The Wolf's Den

[manicuredangel]

[His shoulders sag more than usual as if the weight of his role is pressed too hard upon him. He feels like can empathize at least a little bit with what Alexander must have felt in this role at the mansion, though he has no loved ones here to worry about while knowing who is who. Still, knowing the carnage that is about to happen over the next several days doesn't make this any easier.

Aziraphale seems to dither for a moment before looking at Alexander and Phillip. His voice is soft but firm. This is something that has to be done. From what he's read about how this world works, they don't have much choice.]

Well, er... Alexander I suppose you know how this works better than I. You two are this Ritual's Wolves.

I'm sorry.

Comments

[allshotsfired]

Hey no, you can't drag Phillip into this. Me yeah sure, but he's too young for this shit.

[manicuredangel]

Honestly... [He purses his lips slightly in frustration.]

You know I didn't choose the wolves. You know I didn't choose who is involved in this Ritual. You know how tightly my hands are bound in this matter. I thought you, of all people, would understand what is happening, why, and how.

Phillip was dragged into this the moment he arrived into this world. And as young as he may be, you can't always be there to protect him. You're lucky his first time as a wolf is with you and not, say, that shadowy being I've seen around or that ridiculous crab.

[iamapoet]

[Philip isn't exactly clinging to his father, but he's definitely sticking pretty close.]

You gonna keep talkin' about me like I'm not standin' right here? -- Wait, crab? [He's picturing a normal size crab and is very confused.]

[allshotsfired]

You haven't seen that walking chandelier? He's pretty hard to miss.

And yeah fun fact about that, I used to know a lot of shit, but when you stop bein' shepherd they take that away from you. But keep acting superior, fluffy.

[manicuredangel]

.... Really? That was something I was unaware of... Er... My apologies for my tone.

Er, yes. He's massive and covered in gold. I haven't spoken with him, but he's rather hard to miss.

[iamapoet]

...Of course.

[why is EVERY ANIMAL HERE giant and terrifying? are there not any, like, squirrels? normal squirrels?]

[allshotsfired]

...Alright, so we're doin' this. If Jefferson goes out, then Black is the least terrible one. If black goes out... Well shit, I don't wanna take Jefferson out with Madison here, So I guess D'artagnan or Felix?

[he makes a terribly awkward gesture at Phillip. Because he wants to give the guy the freedom to make his own choices, but those choices also include killing people. so.]

[manicuredangel]

You're going to have to make a decision soon.

[allshotsfired]

...Felix

[manicuredangel]

Understood.

[scanninggaydis]

[SO. THIS SUCKS.]

[allshotsfired]

[this is like the most awkward wave]

Hey.

[scanninggaydis]

[He....does not wave back, sorry. Good news, he does not look actively angry. He just looks....displeased. In a very subdued way.]

Hi.

[manicuredangel]

It's getting close. Who will be your victim tonight?

[allshotsfired]

If madison goes out? Jefferson. If I go out? Madison.

Also hey Fluffy? Phillip is gonna have a hard time. I know you can't bend the rules or anything, but be gentle with him, okay? He didn't grow up in this kinda mess.

[manicuredangel]

I... I don't think I'm the one you need to ask for mercy from. Maybe have a talk with Smargl?

[allshotsfired]

His ass isn't around, and I don't trust him anyway. I meant more like emotional support.

[manicuredangel]

Oh, er... Well, I'll do my best. [He doesn't sound convincing. He's not very good with children.]

[allshotsfired]

[this is a gentle sigh, but it's a wry smile anyway]

...Aren't you guys supposed to be good with people? Or terrifying?

[manicuredangel]

I mostly observe. From a distance. In my bookshop. I don't often directly interact with people.

I could, er.. Show him some magic?

[manicuredangel]

[Well... suddenly there is one wolf. And he needs to get business taken care of, but he's sure the lad is upset. Oh boy.]

Er... I'm terribly sorry about all this. Do you... Do you want to follow your father's advice? Will it be Madison? The final decision is yours, I'm afraid.

[allshotsfired]

...Sure buddy, you do that.

[manicuredangel]

[Not that his last magic show went over well with the children.....]

I could teach him the gavotte?

[iamapoet]

[Philip's still crying, but he tries to wipe his tears and collect himself. It doesn't really work, but, yanno.]

Madison.

[manicuredangel]

[He nods.] Your father will return. I promise he will.

[iamapoet]

[he nods]

[manicuredangel]

I'm really, very sorry dear boy. You need to choose someone to die tonight.

[He's not dumb enough to thing that learning a dance or sleight of hand magic tricks would help ease the pain this poor child must be going through. About the only thing he could possibly offer at this point would be bourbon.]

[iamapoet]

What if I don't? Can I pick myself and not have to deal with this shit anymore?

[manicuredangel]

Unfortunately you can't. You must choose either Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Lauren's, or your mother.

[iamapoet]

... I guess Jefferson.

[manicuredangel]

Alright.

I... I truly am sorry.

[iamapoet]

[he makes a noncommittal noise.]

[moreequal]

[There's a looooong pause as Jefferson just. Stares at the kid. Finally:]

I could kill myself if it makes it easier.

[manicuredangel]

[Aziraphale dithers for a moment. He really, really hates having to be the bearer of bad new in an already horrible situation.]

I... I'm really sorry, but you can't die by your own hand. I'd think you would have learned that at the mansion. I'm afraid the wolf must consume his prey.

[moreequal]

Of course. [He sighs.]

No way they would make things easier for us.

[manicuredangel]

Now why would they do a thing like that?

[iamapoet]

[ Philip is just reeeaaaally pale. He finally swallows and closes his eyes. ]

Do you have a preference?

[moreequal]

[Well. There's some obvious preferences he should state right away, like:] Well, I'd rather it be quick. And painless.

It's going to be better for you as well. Won't have to see me agonizing.

[iamapoet]

Yeah. It's not fun to take a long time...

[He knows from experience.]

I could shoot you in the head? Would be fast, right?

[He looks like he's gonna throw up.]

[moreequal]

Sure. [He gives him what he hopes will be an encouraging smile. It's probably way too tense for that. But he's been in Philip's position before. He knows what a little bit of forgiveness can do.

He glances at the angel, just for a second.]

You can shoot me in the back of my head? That way you won't have to look at me in the eyes.