lelouch "black prince" lamperouge (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
chessking) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
galaxywishes2017-07-09 01:28 am
chessking) wrote in galaxywishes2017-07-09 01:28 amEntry tags:
chessking) wrote in galaxywishes2017-07-09 01:28 am
Murdergame setting! lmk if this is okay-dokey o/
Yagen wasn't naturally impatient—perhaps it was because he wasn't human. Or maybe it was because he was already looking ahead, too busy considering his next plan of action to sit there and get fed up with the present failures. However, when the trial ended, and the results were displayed, all his patience was collectively shot in one moment.
The person he voted for wasn't being executed. Instead, it was someone else entirely—someone innocent, a friend too close to him for him not to act when the execution ended. His movements were on auto-pilot as he conveniently remembered that there was no punishment from the host for acting—he cared less for any action that may be taken towards him from his peers. He doesn't have time to plan much, as he went over and tugged on the arm of his target:
A blond man with short hair and crystal blue eyes in gaudy wear.
Yagen asked for him to lean closer, and the moment provided to him is enough. Yagen slid a knife hidden in his sleeve, into his hand, and sunk it in the target's chest, all the way to the hilt. For insurance, he ripped the blade out and slashed the admittedly larger man's throat.
When the man fell over, it cleared up Yagen's line of sight to another man standing nearby, and he uttered his name— ]
... Lelouch.
[ He doesn't hear the screams emanating from those around him at his actions. His expression is controlled, yet searching for what sort of reaction the other man may have. ]
no subject
In fact, for someone who's literally just watched the person in front of him be stabbed to death, Lelouch looks remarkably unfazed. He hasn't flinched at all. But then again, watching someone being stabbed to death ranks rather low on the list of gruesome deaths that he's seen - some of them he's even ordered by his own hand. He's seen people take their own lives, has had their blood stain his skin and his clothes and his conscience, so this?
This is nothing.
What is interesting, though, is that Lelouch is looking at Yagen with narrowed eyes, his brow furrowed in concentration, like he's trying to put together the pieces of a puzzle that only he knows the question to. Yagen is a wildcard, after all. He's always struck Lelouch as someone who's always been a little bit more analytical than most of the people around here, so the fact that he'd figured out the true culprit of this week's murder doesn't surprise him in the least. Even though the group had lynched someone this week, during the investigation a few days earlier, Lelouch himself had spotted some sloppy cover up work, things that he would not have missed out had he actually done it instead of delegating it to one of his associates. If he was going to frame someone, he wouldn't have made those mistakes that even a child could have spotted.
He's a tactician, after all. He's always been all about the big picture.
What surprises Lelouch is Yagen's willingness to take matters into his own hands. Justice of a sort. He would have approved, if the implications weren't so dire. He's all but admitted this week in trial when asked for his alibi that he had been acquainted, and now Lelouch was trying to figure out how much Yagen knew, just based off that alone. And that's why Yagen speaking to him startles him for a moment, a barely perceptible widening of his eyes before they settle back to their usual expression - calm, almost bored.
... Not bad. Not bad at all.
Lelouch laughs. It's not a pretty laugh, not the kind of laughter that most of the people in this place are used to seeing. It's manic, and by the time Lelouch stops laughing, there's a dark grin on his features, all sharp teeth and his lips curled upwards in a taunting smile.
He claps. It's slow, patronising, deliberately parsed to make sure that it's meant to provoke, to mock. ]
Are you going to kill me next, Yagen?
[ Knight takes bishop, he thinks.
They can't kill him. He's been gambling on this possibility since the very beginning - if anyone kills him, they risk condemning the dead for eternity.
But I've put you in check. There's glittering amusement in his violet eyes, but there's also curiosity, to see if Yagen will actually stab him, in full view of everyone. ]
no subject
But it wasn't just adrenaline—Yagen could feel the white-hot pulse of hot-blooded rage that hadn't dulled much even by him killing the true culprit of this case. The only joy he received thus far from his actions was Lelouch's subtle action.
The situation was dangerous for a variety of obvious reasons and because Yagen had no one to take orders from. He had gone so long without doing so, that he wondered if it was starting to become detrimental to him. Not even his friend had been in a position where he could play that part for him—and Yagen certainly wasn't part of a faction.
It's not easy lacking the assets of being on an assigned group, but he's always been skilled at obtaining information when he's gone scouting or on expeditions that weren't sorties. In addition, Yagen's skills of observation have assisted in him making deductions besides for an individual's culpability. It was easy for him to deduce where Lelouch lay on which side, however, from this trial's events...given what he's known and suspected about the person he just killed.
However, there's a part of him that's falling off the slippery slope enough that Lelouch's provocation seems like an attractive prospect, and his thumb rubs a little against the still-unsoiled hilt of the bloody knife. Yagen knows enough, logically, that he can't afford to act too foolishly. ]
You're rather confident that you won't lose your own neck. I wouldn't be worrying about me, if I were you. There are others who are just as observant, but lack discipline.
[ Yagen's purples eyes seem to be absent of any anger, and certainly none of it showed on the rest of his face. But, his hand that clutched the weapon had begun to tremble a bit. ]
no subject
But then again, it would be a tepid match if that was the case.
The way Lelouch shifts his stance is graceful, befitting of royalty, with the same kind of charisma that has somehow swayed most of the people in this room into keeping him alive for the past few weeks, and when he speaks, it's not Lelouch Lamperouge the student that's speaking.
This is Lelouch vi Britannia, 11th Prince of the Holy Britannian Empire, mastermind. ]
Is that so?
[ And Lelouch notices - sees the way Yagen's hand is trembling around the hilt of the knife. He's holding back.
He has to win. He has too much riding on this game, for one, and he's the only one with the information to see this game through to its very end, to its desired outcome. ]
What if I told you that more blood has to be spilled, so that the blood that has already been spilled will not be in vain? That I have the means to end this game for good, and that you have to trust me if you want to win?
[ And his gaze locks onto Yagen's. He's also aware that almost everyone, facilitator included, is watching them both, the hushed whispers in the background reminding him that he has an audience, and Lelouch smirks, points at the bloodied weapon in Yagen's hand with an almost taunting flourish. ]
If you think I'm bluffing, go on then! Stab me where I stand and condemn yourself to eternity in hell!
no subject
If his General was here, what orders would he give him? Perhaps he would be told to hold back; there were many reasons to not strike Lelouch down. Especially if his words were true, and unfortunately Yagen had a myriad of reasons to not doubt them in the slightest.
It may become obvious that Yagen's stance lacked the tension it held earlier. His hand no longer trembled. ]
You know the risk in even saying what you have in front of everyone. In addition, I would be a fool to kill you without proper evaluating the situation first and consideration.
[ Yagen already knew that not everyone would wish to go with Lelouch's plan—especially himself. He doesn't delude himself of the idea that there would be another way to end the game for certain, not yet. He's not cynical, but he's not foolishly optimistic either. ]
In the end, what you ask is for me and whomever else that would accept, is to be your pawns, isn't it?
no subject
Nothing irritates him more than an unexpected condition throwing a wrench into his carefully laid plans. ]
With the number of people left in this game, my identity and role would have been discovered at some point.
[ Just that. Well. it just means that Yagen's actions have forced him to accelerate his timeline, and for the detectives? They've finally discovered the person that they've been trying to smoke out for the past few weeks. This is troubling, but Lelouch is both a gambler and a strategist, and pushing through yields the best odds, the ones most in his favour. ]
And you're right. [ Somehow, Lelouch has the talent to make even that sound like a slightly condescending backhanded compliment. ] Are you confident of how much you know of the situation, Yagen? Only I know every single detail of this game, and I have acted accordingly for the best outcome possible.
[ He's always been about the dramatics, large, sweeping gestures to accompany his orations. ]
Even a pawn may eventually become a Queen if they can cross over the chess board. [ There's a ghost of a smirk, there. ] I do not sacrifice my own pieces unnecessarily.
[ His allies are all still alive for now, barring the most recent kill. ]
To defeat evil, I am prepared to become a greater evil, Yagen. That is my duty.
no subject
He did his best to pay not too much attention to Lelouch's dramatics, though something about them unfortunately does seem familiar. But, what was even moreso was the last two sentences he spoke. For some reason, it made him think of Oda Nobunaga and his justified (or so Yagen's biased thoughts slant it) attempt to unify Japan under his banner. In his own attempts to do so, Nobunaga was willing to commit drastic acts and it was only a sudden betrayal that destroyed his efforts.
He didn't like making the comparison between his former master and this man because it made him waver. Naturally, he didn't speak of it. ]
I know more than most [ Some of it due to his role, some due to his close watch and networking. ], but not as much as I wish to know. It is true that it is possible you are one of the people who hold the most information about this game. I doubt you are the only one, no matter how many times you create the needless insistence that you are.
[ The only other person he presumed would be the Overseer/Facilitator for the trials and the game itself. That was probably being pedantic, but he cared little in the face of the man's arrogance.
In the end, it was partially Lelouch's fault Souza was dead and that Souza had been in so much pain before he died. What did it all matter anymore if nothing can be guaranteed? Even if Lelouch could assert that this game would end, does it mean that all iterations of the game would be put to a halt as well? If he couldn't assure he could or would find a way to not only end this game but all instances, then...
Nobunaga had also descended to hell, so perhaps it only be natural that Yagen may follow suit. ]
Lelouch, there is something I wish to know:
You claim you're able to do so much and even have the knowledge to end the game. But, do you speak of just this one game or do you mean to imply that you also have the power to even stop any further occurrence of future games such as this one?
[ Here he gave pause, and paid close attention to Lelouch—it would be attempt to search for any tells of dishonesty if Yagen could manage. ]
dun dun duuuuun.
It's a mistake that has cost him dearly before, and he's not about to make the same mistake twice. He'd be a fool if he did. ]
I have a question for you. [ Well, not really just for him, but more directed towards him specifically, but also addressing the room at large. Lelouch is good at things like that. ] What would you do when there is an evil you cannot defeat by just means? Do you stain your hands with evil to destroy evil, or do you remain steadfastly just and righteous even if it means surrendering to evil?
I know which one I chose, and I know which choice will ensure that no one's sacrifice will be in vain at least in this instance of the game. Souza's death was unfortunate, but necessary.
[ There's a challenge in Lelouch's words, thinly veiled arrogance and the spark of something that's the complete opposite of resignation, although there's no bluff there, only genuine conviction.
The King moves. ]
You say you know more information than most. [ There's something almost predatorial in the edge of his lips, something manic in his gaze. ] Tell me, do you know the condition to win this game?
[ Not whatever rubbish is in their rulebooks. Because he's fairly certain he's the only one who knows it. It's part of the deal, the contract that he's made with the powers that be running this game.
You can revive all the dead if you and one other person remain at the end of the game. If you are slain by their hand, you trade your life for everyone's.
Lelouch vi Britannia is no stranger to death. It's probably why he took the damned contract in the first place. ]
WELL THEN...
Yagen has always painted himself a picture of calm, but the trouble with that is the fact that even he can lose himself easily to the side of him that's hotblooded enough to do something incredibly foolish. His mental state is dubious right now, and he had even considered going rogue in the sense of saying 'fuck it all'. But, what would that do, if it tosses it all to the flames? If he and Souza aren't alive, they can't return to serve their Master. Yet, he is sure that they can be replaced.
Even if he feels anger, at the idea of someone he's grown to care about could be considered so easy to discard. And once again, Lelouch's arrogant words concerning Souza's death.
Still, not everyone here could be so easily substituted for another. ]
To answer your question:
I'd stain my hands gladly, if I were given orders that required me to do exactly that. In the absence of orders, I would do anything to take that evil down with as much minimal innocent casualties as possible. Since that is what my Master would wish of me.
But, if there's no other choice, I will do what I must. I will cut down anyone who would try to stop me and whoever that I need to, if I need to make that sacrifice.
[ For a brief moment, he's speaking again something unplanned and not very well thought out before he could stop himself. ]
In addition, it'd be wise if keep yourself in moderation regarding making any further unnecessary comments concerning Souza's death.
[ Yagen's voice is less neutral than he wants it to be. But the important thing is that he tried to not allow himself to descend into saying something explicitly unpleasant. It is beneath him to do so, even considering the circumstances. ]
I also informed you that I don't know enough as I wish to, even despite the knowledge I've managed to collect. If you know what this condition is, you may as well go ahead and tell us already. Then, I'll be inclined to make my decision.
no subject
Lelouch actually flinches when Yagen takes one, two steps towards him, and even when the other stops, he doesn't relax, his eyes narrowed, his posture tense. His Geass lies dormant, although the itch to use it grows larger, and Lelouch clenches his fists, digging his nails into his palm, using that slight amount of pain to ground himself while his mind flies through every single plan that he's concocted in the event that things go south. ]
I understand.
[ Justice, then. No wonder Yagen reminds him of Guilford, that bastard. He's not really in the business of senseless sacrifices, either, but sometimes, sacrifices have to be made.
The sins are all his to shoulder, in any case. It's nothing new. ]
Would you cut me down, then?
[ There's a sharp intake of breath that spirals out into laughter, a characteristic break from the calm that has coloured Lelouch's actions. It's half theatrics, and half genuine fear that the board is spiralling out of control, there's too many conditions to reel back under him-- ]
I see. So you don't know. [ He's not surprised. ] The terms of my contract - I can trade my life for everyone's, if I decide to. However, I must be killed by the last person alive if I want to execute this contract.
[ It's spat out somewhat viciously, raw emotion bleeding into every syllable, and--
No one expects it, Lelouch least of all, when he doubles over in agony, drops to one knee, clutching at his heart, gasping for breath.
Seems like his contractor isn't very pleased about him divulging the details of his contract to the group at large. ]
no subject
Lelouch's question brought a slight change in Yagen's expression, but he didn't seem inclined to answer right after. At least not until the man finished and completely divulged that last bit he was waiting for. Granted, when he did, it brought about a revelation that wasn't expected at all. ]
...
[ Yagen couldn't really imagine Lelouch as the self-sacrificial type, though, and even now it almost brought a scoff to pass his lips. It's halted by Lelouch's sudden crumpling over himself, and before he could stop himself, he's stepped closer and he uttered Lelouch's name in surprise. He drew his hand back (which he found he had reached out with involuntarily) and frowned.
He's used to treating the ailments/wounds of others, and so his body reacted instinctively, much to his chagrin. ]
What's wrong now? Did someone slip you some poison while you were unaware? Or was this from wound you foolishly left untreated?
[ He said he would make his decision and quickly he went over the series of events in his answer. Souza's death, Lelouch's reveal, and now... to factor in once more what his Master might've ordered him to do. He knew that he would be advised against killing Lelouch, but would he be advised to help Lelouch fulfill that condition? Even as he wracked his head viciously for an answer, reviewing past responses given to him by his Master, he couldn't come up with anything.
His personal feelings shouldn't affect whether so many innocent people come back to life or not. He gritted his teeth. ]
Regardless of your answer to my previous inquires, I believe it's time to let you know if I've decided to cut you down where you stand.
[ Yagen's hand that held the knife, gave a light swing with it, so that any running blood from the previous victim would flick against the ground. Then he drew it back into its hiding place, expression unreadable. He probably should've thought twice about making the sudden movement while he was so close to Lelouch but honestly, he's skilled enough that he wouldn't accidentally throw the blade into him or something.
Ha ha. ]
I've decided not to kill you. But, I will be watching you for as long as I am able—and I promise you this:
If you dare do anything that would involve turning on your word to bring everyone who is dead to their salvation, I will make you wish I had killed you here today. Do you understand?
murdergame setting ofc
Mortal as he may be in this realm, Gilgamesh conducted himself with the proper air befitting a higher being. Haughty. Aloof. Innately superior. It's an attitude that's earned him few allies and many enemies. He's been accused multiple times of murder in the past trials, all of which he's brashly laughed off. Oh, he's lent a hand here and there, but only by his own whims. He couldn't care less about the "prize" dangled before them.
After all he, Gilgamesh, was the King of Heroes. It was only natural that he would naturally walk upon the path to victory.
There was someone else who bore a similar attitude. But where Gilgamesh's personality brightly shone, this man's was closer to that of a shadow's. It reminded him of an Assassin -- easily overlooked, which made him all the more dangerous. It's part of why he seeks him out that night.
Gilgamesh's metallic boots ring out against the floor. Even in the comfort of their provided lodgings, he insists on wearing some of his armor. Probably for the effect.]
Lelouch. I will have a word with you.
no subject
Lelouch is a prince who became Emperor, after all, and he carries himself like he's a member of the aristocracy no matter what.Not that much different from how Gilgamesh dons his armour.
So it's of no surprise that when Gilgamesh demands an audience with Lelouch, to have a word with him, Lelouch looks like he always does, a mix of calm and boredom on his features, and although his smile is friendly there's a hardness in his gaze that comes from having to comply with the rules of the game.
Keep your friends close but your enemies closer - the only problem is that Gilgamesh is a condition that hasn't been cleared just yet. Lelouch still can't pinpoint his agenda aside from stirring shit up, which is why when he finally pushes himself upright from where he'd been sprawled out on the sofa, there's at least some measure of a distance between them. ]
Speak, then. [ He closes the book that he had been reading with an audible sound. ] I must admit that having you seek me out did not rank high on my assumption of expected events.
no subject
Surprise is the proper response, as is gratitude. You are blessed, mongrel. The king does not typically bestow his presence upon commoners. My whims have aligned in your favor.
[So saying, he takes the seat opposite from Lelouch and lazily spreads his arms out, legs crossed.]
Tell me of your rank and homeland. You have my permission to speak at your leisure.
no subject
He does not like being called a mongrel - it reminds him too much of the Britannian court and the disdain that they use to refer to Numbers.
Also, colour him highly unimpressed. Privately, Lelouch thinks that Gilgamesh is nothing like how a king should be. At the seat opposite him, Gilgamesh does not look refined in the slightest.
But then again, he's good at playing deferential, after his first, costly mistake. He inclines his head slightly. ]
Only if you give me information about yours. If your whims have aligned in my favour, I highly doubt a one-sided exchange of information would be beneficial to us both, no?
[ Phrased as a challenge. One of the things Lelouch has figured out about Gilgamesh. He likes to rise to challenges. ]
I am a prince that was abandoned by his Empire. [ A small, bitter smirk, a mocking sweep of his hand. ] The eldest son of the late consort Marianne and 17th in line to the imperial throne of the Holy Empire of Britannia, Lelouch vi Britannia, at your service.
same as above, execution style
It was why they acted the moment they realized just how dangerous Lelouch was. He threatened me. He's been acting funny. I'm scared, please help me. So long as you put a teary face -- as long as you acted cute and helpless -- adults will want to help a child. Children are nothing but vulnerable creatures
(easily manipulated, easily abused, easily hurt)
that one feels a natural inclination to protect. That's what they've been taught, anyway.
So it comes as a surprise when Chara of all people is chosen as the executioner. They don't like it. They have to act in a way that demands more than they're capable of, and they approach the platform with a hint of a scowl.]
I hope you had "fun."
[Playing detective. Trying to outsmart the killers. You know. All that.]
no subject
He supposes the white is there for a reason - it would be a little difficult to see blood on black, and he can feel the razor sharp wires binding him to something that feels like a wooden frame cutting into his skin, the slickness that comes from blood dripping down his arms and being soaked up by white fabric.
Lelouch doesn't know how long he's been hanging here for. The blindfold cuts off his sight, and just based on the way that he feels like his body is being pulled, arms outstretched, it's hard to breathe properly. Every minute feels like an hour.
Crucifixion.
He would laugh, if he had the strength to. But he doesn't have to wait very long, the sound of footsteps on the elevated platform making him raise his head for a moment.
His lips twist into a sardonic, mocking smile, when he recognises that voice. ]
Chara.
[ He coughs, and it hurts to talk. Chara, with their sweet lies and feigned innocence. He would applaud their treachery if he weren't the victim of it. ]
Plenty. Enough to make you nervous. I'm surprised they voted you.
[ Short sentences, nothing like the eloquent speeches that Lelouch is known for, how his way with words had turned people to his side, up till now.
There's a side table set up next to where he's hanging on the platform, an assortment of knives and other sharp objects for Chara to take their pick.
What will you do now, Chara? ]
no subject
[Their answer is soft and smooth, meant only for Lelouch's ears. It's true. Chara hadn't been antsy -- they'd been terrified. To be executed before they could "win," to be torn apart as they had been in their past life... they never want to feel as helpless as Lelouch surely does in this moment. Never again.
With their back turned to the audience, their typical smile spreads across the face. It's a natural self-defense mechanism to mask whatever emotions they may be feeling. Knives are familiar. They've worked with these tools before. Chara picks up a particularly large kitchen knife, gently pricking their finger on its tip.]
It's punishment from my group.
[For having been sloppy enough to have left clues. It didn't matter if they were only a child. If one was caught, the others were in danger. Lelouch getting close to unmasking them marked Chara as a "liability."]
The consequences of your actions.
no subject
Even after seeing how brutal the executions were the past few weeks, he'd never thought that he'd be on the receiving end of one, or how agonising it would be for him.
It takes most of his strength to laugh, and it's a strangled, ugly sound that can surely be heard by the people below who are watching this pseudo horror show of a child carrying out an execution.
There's nothing innocent about Chara, that much he knows now. They're nothing like Nunnally. ]
I'm sorry.
[ He doesn't sound sorry. Lelouch has always had a talent for making things sound like backhanded compliments if he wanted to, but this is outright condescension, and he's finally letting one last burst of raw emotion, the equivalent of scathing hatred dripping from those two words.
Lelouch's anger has always been more of a cold fire than an explosion.
And even now, it still burns, even as he's crucified, as he waits for death to take him once more, waits for Chara to strike a killing blow that he can't see coming. ]
no subject
(survival is all that matters. only the strong will live, and Chara isn't weak anymore. they don't want to be.)
That venom is accepted without a retort. If Chara speaks too much to Lelouch, the audience's suspicions will be aroused. They don't want that. Instead, they press the knife's tip onto the spot just above Lelouch's heart, letting their grip shake enough for him to feel the quiver. The promise of broaching the breaking point.]
I want you to hate me.
[They mutter it, a vicious glee snaking into their words.]
I don't want any pity.
[With that said, they suddenly let out a strangled cry and slam the knife into the spot they had been pressing down on, making sure to push as hard as they can on the hilt.]
AU practice