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

[godspiousjasper]

...Is that part of the reason why you met up with Alastor earlier this morning?

[ Just laying this out now. ]

[jinglebros]

Because I wanted to make sure that you all read my final letter and are in the least possible danger.

I won't be around to explain myself.

It will be.

[superstylishsquid]

I'll make sure everyone reads it.

Just remember the promise you made to me: don't let this be as much of a waste as all the other deaths so far.

[jinglebros]

It won't be, if you do your job.

But notice how nobody's actually confessed.

[superstylishsquid]

I know. We still need to find where that blood came from, right? Prove you were holding the sword at some point.

[jinglebros]

Exactly.

[superstylishsquid]

Then since you're the prime suspect, I think our more thorough search should start with you.

Should've checked the upper body from the first, really.

[jinglebros]

[ He strips his shirt, where there's several bruises peppering his chest and shoulders. ]

This isn't what you're looking for, though. Just a consequence of the attempt.

[superstylishsquid]

Then we'll have to check the whole body.

[No flirting this time, just...a tiredness backed by determination.]

[jinglebros]

[ On his head, hidden under his hair, are stitches where his head was hit.

The area's already starting to get infected. ]

[superstylishsquid]

[Does the wound look like it's only hours old?]

[jinglebros]

[ It's a fresh wound on top of an older wound. The latter, from the sparring. The former, from a few hours ago. ]

I shot Zack in the head.

He came back to fucking life and knocked me out.

Watch that body. I don't truly believe he's dead for good.

[superstylishsquid]

What'd he hit you with, a rusty shovel? It's already getting infected.

...Not that I guess it'll matter.

[jinglebros]

A sword hilt.

[godspiousjasper]

Damn it, Aoi!!

[ Of course there'd been things he didn't know regarding the full extent of their conversation. ]

What is it the two of you are even trying to accomplish here?

[jinglebros]

Laughing in the face of death?

[godspiousjasper]

I'd ask if you were serious or not, but I know better.

[ A deep breath. Then exhale. ]

I suppose with how many times you must have been through this, little must phase you at this point.

[jinglebros]

Oh, plenty phases me.

[godspiousjasper]

Yeah? Like what?

[ Dangit now he's just a bit exhausted. ]

[exequte]

[And there it is.

She's already on the ground, so she doesn't have far to fall, but fall she does. Her fever is burning bright once more.]

[jinglebros]

Someone get her an ice pack when we get out of here.