are only going to be more as the night goes on." He let Matthew take his hand back but still stayed well within his personal space. James wasn't going to be deterred so easily when Matthew was so fun to toy with. Not to mention the man was rather pretty when he was upset. "What do you have against dancing with me?"

#c: matthew #vcwf26

matthew-alexander

Matthew's hand dropped the stranger's wrist in surprise when he felt an arm snake around his waist and a warm presence pressed up against his back. The voice in his ear told him to it was as the stranger he failed to accost ran off before his very eyes.

Had he possessed his powers... Matthew could feel a vein twitch in his forehead as James continued to grind up on him, his teeth on his neck. He gripped the human's arm to get it off him and turned around to deliver a swift smack to the first part of James he could reach.

"Do not come up behind me unannounced like that," he declared, trying to maintain some sort of control over the situation even when they both knew of his depowered state.

The stranger scuttled off the moment that Matthew dropped their wrist, but that was not something that James paid any attention to. It was the demon before him who was more human than he'd ever been driving him to be more daring than usual. Were he still in possession of his magic, James would never attempt this, but he wasn't. The two men were now equals. James adored it this way.

"Oh feisty tonight." He grinned, feeling the sharp sting where he'd been struck. James encountered far more trials in his life to let a little slap dissuade him from his goals. "Don't tell me you didn't recognize me. I thought that we were friends."

He chuckled, taking the hand that had slapped him to spin Matthew around in his arms. "I'll tell you exactly when I'm coming next time." He gave him a wink, continuing his courtship on the dance floor. "Seriously though, you don't belong being a wallflower. Come dance with me."

#c: matthew #vcwf26 #/he's so in for it when Matthew gets his powers back

matthew-alexander

dance floor | open starter

for: anyone and everyone @vievecorcitystarters location: near any of the dance spaces on any floor of the club

There were too many people in the club. Matthew was standing just off of one of the dance spaces, a metaphorical thundercloud hovering over his head as he took in the writhing, dancing bodies. He scowled as he tried to best not to let anyone come too close.

The fallen deity had a glass of red wine in his hand as he tugged the collar of his coat up over the LED collar with the glaring words 'BITE ME'. Matthew normally revelled in these annual Roşu-led Wine Fest celebrations and the debauchery that came with it -- which was the reason he agreed to the collar in the first place -- but he was currently feeling anxious about it in his weakened state. Where he would normally have used his shadow magic to shove people out of his personal space, Matthew still could not do so and it irked him. Was he doomed to live this depowered life without magic forever?

He was lost in his thoughts and did not anticipate being bumped into rather bodily, his drink splashing past the rim of his glass and all over his expensive coat. "Hey!" Matthew's hand darted out to grab the other person's arm. "You're going to owe me a small fortune for destroying this coat!"

This was his song. Not his favorite song per say but the song that made James want to dance with someone. It was song that had his hips moving without him even taking note. Now if he could only find a partner to fully enjoy.

It was then that he spotted the literal dark spot in the party. Everyone else was dressed in neon, yet Matthew had opted for something more somber. One would hardly have been able to guess that he'd dressed for this particular event were it not for the collar that the demon was attempting to poorly hide. It was just too good of an invitation to pass up. Leaving his own drink on an empty table, James weaved through the crowd until he was right behind Matthew.

"You need to relax." His hands went around Matthew's waist, pulling him back so that there was not an iota of space between the two. His hips grinding against Matt's backside. "It's a party, Matty. Let loose a bit." He leaned down, gently biting Matt's neck.

#c: matthew #vcwf26 #/dead man walking here

James Johnsen for Winefest2026

#vievecorcitytask #vcwf26 #vcwinefest2026

matthew-alexander

"That's what you usually wish to talk about, James," Matthew returned, turning the conversation back on the human. The fallen deity especially remembered how excited the man had been early on in their contract after experiencing what having access to demonic magic could do for him.

His eyes darted to the ring on James' finger. "It doesn't look like it needs a recharge just yet," he said dismissively. "If we're really here for just a meal, then so be it. You're paying."

"Because you never let me have any fun." He playfully pouted. Sometimes James wondered just how it was that Matthew fell when he acted so righteous. Demonic magic certainly helped him get into power, but power grew dull when one was constantly clinging to it. It was better to obtain certain things on his own- even if that bit of help did give him the upper hand.

"That was a rather quick no." His finger rubbed the dulled jewel. It was starting to look antique with the amount of use James put it through. He could sell that story rather nicely as a treasure from the vaults of some noble who believed in his cause. "Why Matthew, is this a date?"

Eiji supposed he should have been amused by the sheer lengths people were willing to go to just to irritate his father. “You keep his reaction for yourself. Seems like this is a you thing.” Plus, Eiji was far too rattled by the fact that this guy could now out him to anyone he chose, or use it to get essentially whatever he wanted, and he very much wanted a strong drink and a swift exit from the festival. “Was that everything you wanted from me?” He asked again.

"Suit yourself." He hit send. If Eiji wasn't going to make a spectacle by looking, James might as well enjoy the discomfort at the party. Let Elijah know that his son was so close yet wished to be so far from him. "Unless there is something that you wanted from me?" He brushed a wrinkle out of his jacket, knowing that the other was more than likely itching to get away from him.

#c: eiji #vcif25

matthew-alexander

"Pleasure?" Matthew returned with an arch of a dark brow, barely acknowledging the drink James slid his way.

"You're not here to regale me with stories of your congregation, are you? They're not terribly interesting..." he added with a vague wave of his hand before finally picking up the drink. It was always good to put the human down a little, to remind him of his place between them. "Unless you've found me more of those Artemis folk."

"And still he stands on business." He chuckled, reclining back in his chair. James was beginning to wonder if Matthew ever relaxed or if his default state was with his nose stuck to the grindstone.

With a flippant eyeroll, James gave Matt three more of his little lost lambs who wandered too far from the pasture. He cared not what Matthew would do to them since they had betrayed James and his principles. "Is that all you wish to talk about, Matthew? You are becoming terribly tedious if it is. Perhaps I will take you up on that ring recharge if only to avoid having to spoil my appetite with work before a good meal."

matthew-alexander

even ground | james & matthew

for: @james-johnsen location: a restaurant near pandora's, hedon

James had contacted Matthew again in recent weeks to ask to meet, something the fallen deity had kept putting off each time. He knew what the human was after. It was always the same thing each time they met when James held up an item that needed a little demonic recharge. This was not something Matthew could manage right now though, not in his depowered state, and he still did not know if or when his powers would return.

There was, unfortunately, only so long he could put off this meeting until James got suspicious and he decided to meet the man at a restaurant near Pandora's, the city's black magic store. He would be able to find some trinket or other to keep James occupied for awhile once the man told him what he needed.

"James," Matthew said in greeting when James took the seat across from him. "To what do I owe the pleasure this time? Did you drain the ring of magic already? I only just replenished it over Christmas..."

For all his verbosity and ego, James had surprisingly few friends. There were the constant line of sycophants of course, but they weren't real friends. They weren't the sort of people that James wished to share a drink with. Of those that qualified, James could count the number whom he more than tolerated on one hand. Thus he picked up the phone to dial his favorite demon.

The human rolled his eyes, scoffing as he waved his hand in the air. The gem of the ring already showing signs of overuse with its dulled color and tiny cracks. Whenever someone asked, James claimed it to be a sentimental piece that no one but himself be allowed to touch. The stories he told behind it growing ever more intimate as he dissuaded his followers from questioning why their profit wore such a thing when they would eagerly buy his something much more befitting of his station.

"All business with you." He tutted, gesturing for Matthew to sit. "It makes you incredibly dull. I happen to be here on pleasure." He leaned forward, sliding a drink Matthew's way. "I figured that we could talk."

"You have a very specific perception. One I can appreciate." She watched as he tucked that haor away something she typically would have broken a man's hand for especially one so new to her. Something about him had her curious so she was willing to let the affection slide.

"A tease, I should have known." The statement sounding more entertained than annoyed however. Not giving away all his secrets was a good thing to her. Afterall she had many of her own secrets to keep and hold onto. "Well then I guess I shall have to come see this whole show. I would hate to miss out on something far more more interest and given my perception of you thus far... I'd wager you're smart enough not to toy with a woman like me."

It was high praise coming from a woman like her. James practically preened under it. Then again, he couldn't show too much of himself to the woman least he become predictable and bore her. It was much better to keep her and everyone around him on their toes.

He chuckled. "A secret keeper and much more." He couldn't give everything away in a first meeting. He would never have gained his following if he did. It just took that first step through the door into his spider web to get most enthralled, but he knew that Mab would be a harder sell. He reached into his jacket, pulling out a cream business card. He handed it to her with a flourish. "For whenever you may have need of me."

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