see right through your beautiful lies ( semi-open )

[dolosa]

[ When you awaken, you're in what seems to be an abandoned warehouse; it looks like the place hasn't been used for its original intent in ages, though the smell of copper permeates the area. The carcasses of corpses lie around here and there - some dismembered, some completely intact - along with creepy, oversized masks of rabbits.

The warehouse itself isn't that big -- there's two floors, and many doors. However, each door is locked, and the only way through is to find a key.

However, you're not alone. There's a girl who seems to be panicking nervously, fiddling with her skirt anxiously as she sits on her wheelchair, glancing every now and again at you, not all that certain as what to do. At least, that's before you awaken, which is when she gasps in sheer surprise. ]

You're-- you're finally awake.

Comments

[bystandering]

[The medicines seem to consist of some tranquilizers, one full of aspirin (this one looks like it's considerably less dusty than the others), and what looks like to be various other sorts of things. As for the tools...there's a few scalpels, a pair of scissors, and other such things. They're all jumbled together, though.]

[dolosa]

That... really is a lot of stuff. But I don't know what we would be able to bring back to that guy.

[ She doesn't know anything about this kind of crap. ]

[wright_idea]

[He sighs.]

We don't even know what's wrong with him exactly. It'd probably just be better if we left and found someone who knows what they're doing.

[bystandering]

[She stays quiet during their investigation, only to speak up at the end. She's been standing near the door the entire time.]

You never really let your ignorance stop you before.

[She's read your files, Phoenix. She knows.]

[dolosa]

... Huh? Before?

[ Did she just say what she thinks she just said? ]

[wright_idea]

[A sudden chill shoots down Phoenix's back. He slowly turns towards the door.]

...what?

[bystandering]

I know you're a defense attorney.

[She's already moved closer to the door, her hand on it.]

[dolosa]

You are?

[ She looks up at Phoenix, slightly in disbelief. ]

[wright_idea]

[That cold feeling in his back is quickly spreading into a ball of dread sitting in his stomach. Especially since he's wearing casual clothing right now, and thus lacking his badge.]

Ignoring how you know that, is this really the time and the place to be discussing my vocational choices?

[bystandering]

In a situation about liars, don't you think that being a lawyer is definitely information that should be known?

[The light is better in this room than the big room: it's more clearer than ever that this person isn't in the best shape. With the paleness, there's a slight sheen to her skin which combined with the small amount of shakiness she's showing... It looks light she's sick with something other than a mental condition.]

[dolosa]

[ Rei takes quick glances between the two, unable to say a word. This doesn't concern her, so she's really, really torn between the two. ]

[wright_idea]

[He's about to ask what the hell that has to do with anything when the image suddenly clicks. Liars. Lawyers. People frequently see lawyers as lying in order to protect their clients.

That feeling of dread in his stomach has now spread to his entire body.]

[All liars... must die...]

Who... who are you, really?

[bystandering]

The wolf, of course.

[dolosa]

The... wolf?

[ Then it clicks. They saw it back there, didn't they? ]

Wright-san, she's...!?

[wright_idea]

Mitsuki... Hoyama...

[SHE'S the serial killer?! Shit shit shit, I knew I should have trusted my gut the first time!]

[And yet he subtly moves in front of Rei.]

You're here to kill us, then?

[bystandering]

I told you. I have to get back home. Papa's hurt still.

[She's still moving backwards.]

If I win this game then I can go home.

[dolosa]

[ She swallows nervously, clearly in a panic as she attempts to stay behind Phoenix. Mitsuki thinks that this is a game. So there was only one thing that Mitsuki had to do... ]

S-- she really wants to kill us!

[ Not even going to note the contradiction in Mitsuki's own words. ]

[wright_idea]

[So she really thinks we're playing Rabbit's Doubt, huh?]

Mitsuki... you don't have to win anything. We don't have to do anything. We can just walk away and it'll be fine. If your father's hurt, nobody's obliging you to do anything.

[Look, she's unarmed, she's obviously not well. If I can just approach her carefully...]

[bystandering]

I know this works. If I don't win then...

[It was never said directly to her but there was something toying at the back of her mind. If she didn't find the liars then... what? Her father wouldn't be avenged. She'd never get out. She knows this time it wasn't her who set this up. She didn't have the master key.. It's not like she could ignore it.

She clutches her head.]

The game won't end until either there's no liars left or the wolf is killed. That's...that's what the note said.

[dolosa]

I'd never...

[ She doesn't finish that sentence, but not because it's a lie. But why did the note say that? ]

Wright-san wouldn't hurt you, either...!

[wright_idea]

[...! Did she say note? Does that means she's being manipulated by somebody else? But then, who?]

Mitsuki. I want to help you. But I need to know all the details. When did you get this note? And what exactly did it say?

[bystandering]

I--can't tell you! You might be the one who gave it to me.

[Pain sears in her head. No. She has to be firm on this. She... She's stepping backwards more. And then slams the door, which locks with a click.]

[dolosa]

[ Rei's eyes widen at Mitsuki's words as she jerks her head towards him in confusion and shock. ]

You didn't, did you... Wright-san?

[wright_idea]

What?! Of course not! I hadn't even heard of this horrific game until I came here!

[He runs open to the door, jiggling at the doorknob. Locked, of course. He hammers at the door.]

Mitsuki! OPEN THE DOOR! MITSUKI!

[bystandering]

Shut up! Just shut up!

[She kicks right back at the door. It was a bad move. Her foot begins to throb in sync with her headache.]

You surround yourself with liars and fakes! Why...why should I believe either one of you?!