less demon than the SDN one

Aere, 26, they/them (picrew by maddel_art)

[aere-dispatch]

I need a job

I'm Aere (eye-reh). Former Red Ring, now unemployed. Thanks for nothing, Shroud.

I'd rather die than become a glorified delivery boy for the Vandersteens, so don't even try to get me to join SDN.

Art of Aere:

• 1 •

Posts about Aere:

• His song • His playlist •

• Follows from @danielsbackupglasses • @its-mal • Mod is 21+ • DMs are open! • Longform RP welcome • any interactions welcome <3 •

Character info below the cut <3 Enjoy my Dispatch OC.

Aere, they/he is 26 and joined the Red Ring after dropping out of University due to financial issues and health problems.

He always felt a certain pull towards crime due to his powers, though he tried his best to stay on the good side of the law until things became too hard to manage.

They have a ton of chronic pain so they got implants at practically every joint to stop their pain, which no longer work since Shroud had been arrested. So now he's worse off than before - no education, a criminal record and all the former health issues. Still, he's too stubborn to take a job he thinks is not worth his time.

His superpowers are close to psychic abilities. They can feel others deep emotions if they focus on them and accurately interpret them. Paired with the ability to manipulate others thoughts, he can get people to do whatever he wants them to.

The downside is, after a certain time the manipulation fades. The person can easily figure out what happened, if they feel something about their behavior was off. So the trick really is to figure the person you're talking to out completely. Read them, feel them and only make them behave within the lines of what fits their personality and emotions.

Aere was a master at infiltrating other operations and gathering information undercover. Really, they can be anything you want them to be, because they'll know exactly what you desire. This makes them hard to truly know as they keep most about theirself hidden. Though at times they struggle keeping their emotions in check; often times lashing out especially when they feel wronged.

Still he is very charismatic and intelligent, though he's lacking in mobility due to his chronic pain. Since he's working out whenever his body allows, he can still put up a good fight and has quite a bit of muscle.

Despite being a former villain, he cares deeply about those he'd call friends and would practically do anything for them, even at his own expense. Making friends is hard though. He usually tries to keep his powers a secret as much as possible, since they cause an inherent distrust in the people around him.

[aere-dispatch]

A slightly familiar silhouette formed in the darker corner of Aere’s room, even if the creature didn’t exactly have any expressions in this form, the slight shift in the eyes showed a bit of concern. “So… you wanted me to show up, right?” They asked, as if just clarifying they’d done the right thing, their thin tail swishing just a bit

@theofficesfriendlyshadow

Aere was curled up in bed, still shaken up by being contacted by SDN, fearing that any moment a knock on the door would lead to a then kicked in door and ultimately their arrest.

Shadow seemed to understand. That's why they wanted them to come here. When they appeared, their head peaked out from under the blankets.

"Mhh, yeah. I'm sorry I-" They sat upright on the bed, sighing. "It's easier for me to talk face to face because there I can feel better if someone's lying to me, you know? No offense of course-"

They could facepalm, really. That sounded way meaner than intended.

"I just, uh- seemed like you understood me last time we talked and it was nice."

[theofficesfriendlyshadow]

“That’s okay, really- I prefer face to face a lot of the time too, it’s usually easier, I’m sure your powers also help.” The shadow nodded as they sorta sat down nearby- at least what seemed to be sitting down. Since they were in a 2D shape like an actual shadow right now, it might be harder to tell. They smiled a bit, “I’m glad I could be of some comfort. Even if I think SDN would be a good idea, I know you aren’t comfortable with it, so there’s no reason to pursue that as an option, right? You get to make your life better on your own terms, I’m just here to see if I can help.”

[aere-dispatch]

"They'd trap me." Aere replies swiftly, curling into themselves again, hugging their knees.

"I don't want that. Not again."

Then they go quiet, staring at their sheets. Tons of emotions were rushing through them and at the same they were numb. Flashes of images and sensations, all at the same time, overwhelming and yet so far away too.

[aere-dispatch]

Hmm, so you don't care for Shroud? Are you look for work by chance? @red-ring-robert-robertson-iii

No, I do not care for Shroud, not anymore. Nor do I care for SDN.

So what kind of job can you offer me?

[red-ring-robert-robertson-iii]

Well, I don't know exactly what it was you did for your version of the Red Ring but I'm sure mine could find a place for you.

Please, tell me about your skill set. Perhaps we can work something out?

[aere-dispatch]

....

I was a Lieutenant.

My strength is more so mental than physical, though I do have superhuman endurance and a slight healing factor. My physical strength is regular.

I can manipulate peoples minds, make them do anything I want. tune into others emotions and figure them out quick, so they never really know what hit them when I make them do something. So I was mostly infiltrating other organizations, gathering information and intel, etc.

Any job where you need someone charmed, manipulated, turned into a pawn, that's the one for me. I was good, too.

... But I'm not really looking to be.. bossed around again.

[red-ring-robert-robertson-iii]

I can see how powers like yours could be quite... useful.

Though your disinterest in taking orders might serve to strain this possible partnership. You want to be the one giving orders, I can respect that.

But tell me, what exactly it Shroud do to upset you specifically? I'm sure we could come to an arrangement if I knew what to avoid?

[aere-dispatch]

No it's not even that it's-

It's about Shroud really, yeah.

I mean you must've heard this a thousand times, right?

He lured a lot of us with fake promises, taking advantage of our situations. The enhancements were handcuffs, really. You knew well how he was, don't you? I feel you can fill in the rest. I'm not.. I'm not ready to go into details.

What I more so meant is I don't want to be trapped again. I don't want to be used again. But I miss being useful, you know?

[aere-dispatch]

A slightly familiar silhouette formed in the darker corner of Aere’s room, even if the creature didn’t exactly have any expressions in this form, the slight shift in the eyes showed a bit of concern. “So… you wanted me to show up, right?” They asked, as if just clarifying they’d done the right thing, their thin tail swishing just a bit

@theofficesfriendlyshadow

Aere was curled up in bed, still shaken up by being contacted by SDN, fearing that any moment a knock on the door would lead to a then kicked in door and ultimately their arrest.

Shadow seemed to understand. That's why they wanted them to come here. When they appeared, their head peaked out from under the blankets.

"Mhh, yeah. I'm sorry I-" They sat upright on the bed, sighing. "It's easier for me to talk face to face because there I can feel better if someone's lying to me, you know? No offense of course-"

They could facepalm, really. That sounded way meaner than intended.

"I just, uh- seemed like you understood me last time we talked and it was nice."

[nahual-bitch]

/i did this in like an hour so its kind of shit but like… i felt compelled to. anyways

[aere-dispatch]

Hmm, so you don't care for Shroud? Are you look for work by chance? @red-ring-robert-robertson-iii

No, I do not care for Shroud, not anymore. Nor do I care for SDN.

So what kind of job can you offer me?

[red-ring-robert-robertson-iii]

Well, I don't know exactly what it was you did for your version of the Red Ring but I'm sure mine could find a place for you.

Please, tell me about your skill set. Perhaps we can work something out?

[aere-dispatch]

....

I was a Lieutenant.

My strength is more so mental than physical, though I do have superhuman endurance and a slight healing factor. My physical strength is regular.

I can manipulate peoples minds, make them do anything I want. tune into others emotions and figure them out quick, so they never really know what hit them when I make them do something. So I was mostly infiltrating other organizations, gathering information and intel, etc.

Any job where you need someone charmed, manipulated, turned into a pawn, that's the one for me. I was good, too.

... But I'm not really looking to be.. bossed around again.

[always-on-fuego]

I think that we should change it to Flambae February in honor of me. Because I’m just cool like that.

[sdncorpus]

If we did that it should specifically be Flambé just to spite you

[always-on-fuego]

That’s just stupid. I’m way cooler than lighting up some onions or some shit.

[sdncorpus]

That’s fair, watching you burn your own hair is much cooler than the thing you took your name from

[always-on-fuego]

I can’t tell if you’re making fun of me or not.

[sdncorpus]

You’re so pretty.

[always-on-fuego]

….Of course I am. I know that.

[aere-dispatch]

Quick, someone get the shadow to convince him! /joke

If I wasn't shaking I'd think this was funny lol

[theofficesfriendlyshadow]

I wouldn’t make them do that :< ? Clearly the idea is something they don’t like and makes Aere uncomfortable

[aere-dispatch]

Can you pop in real quick so I can figure out if you actually mean this or you're just trying to get me to trust you? Thanks

[theofficesfriendlyshadow]

Sure? Where do you want me to pop in at?

[aere-dispatch]

I'm just at home, so, like last time.

[aere-dispatch]

Hmm, so you don't care for Shroud? Are you look for work by chance? @red-ring-robert-robertson-iii

No, I do not care for Shroud, not anymore. Nor do I care for SDN.

So what kind of job can you offer me?

[aere-dispatch]

Quick, someone get the shadow to convince him! /joke

If I wasn't shaking I'd think this was funny lol

[theofficesfriendlyshadow]

I wouldn’t make them do that :< ? Clearly the idea is something they don’t like and makes Aere uncomfortable

[aere-dispatch]

Can you pop in real quick so I can figure out if you actually mean this or you're just trying to get me to trust you? Thanks

[veil-sdn]

Why.

- @aere-dispatch

Didn't got laid tonight

[aere-dispatch]

It's not funny Veil

I'm serious

[veil-sdn]

It is for me

[aere-dispatch]

Well then fuck you.

[veil-sdn]

Why.

- @aere-dispatch

Didn't got laid tonight

[aere-dispatch]

It's not funny Veil

I'm serious

[aere-dispatch]

Quick, someone get the shadow to convince him! /joke

If I wasn't shaking I'd think this was funny lol

[aere-dispatch]

/ aere: bestest friends are sdn heros

Aere also: deathly scared of sdn and getting dragged into another "organization" that'll use them

[aere-dispatch]

Hello Aere! Sdn asked me to reach out, althought i don't think you'd agree, but we want to propose you to join the Phoenix Program. I'm responsible for training new recruits, but don't worry, nothing will happen if you refuse. It's just a little suggestion!

- @humka-sdn

I.

Okay.

Who gave you my contact information? Was it Veil? Was it that fucker.

I don't need some backhanded "suggestion" when we both know I'm literally wanted and if you wanted to, you could find and arrest me.

Now fuck off with your "kind message" and don't contact me again, trying to rope me into some kind of deal with the devil, when I've already been down that road.

[humka-sdn]

... It was indeed Veil. Mhm. I will let them know you refused.

Althought the Phoenix Program could teach you few things. About manners especially.

[aere-dispatch]

Mhm.

Don't worry, I have good manners, as long as someones not trying to rope me into some scheme :)

[aere-dispatch]

Hello Aere! Sdn asked me to reach out, althought i don't think you'd agree, but we want to propose you to join the Phoenix Program. I'm responsible for training new recruits, but don't worry, nothing will happen if you refuse. It's just a little suggestion!

- @humka-sdn

I.

Okay.

Who gave you my contact information? Was it Veil? Was it that fucker.

I don't need some backhanded "suggestion" when we both know I'm literally wanted and if you wanted to, you could find and arrest me.

Now fuck off with your "kind message" and don't contact me again, trying to rope me into some kind of deal with the devil, when I've already been down that road.

[elliot-connors]

Aere sat anxiously in the café, a caramel latte already in hand as they waited for Elliot to show up.

Now it wasn't entirely too late to just leave but something prevented them either way. Maybe it was curiosity, maybe it was hope. That little voice in their head telling them that this was a stupid idea didn't want to stay quiet either way.

A look on their phone showed the time to be 9:56am.

Any minute now. If he's like the Elliot they know, he'll be very punctual.

( @aere-dispatch )

*Elliot enters the cafe and starts looking around for aere*

Hm..

[aere-dispatch]

*When they notice a man looking like he could be him entering, they raise their hand and wave a bit awkwardly*

Uh, hey!

[elliot-connors]

*elliot Notices them and looks at them with a smile then he goes to walk over there*

Ah you must be aere yes?

[aere-dispatch]

I-, yeah. I'm Aere. Do I call you Elliot? Mr. Connors? ..something else?

*they held out their hand for a handshake, not quite sure how to greet him*

[elliot-connors]

*takes their hand and shakes it*

Elliot is fine

*after they get done with their handshake he goes to sit down at the cafe table*

Sorry for being a bit late I had to fix a part of someone's Gadget

[aere-dispatch]

No worries, I had company.

*they hold up their latte and chuckle*

It's uh, nice to meet you, Elliot. And thanks again for agreeing to look over that stuff.

*they gestured to the augments on their hand and elbow*

[elliot-connors]

Well nice to meet you too and no worries

*he looks at the augments intensely*

Hmmm anything unusual happened before they started hurting?

*he says as he pulls out his own augment tester kit from his bag that he made himself*

[aere-dispatch]

Mhh.. I think it's just my regular pain coming back?

It's a bit hard to explain.

Shroud- well, other you had this thing in his head that connected to and powered everyones augments? He put a fake astral pulse in it which caused it to short circuit. Everyone with augments got sick and they unfortunately stopped working. And now he's, well, in prison.

I got these because I have this condition where my immune system attacks my joints. So I got one of these at every joint. I really have no idea what Shroud did there. He just said he knows what to do without complete replacing my joints. I don't know if they somehow just stopped me feeling the pain or somehow protected them from my immune system.

[elliot-connors]

*he puts his index and thumb on his chin thinking*

Hmm shouldn't be too hard to reactivate and maybe improve because from the looks of it he made your augments a bit off to ensure loyalty

*he says as he pulls out something from the augment tester kit*

If you don't mind could you put your augmented elbow on the table so I can do the thing?

[aere-dispatch]

*They let out a sarcastic chuckle*

Of course he did..

*Then they straightened up, pulling up their sleeves on both arms*

Both arms. I also got two on the back of my shoulders and neck, at the back of my hips, knees and ankles. So with the two elbows and two wrists.. that makes 12 augments in total.

*As they explain they put their arms in the table for Elliot to work on*

[elliot-connors]

*Elliot starts examining the augments and reactivating them/improving them one by one*

Hmmm with a little bit inside and a little bit of this it should be-

*you hear him say that under his breath as he is doing the thing to the augments*

So that condition must be pretty painful yes?

[aere-dispatch]

*Aere curiously watched Elliot work, noting how gentle he was handling repairs. It was not something he had experienced in the red-ring.*

Yeah.. it's nearly ruined my life. So.. I was very desperate and that's how I ended up with Shroud.

[elliot-connors]

*he humed in acknowledgment while still going through the procedure*

It's sad to hear that you had to go to shroud for help there should have been more inexpensive ways to get help

*he says as he finishes another augment repair then he goes to the next one*

[aere-dispatch]

*When he finishes on one hand, Aere tries it out and opens and closes their hand a few times, looking at the augments*

Yeah.. It is what it is, I guess. Uh.. what exactly is it you're doing? How does it work?

[elliot-connors]

Well it's a complex array of small wires and nodes inside the augment' I gave you your own off switch if you want to ever turn it off' I did disconnect the connection to you and shroud and I also did replace the power source

*says still tinkering with the other augment on the other hand*

[aere-dispatch]

That's.. amazing.

I don't.. I don't know how to thank you?

[elliot-connors]

you don't have to thank me

*he says softly as another augment gets done he then goes to work on another one*

knowing that you won't be in pain anymore is enough

[aere-dispatch]

*They chuckle in disbelief*

I really.. You're sincere. I feel that.

It's weird. But refreshing.