FOURTH TRIAL

[beautifultomorrow]

[The usual scene plays of everyone going into the elevator after they finish up investigation. But when the elevator starts moving, they will hear John’s voice instead of The Narrator’s. It clearly sounds like he’s reading from some sort of script.]

Picture of Belle, a book lover born well before her time. She desperately wanted society to treat her like a human being, and to respect her love of books. Belle had made many friends and many enemies because of her personality, and now… Her final resting place will be in a book simply titled… The Twilight Zone.

[... Strangely, however, the elevator doesn’t drop this time, the doors instead open as soon as John finishes his speech, leading once again to The Tip Top Club. Now Reyna and Belle’s pictures are in grayscale and, instead of Rod sitting on stage, John is there, looking at some papers. He offers the guests a comforting smile when they enter.]

I shouldn’t complain that Rod’s doing something creative with his time, but I have to admit, I don’t get what he sees appealing about writing something like this. Don’t know why he had the elevator set to “ride” mode either.

I, uh...made some old fashioned lemonade for you guys. [He motions to the lemonade pitcher and cups on the counter.] Feel free to help yourself.

[He’s… really trying to attempt to lighten the mood of this situation. Please humor him.]

Comments

[anasty]

A midnight craving would be enough to kill you for.

How fortunate I haven't felt the desire to give our host the satisfaction. That and well...

I have better things to do with my time than pick my teeth clear of clothing.

[hallotween]

Be serious! This is serious!

[nocasetoobig]

If she did it, I'm gonna bite her again.

[anasty]

[ She glances over at that, her jaw tightening a little. Still, her only response is to take another draw off of the drink in her hand. ]

[hallotween]

Answer me!

[anasty]

[ At a little growl. She's on the defensive now, but it lacks her usual overt aggression. Of all the people. ]

What was the question?

[hallotween]

They asked you what your desire was. What was it.

[anasty]

...Power.

Something I've never needed anyone to acquire for myself before.

[hallotween]

Still. You wouldn't let an opportunity to get more of it pass you by. You're not that kind of person.

It's... It's something you'd kill for. Right?

[anasty]

[ She runs her tongue along her teeth. It's quieter, it's to Marnie alone: ]

Would you have me die instead?

[hallotween]

... [oh god she wants to scream but.

she manages a tense whisper.] Not if it means I die!

[anasty]

[ Ursula swallows, a barely perceptible gesture given how large her throat is. The grind of her jaw is more telling, the sound of bones scraping behind pursed, sanguine lips.

She reaches up and takes off the necklace with one hand, crooking a finger on the other in a come-hither gesture. ]

There's only one person here that can assure you don't.

[ She offers it. ]

[hallotween]

[glances at the necklace... but doesn't immediately move.]

What is it?

[anasty]

Something that can help you, if you choose. I left you instructions in my room.

[ She sets it on the bar before her, holding up a finger. There's a bright saleswoman smile. ]

It comes at a cost...

[ The finger droops, as does her smile. ]

Look after my boys.

[ That being said, Ursula oozes further down the bar, closer to the stage. This one is good enough. ]

[hallotween]

[Marnie doesn't move from her chair. even when the singing starts.

she is honestly uncertain if she is ever going to be able to move again.]

[nocasetoobig]

[HOW IS HE SUPPOSED TO STEAL IT NOW GDAMMIT]

[lusito]

Well that's certainly a reasonable desire to have.

[...no seriously he's not being sarcastic about this]

[anasty]

[ She drops him a little wink. ]