[Video]

[kingwithnocrown]

[Hi Vatheon. Yup. This informant is on camera yet again and he's twirling around in his chair. He looks thoughtful this time, calm and reserved. He's holding a white king to his mouth and doesn't speak for quite a while.]

I always wonder what determines a society's legal bracket. From the world I came from, there was no historical evidence of a truly anarchy society. There was always some form of basic organization and authority. Whether you want to use the word king, ruler, leader, god, lord, prince, queen, majesty- it doesn't really matter. They all entail the same thing. They entail that the person in question is greater than you for some reason. Maybe they had the lucky draw of being born to a prestigious family or perhaps they had the wit of a thousand battles strong and knew how to deal with a society.

But what truly astounds me is the fact that Vatheon remains to be a peaceful society of well-mannered individuals who do not seek neither a leader to rule over them nor do any of them seem interested in being that very leader. Not to say that we live in a barbaric society in the city of Vatheon but it does make me wonder where legislation comes into place.

I mean, no one can truly punish any one here. The moral system is totally obscured by various worlds and opinions. Where murder is unacceptable on one world, it is a given on another. The same goes for everything else. And what of religion? What of God? What of death?

I still wonder if murder is truly a horrible thing in a world where you can't really die. Does it serve the same moral destruction that it might in some worlds- most worlds?

And anyway, who is to deliver the hand of punishment? Maybe that was Vatheon's plan all along. To create a society in which you are your own king. You are your own law. You serve your own justice. An eye for an eye sort of thing.

After all, who is to stop someone from having sex right out in the open on the fountain? Who is to stop someone from going into a crowded area with a loaded machine gun and going trigger happy on the citizens? Who is to stop someone from--

[He stops himself, having grown a bit more feverish and excited during this whole conversation, now clenching that king into his palm.]

Technically, nothing is illegal here. So who is to judge? Who is to punish? Does anyone even deserve being the one to determine what should be punished or not? It's all perspective. No one can say for sure that purple isn't blue. That kind of thing, right?

Eheh. I'm sorry Vatheon.

I know you're lost in your own perfect bubble of an on-going world of peace and utmost deliverance that could be from the gods themselves.

I shouldn't disturb such a peace.

[A heavy sigh and he gently sets the piece down onto a complicated board of chest- one that looks like quite a few pushed together. Well hey, quite a few people had gotten him game sets for Christmas. He had to use them properly.]

But then again, that's what psychological studies are for, aren't they? And I feel like I would only be neglecting my position of obligation in not pursuing such investigations.

I feel like a God lately. [He looks up into the camera and his mouth turns into a wicked grin.]

Who knows? Maybe I am.

Comments

[video]

[red_medic]

[Well, now there is this old man on the screen. Who has his head resting on his arms resting on some table. Apparently he has gotten comfortable at one point during this little speech. Don't mind the dove trying to unhook the glasses from his left ear, he doesn't mind it himself after all. But he does shift a little at least, maybe the attempt of a shrug behind the motion.]

So you vant to study us und find out vhy ve are not vrecking zhis entire plaze und zhere ist no varfare going on as of yet?

Fein. Zhough I personally do not believe in Gods. So do not expect any vorship.

[video]

[kingwithnocrown]

I don't really believe in gods myself. It's a metaphorical kind of thing.

[Really, Izaya hasn't philosophically ranted in forever and this was a long overdue speech. Forgive him for rambling. He seems pretty stable again. For now.]

And anyway, who says I haven't already been studying? Then again, anyone with a head on their shoulders should be paying attention to certain qualities about Vatheon that make it so...unique.

Also. I never said anything about destruction or warfare. Not everyone was born a leader after all.

video;

[lamorteblanc]

Quite a perspective, Izaya.

[ There's a small smile from this, fingers interlacing in front of his face as he mulls this entire lecture over. While he wasn't really one to lecture about moral compasses and what not, his own being skewed as they were, it was certainly interesting to hear someone else's take on it. ]

In my year and a half of residence in Vatheon, I find the only ones who truly mete out justice are those who bother to. When an offense is taken, the offended party takes it into their hands to settle the score. Rarely has the Lamufao, the priestess or anyone from the staff that seems to be observing us taken charge... Save for that one time.

It's always been between other worlders. If someone had been kidnapped, it would be up to the victims' friends to rescue them. If one had been killed, it was the responsibility of no one but those who considered themselves the victim's white knights.

In this so-called peaceful world, as you term it, we are our own justice. Larger crimes are dealt with between smaller parties. This city, as I've observed, is about connections. Who you know may help in your means. Every criminal mastermind needs a legion by his side. Every victim needs protection. Are we all not victims? Are we all not criminal masterminds?

It's who you know that gives you an upper hand.

video; filtered to Muraki

[kingwithnocrown]

Is it, Muraki~?

[Oh hi there, good doctor, he loves talking to you so he's going to lean forward onto his hands with quite the pleasant smile.]

You know what's hilarious, Muraki, I have done some rather morally questionable things in the past and no one really seems interested enough in their friends well-being enough to do anything beyond threatening. I feel as though the average citizen here is a bit spineless when faced with the devil of a crime.

[Yes, he is fine with talking to Muraki about these things. He knows the man can be just as bad as he is. Or well.

He wants a head so he understands to some degree, right?]

We have some pretty poor white knights if that's the case.

Well.

[He looks down at his chess set with a fond smile.]

The ones people go to anyone aren't the right pieces. They're using pawns to justify.

Muraki, may I ask, what city and what world is not about connections? That is, I believe, a firm foundation in any society. And typically, finances go hand in hand with that but. That's equaled out here.

I don't know about all of us being victims, Muraki. Some of us have nothing to really fear. Maybe that's a little over-assuming of me to say but I like to think I have evolved well.

Video;

[messianic]

[....Mmmm.

He's not really a big fan of this, but he merely tilts his head, considering.]

Izaya-san, you're not a god.

[...sound familiar? It's almost an exact repeat of his line from when they were both on the roof, so very near to their deaths--

But that is all he says in response.]

Video;

[kingwithnocrown]

Hey, Minato-kun. Define God.

[He tilts his head over onto his hand and stares, almost bored, at Minato.]

And anyway, I said maybe. Who are you to dictate how I existed in my previous life before Vatheon, hmmm? Maybe I was a God. Or a scary demon. Do you really know me so well as to know what type of creature I am?

Video

[closedcircuit]

Given that we don't know generally what happens to the soul on resurrection, then yes, I would say that murder is still and objective evil. 

[Ky droops a little as he considers the rest of what Izaya said. The man was clearly unbalanced.]

You ask who would judge, and it's precisely God who would. Law is nothing but our attempt to obey His will. 

You have no right to set yourself up as Him in any sort of manner. 

Video

[kingwithnocrown]

[His brow is raised and he spins in his chair to lean over the camera.]

Ky, right?

[He flicks a smile.]

So what. Are you a Christian then? A catholic perhaps? And might I ask, who are you to say that it is God that oversees Vatheon? I've met people here who have met their gods. So what of those gods? Do they cease existence because of yours?

So interesting. Religion. Isn't it? Who's right?

Not a real reply

[zelda_hylia]

[Must not engage Izaya. Definitely not. Not just for Shizuo's sake, Link is here now. Talking to Izaya is bad, even if they agreed to be "friends." Maybe she could text him anonymously?

No, he'd be able to figure out it was her as soon as the discussion turned serious. They've had far too many conversations for him to not be able to pinpoint her point of view.

Behaving is boring and Zelda's life is suffering.]

Not a real response.

[kingwithnocrown]

[selenia]

[Would it even be wise to comment on something like this, to the person who would publicly announce this?]

[Regardless..]

Morality and decency do not disappear just because the laws of a place change.

[kingwithnocrown]

[Probably not- oh you're going to anyway. Well!]

Yes. But what about people who have different morals than the next? It's quite the sticky predicament if you ask me. Not that I personally care about law, but it's worth a thought.

Anyway, it sure feels like they have disappeared.

[video]

[indoorscholar]

You really ought to get a better hobby.

[Shinra watches the feed with an idle expression, tapping his fingers against the side of his cheek. While philosophical discussions with Izaya are always fairly interesting, he's starting to wonder if it's better not to humor him.]

Besides, isn't that coral the resident deity of this place? Something has to regulate the peace, after all. When left to their own devices, people will choose anarchy over organized society every time; the fact that there isn't anarchy in this place implies that there's something preventing it.

[He's mostly indifferent when it comes to right and wrong, but he's seen enough of humanity to believe that there's no such thing as a person who's good without exception. Then again, that makes Celty all the more perfect in comparison, so it's not all bad.]

[video]

[kingwithnocrown]

What would you suggest, Shinra? Dissecting my boyfriend on a metal slab and playing with his organs?

[Right, yeah, philosophy.]

It seems to be the primary religion among Vatheon's original residents. But I don't think that anyone who comes here from other worlds take it very seriously. And are you sure it regulates the peace? That's a little silly. I don't think Gods are as much of vouchers for peace as we make them out to be, you know.

And are you sure about that? I disagree. I think people naturally seek organization and a leader of some sort. For a state of humanity to break out into true chaos, they must be frazzled mentally. Otherwise, they'll have the sense to make rules and an establishment.

Gosh, Shinra, didn't you ever read Animal Farm? A unified society just isn't very likely. Name one. Where everyone is on an equal playing field.

[He holds up his index finger and leans back.]

I bet you can't. Because either the rich override or the individual king or the men or the women. It doesn't matter where you look. There's never been such a thing as an equal society.

[video]

[destroytheworld]

_{[Have a snort Izaya.]}

God, huh? Yeah, sure. Be whatever you want, who cares.

_{[but wait a moment.]}

...Did you say we can't die here? Does that mean I can't kill anyone here?

_{[No way. Lady Death does not approve of such a thing.]}

[video]

[kingwithnocrown]

[Have a smirk for your snort.]

It's a concept, not a fact. I figured most of you wouldn't understand that.

[Not talking down at you at all.]

Well. Not necessarily that we can't die. We just don't stay dead. People come back after a few days. So sure, go on a killing spree but it'll sort of be useless.

[No, he does not seem phased by this. But. He is curious.]

Are you a mercenary or something or do you just have an interesting hobby?

[Video]

[knightofthesky]

[Congrats. Link has officially grouped you in with Ghirahim in his mind. :/ \

...Most people have morals that keep them in line.

[Video] | Private, also applies to responses Link might make to her

[zelda_hylia]

Link, you can't... you can't speak with him. Please.

[Zelda isn't explaining herself, but her eyes look desperate. If Izaya somehow got Link killed too, she wouldn't be able to take it.]

[Video.]

[warrior_king]

[There's a purple alien duck. His blue eyes doesn't have any pupils or irises whatsoever, but even so, he looks completely unimpressed with you.]

What are your intentions? What do you gain from asking these insidious questions and sowing the seed of doubt into these people's minds?

[Video.]

[kingwithnocrown]

[Not to be rude or anything but seriously what the fuck is he looking at right now.

He can't even take this seriously. Vatheon, you just got 20% weirder.]

That seed of doubt is exactly what I gain. My intentions aren't that deceiving or cruel. It's actually all relatively black and white if people - or - whatever, only listen for a moment.

But people are incapable of doing that, aren't they?

voice

[bufudine]

[If this was video, Izaya would see that Serph looks pretty thoughtful. He was going to shrug and move on, but he's a little curious.]

If I attempted to punch you, what would you do?

Voice

[kingwithnocrown]

Move the other way. Trust me, I've had a lot worse things than a fist hurled at me. Dodging punches is preschool.

[Yeah no. That wouldn't be a smart choice overall at all.]

[Voice]

[zim]

Hey! Did you just say that this ugly place has no leader?

[Insert insidious cackling here just before the connection gets cut off again.]

[Voice] I may or may not have been waiting for this moment :|

[kingwithnocrown]

[....Oh the eccentricities that Vatheon brings in. Izaya's smirk is obvious even in voice.]

That's right. No leader. Who's asking? You have a pretty distinct voice and one that I know I haven't heard before.

[amomentofsympathy]

[Sorry? What are you sorry for? Nasuti is quite enthusiastic in engaging in such musings.]

It's quite possible that the cause of peace is due to the mindset of most people here that their situation isn't permanent.

[kingwithnocrown]

[Well then. Guess who automatically likes you?]

I've actually debated over that theory myself. It's a transition as far as they're concerned. That and it's easy enough for people to relax in a place where there's no money- which does factor in more than people care to admit. This place provides food and shelter automatically.

But then what if it didn't? People would have no choice but to resort to their basic animal instincts and become hostile little predators.

[It's not every day he can casually talk to someone about these sort of things.]

[Video]

[a_violent_end]

[This response comes after a lot of thought and inner debate. He doesn't really want to get involved in whatever it is that Izaya is doing - and obviously he's doing something here, right? - and Shizuo isn't really into psychology or debate. Nor does he think he could ever be a good match for Izaya in an argument. Still...

Videos are stupid, but he makes one anyway, because it's Izaya he's talking to. He sitting at a table and looking a little frustrated - breaking his brain isn't fun.]

Murder is still wrong. People who get murdered still have to go through dying. And then come back and remember it. Maybe that's even worse. And maybe there should be a police force or something here.

[He hadn't really thought much about it until now - maybe because the law had never strictly applied to the monster who uprooted street signs and vending machines, littering them around without real consequence.

He looks like he wants to say more, but ultimately doesn't.]

[Video]

[kingwithnocrown]

[Aw come on, Shizuo. You're going to make him feel bad.]

Perhaps. And that's what I'm wondering. Why there isn't. We have a Defense Force but really no legal system. Not that I'm complaining but it is rather interesting.

I guess Vatheon expects their citizens to take matters into their own hands, hm?

[He really hadn't expected Shizuo to respond to this. In a way, he appreciates it.

Izaya leans in close to the video, staring intently at Shizuo. He can read you easily, Shizu-chan.]

Cat got your tongue?

/falls in here all sorts of late. Also ;video

[fortheempire]

[There's a lot to focus on in here, but it's most certainly the last thing Izaya says that catches Ioder's attention. He doesn't look upset, merely curious. But it's a very cautious kind of curious. What are you getting yourself in to, Ioder?]

A god, Izaya... ? That's a very... heavy handed statement to make, isn't it?

/catches romantically ; Video~

[kingwithnocrown]

[Oh heeeeey Ioder. Have a smile because you are just so cute, did you know that.]

Perhaps. But it was a rhetorical statement, obviously. And anyway, I don't see why people are so against the idea. After all, how do you know I'm not? Especially when we co-exist in a world where demons and aliens and god-like entities exist. Is it that difficult to believe?

[Riddle him that.]

[Video]

[last_lombax]

I guess I see it as if you're doing something and you're hurting someone else, it's wrong. Do whatever you want, just don't hurt anyone else in the process.

[Not going to touch that touche murder subject, kthnx.]

[Video]

[kingwithnocrown]

[Wow the look he is giving you-]

Sure thing, Ratchet. I'll make sure to perform my civil duties to the T. Although what if I come from a world where murder is expected of me? How would I know any better here?