Take Responsibility.

[kingmakereffect]

The elevator doors slide open at the end of the allotted time for investigating, and the ride down is quick-paced and smooth; there's a lot more space in here than there was at the start of the game, that much is obvious. But then, perhaps that's to be expected with almost a third of your original number dead. The doors slide open when the courtroom is reached, the podium circle waiting as always in the middle of what still seems to be an endless dark void; Yato, Taichi and Megumi have joined the ranks of the dead, their podiums draped in black, greyscale portraits set upon them. Watching the proceedings. And as always, they aren't the only ones watching. The Kingmaker waits until everyone is settled at their podiums to begin speaking; it's still impossible to tell where his voice is coming from – other than, perhaps, 'everywhere.' "Protective has been taken from you. Looks like the guilty thought their secret was worth more than her life... Or maybe they just wanted out and decided to be the one to succeed at Rule Seven where everyone else has failed. Whether they succeed or not is up to you." Nineteen Survivors remain. How many are still alive at the end of the day is your decision.

Comments

[goodforsomething]

[Stan was so ready for this execution before. But this...this isn't right.]

> INVITING

[When it's done, he leaves his podium to go over to Pearl's - not too close to Norman, but closer.] Hey. Don't be scared, okay? You don't wanna let the Kingmaker see that...proud lady like you, right?

[psychoh]

[he spares him a slight glance, before returning to his normal position: standing straight-backed at the podium, hands clasped in front as if in prayer, chin raised.]

I have nothing to fear. [and yet... there's another slight falter. maybe a tear forming. it's hard to tell; he closes his eyes.] Norman is the one being punished. This has nothing to do with me.

[goodforsomething]

...yeah, sure.

[Stan, on the other hand, is watching Norman like a hawk. Mostly for signs of danger, but...sometimes he wishes he couldn't read people quite so good.

He sighs, turning away. Then, very much against his own better judgment, he leans over enough to place his hand against Norman's shoulder. He's seen kids like this before. Not just like this, but like this. By the time he met them, it was always too late for anything to change. Not without support they could never get.]

It'll be over quick. Just keep your eyes shut. You don't...you shouldn't watch.

[psychoh]

[Norman would flinch away from the touch; Norma, of course, has no such qualms. his eyes shut tighter, hands increase their grip.

what will it be like, to die? it can't be worse than living.]

[goodforsomething]

It's gonna be okay. You'll see.

And hey - what you were sayin' before about monsters?

[Stan pauses, looking up, watching the lights. This probably isn't the brightest thing to say, but no one did before. He thinks it should be out there. Still, he gives it a second, until he thinks the blackout is imminent. Then he pats the shoulder and says in a low voice:]

Sounded a lot like it was self-defense to me.

[And then he's gone, stepping quickly away. Don't wanna be too close when he goes down to the pit.]