Chapter Text
Chapter 1
“You look miserable.”
“Do I?”
Solomon answered sarcastically, not even bothering to lift his head up from his book. He was sitting at his desk in his bedroom, surrounded by his bookshelves. There were books scattered on his desk and floor; It's almost as if someone has ransacked his room. There were half finished assignments scattered everywhere. Solomon had been writing an essay for class, but had completely lost himself in…whatever this was. He didn't care enough to make a pile, he just put everything down. His desk was covered in stacks of notes and essays, most having been scribbled over multiple times.
"Its a mess in here." Asmodeus, his pact partner, commented as he walked over to Solomon's desk and sat down on it with crossed arms. Asmodeus knew from his frequent impromptu visits to the wizard’s room in the Purgatory Hall that it wasn't uncommon for Solomon's room to be a mess; however, the demon could sense something was different. This mess was like an open window in his troubled soul. Something was clearly wrong with him. "What happened?"
"It's nothing," Solomon dismissed, not moving a centimeter from his position. "I got caught up working late last night."
"Yeah, and?" Asmodeus prodded curiously.
"And I... I've been doing some thinking..." Solomon trailed off, looking down at the book on his desk. "I've been thinking about my past." Asmodeus raised his eyebrows, confused and intrigued by what Solomon was saying.
"Thinking about yourself? That's my job." Amodeus looked down at all the scattered books. They all shared the pattern of being about Solomon in some way. ‘Legend of King Solomon’, ‘Solomon the Wise’, ‘King Solomon the Cruel’. It was uncanny, even for what Amsodeus was used to. The demon knew Solomon's past was difficult to say the least, but he also has seen the sorcerer grow a lot from it. Being an immortal does that to you; it makes you think and change in ways that a normal mortal wouldn't have time to do in a normal lifetime. Solomon now used his power for the good of humanity and made significant contributions and enhancements to magic studies. Even so, there were still plenty of mysteries that he had yet to find answers to, even after hundreds of years.
The legend of King Solomon the Wise would be considered one of the more ancient legends in history. In the modern Devildom, they knew of the man as one of the great magicians from the ancient world, but few knew the true story behind it. It was said Solomon ruled with divine judgement, but ultimately betrayed the gods by owning over one thousand women and slaves. The gods banished him from heaven, and Solomon became immortal as a punishment for his sin. His kingdom fell into ruin, leaving no other survivors except for him. Solomon's last wife and only child died due to illness and neglect. But Solomon’s heart would never die, and the pain of losing his loved ones could never fade. After losing everything, Solomon devoted his life to learning magic and making up for lost time. He devoted his immortality to humanity as its protector, trying to give them the tools and wisdom to survive. He made many allies and enemies, both mortal and immortal.
Asmo nodded, understanding the story of the old king better than anyone. "It's been hundreds of years, Solomon. Most of those slaves are dust, and your kingdom is a pile of rocks!" Asmodeus laughed in his face.
"Asmodeus," Solomon said in a warning voice-
"You would make for a fine demon for me if you would just die..." The demon smiled heartlessly. He did not take the sorcerer’s dismay very seriously.
Solomon glared daggers at Asmodeus. "You don't have to remind me that.." His glare turned back into a neutral face and he picked up his book again, trying to pretend like he didn't hear the lust demon. But it was clear that he did hear him; his tone was bitter, and there was anger evident in his posture and body language. Solomon wasn't angry that Asmodeus reminded him of how he used to act or that his past clearly earned him a place in damnation, but rather at the fact that he cannot die. Solomon tried many methods before in the first development of his curse. None worked. He tried burning himself to ashes; he tried freezing himself to death, he even tried using a demon lord’s pact to seal himself away.
Solomon couldn't die. It's a fact he'd rather pretend didn't exist. So when Asmodeus brings it up, it gets under Solomon's skin in ways he hates to admit. "If you would just stop bringing it up every chance you get.." Solomon said, closing the book and setting it aside on his desk. The two lock eyes, and neither flinches; Solomon’s hazel eyes meeting the intense amber eyes of the demon. But the tension in the air becomes palpable and heavy as seconds pass. Eventually, Solomon drops his gaze and sighs.
"I know I shouldn't talk about it." Asmodeus said, “Hey, I know a way to make you really forget your past," he says softly. Asmodeus leaned forward, lowering his voice as much as possible as he gazed into Solomon’s eyes.. "Come on~ Don't tell me you can resist this offer. It’ll be good for me and you,” Asmodeus’ voice was full of temptation. Solomon rolled his eyes, knowing full well where this conversation was headed.
"Thats enough, Asmo. Just leave." Asmo chuckled quietly, standing up and brushing his clothes off. He turned towards Solomon
"Is this why you've been acting so strangely lately? Your past?" he guessed. Solomon shook his head slightly, not looking up from his book. "Then what is bothering you?” Asmodeus insisted with actual concern and interest this time. He hated not being in the know. Solomon sighed, setting down the book on his desk once again. He leaned back in his chair, taking a moment to gather his thoughts.
"This isn't something you can solve, Asmo." Solomon stated simply. Asmodeus quirked an eyebrow. "You're a demon, and demons aren't the most empathetic nor the brightest of creatures." Solomon continued. Asmodeus scoffed at Solomon's remark, raising his hands to defend himself. Solomon ignored him and carried on. "The only thing that will fix the problem is time, not magic."
"Well, I think you're wasting it." Asmodeus stated. He crossed his arms, leaning back against the desk, waiting for Solomon to respond. After no response he spoke, "I want to take you for a drink tonight at the new club.” This got Solomon to perk up a bit. It had been awhile since he properly let himself go, and it was not an idea he disliked. After all, alcohol tended to make Asmodeus more tolerable.
The greatest thing about the Devildom had to be the amount of clubs. The resident demons were all about indulgence in food, sex, drugs, money, power, and more; Always more. Solomon often walked down these sidewalks for the novelty magic trinket shops, but that was when he was alone. Wasting money on the surprise gift boxes was his guilty pleasure. Solomon calculated that there was a factorial of 55 possibilities. This impossibly large number gave Solomon the feeling of surprise he ached all these recent decades. The ever looming night of the Devildom was cut through by the shiny neon sign of the lust club Asmodeus took him to. Horny demons acted chaotically outside just in front of the entrance. This made Solomon wonder how wild it was on the inside… The line was insanely long, but thanks to Asmodeus’ status, they both got to skip it. Amodeus opened the doors, and the bass of the music was immediately heard. The duo walked in. Solomon was not afraid or disturbed. Well, maybe a bit disturbed, but it was nothing he hadn't seen in the Devildom before. “What do you think?!” Asmodeus yelled through the music as he snapped a selfie, "It's the hottest new place on Devilgram”
“I think I stepped in someone's jizz…” Solomon grimaced as he gingerly looked at the bottom of his shoe.
“It's all in good fun, Solomon. Come on, let's get wasted.” The night gave Solomon a strange sense of deja vu. The loud club, drinks, and most of all the draw he felt toward Asmodeus. This was almost exactly like their first night together. It was centuries ago when a drunk Asmodeus slouched on Solomon’s shoulder and started venting to him about his ex. Despite his protests, there was no getting that lust demon off of him, leaving him no choice but to sit and listen. Solomon decided to use the situation to his advantage, and then they were pact mates.
“Here, your favorite," Asmodeus offered him a drink while sipping his own ‘Asmo-tini’. Solomon accepted the glass of whiskey with a reluctant sigh, swirling the amber liquid before taking a sip. It burned his throat like always, but he supposed that was part of the experience.
“Alright, fine. One drink. But I'm not getting drunk. You know how I am when I drink too much.” One drink after another, Solomon was a man possessed. One glass just didn't satiate him… It didn't have the same kick as it did years, or rather centuries ago. Suppose he simply gained a tolerance after a while. It was impressive, but so painful. He has a desire to feel numb and forget the night…
“Thats it, down it, down it!” Asmodeus whooped, having a blast and encouraging the sorcerer to take another shot. His head was spinning, the room blurring around him as he downed another shot. He wasn't sure how many he'd had by now, but he knew it was too many. He was a mess, his usually composed demeanor completely shattered. His words were slurred, his movements uncoordinated.
“Why...why did I let you drag me here...? I'm a mess…You were right. I am miserable.” He let out a drunken sob, all of his emotions pouring out in his inebriated state. All the stress that he'd been holding in for centuries all came crashing down on him at once. “I'm immortal. I've seen empires rise and fall, loved and lost countless times. I've watched everyone I care about grow old and die, while I remain stuck in time. I can't take it anymore…” Asmo was taken aback by Solomon's sudden outburst. He wasn't used to seeing the usually composed sorcerer in such a state. He hesitantly placed a hand on Solomon's shoulder, trying to offer some comfort.
“Hey, hey, um, it's okay…I’m here,” Solomon leaned into Asmodeus's touch, as if seeking comfort from the contact. He knew he was making a fool of himself, but the alcohol had removed all his inhibitions and his barriers. At that moment, all he saw was Asmodeus. The golden eyed demon, as strong and confident as always. The beautiful, glowing eyes... And the touch that sent chills down his spine… He wanted nothing more than to stay there forever, wrapped up in Asmodeus's warmth.... Solomon blinked once, twice, snapping out of Asmodeus's gaze which was literally hypnotizing him. Even he was not immune to the demon's charms. Solomon looked away, trying to collect himself. “I need air.” He mumbled,
“No, you can't leave yet, I just got here!”
“I’m sorry, Asmodeus, I'll make it up to you…” Solomon stumbled towards the door leading outside. A few moments later, Solomon was sitting on one of the tables outside of a closed cafe. It was located in the more slothful parts of the devildom, so Solomon was able to drink in the silence of the night. After his drink, he thought that taking a walk through the city and a little light pollution would help him focus and sober up just enough. He thought for a moment before throwing his glass in a bin, walking outside the club and into the humid night. He walked along the cobblestones aimlessly. Maybe he should go back home, or rather to the Purgatory Hall. It was not too far off from what Solomon considered a ‘home’, but he couldn't get too attached. There was a sense of shame that lingered deep in his soul when he was at Purgatory Hall; with the angels. It was a cruel twist of fate, and it made Solomon feel like everyday was judgement day. Luke was too innocent to care or understand, but what would Simeon think of Solomon coming home like this? They obviously must know everything about him. He could not understand why Simeon and Luke would treat him with such care and admiration after everything he has done. Solomon was not a good person and he knew that; he was practically a demon already, and his life was Hell. The angels were too generous, and Solomon resented that in an odd way. He did not need to be treated nicely like a child. He was mature enough to handle any divine punishment, he thought. This is what had been bothering him. Solomon didn't deserve angels, or anyone; he was cursed to be alone as punishment. Having lived so long, his consciousness was far from clean. A young innocent life was impossible, but it is what Solomon wishes for.
His roommates featured Luke and Simeon. Luke was the more innocent and immature of the two. He resembled a blonde child no older than ten despite being centuries old. Solomon wondered how that was even possible. Angels sure aged strangely. He was a nice kid. He didn't bother Solomon, so that made him okay. He baked a lot, which made Solomon very happy especially when pastries were getting quite expensive. Although, the angel would never let Solomon help for some odd reason. Solomon was a self-proclaimed “chef” who traveled the world and has centuries of experience. Perhaps Luke was just too prideful to ask someone more mature for help, how cute.
The other angel was Simeon, a charismatic arch angel. He was rather tolerant for an angel. As a bonus, he also wrote one of Solomon’s favorite contemporary series of books: TSL. Solomon thought Simeon spoke very strangely; his speech was very encouraging and genuine. His wit nearly matched Solomon’s and he was capable of jokes that didn't feed off shock value or innuendos. It was very different from mortals’ and especially different from the demons he was acquainted with. Simeon was clearly intelligent enough to challenge him, yet still be open to learning and criticism himself. Games of chess finally became a challenge, and Solomon was content being roommates with him despite only really knowing him personally for about 2 weeks.
Solomon wouldn't, and shouldn't, dare call anyone a friend, for a friend and acquaintance were very different things. But Simeon made Solomon feel nice. Maybe it was because Simeon was a literal angel, and Solomon had never met one before. Novelty was certainly nice to have, he supposed. No, that couldn't be it. This was much deeper than novelty. Simeon was the closest thing to heaven. Maybe, if they got closer, Solomon would finally be forgiven and granted peace....
It was getting very late. Not that he could see it, but his DDD read 19:44. Surely Simeon would be worried, so Solomon would return back. He was sobered up just enough anyway. “There you are!” Asmodeus called from behind, "I've been looking for you.”
“What happened to the club?” Solomon did not expect this. “Or did you miss me?” Solomon mocked the other.
“Dont make this about you. I just got bored, and no one ditches Asmodeus.”
“Sure.”
In a way, Solomon was flattered. Asmodeus loved parties more than anything, so for him to come looking for the sorcerer was mild of Asmodeus. They both walked together before splitting at the crossroad to their homesteads.