THIRD TRIAL

[bathymetric]

If you have time for a grisly operation like that, I think you've had all the time you need to gather evidence. Please proceed to the door to the trial room elevator as quickly as possible.

[ Once you arrive, it's the same song and dance as the last two weeks. Angel helps you all get through the vault door and into the elevator, and watches as you all make the slow descent to the dome below. Standing in the elevator is more than a comfortable fit now, even for the largest among you. A few more of you lost and there'll be room enough to pace in here.

But maybe you don't want to think about that.

The dome of the trial room is the same as it's been, the only change the dull red glow coming from the two newly-unoccupied podiums. The screens above flick on, and lower down to make an address. ]

You know the score by now. Find Seteth's killer and you can all go free. Fool them all, killer, and you'll have your life and your reward. Other than that, whatever happens here is between all of you. Call for me if you need anything.

[ The screens rise again, leaving you here.

Welcome to your third trial. ]

Comments

[bathymetric]

[ :3c ]

I simply thought I should leave the call to a vote until you all sort out... whatever this is. I'd much rather only call once.

[ -yeah he sounds like he's just having a great time right now ]

[blackmass]

[good, let them fight]

[philoxenia]

You really are the worst.

[ girl squad yells at ceiling ]

[reallyhatesharks]

You can call the vote any time, asshole! Khaleesi over there's a bitch but being a bitch isn't a crime.

[snackooed]

It's as sorted as it's going to get...

[ Can you tell that she's definitely nowhere near as comfortable holding this stuff as she was before, with all of this happening next to her? Heavy are the hands that hold the sword-- ]

[philoxenia]

Here-- let me hold that.

[ you've done enough, Ema! ]

[pimpplan]

I can take it, if you'd rather me put her out of her misery.

[ What's he got to lose at this point? ]

[philoxenia]

No--it's bad enough we've lost Seteth and now you.

[ She isn't angry she's just... exhausted. ]

[pimpplan]

Eh, you'll be fine. You have the others to rely on, right?

[philoxenia]

That's--

[ She sighs, crossing her arms over her chest. And then, abruptly-- ]

... Zelos, your sister--if we make it out of here, and we can find a way to other worlds, what should I tell her?

[pimpplan]

[ He thinks for a minute. Then: ]

Just tell her I died. And I'm sorry, I guess.

[philoxenia]

Alright. Then that's what I'll tell her, if I can.

[ And if she can't, well...

She tries not to think too hard about that. ]

I did enjoy speaking with you, by the way. So... thank you for that.

[pimpplan]

Ditto, kid.

[ He looks a little Distant™, but he still gives her a wink. ]

Hopefully I make good on that promise about not being the one to drive you to drink.

[philoxenia]

[ coping mechanisms, whomst?

She forces a little smile. ]

I wouldn't worry too much about that, at least. I have enough bad habits as it is.

[hardnosed]

So call it now. We're done here.