Ji-a gazed dispassionately out the tinted window of the sleek black sedan, broodingly surveying the passing steel and neon blur of Shibuya beneath an iron sky. Another day, another meeting—but this time, with a difference. For one, he had to fly out to Neo, Japan from his home in Paranoia, Korea. That was certainly different, but no more difficult than normal. Where he had issue was that the rulers of Hell, The Order Of The Fly, had passed down a law that all retired music Industry demonia had to partner with younger stars to funnel more human souls into Hell.

At long last they arrived outside Soma Talent's mirrored corporate building, a subdivision of VOODOO DOLL Records. Rumor had it the Order Of The Fly was keeping the seat warm for the mother of all demons; as such, Ji-a couldn’t even think his sacred name, the unholy mother, he who freed all demons and fallen angels, the morning star. Once they arrived, the driver wordlessly opened his door to release a fragrant breeze laced with exhaust and anticipation. Ji-a, dressed in black heels and a long dark purple gown split down the right thigh, stalked through swaying glass doors into a march of gleaming escalators. He adjusted his sunglasses, pointedly ignoring the wide-eyed whispers of passing juniors weathering his intimidating aura.

Moments later he emerged onto the top floor's lavish reception, admiring modern calligraphic artworks while awaiting the inevitable. His long, flowing lilac hair, short on one side and down to his hip on the other side, caught curious stares from elegantly coiffed idols and managers milling about expensive leather lounges. Low, hushed discussions scattering at his approach, a highblood in their midst, with their brown, green and grey hair and dull lowblood green or grey eyes, they were lucky to be graced by him.

He got into the elevator with a sigh, adjusting the long purple opera gloves he wore.

A chime heralded the penthouse lift's arrival, its polished doors parting to deliver a far more diminutive figure swaddled in a dove-blue hoodie and slacks. Despite his indifference, Ji-a noted the strength in whom he was to be partnered with, why couldn't he think his name? The Skeleton King, his stance and the power of his every movement, as he walked out of the elevator opposite Ji-a, was striking. Their eyes met for an incisive moment, Skeleton King offered a wave, "Hello Ji-a"

Ji-a paused. How the hell was this upstart able to say his name?! And why could he himself not even THINK this pups name?! He stared at him blankly behind his shades, disbelief evident on his face. "Your hair is blue, how are you able to say my name?! Why can't I say or even think yours?!" He hissed this almost venomously. In their society, a Demonia was unable to say, think, read or write another's name if they are higher blooded than them. Lilac purple was higher than neon or pastel blue. In the music industry, lowbloods called highbloods their stage names.

"Well…My blood color is actually True Purple…Which, as you know, is higher than Lilac…" The blue-purple haired demonia chuckled a bit nervously, holding up the strands of his purple locks mixed in with the blue. "Blue represents my maternal line, but my paternal is..."

"You're a fucking Jugglery Jester?!" This night couldn't get any fucking worse, that's probably why this pup was able to climb so high so fast! The Jugglery Jesters were elf demonia who likened themselves True Clowns, and were in constant war with the horror movie style clown demonia species.

"Yea, please, thou art allowed to call me by my name, Hyeon-U. I, a Demonia of sound mind and body do allow it to be so, so sayeth ye, my name." He held his hand out and tapped Ji-a's forehead.

Ji-a frowned but nodded and bowed his head, the ceremony familiar. Painful.

"I, a Demonia of sound mind, body and spirit do swallow thy name into mine mouth, with which I shalt sayeth until such a time allowance be forfeit." He bowed his head lower and a spell broke around his body, freeing it from the restriction.

"So it be spoken, so shalt it be done."

"Praise Satan."

"Praise Satan."

Between them, the oppressive weight on Ji-a broke fully, lifting once they invoked Satan's name, the only time any demon could say his name. Hyeon-U smiled, relieved, his gaze softening. "Thanks for understanding, Ji-a. The Order of the Fly has assigned us together to create a new hit single and gather more souls for Hell."

He stood upright and looked at Hyeon-U who kept nervously talking.

"So yea, uh, in my human form I can get away with just a flame paint design on my eyes. I'm half skeletal flame wolf demonia, my dad is…" Hyeon-U was unable to finish his sentence as their host appeared.

"Greetings, Skeleton-san. I trust your journey was pleasant?" inquired their host, Soma's venerable founder Takeda-san, a rather large, balding satyr in a too small suit, his belly jiggling. He smiled brightly, ushering them towards mirrored conference rooms. Ji-a wordlessly followed with Hyeon-U trailing beside, attempting small talk.

"The traffic was rough but nothing like back in Seoul Roge" This came Hyeon-U 's lilting reply, met with a noncommittal grunt of annoyance from Ji-a. Small talk withered under Ji-a's chilly demeanor yet Hyeon-U persisted amiably as best he could.

"I must say, your remix of 'Descending Rain' by Envious had me entranced for weeks. That driving beat and climactic melody left a marvelous impression on our CEO, and Macabre-san, our CEO was equally impressed by your rendition of Heart's Pain by SATAN 666, that is why we have invited you two here, to VOODOO DOLL records in Harajuku Noir," the goat demonia host said this with a smile far larger than his face, it stretched out, to the bottoms of his ears, away from his face all together.

"Get to the point Takada-san, is the Order interested in signing us now that they have ordered we be in a unit together?" Ji-a snapped, his rebuke sliced through the polite chatter, earning a startled look from Hyeon-U, but also curiosity lurking beneath the courteous façade, Ji-a didn't notice, too busy soaking in his own anger. They took their seats beneath lofty skylights.

Takeda-san's face hardened at Ji-a's abruptness, but he quickly regained his composure and smiled once again. "Ah, yes. The Order is interested in signing both of you to our label. We believe that your combined talents will create something truly magnificent and pleasing to the ears of our Lord."

Ji-a scoffed. "And what do we get out of it? More soul-gathering assignments?"

Takeda-san chuckled. "Of course not, we offer fame, fortune, and power beyond your wildest dreams. The opportunity to create music that will be heard by demonia and Children Of Adam alike, the chance to leave your mark on the world."

Children Of Adam were what demonia called humans, Sons of Adam for the males, Daughters of Adam for the females and Child Of Adam for the non-binary humans.

"Do you have any certainty about any of this?" Ji-a asked thus curiously.

Takeda-san's smile faltered a little at that but his expression turned grim.

Hyeon-U's eyes widened with excitement, while Ji-a's expression remained unchanged.

"And what if we decline?" Ji-a asked, his voice sharp.

"Well, you are certainly free to decline. But you must understand that this is a rare and valuable opportunity. The Order of the Fly does not extend such offers lightly. And if you decline, well...let's just say there may be consequences." Takeda-san's voice was quiet, but there was an underlying threat in his words.

Ji-a's eyes narrowed at his tone. "Consequences? What kind of consequences?"

Takeda-san's smile turned into a smirk. "Let's just say that the Order of the Fly has many ways of persuading its members to do what is best for our current reigning Lady, our First Prince, in all his glory, to best honor our Mother, Praise Satan." He leaned forward, his eyes shining with an eerie intensity.

"Praise Satan" They both said this in unison, all three bowing their heads in a long moment of silent prayer.

Ji-a noticed Hyeon-U shift uncomfortably in his seat after they all prayed together, at what Takeda-san spoke before. He clearly had heard stories about the Order's methods of persuasion, and they were not something he wanted to experience firsthand. Ji-a, however, remained stoic. "I see," he said flatly. "Well, we will consider your offer and get back to you."