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projectsoleil · 4 years ago

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The Final Problem | Oleander | Re: Celestial Revolution

Shougo wants to hear Pheo and Leo say they’ll help them now. They want to think there’s a chance, maybe not completely, but at least part way, for the two to be forgiven. They look at the genuine tears from both of them in anticipation.

They don’t have much time to process before the robots return to help, and before they can even question where he is, Nate charges in with a sword in hand.

Shougo looks happier than they have in a while to see him, even though the ensuing confrontation stresses them out considerably with not wanting anyone to die. Nate’s too good to lose though, and he’s not gonna kill them either. With all of them at a stalemate they can work things out to challenge the boss with everyone. At this rate, everything will be fine—

Then the ground is ripped out from under them. Quite literally.

There’s an uncomfortable sense of helplessness floating at the mercy of another person. They hesitate to even reach into their pockets to find some plant life to anchor themself, on the chance that the woman arriving before them sees it as a threat and pushes them into the electric field around them.

Speaking of her, it looks like Abe and Shougo were right.

Funny, someone who’d reminded them of a mentor figure, that they’d genuinely enjoyed the insight and company of, set up every other crime in this place. Do they just have some sixth sense that draws them to bad or criminal people?

Maybe in the recesses of Shougo’s heart there’s a sense of relief to see her again, but they’ve somewhat exhausted their goodwill at this point. That entire last trial is starting to look more like a farce specifically to spite them now that everyone they mourned has come back.

Besides, Leo and Pheo had meant some things, or at least the important ones they’d said like caring about them or calling them a good friend. Looking at Doctor Cella Huck, all they can see is a woman who’s been testing them and likely making fun of their earnest attempts to understand what was going on here and try to look like an equal to her.

And if there’s one thing Shougo can’t stand, it’s being made fun of.

“Kihihi…took you long enough, Doctor. I’ve been trying to uncover what your big plan was from the moment I heard of you…and turns out it was this! Complete with thematic decor and an edgy speech…’cosmic understanding?’ That’s what the murder mystery battle royale and the stolen parts were for? I see, I see…well, you’re right about one thing: I have plenty of questions that I want your perspective on. Like old times, huh, Cella?”

There’s a challenging sarcasm to their words as they speak despite the fact that they’re awkwardly suspended in the air and trying to keep themself balanced.

Are they intimidated? Yeah, but they also have a role to play. They’re a fucking detective. If Cella wants to play Professor Moriarty, Shougo has to step up their Sherlock Holmes game.

They adjust their goggles, the feeling offering an anchor despite their suspension, replacing the tactile sensation of tapping their fingers on the podium. The most important thing is that they remain calm–even if the opposing force considers them inferior, Shougo can’t show an inkling of considering the same.

“There’s that shutdown notice, for one…Ivo mentioned it being a shame the island wouldn’t be used anymore in his diary and experimenting on the plant life, so I’m guessing that was real...but I also think that some point down the line, you met Ivo and Project Soleil gained a new life–probably three years after the shutdown considering that update. So you probably stole all that equipment to bring it here…am I right?”

“Of course, I’m curious how you even met that freak anyway: what, did he read your thesis and tell you about how right you are? That where the new note in your essay and the note on his power comes from? Speaking of…”

Their voice becomes a bit more subdued: not sympathetic, but testing for a heart nonetheless.

“You said you didn’t completely agree with his methods. It seems that those children were experimented on before you came into the picture anyway…and we have proof that his power transfers accurately with the fact that you and your associates are standing here right now. How willing are you to try the same on the people killed in your experiment?”

It’s the same question they asked Pheo. Shougo’s also not the best in violent situations, so reason is the main weapon they have. Besides, knowing whether Cella Huck is willing to accept an olive branch extended out towards her will tell Shougo how far they need to go from here: whether Cella needs to be gone for the chance to save everyone else or not.

��It’d be a nice bit of dramatic irony, right? A man who threw innocent lives away for his experimentation having his body used to save some of the very lives he played with…if you’re capable of that, perhaps I’ll consider giving your plan to go to space and show the aliens you’re worthy of being given the same cosmic power or whatever a little more credit.”

“Because right now, I don’t think getting several people killed for your own advancement is worth it. What ‘greater good’ gives you the right to take people’s lives from them? And if you dare say some shit about how they did it to themselves…well. I hope I don’t need to explain to you how wrong that is. You’re not an idiot, right, Doctor?”

Shougo manages to keep an even voice despite how angry the entire thing makes them. Best they focus on something else for now.

“Oh! But there’s also one self-indulgent personal question I have: you knew for sure the loved ones motive was fake, and you didn’t realize I was there at first, so you didn’t have a reason to pretend for me right away. So what really had you so pissed off after Pheo and Min pressed those buttons? Just acting for the camera? Or was there something else going on?“

"You vented to me and tried to make me feel important with that whole ‘take my phone so I don’t press the button, Shougo’ thing…how often do you use that tactic on people? I’m curious how much you were lying to me as well.”

They may be a bit hurt by the fact that it worked on them for a while. Not that they’re telling her that.

#ch 6 #oleander #dr.revolution #submission

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