It's... quiet. The morning is quiet and dull and even the animals lingering on the fringes of town seem a bit at a loss for what to do. The town as a whole seems to be waiting and it isn't until the Sheriff leaves the station carrying two wooden gibbets easily in his arms that things seem to perk up. He drops them into the dirt, shoves them both in with a grunt and then heads back into the station.
A few moments later both Claire Stanfield and Sara Valestein follow him out, leashed to him by a rope binding their hands and a blindfold around their eyes. In the Sheriff's other hand are two buckets. He brings them to the stick and drops the bucket upside down on the ground, helping them to stand up on it and pulling the noose around their neck a moment after. He uses the excess of rope around their hands to bind them to the stick.
He turns back to the town after, glancing at the few stray animals that have set up on the porches to watch. A crow nearby caws out from on top of the Saloon sign. The Sheriff looks to the hotel and a moment later, the bells on top of the church begin to ring. He calls out, louder than naturally possible,
"Execution time, folks! Zacharias Barnham and Milla Maxwell have been chosen as our executioners. Come on down and watch."
And then, as indifferent as ever, he pops a piece of tobacco.
[she's not his girlfriend, god!! get out of his life, murderdad!!!!
Anyway. Silently, Barnham accepts the knife, and then turns to Sara. Naturally, he'll start by removing her blindfold and the ropes binding her, getting rid of the noose as well.
And then, for a brief moment, he pauses... though really all he can do is nod to her once, respectfully.]
Sara.
... Should you have last requests, we would hear them now.
[All of them. It's all the remaining people can do, right?]
... [ Last requests, huh? Sara stays quiet for a few seconds, gaze roaming over the crowd, resting on the ones she's come to care for over the past month. (Unless they're not here, which would be lovely.) ]
Noct gets my sword. Don't lose it. Milla and Xion and Jason and probably Natalie, stop hurting yourselves because I can't drag you or carry you anymore and at least one of you is heavy. Someone make sure Shinnosuke also doesn't do anything idiotic, even if that's a tall order. Papika's got my permission to punch him if he does. Percy, don't overdo it.
[ And as she glances at Barnham, then up at the sky, she smiles tiredly. ]
[He waits until she looks away before he closes his eyes for a moment. He can't waver here, and he can't let her see him waver. But just for a moment, he closes his eyes.
And then he opens them, focused on her, and nods briefly. A slow breath in, and a slow breath out. Quick, painless--that's the only option.
Sara wants justice, but that doesn't mean she should suffer. She was put in a difficult situation, and made to deal with this, and that's...all there is to it. (It really doesn't feel like it's enough, but it's too late now, for a lot of things.)
He sighs softly, and then he reaches out, and for a moment he gently tugs her to his chest as if in a hug. He doesn't linger, though. With his other hand, he lifts the knife, and drags it neatly across the back of her neck, severing the spinal cord with a deft movement.
Holding her like this, he can take the weight of her body--because like hell he'll drop her. For a very brief moment, he does hold her there, though his hands are covered in her blood... and then, gently, he rests her on the ground, gently closing her eyes.
[when she arrives, her hands brush over the hilt of the sword at her side, as though she's considering something. it drops away after a moment]
May I have a sword? Or if not, a sharp knife? I don't wish to stain Higekiri with blood that shouldn't be on his hands.
[UNLIKE BARNHAM SARA TOTALLY TAUGHT HER TO USE A GUN GOSH, but if she's going to take a life, she'd rather do it with a tool she's far more comfortable with]
[in his inventory, duh?? where else do people keep things??]
[she takes the knife with a nod, fingers flexing around the handle, and approaches Felix. her free hand reaches out for the blindfold, but she stops when she's a mere few inches away]
[sorry murder dad, your murder child did not get voted as executioner :(]
[with a few tugs, she removes the blindfold from his eyes and casts it aside. she uses the knife to remove the noose from his neck next, and gently tugs on his shoulder, urging him to step off of the bucket]
[but having seen him act yesterday, knowing how deadly and dangerous he can be, she leaves his hands tied]
I apologize that I couldn't give you a more honorable death than this. [Milla has killed before, which is why she's able to do this without blinking, but it had always been on the battlefield. Felix deserved an honorable death, just as all of those warriors had before him] But in my condition, I'm afraid any proper fight or duel is out of the question.
[despite how threatening his words seem to be, Milla's response is just. . . a smile. it isn't coy, or soft, but confident and determined]
No.
The outcome would have been the same as it is now.
[he steps forward, and she does likewise to meet him, one hand sliding across his shoulder to the back of his neck. simultaneously she leans in, almost as though she's going in for a hug]
And as for a name-- I was thinking Felix.
[Milla doesn't know much about the human body. she doesn't know much about how illness and drugs affect it, nor does she really understand some of its functions. but she knows, from experience, how to reach and damage the heart underneath the ribs to cause a quick and painless death]
[the knife flashes in her hands as it slips through Felix's ribs, severing the veins and arteries necessary for life. when he slumps forward, she is there to catch him and gently ease him to the ground]
. . . may Origin take care of your soul for the next life, Felix.
[ So, after all is said and done, the Sheriff places his pipe in his mouth, lights it up and heads back into the Sheriff's station.
When he comes back out, he is dragging someone through the dirt by their collar. They are unconscious and blackbagged but by the clothes and stature, those can make it out to be one Harry Potter. The Sheriff is also carrying a rather large axe.
He'll drag Harry to the front of the group and drop him in the dirt, puffing at his pipe as he takes the axe in both hands and looks at the group. ]
The fact I've had to do this three times says a lot about y'all.
[ And with that, he brings the axe down on Harry's neck, beheading him in one full blow. He tosses the axe to the side before reaching down and grabbing the bagged head. Then, he tosses the bleeding thing into the crowd for someone to catch.
He says nothing else after that, turning and walking back into the station. The door slams shut behind him and they are left to deal with the corpses themselves.
[He starts to dart forward, mouth curled in a snarl.]
Hey! [But it's too late. It's far, far too late and Percy sees the axe before he can move, before he can think--
--it's over. The cut is quick and sharp and his eyes widen as Harry's head is picked up. The bleeding head is thrown and it's sheer instinct that Percy catches it.
...and he's left to stare at the head of his dead roommate. Why is this the weekend that Percy keeps holding the body parts of people? Why.
So yeah. Harry's head is bleeding on his hands and he's staring in shock, kind of unsure what to do now. What can you do now?
And so. Percy slowly drops to his knees in the dirt still holding Harry's head. Percy Jackson has officially given up for the day.]
[ She's been in something like shock this entire time. She hasn't slept in two days and she could throw up she's so tired, practically weaving on her feet. She wishes she were dead. She wishes she'd been chosen. She is speechlessly grateful she wasn't chosen, and achingly guilty for feeling so.
When the head is tossed - when Percy starts to move - she goes without thinking. Once he's kneeling in the dirt, holding his friend's head - their friend's head - Xion drops her crutch and falls to the ground beside him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and saying not one single word. ]
[Quiet. He's quiet, and he lets them stay there...before forcibly moving forward to shrug Xion off.]
Xion, go back to the others. [Perhaps it's selfish, and he will comfort her later, but for now all he can think about is how this is the weekend that people either a.) inadvertently get killed because of him or b.) they're just people he's somewhat close to. But that's the game, isn't it? That's how these things go.
Above all else, Percy has to remember he's Greek. Tragedy is in his blood, but he can't let it rule him. He can't sit here in the dirt. He needs to go.]
And I won't. [This is still a quiet tone, but louder than her whisper.] But not you. Not after everything. ...Xion, please.
[...given everything, he's pretty worried about her mental state. It's why he wants her to go.] I won't do this alone, but you can't have blood on your hands. Okay?
[ after the initial shock of the beheading dies down. and then like, dies down again like three more times because holy shit?? papika will watch xion and percy for a moment. at least this time she didn't scream?there's been enough screaming lately.
she will eventually walk towards them and kneel down in front of percy. it looks like, at first, that she might wrap her hands around him just like xion has, but instead she will just... grab onto that head and try to pry it out of percy's grip because jesus fucking christ ]
[Hi small child. Percy narrows his eyes when she appears in front of him and takes the head and he pulls back, trying to distance themselves.]
Papika. [The tone is sharp.] Enough. You've suffered enough this weekend so...I've got it. I promise. I'll take care of it. I promise.
[His hands are shaking a little, but he's moving to stand.] If someone else could help me with his body, I'd appreciate it. [The tone is quiet and clipped. But he's firm about it anyway.]
And I will. [It's still a very strange and eerie kind of calm.] But it's...disrespectful, I think, to leave his body like this. We need to do what's right.
[A beat.] Did...you get blood on your hands? [Incredulous, but he's checking because ew. Even as he's still holding the head ig.]
Yeah, well. [He shakes his head.] I'll be okay, Papika. Wash your hands and stay with Damian today for a little while all right? We've all had a really, really long weekend.
[ she'll reach over and give him a quick hug, while. trying not to get the head smushed between them, so it's not the Best Hug but who's rating them anyway. ]
We love you, Percy.
[ she lets go and will. wander off after that since while she was ready to take that head away, she does not actually want to deal with the rest of the dead body pile. ]
[...the thought's appreciated, Papika. There's a noise of acknowledgement because for some reason his throat isn't working quite right, but it's there. Go on, small child. Let him deal with the dead.]
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robowest2017-02-19 02:00 pm
EXECUTION (SARA)
I'm obligated to provide anything you need to assist you today. If you don't got anything you want, have at it.
[ That's it, it seems. The rest is up to Barnham. ]
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A large knife should suffice, I believe.
[He still!! Doesn't know how guns work!! Thanks for nothing, wild west shit town!!!!]
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Still, the Sheriff just nods and reaches behind himself to pull a large hunting knife off his belt and holds it out to Barnham. Good luck, buddy. ]
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Anyway. Silently, Barnham accepts the knife, and then turns to Sara. Naturally, he'll start by removing her blindfold and the ropes binding her, getting rid of the noose as well.
And then, for a brief moment, he pauses... though really all he can do is nod to her once, respectfully.]
Sara.
... Should you have last requests, we would hear them now.
[All of them. It's all the remaining people can do, right?]
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... [ Last requests, huh? Sara stays quiet for a few seconds, gaze roaming over the crowd, resting on the ones she's come to care for over the past month. (Unless they're not here, which would be lovely.) ]
Noct gets my sword. Don't lose it. Milla and Xion and Jason and probably Natalie, stop hurting yourselves because I can't drag you or carry you anymore and at least one of you is heavy. Someone make sure Shinnosuke also doesn't do anything idiotic, even if that's a tall order. Papika's got my permission to punch him if he does. Percy, don't overdo it.
[ And as she glances at Barnham, then up at the sky, she smiles tiredly. ]
You'll be just fine without me. Give 'em hell.
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And then he opens them, focused on her, and nods briefly. A slow breath in, and a slow breath out. Quick, painless--that's the only option.
Sara wants justice, but that doesn't mean she should suffer. She was put in a difficult situation, and made to deal with this, and that's...all there is to it. (It really doesn't feel like it's enough, but it's too late now, for a lot of things.)
He sighs softly, and then he reaches out, and for a moment he gently tugs her to his chest as if in a hug. He doesn't linger, though. With his other hand, he lifts the knife, and drags it neatly across the back of her neck, severing the spinal cord with a deft movement.
Holding her like this, he can take the weight of her body--because like hell he'll drop her. For a very brief moment, he does hold her there, though his hands are covered in her blood... and then, gently, he rests her on the ground, gently closing her eyes.
"Give 'em hell", she said.]
... I firmly intend to. Farewell, Sara.
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EXECUTION (CLAIRE)
I'm obligated to provide anything you need to assist you today. If you don't got anything you want, have at it.
[ That's it, it seems. The rest is up to Milla. ]
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May I have a sword? Or if not, a sharp knife? I don't wish to stain Higekiri with blood that shouldn't be on his hands.
[UNLIKE BARNHAM SARA TOTALLY TAUGHT HER TO USE A GUN GOSH, but if she's going to take a life, she'd rather do it with a tool she's far more comfortable with]
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He holds it out for Milla and away we go. ]
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[she takes the knife with a nod, fingers flexing around the handle, and approaches Felix. her free hand reaches out for the blindfold, but she stops when she's a mere few inches away]
Would you like for me to remove the blindfold?
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If you don't mind. My hands are tied.
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[with a few tugs, she removes the blindfold from his eyes and casts it aside. she uses the knife to remove the noose from his neck next, and gently tugs on his shoulder, urging him to step off of the bucket]
[but having seen him act yesterday, knowing how deadly and dangerous he can be, she leaves his hands tied]
I apologize that I couldn't give you a more honorable death than this. [Milla has killed before, which is why she's able to do this without blinking, but it had always been on the battlefield. Felix deserved an honorable death, just as all of those warriors had before him] But in my condition, I'm afraid any proper fight or duel is out of the question.
Is there anything else you'd like to say?
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[ That's not a probably thing. In his mind, he fully believes it to be true, because all he has to do is think it and it will happen. ]
Any words I have to say are for the ones who are waiting for me on the other side. I look forward to seeing Mr. Spencer again.
[ ...well, okay, there is one more thing! He takes a few measured steps towards Milla. ]
Your chicken... I think Jerry's a good name for it.
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No.
The outcome would have been the same as it is now.
[he steps forward, and she does likewise to meet him, one hand sliding across his shoulder to the back of his neck. simultaneously she leans in, almost as though she's going in for a hug]
And as for a name-- I was thinking Felix.
[Milla doesn't know much about the human body. she doesn't know much about how illness and drugs affect it, nor does she really understand some of its functions. but she knows, from experience, how to reach and damage the heart underneath the ribs to cause a quick and painless death]
[the knife flashes in her hands as it slips through Felix's ribs, severing the veins and arteries necessary for life. when he slumps forward, she is there to catch him and gently ease him to the ground]
. . . may Origin take care of your soul for the next life, Felix.
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Rail Tracer is dead.
He'll wait for Milla on the other side to see if she's right about the other thing. ]
EXECUTION x3
When he comes back out, he is dragging someone through the dirt by their collar. They are unconscious and blackbagged but by the clothes and stature, those can make it out to be one Harry Potter. The Sheriff is also carrying a rather large axe.
He'll drag Harry to the front of the group and drop him in the dirt, puffing at his pipe as he takes the axe in both hands and looks at the group. ]
The fact I've had to do this three times says a lot about y'all.
[ And with that, he brings the axe down on Harry's neck, beheading him in one full blow. He tosses the axe to the side before reaching down and grabbing the bagged head. Then, he tosses the bleeding thing into the crowd for someone to catch.
He says nothing else after that, turning and walking back into the station. The door slams shut behind him and they are left to deal with the corpses themselves.
Harry Potter is dead. ]
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Hey! [But it's too late. It's far, far too late and Percy sees the axe before he can move, before he can think--
--it's over. The cut is quick and sharp and his eyes widen as Harry's head is picked up. The bleeding head is thrown and it's sheer instinct that Percy catches it.
...and he's left to stare at the head of his dead roommate. Why is this the weekend that Percy keeps holding the body parts of people? Why.
So yeah. Harry's head is bleeding on his hands and he's staring in shock, kind of unsure what to do now. What can you do now?
And so. Percy slowly drops to his knees in the dirt still holding Harry's head. Percy Jackson has officially given up for the day.]
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When the head is tossed - when Percy starts to move - she goes without thinking. Once he's kneeling in the dirt, holding his friend's head - their friend's head - Xion drops her crutch and falls to the ground beside him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and saying not one single word. ]
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Xion, go back to the others. [Perhaps it's selfish, and he will comfort her later, but for now all he can think about is how this is the weekend that people either a.) inadvertently get killed because of him or b.) they're just people he's somewhat close to. But that's the game, isn't it? That's how these things go.
Above all else, Percy has to remember he's Greek. Tragedy is in his blood, but he can't let it rule him. He can't sit here in the dirt. He needs to go.]
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[ ................... ]
You're important too, [ is what she ends up whispering. ] You don't ... have to do everything by yourself.
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[...given everything, he's pretty worried about her mental state. It's why he wants her to go.] I won't do this alone, but you can't have blood on your hands. Okay?
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There are so many things she wants to say. They all occur to her, and they all feel hollow. This isn't the place for an argument.
Without a word she'll grab her crutch, stand, and simply walk away. ]
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she will eventually walk towards them and kneel down in front of percy. it looks like, at first, that she might wrap her hands around him just like xion has, but instead she will just... grab onto that head and try to pry it out of percy's grip because jesus fucking christ ]
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Papika. [The tone is sharp.] Enough. You've suffered enough this weekend so...I've got it. I promise. I'll take care of it. I promise.
[His hands are shaking a little, but he's moving to stand.] If someone else could help me with his body, I'd appreciate it. [The tone is quiet and clipped. But he's firm about it anyway.]
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You need to take care of yourself too, Percy.
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[A beat.] Did...you get blood on your hands? [Incredulous, but he's checking because ew. Even as he's still holding the head ig.]
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she glances at her hands down. some blood, but there is metaphorical blood on them all blah blah whatever]
Not more than you do.
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Yeah, well. [He shakes his head.] I'll be okay, Papika. Wash your hands and stay with Damian today for a little while all right? We've all had a really, really long weekend.
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[ especially considering he just.... lost his goddamn roommate what the heck ]
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I do. I'll take care of things from here and then...maybe swing by and check in.
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Okay. [ ... ] If you want to stay the night you can.
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I'll think about it. Thank you. [No really...thank you, Papika.] I'll let you know later tonight, okay?
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We love you, Percy.
[ she lets go and will. wander off after that since while she was ready to take that head away, she does not actually want to deal with the rest of the dead body pile. ]
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