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Mike smiled politely, but his voice was firm. "Listen. I don't know how you gods get along, but for us humans, work is good. Suffering is healthy, it makes us stronger. We're doing people a service by killing or relocating demons so they can rebuild without fear, and that makes us feel good. Thanks for the thought, but I want something else. I'll help you out on my own terms. Okay?"
(Haha, you can tell both of us are a bit stubborn ^^; )
(Brb, gotta go take a walk)
(yeah lol)
"Then what do you want?" Asura asked, seeming irritated.
"Simple," Mike said. "I want more customers. You know, I don't just get rid of demons. Rich humans sometimes enjoy status symbols, especially the dangerous kind. I sell particularly exotic-looking demons to them. And there's always some scientist or other looking for test subjects so they can reverse-engineer that shapeshifting ability. I make good money on those guys. If you can hook me up with more wealthy, influential people who are interested in demons–or bits of them–then I am quite willing to give you a hand with your brother. Fair enough?"
Asura looked at him in disbelief. "That's it?" He asked, dumbfounded. "I have an unlimited supply of demons, I could do that for you easily. Are you sure that's what you want?" It didn't seem like a fair deal to him.
Mike shrugged. "I appreciate the simple life. The last time somebody tried to change the world, they almost ended it. I'd rather play it safe and ask for something that'll benefit the business, no more, no less."
"Hmm," Asura said, drumming his fingers. "Well, I can definitely agree to this then." He smiled. "Also, the thing before about Lucifer being gay was just a joke. I was messing with you. I mean, he is gay, but if I tried to set him up he would know immediately and probably remove me from power."
Mike snorted. "That's a relief. I'm terrible at flirting. We need a better plan, anyway. We need to think of something that he wants more than godhood–that a human could offer him. I don't know if there is such a thing."
(brb, back in an hour or so)
"There are a lot of things that demon gods would want from humans. You're a very special creature. We just have to figure out exactly what it is that Lucifer wants," Asura explained. "Which means we both have to get to know him"
(k, see ya in a bit)
"All right. I should remind you that I am currently on a job for someone else, so this will have to come second. But I'm willing to keep talking about it. I make it a habit to have as much info about my target as possible before engaging. Anything else you can tell me about Lucifer now? His powers, personality, henchmen?"
Asura thought for a moment, scratching the stubble on his chin lightly. "Well, he doesn't like talking to anybody. He's very blunt, and doesn't like people doing his dirty work. If he wants to kill or punish somebody, he will do it himself. He also really likes domestic cats. And he doesn't like to be touched in any way. It makes him angry. I think he's bitter that gods can't feel."
"They can't feel, huh?" Mike watched the street thoughtfully. "That might be worth looking into. Seems like a lot of gods crave what mortals take for granted."
"I don't feel touch from other creatures, unless it's initiated by a demon from my universe," Asura complained. "I also can't taste, or feel pain.
Mike frowned. "So how do you know enough about it to want it? You must have heard some pretty rave reviews."
"He was a king once, too. We had another brother, but he got in a conflict with the other gods and was killed. Lucifer was the one who was promoted to a god."
"Mm. Okay. Welp, maybe it would interest Lucifer to live a mortal life for a while, even forever. I guess it has its perks, especially if you've never experienced them before. I do think you're right, we need to get to know him better before we solidify our plan."
"Right," he said with a nod. "You know, I used to want to be mortal myself," he said with a bitter laugh.
"And then?"
He paused, eyes growing distant. "I don't know…"
Mike raised an eyebrow. "Sounds mysterious. Hopefully it's not a problem we'll run into if we try to tempt ol' Luce with mortality."
Asura blinked, shifting a little bit. "No, it won't be a problem. What happened to me was a very personal thing, it had nothing to do with him."
"Good." Mike didn't speak for a moment, thinking. "This is off-topic, but I'm curious. Ever heard of a god named Damascus? He's the one currently employing me for a bit of debt-collection."
Asura's brow furrowed in concentration. "Damascus? I think… he's either the god of physics, or dimensions. I can't remember which one."
"Huh. From what I saw, he's a character. Never have I felt more like I was making a deal with the devil than when I was doing business with him. Which reminds me, the day's getting old. I should probably get back to my assignment. You don't happen to know about a dangerous female scientist named Rin living here, do you?"
(I completely ran out of ways to stall, sorry)
(all good)
"No, I don't know her, but I'm sure I can help you get the information you need." He got up, then frowned. "Be careful. Working with Damascus is… tricky. He can be very manipulative and demanding, and won't hesitate to kill you if you don't follow through. He might even kill you just for the hell of it. You never know with him."