Work Text:
He slid down onto the roof of the building, loading the dart into the chamber. It was just a simple snipe for a training session with his sister. Nothing more, nothing less. She'd press a button, the dummy would pop out, he'd shoot it.
Very simple,
Very easy for him to do.
He did not, however, take into account what he knew he could do with one.
So he got to the edge of the building and got into position, aiming the barrel down into the foliage as he leaned in to look through the scope. He was used to this. Aiming, shooting, without even thinking of what he did to people. Without even questioning their orders.
He shook his head and focused again, trying to will himself to forget about it for a minute. A method that he probably shouldn't be using, especially in a scenario like this, where one simple memory could set him off, but he didn't care. He needed to do this. One step closer to finishing the job. One step closer to finally being allowed to pass on.
The gun started shaking in his hands as he tried to focus. In the back of his mind, his past echoed.
You need to ask for orders.
This isn't allowed. Where is the commander. He needs to tell us.
If we fail this, we might as well just let them cut off our hands...
He shook his head again, his eyes narrowing as he listened for the mechanical motion of the dummy's system jumping out from behind the tree. He'd shoot it down with this stupid gummy dart, Gods know Asuna wouldn't trust him with actual bullets after the stunt he pulled, and the test- training session would be over.
They crept back into his skull.
He will see us fail.
He will know of our weaknesses. We will never win this war.
We are useless without a leader. We are useless without he-
"Shut up, me." He spat, his hand coming up to claw at the side of his neck, his only viable eye blurring up with golden tears. The voices shrunk away again. He knew they would come back. He was always plagued with them. Telling him he needed to go back. Telling him that he should just give up. That he'd never repay the favor, the oath he swore.
It was all just a distraction for him, now.
He got back into position after wiping his eye and the dummy immediately shot out. The sound was so jarring he spooked himself and sent the dart without thinking, impaling the dummy in the head.
Penni walked out from around the corner, tapping her hip. "We need to talk about how bad... this... is getting, Damien."
He sighed and pulled his hair out of the bun it was in. "I know, sis..."