Game 105 - Trial 2 - You are the Ocean's Gray Waves

[crazynuto]

Once again you investigate. Once again you are at a loss for words. Once again you gather at the Courthouse, wondering which around you would kill Petra and Monika (despite the fact that they sorta deserve it)

Strangely, both Petra and Monika's bodies have been brought into the courtroom. They serve a grim reminder what awaits you shall you fail.

The Judge sits tall on their bench, peering down at you, banging their gavel down once everyone has arrived.

Now, let us begin. Once more you must answer the questions given to you. Some are hidden, obscured in darkness. Hopefully they will be guiding lights to the truth.

---

Q1: Who killed Petra & Monika? [15 points]

Q2: What is their cause of deaths? [10 points]

Q3 When did they die? [5 points]

Q4 Where were they killed? [10 points]

Q5 Why were they killed? [5 points]

Q6 Were there any accomplices in this murder? If so, whom? [5 points]

Q7 What items were used in this murder, and how were they used? Where were they taken from and where did they end up? [15 points]

Q8 Did Monika or Petra have any role in this murder? If so, what was it? [5 points]

Questions 9 - 12 are locked.

Q9 - Were any power words used? If so, whose were they and how were they used? [10 points]

Q10 - How were Petra and/or Monika knocked unconscious? [5 points]

Q11 - Is this case a Murder-Suicide, Double Suicide, or a Double Homicide? [5 points]

Q12 - Why didn’t Petra’s Ring of Tears save her? Where is it now? [10 points]

Trial Difficulty: Challenging

Score to beat: (Makes it more tense)

BONUS QUESTION

What is the Blackened's Power Word? [Infinity?]

---

You have 24 hours until the answer thread opens, where you can discuss your answers properly. There will be a google form there like last time with questions/space for answers.

There is a truth bullet thread being opened shortly that will allow you to put any small snippets of info you find important, to help people who miss a page or two.

After 48 hours trial closes.

I wish you all luck.

Both players abilities will be revealed at a later date, but here are their power words:

Petra - Ocean

Monika - Console

[crazynuto]

An ability has been popped, unlocking the question:

Why didn’t Petra’s Ring of Tears save her? Where is it now?

Good luck!

[verylukely]

Jan 26, 2024 19:20:35 GMT -6 crazynuto said:

An ability has been popped, unlocking the question:

Why didn’t Petra’s Ring of Tears save her? Where is it now?

Good luck!

Tetsuo looked like he was about to speak, and is taken aback by the sudden announcement.

"Ah, I don't even have to say it this time. Brilliant! Has my power expanded to mind reading? ... Perhaps there is some merit to this increase in power over time thing..."

"This would be me again. I refuse to shy away from the responsibility, and danger that an ability like this entails if it might help us reach the truth."

"In fact, I would like to make a quick clarification regarding my ability:"

"The revealed question is the one that is deemed "Best to help us win" out of the locked questions. Which is why this time I chose to use it immediately before we started unlocking them ourselves."

"So, it reasons that this is a fairly important line of inquiry. Maybe not worth reading into an unhealthy amount... it could simply be that all the locked questions are of nearly equal merit and this one just nearly won out. But I think it is worth making clear."

[Tetsu]

"Well it seems, fate does not spare sinners, as it is written in the stars. Intriguing isn't it? To have sinned, only to have it returned to them, the scales of justice would be balanced, either way."

Fu Xuan then look at the remaining group.

"Our little killer this round has indeed specifically targeted both of them...this very night."

"To the killer, I thank thee for the justice served unto Qingque, Miku, and Haru, however, you shall not escape the judgment by the stars again this time around. Your punishment shall be mete."

"As for what I have found in my investigation, the Prison was visited by just one person this night, but there was an awfully lot of movement in there. Some batteries from a flashlight were missing and ropes. The level of disorganization of the place makes it hard for me to tell what was "missing" or is still there though some lumber, metal spikes, and handcart is considered "missing".

As for the Office Complex that board was put away and all offensive materials were torn apart. The one working computer no longer works. Found a battery taped to tinfoil behind the computer."

"And that is all there to report. From my investigation"

[⋆⋅ Sage ⋅⋆]

Zoro looks uncomfortable.

“I saw that Petra chick at the end of A4, and she was alive. And then by the end of A5… she’d died? Huh. Never saw Monika, though.”

He looks toward Fu Xuan. “You say only one person went to the Prison, but they moved around a ton of stuff? Makes no sense. I started out in the prison [A0] but I didn’t move anything around. Think I just left that note from the Hoarder there, that’s it. Think you might be misremembering?”

[Jackie :3 (Bloom/Pollen)]

"Well what I can say is uneventful. for investigations that is."



"Well, my invest of the light house revealed nothing. To say the least. Like the lighthouse nothing happened at the bridge except for someone getting broken heart, or that's at least the aura it gave off."




"Besides my lack luster investigation. I do think we should go over a few things. mostly when it happened. if we can narrow down when it happened, we should be able to narrow down who did it. We can actually use the last time the pink line was boarded."

[Tetsu]

"Ahem, my apologies, there were some....unclear signs from the stars."

Fu Xuan looks at Zoro and then the group again before closing her eyes


"It seems that I shouldn't have said the only one....but most likely it has only been one person.." 


Fu Xuan opens her eyes and nods



"Yes, that is a rather better way of putting it. And if anyone is inquiring if I have seen Petra , there are a few witnesses that have seen her at the Market Square, squaring off with you Zoro earlier into the Night."




"And that was the only time I've ever seen her. Though...something mysterious did happen at one point during the end of the night...though I would hold on to it for now." 

[verylukely]

"Allow me to recount my recollection of the night. Once again."



ACTION 0

"I started the night at the lighthouse, alone. I may have still been... grieving, somewhat."

"I can't tell you how relieved I was to get the task of the night. It really perked me up. How nice! And I was thinking these would increase in severity over time to encourage violence. This was so much more palatable than the last one!"

"I was tasked to get a gift for Gary. I was also given the advice to show up to the Inn at some point for my own gift. At first, I thought that this would be where a gift exchange was happening."

He looks at the Judge, slightly venomous.

Little did I know I had been chosen as the odd one out to get something from a local here rather than a friend! I assume due to our ranks being an odd number, somebody had to be left out."

He seems somewhat dejected.

"Hmph. Not important."

---

ACTION 1

"I went to the Market for a gift, as it was quite nearby."

"I believe Sayori and Fu Xuan were also on the gift hunt with me the same time! Saya and Zoro joined us a little bit later."

"For Gary, I found one those uh... Nintendo's? After his excitement at the arcade
I figured he should have something to play on his console. I found a used copy of
something called "Grandia"? Looked like one of those "are pee gee" thingies.
Enjoy, kid."

(He seems pretty proud of his gift. You probably shouldn't tell him the game is for the PlayStation.)

"Anyways, I made sure to wrap it and... Oh, there was quite a commotion going on as I was about to leave! I tried my best to stay out of it, so you're better off hearing it from somebody else, but I believe... Sanji was being chased by Petra... Sanji to hide behind Zoro... Saya challenged Zoro to a fight... and Petra challenged Sanji to a fight? Something like that. Geez! What a convoluted mess."

He shakes his head in disapproval.

"Folks. We got enough going on, do you all really have to be bickering on top of that?"

6:10 - Market Square
6:20 - Market Square
6:30 - Market Square

---

ACTION 2

"I had quite a distance to travel to get back to the Inn for my gift. ... Figured I might as well get a quick chore done in the meantime."

"I went to the Northern Tram Station. I happened to run into Perv, who seemed to be getting off."

"I rode the Pink Line, alone, to the Central Tram Station."

"I saw MC and Monika there, boarding an Orange Line Tram, and saw them off."

"After that I went to the Office Complex and deconstructed my corkboard from the other night."

Tetsuo turns away.

"...I simply did not think the theories held any merit anymore. That is all."

He mumbles under his breath.

"Sorry, Monika."

6:40 - Northern Tram Station
6:50 - Central Tram Station
7:00 - Office Complex

---

ACTION 3

"I grabbed a coffee from the one still working machine, after shaking some of the dust off it. I arrived at the Central Tram Station once more to find Gary and Sanji there, also waiting for the tram."

"The tram arrived, MC got off it, and as we boarded as the Hoarder joined us as well. I gave Gary his gift during this time."

"We arrived at the Hotel Tram Station, Natsuki and Monika there too.
The last time I would have saw Monika, I believe."

"Me, Sanji and The Hoarder went into the Inn, while Gary stayed behind."

He pauses for a moment, wondering why Gary would ride the tram to the hotel just to stay in the station, but moves on for now.

"Sanji started doing some cooking if I recall correctly. The Hoarder gave the Caretaker a gift, while the Caretaker gave me mine."

7:10 - Central Tram Station
7:20 - Hotel Tram Station
7:30 - Eternal Requiem Inn

---

ACTION 4

"I refilled my coffee, passed by Sanji who was still cooking and seemed to be cleaning up. What a nice lad!"

"I sat down on an armchair and opened up my present.
Before I had my suspicions, but now I am of complete certainty that it was a diary of the Caretaker. An odd gift, but one I greatly appreciated, to help put the pieces of this place together!"

"I suppose I can recount my findings!"

His eyes glance down to the bodies for just a moment.

"... Hmph. Maybe at a later date. It does not pertain to this trial."

"Finding a garbage can nearby to throw my coffee away, I exited the Inn and went on a contemplative walk to Serendipity Cove. I figured the night would be ending soon, and rather than making it back to town I might as well try to figure something out useful from the diary."

7:40 - Inn
7:50 - Serendipity Cove
8:00 - Serendipity Cove

---

ACTION 5

"Hmm. I may have... regressed a bit. In terms of losing my mind a bit trying to solve the journal. You see, I had to look at multiple pages at once and, well..."

He holds up a muddy journal, with multiple loose pages sticking out.

"The important bits should still be in here! But, well, if you DO see any loose pages out at the cove, maybe hand them back to me?"

"Anyways. After a good while, I came to a conclusion about the Caretaker's power word.
One that sounded like it could help me keep you all safe."

"So, I rushed back to the Inn urgently, running into Sanji leaving, and shouted "Sa-"

He catches himself.

"Erm. I shouted... The word. And I gained the caretaker's power to make rules that apply to the Inn."

"But this was during very last bit of the night, so this power does not pertain to the current investigation. However, if you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them out! I still have a couple of spaces to write in new rules here."

8:10 - Serendipity Cove
8:20 - Serendipity Cove
8:30 - Inn

[verylukely]

Jan 26, 2024 20:08:28 GMT -6 Tetsu said:

"As for what I have found in my investigation, the Prison was visited by just one person this night, but there was an awfully lot of movement in there. Some batteries from a flashlight were missing and ropes. The level of disorganization of the place makes it hard for me to tell what was "missing" or is still there though some lumber, metal spikes, and handcart is considered "missing".

As for the Office Complex that board was put away and all offensive materials were torn apart. The one working computer no longer works. Found a battery taped to tinfoil behind the computer."

Tetsuo is carefully scanning his notes as Fu Xuan says this.

"Well... As for the Office Complex, I can only confirm the conspiracy board being put away. As I did not investigate this location. What a bizarre thing to find there!"

"But for the prison, yes. That lines up perfectly with my investigation."

---

Prison Investigation (2 Credits) (Tetsuo Vers.)

- Extremely dusty. Likely visited by only 1 person.

- Several objects shuffled around (To disguise what was taken, perhaps?)

- Missing: Batteries from a flashlight, Rope

- Missing? (I believe these to be a false positive): Bits of Lumber, Metal spikes, A Handcart

NOTE: Really difficult to tell what's actually missing versus what has just been misplaced!!! Feels like these items may be irrelevant, even despite this being an in-depth investigation. I think it's clear that somebody was trying to throw a wrench into the search. But I can't say for certain the last three items aren't important either.

NOTE 2: Just to be clear, no actual wrench is involved.

NOTE 3: Disregard previous note. Just little bit of Tetsuo Comedy.

NOTE 4: I mean, disregard the joke. Not that there wasn't a wrench. There was not a wrench.

Note to Self: Never attempt comedy again.

[Ktoasty]

"Tetsuo... I'm glad you were able to learn so much tonight. Thanks, for sharing what you know with us."

MC has to contribute to the trial. Even with the loss that's nearly breaking him, he can't bear to lose someone else close to him if they fail this trial. Tetsuo's alibi only makes his depression grow deeper though. He tries not to let it show.





"I investigated the Central Tram Station and the victims."

"The Central Tram Station was filled with smoke, caused by the computer for the Orange Line. The computer itself starting malfunctioning during A5, when Natsuki and I tried to get it working. I couldn't get a list of passengers for the Orange Line this time, but I did learn that the Orange Tram stopped moving at the start of A4. Aside from that, the screen was... flickering."

He shares a glance with Natsuki before continuing.

"The Pink Tram was at the station. All the windows were shattered, the doors were blown off, and the seats were slashed. There was no glass inside or outside the tram though, and I couldn't find the doors either. The front and back wheels had bloodstains on them."

"...I don't want to talk about their bodies."

He hasn't looked at Monika or Petra since their corpses were brought into the Courtroom, and he continues to avert his eyes.





"I was with Monika at the start of the night, in the Arcade with Gary during A0."

"I made my way to the Office Complex, taking Unity Bridge. She must have taken the Pink Tram to cross, because Monika bumped into me again when I got there."

"Monika stuck around the computer at the start of A2, while I went to the Central Station. She met with me again shortly after, and we rode to the Hotel station together."

"She... gave me a lot of help tonight, when I felt really lost mentally and emotionally. I wish I could have spent more time with her. But that was the last time I saw her, before I went back on the tram."

MC grips his chest. If he made a different choice, could she have been saved?

"I saw Petra three times tonight. Once was when I was crossing Unity Bridge during A1. She was following close behind Sanji."

"The second time was in the middle of A3. After I took the tram back to Central Station, I went to the Docks to pick up some shells for Doemu's home. Petra burst out of the water with arms full of shells, it looked like the ones for Sayori's necklace. She gave me some before diving back underwater. It must have been a power word ability, because she didn't come up again for the full 10 minutes I was there."

"The last time was the middle of A4. I was at the Central Station with Sayori, Natsuki, and Gary. Petra and Zoro came to the station, and she gave Sayori the finished necklace. She left soon after, so did Gary, but they went in different directions."

"I can also say the Pink Tram was at the Central Station for all of A4, and it looked fine. I couldn't tell its state during A5 because of all the smoke buildup, but it was in the station by the end of A5."

[Jackie :3 (Bloom/Pollen)]

"Let me quickly go over what we do know, Petra and Monica both died A5 do we know how? I mean I assume they were thrown of the tram or under it but why was the rope only around Petra? If Petra was tied up the body would be tied up tightly but if Monica was also a victim of it why wasn't there rope on her aswell? another important question I have is... if Petra had that ring why didn't it work? Could it have been used some point earlier in the night? and if so when, why and by who."

[verylukely]

Jan 26, 2024 23:51:21 GMT -6 Ktoasty said:

"I investigated the Central Tram Station and the victims."

"The Central Tram Station was filled with smoke, caused by the computer for the Orange Line. The computer itself starting malfunctioning during A5, when Natsuki and I tried to get it working. I couldn't get a list of passengers for the Orange Line this time, but I did learn that the Orange Tram stopped moving at the start of A4. Aside from that, the screen was... flickering."

He shares a glance with Natsuki before continuing.

"The Pink Tram was at the station. All the windows were shattered, the doors were blown off, and the seats were slashed. There was no glass inside or outside the tram though, and I couldn't find the doors either. The front and back wheels had bloodstains on them."

Once again Tetsuo carefully scans his notes.

"Yes, that is basically what I found at the central tram station too."

"I won't share my notes this time unless somebody would like my perspective. I feel like these facts are pretty unambiguous."

(You catch a glance at almost a full page of striked-through text, and you figure he's actually just trying to hide another attempt at Tetsuo Comedy)

---

"My apologies for speaking so much. One quick thing to mention, in case it unlocks anything for us. However, not being a question for this trial might also be... Illuminating."

"Was a power word used in this crime? If so, what was it?"

[Skullmaster4]

"W-Why am I seeing two Yuri's..? Am I that sleep deprived?"

"Let's do our best everyone! F-for Monika and Petra.."

"I'll start with my investigation- Ehe~ The arcade and market square were quite busy, I don't know if anything is relevant, here it is!"

"The arcade was trashed from a fight- (Fighting's no good everyone!) The prize countertop was dented, as if something or someone was thrown into it. A Nintendo 64 was set up in the lounge. And there was a pair of wooden training swords in the corner of the room. Lastly, a Fortune Teller Machine was on, spitting out Death 13 tarot cards. The lounge hadn't been touched, except for a couch which may have been slept in."

"Still listening? Good! Now for the Market Square~"

"The market square was picked through, including a set of Celestial Jade, some gaudy necklaces, a fish, various jewelry, and some small cat knickknacks. There was another fight here (really guys??) that left a few stalls upturned. There was a splash of blood hidden under a tarp from an old wound, but it didn't seem like it would have been a fatal cut."

"And that's everything!"

[SmolBagel]

After letting out a frustrated grunt Perv finally speaks,

“Ugh… I guess we have to do this again, just as I was having a great time someone just had to ruin it.” 

He then follows it up with a deep sigh and continues.

”Well, I suppose if I help it’ll end this earlier. I was in my room at the Inn watching over Doemu, when I found a note in my pocket stating that I had to find and bring a give to one Ms. Fu Xuan.”

“On the way out I heard a strange THUMP coming from Natsuki’s room, it was likely just some teenager things, so I ignored it and went the Hotel Tram Station. I missed the stupid tram, so I had to wait for a while and ended up at the Central Tram Station.”

”From there I went to the Northern Tram Station and saw Tetsuo boarding the Pink Line. Afterwards I headed over to the Market Square where I saw Zoro and Petra dueling, so I hid behind a stall as to not disturb them. Once they left with Zoro the victor, I went and looked for a necklace to give to a Ms. Fu Xuan.”

”After finding a few nice looking ones I spotted her at the Market Square, which made it quite simple. I gave her the necklace, she thanked me and then left. With nothing left to do I went to the Unity Bridge to think, that is when I ran into Zoro. Saying that he had a gift for me I followed him to the bank. Once we were there we encountered Saya, who is apparently my gift.”

“Subsequently we had a brief conversation and decided to go to the Market for our date. Zoro escorted us over to Unity Bridge, where we met Petra. Zoro and Petra had a chat while Saya and myself went to the Market. After getting her a fish, we went back to the bridge and watched the moon together.”

“We spent some more time at the bridge, discussed about philosophy, life and katanas and stuff. Fu Xuan then appeared, we played some Celestial Jade, I lost… once we were done I went and escorted Saya to the Central Tram Station, where some commotion was taking place. Apparently the Orange Line Computer Panel had caught on fire. Saya and myself helped MC with putting the fire out. After the smoke had cleared I could finally see who were present, MC, Natsuki, Saya, Me, Gary, Sayori and the two Yuris. And that’s when we saw the corpses…”

After taking a deep breath Perv continues.
“I should also share the results from my investigation. I investigated the theatre, however there nothing note worthy to be found there other than Tuxxy the Rat, who was the star of last night’s show, who seemed to be missing. It seems unrelated to the murder though. Other than that I also investigated the Inn, it seems that multiple people have been at the Inn. Many pastries were also made, as most of the Inn’s flour, sugar and sweetener supply has been used up. The coffee machine was also used.”

”There was a tray of expertly baked cupcakes on Natsuki’s bed. Also a blood soaked sweater hidden in Yuri’s suitcase inside her room. There were a lot of torn pieces of paper inside Monika’s room, most of them were filled with illegible scrawlings. That’s about it, there’s nothing else worth mentioning.”

“Lastly I can say that Saya and me are not the murderer, we were with each other from A3 onwards. Also I am certain that Zoro didn’t kill Petra, though they did duel, I didn’t sense any hatred towards her coming from him.”

[Peregrine]

Skullmaster4 said:

"W-Why am I seeing two Yuri's..? Am I that sleep deprived?"

The Yuris, cramped behind a single podium together, both shake their heads.




"No, that's... er..."


When she fails to elaborate, the other sighs before speaking up.




"It's not complicated. I'm a simulacrum, physically indistinguishable from the original. I'm semi-autonomous, but ultimately act at her direction."

"I'm obviously the result of a Power Word ability. A conspicuous and convenient ability at that, which is why we thought it better not to hide it. It was activated at around 6:40 [A2], and I've been together with my original since 7:40 [A4]. We couldn't—"

SmolBagel said:

”[...] Also a blood soaked sweater hidden in Yuri’s suitcase inside her room.”

"..."