THE SECOND TRIAL

[strangerpeople]

THE SECOND TRIAL
(~SK. 10-11)


[Once the investigation wraps up, Zero's voice emanates once more throughout the Gigantic. The doors to the theater on both the C Deck and D Deck open as he speaks. And yes, when people come in through the C Deck Doors, they will find they can access the lower level from the stairs.

Yay?]

It is time. Come to the theater.

I wouldn't worry about bringing blankets.

[And indeed, when the Strangers come into the theater, they will find that the room is considerably warmer compared to the rest of the ship. There are also changes to the podiums-John, Anya and Kaito's places are all draped in black.

The screens schlllorrrp back in, with Zero's face appearing after a moment of static.]

Of course I am here for any questions. But I believe you know how this goes, so I suggest you begin. Justice delayed is...justice denied.

[The trial for Kaito Momota, The High King, has begun.]

Comments

RESULTS

[exequte]

Like was said before... Makima's handwriting resembles the note.

What wasn't said.... so does James Moriarty's.

[And with that she's just huddling down, arms around her knees, face mostly hidden.]

[pegasinister]

So it is either Moriarty mimicking Makima, or Makima mimicking Moriarty. And in context one seems much more likely, doesn't it?

[lovedthemost]

I would say it very much does. [someone is looking at Moriarty with an expression what is quickly morphing into the definition of "if looks could kill"]

[pegasinister]

[Hubert is... oddly icy. Or maybe not oddly, considering. Just blank]

[exequte]

Perhaps neither.

But that doesn't seem very likely.

[Akane just seems. Distant. Distant and very, very calm. Her hands, however, are clenched so tightly into fists that they have white knuckles.]

[pegasinister]

[He steps behind her, looming over her, but makes no move to touch or hinder her]

Stride down your path with head held high, do not look back.

[exequte]

Yes.

[Her voice is as calm and distant as the rest of her.]

[lovedthemost]

[Brain watches her--watches as she questions Moriarty. It's...not what he thought he'd see out of her.

He's taking note]

[hatesdeerstalkers]

[...]

[godspiousjasper]

Ah... Moriarty...? Don't you have anything to say to what Miss Akane discovered?

[ Playing it off as amiable but... there is concern there. ]

[hatesdeerstalkers]

...Not at the moment, no.

[godspiousjasper]

Nothing...? Surely you would want to refute it? You know what it looks like..

[ Really hoping it isnt even what he thinks this is gonna be. ]

[hatesdeerstalkers]

And what does it look like, Roland?

[His voice is...firm. Cold. nothing like the man he's seen and talked to before.]

Please, enlighten me. Say it.

[exequte]

[She looks up at him silently for a long moment, her eyes like mirrors, and finally smiles, just a little. There's no heart in it at all. Her eyes are still dry, but she's so tired.]

You tried so hard, didn't you? To make sure I'd like you? I wonder why it was me? And why... why it was him.

Did you torture him before you killed him? Daddy?

[hatesdeerstalkers]

[He doesn't answer, move, or show any indication he's heard her.

It's like he's become stone.

But if one listens, there's the soft creaking of leather coming from somewhere.]

[valkavian]

...Yeah, uh, can I change podiums?

[ She's kinda uncomfortable here. ]

[exequte]

[She's still just smiling up at him, vacantly, some kind of painted on expression like a doll.]

Daddy, you ought to answer me. Give me a reason that it wasn't you, or tell me what you did.

Weren't you the one who thought that people should have resolve in their actions?

[hatesdeerstalkers]

[...]

I did.

[...That's it. It's like he's...waiting for something, as he watches Alastor's blood test.]

[superstylishsquid]

[He just...crouches down next to her to put a hand on her back. From the way his wings are pulled in and his tail is curled around his ankles, and the way his eyes resemble guttering candles, it's...clear he Gets It.]

[exequte]

[She will gladly turn and press her face against his shoulder.]

[superstylishsquid]

[You know what. Yeah. He'll put an arm around her in what he isn't even trying to pretend isn't a gesture of support.]

[not_a_lego_maniac]

[He looks at Alastor, then at Akane, then at Alastor.


Should....should he even be a part of this? Will his presence only make it worse?]

[exequte]

[ur a good demon. Thank u for having her back in this trying time.]

[superstylishsquid]

[Normally he'd argue, but right now? He's just...too upset.]

[not_a_lego_maniac]

...Akane...

[He's right behind you if you need someone to support you.]