trusthell | Take Responsibility.

Once again, the time allotted for investigating seems to run slightly long this week - understandably so, most likely, given the state of the bodies and the fact that there were a pair of them this time. But eventually that time does draw to a close, leaving nothing but the elevator waiting for you at your floor of choice and perhaps a sense of irony in the notion that there's quite literally nowhere to go but up from here.

Once again, the deceased have had three more join their numbers since you were here last - greyed-out portraits of Killia, Vanille, and Phi have been set up on their places in the podium circle, watching the proceedings with unseeing eyes from atop the black fabric that's been draped over their spots.

The lectern above remains unoccupied; the Wordsmith's voice can be heard either way, however, echoing throughout the room once everyone has found their place in the circle.

"Two more Apprentices' lives have been lost, and this time the guilty seeks to terminate their course of study with company in tow. Whatever their reasoning, should they wish to circumvent death or perhaps simply have the living accompany them, will you truly allow Encouraging and Rational to have died for that purpose?

If your answer should be 'no', then have the guilty held accountable for their actions."

Thirteen Apprentices remain. It's your job to decide how many are still standing by the end of the day.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[...]

Elda... Would you mind repeating...what you just told me...for everyone to hear? And...if you could explain how you know that...?

... I do! I do mind! I won't repeat that!

[ She shouldn't have said that. She shouldn't be thinking- ]

Edited 2017-03-04 20:57 (UTC)

[She gets a firm grip on Elda's arm.]

But if you don't we all may die! You and I, and Silver, Watanuki and Orihime- Estellise, Mikazuki- Sportacus, Jasper, Guzma, Bruce- everyone here aside from whoever is chosen to be saved!

It's Gangrel! We just need to drop his sorry ass into the pit! I will not repeat that! I will not -- I can't betray my friend!

Not if we don't get both of them- if you won't say it, I'll for you!

Don't forget I'm right next to you Hanyuu! I'll throw you to the ground!

[ HOLD UP. RUNNING OVER THERE NOW-- ]

Don't touch her!

She won't hurt me, Orihime.

[...Hanyuu sounds sure of that.]

I don't care, Hanyuu. I'm tired of not being able to protect the people I care about. If Marker-san wants to hurt you, she'll need to get through me, first.

...

[Hanyuu smiles at her. She'll reach over and touch Orihime's cheek, briefly.]

I'm very proud of you.

(no subject)

introspects - 2017-03-04 21:12 (UTC) - Expand

Then I'll stain my claws with your blood! Back off!

matchbreaker - 2017-03-04 21:19 (UTC) - Expand

introspects - 2017-03-04 21:19 (UTC) - Expand

matchbreaker - 2017-03-04 21:24 (UTC) - Expand

... Hanyuu.

[ You can't make her repeat that. ]

You don't have to say it. I will. I'll carry this sin...alright?

[She speaks low, gentle.]

matchbreaker - 2017-03-04 21:12 (UTC) - Expand

Marker-san. If there was someone else involved, we need to know.

You stay out of this, human!

[ That's the cruelest insult she can think of ]

No, I won't--not when our lives are on the line!

[ WELL... ]

[ .... his eyes narrow. ]

Excuse me?

[ NO ]

Edited 2017-03-04 21:08 (UTC)

So you would rather take the betrayal that was given to you and pass it on to everyone else?

[His voice is incredibly sharp and angry there.]

Or is it that this- [He taps at his forehead. The word that had been written there is long gone, but the memory of it is fresh in his mind.] -meant nothing to you?

That's right!

[ And Elda... laughs. It's strained and there are tears in her eyes, but. ]

I couldn't-- I care far more about some people than others! Any woman is allowed that!

Isn't Hanyuu one of them? You're willing to let her die?

...You do.

So you know...I would die if they get away with it, don't you?

[She's...so very sorry for this.]

Then it's a good thing Hanyuu is here to forgive you for something so incredibly selfish and self-destructive. Because I won't.

[ ABOUT THAT.... ]