Week 3, Saturday

[foundationmods]

This time, when everyone files into the studio, they aren't escorted to their seats. Instead, they are sent to podiums up on the stage arrange in a semi-circle. Everyone can see each other, and everyone is also visible to the cameras. Off to stage right is a jury box with 12 prinnies in it, all in various states of 'fancy dress'. One is wearing a suit top, another a blouse, one a huge Colonial-era wig. To stage left at box 0 is Dazai's seat, where he will be spending most of the trial, but he will get up to move around at times. And in the very center is a picture of Aqua. Once everyone is in their spots, one of the prinnies will hit a gavel against the podium in front of it, signaling the start of the trial.

It's time to find Aqua's killer.


EDIT: voting link

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[visionem]

There is no progress without struggle.

[eldritcheyes]

We've been struggling, you idiot! It's been an uphill battle for us 6350's to stay alive, and you just made it a shitload harder for us! Why?!

[visionem]

Has it really been? A game is just that, a game. Reality isn't so kind.

[eldritcheyes]

No shit! You think I don't know that?! You have no idea the kinds of things I've already gone through, and that's just me! What about everybody else here? Making it worse because you wanted to test us is selfish! If that's it, you're just as bad as the ones running the Foundation, Alcor!

[visionem]

I do not presume to know what you or anyone else has been through prior to this point. I can only act with the knowledge of what you have all shown me.

[ He tilts his head. ]

Likewise, you do not know me—what I have done in the past both for and against humanity.

[eldritcheyes]

It's not about humanity right now! It's about 6350's, and in case you forgot, you're one, too! Or do you really want all of us wiped out?!

[visionem]

I am aware of that fact, Leonard Watch.

[ That's harsh and strikingly frigid, though it smooths out after. ]

That is not what I wish for.

[eldritcheyes]

Then what do you want?!

[visionem]

You do not need to know.

[eldritcheyes]

Bullshit! People are dead, and no matter how much you think you're above it all, a lot of us are hurting AND WE DESERVE ANSWERS, DAMMIT!

[The Eyes crack open slightly, Leo's intent quite clear. Luckily for him, their power is negated at the moment, though the realization that he's being blocked makes him rage through gritted teeth.]

[visionem]

[ Regardless of boxy shenanigans in the past, present or future at that the metal tendrils swarm around Alcor, similar to a many limbed spider. ]

You do not deserve, anything. Progress and answers are all earned, they always have been since the Beginning.

[eldritcheyes]

And who gave you the right to say all the blood spilled and lives lost didn't earn any answers?! When's it enough, when you're the only one left standing?!

[visionem]

I took it for myself because that was the role others assigned for me. Those who faced down the seven days of judgement and defied fate despite the odds, perils, and destruction. Those who fought even when it was hopeless.

[ ... ]

I have no desire to rule over an empty world. Nor do I have a desire to see it suffer in the first place.

[eldritcheyes]

The world they wanted you to watch over? This isn't that world. Here, you're just like us, except you still think like some... divine administrator. Well, you're not one right now. So you've gotta start cooperating with us, before we all go down together. Because I'm pretty sure they have a countermeasure against you, and if you think they won't use it the second you throw this kind of above-it-all crap at them, you've got less godly brains than you think.

[visionem]

[ ...that was probably not the right thing to say. His lips curve downward before those tendrils shoot out towards Leo (he has long reach despite the distance) though in the mess of everything his aim isn't great considering. ]

I do not have to do anything unless I want to. That is the gift and curse of free will.

[failsaw]

[OH SORRY, were you trying to murder one of giriko's teammates? Leo's getting a hand on his shoulder as Giriko yanks him back.

oh and leo's getting one of giriko's hands over his mouth. shut up, idiot kid.]

Hey! Asshole! Put the shitty tentacles away, this isn't a fuckin' porno!

[eldritcheyes]

[Leo's intimidated, but he's the Tortoise Knight. He fucking stands his ground, shouting at Alcor even as the tendrils shoot toward him.]

I have free will, too! So expect me to get up in your case if you're keeping shi--

[And then Giriko yanks him away. He's fighting mad, still yelling behind her hand.]

[failsaw]

[HOLDING HIM

giriko is strong, not quite to the level of supernatural but stronger even than she looks (and she looks pretty strong)]

Shut up, kid. [She mutters. This has the potential to go very bad, very quickly.]

[eldritcheyes]

MMPH!!

[He's glaring(??) at her over her hand but at least he's not fighting to escape her hold. Let him go so he can headbutt Alcor, dammit!]

[failsaw]

[And then, once Alcor leaves and Giriko tugs Leo even further away from him,]

What the fuck were you thinking? You tryin' to get yourself killed?

[is this... concern? No, not quite, but it is Giriko being serious, without that wild, angry bluster.]

[eldritcheyes]

[He yanks away from her, scowling.]

I'm sick of people hiding shit that might help all of us! We're supposed to help each other, not this!

[He flails his hands vaguely in the direction of... well, everything and everyone around them.]

Sandalphon and Aqua are dead because there's still not enough trust between everybody, and the Foundation's gonna use that to wipe us all out! Like regular people don't disagree and fight and even kill each other all the time, but they'll spin this to make us look like monsters!

[visionem]

[ gj that completely throws Alcor off. He's retracting those tendrils of his and just blinking a bit. ]

...what?

[failsaw]

This ain't the time and place for that, and you fuckin' know it.

[visionem]

[ ... ]

Perhaps not. There are more significant matters to attend to, after all.

[failsaw]

[Giriko isn't going to keep goading him. Not right now.]