THE THIRD VICTIM

[strangerpeople]

THE THIRD VICTIM

[A week has passed. Food supply is starting to get low, despite the group's best efforts. It's only a matter of time before the food runs out or becomes more difficult to procure. Not to mention the trash that has been accumulating since the beginning of the week, with no one changing or cleaning it up. Not exactly the healthiest environment.

And, as the day dawns, there is - unfortunately - that very worrisome feeling that something is very, very wrong. It's quiet. Too quiet. The feeling of being watched has increased tenfold.

And there is a smell in the air, even above the garbage, as people step into the second floor hallway.]

Comments

[carries_war]

Shit...

[So where does the smell seem to be coming from, anyway?]

[strangerpeople]

[As Jr. goes down to the second floor, it definitely seems to be coming from the library...

At least, some of it is.

The smell picks up again closer to the stairs leading to the 3rd floor.]

[poorlovefool]

[Walkies for Gab too, and he's also concerned with the blood, but he doesn't want to go anywhere with Rubedo... well, obviously they aren't!! They are just walking in the same direction as long as he doesn't acknowledge him.

But then Gab gently wuffs at Sisi so so much for that. Sigh.]

... Do you think it's ...

[Eric ventures further down the hallway, getting ahead of Rubedo with his longer legs!! Hah!! But wait, it's going in two different directions, that's convenient.]

Let's split up!

[Eric heads for the stairs.]

[carries_war]

[Sisi's kind of growling at Eric too, oops.]

If you're sure. You know that's probably where the body is...right?

[lightnen]

I can come along with someone too. This can't be a good sign... I'm getting a bad feeling about this.

[ Killua had been close by and finally spoke up, looking between the two with a frown set into his features. ]

[poorlovefool]

[Why are you so rude, cosplayer doge. You're cute, personality aside...!!

But oh. He pauses on the stairs. It's easier to charge forward without thinking, but if he's forced to think about it...]

... Y-Yeah. But, I figured... you know, after all that bullshit with the Order 7 last time...

[He blinks at Killua. He didn't realize he was there.]

This does make three of us.

[carries_war]

One of us should go with you, since we'll be fine no matter what condition the body's in. With the blood smell being this strong, I'm expecting it to be messy.

[poorlovefool]

Hey! I don't need your supervision, damn it!

[He resents this implication!! He's turning to storm up the stairs now (but yeah totally follow him in case it is super gross and he has to vom)]

[carries_war]

[...See icon.]

Killua? I don't think Sisi likes adult men, so can you either go with him or watch the dog?

[lightnen]

Sure! I can do that. Gotta keep an eye on sparkles, right?

[ Gonna just grin a bit at this, before moving to go after Eric without so much as a second thought. ]

[carries_war]

[He nods, then looks down at the dog.]

Alright boy, let's check this out.

[So, what do they see in the library?]

[strangerpeople]

[It's...

there are two still forms, laying near one of the bookshelves.]

[carries_war]

Dammit...

[Maybe they're still alive? He'll move to check both bodies for a pulse.]

[strangerpeople]

[The first stares down at the floor, eyes glassy. She is limp, and has no pulse.

Raphtalia, the Dreamstrider, is dead.]

[carries_war]

[So much for that hope...what about the second body?]

[1/2]

[strangerpeople]

[He has a nasty gash on the side of his head.

Maglor, the Hunter, is

[strangerpeople]

[...alive. But unconscious, and breathing slowly.]

[carries_war]

[Ohthankgod. Well, it looks like he's going to lose another shirt to bloodstains, since he's taking off his jacket to rip up his outer shirt and use it as a bandage. How much is the wound still bleeding, anyway?]

[poorlovefool]

Don't follow me!

[He huffs over his shoulder. (but if there IS a body up there someone will have to...)

Gab just sits at the bottom of the stairs, watching them go.]

[strangerpeople]

[The blood of smell is strong down here, and...well...

there is a body slumped near the doorway to the Boilery.]

[poorlovefool]

[That blood smell is so rank. He wrinkles his nose, and when he sees the body alone by itself, he freezes like a deer in the headlights.

But no. He said he was going to do this. Summoning what little courage he has, he edges closer to make out who it is.]

[strangerpeople]

[Eric may recognize him, due to his unexpected appearance during last week's trial. But good luck getting him to respond. Or, really, to do anything at all.

Farkas, the Outcast, is dead.]

[poorlovefool]

[O Outcast. We hardly knew ye.

Well, how does he look at a glance? The smell alone is enough to make him queasy, but this is important to know. So he can handle it, obviously, like a man-]

[strangerpeople]

[There's a giant gaping open wound on him.

Feel free to lose it Eric. Any time.]

[poorlovefool]

[Eric QUICKLY SPINS AROUND to Killua with a speed that could make a person dizzy, flashing him a Confident Smile. His voice squeaks.]

Well, that's that! I'm gonna go tell Rubedo we found the body.

[He leaves in the most calm and casual sprint of terror you have ever seen.]