THE FOURTH TRIAL

[strangerpeople]

THE FOURTH TRIAL
(~SK. 24-25)




[There's no announcement informing the Strangers to come into the theater. There is only the sound of the doors opening, beckoning those left to come inside. It's best not to tarry-really, do you want to know what happens if they refuse to go to the trial?

When they enter the theater, it's...different. Sort of. Maybe it's because the area where the podiums are covered in donuts (and yes, Roland will see the little white animals pop over and pinch a few off the top). Maybe it's the fact that more spaces are draped in black. Maybe it's the fact that Zack's podium is also missing from where it sat, leaving nothing but donuts-in fact, that's where the primary pile of donuts are. Digging through that pile will only yield donuts, and nothing more.

(Some of the animals try to approach Akane. They disintegrate before they get two steps. Apparently they're better off eating the donuts.)

But-most of all-it's the fact that Zero is not on the screens that pop out through the theater. There's nothing but static. And while the curtains are closed, you know you are being watched regardless.




Uh. So. Maybe it's not worth waiting for Zero on this.


The trial for the murder of Zack Prince, the One, has begun.]

Comments

[superstylishsquid]

Socks too. The footprint was bare footed, remember?

[pegasinister]

...

[Socks come off, one at a time, and he holds a foot out for Alastor like he was about to shoe him in a fairy tale. Eyes stony, smirking]

Go ahead Alastor. Check.

[superstylishsquid]

[Oh, fiiiiiiine. He looks distinctly put out, but he will check Hubert's feet for traces of blood or conspicuous scrubbing.]

[pegasinister]

[No suspicious scrubbing.

But there, smeared on the arch where it wouldn't get worn off on the ground, his bed or the inside of his sock, is just a small amount of blood]

[superstylishsquid]

[He lets out a sigh. Not a surprised one, but more almost a sigh of defeat. Or de feet, as the case may be.]

Care to explain why you have blood on the arch of your foot?

[pegasinister]

[He puts his foot down, not looking surprised. Not looking concerned at all. Cool as a cucumber, in fact]

No, I don't think I do care to. Why don't you?

[superstylishsquid]

I think the bloody footprint was yours, and you and Aoi were lying when you said you were together in your room all night.

[exequte]

...!

[Not again]

[pegasinister]

A man has to sleep at some point, Alastor. We did spend the night together as I said. But I am not his keeper anymore than he is mine.

[jinglebros]

[ Cue hysterical laughter.

It's all Aoi can really react with. ]

[exequte]

[jinglebros]

Moriarty already died! Now this too?!

[exequte]

It....

We don't know for certain yet.

[jinglebros]

Okay, then explain this.

I want to hear you explain this.

[exequte]

[Abruptly she's furious at him.]

Maybe he cut himself! Or... or stepped in blood somewhere else!

It's not like there's been a shortage of blood on this ship!!!!

[jinglebros]

That'd be great, wouldn't it?

[exequte]

What are you talking about??? Is this what you want? You want us to- Him to-

[She's crying already.]

[pegasinister]

[He glances over at her like he did Aoi. But says nothing]

[jinglebros]

How could you even fucking say that? That I could possibly want this?

[pegasinister]

[Hubert glances at the sound... and looks away, ignoring him completely]

[jinglebros]

[ Aoi stares at the back of his head. ]

[superstylishsquid]

[Alastor just...gives Aoi a look. Similar to the one Roland gave him earlier.]

[jinglebros]

!

[superstylishsquid]

[He tilts his head very slightly, noticeable only if you're looking right at him, seemingly waiting for something.]

[jinglebros]

[ He cocks his head a little as well, but says nothing. ]