The Lion

"The hell do you want? What, my name? Ugh, fine. It's Lowell. Is that all?" [Affilated with Re:Rift] Sidebar made by finn!

[re-rift]

The Lion King | Lowell | Epilogue

If given the chance to make a difference by his own hands, Lowell would always take it, no matter how long and arduous the road ahead was. It’s always been an uphill battle from the start for him, so it wasn’t anything he wasn’t used to.

It was because of said experience that he knew how desperately he needed a break and simply rest - that went for him just as much as everyone else here. Being forced to take part in a second mutual killing game, witnessing the deaths of other people all over again… They were all physically and mentally scarred. It was a long battle against absurd odds, but in the end, they have prevailed again–

Though the battle wasn’t entirely over yet; because they chose to continue it until they were able to grasp true victory with their own hands. Until they were able to save those who were deemed unable to be saved. Until they would make the impossible possible.

This was their fight and Lowell would do everything within his power to be triumph over fate again.

But for now, it was time for farewells.

(Good thing it wasn’t a permanent one or else he knew that he wouldn’t have been able to hold any tears back.)

“Right, no need t’ get sentimental now. I’ll be seein’ y’all soon ‘nough - or at least, most of ya, anyway. Just make sure ya take care of yerselves first, ‘cause we’ll be needin’ all that energy to make this whole thing work! So, see ya.”

While he was content with such a simple goodbye for most here, there was one person in particular that he needed to properly see off–

And it seemed like said best friend had the same thoughts as him.

Lowell chuckled and said his piece after she was done:”Heh, don’tcha worry, I’ll take care of myself jus’ fine. If anythin’, I shoulda return those words t’ ya - yer prone t’ overwork yerself, so ya better take a proper breather too, yeah?” He gently ruffled her hair as he spoke the next words:”Ya ever need help, ya know ya can call fer me, t’. And… ‘s my line, really. Thanks, I mean. Wouldn’t know where I’d be if it weren’t for ya, so… despite everythin’, ‘m really glad that we were able t’ meet.”

A genuine smile spread across his features and the next words that left his mouth were spoken in sincerity without even a hint of embarrassment:

”I love ya, Ada. Yer my best friend!”

Weiterlesen

[re-rift]

Time to BRAWL! | Lowell | Chaper 6 | MM Trial | RE: M&Ms, Cerberus appearance

If it weren’t for the announcement of another fight happening, Lowell would’ve joined Takai in pummeling Shion into a heap of scraps. In fact, he had already vaulted over his podium, before Blep appeared and screeched at them.

As both Eve and Ada began to taunt them, he couldn’t help but grin. He absolutely supported their spite and he would absolutely join them. Thus, he jabbed a finger at the masterminds and furrowed his eyebrows down.

“Of course ya wouldn’t let yerself be killed, ya fuckin’ hypocrites. Cowards til th’ fuckin’ end. Don’t think we’ll leave ya an option t’ escape from yer punishment. Yer comeuppance will come, assholes.”

Lowell growled and when everyone’s weapons materialized, Lowell took decisive steps towards Tsurugi and handed her the pair of Heavenly Katanas over. It’s the least he could do after trading her earring in - and if it meant that these katanas would protect her, then it was all the more reason to give it to her.

“Ya’ll need this, Tsurugi. C'mon, we’ve got asses t’ kick!”

Afterwards, he took out his Moon Princess Dance Blades, gripping them with determination - a completely offensive weapon suited him better, anyway.

[re-rift]

What's real and what's not? | Lowell | Chapter 6 | MM Trial | RE: Mastermind Reveal, ATTN: Shion, Seiko, Valhalla as a whole

If there was a chance to come back to the hotel one more time, Lowell would immediately head over to both memorials and shred everything involving Atsushi, Seiko and Shion to pieces. While there was some room for negotiations when it came to their traitor, he wouldn’t hesitate even a second to destroy his own carefully crafted origami pieces for the masterminds.

Atsushi was lucky that Lowell’s target of rage changed to the masterminds - and specifically Shion, after the robot revealed that he had destroyed all chips behind his mother’s back. Lowell couldn’t feel sympathy for someone who started a killing game, but at least there seemed to be a remnant of humanity left in her.

Shion however?

Lowell was surprised that Kiyoshi went straight for it. But goddamn, this might be the only time the tall man would cheer for the other, even if their mechanical mastermind couldn’t feel pain.

(Oh to root this podium out of is place and throw the whole goddamn thing at Shion–)

“You are so full of shit.”

He hissed out, laced with resentment and utter disgust as he narrowed his eyes at Shion like a predator would at its prey.

“Shove your fuckin’ useless data right up your ass, ‘cause it means nothing. All of this? Worthless and meaningless. A fuckin’ sick and twisted shithead like you will never put an end t’ killing games - no, you will be the reason why there will be even more of these things poppin’ up. Why this trend across these rifts will get worse and worse, because YOU SICK FUCK JUST COULDN’T HELP YOURSELF FROM BEIN’ A COMPLETE FUCKIN’ FREAK!”

Lowell screamed and then spit in front of Shion, continuing to grip the edges of his podium with all the force he could muster.

“And you know what’s funny!? You’ve already contradicted yerself! You say that folks who survive or die in these games will fuckin’ go ahead and murder after the game ends, like you know shit, asshole. Fuckin’ scraps of garbage metal thinks he knows shit ‘bout th’ world. Guess what? You fuckin’ don’t. ‘Cause from what I can tell, most o’ us were content t’ return t’ our lives ‘nd never deal with murder ‘nd any o’ this bullshit again! You are the fuckin’ bitch that made us go through this fuckin’ experience all over again and you have th’ fuckin’ gal to play god here?! Fuckin’ spare me this bullshit, asshole! You’re such a fuckin’ failure, I feel sorry for all th’ other robots who will suffer th’ consequences now ‘cause of yer bullshit! Fuck you!”

It would be all too easy to reduce Shion to a pile of heaps. However, there were still answers that they needed…

And also something else.

“And you lie. Not like I’m fuckin’ surprised, but then tell me this - you claim you’ve destroyed all those chips. Well, if that’s the case, then why did we only find three of ‘em? Why not spread all of those chips ‘round for us to find? Not t’ mention, what ‘bout that log we found ‘bout those chips disconnecting ‘nd shit? There were only three in total that got apparently disconnected. Nothing ‘bout any of th’ other chips. So tell me, where th’ fuck are the rest of those chips? You carry ‘em with ya? Maybe like hostages, ‘cause you’re a fuckin’ pussy who can’t do shit unless ya got somethin’ to threaten others with?”

Lowell took a deep breath and tried his hardest to think about this situation, instead of letting his instincts take over. It didn’t make sense, did it?

“Also, were you two assholes the ones who shot that Kisabe fellow in that one recordin’? They’re probably one a’ those Valhalla assholes, but there’s more t’ them - or those other three bastards that we saw mentions of - Inukai, Nouveau ‘nd Kanato. They’re involved in this shit too… actually–”

Lowell inhales and then looks to where any of the cameras are, before yelling:

HEY YOU ASSHOLES, YOU MIGHT AS WELL COME JOIN YOUR LITTLE FREAKS OVER HERE WHILE YOU’RE AT IT, RIGHT? YOU’RE SEEIN’ ALL THIS, AREN’T YA? GET OUTTA YER FUCKIN’ SAFETY HAVEN AND FACE US LIKE REAL MEN! CUT THE SHIT ALREADY, WE’RE ALL FUCKIN’ OVER Y’ALLS BULLSHIT!”

[re-rift]

ROAR! | Lowell | Chapter 6 | MM Trial | RE: Overseer Reveal, ATTN: Atsushi

Breathe in.

Breathe out.

An automatic action that he did every day, every hour, every minute, every second. Something that he didn’t need to be aware of in order to do it - but right now, Lowell chose to focus on this very simple thing.

Because if he didn’t?

He would leap right over his podium and strangle Atsushi with his own two hands.

The funny thing is that he wasn’t forced to take an audibly deep breath until their resident overseer (or at least one of them) said a certain thing. Don’t get him wrong though, he was already angry when Atsushi made his entrance. Each and every single world uttered from those manipulating lips fanned the flames within his gut. However, what truly made him shake from sheer wrath and turned his knuckles white was Atsushi’s proclamation that he loved them.

Gritting his teeth, Lowell was doing his utmost to reign himself in, even though he was very much tempted to forgo all precaution and finally go feral. In his opinion, he very much deserved to go ape-shift after all the self-control he’d displayed during this whole game - after never actually punching anyone here, no matter how much he hated them.

(Granted, Tomio kind of died before he could make true to his promise there.)

Lowell was thankful that others were saying what he would’ve otherwise screamed at Atsushi’s face - at least parts of it.

Because if you thought he’d keep quiet the whole time?

Then boy, were you mistaken.

“Takao took th’ words right outta my mouth - yer an absolute fuckin’ moron if ya think for even a damn second that makin’ another one of these happen will stop ‘em all. How fuckin’ stupid can you get? How fuckin’ twisted and depraved are ya?! “Helpin’” my ass! You’re a self-servin’ fuckin’ DICK!”

While Lowell tried his hardest to keep his voice to a normal level, he sure yelled out that insult and accompanied it with a fist colliding with the surface of his podium.

“Fuck your bullshit! FUCK YOU! The hell do you mean, ‘special’?! Yeah,no thanks, I coulda absolutely lived without bein’ special to assholes like you!”

Lowell growled and gripped the edge of his podium tightly, digging his fingers into the wooden surface.

“If you were really tryin’ t’ keep everyone alive, then why th’ fuck did y’all think that letting Twink Knife’s chip in was a good idea?! The hell were you thinkin’, letting him roam around ‘nd not anyone else?! Sure th’ fuck doesn’t look like you were tryin’ t’ make this without death if you wanted th’ serial killer to fuck around some more! Also, fuck augmented reality, I seriously fuckin’ hate virtual reality at this point!”

The tall man threw his hands up, unable to calm himself down. He regarded Atsushi with the same feral look that Takao was giving him - a feral dog and a feral lion, ready to lunge forward and kill their enemy.

“Goddamn, stop wastin’ our fuckin’ time with your pretentious bullshit! No one here wants t’ hear a damn thing ‘bout some twisted justifications for another fuckin’ mutual killing game! Get yer fellow asshole clowns on board and get it over with, we’re fuckin’ tired at this point!”

[re-rift]

Gotta contribute, but also vent | Lowell | Chapter 6 | MM Trial | RE: Yeah. All of this

There’s only so much time that can be bought before you had to grab the bull by its horns. No matter how much you didn’t like it, the truth would eventually come out - and by the looks of it, everyone was pretty certain that Atsushi and Mayumi were involved for sure.

It sucked that the possibility of more being involved in this whole thing was pretty high, all things considered… and that Hades was among the main suspects, no less.

Somehow, Lowell ended up speaking up after Mingzhu again - it just so happened that now seemed to be a good time to interject and whatnot.

“Makes sense, but I also gotta wonder… if, uh, Hades is really involved in this, then how come Persephone isn’t? Unless… well, she is, too.”

Hey World Order gang, are you good.

“Y’know, I don’t think we’ve actually talked ‘bout all those clothes yet, t’. Kinda weird that someone decided t’ play dress up or whatever. Uh, most of it was black ‘nd red, right? But no definite style or nothin’.”

He gave a shrug and a sigh.

“… And if I ain’t mistaken, we’ve at least mentioned all th’ evidence we found now, right? All that’s left is t’ speculate ‘nd wait until we can vote. Y’know, until those bastards decide to show up and try t’ justify any of this bullshit.”

Lowell clicked his tongue and grimaced.

“Grand fuckin’ idea t’ put us into another one of these ‘nd think we’ll come out better ‘nd not more traumatized than we already were. Or how a fuckin’ serial killer is gonna make this any better. Fuckin’ hell.”

[re-rift]

Spill the coffee | Lowell | Chapter 6 | MM Trial | RE: Mingzhu

This was the beginning of the end, wasn’t it?

Lowell wasn’t sure if he was entirely ready for what was about to happen yet, but on the other hand, this game couldn’t reach its conclusion soon enough. Going through a mutual killing game once was already traumatizing enough, but twice? Even he had to admit that he ought to reach out to a therapist after he’s back home again.

However, these thoughts would need to get pushed to the side for now - after all, his focus should lie solely on the mastermind trial at hand. As Lowell glanced at everyone and the screens surrounding them, others were already filling the air with their voices.

Once Mingzhu was finished, Lowell decided to pick up where they left off.

“Yer talkin’ ‘bout that piece o’ paper found in th’ meetin’ room, right? Coffee stains sure as fuck conveniently covered th’ most important parts, but we know that someone from one o’ th’ rifts was recruited for this shit. Also, their rift has seen multiple mutual killing games, which… y’know, drastically reduces th’ pool of suspects, ‘cause not many of us can say that their world had many of ‘em runnin’.”

Lowell ran his fingers through his hair and glanced down for a moment, seemingly lost in thought, before he shook his head and looked up again.

“Actually, speakin’ o’ coffee stains, wasn’t there an audio recorder in th’ security room that also got coffee spilled on it? Like damn, who’s this fuckin’ clumsy?”

Lowell sighed, but continued on.

“Far as I remember, some Kisabe fellow asked someone else what happened, ‘cause they were supposed to make contact with someone, but then they got interrupted by the other person who screamed that they got shot.”

His eyebrows furrowed down and he crossed his arms before his chest.

“Wonder if those two were also th’ ones who were recently in th’ break room. Y’know, what with the recent tea bags in th’ trash can or all those books that were well read.”

[re-rift]

Why won't anyone let me go feral, I'm begging here | Lowell | Chapter 5 | Trial | RE: Tomio, Ada, ATTN: Everyone

“GOD, SHUT TH’ FUCK UP ALREADY, YOU CLOWN!”

Lowell shouted inbetween Tomio addressing everyone, because by god, he cannot stand to listen to him anymore. Every fiber of his being was repulsed by this monster. An idea started to form in his head–

But then Tomio kept on taunting him and by god.

Lowell was about to make true to his words, judging by the fierce expression he wore on his face - and also by taking a step forward, his body language suggesting that he was about to attack the serial killer right here in front of everyone–

“Oh, you’re about to eat shit, you son of a–”

Only to be stopped by a small hand on his wrist.

Fuck.

Why is it that whenever he wanted to go absolutely feral, there were always people stopping him from indulging in his wrath? Why could he never beat up those who truly deserved it?

But one look at Ada - hearing her plead and still choking up on her tears–

Lowell didn’t want to give her even more reason to cry.

“Ada…”

Ah. He really wanted that satisfaction of beating Tomio up, but her feelings mattered more than his own indulgement. Not to mention that every second spend on looking after her was more worthwhile than the entire time had to deal with Tomio’s existence.

Still, you could see that he really wanted to go for it. That he really, truthfully, wanted to fight the resident serial killer one on one.

“Gggggrrrrrrr–”

At that time, votings opened–

And Lowell didn’t hestitate a moment to slam his vote for Tomio in. Right afterwards, he picked up one of his pens and exhaled slowly–

And then turned away from Tomio and addressed everyone else instead.

“I think we should just ignore this little attention-seeking bitch. Fuck him. Better to forget that little shithead existed at all. We should use this time to–”

Click.

“Talk ‘bout that poison in th’ shower again. Speculate why it wasn’t immediately listed on th’ evidence list. Much more productive than wastin’ our time on nothing.”

As he said that, Lowell twirled the pen in his hand - before throwing it swiftly at Tomio, with the tip out, aiming for his head.

“And if we hear some fuckin’ annoyin’ insect buzzin’ ‘round, I’ll just scream over it.”

Thanks. He’s also casually picking up another pen and clicks it open.

[re-rift]

LOWELL SLAMS THAT BUTTON FOR TOMIO. REPEATEDLY.

Vote recorded!

Tomio - 1

[re-rift]

Cussing up a storm | Lowell | Chapter 5 | Trial | RE: Tomio, Ada, ATTN: Tomio

What was the first thing that Lowell did while Tomio was revealing himself to be the absolute worst person in existence?

Spiting him, of course.

Lowell completely ignored their resident serial killer as he complied to Mingzhu’s request by emptying out his pockets. He placed them all neatly on Ada’s podium, so everyone could see what he had on his person; his beloved sketchbook and a few pens.

“Oh yeah, also picked up somethin’ you dropped, you piece of shit.”

Lowell growled lowly as he reached into his jacket - only for the emerging hand to blatantly flip Tomio off. If it weren’t for the knife that was pulled out, Lowell’s response would be much more different from the get-go, but alas, he also had to worry about Ada. And by god, it hurt to see her in so much pain, so betrayed by someone whom she thought she could trust.

Someone who carelessly used her real name as if her privacy meant nothing to him.

Lowell gritted his teeth, his expression distorting into one of pure rage. There was no room for any other emotions in the long run, but he did manage to keep it in for a few more moments as he whispered to Ada:

“Sorry ‘bout what’s t’ come, jus’ close your ears. He ain’t gonna lay a single finger on ya, I promise y’.”

Lowell gave Ada a gentle squeeze on her shoulder, before removing his arm from her entirely, so he could stand between her and the one who felt no regret for all the sins he has committed. He would shield her from this monstrosity that dared to call itself human. He would not get to see her spill tears any longer.

It’s times like these where Lowell is really glad that he’s as tall as he is, because squaring up to someone you detested was all too easy for him.

“You keep her name outta yer fuckin’ dirty mouth, you fuckin’ CUNT!”

Lowell yelled, both of his hands curled into tight fists.

“You think you’re hot shit, bitch?! Try a-fuckin’-gain, asshole! I figured somethin’ was wrong with you ever since th’ third trial, so don’t even try t’ pretend as if you got everyone fooled sooooo hard! You ‘nd yer pathetic, bitch-ass fake chuckles were always getting on m’ nerves ‘nd goddamn if I’m ain’t gonna be glad t’ never hear your shitty voice again!”

If no one else would cuss up a storm, then you can always rely on Lowell to do the job.

“And th’ fuck kinda pathetic excuse o’ a name is Tokyo Ripper? Really? Trouncin’ ‘bout art as if ya know jackshit ‘bout it when all you can do is copy from others? Can’t come up with a legit name for yourself, so you just steal shit and think you’re superior or somethin’? Pfff, makin’ me fuckin’ laugh here!”

A sneer.

“Y’are a pathetic, little bitch-baby, that’s what y’are. A fuckin’ coward through ‘nd through. Ever fought someone who could actually take you on or are y’ always prayin’ on th’ weak or poison someone so your ugly, shitty face doesn’t get hurt? Uwuwuwuuuuuu, muh precious face!”

Lowell lightly clapped his own cheeks when he said that last part, dripping with sarcasm and a tone that wa spure mockery. Afterwards, he sneered again.

“And man, if ya don’t just look absolutely fuckin’ ridiculous w’ those wings. Like, really? Y’ think this is art or somethin’? Fuckin’ amateur, I can’t believe y’are serious ‘bout this shit. I just wanna laugh at how stupid you look!”

And suddenly, his voice dropped to a low, but dangerous, threathening level - there was no sarcasm anymore, just unaltered wrath and contempt.

“If y’ know what’s good fer ya, you’re gonna stay where y’are ‘nd keep yer ugly, shitty mouth shut. ‘Cause I ain’t afraid of y’ or yer tiny twink knife. I will beat you to oblivion, bitch.”

For good measure, Lowell audibly cracked his hands - he meant business.

[re-rift]

Injured hands and wounded comrades | Lowell | Chapter 5 | Trial | RE: Tomio, Eve, Ada, ATTN: Ada, but lowkey

“What the fuck is wrong with you?!”

Lowell all but blurted out after Tomio’s little speech. Even though he looked at him incredulously at the moment, it’s not like as if it was a complete surprise to him. No, ever since around the third trial, Lowell had grown more careful around the redhead, because… something just hadn’t felt right since then.

Given how Tomio conducted himself at the moment, Lowell wished that voting would already open, so he could slam his vote in.

“Why th’ fuck should we indulge your fuckin’ need t’ solve a damn crime?! Sure, it’d be best t’ know what exactly was going on, but honestly? The most important part is t’ vote for the correct killer - and with how freakish you’re bein’ at th’ moment, my vote’s locked for ya. I know it ain’t fuckin’ me and if yer th’ only other suspect… yeah, screw you. God, I can’t believe I actually carried ya t’ th’ hotel, should’ve just fuckin’ let ya walk on yer damn own legs–”

It was a good thing that Eve started to talk, because he mentioned something that Lowell would’ve done if not for him - though he’ll pitch in his two cents anyway.

“Yeah, exactly! Bullshit that ya can’t use your damn hands when that injury was god knows how many weeks - months? - ago. I’ve got fucked up hands too ‘nd ya dun’ see me usin’ that as a fuckin’ excuse to not be able t’ hold a gun or a sword - nevermind that ya seemed t’ be doin’ jus’ fine when we were fighting some days ago.”

However, he grimaced a bit when Eve outed him for his punching crimes. Damnit, he should’ve told him to stay quiet about it… his hubris…

With a heavy sigh, he just grumbled:”Fine, fine–”, before starting to undo his bandages. As Eve continued to talk and CC threw a soda at Tomio - Lowell did duly note that the other had caught it without much of an issue -, he finally did away with his bandages and showed his hands to everyone. They were clearly injured, though it was mostly the back of his hands that sustained bruises and the likes. There was no blood to be seen, but it clearly must be hurting in some capacity.

“Like Eve said, ‘s from a few days ago. And even with ‘em like this, I can still paint jus’ fine, so his excuse t’ not be able to use his hands? Yeah, fuckin’ bullshit, that’s what it is.”

Lowell scoffed as he gestured towards Tomio, before turning to Ada. He simply gave her a little smile and nodded.

“’S no problem, Ada. Not like ya could’ve expected that, so… you’re good, honest.”

Afterwards, Lowell began to wrap his bandages around his hands–

But then he heard Ada again.

The tall man stopped right there and then, looking up to see… oh. Oh no. Oh god.

All too easily abandoning his bandages, Lowell didn’t hesitate to leave his podium and walk straight to Ada’s podium, wearing a concerned expression on his face. When he was there, he hesitated for a moment - ugh, he was never good at consoling others, but he couldn’t just leave her like this.

Therefore, Lowell silently wrapped his arm around her so he could place his hand on her shoulder. He wasn’t sure if anything he said now would be comforting - telling her that it’s fine would be a straight up lie.

So ultimately, he hoped that this gesture was enough to convey his concern for her - that he cared for her and would be there for her if she needed a shoulder to lean onto.

[re-rift]

It stings | Lowell | Chaper 5 | Trial | RE: Mingzhu, Eve, Servin, ATTN: Ada

As Mingzhu brought up Shuuya’s chances to best three people with his twig arms, Lowell seemed to mostly concede.

“Don’t think you woulda need any strength t’ sh– shoot someone t’ death, but yeah, seems unlikely that he coulda stab Takao like that ‘nd also smash Tomio’s head with th’ bottle. Can’t even argue that we’re somehow dealin’ with two killers, ‘cause otherwise, that woulda just that either Mingzhu ‘nd Eve were involved ‘nd… yeah, that just doesn’t make any sense at all.”

Afterwards, Lowell grew quiet, listening to what everyone else had to say. When Eve addressed him, Lowell blinked in surprise, before the corners of his mouth curled up into an awkward smile that didn’t last longer than a second anyway. Even though he definitely fit the description of their killer, it was… nice that someone here believed him to be innocent.

After all, it looked like as if he really had to do everything he could to prove that he hadn’t become a murderer, right?

Servin’s sudden callout startled the tall man, his head snapping towards them– well, the TV they were in, anyway. God, that was so strange - and a lot of strange things have happened already.

Not that he had much time to dwell on it, given that he already felt anger flare up in his stomach.

Lowell knew that Servin wasn’t trying to accuse him. He knew that they were also just trying to make sure that they didn’t mistrial again and let another murderer get away with their deed.

But could you blame him for feeling offended that anyone would entertain the idea of him killing his friends?

“Wh– of fuckin’ course it ain’t me! Jus’ ‘cause I’m an artist, doesn’t mean I’m th’ only fuckin’ one who can draw! ‘S not like those flowers were even difficult t’ draw anyway! Everyone here could carve this shit into skin–”

Lowell gritted his teeth, his eyes momentarily on CC, before they went back to Servin.

“‘Sides from one exception, I fuckin’ guess. Unless they felt for th’ carvin’, but– yeah, nah, don’t think that’s likely. Nevermind th’ whole flower language - do I look like someone who knows shit ‘bout flowers?!”

Not entirely impossible, but it was still pretty unlikely, all things considered… unless everyone’s wigs are gonna be snatched once this trial concludes. Who knows!

“That aside, why would you even think I’d kill Tsurugi?! She was my friend and Takao– fuck if I know how I stand t’ him, but if I were the killer, ya could be damn fuckin’ sure that you’d have two different corpses at yer hands.”

Well, wasn’t that just lovely!

“And don’t even get me started on this absolute bullshit fuckin’ motive. I hate it with a passion. Nothin’ good comes ever outta this shit ‘nd ‘s not even that helpful anyway! There’s no fuckin’ way I woulda kill for the same shit that got two of my friends killed!”

Lowell heard himself shout and slam his fist against the podium, unable to keep his emotions in check.

“And y’know what?! I can even prove that I didn’t start on th’ dog paintin’ back in th’ alleyway ‘til it was ‘round 11:30 am! Like shit, it ain’t even finished yet and ‘s not like ya can finish somethin’ like that in an hour or so.”

Given whom he was addressing next, Lowell took a deep breath to calm himself a little, but it was obvious that he was agitated. His eyes went over to Ada and he managed to keep his voice to a more normal tone, at least.

“Ada. You said y’were in th’ alleyway for jus’ a quick stop, right? I mean, I wouldn’t blame ya fer not lookin’ at th’ walls or anythin’, but– ya didn’t see either th’ dog paintin’ or all of th’ spray cans lyin’ ‘round, right?”

[re-rift]

Do not perceive the red eyes | Lowell | Chapter 5 | Trial | RE: Flower & Alibi Talk mostly

People really didn’t learn from the past, did they?

Lowell let out a heavy sigh, his reddened eyes glancing towards Eve as he spoke up - his voice still a bit hoarse, but mostly serious:”If yer focusing too much on one suspect, yer bound t’ overlook somethin’ ‘nd let th’ truth sleep away from ya. Shouldn’t we have learnt as much from last trial?”

Nevermind whatever trials everyone went through prior to this mutual killing game, but that was neither here nor there.

“Also, I dunno if we shoulda cross out Shuuya so easily. I mean, ‘s jus’ me or does he behave differently than he usually does durin’ trials? Sounda kinda too excited for this shit, honestly…”

Lowell simply spared Shuuya a short, suspicious glance, before he decided to talk about something else.

“Actually, ‘bout those flowers that were carved into their skins - uh, from th’ looks of it, they were orchids. Did a quick trip t’ th’ reading room to read up what the hell that could mean and uh…”

Lowell rubs the back of his neck and grimaces.

“If ya bring orchids t’ a funeral, ‘s a symbol of everlastin’ hope for th’ deceased. Which, y’know, ‘s even more fucked up that this whole thing is anyway.“

Lowell drops his hand to his side.

“One burnin’ question I have is why th’ killer let Tomio live, if it ain’t him - it doesn’t really make sense, does it? And like, ya can’t even argue that they would’ve thought that he’s dead, ‘cause he was obviously still breathing and you gotta be up ‘n close t’ th’ body to carve a fuckin’ flower into someone’s skin… now that I think ‘bout it, we really had t’ rub all th’ blood from Tomio’s neck away ‘fore we could even see the fuckin’ carvin’ on his neck. Wasn’t the same with th’ other two.”

That said, he knew that he should give his alibi, given that he was in the suspect pool, though…

“As for my alibi, it’s… well, a really shitty one, I’ll give ya that. Th’ only one I saw all mornin’ was Shuuya over at th’ Knuckles drive-in. Think it was… bit ‘fore 11 am? Anyway, I stayed there for ‘round half an hour, ‘fore I left and picked up some spray paint ‘nd stuff from th’ 8-12 store. Afterwards, I… was in the alleyway, paintin’ away - ‘til the damnable ping came, o’ course.”

[re-rift]

It's lonely to be king | Lowell | Chapter 5 | RE: Well gee, I wonder!

It was only a matter of time before death would claim yet another life–

Pardon. Lives.

Dread filled Lowell when he saw the notification on his watch. It only said that bodies have been found at the open field, but not who it was. Immediately dropping whatever he’s been doing up until that point, Lowell all but sprinted towards the designated location, not daring to look at his watch when he heard another ping. He knew that if he stopped now and looked, he may never get to the crime scene itself.

(But ultimately, he was just a coward who didn’t want to face which reality he was about to live in.)

Even though this distance shouldn’t mean anything to him, his lungs were still burning once he arrived at the scene. As there were at least three people who had discovered whatever tragedy befell them again, he simply had to look out for others and once he spotted them, he rushed to their side.

Of course, it didn’t even take a moment for his eyes to settle on the massacre that happened on this very field.

Blood.

There was so much blood.

And in it lay–

Lowell went white as a sheet.

The tall man staggered back, his knees suddenly feeling remarkably wobbly. With widened eyes, Lowell stared in pure horror at the unfortunate souls who have been murdered this time around.

There was Tomio. Someone whom he’d grown distant to in the past few weeks, but it was harrowing nonetheless to see him on the ground with so much blood pouring out of his head and his neck. Maybe if he would’ve looked at him for a moment longer, he might’ve noticed that his chest was still moving, but alas–

There was no way he could focus on such subtle motions when his mind went blank once he saw who the other two bodies were.

Takao.

Tsurugi.

Suddenly, breathing became an exceedingly difficult task.

This wasn’t real.

That was his first thought when he saw them lying together. It was an instinctual thought that wished to take root and never leave his brain again, yet he knew it wouldn’t remain there for long.

Denial never stayed forever, after all.

The tall man stumbled forward, barely able to see what was in front of him aside from so much red–

“T-Tsu– Taka–”

Lowell’s voice came out hoarse and incredibly quiet. Amidst the chaos that surely ensued, it was probably easy to overhear - not that Lowell cared whether anyone heard him at the moment.

His mind was a jumbled mess, jumping to several interactions he had with both of them. Had he forgiven Takao for what he’s done? No. However, that didn’t mean he had stopped caring about him. Lowell was mad, but he wanted to talk to him properly eventually - and now his regret for not confronting the other properly sooner was eating him alive.

As for Tsurugi?

It was almost ironic how they last exchanged words over at the memorial. She had just finished making that scarf for Mayumi and now she would be joining her - even though she should’ve lived.

She should’ve lived.

(Mistrial or not, Lowell was doomed to lose his friends to this particular motive anway, wasn’t he?)

“You can’t– f-fuck, this is- c-c’mon man, don’t do this t’ me–”

Lowell choked. He blinked furiously. His hand was gripping his shirt tightly. He wondered why he was even doing any of that to begin with–

Ah.

“W-Why– Why am I always– a-always the only one left…?”

Life is simply unfair.

[re-rift]

A wounded lion is a dangerous beast | Lowell | Chapter 4 | Monotheater | RE: Oh boy!

Of course.

Of course this would happen. Lowell wasn’t even sure why a part of him acts surprised. Wasn’t he one of the first who doubted Takao’s confession? Who thought there were way too many vague statements, way too little information to actually verify that he wasn’t simply covering for someone? He even brought up Eve immediately, only to defend him because he hadn’t known how much time had actually passed before he met up with Tomio.

Once the exact time had been given though, a lump had tightened his throat for long enough that he couldn’t even say anything before voting closed - before Eve suddenly confessed to his crime and it was far too late to change anything.

A mistrial.

‘Ah, it seems our time together is coming to an end everyone.‘

Again.

‘I didn’t do anything, this isn’t– it’s not fair, I never killed anyone or did– I didn’t do anything wrong-’

Maybe it wasn’t two innocents who had to pay the price for someone’s crimes this time–

‘I hope my death will have some meaning-’

But there’s still someone who will–

‘I just want to go HOME!‘

And they won’t even know that their time is up until it’s too late.

Lowell was speechless. He stared in horror as the case was unfolded before them and despite yearning to know who their third involved party in this whole mess was, he had no emotional capacity to deal with any logic.

He bottled up his emotions for long enough.

The sheer amount of betrayal and hurt he felt was enough to consume him entirely. However, if he were to give away to those feelings, his vulnerability would be clearly visible to everyone.

And he would rather die before letting anyone take advantage of him.

Thus, as Lowell’s tight grip on his podium turned his knuckles white and teeth were viciously gritted against each other, the tall man began to shake from a particular emotion. An emotion he knew all too well, one that he always fell back if anything could make him look weak.

Anger.

Pure, unfiltered anger.

“That’s why I fuckin’ said we should discuss this more.”

He tone was unnaturally low, but it was already brimming with heated rage. Barely contained rage that would sprung up any second, a hurt lion ready to lunge forward and tear their opponent apart-

“This is why zoning into one person ‘cause you got some beef with ‘em just leads to failure.”

He knows he’s talking big, given that he voted Kiyoshi partly because to spite him and partly because he had naively hoped that somehow, Takao and Eve were just trying to protect each other without even having to do anything with this crime.

But he didn’t care anymore.

“What’s there to do? The time to actually do something is already over. The time to think this over, to check, t-to do fuckin’ anything– It’s over. We fucked up. We fucked up.”

Lowell let out shuddering breath, nails deeply digging into the podium.

His red eyes, brimming with fury, were going towards Eve- no, Ichiro. If looks could kill, this one would probably be an instant death. While Lowell had been angry many times, this was probably the first time where he was truly, truly outraged.

"If you didn’t want anyone to die in your place, then why wait until the last fuckin’ second?! HUH?!“

Lowell took a deep breath, a dark shadow casted over his face as he raised his fist up in the air–

“WHY, IN THE EVERLOVING FUCK, WOULD YOU LET TAKAO KEEP LYING FOR YOUR SAKE?!”

Before a resounding BAM echoed through the trial room, along with his loud, booming voice and the sound of something cracking. Of something small falling to the ground, something light.

“WHY IS SOMEONE INNOCENT DYING AGAIN?!”

Lowell had punched the podium in front of him with all of his might, enough to actually give said furniture a serious crack in its surface - boy, you would not wish to ever receive a serious punch from him - blood seeping into those deep cracks and splinters.

“FUCKIN’ TELL ME, WHY?! WHY, EVE?! WHY?!”

The splinters in his hand meant nothing to him. The pain that should be felt didn’t register.

How could it, if the emotional pain was so poignant, so ever-present, that he could even spare a thought of something as laughable as a cracked hand?

It hurt to yell at someone whom you thought was your friend. It hurt to think that you would’ve lost a friend no matter what you did, because either of them were likely the murderer. It hurt because he could’ve done something, yet he hadn’t tried hard enough. It hurt because he felt guilty for not trying harder. It hurt because he wouldn’t even know whom to say goodbye to until it was too late.

And knowing his rotten luck?

Lowell would lose another friend to this mistrial.

[re-rift]

I can't believe Lowell isn't the angriest one for once | Lowell | Chapter 4 | Trial | RE: Kou, Tomio, ATTN: Kou, All

Amidst all that chaos, Lowell realized just how much more self-control he was exercising over himself than he ever did as a high schooler. There were so many things that irritated him right now, so many words that only fanned the flames of anger in the pit of his stomach further and further. If he’d be here as his younger self, he would’ve most definitely started to yell at everyone a long time ago. Honestly, he was surprised that he hadn’t snapped yet, given how much he disliked what was currently going on.

Admittedly, part of the reason why he hadn’t raised his voice again was Kou’s confession, which definitely took him aback. It’s not like as if he hadn’t considered him as a suspect at all, but… could you honestly blame him for being relucant for believing that a good friend of his committed a murder?

Thus far, all the friends he lost in these insane games were either victims or were wrongfully executed - so to potentially have an actual friend being the killer was something new, alright! Something new that he definitely didn’t want to experience, alright!

“Kou… y-you–”

Due to Tomio’s sudden outburst, one would be forgiven to have never seen the stunned and hurt look that Lowell gave Kou - especially how short-lived it was.

Lowell grimaced the longer Tomio talked, feeling his own hands grip the edge of his podium. Maybe now was a good time to finally let his temper flare up again and–

Theeeeeeere goes Kou! Apparently, now was a great time to scream at each other and by god, the temptation to join in and let loose was so alluring–

And yet, something told him that he should hold it in for just a little longer.

“Fuckin’ hell, ’s like most of you idiots already forgot that we all were under the influence of a poison or somethin’! Not like shit’s gonna matter if you’re literally not entirely in control of yourself or anythin’, no matter what promises you made. Even holdin’ grudges from that time is just absolutely fuckin’ dumb.”

Okay, maybe he’s allowed to vent just a little.

A ‘tch’ sound escaped him, the tall man taking a deep breath, before he looked over to Kou with gritted teeth - clearly angry, but also a hint of emotional pain.

“… Y’ain’t tellin’ us the whole story. ‘Cause… much as I hate t’ suggest it, but it’s entirely possible that this is a fake confession. Y’know, in order to protect the actual killer from getting executed.”

Part of him wanted for this to somehow turn around and let someone else be the culprit. However, there was no denying that Kou played some part in this case.

“Look, votin’ hasn’t even started yet, so I dun’ think we should just take you by your word ‘nd drop everything else - ‘specially ‘cause we still don’t fuckin’ know who the third discoverer is.”

Lowell ran his fingers through his hair, trying desperately to maintain a harsh tone because if he didn’t, he knew his voice would break and by fucking god, he would not allow that–

“If yer truthful ‘bout not knowin’ where those fuckin’ knives came from, then obviously ‘nough, someone else must’ve planted them in those places where we found ‘em. Unless someone’s a fuckin’ freak and messed with the crime scene just to make this case harder or whatever, we shoulda assume it was done to protect ya.”

God, he didn’t want to continue this line of thought, but he already started, so might as well bring it to the end, huh?

”'Course, Eve springs to mind on that front, but there’s so many questions on whether he coulda have even done that? I mean, sure, everyone and their mother apparently took knives from the goddamn kitchen, but I dunno why Eve woulda bother with two knives… not to mention that Tomio spotted him shortly after 2:30 am over at the store and was there ‘til ‘round 3 am. He didn’t mention Eve bein’ outta breath or anythin’ and given that he had the same dizziness I had during motive… well, woulda have been hard to get from the crime scene over to where he met Tomio in 5 to 10 minutes or so, ‘specially with all the mess ‘nd message ‘nd stuff.”

Oh, speaking of which–

“… Actually, Kou, could ya tell us if yer the one who wrote those messages? We still dun’ know ‘bout what’s up with those. It just seems fuckin’ weird, is all.”

[re-rift]

Not a lot, but still something | Lowell | Chapter 4 | Trial | RE: Alibis, Messages, Clothings

Lowell stayed quiet for awhile, listening to usual sharings of evidence and alibis. While a lot was said, there were still quite a few things that haven’t been mentioned yet, so Lowell decided to rectify that.

“Kinda obsolute to say it, given that Mingzhu’s one of the only two we can say for sure that they’re innocent, but I saw ‘em ‘round 2:30 am over at th’ hotel as well. Also saw Tsurugi ‘nd CC leaving the kitchen shortly after 3 am.”

There was no use repeating the buttload of knives, given that both Mayumi and CC said it already, so he kept it short and kinda vague with his alibi as well!

“Actually, I want to say somethin’ ‘bout those messages - while I can’t say for sure whether they’re the same or not, both of ‘em were on th’ neat side. However, the one by Persephone was actually neater than the one on th’ message. Take that as you will.”

A shrug. While he could provide his handwriting, Lowell believed that Mingzhu vouching for him via alibi should be enough to clear him of any suspicions. If someone somehow wanted to accuse him, he could always deliver.

“We should also consider who could actually fit into Tomio’s clothes if it wasn’t him. Couldn’t be someone who was too big for it or it’d be too tight and therefore, would constrict ‘em in their movement. Same goes for someone who’d be considerably smaller, too - too much of a chance to trip over th’ long coat ‘nd shit.”

Thinking emoji, because I have no icons and no patience for narration anymore.

“… I’m actually wonderin’ why our killer even bothered with the vest. Wouldn’t it be enough to just button up the coat ‘nd be done with it?”

[re-rift]

Oh, this is gonna be sad, isn't it? | Lowell | Chapter 3 | Trial | RE&ATTN: Itoji

While Lowell had some choice words for CC and Tomio specifically, there was never quite a window to let them out. Granted, others were already chewing out Tomio and the man himself admitted that he had only the best intentions when he’d dumped water on Itoji. He believed him, but also, he couldn’t help but question why he thought these actions were the best…

Regardless, the sound of the elevator going up got his attention - and lo and behold, Itoji was standing there. The tall man looked worried, as the other was still clearly very much injured… and crying.

Lowell’s face softened considerably, especially when the young man started to sob, thinking that he probably killed Hades.

“Shouldn’t you at least sit down, man? Don’t think there’s any rule that forbids us from simply sitting down…”

Please, Itoji, don’t make it even more painful for you than it already is.

“… What exactly happened, Itoji? Can ya tell us? ‘S okay if ya gotta breathe for a moment. Tell us when yer ready.”