[Let's meet on Sunday afternoon in the castle library again. Susato has brought her notes, which she'll share for the two of them.]
. . . There are two things I want to discuss. First, I believe we need to meet again as a group soon and share the notes we have received. There is a lot of information that hasn't been discussed.
Second of all, I would like to try and solve Sheba and Yelena's murders. But . . . I do not want to risk bringing any danger to the killers. I simply - feel I must reject this notion that each shall continue on in silence and isolation.
[ susato your notes are so detailed! xie lian makes a soft, impressed noise as he leafs through them, reading. ]
I was working with Mr. Sholmes and a few others in hopes of arranging one on Monday. There is much to discuss - I want to ensure that each group shares the items they received when they returned back from their journeys that were not related to powers. We have reason to believe that each one that can't be matched to some sort of ability has a larger meaning.
[ he glances to rochalizo briefly for that, but, to the second...
xie lian's expression gets a little more grim, and he nods, carefully returning the notes to the center of their library table. ] ...I'd like to do the same. It is especially worth it if we can identify if there truly is a pattern to the number of people who are compelled into killing each week.
... Agreed. That there has always been more than one death each week, after Bertolt's trial, is concerning. Would you happen to have any theories on that, Susato?
... Yes. One that this place intends to make difficult to confirm, unfortunately.
[...]
I... don't know where to start with Sheba and Yelena's deaths. I suppose we should sort through what was probably legitimate evidence and what was potentially fabricated...
I had thought that perhaps Power was involved, but I was able to confirm her likely innocence.
[She glances at the two of them, and then at the little hare Ryutaro at their table.]
. . . Ah. I was told by Rin Okumura-san that when you kill someone here, your daemon no longer changes forms. I've been keeping track of whose daemons I observe changing. Both of yours I have seen take different forms. Power, too - he was a dog during the fight with Nanaly, but when I spoke to her this afternoon, he was a cat.
[ oh... xie lian's gaze switches to ryutaro, for a moment, frowning. san lang is a ferret around his neck, at the moment; he hops down from where he's sitting, carefully avoids stepping on any notes, and comes over to plunk his head on top of the hare's.
xie lian frowns. ]
I also know a cemented reason why Miss Power could not have committed the crime, so I can back up her innocence as well.
[ he taps his fingertips against the table, absently. ] I have the notes written from our scrolls down at the beginning - that may be something to track starting today. I believe I can remember the daemons I saw at our execution.... we ought to keep an eye out for anyone who has not had a changed daemon in some time, and keep that knowledge between us.
[ hmmm. hm! ]
In terms of evidence... beyond the shoe print... I also thought the evidence in the fireplace was a bit odd. And, same with the scratched word - if Spike was truly innocent, as I am starting to think that he was, then was someone trying to frame him...?
Well, Spike's not the most likable of people, so I can see why he might be someone's pick for framing.
[this is very mean, but rochalizo thinks he's allowed to be when spike antagonizes him half the time when they talk—and for all that he doesn't care for him, he's never truly suspected him of murder either.]
Do you have notes on which daemon forms you've seen, Susato?
I'm not certain. Spiny is so very vague, but it would have to have been written in Russian - and I'm not sure the killer ever climbed to the bottom of the ramparts at all. The cloth I believe belonged to Miss Yelena, though I'm not sure in what way.
[She glances at Rochalizo, and then will read out - ]
Flat Escardos, Herlock Sholmes, Kotetsu Kaburagi, Nero Turner, Power, Reze, Rochalizo, and Xie Lian. None of these people have killed someone.
[Unfortunately a lot of people do not specify their daemon forms very often lol]
When does the daemon's inability to change take place, Susato? Would someone's daemon changing forms Friday eliminate them from the list? If so, I can add a few others.
[ i sisi have been mentioning daemons in threads because i'm dating snow so i'm a furry by contact. tragic.
anyway. xie lian nods about the cloth... ] I suppose if it was burned enough, it could be used to frame someone. Or - didn't she have some sort of repair done to her vest, at some point...?
I'll check in with Rin to confirm - I don't think he would mind telling me. If that is the case - we can safely eliminate Allen, Kim Dokja, Yoo Joonghyuk, and Miss Alisaie, as I either saw them transform or they were different, between Saturday and Sunday. That does give us a much narrower list.
Hmmm. I suppose we could think - why would someone want to burn a piece of cloth, besides to throw us off? It wasn't very large, either, was it?
It's an unfortunate thought, but is it possible it was Rin, or that other him? One might burn a piece of cloth to hide that it was already burned, and he's the only one among those smelling of perfume who has not—and cannot—be cleared by their daemon.
The Watchers said none of the killers this week killed before.
[. . .]
Um, this is a little uncomfortable, but Okumura-san did ask me not to say anything to anyone. However, I decided to tell the two of you for reasons of my own. I'm sure he would understand if I could explain it, but I would still prefer you didn't tell him or anyone else about this.
Of course, Susato. [ with a nod of his head. ] It would seem silly to tell anyone in the long run - if we are observing, it may be best we do it clandestinely, due to the nature of all of this anyhow. You have my word.
[ thoughtfully: ] That leaves us... A-Qing, Akira, Miss Alisaie, [ PLEASE IGNORE I CLEARED HER UP THERE I CANT READ wheezes ] Alphinaud, Diluc, Kaeya, Lt. Kim, Monika, Miss Rika, yourself [ nodding to susato ] Miss Scheherazade, Spike, and Yuri.
[ hm.
dislike. ] We have missed... five killers. [ a quick glance across the two of them. ] Rex, Mr. Roxis, Miss Ulrika, Miss Sheba, and Miss Yelena. And with no repeats, if I recall correctly.
Edited (jesus its too late to tag im sorry) 2021-11-01 03:30 (UTC)
[i am dumb and forgot about the no repeat killers]
... Still quite a large list of suspects. We should probably be careful with Akira—we've often relied on his blood-reading ability, but there's nothing stopping him from faking it.
Both you and I spend quite a bit of time with Yuri and Kaeya, though, so in theory it shouldn't be too difficult to observe their daemons...
. . . About half of that list would have to be culprits, wouldn't it be? And of course, we would have to keep track afresh each week. But if we had a narrow pool for the five who are outstanding, that would be for the best.
[. . .]
Unfortunately, Rin can't answer this, but the lack of repeats is curious. I wonder if that means the angels won't return to someone a second time, or if it is only a coincidence? Maybe the Watchers could answer a question like that.
Kaeya has had a very difficult weekend, so I cannot say that I am surprised that Polaris has been a wolf this entire time. [ just doxxes his friend's emotions its fine ] But that should be easy. I can observe A-Qing's, as well, and I am fairly close with Monika, too. The narrower the pool, the better - Susato is right.
[ and the double compelling bit, too... hmmm. ] They possibly could. I could ask Baraqiel - he may be able to answer. If what we know about the daemons no longer changing forms is true, then... perhaps those two things go together, and it isn't a coincidence at all. That can't happen twice - I suppose unless it wears off after some time, but that doesn't seem likely.
I can try asking a Watcher as well. I need to see a few, in any case... [...] Truthfully, I don't quite understand yet why we have these daemons. For what reason did they manifest?
They are our souls. But . . . there was a concerning note sent around to Flat Escardos' group, suggesting some sort of experiment, as well. Have you seen it?
[She will read -
PROJECT – SHADOWS & GOLD TEST #24 The Magis
Purpose: Does eradicating “gold” result in the destruction of Subject A.
Results: Overall favorable. Detonation and elimination of desired target was mostly successful. Test provided to yield results within the parameters expected with the standard deviation of 5%. Error margins likely the result of the quantities of DNA supplied.
Short term effects provided to be successful. Long term effects unknown. Bigger sample required for more testing. Long term effects of testing required.
Conclusion: More testing required—new subjects needed. New location needed. ]
[ oh, that's horrifying! xie lian has no idea what DNA is but he can put together the pieces. ]
... So this whole thing could very well be an experiment.
[ experimenting with human lives - that's despicable. san lang makes a low, displeased noise from where he's sitting with ryutaro. ]
The 'Magi', then. I remember Mr. Kotetsu's note was written in handwriting we thought could belong to a scholar, back that first week when they went on an adventure. Mr. Nero spoke with me about something called the "Creator", the "Authority" and something called "Xaphania". The 'Authority' is related to the side of the Temporals, and the 'Xaphania' is the Celestial.
...I spoke to Baraqiel about it, and the reaction he had - while he was not turned to Dust because of the way we talked around it, I can more or less confirm that those are the 'higher powers' that are controlling them. I wonder if they're all related.
[hello, he has grabbed susato and xie lian to join him by the hot tub. saucy.
except no, he's not getting in. he's grabbing a bottle instead.]
Susato, you are very capable and clever. I hope you prove everyone in your home wrong about their gender expectations, as you certainly stand above even most men. Your strength of will, even in the face of all that you've been through, is something that many people can learn from.
[he takes in a breath.]
Xie Lian, your recklessness frustrates me at times. However, your selflessness and compassion is admirable, as is your willingness to understand people, no matter how ugly the world is. And if it weren't for your courage and determination, we may not have thought to save the few we did back then. So, I suppose it's fine as long as you let others temper you!
he doesn't answer susato, though, his face bright red as he writes something down on a piece of paper, places it in the bottle, and then tosses the bottle at the hot tub.]
sincerely, as usual: ] Everything did insinuate we are supposed to bond more from this last town meeting to help things along, didn't it? To speak sincerely of comrades is a wonderful way to do so.
I am truly glad we're friends, Rochalizo. With someone as brave and trustworthy as you around, I feel as though I always have someone to rely on, no matter how dangerous this situation.
[I mean she's not stupid she knows this is a task but she still is going to join XL in pretending they have to give a little speech back.]
Indeed, I feel quite the same, Xie Lian. Sir Rochalizo is about the most dependable gentleman one could hope to encounter, with his courage, intelligence, and his true and noble heart shining with kindness.
there's a small sniff, nearby the hot tub? behind them?
and when they turn to find out the source, satariel is standing there holding the very bottle that rochalizo had just tossed in, grasping it tightly and looking so, so touched (at least, from what is visible of their face). ]
I'm sorry, Master Rochalizo, I can come back later - I'm just, you have such wonderful friends...
[ well, the dote on rochalizo hours are not over yet, it seems! xie lian looks very surprised, and then smiles, pressing his fist to his hand to bow to them. ]
Oh! [ see, satariel? is into this. they come right on in to join xie lian and susato, positively beaming. ]
Well, Master Rochalizo is hard working and diligent in everything that he does. And especially thoughtful, trying to figure out information and ways to help people - nevermind what a good friend he is to those that he cares about!
Master Rochalizo inherited Sheba's little spy - thing? I don't actually know what it is. The thing that records what you say. I told him to say nice things about people he cared about, and he responded to me, so I thought he was already ready to see me. I didn't realize that he'd thrown the bottle in at the same time.
Oh, if only the staff was more into gossip... I'm sure they'd be able to tell us things. But they're not even a little interested in actually talking about things.
[ anyways, satariel is unfazed by rochalizo's embarrassment, but at least seems done, and makes grabbypaws at him. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
week 4; sunday
. . . There are two things I want to discuss. First, I believe we need to meet again as a group soon and share the notes we have received. There is a lot of information that hasn't been discussed.
Second of all, I would like to try and solve Sheba and Yelena's murders. But . . . I do not want to risk bringing any danger to the killers. I simply - feel I must reject this notion that each shall continue on in silence and isolation.
no subject
I was working with Mr. Sholmes and a few others in hopes of arranging one on Monday. There is much to discuss - I want to ensure that each group shares the items they received when they returned back from their journeys that were not related to powers. We have reason to believe that each one that can't be matched to some sort of ability has a larger meaning.
[ he glances to rochalizo briefly for that, but, to the second...
xie lian's expression gets a little more grim, and he nods, carefully returning the notes to the center of their library table. ] ...I'd like to do the same. It is especially worth it if we can identify if there truly is a pattern to the number of people who are compelled into killing each week.
no subject
... Agreed. That there has always been more than one death each week, after Bertolt's trial, is concerning. Would you happen to have any theories on that, Susato?
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I do not have any theories on that, no.
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I don't, either. But... it is something to at least consider.
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[...]
I... don't know where to start with Sheba and Yelena's deaths. I suppose we should sort through what was probably legitimate evidence and what was potentially fabricated...
no subject
[She glances at the two of them, and then at the little hare Ryutaro at their table.]
. . . Ah. I was told by Rin Okumura-san that when you kill someone here, your daemon no longer changes forms. I've been keeping track of whose daemons I observe changing. Both of yours I have seen take different forms. Power, too - he was a dog during the fight with Nanaly, but when I spoke to her this afternoon, he was a cat.
no subject
xie lian frowns. ]
I also know a cemented reason why Miss Power could not have committed the crime, so I can back up her innocence as well.
[ he taps his fingertips against the table, absently. ] I have the notes written from our scrolls down at the beginning - that may be something to track starting today. I believe I can remember the daemons I saw at our execution.... we ought to keep an eye out for anyone who has not had a changed daemon in some time, and keep that knowledge between us.
[ hmmm. hm! ]
In terms of evidence... beyond the shoe print... I also thought the evidence in the fireplace was a bit odd. And, same with the scratched word - if Spike was truly innocent, as I am starting to think that he was, then was someone trying to frame him...?
no subject
he looks relieved that power has been cleared.]
Well, Spike's not the most likable of people, so I can see why he might be someone's pick for framing.
[this is very mean, but rochalizo thinks he's allowed to be when spike antagonizes him half the time when they talk—and for all that he doesn't care for him, he's never truly suspected him of murder either.]
Do you have notes on which daemon forms you've seen, Susato?
no subject
[She glances at Rochalizo, and then will read out - ]
Flat Escardos, Herlock Sholmes, Kotetsu Kaburagi, Nero Turner, Power, Reze, Rochalizo, and Xie Lian. None of these people have killed someone.
[Unfortunately a lot of people do not specify their daemon forms very often lol]
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When does the daemon's inability to change take place, Susato? Would someone's daemon changing forms Friday eliminate them from the list? If so, I can add a few others.
[ i sisi have been mentioning daemons in threads because i'm dating snow so i'm a furry by contact. tragic.
anyway. xie lian nods about the cloth... ] I suppose if it was burned enough, it could be used to frame someone. Or - didn't she have some sort of repair done to her vest, at some point...?
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. . . Well, I learned this from Rin, so I would have to ask him to be sure. I was assuming after the other person dies, that would make sense to me.
[She nods.]
I thought of that, but her vest wasn't blue.
no subject
I'll check in with Rin to confirm - I don't think he would mind telling me. If that is the case - we can safely eliminate Allen, Kim Dokja, Yoo Joonghyuk, and Miss Alisaie, as I either saw them transform or they were different, between Saturday and Sunday. That does give us a much narrower list.
Hmmm. I suppose we could think - why would someone want to burn a piece of cloth, besides to throw us off? It wasn't very large, either, was it?
no subject
It's an unfortunate thought, but is it possible it was Rin, or that other him? One might burn a piece of cloth to hide that it was already burned, and he's the only one among those smelling of perfume who has not—and cannot—be cleared by their daemon.
no subject
[. . .]
Um, this is a little uncomfortable, but Okumura-san did ask me not to say anything to anyone. However, I decided to tell the two of you for reasons of my own. I'm sure he would understand if I could explain it, but I would still prefer you didn't tell him or anyone else about this.
no subject
[ thoughtfully: ] That leaves us... A-Qing, Akira, Miss Alisaie, [ PLEASE IGNORE I CLEARED HER UP THERE I CANT READ wheezes ] Alphinaud, Diluc, Kaeya, Lt. Kim, Monika, Miss Rika, yourself [ nodding to susato ] Miss Scheherazade, Spike, and Yuri.
[ hm.
dislike. ] We have missed... five killers. [ a quick glance across the two of them. ] Rex, Mr. Roxis, Miss Ulrika, Miss Sheba, and Miss Yelena. And with no repeats, if I recall correctly.
no subject
... Still quite a large list of suspects. We should probably be careful with Akira—we've often relied on his blood-reading ability, but there's nothing stopping him from faking it.
Both you and I spend quite a bit of time with Yuri and Kaeya, though, so in theory it shouldn't be too difficult to observe their daemons...
no subject
[. . .]
Unfortunately, Rin can't answer this, but the lack of repeats is curious. I wonder if that means the angels won't return to someone a second time, or if it is only a coincidence? Maybe the Watchers could answer a question like that.
no subject
[ and the double compelling bit, too... hmmm. ] They possibly could. I could ask Baraqiel - he may be able to answer. If what we know about the daemons no longer changing forms is true, then... perhaps those two things go together, and it isn't a coincidence at all. That can't happen twice - I suppose unless it wears off after some time, but that doesn't seem likely.
no subject
I can try asking a Watcher as well. I need to see a few, in any case... [...] Truthfully, I don't quite understand yet why we have these daemons. For what reason did they manifest?
no subject
[She will read -
PROJECT – SHADOWS & GOLD
TEST #24
The Magis
Purpose: Does eradicating “gold” result in the destruction of Subject A.
Results: Overall favorable. Detonation and elimination of desired target was mostly successful. Test provided to yield results within the parameters expected with the standard deviation of 5%. Error margins likely the result of the quantities of DNA supplied.
Short term effects provided to be successful. Long term effects unknown. Bigger sample required for more testing. Long term effects of testing required.
Conclusion: More testing required—new subjects needed. New location needed. ]
no subject
... So this whole thing could very well be an experiment.
[ experimenting with human lives - that's despicable. san lang makes a low, displeased noise from where he's sitting with ryutaro. ]
The 'Magi', then. I remember Mr. Kotetsu's note was written in handwriting we thought could belong to a scholar, back that first week when they went on an adventure. Mr. Nero spoke with me about something called the "Creator", the "Authority" and something called "Xaphania". The 'Authority' is related to the side of the Temporals, and the 'Xaphania' is the Celestial.
...I spoke to Baraqiel about it, and the reaction he had - while he was not turned to Dust because of the way we talked around it, I can more or less confirm that those are the 'higher powers' that are controlling them. I wonder if they're all related.
no subject
If it's an experiment, what is the end result they're looking for?
week 5, tuesday
except no, he's not getting in. he's grabbing a bottle instead.]
Susato, you are very capable and clever. I hope you prove everyone in your home wrong about their gender expectations, as you certainly stand above even most men. Your strength of will, even in the face of all that you've been through, is something that many people can learn from.
[he takes in a breath.]
Xie Lian, your recklessness frustrates me at times. However, your selflessness and compassion is admirable, as is your willingness to understand people, no matter how ugly the world is. And if it weren't for your courage and determination, we may not have thought to save the few we did back then. So, I suppose it's fine as long as you let others temper you!
[anyway. hi.]
no subject
makes the face in his icon ]
Rochalizo.....
[ UUUU ]
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My! Sir Rochalizo . . . you truly have a way with words, don't you? What has brought this on?
no subject
he doesn't answer susato, though, his face bright red as he writes something down on a piece of paper, places it in the bottle, and then tosses the bottle at the hot tub.]
no subject
[ he continues looking exactly that!
sincerely, as usual: ] Everything did insinuate we are supposed to bond more from this last town meeting to help things along, didn't it? To speak sincerely of comrades is a wonderful way to do so.
I am truly glad we're friends, Rochalizo. With someone as brave and trustworthy as you around, I feel as though I always have someone to rely on, no matter how dangerous this situation.
no subject
Indeed, I feel quite the same, Xie Lian. Sir Rochalizo is about the most dependable gentleman one could hope to encounter, with his courage, intelligence, and his true and noble heart shining with kindness.
no subject
there's a small sniff, nearby the hot tub? behind them?
and when they turn to find out the source, satariel is standing there holding the very bottle that rochalizo had just tossed in, grasping it tightly and looking so, so touched (at least, from what is visible of their face). ]
I'm sorry, Master Rochalizo, I can come back later - I'm just, you have such wonderful friends...
no subject
actually, external yelling too.]
S-Satariel!? What—what are you doing here!?
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[ well, the dote on rochalizo hours are not over yet, it seems! xie lian looks very surprised, and then smiles, pressing his fist to his hand to bow to them. ]
Hello, Satariel...! What a pleasant surprise.
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Oh, Satariel! No, you are most welcome, but the rules are that you must say something kind about our wonderful Rochalizo.
no subject
Well, Master Rochalizo is hard working and diligent in everything that he does. And especially thoughtful, trying to figure out information and ways to help people - nevermind what a good friend he is to those that he cares about!
[ :) ]
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he coughs, still bright red.]
Ahem! O-Of course! I'm glad you all recognize my talents and virtues.
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It is no struggle to do so! You have many. You are good at giving hugs, too!
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anyways ]
Master Rochalizo inherited Sheba's little spy - thing? I don't actually know what it is. The thing that records what you say. I told him to say nice things about people he cared about, and he responded to me, so I thought he was already ready to see me. I didn't realize that he'd thrown the bottle in at the same time.
no subject
[
hilariously that's to xie lian, not to satariel. don't tell everyone about the hugs??? embarrassing.]
Ugh...
[that's it he's at 1 hp now]
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Oh - how wonderful. That is the little metal creature, wasn't it? [ he makes a vague gesture of the size of the Robot tm. ]
no subject
[Cute.]
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Were you? [ stop stop he's already almost dead ] It is, Your Highness. It's pretty neat! But it needed a refill, basically.
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[that's to satariel.]
... I'm going to do what Sheba did last week, and place it somewhere to record on Thursday night.
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Have you decided where to place it yet? If there's anything we can do to help you...
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[ anyways, satariel is unfazed by rochalizo's embarrassment, but at least seems done, and makes grabbypaws at him. ]
Let's see it.
no subject
I was thinking the ice garden. I can imagine someone fleeing their assailant and trying to lose them in the maze.