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

[codeofmisconduct]

Not at all. I hold Kido's abilities in high esteem-- to recognize you as his killer is no insult to your skills. What you've used them for however... I of all people find hard to forgive. Yet I can't say I don't understand.

Only that I wish I had been the one you chose. Unlike Kido, my only fate is to accept my place in prison.

cw: suicide

[snackhabit]

I said you remind me of Kevin, right? He's stuck in Gehenna right now. He's suffering, alone. I was there by his side and he said he would try to make it out because I was there by his side. He thought that was his only fate after he killed my sister, but I think different. After all, he didn't mean to kill her.

I love Kevin, and have and will do everything to ensure he will stop blaming himself for my sister's death... and for his mother who committed suicide when he was a child. And for every other death he thinks is his fault.

[codeofmisconduct]

[Ah... so that's who she meant he reminded her of. That is... especially painful. Especially because he can't argue with what she wants to do.]

...I'm glad you were willing to share your story with me.

[After all, he wouldn't have forced her. But there's some solace in knowing.]

No one deserves to suffer alone. [That is genuine.] Yet if we don't pay the price for the sins we commit, then the cycle of suffering will never end. That's why when this is over I'm turning myself in, despite everything it means. And that's why-- I can't accept that you would make sacrifices of other people's loved ones for your own.

I can't forgive that.

What people do-- what they've done-- whether intended or not, is their burden to carry. You murdering someone will not ease that burden for him. If he's fighting, it's probably for your sake, not his own. At least... that is what my position would be.

[snackhabit]

You're lucky to live in a world where you can turn yourself in. Kevin has to live with this burden and this pain for the rest of this life because of his position as the Fifth Dominion. He never wanted it, but as soon as he awoke to his power, his fate was sealed.

His fate... was... sealed. [And... she starts to cry again.]

For five long years he wouldn't let me talk to him. He wouldn't let me hug him. He wouldn't let me near him. For five long years. But finally, finally he's started to rely on me. Because he's finally understood that we're family.

[codeofmisconduct]

[Ah--]

I see. I can't imagine what that must feel like.

[He can grant her a tissue though.]

Nonetheless, he must have been very happy that you never stopped loving him. I... would be, if I were so lucky.

[He can't say he knows now... or if he ever will. But he hopes at least-- for her, that can mean something.]

[snackhabit]

I'm... sorry for taking away your oath brother. I... didn't know.

["So go on. If you want to avenge her, do it. If anything, it'd make me happy if you did."

Kevin told her that when she found out he had killed her, so...]

I won't say it would make me happy if you avenged him, but... I would understand if you felt the need to.

[codeofmisconduct]

We were strangers it's... not strange you didn't.

[It had been such a short period of time after all.]

I would be lying if I said I didn't want to.

[He made that clear enough earlier.]

But... that isn't my place. I'm not a police officer anymore, nor do I have a right to call myself a yakuza. What happens to you... will be up to the proper authorities. And if that means you get to go free, back to him-- then you'll simply have to find your own way to repent.

[snackhabit]

I can't say I'll repent. After all, I think you've figured out that's not exactly the kind of nun I am, but I won't forget the price I paid... the price you paid.