deercountry | it catches up eventually

[It was just a normal Wednesday. Oz typically patrolled as a Hunter, but that morning he had plans to tail Break around. The man was his senior in many ways; Break didn't just look after the kids as a guardian, but he had taught Oz proper swordsmenship and helped him hone his battle instincts. Oz felt like he always learned something from following Break around and watching him work.

But something was weighing on Oz these days. A thought had been put in his head and it was burning a hole through his heart. He'd begun questioning where dispatching Beasts was really the right course of action. At first, Oz signed up as a hunter because he thought it suited him best. He wanted to help people, he had a exclusively violent power, and killing Beasts kept everyone safe. But if Beasts could be saved... Was he really making the right choice? Or was he, once again, becoming a killing tool?

Those dark thoughts clouded his mind as he prepared for the day. Oz stood in the kitchen, mental gears spinning through dark thoughts, and summoned his scythe. As it appeared, Oz felt a strange itch in his mind. He tried to brush it off and smiled instead, waving with his free hand.]

[They were starting in the wooded area around their house that day. Oz was still carrying his red scythe as he followed Break around, letting the man take the lead. After all, he was supposed to be learning from his senior that day.

But his sharp hearing picked up on something further in the forest. Oz stopped and turned his head.]

[Wait, of course he did. Oz corrected his question:]

[It's been a few loops now and the results are always the same.

Oz smiles an empty smile in the morning. His thoughts get darker and darker. He fights, he becomes a Beast, and he dies. Break repeats the day and watches it happen again. And again, and again.

Until one final loop. Oz still runs off to find the Beast near their house. Even after everything, he can't let it get near his new home-- his family. He finds it in the same part of the woods as ever, just as powerful looking as its been every time before. And he knows this time that if he uses his power, he will become a Beast himself and die.

Oz stands on shaking legs, staring down the Beast as an open target. What is he supposed to do?

He doesn't realize that Baltus has alerted the household. Oz thinks he's alone, frozen in place and about to take a swipe from the clawed Beast.]

Edited 2022-06-10 02:14 (UTC)

Oz is dead. Party reservations here?

Edited 2022-06-10 02:14 (UTC)

[Gilbert is still adjusting and learning about Trench, but so far every day has felt too good to be true. He gets to be with his family and see them safe and get the peace they all deserve. He's standing in the kitchen, wearing a black apron, his hair pulled back in a short ponytail, but when he looks up from the sandwich he's preparing and sees Oz with that scythe, he worries. He knows Oz is capable and can fight and has been doing so without Gil around for however long. Still, just because Oz can doesn't mean he should. Gil's heard about these Beasts. The sooner he starts his job as a hunter, the better.

But today is a normal Wednesday. Nothing out of the ordinary, and nothing to worry about other than the usual. Gil tries to smooth out his concerned frown so Oz doesn't worried and rushes to finish putting together the container, yelling over his shoulder.]

Oz, wait!

[In a hurry, he runs over to him, holding out the meal he prepared for his trek.]

Don't forget your lunch! If you're going to fight, you need to make sure you're getting all of your nutrients! I tried to make it balance, but I also added a snack in there for later.

[Oz stops at the doorway, turning to see what Gilbert could want. He's been thinking lately that housework suits Gil... Not in the sense that Gilbert necessarily needs to be doing domestic things, but that it's nice to have such things as his only priority. It feels like their old life together, minus the height difference. Oz isn't ready to see Gilbert become a hunter. He doesn't want for his friend to have to fight anymore, especially not when Gilbert can actually do other things.

The B-Rabbit can only destroy things anyway.

But he's absolutely here for one of Gilbert's homemade lunches. Oz tucks the scythe under his arm so he can take the lunch box in both hands. Then he looks up at Gilbert with a stubborn expression.]

... Thanks, Gil. You make sure you're eating too. And resting! You just got here, so you should take it easy.

[Gil's eyes dart to the scythe, a worried comment warning Oz to be careful not to cut himself on the tip of his tongue, but he stops himself when he really looks at his friend and master standing there, alive and healthy and illuminated by the morning light.

Gil has been tearing up a lot lately. He's trying to tone it down, but he's just so overjoyed. That stubborn expression brings back memories, so instead of commenting on how Oz handles the scythe, or putting his worrying into words, he laughs quietly and reaches out to ruffle Oz's hair. It feels like old times.]

I'm fine, Oz. [He's always had an abundance of nervous energy, but he's less tired than he's been in years.] I need to learn about this place so I can stand by your side, but thank you. [For always thinking about him.]

[He ruffles his hair again.] Make sure you're back in time for dinner. I'm trying a new recipe and I don't want your food to be cold!

[Oz's stubborn look breaks into a smile. He can't help himself; It feels nice to have Gil's hands in his hair again. It's been nine months since they were together and Oz wouldn't trade this for anything. He'll even give up his pride for a childish smile and soft giggle.

He tucks the lunch in his messenger bag and puts both hands on the scythe again. More concerned about cutting Gilbert, honestly, since the B-Rabbit's power is one of the few things that can cause Gilbert a lasting injury. Oz's smile also becomes more shy at the thought of sharing a meal with his new family.]

Don't start dinner without me. [that'll age poorly] I get to be the first one to try all of your new cooking from here on out!

[Back when Oz first decided he was going to join the Hunters, Break raised his eyebrows, certainly. But he didn't object or fuss overmuch, the way he would have if someone like Reim had done the same. Oz is young yet, but he has also already fought the Jabberwock of all things with that scythe, and after everything they've been through Break is satisfied that he's well aware of the dangers inherent in such a career. If this is what he wants to choose for himself, at least for now, he has good reason.

Having him along for something real like this still feels weird, however, and Break is far more solemn now than he was during their training sessions at home, when Break routinely wiped the floor with him and then did obnoxious victory dances about it. In part, he's simply "on duty" at present -- the beast he's been picking up signs of seems particularly nasty, and he's concerned about its possible proximity to the house. In part, honestly, he's a little anxious. Break has never truly been a proper teacher, not the way Qrow is. Renowned for his shitty attitude at Pandora, which was deliberate on his part, nobody ever hated any of the new recruits enough to foist them off on the notoriously foul-tempered Mad Hatter. To that end, he certainly knows what Oz needs to know, and has tried to pass it down. He also knows that if Oz is really going to thrive in this role, he needs to be set free to handle himself from time to time. But has Break done a decent enough job at all this that he can stand to let Oz go now...?

Well. Given that Break has already had to send him off to save the world once, probably sending him off to stalk a single beast is alright. Oz wasn't alone at all then, though...hn.]

We'll approach it from opposite directions. I'll send Baltus with you. [His trusty omen, who he never puts away, moves easily to Oz's side. This is clearly not a request.] If anything happens on either side, he'll be able to connect us quickly.

[Gil really does try not to tear up when he sees that smile. Seeing Oz get to be happy is what he wanted most and had waited for. If it happened to be in Trench, a place with beasts and where they took up blood rituals as a hobby that was fine. They had faced worse before.

He doesn't fear the scythe or Oz's power. His concern is that Oz will take on too much trying to take care of everyone else thanks to his own insecurities. It motivates Gil to follow in his footsteps. He means it when he says he wants to stand by Oz's side.

...And he can always get up earlier or stay up later. Just wait until he learns about meal prepping, Oz!]

I wouldn't dream of it. [He probably won't be eating tonight. Gil smiles, noticing the shyness in Oz's smile, grateful his friend is expressing himself. He feels the same.] Of course. You can try everything I make!

[When they're out on real patrols, Oz does his best to tuck his bratty antics away. His desire to protect the house is real and he turns that love into a weapon, letting it guide and temper his impulses. The beast that they're tracking seems to be a nasty one and Oz knows to keep his guard up. He's aware that Break might not even let him go ahead if he doesn't seem to be taking the job seriously.

So he's surprised when Break gives him permission. Pleasantly so. It's strangely validating, too, like his efforts from the past nine months are being rewarded. But to that same end, he feels that strange mental itch again... Oz adjusts his grip on the B-Rabbit's red scythe and nods.]

Right! I'll meet you at the middle. [With a nod to Baltus, Oz turns to head in 'his' direction.]

Good! I wouldn't want to have to punish you when you've only just gotten here.

[Oz is joking. If he knew the future, then Oz would take back those words. He would watch his jokes more carefully and remember that even a joke with Gilbert can become a precious promise. What binds them cannot be broken. Even death is just a one hundred year delay for their promises... But today, he's careless. He can't imagine not returning to Gilbert in time for dinner.

He rests the scythe on his shoulder, smiling more confidently. Gilbert's trust means a lot and it reflects in the way Oz carries himself now.]

Do you need for me to pick up anything while I'm in town later? How is your room? Do you want anything?

[Truth be told, Break's misgivings only grow as he watches Oz's back disappear into the trees. Is now really the time for this, with this beast in particular? Should he call Oz back and go himself, try to get a good look at the thing first? Ugh. If he finds excuses to keep Oz close in every excursion they go on, there will never be a "right time". Baltus is a fine guardian, half-shadowed for silence and ears erect to help Oz listen; for all that he looks like a silly noodle, the breed of dog his form reflects was meant to hunt wolves. Break will have to trust that if Oz can't get out of danger on his own, Baltus will snatch him up and spirit him away.

Before he can second-guess himself again, Break sets off too, similarly swift and silent even as he stops often to listen carefully. While he keeps his connection with Baltus open he can't give it his full attention. He's the former Red-Eyed Ghost and he has not lost the skills that made him an excellent hunter back then, in grislier times. But he's certainly not infallible and his prey just now will absolutely kill him if he slips up for even a second.

Hopefully he'll get to the beast before Oz does. Surely then all will be well.]

[Gil smiles nostalgically at Oz's joke, looking down at the floor. They will all have regrets about this later. Gil will be unable to forgive himself for focusing on domestic tasks instead of being there when Oz needed him.

But he doesn't know any of that right now. This place may not be safe, but it still feels safer than what Gil is used to. He looks up from the floor, admiring the confidence Oz holds himself with now. It suits him.]

My room is perfect! [And it is, because it's right next to Oz's.] Would you please pick out some of your favorite foods, and some extra meat for Alice? [Gil pauses and stumbles over his next answer, moved by Oz's considerate question but suddenly shy about it too.] Ah-- please don't worry about me!

[He can't think of anything he would want. All he's wanted was to be with them, and now he is.]

But wouldn't it be better if I started to get our groceries and supplies? I know it's a bartering system and I haven't found much to trade yet, but you already work very hard.

[Oz makes a note of these requests, but he thinks it's silly. Very Gilbert to prioritize his friends. It may not have occurred to him that he was supposed to tell Oz what his own favorites were either. Gilbert is so naturally kind and it makes him so much more fun to bully.

He laughs a bit at this thought and wags a finger to scold Gil.]

I asked what you wanted, not what Alice and I want. [Though Oz is not opposed to spoiling Alice!] And I can't let you go bartering with people. You're a pushover!

[Oz, meanwhile, was strangely confident in himself. Break's approval gave him a boost and validated his decision: He could be a hunter. This was a way that Oz could protect people. It was a positive use of the B-Rabbit's power and combined his human life's love with his bloodied existence.

But what about the beasts? Could they be saved? Was Oz taking away their salvation for his own selfish satisfaction? The itchy feeling was getting worse. It buzzed in his head like an out of tune radio. Oz didn't want to tune in.

He took each step slowly, listening and watching for signs of the beast. Claw marks on the trees and drag marks on the ground had suggested they were dealing with something large and violent, which in turn meant that Oz needed to be especially careful. He had half-expected that maybe the beast was not in this direction and maybe Break knew that. Break was smart and amazing-- someone Oz really did admire,-- and it wouldn't have been surprising if this was a test. A hopeful suspicion that proved itself false.

Oz hadn't even heard it sneaking up on him. It's probably Baltus who notices first, but Oz is still caught off guard. A large creature throws a clawed swipe at him and it's enough to take down the tree behind him. Oz needs time to assess the situation without worrying about dodging blows, so he immediately activates the B-Rabbit's power. Red chains spring from the ground and bind the beast, giving Oz time to take a closer look at it, but--

He feels something snap inside of him.

His knees buckle from the shock and he struggles to stay standing. The chains tighten and Oz feels like a doll on strings. Something is wrong. He can't place it, but he can feel it washing over him. More literally than he realizes just now: Dark blood is seeping over him and turning his skin into a rabbit's fur.]

Ba- Baltus..! [Somethings wrong! What does he do? What would Break tell him to do?!]

[Baltus, too, is turned every which way. Break was right to worry about this beast -- that the creature is stealthy enough that even an omen can't catch it quickly enough to intervene means it's one of the most dangerous they've encountered yet, and it certainly can't be permitted to stay this close to the house. It could slaughter any of them when they're simply out in the backyard, none the wiser.]

Xerxes!

[He calls his person's name mostly for Oz's benefit; Break is already on his way having heard the tree being destroyed. Until he arrives, though, it's Baltus himself who needs to act, and quickly. His first impulse is to attack the beast itself to buy Oz time, as Baltus is the one made of shadows, incapable of being hurt. But Oz, wisely, lashes the thing down on his own. So, then, Baltus needs to grab Oz and get him away from here, quickly, buy Xerxes time to go in front --

-- but something is happening to Oz now, too, something seemingly unrelated to the beast. What Baltus knows is what Xerxes knows. In the past, Oz has sometimes lost control of his powers. If that's what's happening now, it's doubly important that Baltus get him gone. He'll be a liability to Xerxes in this state.]

Oz, focus. You cannot hurt me, but you must stay in control. I will take you away from here.

[Baltus sure did alert them, and she was immediately out the door with her swords ready. The reckless impulses her Coldblood has been giving her this month motivate her to just charge right in without doing any assessment of the situation, not that she had much time in this case anyway.

Almost silently, Echo leaps from behind Oz and slashes at the Beast's head before landing next to it and immediately hopping backwards to avoid its reach. Her Omen Armelle, looking far more like an adult bear than a cub, tries to push her way inbetween Oz and the Beast.]

[He knows.

He knows!

Oz knows that he needs to control himself. He remembers the frenzy that he's gone into before, where he calls for Alice and slaughters anyone who makes her cry. That's what makes this so terrifying, actually. When Oz gets in that state, he's joyfully oblivious to anyone but his imagined Alice. He doesn't worry about hurting those around him, but now..?

He cries out, trying to force his power under control. The result is that he disconnects from the B-Rabbit, regaining his human appearance and instead manifesting the B-Rabbit behind him. But the loaming creature is literally chained to him and Oz can feel those chains fusing with his skin. He may look like Oz, but he can't divide himself from the B-Rabbit.

It's part of me. We're chained together. That's why, even if I started this to help people... The mental buzzing is worse than ever and Oz has to shout to feel like he's above it.]

Stay back, Baltus!

[Chains spread out from around Oz and the B-Rabbit, slashing at anyone nearby. This does include the original beast, but it could also include Baltus and Break.]

Stay back... Stay back! I'm okay..! I can be okay!

[Oz had been so lost in his own head that he didn't realize he was in danger. So it's a shock to be snapped out of it by the sight of Echo slashing the Beast. There's some selfish relief mixed in there as well... He doesn't have to be a hunter. His loved ones are strong and yet...]

Echo-chan, stay back! This one is really dangerous!

[A chain hits the beast and it yowls in pained anger. Baltus ignores it. He also ignores the chain that slashes at him. It's a simple matter to go completely intangible as the chain strikes through and step easily away from it in a waft of shadow as he solidifies again, though he does respect Oz's request that he not get too close.]

Yes, you can. Remember your priorities, Oz. Remember what those you love wish for you.

[Even as he speaks, he's sending the image of what's happening through to Xerxes. Forewarned is forearmed. Baltus has no idea if his words can get through to Oz, or if Oz is too far gone already, as sometimes happens in Trench. But he can't not try. If there's even a chance he can steal them more time --]

[Gil just enjoys cooking for his family and friends ~~and what he could think of off the top of his head isn't something he'd send Oz to get or spend his hard-earned bartering items on~~. Seeing everyone enjoy a meal together is enough for him.

But he does blush sheepishly at the teasing, stammering more as he argues.]

I-- I am not! I've gotten quite good at bartering with people! [That's a lie.] But...if it isn't out of your way or too expensive-- [Gil tugs at his sleeve, clearly struggling to ask his somewhat indirect request.] There was a fruit stand I saw a few days back, and everything looked so fresh and I didn't even recognize everything!

[Oz laughs. He's about to suggest that very thing that he worries Gil is craving, but stops when he makes a different request. It softens his expression. Gilbert can gush about Oz growing up all he wants, but the feeling is mutual. Oz likes to see Gil become stronger and happier too. He feels guilty for thinking of encouraging Gil's habit.]

Okay. I'll find the weirdest looking fruit that they have!

[In a control motion, Oz lowers the scythe from his shoulder and points the blade safely at the ground. He begins walking towards the door while waving over his shoulder, but pauses.

He'd like to stay, actually. A selfish thought whispers in his heart. Gil is patient. He can teach him. Let's learn to make meals. Let's live peacefully.

Let's not cover ourselves in blood anymore.

He feels his waving hand lose speed and lower.]

Have a good day, Gil. And! [Oz turns to look over his shoulder, grinning as best he can.] Don't worry! I'm with Break today!

[She glances at him briefly and shakes her head slightly.]

You must be cautious, Oz-sama! I can—

[Echo dodges a strike from the monstrous creature, now very ticked at her for attacking it.]

I've got this!

[She's only witnessed Oz's powers a couple of times, and while she's aware he can handle himself in combat she's just very certain she can take care of this Beast on her own. Plus she's got her Omen there to try to keep him safe in a more direct manner.]

it catches up eventually

1st loop / morning off / not erased / open

1st loop / oz's first death / erased by timeloop / CW: Suicide | Closed to Xerxes Break

xerxes break fights an eyeball in a timeloop

final battle / oz dies one last time / cw: suicide | Open!

aftermath | Open! No Oz Replies, sorry.

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CW: Bloody Imagry, Animal Transformation

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cw: cigarretes (implied)

cw: cigarretes (implied), smoking addiction

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