THIRD TRIAL

[whimsicalism]

To the court room. Make it quick, alright? I don't really know about any of you but I don't want to waste more time on a couple of bratty teenagers.

[The Queen still is silent as you descend to the court room. There are ten less of you than when you began. The podiums look empty as you go to them. Even if the podiums are getting empty, though, there is a new jury box near the Alices that is rather full... of ghosts of all the participants of the previous round you've discovered and of your dead compatriots. They don't talk but they're there. Judging. Always judging.

There is someone who doesn't notice this addition, though. Queen Alice.

The Queen is quiet but she's next to the Cat. Her head is bowed to her chest as she seems to sleep quietly. Then as movement she jolts up, smiling vaguely as she nods.]

Yes, a tea party--that's what we...need...

[Her head drops back to her chest as she falls asleep again. The Cat glances at her then back at the crowd with agitation.]

Someone is responsible for Lena and Neku's deaths. Do something about it, will you? Why did you even bring one of those ghosts in with you, anyway?

Comments

Re: EVIDENCE

[imozon]

I took a look at Lena's body, which we found under the pirate ship.

She had a small hole in her chest with some traces of blood around it. Most of it had washed away underwater but what was left looked like it had been smeared. She also had some scratches on her, and some clay stuck to her fingers.

I found this in her pocket.

[She pulls out the combat knife, still in its sheath.]

[strictura]

[ Duck fingers... ]

So both of them were shot, presumably by the same gun. Correct?

[imozon]

I... guess? It looked like it could have been a bullet hole.

[soverainty]

Hmph. So somebody finally took a look at the sitting duck in the room.

[Despite her tone, she looks displeased about this. Either that or it's the duck fingers.]

At least we don't have to ask how you drown a duck.

[imozon]

Ducks are birds. They can drown.

[come on even she knows that]

[soverainty]

Floating birds? Seems like a pain in the ass. Have you ever tried to sink a buoy?

[Why is that her go-to example.]

[imozon]

Why would I do that? That's weird.

[Also she's never been to an ocean but shh.]

[soverainty]

That's what simulations are for, you know. But if you've ever tried with any kind of pool float, it's the same thing.

[Sorry they're comparing your corpse to pool floaties now Lena.]

[seventhlittlemonster]

[...he wants to explain to her he really does but he's going to say nothing. he wants to revel in feeling like he knows more than her for however long that lasts]

[soverainty]

[I see he's ducking out of the conversation for valid reasons.]

[seventhlittlemonster]