on the third day of christmas my true love gave to me a trial to see whodunit

[jinglehellmods]

WHO KILLED CHRISTMAS?

Four hours pass. Thug Dangerzone and Brasco move all the tables together (with no help from Starshine) and the "trial room" such that it is, is set. One long table with plenty of standing room if you aren't feeling like getting buddy buddy with your new best friends. No one seems to have wanted to move the body, so right next to the long table is Kido, sort of covered with the tablecloth. (Was it made to be a reminder, of what you've lost? Or are they just lazy?)

On each spot at the table is a sandwich and apple cider, and that basket sits ominously in the middle of the table as a gruesome centerpiece reminder. Next to the food is a pen and a small notebook, like the kind they use on police procedural.

After everyone is seated, or at least standing awkwardly around, Starshine goes to stand at the head of the table and claps her hands to get everyone's attention. "Hello everyone. I hope you used your four hours wisely!" She sets a piece of paper on the table, with a variety of names. "Here's your suspect list. We were doing a little digging while you guys were busy poking around, so we've determined it's one of these idiots. Please discuss among yourself who did it. When you're ready, write their name on the paper and hand it to one of us and we'll count. When a majority of you have all written the same name, we'll stop. Or, uh, I guess if you waste enough of our time."

She looks from Brasco to Thug Dangerzone and then back to the table and the gathered masses. She waves her hand in a sweeping gesture in front of everyone, "Let the Hunger Games begin!"

23 GUESTS REMAIN

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Comments

[commemoration]

[oh dear--]

Please don't say such things--threatening one another is terrible and will not help with this matter!

[codeofmisconduct]

I tried to believe that. But then why are we here? Kido of all people was trying to be helpful in this situation and yet this... is how he was repaid.

[happydreamed]

And murder in revenge will improve matters... how, exactly?

[codeofmisconduct]

We are trapped in a hotel with a murderer-- I don't see how matters can much improve.

Nonetheless I... understand what you're saying.

[happydreamed]

...We would still be trapped in a hotel with a murderer if you were to kill the culprit. That much would not change.

[It would just be a different murderer.]

I am sorry for what has happened to your blood-brother. But he did not seem like the type of person who would wish for you to put more blood on your hands. Killing his murderer cannot undo his death.

Let us focus on the evidence for now. After this, if you would like a listening ear, I would be willing to provide one.

[commemoration]

I... I know that someone did something so cruel to Mr. Kido, but...

[she's at a loss here, unsure of what to say or do]

[codeofmisconduct]

[He's calmed down and the result is just-- well he's sad.]

No, I'm sorry. That's not how I want this to end. And ultimately, the person I am most upset with right now is myself. For being unable to protect him.

[snackhabit]

[He's being given a bitter smile from Ries.]

You remind me a lot of someone I know. He wasn't able to protect the ones he loved... and he punished himself for it.

[codeofmisconduct]

I suppose... that's not inaccurate. If someone had to die, I much rather would have preferred it was me.

Kido deserved to go home, have a future...

[commemoration]

... Please don't say such a sad thing. You deserve to live just as much as anyone else.

[codeofmisconduct]

There's truth to that yet-- my future is already decided. His... didn't have to be.

[snackhabit]

[She wraps her arms around herself.]

Please, don't punish yourself. If Kido is your family, he wouldn't want this for you.

[codeofmisconduct]

He... was my family. He always will be, at least as far as I'm concerned. But I've kept things from him... He has no reason to still feel that way about me. Although-- for some reason, it seems he didn't remember that here.

[snackhabit]

Even if... [She looks like she's going to get mad.]

Even if you've kept things from him, he still was your family! Goodness, sometimes people are so stupid!

[codeofmisconduct]

I'll never know how he felt on the matter, however-- thank you.

That is... it means a great deal. I will remember that.

1/2

[snackhabit]

No, you're... welcome... I'm glad I could...

[snackhabit]

[And it's right there that Ries starts to cry.]

[commemoration]

... Oh no, are you okay? Do you need any tissues?

[concerned!!!]

[snackhabit]

I... I... I'm fine...

[Well, she's crying, so no she's not.]

[commemoration]

[oh noooo]

Please don't cry. It's going to be okay...

[codeofmisconduct]

[...this is the result he'd least hoped for. Especially now...]

...the fruit basket was yours, wasn't it?

[Yes. Yes we're talking about that right now.]

...can you tell me what happened?

[snackhabit]

Kevin... I need to get back to Kevin...!

[That's all she's saying right now.]

[commemoration]

You do not need to put so much blame on yourself. What happened to him here is not your fault.

[codeofmisconduct]

Maybe not, however... a feeling like that is hard to ignore.

Nonetheless I do want to try and do my best. I need to find his killer. I will do anything in my power to uncover the truth.

[commemoration]

Do not worry, I am sure that we will find an answer here.