Alternative SHIFTs

[jinglebros]

This is a post for different SHIFTS

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Roland, more than a kiss

[jinglebros]

Once upon a time, Aoi demanded a kiss of Roland for a toll. It turns out that isn't the first time he's asked this of him, but he continues to be surprised each and every time Roland agrees.

The first time this happened, Aoi was far more intrigued for his own good. He ended up pursuing Roland, seeking out ways to engage him in things. This was before he got to know Hubert and become committed to the possibility of him. So his mind was free to think of another.

And when Alastor is killed, Aoi finds himself supporting Roland.

"Hey," he says in private, after the trial of the demon's murderer. "I know you can't believe me, but it will be fine."

[godspiousjasper]

It had been absolutely no real secret that he was incredibly tactile and just enjoyed being able to dole out affection. So when one little kiss turned into something more frequent? He'd started to look forwards to each and every time, and it would be hard pressed to say he was getting attached.

Alastor was still someone very much important to him, a very valuable friend and so in the wake of his death? It'd shaken him to his very core.

Maybe it was just because he hadn't been able to save the devil from his fate, or just all the death getting to him. He looked up to Aoi with pained eyes, a hand reaching out to grasp at his arm. Something to ground him. "...I... How...? This game... it's cruel and heartless. I've never felt so powerless."

Blood was on his hands. Zero had chosen him as the executioner, after all.

[jinglebros]

"That's how Zero wants you to feel. He gets off on it."

Aoi places a hand over Roland's own. He's not exactly sure he's doing the right things here, but somehow he wants to try.

"Don't give him the satisfaction. Figure out how to get the power back."

[godspiousjasper]

A slow exhale was breathed out, then he nodded. "You're right. He's taken too much from us already. I don't want anyone else to die here.." That had a bit of a spark shining within his green eyes, moving a bit closer to Aoi.

"Though if i'm honest? I'm afraid someone might try to target you... and I won't allow that."

[jinglebros]

"I can take care of myself. I've been doing it all my life. You don't need to worry that I'll let someone fuck with me."

Aoi is drawn to him, just as he always is. When Roland moves closer, he can't help but move closer as well. Sometimes he's mad about how much control this man seems to have over him, but he doesn't bother right now.

"How would you prevent it, anyway?"

[godspiousjasper]

That made him exhale a very soft huff, to where he essentially was pouting a bit now despite his best efforts not to.

"Well... what if someone manages to somehow overpower you? Having someone as a backup to help you would be VERY useful." A pointed nod of his head follows, thinking about that question for a very short moment before his answer comes quickly. So assured and without hesitation.

"Staying close to you, obviously! I would use all of my Chasseur experience to ensure nobody would be able to have the chance to hurt you."

[jinglebros]

"Well, it's not as if having you close would be a punishment..."

Aoi raises his eyebrows, though. At this point in his loops, he wants any way out - so it's a bit annoying to him to be protected. But he's not going to let that impact Roland.

"Fine, but only if I can protect you too."

Alastor and the possible crime

[jinglebros]

Roland's been dead for a week. Zero followed this up with a resurrection motive and it's up to Aoi to talk Alastor out of it. The problem is, Aoi is fond of Roland too. And it's hecking hard to think of a reason it shouldn't be done.

"But you know he wouldn't be happy if you did it," is what he settles with finally. He's been through enough loops at this point to know that they need to make it to, and somehow past, the final trial. "Do you really want him to be alive but miserable?"

[superstylishsquid]

As much as Alastor enjoyed fighting, he never seemed inclined to wish anyone harm. Even Makima, he was clear in his distaste for yet never in a way that suggested he had any desire to kill her.

He had volunteered to execute the one who had killed Roland, in a dark reflection of the cause of death listed for Roland. A reminder that his name proclaimed him to be a spirit of vengeance.

Now that he has the safety of that soul dangled in front of him, it's clear how tempted he is. Though he tries to downplay it, his tail constantly betrays his nervous energy. Aoi, however, has a point. It's the same reason he hadn't killed for the hostages motive, after all...Joe would have hated knowing innocents had died to save his life.

"I know he wouldn't, not when it would cost everyone's lives. It's just...too soon."

[jinglebros]

"It's too soon on purpose. They're gunning for you."

Aoi doesn't need to explain that, does he? Zero knew that Alastor would be tempted if he gave this motive, so he geared it exactly for him. He didn't suspect any less of Delta Klim. He knew the people he'd kidnapped and knew them deep down. How couldn't he, with his abilities?

"That's why you can't let them win."

[superstylishsquid]

He knows that's the point, a fresh wound always makes for an easy target. That doesn't make it less effective, though, and the fist that slams into the wall says as much.

"By the time we get out of here...what if his soul has already become a part of Heaven by then? I won't even get to..."

Though Hell cared little when it came to fallen Angels, being cast out of Hell was no guarantee of being accepted into Heaven. A devil who stepped into the fields of Paradiso was likely to be nothing more than an intruder...no matter who he happened to know when they were alive. There would be no final meeting.

[jinglebros]

Aoi doesn't even question if Roland is going there. They both know that he is. No, comfort wouldn't come in that form.

"At least it's motivation to actually get out of here. You can't die, you need to see him."

[superstylishsquid]

"It's...only a matter of days before a soul becomes part of its afterlife. And besides, human souls don't exactly have the natural capacity to create portals between parts of the Trinity..."

No, if Roland has already passed beyond the gates of Paradiso, the only way Alastor is ever seeing him again is if he becomes an angel and somehow manages to get permission to take time away from his duties.

culprit Hubert

[pegasinister]

It's been a few loops now, but long before the golden one where Hubert would Remember. So the motives, at least certain ones, always have a chance to work on him.

But honestly, just getting home was often enough. Especially before he remembers his own and his Lady's death. Before he realizes his life is now meaningless.

...there's been more than one where he died for other reasons. Not many, but some. Despair more than once. This time though he stalks through the corridors, the long blade that, this time, Gai gave him much earlier, in his hand. Slipping from shadow to shadow, bare feet silent as he moves. Somewhere on the ship John Connor was also awake, thanks to Hubert's own scheming. He has ever intention of drawing the blade across the man's throat.

[jinglebros]

It's been enough loops now that Aoi has a fondness for Hubert. Not anything for John Connor, not at all. That's not why he's out here. Why he's out here is he still has a belief that he can stop the loops, a despair that he can't hasn't set in yet. So he wants to make sure that if this is the right time, this is the last loop, Hubert will b alive.

He caught wind of his planning somehow. Knowing him well, maybe? Well, whatever. This time they'd also been roommate, so he'd known when he snuck out. He soon follows him.

"What do you think you're doing?" he says quietly, from behind.

[pegasinister]

Well, he HAD put quite a few... additives... into dinner last night to make sure as many people slept as possible. Of course he didn't know about Aoi's habit of poisoning himself yet.

A small breath sucks between his teeth before he turns, the only expression of his surprise- his face icy and blank by the time he's facing Aoi. Though there's a bit of sadness in his one exposed eye. Everyone was going to die, but... he didn't want to kill Aoi directly.

Well, nothing for it now. Him and John both had to die.

"Nothing you need worry about."

[jinglebros]

"Sure, sure."

Except Aoi is used to seeing through other people's facades, and he can tell a mask that's trying to crack when he sees one. He's not taking this at face value.

"Except how you have that weapon right there. Planning on using it on me?"

[pegasinister]

He flips the blade around and points it at Aoi directly.

"And if I was?"

[jinglebros]

"I'd encourage you. I have nothing to live for, you know."

He smiles ever so brightly.

[somuchshipping]

[Hermes exits sleep mode, his screenface flashing on. His first thought underneath those few seconds of bleariness is he didn't remember entering sleep mode. He doesn't remember this room at all. This isn't even the tutorial... Hermes thinks. He looks around, seeing no screens to the outside Player. This is so bizarre. Is this some form of punishment? Did everyone else really find out about what he just did already...?

All these thoughts are ground to a halt when he lays his eyes upon Aoi and he just freezes, blinking a few times.]

[All is silent. He's staring for a very long moment.]

[And then...]

...Are you a human?

[Wait... didn't this happen to you before, Aoi? Wasn't Hermes... feral? Didn't everyone except Hermes just get executed? What is going on!?]

[jinglebros]

[ It's the third loop. It's still so early on, and Aoi isn't used to the fact he's repeating things yet. He hasn't even clued himself in yet.

So when he wakes up to this, he nearly flips, but it's his control over himself that keeps him from trying to push Hermes over. ]

What the fuck...?

[somuchshipping]

[Woah...! This human(?) is sure a bundle of nervous energy.]

Don't worry, I'm just a Hermes unit!

[The AI looks around the room, bobbing up and down a little.]

Were you not expecting one?

[jinglebros]

I wasn't expecting you to -

[ No, slow down. This is odd. Something's obviously happening. ]

- What did you say you were again?

[somuchshipping]

[Blink.]

I'm a Hermes unit... I think something went wrong in whatever transit you were expecting. WhatTypeOfUnit DidYouActuallyWant?

[jinglebros]

...your unit. Hermes unit.

That's exactly what I wanted.

[ Humorless smile. ]