THE THIRD TRIAL

[strangerpeople]

THE THIRD TRIAL

[It happens again, like clockwork. Once the final clues have happened, the elevator in the food court opens with a DING. It doesn't leave until everyone has gotten on, and the thought occurs to everyone that they shouldn't waste time.

An innocent man was ruthlessly murdered, after all. After everything that's happened.

Just as before, everyone who is still alive will find their favorite food and drink at their platform. And just as before, Akechi, Helena and Ren's platforms have now been lowered and covered with a white cloth, joining the increasing number of dead spaces in the trial area. Helena's platform, however, has an addition not present on any other deceased's platform: a single white lily, placed almost reverently on top.

Well. Whatever reason that lily is there, it shouldn't detract from the fact that there is a trial to be had here, once more. Its time to look at the evidence at hand, and to hopefully find whoever did this heinous crime.

So, it's time, Titled.

The trial for the murder of Ren Sanzashi, The Doorframe, has begun.]

Comments

[strangerpeople]

[At this, everyone's phone lights up with a single message.]

UNKNOWN EXECUTION PROTOCOL APPROVED.

VOTE CANCELLED.

[And...that's it. The elevator opens with a DING.]

[theirmagic]

[ The scream that tears from Ursula's throat echoes through the trial room.

She can't stop him, she's not fast enough.

Once again, her title is true.

Once again, she can do nothing.

Once again, someone she cares about dies in front of her and she is useless, like always.

The crowd's reaction is tepid and they're booing and she finds she has to walk off stage.

There's only death in this place. Death, and failure. Her failures, facing her, as the blood splatters everywhere. She doesn't realize she's struggling as Croix holds her back and she's screaming and her arm hurts and the tears are streaming down her face. Her hair gets messy. Her glasses fall off onto the floor. She steps on them in her struggle with a sharp crunch but continues to struggle, red eyes wet and continually screaming until her throat goes raw and she can make no more noise.

Her own screaming deafens her, and all she can hear is the hum of some whine in her own ears from a combination of panic and upset and her chest is clenching tighter and tighter and she feels like she's going to fall apart.

Why? Why? Why?

Why won't anyone... ever trust her? Why do they always... do this?

No one can rely on her. No one will believe in her.

She's a horrible person. She couldn't save anyone again.

Eventually the fight seeps out of her and she goes limp in Croix's arms. She will have to be dragged out of the trial room, unfortunately. ]

[scienceofmagic]

Chariot! Chariot...!

[ Croix isn't a strong person. It's a miracle she holds on to her like she does. Perhaps it's just pure determination. She'll catch her when she falls. And hold onto her tightly. ]

Someone, please, help me get her out of here...!

[incrediblystressedout]

[Joey will head over, wordlessly, to help with that. She's not exactly SO STRONG, but she can help. She wants to help, if only to put a hand on Ursula and try to help her calm down.]

[beguiledcard]

[ He's not going to say anything before simply reaching down and lifting Ursula as though she's made of paper, his eyes moving to Croix's face.

Where to, Croix? ]

[scienceofmagic]

Let's just get her out of here, for now. Depending, I have a few things I need to share with you all. Either her room or the food court.

[beguiledcard]

All right.

[ He cradles Ursula with care, and then proceeds to take her to the food court because she looks like she could use something cold... ]

Hey, Joey?

[ Glancing to said person. ]

[incrediblystressedout]

Yeah, Akira?

[Just. Shooshing Ursula and sticking close to both Witches.]

[beguiledcard]

[ His gaze softens as he asks. ]

Do you mind grabbing me a damp washcloth? I'm taking her to the cat cafe.

[ Once he's inside said cafe, he'll be setting her down gently. ]

[incrediblystressedout]

...good idea. I might have to improvise for the cloth, but I'll be right back.

[She'll split off some time between Croix's phone call and reaching the café, but she'll catch up eventually.]

[beguiledcard]

[ He nods at her when she returns, offering an attempted smile. ]

Thanks.

[ And he'll be placing the cloth against Ursula's forehead... ]

[beguiledcard]

[ It takes only a few seconds for things to click into place -- the power Kurama has... where his hand is now resting...

Something cold sinks into the pit of his stomach and his eyes widen. ]

Kurama, don't-!!!

[ But...

Once again, it's too late...

Once again... he couldn't do anything.

It doesn't even register that he's dropping to his knees until it's already done. His eyes rest on Kurama's unmoving form for a moment, his eyes still widened and unblinking.

Then, a glare slowly forms.

After slamming the more recently bandaged fist onto the floor, he grits his teeth. ]

Damn it!!!

[ In spite of the anger, it feels as though something inside of him has clicked into the "off" position. This time he can't cry... only slowly move to his feet, glance over to see Ursula... and quietly walk over to her. ]