dangansuffering

[dangansuffering]

The world keeps turning, And maybe that's okay || Johan DS2 Epilogue

So finally it’s over. They’re free and after all of that the ending was? Anticlimactic. The remains of wondercorp rescued them along with Ripley…. As soon as Johan saw their sibling they ran for the boat. Sprinting up the gangplank Johan wasted no time in throwing himself into Ripley’s arms, and for the first time in a long time Johan allowed himself to openly weep. A Gross sob with thick hot tears that soaked into Ripley’s sweatshirt. Everyone else could judge him for that but ever since figuring it out, Ever since the knowledge that Johan had made the biggest mistake of trusting Tama with his feelings, Johan allowed himself to feel things and take his turn having a breakdown. 

“It’s okay Jojo, You’re safe now. I gotcha.” Ripley said Stroking their brother’s hair and holding him well after the boat departed the facility. IT was over, Johan was safe.

[READ FULL EPILOGUE HERE]

[dangansuffering]

Tying Up Loose Ends | DS2 Epilogue

Uncertainty was a frequent companion during the killing game, now being colloquially referred to as Project Genesis, but gradually over the next few weeks, certainty starts to return.

The majority opinion seems to be that there’s been too much death already. Ultimately, it’s decided that Onryo’s freedom will be taken instead of their life. They’ll spend the rest of their days in a prison made just for them - a fate some might argue is worse, with some satisfaction, than the clean escape of death.

No bargains are struck with them, but they prove fully cooperative in sharing information about the Splinter. Operatives Regal and Trickster are revealed as the ringleaders, having formed the rogue cell originally with Deadline and Frost. After Onryo joined, a few more members were recruited based on viability - Odile, Corvid, Friday, Cog… Masque and Feline were allegedly pressured to cooperate with the Splinter by Frost and Regal, who were holding their ill boyfriend hostage.

The remaining members of the Splinter are summarily tracked down. Regal and Trickster die when they trigger the self-destruct sequence on their safe house, taking out several WC members with them and wounding a dozen others. Odile is still in the wind, and is judged a high priority target, while Masque and Feline are slated as low priority and there’s a pervasive sense whenever the topic is mentioned that unless they start causing problems again they probably won’t be pursued.

The Wonder Corporation undergoes a much needed house cleaning that leads to an even more needed deconstruction. Assets are split up, more distant branches dispersed, and new policies introduced as the Triumvirate consolidate the organization back down to a trusted few. The Future Foundation oversees this, working with Decker as the primary liaison. Finally, it’s certain, there will be no more Splinter, no more Projects, no more killing games.

Not everyone is held to the level of accountability that they probably should be, but the world is a far from perfect place.

Perhaps what matters most is not those who are punished, but those who survive and go on to keep living.

[dangansuffering]

Belated Ending Sequence | DS2 Finale

After an initial round of explanations and a confrontation, the tension in the air starts to fade, and the group starts to break apart. First, Miho and Basil are led to the Morgue by Riku and Didier, where Miho seeks the closure of seeing his son’s body. There is discussion during this time, the survivors alternately speaking to one another or asking questions. Sorrel conducts some cursory medical examinations, inasmuch as he can while they’re all standing in the hallway. At one point Timber breaks off to go and collect some items left in the dorms.

The trauma of the experiences in the facility lingers over the scene like a miasma. The game may be over, but the effects of the ordeal are clearly still being felt, and the survivors will carry the scars - both visible and figurative - for the rest of their lives.

And yet…

By the time those who had departed on errands return, Decker has reclaimed control of the facility’s tech, including the androids, via the wrist tablet that was returned to him.

“Here.” Decker taps on the angular, hollow chest of an android and it opens up, revealing a compartment. Inside of which is… an axe, Timber’s Lucky. He pulls it out with a faint grimace and holds it out towards Timber. It takes a bit of effort, but he manages to bite his cheek and refrain from making any jokes about not killing him with it.

Humor is a coping mechanism, but not for everyone.

“Honestly when I heard it was confiscated I thought it was probably destroyed, but apparently Riku stashed it somewhere after all. Go figure.”

It’s confirmed that Riku is the sole surviving member of the Splinter still on the premises, with Masque - the Splinter operative who had been acting as Surveillance - having fled via helicopter during the final trial. Decker directs the androids to carry any luggage and personal items that anyone requests, and the group is led, finally, out of the building.

It’s a beautiful, sunny day outside. Gulls fly overhead, adding their occasional cries to the sound of the ocean washing up against the shore, the docks, and the boat anchored there. The air is salty but fresh, and everything seems brighter and softer somehow, the colors more vivid. It’s been a long time since those of you in the game had truly been outside, and perhaps you’d begun to fear you never would be again.

Not all of you made it out. Some of the people that arrived with you will never get to see this sight - sunlight on waves, a figure with brightly dyed hair and round glasses waving from the deck of the ship, trying to catch Johan’s attention. But some of you did make it, some of you are here, still standing.

Didier Lestrange, Hikaru Suzuki, Johan Kaelin, Keisha Deering, Reese Bellamy, Seidou Yokushiku, Timber Woods, Kazuko Kagami.

The survivors will never be the same, but in spite of everything, you’re still here.

[dangansuffering]

Director’s Cut | Endgame

As the sickening image of Eva’s ruined face fades from the screen, the room seems unnaturally still and quiet. With apparently no one sure how to react, the silence is almost palpable, until there comes a soft ding! from the elevator behind you that announces the door sliding open.

“Perfect timing.” Riku says, and walks towards it without hesitation. “Not to transition scenes too rapidly, but poor Eva’s finale was a bit spoiled there anyway, wasn’t it? Probably a last joke from Tama, it certainly wasn’t my doing. Anyway, I’m sure you’re all eager to get out of here, and I have a feeling we’ll find the exit on the ground floor already open, and some new visitors waiting for us.”

It’s possibly worth noting that Riku’s usual robot escort is absent. In fact, all the robots in the room seem to have gone still and unresponsive. This doesn’t appear to concern them, if they notice at all. Nor do they show any reluctance about riding down in the elevator with those of you remaining.

The trip is short, and perhaps surreal, coming straight from witnessing yet another gruesome death, even if it was wholly deserved.

When the doors open again on the Black Level, a new development is immediately apparent. A gap has appeared in the center of the wall to the right, the large metal plating having slid aside to reveal a large set of double doors, currently hanging open, with the orange tinge of late afternoon sunlight streaming through.

And there are people here.

Decker is familiar enough, even in the scrubs he was dressed in and leaning unsteadily on an IV stand. The rest, however, are strangers to most of you. There’s a small, elegant looking man dressed expensively, with pastel blue hair almost the same color as his eyes. His age is hard to determine, but he doesn’t look very old, especially next to one of the two figures flanking him, a woman of average height who must be in at least her fifties or sixties, though she’s just as clearly in excellent shape. She’s dressed in dark body armor, her iron gray hair pulled up into a neat bun, and she already has a gun leveled at you - no, at Onryo. On the blue-haired man’s other side, and standing much closer to him, is a very tall person, only a few inches shy of Seidou’s height, with an impressively well-muscled build.

“Wait.” The small man has placed a hand on the tallest one’s chest, palm flat. His voice is smooth and pleasant to hear, in keeping with his beautiful, delicate features - although the taut fury present in them makes them a little harder to look at. “Don’t kill Riku before I get to talk to them.” There’s a note of authority in his tone indicating that he’s very accustomed to his orders being followed.

“Hello, Miho. I assume Basil is with you?” Riku still appears unafraid… though not unaffected. They sound tired, resigned even, and they’re gripping their cane much harder than necessary.

“You sh-shouldn’t be killing anyone…” A low, gentle voice precedes a fifth person appearing, stepping through the large open doors. This one is familiar, you’d all seen them only a day or so ago on the screen when your loved ones were being rescued. Pale blonde hair tumbles down their back in soft waves, one eye is covered by a white square patch, and one pant leg is rolled up to show an unusual robotic prosthetic, ending in an expertly sculpted hoof instead of a standard foot. It makes a distinctive tapping noise on the metal floor when he walks.

He pauses, wide blue eye seeking among you, and landing on Didier. A little bit of tension seems to ease out of his shoulders, and he nods once, then his gaze moves on, and he visibly breathes out a sigh of relief at seeing Johan.

“R-Ripley has been worried... about you.”

--

Available NPCs:

Onryo (Riku) Decker (Evren) Mockingbird (Miho) Phoenix (Basil) - Played by Kaz/Ley Smokescreen (???) Unicorn (Sorrel)

[dangansuffering]

Friday Nightmare Lights || Execution

The wheel isn’t spun, and no robots drag or force Eva to her fate. On the contrary, when she sweeps out of the room it’s with the air of a starlet on her way down the red carpet, into the building of her latest premiere.

Even as the wall closes behind her, the large screen descends from the ceiling a final time, flickering to life a scant few minutes later.

Final Girl

The setting is laid out first - a dark forest, so dark that Eva can barely be seen, only the light colors of her clothing making her stand out against the void around her. Above her, a cloud moves, and the moonlight provides the illumination needed to reveal the rest of the scene as a dingy, abandoned summer camp.

There is movement in the shadows behind Eva, and for a split second you can see the glint of a knife. The crunching of leaves from under this figure’s foot draws Eva’s attention, and she turns to face it.

Where there should be a scream coming from Eva - creating a perfect shot for a classic slasher film - there is instead a smile.

As the figure approaches, Eva doesn’t make any move to run. While she is shaking, it’s from excitement more than any sort of fear. That excitement only grows as the revving of a chainsaw cuts through the almost-silent ambience of the night, and another figure approaches from her side. Then there’s another, this one having a nasty-looking meat hook extending from it’s sleeve. Then another, with sharp blades protruding from it’s hand. And another and another. They just keep coming, and as they step into the moonlight, each have a distinct set of clothing, most wearing a mask to cover their face.

Jason Voorhees. Leatherface. The Fisherman. Freddy Krueger. Michael Myers. Ghostface. The men who shaped Eva’s life, who kept her company on long, dark nights. They were here to claim her, finally, to make everything she wanted a reality.

This setting, the way this execution will go... it’s perfect for her. There are tears falling from her face, real tears. Tears of excitement, of happiness. She can’t wait. She’s ready, she’s ready.

Jason reaches her first, her sweet, darling Jason, and as the knife tears into her, she relaxes, closing her eyes.

Except... the knife doesn’t hit it’s mark.

No, instead Jason disintegrates into the night, into a literal puff of smoke. One by one, the rest disappear as well, until even the world around her dissolves, falling away to instead reveal a brightly lit dressing room.

Aside from Eva, all that is left is a young girl in a tiara and a pageant gown, no older than twelve. Her eyes are blank and unseeing, her face marred by chemical burns.

The excitement drains from Eva’s face, leaving only fear behind. Fear... and perhaps sorrow.

“No...” Eva gasps quietly, backing up against one of the mirrors. “Not her... not you...”

She is cut off by the girl swinging a hammer into her skull, hitting Eva with a strength no normal twelve year old should possess. The back of Eva’s head hits the mirror, blood splattering all around her. The girl hits Eva again, and this time the mirror shatters.

She’s hit again and again, over and over. Even when she goes limp and slumps to the ground, the girl continues her assault until Eva’s face is an unrecognizable, bloody mess.

EVA LAMBERT, ULTIMATE SCREAM QUEEN AND MEMBER OF THE SPLINTER HAS BEEN EXECUTED.

-

[Art Credit: Ross] 

[dangansuffering]

Results | Onryo | Votes Closed

“Time’s up. Votes are locked in.” It scarcely feels like four hours could have passed already, but they must have. Onryo steps forward again, cheshire grin in place.

“And let’s check our results… Eight votes for Eva Lambert, Operative Friday. One vote for Kazuko Kagami, Operative Chimera. Gotta say, I was expecting this to be more unanimous, but majority rules and the majority of you aren’t wrong. Tama would also have been a correct vote, or both of them, if anyone had asked, but Eva’s a solid choice, definitely the safest one for all of you, so congratulations. You’ve won, and as just one of your fabulous prizes, along with not being subjected to horrific death, I’ll do my best to explain a few things for everyone.”

“Let’s start with what Project Genesis is. In short, it’s referring to an orchestrated apocalypse event. Jumpstarting World War III, among other things. I’ll spare you the details, Tama told it better anyway, since it was his baby. In short, Tama had the bigger goal, Tama handled the tech development, Eva was the drive, Eva decided to use the killing game. A testing ground. A live set. Tama testing his inventions and his nerve for mass murder, Eva making her directorial debut. I’d say Tama would’ve passed with flying colors, if he hadn’t been killed. Definitely had the stomach to cause indirect death on a large scale, but didn’t have the stomach for bullets, apparently.”

Onryo… Riku shakes their head wryly.

“Of course, it didn’t end with him, did it? The AI he created, the one that’s been helping to run the game, is still around. Don’t worry, there’s ways of handling that, you’ve all done the important part. I’m just filling in the gaps for you here. Tama created the Wireless Artificial Intelligence for Utilities, or ‘WAIFU’ long before any of this, and implemented her into the facility’s systems. She’s been the one operating most of the robots, compiling data, running the executions - designed by Eva, of course. She’s also the one that’s been keeping HG in check, or was supposed to be, though apparently HG managed to hide clues around anyway.” Riku pauses, and a faint grin tugs at their lips. “I may have helped with that a little. Turned a blind eye, so to speak. Sorry, Eva. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, but… at the end of the day I’m still a victim of my own emotions.” What the hell does that mean? They don’t elaborate. The rest of the explanation continues, though.

“But just to cover any questions I’ll go back further, all the way to the beginning. Splinter was originally formed by Operatives Deadline and Frost, with the goal to abandon all the limitations WC placed on medical experimentation. Hiro was terminally ill and desperate for a cure at any cost, and Chloe… well, you all met her. Hiro - Deadline - recruited Regal and Trickster, because he could tell from their archival data that they’d be receptive, and then they took control of the Splinter faction when he died and brought me on board. Since then it’s been a circus. We all have our own agendas, Regal just uses us, and Trickster backs her plays. This game was all Eva and Tama, though. The rest of us were only helping them, for our own reasons. Some of you already know mine.”

Riku folds their hands over their cane, not resting their weight on it because it isn’t designed for that, but assuming a calm, relaxed pose.

“So, Eva… I think we can skip the formalities here.” The Wheel beeps faintly, lighting up to show all the wedges are White. “Spin if you want, I know you’re a fan of theatricality, but there’s only one outcome left for us. Of course if you want another dramatic monologue first, you’re welcome to it. Last chance for a question and answer period.”

[dangansuffering]

Slivers of Hope | Final Trial Start

While Onryo has been out of sight and radio silent for the past day, they were true to their word at least. All the rooms in the building that you know about have been left unlocked, and you’ve all had ample time to explore and investigate. Whether you found any of the scattered surprises waiting for you or simply used this time to rest, it goes by quickly.

Almost too quickly to keep track of, so that when your ElectroIDs start beeping and buzzing insistently again it may come as something of a jolt.

Time’s up. Meet at the elevator. Anyone who doesn’t come on their own will be escorted by androids.

This is certainly more brisk and terse than you’re used to the messages from Onryo being, but it proves true as well. For those of you who show up on your own, the elevator is already waiting, open, to receive you. Anyone who needs an escort will be herded or even carried or dragged by implacable robotic sentries into the elevator as well, and the door only closes once you’re all inside.

A familiar rumble, and it starts to rise… hopefully for the last time.

Nine of you remain. Only a little over half your original number, and soon, depending on your choices, that number could drop even lower. Do you feel the pressure? Or is it relief? Do you feel your doom ahead, or your salvation? Do you even trust that this really will be the end, for better or for worse?

The elevator doors open into the room. At a glance it looks the same as the first time you arrived. Pristine, any and all blood cleared away, podiums arranged neatly, the big bright Wheel lit up in the center. Except… the names showing on the screens in front of the podiums have changed.

Instead of your operative codenames, your real names are now on display, including those of the dead. For the living, the screens glow a pale green, for the dead, an unforgiving red.

The Dead:

Alice Thatcher Princess Michiko Jasper Krasnoff Kitaro Suko Moriko Sano Tama Fukumura Yoshika Mitsukazi

The Living:

Didier Lestrange Eva Lambert Hikaru Suzuki Johan Kaelin Keisha Deering Reese Bellamy Seidou Yokushiku Timber Woods Kazuko Kagami

It seems almost fitting, in the circumstances. A time for the truth to come out, a time for masks to be pulled away.

A panel in the wall opens, and the elusive Onryo appears again at last.

“Functionally this isn’t going to be that different from the murder trials you’ve been through here. Present evidence, or anything you may think is evidence. Discuss what you’ve found and what your theories are. Share what you know, or what you think you know. Ask questions, if you absolutely must. You all have… four hours. Four hours, and then your votes are locked in. Win your freedom, or lose everything. These are the only two outcomes. And you know...” For a moment, a softer smile appears on Onryo’s face, and their voice takes on a less professional cadence, a hint of an Osaka accent creeping in.

“I really do wish you the best of luck. You still have plenty to live for. So win, and go be a better person than me. It shouldn’t be hard, the bar is on the ground.”

Was that towards all of you? Only some of you? Or someone specific? As usual, Onryo remains a little cryptic even when they’re apparently being genuine.

“Now, the final trial has begun. Start talking.”

[TRIAL START]

-

[Crossposted to the Forum, Please Post Trial Replies There]

[dangansuffering]

Seek A Way Out || Trial End - Chapter Start

It’s startling how loud a gunshot really is. Several have gone off now, one in the room with you, more on the screen, and it’s difficult to say which is still ringing in your ears. Maybe all of them.

So many have died today alone that it’s perhaps difficult to grasp the full scope of it. How does the saying go, again? One death is a statistic… what’s thirteen? And what is Frost’s death, or Lioness’, compared to people who were innocent or who were your friends?

There are ten people left alive in the room. Bullseye, Chimera, Cue, Friday, Labrat, Maestro, Selene, Starling, Tomahawk… and Onryo.

“Congratulations for making it this far.” Onryo’s performative cheer is nowhere to be seen, melted into the sarcastic resignation that they’ve been slipping into more and more as time goes by. “I imagine you’re all even more exhausted than I am, and now that Chloe’s dead I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before one of you does something stupid like try to come at me again. I won’t go down as easily, I promise, but just to avoid embarrassing any of you in that way, let me tell you right now it won’t be necessary.”

Onryo steps away from the Wheel, moving towards the back of the room, giving the blood on the floor where Chloe had been a wide berth.

“There’s no more floors after this. And frankly, I’m not interested in continuing anyway. I feel like we’ve reached a natural narrative peak here. Things are just starting to lose impact, you know? So we’d better quit before we fall too far behind. Of course, I can’t just let you go - that wouldn’t be satisfying for any of us. Very anticlimactic. So instead we’re going to play one last little game. I’ll give you all the rest of today and tomorrow. Then, in the morning of the day after, we’ll all meet back up here, and you can try to pick out who the Mastermind is. What am I talking about? For those of you who never received a full briefing on the last projects or bothered looking into them, I’ll explain - I’m only the host. Someone else instigated this, someone else planned it, someone else picked who would spin, someone else laid out the motives, the executions, everything that’s been happening. You’ve all had plenty of practice finding clues and putting them together at this point, so I’m sure that if you look hard enough around this place you’ll be able to find everything you need. Investigate. Prepare. And we’ll have one last trial. If you win, you go free, I’ll call the rescue team myself. If you lose… well, then the Mastermind gets to decide what to do with you. I cannot emphasize enough that you do not want that. This isn’t an opt-out kind of deal either, so I suggest you really give it your all.”

A panel in the wall behind them slides open, and Onryo steps back into it, the shadows seeming to swallow them, leaving them unseen as their voice calls out, “Happy hunting.”

The panel shuts again. The elevator dings, doors sliding open. You’re alone in the Wheel Room, and free to go… at least, free to go back down to the other levels. But if Onryo can be believed, then maybe as soon as the day after tomorrow, you’ll be free entirely. Does that give you hope? Does the thought of finally escaping renew your motivation? Or are you apprehensive? Is it daylight at the end of the tunnel, or a train?

At this point, maybe you don’t even care anymore.

Either way, this is the beginning of the end… better rest up and get to searching, unless you want to resign yourself to a loss, and everything that entails.

[BONUS CHAPTER 5: MASTERMIND INVESTIGATION BEGIN]

--

All areas and rooms are now UNLOCKED and available to be investigated. An event channel will be made for public/group investigations in the RP server to encourage participation. Private investigations or questions may still be DM’d to the main mod or made in a private channel. Good luck! It’s been a long wait, but you’re almost there!

[dangansuffering]

Natural Habitat || Ch4 Execution

A few seconds later Onryo is straightening up again with a sigh. “Great. Fun. Now we’re without a medical professional. Oh well, guess that’s a bigger problem for you guys than for me. Never liked her anyway.” Did anyone?

The androids not concerned with keeping a hold on Lioness have collected Frost’s body and carried it into the walls, so at least you won’t be having to stare at that any longer, although the splatter and puddle of blood on the floor remains.

“Guess I don’t have to tell you this doesn’t change anything for you. You’ll be joining her in a moment.” Onryo makes a little gesture, and the robots promptly drag Lioness out as well, through a different wall, presumably looking like the cat that caught the canary.

That probably won’t last long.

Once again the screen descends from the ceiling and, moments later, flickers on to show...

The Most Dangerous Game

[TW: Head Trauma, Blood]

Lioness found herself standing in a forest alone in the eerie quiet.

Eyes narrowed as she scanned the area around her and her mouth narrowed into a thin line.

A shot echoed through the forest, and Lioness’ eyes darted to look in the direction that it came from.

Another shot even louder the first happened, and a hot burning heat brushed against Lioness’ cheek. Lifting her hand to her face she felt blood.

Lioness crouched low like a deer, watching and waiting until she hears the sound of a twig snapping underfoot. Before the hunter can get on her Lioness darts into the underbrush.

The unseen hunter shot again, but Lioness was already out of sight.

Trees and bushes rustled as Lioness ran through the forest avoiding the biggest branches and logs. She wasn’t being stealthy, but instead attempted to put as much distance between her and her pursuer.

Eventually the gunshots stopped, and after several minutes of sustained jogging Lioness found a small cave.

Quietly she walked into it just deep enough to take advantage of the shadows, but not so deep that she couldn’t see.

Seconds ticked by.

Slowly her shoulders relaxed, and Lioness leaned against the cave wall. The cave was cool enough to make a shudder travel down her spine, but the temporary relief is enough for her to close her eyes for a moment.

A gunshot once again echoes through the forest, but this time Lioness doesn’t run.

ALICE THATCHER, ULTIMATE CONSERVATIONIST, HAS BEEN EXECUTED.

--

[Art Credit: Cherry]

[dangansuffering]

Cornered Animals Fight The Hardest || Ch4 Trial End Event

“Well.” Onryo says flatly, into the almost ringing silence that follows Lioness’ attempts to mitigate some of the emotional fallout. “You’ve all had ample time to say goodbye, or whatever it is you want to say. Almost surprised none of you took a swing at her, that’s more brains than most of you usually have.” Ouch. Way to kick them when they’re down. Apparently showing some mercy for once doesn’t actually make the host any nicer.

It’s no surprise they’re speaking up now though, the Wheel has fully lit up, the colors as vibrant and dizzying as ever, waiting to seal the spinner’s fate.

“Come on, Lioness. Let’s see what you’re losing this time. For your sake let’s hope it’s not something that makes taking revenge on you easier.” The words are dull, rote, Onryo steps away from the Wheel to give her space.

“What happens happens. I’m ready to take my punishment.” Lioness explains and saunters up with false bravado. She won't upset the others more by fighting it or showing fear.

With her only hand she grabs the spinner and spins it with all her strength.

As the wheel spins, the lights flashing, there’s a sense of foreboding in the room. Whatever happens, it can’t be much worse than what already has, can it? Whatever the result, won’t it on some level be deserved? Coasting to a stop at last, the wedge at the top lights up… White.

“White. Execution.”

There it is, then. Perhaps the numbness following earlier events makes it anti-climactic. Perhaps it even seems fitting. So many have died today, what’s one more death?

One more death…

They probably shouldn’t have let the assassin keep her guns.

Lioness stares at it in something like shock, but then she unholsters her pistol. It looks giant in her small hand, but she holds it with practiced skill.

She smirks and dramatically points at everyone in turn, before setting her sights on Frost.

“I made you a promise Frost. I told you I’m a monster that hunts monsters, and as an expert you are one of the biggest monsters I’ve ever seen.”

She doesn’t wait for a response. She knows her time has run out, and there is no need for the robots to capture her alive.

With a simple press of her finger she fires her pistol, and the bullet rips a hole right between Frost’s eyes and she crumples to the ground dead.

Lioness then flicks the safety on, and holds her arms up in surrender, just in time for the team of androids to grab her by the wrists and shoulders. “Onryo, I can trust you can finish taking out this trash for me, right?”

“...Ow.” Is the first thing Onryo mutters in response, their hands pressed over their ears, cane dangling from its strap around their wrist. Lioness is having her gun confiscated and being thoroughly restrained. Frost’s body lays on the floor, an android leaning over it. It’s just possible to see her own gun in her hand, drawn quickly, but for all her speed not quickly enough this time. In all likelihood it was her own arrogance that killed her as much as Lioness’ bullet. “I get it, I get it, stop - stop fucking screaming, yes, I got the message, Chloe’s dead, st- turn the fucking mic off, Masque, if you can’t shut the hell up.”

[dangansuffering]

Results | Chapter 4 Trial End

Suddenly Onryo is moving forward between a few of the podiums left empty either by death or by their proper owners having moved to stand by someone else. They take their place in the center of the room.

“I will level with you, I did not expect that to happen. But all the votes are in, and while I’m sure you’ve all got reactions to what just happened, first you’re gonna hear the results, so listen up. Let’s go in order of body discovery, shall we? For Tama Fukumura’s killer, we have One vote for Operative Maestro, One vote for Operative Friday, One vote for Operative Bullseye, One vote for Operative Chimera… and Seven votes for Operative Cue.

As for the matter of Princess Michiko’s killer, the votes were as follows. One vote for Operative Starling, One vote for Operative Friday, Two votes for Operative Maestro, Three votes for Operative Cog, and… Four votes for Operative Lioness.”

Onryo pauses, briefly, for effect. They are not smiling.

“You were all pretty scattered for this one, huh? Too bad, but…” They spread their hands, cane dangling from one wrist, “Congratulations. You managed to get it correct on both counts. Operative Lioness murdered the Princess, fun fact, you have to study chemistry as part of an environmental biology degree. And then in a true coincidence, Operative Cue killed Tama later that same night. It’s really a shame neither of you is more of a team player. Maybe there could’ve been only one death this time if that were the case, or if either of you had moved faster, or if Lioness had left the body somewhere it would be found sooner. Kind of a fun tragicomedy of errors though, if you think about it. Oh and before I forget - there were Two votes for Executing Michiko’s killer, and One vote for Executing Tama’s killer. The rest were all Spin, though, so mercy rules the day again.”

They stop again, sightless eyes focused on nothing, expression neutral.

“You know what, fuck this actually. I’m tired. I think that’s more than enough for one day. You can all chatter while we get the Wheel fired up, but I’m making an executive decision here. Only Lioness is gonna have to Spin today. Cog managed to jump the gun even after his goddamn death, so I’ll split the difference here. Cue, you’re off the hook. Masque, get that fucking collar off her already, this is stupid.”

The belled collar around Keisha’s neck lets out a beep, and then clicks open with a faint mechanical sound, falling unceremoniously to hit the floor.

“Cool. I’ll just be standing here. Don’t at me.”

[dangansuffering]

A Tragic Coincidence | Chapter 4 Trial Start

The discovery of the second body seems to have prolonged investigation by another hour or two, but whether you utilized that time or not, the period comes to an end with the usual beeping and buzzing from your ElectroIDs. 

In the haze of confusion and stress following a double murder, the routine of assembling at the elevator and riding up to the wheel room goes by quickly, without fanfare. Onryo and Frost are waiting for you, standing in the back of the room as per usual with their accompaniment of robots. Decker isn’t present this time, for better or for worse. 

Ten of you remain, scattered around at your podiums amidst the glaring absence of the dead. Will someone else be joining them today...?

“Wow, you guys really went off this time, huh? Two whole bodies. Really making up for that whole ‘only one actual murder’ thing in the last project. Anyway, I’m gonna pre-empt some questions here. There’s been a slight update to the voting system. Since there are two victims, you now have the option of voting twice, once for each body. Of course, if there’s only one killer you can just vote for whoever you think that is twice. Maybe they’ll get double the punishment, guess that’ll be a fun mystery to solve. For now you should probably focus on just figuring out who killed who. Wouldn’t want another failure, would you?”

“I think you’re all practiced enough to know what to do from here, so... have at it.”

[TRIAL START]

-

[Crossposted to the Forum, Please Post Trial Replies There]

[dangansuffering]

Cut Strings | Chimera | Body Reaction

You should investigate.

I don't want to.

How are you supposed to be of use to anyone is you don't try?

I'm so tired.

When has that ever mattered?

Just let me sleep.

In the end, Kazuko really didn't have it in them to get up and start investigating. Seeing Cog dead, it was just a deep emptiness in them. They had always struggled to care about people whom they were not incredibly close so. So, why would they bother?

But the world punishes you for your sloth, something that Kazuko would soon discover.

As they lay in bed, their ID went off a second time. It must be trial time. they went to take a brief glance at the screen, only to freeze.

That wasn't...

That wasn't...

Static filled their mind and sight. they really didn't know how they got from curled up in their bed to the body. There was someone else here, but the static. The static kept them from seeing anything.

"Mi...Chi..?" Their voice was so weak and tired. Getting onto all fours, Kazuko ever so lightly touched the body. It smelled like... It looked like...

Unfair.

Cruel.

Wrong, wrong, wrong! They couldn't lose Paradigm too. They had already lost Vivi, their light, their purpose. What else would this world rob from them. The cat reached out from under the coat to lightly take her hand. They press their own hand into it, pulling it up and do their forehead.

They curled up once more on their side, pressing themself to her hand. Whether it was in their room or on the floor, Kazuko was always useless without a master. 

[dangansuffering]

Time in a Bottle | Starling | Body Reaction

[♫♫♫]

It was inevitable that someone would die. Reese might have been one of the more soft-hearted people here, but he was no fool. In the end, it was someone here or someone else's loved ones.

Someone else or his twin sister.

Someone else or him.

It was disgusting to think in such a cynical manner. Equally disgusting to feel a sense of relief when it wasn't Paradigm or Chimera. But no one else had to know, right? Only Reese and his loved ones had to know how selfish he could be.

It was fine. Just a bit longer, and they could get through this.

It was fine. He wouldn't get complacent again.

It was fine. It was... it was...

...his ElectroID went off again.

And Reese Bellamy took off, running at full tilt. He didn't stop until... until...

It was a lie, he told himself. It was a lie, his electroID couldn't- Paradigm... Michiko wasn't- there was no way that- it had to be a lie, it had to be a lie, it had to be-

-the cold, hard, truth, laid out for him in stark relief, soon as he arrived in the lab, holding out just until her reached her body, and his legs folded under him yet again.

The tears flowed freely this time, without so much as a token attempt at taping back his emotions from the puppeteer. Reese let them. What did it matter anymore? Nothing mattered, in light of this simple reality:

The motive had been cleared. Reese was still here. Lilian was still here. But Michiko, the Princess Hoshi, was gone. And a bit of Reese went with her.

This wasn't a children's show. Reese couldn't cry Michiko back to life. He had to act. He had to be useful. 

But Reese was a total marshmallow. He'd told Michiko as much on his first day here. He'd never been cut out for anything like this. He'd never honed the ability to be truly cynical or resilient. The motive had already ground any attempts at tamping down his emotions into a fine paste. Maybe this was the inevitable conclusion.

He couldn't stay. It wouldn't do him any good. It wouldn't serve Michiko's memory. And it wouldn't help Chimera if he remained like this. But for now... for now, Reese was content to remain here he was.

[dangansuffering]

Ch4 - Body Info [Pt. 2]

Your ElectroIDs all buzz, just as they had earlier, and no matter where you are you will see, to your horror, the arrival of a second body info file.

It may also be worth noting, distantly, that the motive app is gone. There is now no way to view and check on your loved ones... though comfortingly that means there is also no way for anyone to make further exchanges.

However that is likely a cold comfort as you see the photograph of the newest file.

[ Victim Name ] Michiko, the Princess Hoshi | Operative Paradigm [ Body Location ] Dark Room (Room K) - White Level [ Time of Death ] 9:45PM (Day 2 of Motive) [ Time of Discovery ] 8:09AM (Day 3 of Motive) [ Cause of Death ] Shock [ Body Discovered By ] Selene, Labrat, Maestro, Tomahawk

[dangansuffering]

Did You Think That Was All? | Ch4 Body Discovery [Pt. 2]

In the course of his investigations with Maestro, Selene, and Tomahawk, Labrat finds himself on White Level, outside of the Laboratory... when a strange odor coming from the hall to his left catches his attention. He looks that way, down towards the Dark Room.

"Um...I don't think this is the clue room..." 

He looks towards Selene and everyone else, then nervously shuffled towards the dark room. He covers his face with part of his robe as he approaches As he heads down the hall, Seidou sees there are what look like... singe and scorch marks along the floor of it. The closer he gets to the Dark Room the stronger the smell of... burnt hair and flesh is.

As he gets closer to the room, tears begin to form in the corners of his eyes. It was partially the smell getting to him, but mostly it was the idea of seeing a dead body. Please not a fourth, please not a fourth.

"I....I don't want to go in first. I'm sorry...I really am....I-I'll follow behind...it's just...a lot."

Selene presses their lips into a thin, worried line, then nods. "Alright." They don't hesitate in the movement towards where the smell seems to be coming from.

"I dont care for this at all." Maestro says coming up alongside the other two with Tomahawk. There is some more discussion, but ultimately Selene is the one to step forward, and opens the door to the Dark Room as Maestro, Labrat, and Tomahawk crowd up behind them. They draw the curtain aside to look into the room.

The Dark Room looks undisturbed although it is crowded with equipment the way dark rooms are, but more importantly, in the red glow of the dim lighting it’s possible to see...

Paradigm has been laid out on the floor with her arms crossed over her chest, her eyes are closed. Her glasses are folded and set to the right of her head. Her hair has been burnt and some of it has broken off into dust around her head like a black halo. The only thing covering her head is the hair that hasn’t burned or broken off and third degree burns. Despite this her face is mostly intact.

Her face has been mostly covered by a singed lab coat. It covers the rest of her body down to her calves which are bare along with her feet.

The line of succession is broken. The princess is dead.

---

[Art Credit: Kaz/Ley]

[dangansuffering]

Ch4 - Body Info

[ Victim Name ] Tama Fukumura | Operative Cog [ Body Location ] Laboratory (Room C) - Black Level [ Time of Death ] 11:37PM (Day 2 of Motive) [ Time of Discovery ] 7:33AM (Day 3 of Motive)  [ Cause of Death ] Exsanguination [ Body Discovered By ] Maestro, Labrat