castle_whims | THIRD TRIAL

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?

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Some idiot thought they would be clever.

[The Queen sort of stirs then mumbles something about cake.]

Are you disappointed that you weren't able to punish them for their transgressions?

[Hard to do that to someone who is already dead, right?]

[She turns to glare... at the jury box.]

Yes.

I'm a little surprised. Shouldn't you be relieved that someone finished your work for you? And continued the next turn in the game.

[Bait! That! Cat!]

[Just. Gestures at the Queen.]

I know you don't really care but why would I be glad about this?!

Don't be mistaken: I care more than you might think. That girl doesn't deserve any of this.

Providing we resolve this, all implicated parties will be gone.

That didn't answer my question. If you truly cared you would be just as angry at Neku as I am.

[She looks rather sad, actually.] It doesn't matter to you that he's dead. You can't undo what took place regardless of the outcome.

You couldn't stop it, and that's why you're angry. But I'm thinking of how it's unlikely to happen again.

It doesn't matter to you that he's dead, either. Don't try to act like you actually care about any of the people here.

Don't I? I suppose I could stop contributing to these investigations if that's the case.

You won't because teenagers like you always have to play hero. That's why you're a magical girl.

[The anti-teenager sentiment is growing...!]

I don't believe you have any idea why I'm a magical girl.

No one would believe you anyway. That's why you're Cassandra.

[Watching this play out with a small frown.]

...I'd believe her.

I would too. Magical girls do a lot for the sake of people they care about, after all.

I'd believe her, too.

[She probably doesn't have to explain why, in context.]

[She looks legitimately surprised by those words from all three of them, and then a little moved, one hand hesitating over her chest.]

[Why do you have so many supporters, Oriko?!]

...I'm sure she'll be glad to hear that she really has no friends.

[The Cat is looking at the Queen.]