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

[prescience]

[How do you live with yourself knowing that you, too, can be an adult?]

No, I don't think she could have either, barring other circumstances like the ones you mentioned.

If we were to consider who might have been able to overpower him [the list doesn't seem like it could be very long.] ... we should at least consider the line of inquiry Nagisa Shingetsu-san proposed. If Amdiranifani-san were to try...could he have made those marks?

[battlestations]

[believe it or not the KND function on a 'being young at heart is fine' policy, and Nigel is uniquely Like This because of some literal offscreen torture!! it's fine he's not like them!!]

...Maybe if he'd already knocked him down and was doing it with his paws. His teeth are far too sharp for it to be a bite, but the bruises were light.

[prescience]

He's small, even all together, so it could feasibly leave a lighter bruise. He is uniquely able to be in multiple places at once.

[BUT THE GUN!!! CAN DOGS SHOOT????

Oriko still looks like she's thinking very intently about this.]

I had thought that the bruises would have to be caused by someone large or strong enough to fight back against him, but...

[battlestations]

I think that's more likely myself, but we can't discount the possibility.

[prescience]

Someone stronger might leave heavier bruising, however. Say, Seven-san could just as easily have broken a limb instead. It's one or the other, but which?

[There are so few physical indicators toward an identity for Mystery Person #3.]

We need a breadcrumb.

[imozon]

If you're hungry, you could probably ask for a whole piece of bread.

[prescience]

I'm sorry, I just don't have that much of an appetite right now.