SIXTH TRIAL

[bathymetric]

Alright, same as every week before this - gather at the Vault Door so my Assistant can let you in. And I can start hoping to salvage at least the aquarium.

[ The Assistant, nee Failsafe, stands in her armor at the ready when you arrive, not saying a word and simply unlocking the door and elevator for you to head on down to the trial room. Second verse, same as the first five verses, but a whole lot quieter and a whole lot meaner.

The elevator is a lot emptier now, isn't it? Your number has fallen yet again since the last time you were here. Feels like yesterday, or maybe forever ago? Time's feeling pretty weird right about now, but trial days are for getting locked into the moment. You're here, you're present.

You're running out of allies.

The screens are the same as ever, though, and lower as you enter. ]

I see you haven't decided to continue to increase the number of bodies this week. Perhaps something to be thankful for, in all of this. Hotshot is dead, and the responsibility of finding his killer falls to you. Hopefully this is all old hat to you by now, no?

[The screens rise.

Welcome to your sixth trial. ]

Comments

[blackmass]

It is as all of you so clearly outlined--self-defense, not that it matters in the slightest.

I find it annoying I have to spell out as much for you.

[mouflon]

I just want to make sure there's no misunderstandings.

[ There's something else she wants to ask him, but... Look, even she can't manage the level of spite it would require to ask so, do you intend to off yourself before the vote? with a cheerful smile on her face, so!! ]

[blackmass]

There have been many between us, but this is not one of them.

[As if to answer, he took out a knife stained with traces of blood, hidden separate from his coat (the more obvious hising place, as Rin had determined) ...and laid it on the podium.]

In another world, this belonged to your father. Take it, or do not. I don't care.

[mouflon]

[ Ugh. Her spitefully sunny expression wavers in the face of that, and she briefly looks away. ]

...I've told you before, that Rin Tohsaka and I are different people. I can say that for sure, because I knew her when I was young.

That thing belonged to her father, not mine, and I don't think either of us are going to want it back if you're about to do what I think you are.

cw: suicidal ideation

[blackmass]

Suicide is a mortal sin I have contemplated many a time, but on top of all others I simply don't care to carry it out.

I'm already dead. This whole pointless trial was just stalling to catch up with that.

[mouflon]

[ yikes, pal ]

...Well, whatever. I can respect that much, at least.