asipofbride: <user name=ponponpon> (pic#16369516)
nicholas d. wolfwood ([personal profile] asipofbride) wrote in [community profile] kaisou2024-05-11 02:32 pm

[homily ?? ] I don't wanna lose anymore love

WHO: Father Nicholas D. Wolfwood and you!
WHERE: ???
WHEN: After Vergil's insurance claim documentation
WHAT: Wolfwood always said he wasn't a priest, but would you look at that. Turns out he knows how to testify in the name of the Angels after all.
WARNINGS: crucifixion and general bastardized religious themes

in His name we pray
amen
.

[ The night after Wolfwood's disappearance, the broadcast comes through to do what it does best.

There's a public access quality to the image--a sort of Gaussian granularity to the screen, everything just a little fuzzy and haloed in its own light. Rows upon rows of a church's pews are filled with masked, uniformed people, staring ramrod straight up the aisle to where Nicholas D. Wolfwood looks... different than usual.

For one, he's not smoking. For two, he's traded his more relaxed all-black look for more of a formal suit, pressed white collared shirt with wide lapels standing in stark contrast to the black he's wearing as he towers in front of a pulpit, a strange book in hand as he looks over the congregation, eyes glittering golden and bright as his usual sunglasses are also nowhere in sight. He breathes in--and speaks in a dry, dispassionate drawl, thumb running up and down the spine of his bible as he recalls its teachings from memory. the wall behind him is stone and stained glass, windows depicting angels diving from heaven with halos made of glowing radiance and hands curled around swords as people reach up to them, pleading. the middle of the wall, where a crucifix would normally hang in this sort of set up, is covered with a white sheet. ]


Suffering is a necessity, brothers and sisters of the Faith--it is the only form of redemption that we sinners have left, the only contribution we can truly offer after a lifetime of hedonistic greed, of unquenchable gluttony. We have devoured the Holy Body of the Lord and his Angels without offering gratitude; we covet and we destroy and we malign what was sacrificed for us, and so the time has come for a sacrifice to be provided in kind.

Sin is agony, and there is nothing left to us but our sinful nature--therefore, we breed our own discontent, our own suffering, and we will never know peace until we learn of the nature of freely given sacrifice. It is our duty, brothers and sisters, to surrender ourselves to the will of the Divine, to raise up our agony with penitent gratitude and allow ourselves to become instruments of God and His Angels of Salvation. They will raise paradise on this barren wasteland that we have so thoroughly destroyed as a result of our detestable, yet inevitable nature, and They will bring us the sweet relief of Rapture, of repentance, and of the rewards promised to us once upon a time, before we broke our first covenants with God and turned from Him in our arrogant, unquenchable thirst for more than we have ever been due.

Praise be to the Angels.

[ Father Wolfwood prowls before his pulpit like the wolf in his namesake, staring down on his flock with hard, unhappy eyes, and the Faithful call back to him in unison when he pauses to breathe, to look at them full of disappointed admonishment for the sin of their existence.

Eventually, as his preaching--as his ranting--comes to a stop, he half-turns to look behind him. he takes a breath, big and theatrical, and rolls his neck as he gazes back out over his flock, fingers drumming on the spine of his bible. ]


And the road to pious service is difficult, brothers and sisters--it is painful, and asks everything of us, but we are never asked for more than is necessary. We must give what is called for in order to earn our peace, our Paradise--one cannot be given the grace of forgiveness and the reprieve of Eternity without certain sacrifices. [ he moves away from the front of his pulpit, the front of his dais, reaching up to take hold of the corner of the white sheet. ]

It is painful to see one of the flock fall to the wayside--to see them give into selfishness and sin, to stray from the path illuminated for us by the Divine, but we must acknowledge them for their triumphs, correct their failures, and... if they cannot be reformed and brought back to the fold, to cull them before they spread the disease of their weakness through our Divine Body. Our work cannot be impeded--and we must trim as many branches as necessary to keep the tree healthy and hale.

[ He flicks his wrist, tugging the sheet down, and Nicholas D. Wolfwood is having a very bad time from where he's nailed upside-down on the cross. His clothing is dirty and ragged and one of his shoes has gone missing. He's breathing hard, trying to fold himself up to get some of the blood out of his head as Father Wolfwood returns to the front of his platform, dismissing Nicholas as if he were only a passing oddity. ]

In accordance with our bylaws, anyone found to stray from his duty by the superior body will be punished--and all the members of his family will receive the same treatment in time, so that they might be cleared of their brother's weakness.

[ Wolfwood unfurls in the middle of the rambling, taking a deep breath and lurching forward, suddenly--straining and ripping himself free of the massive metal rods staking him to the cross, falling to the ground out of sight.

and then a moment later he pops back up, ripping the pulpit up despite the blood on his arms and his general ragged and raw appearance, swinging the wooden stand at Father Wolfwood as the congregation surges up to swallow them both as Wolfwood lunges for Wolfwood, screaming. ]


You can't do this to me again! I played my part, I did the work, you can't--

[ The image cuts on a tableau of Wolfwood trying to get his hands around Wolfwood's neck as the Faithful mob around them, crawling over one other with their hands outstretched as they swallow the two men like a faceless wave. ]
doubledollar: (149)

video: un: ♡☮STAMPEDE

[personal profile] doubledollar 2024-05-11 07:08 pm (UTC)(link)
[ it makes his gut feel weird to see Wolfwood like this; dressed in a manner that's more recognisable to the one from 'his own' timeline. But it's so far gone from the 'Wolfwood' he knows--it's like he's looking not at Wolfwood, but rather, Chapel the Evergreen.

It makes his teeth feel like shards of glass in his mouth, set to shatter if he applies any more pressure.
His hand touches the handle of his gun without thinking about it. ]


We'll get you out, Wolfwood.

No matter the cost.

[ he's going to cut his own video feed after a moment, not wanting to continue to show the network That expression. ]
hoshikiri: (🌦️ doom of the living.)

text; un: kesitakame

[personal profile] hoshikiri 2024-05-11 07:40 pm (UTC)(link)
[Damn it all. Damn it all to the Seventh Hell. Takame owed Vash so much even if Wolfwood is only someone he's spoken with a little. But Rose was still recovering and even if Veldora was here as well.

Vash was his friend. And this was one of his loves that was taken.]


I am with Rose. But if there is anything I may do. Please tell me.
fionnuisce: (for i never felt like anybody)

voice; un: silverrose

[personal profile] fionnuisce 2024-05-11 07:43 pm (UTC)(link)
It seems like you've got a solid group with you, so I'm not going to intrude unless you want me to. Diarmuid and I are going to help find a way through the rest of Tartarus, and I'm wagering good money that's where we'll find the rat bastards behind this whole thing.

...Please just stay safe, Vash.
poisontippedcure: (that everything falls)

a little later

[personal profile] poisontippedcure 2024-05-11 07:46 pm (UTC)(link)
[The last thing she wants to do is interact with people right now.]

[But.]

[She can’t leave this one be.]


It’s Rose.

The asshole who kidnapped me took my phone, so Takame let me use his.

They won’t let me leave the house right now.

Be careful. Don’t get yourself hurt. Remember, when we get back, we have to pick out your wedding outfit.
kowase: <user name=lastlinks> (26)

text: un: Vergil

[personal profile] kowase 2024-05-11 07:47 pm (UTC)(link)
And there it is.

As I said before.
Those responsible: Your days are numbered. Start counting them.
whiteshroud: (jun90)

UN: Hikari-Vi | Voice

[personal profile] whiteshroud 2024-05-11 07:49 pm (UTC)(link)
[Jun had honestly shut off the feed halfway through the sermon. It had infuriated him too much to listen, and it doesn't change what must be done]

I'm coming with this time.
doubledollar: (312)

[personal profile] doubledollar 2024-05-11 07:49 pm (UTC)(link)
[ he needs a moment to breathe. His lungs feel like they're on fire. He's already lost wolfwood once, he. Can't. Lose him again.

He stares at takame's text for a long time before the thoughts come together enough to respond. ]


stay with rose
she wont be well enough to come help
and if i know her
she will want to try
please keep her from it
and keep her safe
we'll save nico. just like we saved everyone else.
doubledollar: (311)

[personal profile] doubledollar 2024-05-11 07:51 pm (UTC)(link)
you shouldnt leave the house
i know you'll want to
i know you, i know how u are
and as much as id love to have your support
your health means more right now
we'll save nico
i know others will stand up to fight when others cant

we'll get him back
cant have the wedding with him missing
haha
Edited 2024-05-11 19:53 (UTC)
hoshikiri: (nebula.)

[personal profile] hoshikiri 2024-05-11 07:52 pm (UTC)(link)
I will not leave her side. I will see to it that she stays behind to rest.

I know that you will, Vash. Be careful. He needs you.
doubledollar: <user name=SEKUHARA> (293)

[personal profile] doubledollar 2024-05-11 07:52 pm (UTC)(link)
Find the one who took him in the first place.

...

And do what needs to be done.


[ he wont promise to stay safe haha

and he wont even ask waver to not kill douman, just

he's too angry
he's too

he's ]
doubledollar: <user name=SEKUHARA> (226)

[personal profile] doubledollar 2024-05-11 07:53 pm (UTC)(link)
[ his voice is quiet, graven. a tone vash hasn't used in a very long time, but

jun's promise gives him a little bit more hope, at least. ]


I can't lose him again.
doubledollar: <user name=SEKUHARA> (282)

[personal profile] doubledollar 2024-05-11 07:55 pm (UTC)(link)
i need you to be safe too
we dont know how many more will go missing
and i dont want you
or yusuke
or anyone to be next
medicgunner: (15)

private; un: fortuneclovers

[personal profile] medicgunner 2024-05-11 07:58 pm (UTC)(link)
I already told Dante, but once I track his Gate down with POKEGO's tech you lot'll be the first to know.
kowase: <user name=lastlinks> (92)

[personal profile] kowase 2024-05-11 08:01 pm (UTC)(link)
Much appreciated. I will not personally be going, as I aim to aid in the fight against the bastards who started this.

I have not been able to calm down since my store has been destroyed and my people taken.
whiteshroud: (jun84)

[personal profile] whiteshroud 2024-05-11 08:02 pm (UTC)(link)
[He takes a deep breath, pushing certain memories to the back of his mind. Not now.]

You won't. We'll get him back, just like with everyone else.
hoshikiri: (yukikaze.)

[personal profile] hoshikiri 2024-05-11 08:02 pm (UTC)(link)
I will not go in there again.

Nor will Yusuke. They will be stopped before anyone else goes through this hell.


[So Takame hoped. As always his hope clashed with his tendency to be a downer especially knowing the oppressive organization is behind this.

But knowing how the app users saved him twice and saved those taken thus far. Takame let himself hope more. Together, they would succeed.]
medicgunner: (31)

[personal profile] medicgunner 2024-05-11 08:06 pm (UTC)(link)
Get some good hits in for me, yeah? I've got a friend watching the med tent while I'm away from it.

They're gonna fucking pay.
poisontippedcure: (2)

[personal profile] poisontippedcure 2024-05-11 08:11 pm (UTC)(link)
I know. I’m staying out.

I know you’ll get him out.

The three of you will get your happy ending. After everything you’ve been through, you deserve to be happy. Remember that.
ornamentals: (96)

voice | un: kni

[personal profile] ornamentals 2024-05-11 08:38 pm (UTC)(link)
[white knuckled grip on his phone as he watches the video, kni feels some sense of responsibility rise up. from the preacher's words to the ugly, pious displays of worship to a god of his own future creation, kni is acutely aware that whatever hell this is, it takes after his influence. wolfwood is the man he is today because of kni, after all.]

I'm sorry. [kni speaks quietly, half knowing whatever he says probably won't reach wolfwood, but he needs to say it regardless.] I haven't told you that yet, but... I will. I will find a way to you and- and I'll make this right.

[he knows he can't make empty promises, but he'll do everything he can to keep this one. he has to, somehow.]

Damn it...
drewthetower: (The Last Thing You See)

voice | un: blackbirdtarot

[personal profile] drewthetower 2024-05-11 08:47 pm (UTC)(link)
Guess it's time to see how badly a half-demon can fuck up a church. Or whatever the hell you think you're imitating.
areal_hisname: (6)

[personal profile] areal_hisname 2024-05-11 09:02 pm (UTC)(link)
[Shoe's fallen off, hasn't it? Dickson’s begun to get impatient and these insolent as hell app users just responded to Douman with a bunch of memes.

So the feed clicks on to one Alaric Dickson, a scowl on his face of sheer disgust. In the background, the sound of bells could be heard. As for Dickson, he just took a long drag of a cigar and looked down at the camera as if doing just that on the app users at large. Meddling mortals, the lot of them. Worthless like the world these outworlders invaded.

It’s time to remind them who makes the fucking rules.]


How many times do we have to tell you people?

Give us the name of Teresa's killer and this'll stop. Until then, you lot can’t save everyone. Fancy yourselves heroes all you want, you're not gonna get through to all the idiots we take and you’re all gonna fall to the Metaverse’s Shadows anyway. It’s pointless, you’re all fuckin' worthless.

You'll bend to the will o' the Black Order whether you want to or not. And we'll be glad to use you as examples for everyone else as to why you don't have a choice.

[And the feed cuts. No replies will come.]
loupmorque: (84)

text: un: ANON

[personal profile] loupmorque 2024-05-11 09:11 pm (UTC)(link)
...And finally, we have an answer behind the questions.

Human beings are all people with things they love and cherish. We do cruel things as well as kind things to protect, spare, or save people who we care about. Doing what was 'right' or 'wrong' in the situation where Teresa became too much of a dangerous entity was a grey area and sometimes, people have to die to spare the lives of others.

This? What you're doing? Trying to destroy peoples' spirits by taking away their freedoms, taking hostages and putting even more lives at risk for the sake of a woman who'd crossed a line and sealed her own fate?
And then saying this is the consequence? It's what we deserve?

That we have no choice?

You'll be the ones 'made an example'.

There won't be anyone making an argument for your survival.
And I certainly don't need an excuse to keep from joining the mob that'll soon be at your door.
fionnuisce: (upon your silent gaze)

video; un: silverrose

[personal profile] fionnuisce 2024-05-11 09:13 pm (UTC)(link)
Fuck you, fuck the horse you rode in on, and fuck that piece of shit clown you came with.

You'll get your name when you ask Teresa yourselves.
poisontippedcure: (that everything falls)

not quite here?

[personal profile] poisontippedcure 2024-05-11 09:17 pm (UTC)(link)
[Rose has since gotten given Takame’s phone back to him. She’s trying to busy her mind. It isn’t working, but she tries her best.]

[She doesn’t recognize the voice over the network, but she does understand what he’s saying. Douman’s colleague, then.]

[It makes her sick to her stomach.]

[And that’s before the bells register.]

[the bells the bells the bells the bells]

[In the background, anyone who listens closely will hear:]


This? This is why you kidnapped us? This is why you made us live through hell?
Edited 2024-05-11 21:18 (UTC)
drewthetower: (Hmph)

text | un: anon

[personal profile] drewthetower 2024-05-11 09:17 pm (UTC)(link)
man the fact you people think you're winning? hilarious. please, you two aren't the scariest thing we've seen this year. hell, this WEEK

i mean unless you're afraid of clowns.

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