Day 02 Trial

[shimmershimmer]

[It is once more time to convene at the temple to pass judgment upon those who would destroy everything we know and love. Godspeed, my friends.]

((Vote here!

EDIT: Right now barely anyone has voted, and people seem to be tapering off. Trial may be extended depending on how it looks closer to closing time!

EDIT2: Okay, I'm extending the vote two hours to 6:30pm EST! We're still missing a lot of votes, so please get those in even if it's just to abstain!))

Comments

[backdrafted]

Really? An innocent person would.

[lasuaspada]

An innocent person would claim that Kimblee-san is full of shit, Mustang-san, I know.

The fact that you're asking me at all implies that you're on his side already. He was just exposed as a liar in front of everyone, and you believe him? Why should I argue with you? It's casting pearls before swine.

[backdrafted]

I'm trying to learn the truth, Mr. Tsukiyama. It isn't specifically Kimblee's accusation that has my vote on you; I wouldn't kill someone just to test his word.

How you've behaved has been striking, to say the least. If you're innocent, please make your case. Your life is on the line.

[lasuaspada]

...Listen to me and listen well, then.

This morning, Kazuichi-san approached me. He said that he was feeling nervous about the dove - Fulbright-san - because of the note that had been written. He seemed very interested in removing him from our group, and presented me with a very good reason why.

In response, I said that I would handle the dove. It's my duty to look out for my brother, to take up my metaphorical sword if needs be, n'est-ce pas? But when I said this - that I would be the one to cast Fulbright-san to the flames for him - he seemed relieved. Normally speaking in such a way makes Kazuichi-san very upset with me, visibly so; he...protests, he seems irritated or at least a little down. He's a complete pacifist. He doesn't even like punching people. But he seemed relieved when I said that I would kill Fulbright-san for him.

That's what I'm basing this accusation of mine off of.

Maybe Lynne-san saw me because I'm a sinner; I'll be the first to admit that while my conscience is clear, my soul is likely not clean. But she didn't see me because I'm a demon, and surely not because I'm the Incubus.

[lifescratched]

Why are you raising suspicion of your brother now? If his behaviour was out of character to begin with... it seems strange that you would be willing to help him, only then to suddenly turn against him when suspicion is aimed at you.

Either you are loyal to your brother, or you are not. It is difficult to see sense in your story.

[lasuaspada]

It was because of the initial reason he had to want the dove gone...it was believable to me. I was willing to overlook it until it became made clear that Fulbright-san was the False Seer - my brother is a very earnest person, not seeing an ulterior motive until one was presented was my mistake. I'm a bit of an idiot sometimes like that.

[backdrafted]

. . . Hm.

[lasuaspada]

[...?]

[lifescratched]

You also said that if given another day, you could verify whether your brother is a demon or not. How would you propose to do that, besides relying on the False Seer?

You were the one arguing to me against wasting time with abstentions, a short time ago, and yet you would have us grant you another day.

[lasuaspada]

...So I'm a hypocrite on top of being an idiot, are you happy? This is my brother we're talking about.

[lifescratched]

No, I am not. You did not answer my question. Can you prove your brother is a demon, or are you stalling for time?

[lasuaspada]

No, but I'm not stalling, either. Or...perhaps I am, I don't...

[God, he can't do this, give him a second to calm himself down.]

[lifescratched]

[Connor crosses his arms and waits patiently for a few moments, although he doesn't look especially sympathetic.]

... None of us want to make the wrong decision, either for you or your brother. But as Mr. Mustang said, a Seer has already spoken against you, and there is more suspicion on you now than on your brother. If you cannot prove your own innocence, I see no reason why we should grant you another day.

[lasuaspada]

[He bows his head at that, his hands curling into fists at his sides; he's wound so tightly that he's shaking, the tremors in his voice matching those gripping his body.]

Doesn't it make sense that I would want one more day...?

[He tries to make his hands relax a bit, murmuring something to himself that isn't quite loud enough to be heard; it doesn't work.]

He's...my brother. Doesn't it make sense that I would want one more day?

[And that's when his voice jumps up, ringing out loud and harsh.]

Don't you understand?! I'm not going to let anything be taken from me so easily - I know the Lady says they can't be removed once a body is taken but he's mine and I'm not going to let him be taken from me - if there's anything left in there of the person he used to be, I'll get it back tonight if I have to beat it out of him!!

[He does look up then before immediately looking away again, dragging his arm across his eyes to clear them.]

I'm not...asking for mercy. I'm asking for another day. To get him back.

[lifescratched]

[Connor is bad at dealing with emotional displays at the best of times, but this makes him distinctly uncomfortable. He gives him a hard stare, disgust written across his expression.]

There is no getting him back. To suggest the Lady is mistaken in this is blasphemy.

[He glances around at the other villagers in the temple.] I have heard enough. If others wish to question him, feel free, but I know where my vote will be cast.

[culinarian]

...Is using the Avenger an option? They could put Tsukiyama to sleep, and if he's a demon we'll know tomorrow morning.

[lifescratched]

If the village chooses to spare him, that is a possibility. But it is for the Avenger to choose.