The Trial

[18:04] <ATtheorytime[DM]> Faerzen and Lyra make their way to the trial, with Alex close behind
[18:05] <ATtheorytime[DM]> Awaiting them are the Book, Regent, and the Demonic Mask, Abyss
[18:05] <ATtheorytime[DM]> Let the trial
[18:05] <ATtheorytime[DM]> Commence
[18:05] <ATtheorytime[DM]> == START ==
[18:05]  * Alexander_Pyrite sits in the stands and props up my shield to watch
[18:06] <ATtheorytime[DM]> By stands you of course mean "solid marble ground nearby"
[18:06] <ATtheorytime[DM]> As there is nowhere to freely sit
[18:06]  * Lyra_Bel exhales slowly
[18:06] <Regent> "Are the parties both ready to reconvene?"
[18:07] <Lyra_Bel> "We are."
[18:07] <Regent> Abyss consents as well
[18:07] <Regent> "Faerzen, last time I believe your client cited a declaration about her own insanity"
[18:08] <Regent> "Would you care to remind us of your claims?"
[18:08] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Correct, your honor."
[18:10] <Lyra_Bel> "Insanity.  What evidence do you need?"
[18:11] <Lyra_Bel> "Everyone here knows it."
[18:11] <Faerzen_Norstov> "We claim that Lyra's mental state for the past several days falls under the umbrella of legal insanity. As such, she is unable to make binding legal agreements in her best interest due to her various mental conditions, self-injurious actions, and impulsive behavior."
[18:11] <Regent> "Is that the only claim you have to submit at this time?"
[18:12] <Faerzen_Norstov> "The effect of this insanity plea on the various contracts she may or may not be engaged in with the party known as Abyss is to be determined, though we would press that they should should be nullified if the time comes to submit that claim."
[18:12] <Lyra_Bel> "The other claims we can do later."
[18:12] <Faerzen_Norstov> "At the present moment, that is the only claim we wish to submit. Further claims may be submitted based on the results of this trial."
[18:13] <Regent> "Excellent"
[18:13] <Regent> "And Mr. Abyss, could you remind the court of your claims at this time?"
[18:15] <Regent> "Lyra, has broken a contract written in trueblood, and this party believes that she is attempting to claim insanity as a way to dissolve the contract unfairly and selfishly"
[18:16] <Regent> "In addition, during an 8 hour period of time recently Lyra broke the contract by intentionally obscuring her location and choosing to ignore the laws of the contract"
[18:16] <Regent> "That is all"
[18:17] <Regent> "Excellent then, Lyra, as the defending party shall be allowed the first display of evidence"
[18:18]  * Lyra_Bel glances at Faerzen
[18:18] <Lyra_Bel> "May I?"
[18:18]  * Faerzen_Norstov whispers to Lyra, what is it you wish to do?
[18:18]  * Faerzen_Norstov I have a course of evidence plotted, but what are you asking me about now?
[18:19] <Lyra_Bel> "Fine, you take over."
[18:19] <Lyra_Bel> "Just lemme know when you need something screwed up."
[18:20]  * Faerzen_Norstov whispers "please don't react surprised to what I am about to say, just roll with it. All that I'm putting together is just what think we have enough evidence for in this case, okay?"
[18:20] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Thank you, your honor"
[18:22] <Faerzen_Norstov> "There are three primary cases we would like to make towards our claim of Lyra's legal insanity: Cotard Delusion, Schizophrenia, and self-injurious behavior and suicidal tendencies."
[18:22]  * Faerzen_Norstov walks up towards the center of the proceedings, gesturing on his glasses
[18:23] <Faerzen_Norstov> "I would like to present Exhibit A: a video file captured on a body camera worn my Lyra."
[18:23] <Faerzen_Norstov> A projection appears in the air, emanating from his glasses showing a dark cave.
[18:24] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Lyra. Where were you when this particular recording was captured?"
[18:24] <Lyra_Bel> "Underground, in a cave system on this planet."
[18:25] <Faerzen_Norstov> "What was your intent in venturing there?"
[18:25] <Lyra_Bel> "I thought I was supposed to."
[18:25] <Faerzen_Norstov> "And what were you doing soon prior to the events that are captured in this particular recording segment?"
[18:26] <Lyra_Bel> "I was trying to he..."
[18:26] <Lyra_Bel> "Necromancy."
[18:26] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Thank you."
[18:27] <Abyss> Objection your honor
[18:27]  * Alexander_Pyrite gasps
[18:27] <Abyss> Necromantic arts are highly illegal
[18:27] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Your honor, that is highly impertinent to the current trial and claims."
[18:27] <Faerzen_Norstov> "No illegal actions are in this piece of evidence."
[18:28] <Abyss> "Hmmph, I suppose it is somewhat irrelevant to the current proceedings, on the other hand, necromancy is a crime of great and terrible consequence"
[18:29] <Lyra_Bel> "Sounds like something only a crazy person would do"
[18:29] <Lyra_Bel> "Heh"
[18:29] <Abyss> "For the sake of staying on topic we shall save this topic for later"
[18:29] <Abyss> "But we will discuss it"
[18:29] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Anyways, as I was saying."
[18:30] <Faerzen_Norstov> "What follows in this video--and can be confirmed both by other sources and physical evidence--is exactly what physically happened thereafter."
[18:30]  * Faerzen_Norstov plays the video recording
[18:30] <Lyra_Bel> [23:24] <Lyra_Bel> Toying with my brain some more
[18:30] <Lyra_Bel> [23:25] <Lyra_Bel> Yes there is!
[18:30] <Lyra_Bel> [23:25] <Lyra_Bel> Another voice in my stupid head, crowding and jostling for room between Carl and Reggie!
[18:31] <Lyra_Bel> [23:25] <Lyra_Bel> What do you want from me!?
[18:31] <Lyra_Bel> [23:26] <Lyra_Bel> Tell me what I'm supposed to be doing!
[18:31] <Lyra_Bel> [23:26] <Lyra_Bel> Or is this it?
[18:31] <Lyra_Bel> [23:27] <Lyra_Bel> I've fulfilled my purpose in making everyone else miserable, so now I'm finally allowed to die?
[18:31] <Faerzen_Norstov> Lyra seems to be yelling at nothing in particular, as if she is having one side of a conversation.
[18:31] <Lyra_Bel> [23:28] <Lyra_Bel> We both know this isn't the end
[18:31] <Lyra_Bel> [23:28] <Lyra_Bel> I can't be let off the hook that easily, right?
[18:31] <Lyra_Bel> [23:28] <Lyra_Bel> Something new is gonna swoop in and screw me over, RIGHT!?
[18:31] <Lyra_Bel> [23:29] <Lyra_Bel> Finish the caves, contract.  Give up the contract, this!
[18:32] <Lyra_Bel> [23:29] <Lyra_Bel> What happens to me if I give up and let myself try to die here!?
[18:32] <Lyra_Bel> [23:29] <Lyra_Bel> Bring me to the stone bed and force me back to life?
[18:32] <Lyra_Bel> [23:30] <Lyra_Bel> Shunt me to another body and repair this one?
[18:32] <Lyra_Bel> [23:30] <Lyra_Bel> Maybe give me a few hours freedom before Abyss takes over for good and makes me watch?
[18:32] <Lyra_Bel> [23:31] <Lyra_Bel> WHAT
[18:32] <Lyra_Bel> [23:31] <Lyra_Bel> HAPPENS
[18:32] <Lyra_Bel> [23:31] <Lyra_Bel> WHEN
[18:32] <Lyra_Bel> [23:31] <Lyra_Bel> I
[18:32] <Lyra_Bel> [23:31] <Lyra_Bel> DIE
[18:32] <Lyra_Bel> [23:31]  * Lyra_Bel is quiet for several seconds
[18:32] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Holy shit... I don't feel well"
[18:32] <Lyra_Bel> [23:31] <Lyra_Bel> Please
[18:32] <Lyra_Bel> [23:32] <Lyra_Bel> Please at least let me pretend there's a chance
[18:33] <Lyra_Bel> [23:32] <Lyra_Bel> Let me, let me work things out
[18:33] <Lyra_Bel> [23:32] <Lyra_Bel> Let me try
[18:33]  * Lyra_Bel decaptchalogues the Stick of Guidance (tm) she'd picked up from LOAAC and tosses it to Alex
[18:33] <Lyra_Bel> [23:33] <Lyra_Bel> Or
[18:33]  * Alexander_Pyrite catches
[18:33] <Lyra_Bel> [23:33] <Lyra_Bel> Or is this even related to me?
[18:33] <Lyra_Bel> [23:33] <Lyra_Bel> You're something else, aren't you?
[18:33]  * Alexander_Pyrite looks at the stick
[18:33] <Lyra_Bel> [23:34] <Lyra_Bel> You're not me
[18:33] <Lyra_Bel> [23:35] <Lyra_Bel> ...
[18:34] <Lyra_Bel> [23:35] <Lyra_Bel> Not spilling, eh?
[18:34]  * Alexander_Pyrite chuckles lightly and grasps it tightly
[18:34] <Lyra_Bel> [23:35] <Lyra_Bel> Fine
[18:34] <Lyra_Bel> [23:35] <Lyra_Bel> I can play that game
[18:34] <Lyra_Bel> [23:35]  * Lyra_Bel crosses her arms and leans back against the wall
[18:34] <Lyra_Bel> [23:36]  * Lyra_Bel flinches and instead opts to sit up
[18:34]  * Alexander_Pyrite looks to be on the verge of tears, then blinks it away
[18:34] <Lyra_Bel> [23:36] <Lyra_Bel> You
[18:34] <Lyra_Bel> [23:37] <Lyra_Bel> What'd you say?
[18:34] <Lyra_Bel> [23:37] <Lyra_Bel> I'm not insane, I had to live, and there's nobody here
[18:34] <Lyra_Bel> [23:37] <Lyra_Bel> Do I get points for guessing your name with my dying breath?
[18:34] <Faerzen_Norstov> There appears to be no obvious cause to her flinch.
[18:35] <Lyra_Bel> "My back was ripped open."
[18:35] <Lyra_Bel> [23:39]  * Lyra_Bel decaptchalogues the ring, amulet, other trinkets, her book, and the Warhammer figurine, along with Alex's jeans
[18:35] <Lyra_Bel> [23:39] <Lyra_Bel> She wraps the objects up in the jeans, and puts the bundle as near the centre of the hallway as she can find
[18:35] <Lyra_Bel> [23:40] <Lyra_Bel> This is what dying feels like
[18:35] <Lyra_Bel> [23:40] <Lyra_Bel> Right?
[18:35] <Lyra_Bel> [23:40] <Lyra_Bel> Well, I have to admit
[18:35] <Lyra_Bel> [23:40] <Lyra_Bel> I thought MASKWRAITH was bad at it
[18:35] <Faerzen_Norstov> Lyra still seems to just be sitting on the cavern floor
[18:35] <Lyra_Bel> [23:41] <Lyra_Bel> But you, you take the cake!
[18:36] <Lyra_Bel> [23:41] <Lyra_Bel> Darn it
[18:36]  * Faerzen_Norstov pauses the recording
[18:36] <Lyra_Bel> "A few more seconds, please."
[18:36] <Lyra_Bel> "Here's where it gets good."
[18:36]  * Alexander_Pyrite exhales
[18:36] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Lyra. You seem to be having quite the conversation! Can you please elaborate in what context you were yelling in an empty cave?"
[18:37] <Lyra_Bel> "I thought of it as, ah... Shieldwraith."
[18:37] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Shiel... Oh shit"
[18:37] <Lyra_Bel> "Another spectre from another darkest timeline, like Nickolai."
[18:37] <Faerzen_Norstov> "What does that mean? Can you please elaborate by describing what you felt you were experiencing?"
[18:38] <Lyra_Bel> "It was dark, even with the glasses.  And there was thunder."
[18:38] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Thunder?"
[18:39] <Lyra_Bel> "It sounded like it, yeah"
[18:39] <Lyra_Bel> "And it was raining, but the rain was like tree sap."
[18:39] <Lyra_Bel> "Sticky, weighed me down."
[18:39] <Lyra_Bel> "If you go a few more seconds, the earthquakes will start."
[18:40] <Faerzen_Norstov> "I intend to, believe me, Lyra. You said in the recording that you wondered if 'this is what dying feels like'. Why did you say that?"
[18:40] <Lyra_Bel> "Because I thought he was killing me."
[18:41] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Who? There is no other creatures in this recording. Why did you think there was someone else doing this to you?"
[18:42] <Lyra_Bel> "Because he talked to me."
[18:42] <Lyra_Bel> "Said I was dead now because I needed to live before"
[18:43] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Thank you."
[18:43] <Lyra_Bel> "That's why I thought he was Alex."
[18:43] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Your honor, please note that no such rain or growing darkness is visible in this recording."
[18:44] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Nor is any thunder audible or any other entities conversing present, despite the presence of other audible sounds being present."
[18:44] <Abyss> "Noted"
[18:44]  * Alexander_Pyrite remembers his conversation with Lyra about death earlier
[18:45] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Lyra, earlier in this recording you flinched when leaning back against the wall and you said just now that your back was ripped open."
[18:45] <Lyra_Bel> "Yeah"
[18:45] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Would you please turn around and show the court your back?"
[18:45] <Lyra_Bel> "Different body."
[18:46] <Lyra_Bel> "It was the other me down there."
[18:46] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Ah yes, please forgive me."
[18:47]  * Faerzen_Norstov reaches down and lifts Lyra's other body
[18:48] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Note that there is no such injury here, nor is there any blood on her clothing, nor is there any scarring"
[18:48] <Lyra_Bel> "Please don't let them check for scarring"
[18:48] <Abyss> Your Honor, we have no proof that that is the body indicated in that video
[18:49]  * Lyra_Bel marches up to the body and forces the eyelids open
[18:49] <Lyra_Bel> "My eyes are rocks.  Proof enough?"
[18:49] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Lyra only has two non-dream bodies and both are currently present here. Neither display the back injuries Lyra speaks of."
[18:49] <Abyss> Can you prove that it was yourself existing in that body and not another person?
[18:49]  * Lyra_Bel laughs
[18:49] <Lyra_Bel> "Is that what we're doing now?"
[18:50] <Lyra_Bel> "Are you seriously-"
[18:50]  * Lyra_Bel shuts up
[18:50] <Lyra_Bel> "Faerzen?"
[18:51] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Regardless of whether or not Lyra existed inside this body, she still experienced these things which are not physically evident in the video recording or on her body so it is irrelevant."
[18:51] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Your honor, do you desire further proof of the absence of scarring on Lyra's back?"
[18:52] <Lyra_Bel> "Okay seriously?"
[18:52] <Lyra_Bel> "Can we not undress my duplicate?"
[18:52] <Lyra_Bel> "I'm getting kinda sick of that happening."
[18:52] <Abyss> "That will be fine, thank you"
[18:52] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Very well, I shall resume the recording now that we have context on what Lyra believed to be occurring at the moment."
[18:52] <Abyss> Objection
[18:53]  * Faerzen_Norstov rolls his eyes
[18:54] <Lyra_Bel> "Actually, yeah.  Don't play it yet."
[18:54] <Abyss> Party has not established that "Lyra" as present as in this court was the same person displayed in said video, especially considering her tendency to "swap bodies" seemingly erratically
[18:54] <Lyra_Bel> "You want proof?"
[18:54] <Lyra_Bel> "You want effin' proof!?"
[18:54] <Lyra_Bel> "I WAS THERE!"
[18:54] <Lyra_Bel> "I REMEMBER IT HAPPENING!"
[18:54] <Abyss> "Order!"
[18:54] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Lyra."
[18:55] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Silence, please."
[18:55]  * Lyra_Bel grimaces
[18:55] <Lyra_Bel> "I can prove it."
[18:55] <Abyss> "Does Lyra's party have any psychological evidence to present at this time?"
[18:56] <Lyra_Bel> "I know what comes next."
[18:56] <Lyra_Bel> "Because I remember it."
[18:56] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Lyra. That is not substantive enough evidence."
[18:56] <Abyss> "Agreed"
[18:56] <Faerzen_Norstov> "I would like to call forth the party known as 'Reggie' to the court."
[18:56]  * Faerzen_Norstov turns to the crown
[18:56] <Abyss> < aka looks up >
[18:57] <Abyss> *Your Honor*
[18:57] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Reggie, you have the capability of walking through the folds of the mind of the person who is wearing your crown, is that correct?"
[18:57] <Abyss> *If by 'my crown' you refer to my body, then yes*
[18:58] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Lyra has switched bodies many times according to your memory, correct?"
[18:59] <Abyss> *I can not say. I know that she has fallen unconscious at seemingly random intervals and her mental presence seems to disappear during this time*
[18:59] <Lyra_Bel> "But you're-"
[19:00]  * Lyra_Bel looks to Faerzen
[19:00] <Lyra_Bel> "Can I?"
[19:00] <Faerzen_Norstov> "But she has fallen unconscious at seemingly random periods of time, only to regain consciousness at a later time, correct?"
[19:00] <Abyss> *That is true*
[19:01]  * Faerzen_Norstov gestures for Lyra to wait
[19:01] <Abyss> *I can only assume what happens during such times*
[19:01]  * Lyra_Bel raises a hand
[19:01] <Faerzen_Norstov> "And while she has fallen unconscious you have no direct awareness of what her consciousness is doing."
[19:01] <Abyss> *I do not*
[19:01]  * Faerzen_Norstov whispers to Lyra, "what is it?"
[19:02] <Lyra_Bel> "He can see my memories of what happens"
[19:02] <Faerzen_Norstov> "However, when she regains consciousness has she talked of engaging in any activities you were not present for?"
[19:02]  * Faerzen_Norstov nods to Lyra, "yes, I am getting there"
[19:02] <Abyss> *Yes*
[19:03] <Faerzen_Norstov> "You are able to sense her feelings and memories while she is wearing you. Were you able to detect any psychological or memory evidence to support the fact that her consciousness experienced these other activities?"
[19:04] <Abyss> *I indeed was*
[19:05] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Has Lyra worn you since the events that took place in this recording?"
[19:06] <Abyss> *Yes, however, only for a very brief duration of time*
[19:07] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Were you able to detect any memories or psychological pain that would correspond to her account of the events in this recording involving feeling as though she were dying?"
[19:08] <Abyss> *...*
[19:08] <Abyss> *... one moment please your Honor, this is quite traumatic for me... *
[19:09] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Take your time."
[19:09]  * Lyra_Bel looks like she wants to say something, but holds back
[19:09] <Abyss> * Yes *
[19:10]  * Faerzen_Norstov walks over to Lyra's other body, picking up one of her arms and holding it up so the hand is quite visible
[19:11] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Please note the grievous physical injury to this particular finger here. It will serve as further evidence that this body and Lyra's mental consciousness were both present in this recording."
[19:12] <Abyss> "I fail to see how this injury is quite relevant"
[19:12] <Faerzen_Norstov> "I am pointing it out now as you will later be able to see how it was acquired later in this recording."
[19:13] <Abyss> "Do proceed then"
[19:13]  * Faerzen_Norstov resumes the video recording
[19:13] <Lyra_Bel> [23:43] <Lyra_Bel> What am I even doing anymore?
[19:13] <Lyra_Bel> [23:44] <ATtheorytime[DM]> The rest gets caught off as Lyra's throat seizes up
[19:13] <Lyra_Bel> [23:45]  * Lyra_Bel closes her eyes and curls up into a ball
[19:13] <Lyra_Bel> [23:45] <Lyra_Bel> Please stop
[19:13] <Lyra_Bel> [23:46] <Lyra_Bel> Fine.  I messed up that too
[19:13] <Lyra_Bel> [23:46] <Lyra_Bel> But I TRIED!
[19:13] <Lyra_Bel> [23:47] <Lyra_Bel> You can't say I deserve this
[19:13] <Lyra_Bel> [23:47] <Lyra_Bel> Not less than you do
[19:14] <Lyra_Bel> [23:48] <Lyra_Bel> Or maybe this is s'posed to be it?
[19:14] <Lyra_Bel> [23:48] <Lyra_Bel> This is your slippery slope
[19:14] <Lyra_Bel> [23:48] <Lyra_Bel> And once I'm finally dead, you move on to the others and do the same thing Nick did
[19:14] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Lyra, please point out when you felt the earthquakes you mentioned began."
[19:14] <Abyss> Does our spectator hear wish to view this video in its entirity?
[19:14] <Lyra_Bel> "They'd already started by now."
[19:14] <Lyra_Bel> [23:50]  * Lyra_Bel lies on the ground in an awkward-looking position
[19:14] <Abyss> Excuse me, could we pause the recording momentarily?
[19:14] <Lyra_Bel> [23:50] <Lyra_Bel> Except that's not it, is it?
[19:14] <Lyra_Bel> [23:50] <Lyra_Bel> You know me
[19:15] <Lyra_Bel> [23:50] <Lyra_Bel> You know I didn't want to die
[19:15] <Lyra_Bel> [23:50] <Lyra_Bel> Not right away
[19:15]  * Faerzen_Norstov does not pause the recording
[19:15] <Lyra_Bel> [23:51] <Lyra_Bel> ...
[19:15] <Lyra_Bel> [23:51] <Lyra_Bel> Well
[19:15] <Lyra_Bel> [23:52] <Lyra_Bel> Okay
[19:15] <Lyra_Bel> [23:52] <Lyra_Bel> Bit of a non-sequiter
[19:15] <Lyra_Bel> [23:52] <Lyra_Bel> I mean, I know you kinda do that a lot
[19:15] <Lyra_Bel> [23:52] <Lyra_Bel> But, really?
[19:15] <Lyra_Bel> [23:54] <Lyra_Bel> I'm not dead
[19:15] <Lyra_Bel> [23:54] <Lyra_Bel> This is me, calling your bluff
[19:15] <Lyra_Bel> [23:54] <Lyra_Bel> I don't believe you
[19:15] <Lyra_Bel> [23:54] <Lyra_Bel> Because I know you, and this is not the way you'd do this
[19:15] <Abyss> I'm afraid that our uninvited spectator seems a bit queasy and may wish to take a short leave
[19:15] <Lyra_Bel> [23:55] <Lyra_Bel> Although
[19:16] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Lyra, please narrate any physical experiences you believe you had as the recording plays."
[19:16] <Lyra_Bel> [23:55] <ATtheorytime[DM]> Lyra looks down and her eyes widen in shock
[19:16] <Lyra_Bel> [23:55]  * Lyra_Bel clenches her eyes shut
[19:16] <Faerzen_Norstov> "They may leave if they wish."
[19:16] <Alexander_Pyrite> Nah
[19:16] <Lyra_Bel> "My legs should be turning to ash right about now."
[19:16] <Alexander_Pyrite> I'm good
[19:16] <Lyra_Bel> [23:56] <Lyra_Bel> I'm sorry
[19:16] <Lyra_Bel> [23:56] <Lyra_Bel> Now do your worst.
[19:16]  * Alexander_Pyrite is gritting his teeth quite badly
[19:16] <Lyra_Bel> "I am physically falling apart as I speak."
[19:16] <Lyra_Bel> [23:58] <Lyra_Bel> ...
[19:16] <Lyra_Bel> [23:59] <Lyra_Bel> You do this, and that's it
[19:16] <Lyra_Bel> [23:59] <Lyra_Bel> I'm your schelling fence
[19:16] <Lyra_Bel> [00:00] <Lyra_Bel> Rubicon
[19:17] <Lyra_Bel> [00:00] <Lyra_Bel> Event horizon
[19:17] <Lyra_Bel> [00:00] <Lyra_Bel> Kill me, you'll kill the others, then you'll kill yourself
[19:17] <Lyra_Bel> [00:01] <Lyra_Bel> And I don't believe even you are that pointlessly, STUPIDLY evil
[19:17] <Lyra_Bel> [00:02]  * Lyra_Bel hums quietly to herself
[19:17] <Lyra_Bel> [00:03] <ATtheorytime[DM]> Lyra's voice catches again
[19:17] <Lyra_Bel> [00:04] <ATtheorytime[DM]> Lyra barely manages to move her lips
[19:17] <Abyss> And you are referring to this, "sheildwraith" here?
[19:17] <Lyra_Bel> [00:06]  * Lyra_Bel looks down again
[19:17] <Lyra_Bel> "Yeah"
[19:17] <Lyra_Bel> [00:08] <Lyra_Bel> H
[19:17] <Lyra_Bel> [00:08] <Lyra_Bel> Heh
[19:17] <Lyra_Bel> [00:08]  * Lyra_Bel gags
[19:18] <Lyra_Bel> "Here's the part where leeches eat my heart"
[19:18] <Lyra_Bel> "I'm trying to scream, if you can't tell"
[19:19]  * Alexander_Pyrite D:
[19:19] <Lyra_Bel> "But I don't really have a body left to scream with, only dust"
[19:19] <Lyra_Bel> [00:13] <ATtheorytime[DM]> Lyra stumbles to the ground, a pen stabbed through her left hand's pinkie finger by the second joint
[19:19] <Faerzen_Norstov> <is a scream audible in the recording anyways since she isn't actually dust?>
[19:19]  * Alexander_Pyrite passes out
[19:19] <Abyss> < Yes >
[19:19] <Lyra_Bel> [00:14] <ATtheorytime[DM]> Blood oozes around the fresh wound
[19:20] <Lyra_Bel> [00:17] <Lyra_Bel> "More weight"
[19:20] <Abyss> Your Honor...
[19:20] <Lyra_Bel> [00:19] <Lyra_Bel> I said, more weight!
[19:20] <Faerzen_Norstov> "I would like to point out the injury again, your honor."
[19:20] <Lyra_Bel> "And here's where things go back to normal."
[19:20] <Lyra_Bel> [00:19] <Lyra_Bel> I know you can do better than that
[19:20] <Lyra_Bel> [00:20] <Lyra_Bel> Come on!
[19:20] <Abyss> If we could have somebody tend to our spectator...
[19:20] <Lyra_Bel> [00:20] <Lyra_Bel> You wanna cross that line, you better take a running FRIGGING LEAP!
[19:20] <Lyra_Bel> [00:25]  * Lyra_Bel pulls the pen out of her finger
[19:20]  * Alexander_Pyrite sits bolt upright
[19:20] <Lyra_Bel> [00:26] <Lyra_Bel> Come on, then
[19:20] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Urgh"
[19:20] <Lyra_Bel> [00:26]  * Lyra_Bel climbs to her feet
[19:21]  * Alexander_Pyrite runs off and barfs off a cliff
[19:21]  * Lyra_Bel passes him the energizing crystal
[19:21] <Lyra_Bel> [00:26] <Lyra_Bel> Takes a lot more than that
[19:21] <Lyra_Bel> [00:27] <Lyra_Bel> Yeah
[19:21] <Lyra_Bel> [00:27] <Lyra_Bel> YEAH!
[19:21] <Abyss> "Hmmph"
[19:21]  * Alexander_Pyrite stumbles back and sits down
[19:21] <Lyra_Bel> [00:27] <Lyra_Bel> YOU RUN!
[19:21]  * Faerzen_Norstov pauses the recording
[19:21] <Lyra_Bel> [00:28]  * Lyra_Bel takes a shuddering gasp of breath
[19:21]  * Alexander_Pyrite breathes a sigh of relief
[19:21] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Can't we just fight another massive spider"
[19:22] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Lyra, please describe how you believe you obtained that wound on your pinky."
[19:22] <Abyss> Your Honor, this is not immediately relevant to the trial, and is somewhat unprofessional...
[19:22] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Sorry I'll go"
[19:22]  * Faerzen_Norstov raises an eyebrow at Abyss
[19:22] <Abyss> ... Nevermind, I'll save my questions for Cross Examination
[19:22] <Lyra_Bel> "Alex, stay"
[19:22] <Lyra_Bel> "I didn't stab myself.  Not the way I remember things"
[19:23] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Alrighty then"
[19:23] <Lyra_Bel> "I tried to scream, thought I failed, and then I got stabbed."
[19:23] <Faerzen_Norstov> "The recording here clearly shows you stabbing yourself with the pen. What is it that you believe you experienced instead?"
[19:24] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Thank you."
[19:24] <Lyra_Bel> "I didn't even think I had hands at the time."
[19:25] <Lyra_Bel> "And I fell down, and then it was gone."
[19:25] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Your honor, it is clear from this recording that nothing physical happened to Lyra except for the self inflicted stab wound on her finger, and yet she describes experiencing a wide array of fantastic experiences including death through horribly violent means and then being brought back to life at the end of it all."
[19:25] <Lyra_Bel> "Sort of"
[19:26] <Lyra_Bel> "I didn't die in there.  He didn't quite kill me."
[19:26] <Lyra_Bel> "I'm not that lucky."
[19:26] <Abyss> "It is"
[19:26] <Faerzen_Norstov> "You believed yourself dead and crumbled to dust, call that death or not, whatever you choose to. That is enough."
[19:26] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Lyra, what did you do following the events of this recording?"
[19:26] <Lyra_Bel> "I walked back to you"
[19:27] <Lyra_Bel> "And talked with some people"
[19:27] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Your honor, I present the court with Exhibit B: a chat log archive of a conversation between myself and Lyra."
[19:28] <Faerzen_Norstov> < http://pastebin.com/Z6UHh8hS >
[19:28] <`DICE> Title: Faerzen-Lyra chat; Shieldwraith | By: Strategist14[NORMAL User!] | On: Aug 10th, 2015 | Syntax: None | Size: 12.87 KB | Views: 200 | Expires: Never
[19:28] <Faerzen_Norstov> "This conversation took place shortly following the events of this recording."
[19:28] <Abyss> Excuse me
[19:28] <Abyss> Just wondering
[19:29] <Abyss> Shall we do cross examination one exhibit at a time after each exhibit as is tradition, or would you rather present all your evidence first and then have cross examination
[19:30] <Faerzen_Norstov> "I would desire to present this in conjunction with the previous exhibit as they are very much related."
[19:30] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Then you may feel free to perform your cross examination."
[19:30] <Abyss> Excellent, you may proceed
[19:30] <Faerzen_Norstov> "In this transcript, you can see that despite me presenting substantive evidence contrary to her psychological experiences, she is adamant in her beliefs that her 'near-death' experience was real."
[19:30] <Lyra_Bel> "Still not convinced it wasn't..."
[19:31] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Lyra, have you viewed the contents of exhibit A, prior to this trial now?"
[19:32] <Lyra_Bel> "Yeah"
[19:33] <Faerzen_Norstov> "You mentioned to me after you viewed this recording that you thought all of these here inside SABATH might be a dream, or some equivalent thereupon. Can you please elaborate?"
[19:34] <Lyra_Bel> "It's a pretty common cliche.  The idea is, I'm dead or dying in a coma, and this is my brain trying to make peace with itself"
[19:35] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Why do you believe this is the case?"
[19:35] <Lyra_Bel> "Because the last thing I remember making sense is being in the car that night"
[19:36] <Lyra_Bel> "Alex and I chatted about it once, the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning getting me in my sleep"
[19:36] <Lyra_Bel> "Then that'd make the meteor, the game, the planets, everything, just a jumble in my dying mind, like a dream you can't wake up from"
[19:36] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Y-yeah"
[19:37] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Have you thought this prior to viewing Exhibit A and mentioning it to me at that time?"
[19:37] <Lyra_Bel> "Yeah"
[19:37] <Lyra_Bel> "A lot"
[19:38] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Would you say that your belief that this were all some sort of psychological experience or jumbled dream rather than reality has affected how you have responded to various situations in this game?"
[19:38] <Lyra_Bel> "Dunno"
[19:38] <Lyra_Bel> "It makes me mad"
[19:40] <Faerzen_Norstov> "How has SABATH and your belief that this all may be a dream affected your views of your own mortality?"
[19:41] <Faerzen_Norstov> "You mentioned earlier that you did not believe you had died earlier despite crumbling to dust and having your heart eaten by leeches because you weren't that lucky. Why?"
[19:42] <Lyra_Bel> "..."
[19:42] <Lyra_Bel> "I'm trying to figure out how to say this without using the word 'eager'."
[19:43] <Lyra_Bel> "I'm not allowed to die."
[19:43] <Lyra_Bel> "That would be getting off too easily."
[19:44] <Faerzen_Norstov> "You do not believe you are allowed to die?"
[19:44] <Lyra_Bel> "Yep"
[19:45] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Thank you, Lyra."
[19:45] <Lyra_Bel> "Sure"
[19:45] <Faerzen_Norstov> "This is all I wish to say about these two pieces of evidence at this moment, your honor."
[19:45]  * Faerzen_Norstov makes a slight nod to Abyss
[19:46] <Abyss> I shall begin my cross examination then
[19:47] <Abyss> Lyra, how long ago would you say that the events in the video took place?
[19:48] <Lyra_Bel> "I don't know"
[19:48] <Lyra_Bel> "An hour, maybe more?"
[19:49] <Abyss> "So it took place during said recess"
[19:49] <Lyra_Bel> "Yeah"
[19:49] <Abyss> "Have you ever experienced hallucinations like this before?"
[19:49] <Lyra_Bel> "Not from what I can tell, no"
[19:49] <Lyra_Bel> "But I've never been recorded before either"
[19:50] <Lyra_Bel> "So I guess I wouldn't know"
[19:50] <Abyss> But this is surely the first time that you've experienced morbid and dangerous hallucinations?
[19:51] <Lyra_Bel> "Yeah"
[19:52] <Abyss> And this was the first time really you would say that your insanity became apparent?
[19:52] <Lyra_Bel> "..."
[19:52] <Lyra_Bel> "Sure"
[19:52] <Faerzen_Norstov> Objection your honor
[19:52] <Abyss> "Yes?"
[19:53] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Insanity is an very all-encompassing word that describes much more than just this particular occurrence. There is plenty of other evidence to be presented that takes place prior to the timeframe of exhibits A and B and using the word insanity here is incorrect and misleading."
[19:54] <Abyss> "Withstained on the grounds of leading the witness"
[19:55]  * Alexander_Pyrite quietly whispers "where did you people learn this"
[19:55] <Abyss> Apologies, Your Honor, a slip of the tongue I assure you
[19:55]  * Lyra_Bel whispers back "beats me" and shrugs
[19:55] <Abyss> Let me rephrase my inquiry
[19:56] <Abyss> This is the first time that your mental disorders have brought upon an apparent...
[19:56]  * Alexander_Pyrite smiles weakly at Lyra and responds, "yeah... You're gonna be ok."
[19:56] <Abyss> Have caused a noticeable incident of any degree?
[19:56] <Lyra_Bel> "Shh.  No plans.  You'll jinx it"
[19:56] <Lyra_Bel> "No"
[19:57] <Lyra_Bel> "This is most certainly NOT the first time I've been through something like this"
[19:57] <Abyss> I'm sure you would be willing to explain with some examples?
[19:57]  * Lyra_Bel sighs
[19:57] <Lyra_Bel> "Faerzen.  First time we met?"
[19:58]  * Faerzen_Norstov nods
[19:59] <Abyss> No need to consult your lawyer here
[19:59] <Abyss> You alone are answering the questions and are not allowed to seek guidance from a legal party at this time for fear of bias in your responses
[20:03] <Lyra_Bel> "I wasn't asking for help"
[20:03] <Lyra_Bel> "I was asking if he remembered"
[20:03] <Abyss> Irrelevant to this cross examination
[20:04] <Lyra_Bel> "No comment"
[20:04] <Lyra_Bel> "Alex.  I threw him through a Gate."
[20:04]  * Alexander_Pyrite nods
[20:05] <Lyra_Bel> "Because I'm a dangerous sociopath and I don't think about other people"
[20:06] <Abyss> You threw him through...
[20:06] <Alexander_Pyrite> "That's not all she did hah ha.."
[20:06] <Abyss> Abyss gestures towards the gate above
[20:06] <Abyss> "Keep your comments to yourself, Alex"
[20:06] <Lyra_Bel> "Yep.  You can still see the blood splatter, right over there"
[20:06] <Abyss> And you did this why?
[20:06]  * Lyra_Bel points in the general direction of the gate
[20:06] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Yes sir..."
[20:07] <Lyra_Bel> "Because I'm a sociopath and I didn't think of what would happen to him"
[20:08] <Abyss> Not thinking of the consequences is definitely relevant to your point, but also not a motivation
[20:09] <Lyra_Bel> "I don't remember why we wanted to go through"
[20:09] <Lyra_Bel> "Probably something stupid"
[20:10] <Abyss> So you wanted to achieve the goal of going through here and you simply forgot or wasn't aware that there was a drop on the other side?
[20:10] <Lyra_Bel> "Yeah, I guess so"
[20:10] <Lyra_Bel> "I knew I'd be fine.  Didn't stop to think whether or not he'd be"
[20:11] <Lyra_Bel> "Sorry 'bout that"
[20:11] <Abyss> And had you known or remembered there was a drop you would have stopped and warned him or prepared him in some way?
[20:11]  * Alexander_Pyrite watches closely
[20:11] <Lyra_Bel> "I dunno"
[20:12] <Faerzen_Norstov> Objection your honor
[20:12] <Lyra_Bel> "I'd like to be able to say yes"
[20:12] <Abyss> "On what grounds?"
[20:12] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Objection on the grounds of Calling for Speculation"
[20:12] <Faerzen_Norstov> "There are no facts to substantiate whatever response Lyra may give to this question."
[20:13] <Abyss> "While that is entirely true"
[20:14] <Abyss> "While that is true, I believe that the answer to this question will help me understand Lyra's proclaimed sociopathy better, should she choose to answer it"
[20:15] <Lyra_Bel> "I'd help him"
[20:15] <Faerzen_Norstov> "But she is not required to answer it?"
[20:15]  * Faerzen_Norstov sighs
[20:15] <Abyss> "She was indeed not required to answer"
[20:15] <Lyra_Bel> "Too bad, I did anyway"
[20:15] <Abyss> "I am glad that she did"
[20:16]  * Abyss nods
[20:16] <Abyss> So sorry, now, where were we
[20:17] <Lyra_Bel> "I'm a dangerous sociopath"
[20:17] <Abyss> That has yet to be proven
[20:17] <Abyss> So, let me recall this incident as best I can from your description
[20:18] <Abyss> In a moment of carelessness or forgetfulness you failed to consider wether the drop would effect your friend negatively and wound up injuring him somewhat badly?
[20:19] <Lyra_Bel> "Yeah"
[20:19] <Abyss> Is that all that there was of this incident?
[20:19] <Abyss> Nothing else you wish to add to this?
[20:20] <Lyra_Bel> "Depends on what point this incident ends and the next one begins"
[20:20] <Abyss> Well, why don't you tell us about your other incidents
[20:20] <Lyra_Bel> "Right after that"
[20:21] <Lyra_Bel> "I realized what'd have happened and tried to go after him"
[20:21] <Lyra_Bel> "But I switched bodies, so I had to loop all the way around"
[20:21] <Lyra_Bel> "I probably would have died if I'd made it the whole loop"
[20:22] <Lyra_Bel> "Kept falling"
[20:22] <Abyss> How do you mean?
[20:23] <Lyra_Bel> "I tried to fly through them to get to him"
[20:23] <Lyra_Bel> "Wings didn't work.  Kept falling"
[20:24] <Abyss> And why did you continue to go on then?
[20:24] <Lyra_Bel> "Because I wanted to get to him"
[20:25] <Lyra_Bel> "Because I couldn't bear to let myself be a murderer"
[20:25] <Lyra_Bel> "Because that meant there was something wrong with me"
[20:25] <Abyss> And you say that at this time you were feeling sociopathic?
[20:25] <Lyra_Bel> "No.  Reggie said it, not me"
[20:25] <Lyra_Bel> "Because I was making him come with me"
[20:26] <Abyss> Would you say that you were a sociopath at this time?
[20:26] <Lyra_Bel> "Yeah"
[20:26] <Lyra_Bel> "I had a hostage"
[20:26]  * Lyra_Bel gestures to Reggie
[20:27] <Abyss> Let me recount quickly
[20:28] <Abyss> You risked life and limb to save this boy's life, to get to him as fast as you could to see if he was actually ok, and you think that that was sociopathic in nature?
[20:28]  * Alexander_Pyrite looks guilt
[20:28] <Lyra_Bel> "Yeah"
[20:28] <Lyra_Bel> "I didn't do it for him, though"
[20:28] <Lyra_Bel> "There's nothing I could have done to help him anyway, right?"
[20:28] <Abyss> It seems to me like you did do it for him
[20:29] <Abyss> Correct me if I'm wrong here...
[20:29]  * Alexander_Pyrite looks somewhat let down
[20:29] <Lyra_Bel> "Me bleeding out next to him wouldn't have accomplished anything!"
[20:29] <Abyss> But you said you did this because you couldn't stand being a murderer?
[20:30] <Lyra_Bel> "Yeah"
[20:30] <Lyra_Bel> "I guess I thought I deserved it"
[20:31] <Abyss> Why would you care if you killed him? What does his life matter to you?
[20:31]  * Faerzen_Norstov nervously begins twiddling his thumbs
[20:31]  * Alexander_Pyrite looks scared
[20:31] <Lyra_Bel> "Objection"
[20:31] <Lyra_Bel> "That's irrelevant"
[20:32] <Abyss> Not at all
[20:32] <Abyss> "..."
[20:32] <Abyss> It seems quite relevant on determining your sociopathy
[20:33] <Abyss> Would you please answer the question?
[20:33] <Lyra_Bel> "Your honour?"
[20:34] <Abyss> "I see no problems with this line of questioning as it currently stands..."
[20:34] <Lyra_Bel> "I didn't want him to die because I didn't want to be a killer."
[20:34] <Abyss> "But you didn't want him to die?"
[20:34] <Lyra_Bel> "If it was Tarane or Faerzen, I'd feel the same way."
[20:35]  * Alexander_Pyrite shuts his eyes tightly.
[20:35] <Lyra_Bel> "Who it was has nothing to do with this."
[20:35] <Abyss> "So if it were a stranger..."
[20:35] <Lyra_Bel> "..."
[20:35] <Lyra_Bel> "Dunno"
[20:36] <Abyss> Pardon my hypotheticals, bad habit of mine
[20:36]  * Alexander_Pyrite opens his eyes back up.
[20:36] <Abyss> So
[20:37] <Lyra_Bel> "So I almost killed someone because I couldn't force myself to care enough"
[20:38] <Abyss> Why does it matter if they died?
[20:38] <Lyra_Bel> "I told you.  Several times"
[20:38] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Objection, your honor."
[20:39] <Faerzen_Norstov> "On the grounds of Asked and Answered. Abyss has asked this question multiple times when he has already received an answer."
[20:39] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Lyra does not need to continue belaboring this same point."
[20:39] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Either Abyss asks different questions or he actually starts to go somewhere with this line of questioning."
[20:40] <Abyss> "Agreed, Mr Abyss please make your point"
[20:41] <Abyss> Lyra, do you think it is possible you could have risked your life for Alex's sake instead of your own?
[20:42] <Abyss> It seems clear to me that you wanted to know if he was ok
[20:42] <Lyra_Bel> "No"
[20:42] <Lyra_Bel> "I never could have made it to him"
[20:42] <Lyra_Bel> "I just wanted to try and fail"
[20:42] <Abyss> Why?
[20:43] <Lyra_Bel> "..."
[20:43] <Lyra_Bel> "Can I have a few minutes to figure out what I'm trying to say?"
[20:43] <Abyss> Take all the time you need
[20:44] <Lyra_Bel> "Thanks"
[20:45] <Lyra_Bel> ...
[20:46] <Lyra_Bel> "Okay"
[20:46] <Lyra_Bel> "I wanted to die trying"
[20:47] <Lyra_Bel> "Because I thought that'd be a fitting penance for letting him die"
[20:47] <Abyss> You wanted to punish yourself for letting your friend get injured?
[20:48] <Lyra_Bel> "I guess so"
[20:48] <Lyra_Bel> "I screwed up, so I deserved to get hurt"
[20:49] <Abyss> Does that sound like actions in line with a sociopathic agenda?
[20:49] <Abyss> Punishing ones self over letting a friend be hurt?
[20:49] <Lyra_Bel> "Not that part!"
[20:50] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Objection, your honor"
[20:50] <Faerzen_Norstov> "On the grounds of Calling for a Conclusion. That question requested opinion and has no basis on known facts."
[20:52] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Lyra's interpretation of what qualifies as 'sociopathic' is irrelevant and does not change the facts of her actions or motivations."
[20:52] <Abyss> < It's not easy being a judge and a lawyer at the same time >
[20:54] <Abyss> Your Honor, I was asking that question rhetorically, and again I apologize for stepping out of line
[20:56] <Abyss> "Hmmph"
[20:56] <Abyss> "Just finish your examination. Don't let it happen again"
[20:57] <Abyss> That is all I have to ask for now
[20:58] <Abyss> "Next Exhibit?"
[20:59]  * Faerzen_Norstov walks to the center again, heaving a tired sigh
[21:00]  * Faerzen_Norstov rubs circles with his fingers on his temples briefly before letting out a deep breath and speaking
[21:00] <Lyra_Bel> "Faerzen"
[21:00]  * Faerzen_Norstov turns to Lyra
[21:00] <Lyra_Bel> "You don't have to do this"
[21:00] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Yes?"
[21:00] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Yes, I do. Now please let us return to the proceedings."
[21:00] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Your honor."
[21:01] <Faerzen_Norstov> "I present Exhibit C: a video recording of an interview with Lyra."
[21:01] <Faerzen_Norstov> http://pastebin.com/sU88akB9
[21:03] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Previously, we showed strong evidence for Lyra's questionable mental faculties, including her belief that this is all a dream. I would now like to turn to how that has affected Lyra's view of her own mortality and her strong tendency for self injurious behavior."
[21:04] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Lyra has said previously that she believes that whatever this world or experience is we are in now, it is constructed such that it will not let her die."
[21:04] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Is that correct, Lyra?"
[21:04] <Lyra_Bel> "Yep"
[21:05] <Faerzen_Norstov> "You said earlier when Abyss was talking to you that you threw yourself through gates as a sort of self-punishment, correct?"
[21:06] <Lyra_Bel> "I guess"
[21:06] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Did that experience cause you pain?"
[21:06] <Lyra_Bel> "Yeah"
[21:06] <Lyra_Bel> "It hurt"
[21:07] <Faerzen_Norstov> "And despite this, you continued to throw yourself through gates?"
[21:07] <Lyra_Bel> "Until Reggie made me stop, yes"
[21:08] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Exhibit A, the experience you had with the earthquakes and leeches. Was that painful to you?"
[21:08] <Lyra_Bel> "Extremely"
[21:09] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Would you say you have experienced pain outside of these two incidents?"
[21:09] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Since the time of entering whatever this world is?"
[21:09] <Lyra_Bel> "Often"
[21:09] <Lyra_Bel> "Very often"
[21:10] <Faerzen_Norstov> "In Exhibit C, you are stated to have said 'I want to be the one that gets hurt for it!' "
[21:11] <Lyra_Bel> "... I guess, yeah"
[21:11] <Faerzen_Norstov> "As well as always envisioning yourself as the loser when it comes to zero-sum exchanges."
[21:11] <Lyra_Bel> "Yes"
[21:12] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Why is that?"
[21:12] <Lyra_Bel> "I don't know"
[21:13] <Faerzen_Norstov> "You have related to me as well as others on many occasions of plans to kill yourself. In Exhibit C, you said "
[21:13] <Faerzen_Norstov> [21:37] <Faerzen_Norstov> All throughout this game, you have talked about simply throwing yourself off a cliff or performing some equally harmful act just to kill yourself
[21:13] <Faerzen_Norstov> [21:37] <Faerzen_Norstov> Not just that gate incident
[21:13] <Faerzen_Norstov> [21:37] <Lyra_Bel> Because I wanna see what stops it from working
[21:13] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Is this in relation to your belief about being unable to die?"
[21:13] <Lyra_Bel> "Yeah"
[21:14] <Faerzen_Norstov> "So you mean to say here that you choose to attempt these things because you want to see what about this world, be it dream or real, that prevents you from dying.:
[21:14] <Lyra_Bel> "No, I don't think so"
[21:14] <Lyra_Bel> "There's a step you missed somewhere in there"
[21:14] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Can you please elaborate?"
[21:15] <Lyra_Bel> "I've been that way a lot longer than the game"
[21:15] <Faerzen_Norstov> "How so?"
[21:16] <Lyra_Bel> "Getting myself into painful situations"
[21:16] <Lyra_Bel> "Usually not this potentially deadly"
[21:17] <Lyra_Bel> "But recently, being afraid to die hasn't been an issue"
[21:17] <Lyra_Bel> "So I guess now I get to be that much more reckless"
[21:18] <Faerzen_Norstov> "So you admit that voluntarily causing yourself pain has been something you have done for quite some time, even before this game?"
[21:19] <Lyra_Bel> "I... Yes."
[21:19] <Lyra_Bel> "I suppose it has."
[21:19] <Faerzen_Norstov> "You said that you have experienced pain since entering this game quite frequently, sometimes on very significant scales."
[21:20] <Faerzen_Norstov> "You already described how the pain you experienced from throwing yourself through gates was a voluntary choice you chose as a sort of self-punishment."
[21:20] <Faerzen_Norstov> "You acknowledged that you did not believe you could die but also that you would not be able to help him even if you could reach him. That the whole ordeal was not because you cared about helping Alex."
[21:20] <Lyra_Bel> "That's right"
[21:21] <Faerzen_Norstov> "In response to a great deal of this self-inflicted pain, you said this in Exhibit C:"
[21:21] <Faerzen_Norstov> "I want to be the one that gets hurt for it!"
[21:21] <Faerzen_Norstov> [21:32] <Lyra_Bel> I ain't hurting
[21:21] <Faerzen_Norstov> [21:33] <Faerzen_Norstov> That is the problem.
[21:21] <Faerzen_Norstov> [21:33] <Faerzen_Norstov> Your mind and life are so scarred that you aren't hurting at all anymore, even when you should be.
[21:21] <Faerzen_Norstov> [21:33] <Lyra_Bel> That's not how it works
[21:21] <Faerzen_Norstov> [21:33] <Lyra_Bel> It's not that "oh you're just so used to it that it doesn't affect you"
[21:21] <Faerzen_Norstov> [21:33] <Lyra_Bel> I like it.
[21:21] <Faerzen_Norstov> [21:34] <Lyra_Bel> Okay?
[21:21] <Faerzen_Norstov> [21:34] <Faerzen_Norstov> Case in point.
[21:22] <Faerzen_Norstov> "You admit that you like being the brunt of all of this suffering?"
[21:22] <Lyra_Bel> "..."
[21:22] <Lyra_Bel> "Yeah"
[21:22] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Why is that?"
[21:22]  * Lyra_Bel sighs
[21:22] <Lyra_Bel> "I don't know."
[21:23] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Very well."
[21:24] <Faerzen_Norstov> "In addition, you also said in Exhibit C, in response to this self-inflicted pain"
[21:24] <Faerzen_Norstov> [21:38] <Faerzen_Norstov> The game breaking you and you breaking you are two very different things, Lyra
[21:24] <Faerzen_Norstov> [21:38] <Lyra_Bel> How so?
[21:24] <Faerzen_Norstov> [21:39] <Faerzen_Norstov> How are they not? Do you really think you lack that much agency that any action you perform is instead the fault of the game?
[21:24] <Faerzen_Norstov> [21:39] <Lyra_Bel> Yep
[21:24] <Lyra_Bel> "So?"
[21:27] <Faerzen_Norstov> "You have acknowledged that you have for a long time purposefully inflicted pain upon yourself. You have also described your belief that this world could be a dream and as such your actions would not carry the same consequences as they would in reality. You described how you do not believe that this game will let you die and that has led you to be
[21:27] <Faerzen_Norstov> even more reckless. You have described how you enjoy seeing yourself as the victim and the brunt of your self-inflicted pain. You have furthermore said here that you see any action you see as not your fault or responsibility, but instead another machination of the game that you completely lack agency to oppose. Are these statements correct?"
[21:27] <Lyra_Bel> "Pretty much hit the nail on the head, yup"
[21:28] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Thank you, your honor, that is all for this Exhibit."
[21:30] <Abyss> No questions, your Honor
[21:31]  * Faerzen_Norstov decaptchalogues a folder packed with papers and with a large blood streak down the side
[21:31] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Your honor, I present Exhibit D: a psychological profiling of the man known as Nickolai Varnegs."
[21:32] <Faerzen_Norstov> "This folder contains details psychoanalyses, interview transcripts, and personal journal entries of Nickolai, as well as from the timeline that the party known as Maskwraith comes from."
[21:33] <Abyss> "And its relevance to Lyra?"
[21:33] <Faerzen_Norstov> "In the folder, you can see very clearly established a pattern of psychotic behavior, violence, malevolence, and a multitude of mental instabilities."
[21:33] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Maskwraith was here before the trial not too long ago, was he not, Lyra?"
[21:33] <Lyra_Bel> "He was"
[21:34] <Lyra_Bel> "A few times, sort of"
[21:34] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Was that the first time you had interacted with him, here at the beginning of the court proceedings?"
[21:34] <Lyra_Bel> "No"
[21:34] <Lyra_Bel> "I met him before, in the caves"
[21:35] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Did you carry out any conversations with him?"
[21:35] <Lyra_Bel> "Yeah"
[21:35] <Abyss> Objection: I fail to see how this man's psychological analysis could be related to Lyra's mental state
[21:36] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Your honor, this is closely related to the point I was making in the previous exhibit about Lyra's reponse to pain."
[21:37] <Abyss> "How so?"
[21:37] <Abyss> < Like I legit don't see what you're getting at here >
[21:37] <Faerzen_Norstov> "I will get there shortly, your honor. I simply wish to establish the circumstances of their interaction before moving to Lyra's response to it."
[21:38] <Abyss> "Get on with it then"
[21:39] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Did he at any point use verbal aggression in your conversations with him, either through threats, mockery, or any other means in an attempt to cause you discomfort or pain?"
[21:39] <Lyra_Bel> "Yeah"
[21:39] <Faerzen_Norstov> "How so?"
[21:40] <Lyra_Bel> "Insults, comments, he started choking me at one point"
[21:40] <Faerzen_Norstov> "So he also used physical violence against you?"
[21:42] <Lyra_Bel> "Yes"
[21:43] <Lyra_Bel> "And I think he threatened more"
[21:44] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Were your interactions with him restricted solely to physical and verbal exchanges in the caves?"
[21:44] <Lyra_Bel> "Not sure what you mean"
[21:44] <Abyss> "Again, failing to see the relevance here to this trial"
[21:45] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Lyra, you mentioned in Exhibit C that Maskwraith showed you something."
[21:45] <Lyra_Bel> "Oh, right.  That doesn't count, I guess"
[21:45] <Lyra_Bel> "He made me watch as he killed a different me"
[21:45] <Faerzen_Norstov> "What did he show you?"
[21:45] <Faerzen_Norstov> "How was that version of you killed?"
[21:46] <Lyra_Bel> "He reached into her chest and pulled out the heart.  Then he stuffed it into her throat."
[21:46] <Faerzen_Norstov> "You also said in Exhibit C that this caused you frustration:"
[21:47] <Faerzen_Norstov> [21:19] <Faerzen_Norstov> And showed you him murdering your alternate self
[21:47] <Faerzen_Norstov> [21:19] <Lyra_Bel> Okay
[21:47] <Faerzen_Norstov> [21:20] <Lyra_Bel> And I was mad because she wasn't in enough pain
[21:47] <Faerzen_Norstov> [21:20] <Faerzen_Norstov> He is a known mass murderer, thief, and rapist, and he showed you this. And that is what frustrated you the most?
[21:47] <Faerzen_Norstov> [21:20] <Lyra_Bel> Yeah
[21:47] <Lyra_Bel> "... Yes, I guess I did"
[21:47] <Faerzen_Norstov> "You say the fact that your alternate self wasn't in enough pain frustrated you the most, even more than the fact that she was being brutally murdered to begin with?"
[21:48] <Lyra_Bel> "Yeah"
[21:49] <Lyra_Bel> "If she was gonna get to die, she may as well have gotten to die important"
[21:49] <Faerzen_Norstov> "You said that you were frustrated she wasn't in enough pain. Having her heart violently ripped out of her chest by Maskwraith's own clawed hands and brutally shoved down her throat was not enough pain?"
[21:49] <Lyra_Bel> "No"
[21:49] <Lyra_Bel> "Too quick"
[21:50] <Faerzen_Norstov> "So even for an alternate version of yourself where you would not directly experience the pain of the event, you still wished for unimaginably intense amounts of pain to be inflicted upon yourself?"
[21:51] <Lyra_Bel> "Guess so"
[21:52] <Faerzen_Norstov> "After all of that, seeing your own horrifically violent murder, as well as being taunted, insulted, and abused by an insane mass murder and rapist, you said in Exhibit C that 'he wasn't all that bad' and that 'you kind of liked meeting him'."
[21:52] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Your honor, that is all for this exhibit."
[21:52]  * Lyra_Bel closes her eyes and exhales
[21:53] <Abyss> Your Honor, if I may
[21:53] <Abyss> I would like to request a recess for the purpose of attempting to negotiate a settlement outside of court with Lyra's party
[21:54] <Lyra_Bel> "Define 'settlement'."
[21:55] <Lyra_Bel> "What EXACTLY do you mean by that?"
[21:56] <Abyss> A legal settlement where we basically skip over the pleasantries of the court and make a deal on our own on how to settle this dispute
[21:56] <Abyss> The details of which are to be discussed outside of court
[21:56] <Lyra_Bel> "We both need to agree?"
[21:56] <Abyss> "Granted"
[21:56] <Abyss> Yes
[21:56] <Lyra_Bel> "Of our own volition?"
[21:56] <Abyss> Yes, Lyra
[21:57] <Lyra_Bel> "Still no lying?"
[21:57] <Abyss> I'm sure your lawyer can define it better than I
[21:57] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Wait I don't like this"
[21:57] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Do you wish to make a settlement because you believe you are going to lose this claim?"
[21:57] <Faerzen_Norstov> "If Lyra is indeed legally insane, she is in no state at the moment to enter further binding agreements"
[21:58] <Faerzen_Norstov> "That is precisely the point of this claim that we are making, and I dare say making quite effectively, at the moment."
[21:58] <Abyss> Under the supervision of her legal team she should be alright, should she not?
[22:00] <Abyss> Listen, let's drop the legalese here and talk openly and freely. No recordings of this conversation, no more semantics discussion and bickering in court, just talk
[22:00] <Lyra_Bel> "No."
[22:00] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Lyra, I must strongly advise against engaging in any further agreements or plans otherwise."
[22:00] <Alexander_Pyrite> "I agree"
[22:00] <Lyra_Bel> "I don't trust you to do that."
[22:01] <Lyra_Bel> "Even I'm not that stupid"
[22:01] <Abyss> You trust me more lawyering up there than you do in person?
[22:01] <Abyss> I'm talking face to face here to you now
[22:02] <Abyss> It's not that I don't think I will win
[22:02] <Abyss> It's that I don't want to win
[22:02] <Abyss> Alright?
[22:03] <Alexander_Pyrite> "What"
[22:03] <Lyra_Bel> "Of course not"
[22:03] <Lyra_Bel> "You can't pretend we can trust you and expect us to actually DO it"
[22:03] <Abyss> Lyra, I don't expect you to trust me
[22:04] <Abyss> I didn't know you had so much wrong inside your head
[22:04] <Lyra_Bel> "Good.  Then we stick here where Regent can keep you in line."
[22:04] <Abyss> I want to dissolve the contract entirely
[22:05]  * Lyra_Bel clenches her fists
[22:05] <Lyra_Bel> "Why?"
[22:05] <Abyss> And I don't want to make a new contract with you or anything like that
[22:05] <Abyss> I don't want to take advantage of people
[22:06]  * Faerzen_Norstov bursts out laughing
[22:06] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Am I the only one who thought this guy was evil?"
[22:06] <Abyss> Everybody who makes a contract with me is fully aware of what they were doing
[22:06] <Lyra_Bel> "He is evil"
[22:06] <Lyra_Bel> "I mean, duh"
[22:06] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Wait he must be manipulating us"
[22:06] <Abyss> You were too when you made that contract
[22:06] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Duh"
[22:06] <Abyss> You know what
[22:06] <Abyss> It's done
[22:06] <Abyss> Contract dissolved
[22:06] <Abyss> Right now, just did it
[22:07] <Lyra_Bel> "..."
[22:07] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Is that something you can do?"
[22:07] <Lyra_Bel> "Objection."
[22:07] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Lyra was incapable of dissolving the contract."
[22:07] <Alexander_Pyrite> "What just happned"
[22:07] <Faerzen_Norstov> "What gives you the ability to do it?"
[22:07] <Lyra_Bel> "He's running away is what happened."
[22:07] <Abyss> < Fuck I don't have a way to actually prove this >
[22:07]  * Lyra_Bel grins
[22:07] <Alexander_Pyrite> "So what do we do"
[22:07] <Abyss> I'm not running away
[22:07] <Alexander_Pyrite> "If we could have killed him I would have done it long ago"
[22:08] <Abyss> It's a sign of good faith
[22:08] <Faerzen_Norstov> "You still have yet to prove you can actually dissolve this contract."
[22:08] <Abyss> Here's the physical document
[22:08] <Faerzen_Norstov> "So?"
[22:08]  * Abyss conjures up a piece of paper, torn in half lengthwise
[22:09] <Abyss> Here, Your Honor, if you please
[22:09] <Alexander_Pyrite> "That seems somewhat shifty"
[22:09] <Faerzen_Norstov> "What says that this means the contract no longer holds any power over either of the parties involved?"
[22:09] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Lyra expressed interest a great number of times on no longer being bound by this contract and yet you maintained she had no choice."
[22:09] <Abyss> Could you confirm that the Trueblood on this contract has been deactivated and that the contract had been dissolved?
[22:10] <Faerzen_Norstov> "What makes it acceptable that you can simply back out of a contract whenever you want?"
[22:10] <Abyss> "It does indeed seem like it has been dissolved"
[22:10] <Lyra_Bel> "Objection!"
[22:10] <Abyss> It's not backing out as such
[22:10] <Abyss> And we're in recess Lyra
[22:10] <Lyra_Bel> "Well then I'm free to say screw you!"
[22:11] <Lyra_Bel> "You can't lord a contract over someone then decide it isn't real any more!"
[22:11] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Okay then, pardon my verbiage. What makes it acceptable that you can simply dissolve a contract whenever you want when Lyra was unable to do just the same?"
[22:11] <Abyss> You made a contract with a higher power
[22:12] <Faerzen_Norstov> "So basically, what you're saying is I'm more powerful so I can do what I want and have more privileges and you can't."
[22:12] <Abyss> Listen
[22:12] <Abyss> I have no mean to offend you
[22:12]  * Lyra_Bel snorts
[22:13] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Well, it is too late for that!"
[22:13] <Abyss> This is how it's always been for this sort of deal
[22:13] <Lyra_Bel> "Where's it say that?"
[22:14] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Yeah I'm totally confused"
[22:14]  * Abyss sighs
[22:14] <Abyss> I'm giving you a refund here
[22:15] <Lyra_Bel> "Why!?"
[22:15] <Faerzen_Norstov> "I'm afraid I must ask precisely the same question myself."
[22:15] <Abyss> I don't want you to be more wrapped up in this complicated mess
[22:15] <Abyss> You don't need this stress on you
[22:15] <Lyra_Bel> "..."
[22:16]  * Lyra_Bel sighs
[22:16] <Lyra_Bel> "Shoulda seen that coming"
[22:16] <Faerzen_Norstov> "You go through all of the trouble of bringing claims against Lyra, just to nullify everything?"
[22:16] <Faerzen_Norstov> "I'm afraid I don't see the logic in why this occurred now and not a long time ago if this is your reasoning."
[22:16] <Abyss> I didn't know any of this about her
[22:17] <Abyss> When I met her I saw a girl that was fueled for revenge and just wanted to win a game
[22:17] <Faerzen_Norstov> "So you offered her a deal to consume her soul at the end of the game?"
[22:17]  * Lyra_Bel laughs bitterly
[22:17] <Alexander_Pyrite> Wait what kind of game allows people to sell their souls to win
[22:17] <Alexander_Pyrite> Or even offers a place to do it
[22:18] <Abyss> She wanted to die
[22:18] <Faerzen_Norstov> "That sounds really quite benevolent of you. Thank you for showing us you really do have the moral high ground here."
[22:18] <Lyra_Bel> "I do not want to die!"
[22:18] <Abyss> No, you don't
[22:18] <Lyra_Bel> "Not until this STUPID game happened!"
[22:18] <Abyss> When I met you, you did though
[22:19] <Lyra_Bel> "Met me, or her?"
[22:19] <Lyra_Bel> "There's a difference."
[22:19] <Abyss> I guess her?
[22:19] <Abyss> I didn't know that there was
[22:19] <Faerzen_Norstov> "So, let me get this straight."
[22:20] <Abyss> She wanted to paint me as a bad guy
[22:20] <Abyss> She wanted an easy out, an easy way to win
[22:20] <Faerzen_Norstov> "You are saying you saw Lyra as a person you could assist in her goals so you offered her a deal."
[22:20]  * Lyra_Bel scowls and rolls her eyes
[22:20] <Alexander_Pyrite> for her soul?!
[22:21] <Abyss> She had nothing left after she won
[22:21] <Abyss> She would have had, I should say
[22:21] <Faerzen_Norstov> "And now that you have seen the monumental case I've built for her insanity, masochistic tendencies, and downright morbid, impulsive, and disturbing behavior you are saying you simply feel bad about all of this and you want to cancel everything?"
[22:21] <Abyss> This is not the person who I made a contract with
[22:22] <Lyra_Bel> "No kidding, Sherlock"
[22:22] <Abyss> Lyra owes me nothing, and i likewise have no deal with her
[22:22] <Lyra_Bel> "And there's where we disagree"
[22:22] <Lyra_Bel> "I'm suing you."
[22:22] <Abyss> I surrender
[22:22] <Abyss> You win
[22:23] <Abyss> Are you happy now?
[22:23] <Abyss> Just taking what you want, getting an easy answer by taking things from those who wish you no ill?
[22:23] <Alexander_Pyrite> What is happening even
[22:23] <Abyss> I thought you wanted to be rid of me
[22:23] <Faerzen_Norstov> "What of the supposed agreement made with dubiously specific terms between you and Lyra on Derse?"
[22:24] <Abyss> I'm trying to allow that to happen now
[22:24] <Abyss> Derse?
[22:24] <Lyra_Bel> "Not good enough anymore"
[22:24] <Faerzen_Norstov> *about being on Derse
[22:24] <Abyss> I've never been on Derse with Lyra
[22:24] <Abyss> Well
[22:24] <Abyss> This Lyra
[22:25] <Abyss> Lyra
[22:25] <Abyss> What do want from me
[22:25] <Faerzen_Norstov> "I meant to say about being on Derse. This Lyra remembers some agreement you made with her about assistance on Derse before any formal terms or documents were drawn up."
[22:25] <Abyss> This Lyra never talked to me about it
[22:26] <Abyss> She talked to a different me
[22:26] <Faerzen_Norstov> "A different you?"
[22:26] <Abyss> I'd assume so
[22:26] <Lyra_Bel> "Mentally similar to 99.998 percent, right?"
[22:26] <Lyra_Bel> "Close enough.  You're responsible for you now.  Fun, isn't it?"
[22:27] <Abyss> Lyra, think about what it looked like to me
[22:27] <Lyra_Bel> "No"
[22:27] <Lyra_Bel> "I'm a sociopath.  I don't do that.  Makes things REAL easy for me."
[22:27] <Abyss> You seemingly died, showed up again not knowing about the contract, and then tried to get out of it
[22:28] <Abyss> It looked to me like you had faked your own death to get out of our arrangement
[22:28] <Lyra_Bel> "You showed up out of nowhere and started preaching about how you owned my soul"
[22:28] <Abyss> I know
[22:28] <Abyss> I was wrong
[22:28] <Abyss> I'm trying to make amends
[22:28] <Faerzen_Norstov> "How did you get from that timeline to this one and not know it was a different timeline with a different Lyra?"
[22:28]  * Lyra_Bel glares
[22:29] <Abyss> Because that man had me captchalogued as soon as he laid his hands on me
[22:29] <Abyss> He tried to force me into an agreement and I wouldn't give it to him
[22:30] <Abyss> He had already stolen a tiny fraction of my power for his wings, so he captchalogued me away
[22:30] <Faerzen_Norstov> "So you are saying Maskwraith brought you here?"
[22:30] <Lyra_Bel> "Are you seriously trying to spin us a sob story?"
[22:30] <Abyss> Yes, I'd assume so
[22:30] <Lyra_Bel> "Seriously?"
[22:31] <Faerzen_Norstov> "What is your relation to that mask?"
[22:31] <Abyss> Next thing I know you were picking me up out of "his" inventory
[22:31] <Abyss> I think that he switched me out for your version of his mask
[22:32] <Abyss> So that when you picked me up, you received the wrong mask
[22:32] <Lyra_Bel> "I don't really care which of you is which"
[22:32] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Is the other mask another Abyss?"
[22:32] <Abyss> I'm just assuming that another mask exists
[22:32] <Abyss> This seems to be a different timeline all together
[22:32] <Abyss> So it could be
[22:33] <Lyra_Bel> "I'm basically the same as other-Lyra anyway, so it's pretty clearly not the 'oh this poor girl' factor that's suddenly turned you into an actual person"
[22:33] <Lyra_Bel> "What's your angle?"
[22:34] <Abyss> The other Lyra didn't have friends
[22:34] <Abyss> Well
[22:34] <Abyss> He came along
[22:34] <Abyss> And just slaughtered everybody
[22:34] <Abyss> She couldn't afford to have friends
[22:35] <Abyss> One day she managed to steal me from him while he was distracted
[22:35] <Abyss> He was fighting some important battle or another with some gun wielding maniac
[22:36] <Abyss> let his guard down and she swooped in and plucked me right off his face
[22:36] <Abyss> We ran away, made some deals
[22:36] <Abyss> All she wanted was to win
[22:37] <Abyss> As fast as she could
[22:37] <Lyra_Bel> "Why the heck would she want that?"
[22:37] <Abyss> I don't know
[22:37] <Abyss> She said she had to keep moving
[22:37] <Lyra_Bel> "From what you said, she was planning to off herself right before completion"
[22:37] <Lyra_Bel> "I mean, duh"
[22:37] <Abyss> Not before
[22:37] <Abyss> Right after
[22:38] <Abyss> She wanted some of the others alive so that she could be bought some time before he came for her
[22:38] <Lyra_Bel> "..."
[22:38] <Abyss> She was real close to winning too, but he caught up to her
[22:38] <Lyra_Bel> "99.998% the same, eh?"
[22:39] <Abyss> Those childhood memories fill up a lot of volume
[22:39] <Abyss> If you take away everything before the game
[22:39] <Abyss> Then it would probably be something like 20%
[22:40] <Lyra_Bel> "And you didn't think to check that?"
[22:40] <Faerzen_Norstov> That was going to be precisely my argument for that part of the case.
[22:40] <Lyra_Bel> "Just 'oh she's close enough' and go on your way?"
[22:40] <Faerzen_Norstov> "I am glad to hear my points and information were valid there as well."
[22:40]  * Alexander_Pyrite sits down.
[22:40] <Abyss> I wasn't thinking...
[22:40] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Clearly."
[22:40] <Lyra_Bel> "Ya don't say!?"
[22:41] <Abyss> Anyways, I've told you my story
[22:42] <Faerzen_Norstov> "So everything you are saying now is only pertinent to the doomed timeline contract that you brought in here and not at all related to whatever discussions Lyra had with this supposed 'other mask'. "
[22:42] <Abyss> Yes
[22:42] <Lyra_Bel> "And that somehow makes you immune to repercussions?"
[22:42] <Abyss> I've said what I have to say, I've dissolved the faulty contract, and I've laid myself bare to you
[22:43] <Alexander_Pyrite> "I have a question"
[22:43] <Faerzen_Norstov> "I have an inquiry."
[22:43] <Abyss> < heh >
[22:43] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Please, continue, Alex"
[22:44]  * Alexander_Pyrite stands up
[22:44] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Just how powerful are you
[22:44] <Abyss> Pretty powerful
[22:45] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Are you evil?"
[22:45] <Abyss> Don't all things have some amount of evil inside of them?
[22:46] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Well is your evil more than your good?"
[22:46] <Abyss> How can I tell?
[22:46] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Inside you must know if you're a bad person or being or whatever. Are you?"
[22:47] <Abyss> I don't know
[22:47] <Faerzen_Norstov> "What are you getting at, Alex? How can anyone answer that question?"
[22:47] <Abyss> Do you know if you're a bad person?
[22:47] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Yeah."
[22:47] <Alexander_Pyrite> "I'm not
[22:48] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Which is why I'm trying to help win the fight"
[22:48] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Why aren't you"
[22:48] <Abyss> Aren't I?
[22:48] <Abyss> *Am I not?
[22:49] <Alexander_Pyrite> "You have this power but you made someone sell their soul?"
[22:49] <Alexander_Pyrite> "The fuck man?"
[22:49] <Abyss> No
[22:49] <Abyss> They wanted to sell their soul
[22:49] <Abyss> They were in pain
[22:50] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Then make her feel better"
[22:50] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Do something for her"
[22:50] <Abyss> She's dead
[22:50] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Whys that"
[22:50] <Abyss> Because I wasn't strong enough
[22:51]  * Alexander_Pyrite stares at him angrily.
[22:51]  * Lyra_Bel facepalms
[22:51] <Abyss> In a sick way
[22:51] <Abyss> She did want to die
[22:51] <Abyss> Not then
[22:51] <Abyss> And not by his hand
[22:51] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Wait if you weren't strong enough we are fucked"
[22:51] <Abyss> ...
[22:51] <Abyss> I'm sorry
[22:52] <Abyss> I'm strong
[22:52] <Abyss> But that man is beyond strength
[22:52]  * Alexander_Pyrite looks distraught
[22:52] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Great"
[22:52] <Lyra_Bel> "Heh"
[22:52] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Okay, I believe my inquiry is relevant right now."
[22:52] <Abyss> Pray he doesn't interfere
[22:53]  * Faerzen_Norstov turns to the book
[22:53] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Regent, you were the one that summoned me here, correct?"
[22:53] <Abyss> "I am"
[22:53] <Faerzen_Norstov> "I have a request that will hopefully be of assistance in understanding this conflict
[22:54] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Which, although it is during recess, is still very pertinent to this court case"
[22:55] <Faerzen_Norstov> "If what this Abyss says is accurate, then Maskwraith is currently in possession of the version of Abyss from this timeline. You banished him somewhere far away from here."
[22:55] <Abyss> "That is true"
[22:57] <Faerzen_Norstov> "My request is that you temporarily send this Abyss to a different location and summon the mask off of Maskwraith's head to corroborate this Abyss's story."
[22:57] <Abyss> "I cannot"
[22:57] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Can you temporarily return Maskwraith to this location to corroborate this Abyss's account?"
[22:58] <Faerzen_Norstov> "You did send him away after all."
[22:58] <Abyss> "One, we are in recess. Two, by no means would this party cooperate, Three, I'd have to summon them both at once"
[22:59] <Lyra_Bel> "Why?"
[23:00] <Abyss> "They are bound as one entity now"
[23:00] <Lyra_Bel> "Same question.  Why?"
[23:01] <Abyss> "I don't know"
[23:01] <Abyss> "It's one creature now"
[23:02] <Faerzen_Norstov> "That is not a promising thought....."
[23:03]  * Lyra_Bel sighs
[23:03] <Lyra_Bel> "Of course not"
[23:03] <Lyra_Bel> "This is stupid"
[23:04]  * Alexander_Pyrite sits down and sighs
[23:04]  * Lyra_Bel does the same
[23:04] <Lyra_Bel> "First of all, I still don't believe you."
[23:06] <Abyss> I don't really deserve your trust
[23:06] <Abyss> Believe what you want, I told you what I know to be true
[23:07] <Lyra_Bel> "Not good enough"
[23:07] <Abyss> I'm doing the best I can to be open and fair with you
[23:07] <Lyra_Bel> "Prove it."
[23:07] <Faerzen_Norstov> "After everything that has happened, there is very little that is preventing me from thinking this is all yet another ploy to trap Lyra or us with words again."
[23:08] <Abyss> I'm done with traps
[23:08] <Lyra_Bel> "Prove it."
[23:08] <Abyss> Just leave me here on this rock face to rot for all eternity
[23:08] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Seriously"
[23:08] <Lyra_Bel> "Not good enough."
[23:08] <Alexander_Pyrite> "You said you're pretty powerful"
[23:09] <Faerzen_Norstov> "That seems highly unlikely to both happen or to actually be something you desire."
[23:09] <Abyss> Not on my own
[23:09] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Find an imp and posess it and hen fight stuff"
[23:09] <Abyss> If an imp comes by I could convince it to pick me up
[23:09] <Abyss> If one doesn't then I can't do anything about it
[23:10] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Well I'll grab you find and imp and easy
[23:10] <Abyss> I need a host for almost everything
[23:10] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Alex, please, not now."
[23:10] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Alright then"
[23:10]  * Alexander_Pyrite lays down fully
[23:11] <Lyra_Bel> "What're you... ?"
[23:11] <Faerzen_Norstov> "So after all of this, you expect us to just leave you here as if nothing happened on the good faith that nothing bad will happen in the future because of just leaving you here?"
[23:12] <Abyss> No
[23:12] <Abyss> I want you to take me with you
[23:12] <Abyss> But that's asking too much
[23:12]  * Lyra_Bel rolls her eyes
[23:12] <Abyss> I expect realistically I'll end up locked in a box somewhere and forgotten about
[23:12] <Abyss> It's happened before
[23:13] <Lyra_Bel> "Rule one.  You will not hide thoughts from us."
[23:13] <Lyra_Bel> "You will not lie to us."
[23:14] <Lyra_Bel> "You will preserve our lives more than the extent to which you preserve your own."
[23:14] <Abyss> You want to write a contract for the group or...?
[23:14] <Abyss> Is this just an honor system thing
[23:14]  * Alexander_Pyrite mumbles "that's like 3 rules"
[23:14] <Lyra_Bel> "You will provide whatever powers you're capable of providing."
[23:14] <Abyss> Or...?
[23:15] <Lyra_Bel> "You will allow access to your knowledge and advice, with the understanding that the advice will be given with our volition in mind."
[23:15] <Lyra_Bel> "You have no access to any souls or bodies, whether ours or those killed by us."
[23:15] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Lyra, are you seriously drafting your own contract now?"
[23:15] <Abyss> Lyra, I'm not doing a contract with you
[23:15] <Abyss> You're not sound of mind
[23:15] <Abyss> You've proven that to me already
[23:16]  * Faerzen_Norstov grins slightly upon hearing that
[23:16] <Lyra_Bel> "Then you're getting put in a box, locked in five layers of encryption modus, then thrown into space
[23:16] <Lyra_Bel> "
[23:16] <Abyss> What do you think Faerzen
[23:17] <Abyss> Let's hear from somebody I know to be sound minded, and reasonable
[23:17]  * Faerzen_Norstov sighs
[23:17] <Abyss> Do I deserve to drift in space for eternity?
[23:18] <Lyra_Bel> "You DESERVE worse"
[23:18] <Abyss> What have I actually done to wrong you?
[23:18]  * Faerzen_Norstov puts his head in his hands and rubs his temples again.
[23:18] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Lyra cmon we gotta relax"
[23:19] <Abyss> Like
[23:19] <Lyra_Bel> "I almost killed myself because of you!"
[23:19] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Punishing this guy won't do anything sadly"
[23:19] <Abyss> That wasn't...
[23:19] <Abyss> I didn't...
[23:19] <Abyss> I'm trying
[23:19] <Abyss> I'm trying to fix this ok?
[23:20] <Faerzen_Norstov> "I am going to have to side with Lyra on this one and say that, regardless of whether or not it was intentional, you did a great deal of harm to both Lyra and most everyone else in this session. Yes, you may be trying to fix it, but all we have is the word of someone who caused all this saying they're trying to fix it, which forgive me, I'm not nat
[23:20] <Faerzen_Norstov> urally inclined to believe."
[23:20] <Faerzen_Norstov> "As for your fate..."
[23:21] <Faerzen_Norstov> "I don't know if I am qualified to make a decision as significant as that one."
[23:21] <Lyra_Bel> "We all know who has to make it."
[23:21] <Faerzen_Norstov> "I have already proven myself quite a load of rubbish when it comes to controlling thing and orchestrating the fates of others."
[23:21] <Abyss> I didn't do that! I just got here! I had *ONE* misunderstanding!
[23:22] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Yes, it may have been one misunderstanding, but that single misunderstanding had a hell of a lot of consequences."
[23:22] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Serious consequences."
[23:23] <Abyss> I'm sorry for being thrust into a new timeline without my knowledge and against my will!
[23:24]  * Lyra_Bel holds back a shouted response
[23:24] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Again, even if it wasn't your fault or your intention, your actions still had very significant consequences that we cannot so easily overlook."
[23:25] <Abyss> Well I guess I deserve to just never see the light of day again then!
[23:27] <Lyra_Bel> "Most sensible thing you've said yet"
[23:27] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Perhaps, perhaps not! All we have to go on is your word, and given the circumstances, that isn't as helpful as we'd like it to be."
[23:27] <Abyss> What more do you want from me?
[23:28] <Lyra_Bel> "Wouldn't mind an attempt to actually make things better, instead of more 'sorry but it's not my fault' BS!"
[23:29] <Abyss> How can I do that?!
[23:30] <Lyra_Bel> "First, you're gonna sign a contract that puts you square on our side, beyond any shadow of a doubt."
[23:31] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Lyra, that would be the formation of a contract under duress which would not hold."
[23:31] <Abyss> And also you're insane
[23:31] <Lyra_Bel> "Yeah, I'm sure other-me was just right as rain when she made the deal!"
[23:31] <Abyss> No, she wasn't
[23:32] <Abyss> She's dead now
[23:32] <Abyss> I'm sorry
[23:32] <Lyra_Bel> "No you're not"
[23:33] <Abyss> You might be a sociopath
[23:33] <Abyss> But I'm not
[23:33] <Lyra_Bel> "Nah, you're worse."
[23:33] <Lyra_Bel> "You're an idiot who thinks they're doing the right thing."
[23:34] <Abyss> Faerzen
[23:34] <Abyss> Please can't you see that I'm trying here?
[23:34] <Abyss> That I'm on your side?
[23:34] <Faerzen_Norstov> "I can definitely see that you are trying."
[23:35] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Here is the deal. From our point of view, we are in quite a predicament."
[23:35] <Faerzen_Norstov> "There are two primary possibilities. Either you are telling the truth or you aren't, and we have no way at the present of knowing which is the case."
[23:35] <Faerzen_Norstov> "If you are telling the truth, then many of your points hold some merit."
[23:36] <Abyss> Why would I lie about this?
[23:36] <Faerzen_Norstov> "If you are not telling the truth, then doing what you ask is incredibly risky for us."
[23:36] <Faerzen_Norstov> "The same reason you could have done everything you've done so far."
[23:36] <Lyra_Bel> "To hurt us, because you can."
[23:36] <Abyss> That wasn't me!
[23:37] <Abyss> I'm not from this timeline!
[23:37] <solemnSketcher> ((mean lyra is mean))
[23:37] <Lyra_Bel> "Yeah, it makes a real difference."
[23:38] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Seeing that an insanity plea is likely to succeed and void all of your interactions with Lyra ever, you void the one particular agreement you brought to the court in exchange for some the freedom to hatch another grand scheme with someone else in this session."
[23:38] <Faerzen_Norstov> "It is entirely plausible."
[23:38] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Especially given how skilled we already know you are in trying to corner and manipulate people."
[23:39] <Abyss> I just can't do anything good in you eyes, can I?
[23:39] <Faerzen_Norstov> "I never said you couldn't!"
[23:39] <Abyss> So be it
[23:39] <Abyss> No no
[23:39] <Abyss> You decide whatever it is you want
[23:39] <Faerzen_Norstov> "All I am saying is that we have no way of knowing what your true motives are, and giving you the benefit of the doubt is incredibly risky for us."
[23:39] <Abyss> What I think clearly doesn't matter
[23:40] <Abyss> I just want to help you people
[23:41] <Abyss> You give me no chance to prove myself
[23:41] <Lyra_Bel> "We might, if you'd even TRY to pretend and repent!"
[23:41] <Abyss> Past Performance is not an indicator of Future Results!
[23:41] <Faerzen_Norstov> "What you think holds little weight at the present simply because the veracity of everything you've just said is precisely what is uncertain. Giving you the chance to prove yourself is precisely the risk that I just said we aren't necessarily willing to take!"
[23:41] <Abyss> So what then
[23:41] <Lyra_Bel> "Definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting new results!"
[23:41] <Abyss> I'm screwed either way?
[23:42] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Past performance does not determine future results, but it is certainly a good predictor."
[23:42] <Faerzen_Norstov> "I don't know!"
[23:42] <Abyss> What did I do to you to deserve this?
[23:42] <Faerzen_Norstov> "What I am trying to say is you are asking us to make a decision we have nowhere near enough information or certainty to make."
[23:42] <Abyss> What did *I* do!?
[23:42] <Abyss> Not the other me
[23:42] <Lyra_Bel> "Oh gee, I dunno!  What have you possibly done to me recently!?"
[23:42] <Abyss> Not the one from your timeline
[23:43] <Abyss> What have I actually done to you?
[23:43] <Lyra_Bel> "That one I was fine with!"
[23:43] <Lyra_Bel> "You're where things started going wrong!"
[23:43] <Faerzen_Norstov> "What have you actually done? Perhaps nothing, perhaps a lot. WE DON'T KNOW, and that's the point!"
[23:43] <Abyss> What the hell do you expect me to do?
[23:44] <Abyss> I'm throwing myself at your feet here
[23:44] <Faerzen_Norstov> "I never said I had a solution to your predicament."
[23:44] <Lyra_Bel> "No, you aren't!"
[23:44] <Lyra_Bel> "You're whining about how tough things are for you!"
[23:45] <Abyss> What do you want me to do?
[23:45] <Abyss> Sign a contract with a crazy person?
[23:45] <Abyss> I come in peace here
[23:45] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Or their lawyer"
[23:45] <Abyss> I'm fine with the lawyer
[23:46] <Abyss> The lawyer is trying to appreciate me and being cautious
[23:46] <Abyss> Lyra expects me to do something magic apparently
[23:46] <Abyss> Or sign a contract under duress
[23:46] <Lyra_Bel> "I EXPECT you to say you're sorry."
[23:47] <Abyss> I am sorry!
[23:47] <Abyss> I didn't mean for any of this to happen
[23:47] <Lyra_Bel> "I don't believe you!"
[23:47] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Lyra..."
[23:48] <Lyra_Bel> "What!?"
[23:48] <Abyss> Fine then
[23:48] <Alexander_Pyrite> "You can't tell someone to say sorry and then not believe them"
[23:48] <Abyss> I'll just shut up then
[23:48] <Alexander_Pyrite> "When they fully comply"
[23:48] <Abyss> Clearly my comments aren't helpful nor needed
[23:48]  * Abyss shuts up
[23:48] <Lyra_Bel> "..."
[23:49] <Lyra_Bel> "What am I s'posed to do, then?"
[23:49] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Fuck man I don't know"
[23:49] <Lyra_Bel> "Forgive my would've-been-murderer?"
[23:49]  * Faerzen_Norstov puts his head in his hands, shutting his eyes tightly and thinking intensely, trying to make some sense of this mess, hoping an epiphany comes to him or he spots a loophole or people stop yelling or ANYTHING but whatever this mess is
[23:49] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Be more forgiving"
[23:49] <Alexander_Pyrite> "No idea"
[23:49] <Regent> *Hey*
[23:50] <Alexander_Pyrite> "I just want everyone to be happy and stuff"
[23:50] <Faerzen_Norstov> <is that to Faerzen?>
[23:50] <Regent> *It's ok Faerzen*
[23:50] <Regent> < yes >
[23:50] <Lyra_Bel> "It's Sabath, happiness is a myth"
[23:50] <Regent> *Everything is going to be ok*
[23:50] <Regent> *Just walk away for a little bit, ok?*
[23:51] <Regent> *You should get away from the shouting for a while*
[23:51] <Faerzen_Norstov> *No it's not! What am I supposed to do here??? I am quite literally the person everyone is turning to to make a decision here in this matter, a matter where it is clear no decision can be made.*
[23:51] <Faerzen_Norstov> *Who knows what will happen if I leave though?*
[23:51] <Alexander_Pyrite> "I can't believe that"
[23:51] <Regent> *Just for a few minutes*
[23:52] <Regent> *clear your mind*
[23:52] <Alexander_Pyrite> "We gotta try at least"
[23:52]  * Alexander_Pyrite covers his face with his hands
[23:52]  * Faerzen_Norstov pulls his head out of his hands and looks up at the group
[23:52] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Shit lyra"
[23:52] <Regent> *I think that there are only two options here*
[23:52] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Everyone, the three of you."
[23:52] <Alexander_Pyrite> "I'm not doing as well as I made myself seem before the-"
[23:52] <Faerzen_Norstov> "I need to think."
[23:52] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Can you give me a moment?"
[23:52] <Lyra_Bel> "Whatever"
[23:53] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Sure"
[23:53] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Please, can you three give me your word you will not do anything drastic or decide anything on this matter until I return and we have had a chance to talk?"
[23:53] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Yeah of course"
[23:53] <Lyra_Bel> "No."
[23:54]  * Regent is silent
[23:54] <Faerzen_Norstov> "No?"
[23:54] <Regent> *Abyss
[23:54] <Alexander_Pyrite> "What"
[23:54] <Lyra_Bel> "I'm not making any promises.  Those always go so well."
[23:55] <Regent> *Lyra*
[23:55] <Faerzen_Norstov> "This should not be a difficult promise to keep, Lyra."
[23:55] <Lyra_Bel> *So you still exist*
[23:55] <Regent> *You could wear me and I could do the calmy thing again*
[23:55] <Lyra_Bel> "Doesn't matter."
[23:55] <Regent> *Then do it for me*
[23:55] <Lyra_Bel> *I don't want to be cheated into calmness, Reggie*
[23:56] <Regent> *Lyra, you aren't yourself*
[23:56] <Lyra_Bel> *I want righteous anger, a chance to FINALLY get some catharsis!*
[23:56] <Regent> *Please do me a favor*
[23:56] <Regent> *and just do this for me*
[23:56] <Regent> *It would mean a lot to me*
[23:56] <Faerzen_Norstov> "How does it not matter?"
[23:57] <Lyra_Bel> *Good thing I can't care what other people think then, isn't it?*
[23:57] <Lyra_Bel> *Fun with sociopathy.  Thanks for that, by the way*
[23:57] <Faerzen_Norstov> "I won't even be gone for that long, I have no malicious intent in leaving, and you are still here with Alex and Regent to keep an eye on things."
[23:57] <Lyra_Bel> "Then there shouldn't be an issue if I disagree"
[23:57] <Lyra_Bel> "Not enough time for me to do anything hasty"
[23:57] <Faerzen_Norstov> "That is blatantly false."
[23:57] <Faerzen_Norstov> "There is always time for you to do something hasty."
[23:57] <Regent> *Lyra*
[23:58] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Lyra"
[23:58] <Lyra_Bel> *What?*
[23:58] <Lyra_Bel> "What?"
[23:58] <Regent> *Please*
[23:58] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Please"
[23:58] <Lyra_Bel> *I don't want to*
[23:58] <Regent> *Anger gets you nowhere and Faerzen is gonna act like a bitch and cockblock your anger either way*
[23:59] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Lyra, please give me your word?"
[23:59] <Lyra_Bel> "Why should I?"
[23:59] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Because I am asking you nicely as a friend and I need your help."
[00:00] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Me too"
[00:00] <Regent> *Lyra, tell you what*
[00:00] <Alexander_Pyrite> "Plus I'd be in the area of effect"
[00:00] <Regent> *I'll owe you one*
[00:00]  * Lyra_Bel sighs
[00:00] <Lyra_Bel> "Fine."
[00:00] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Your word?"
[00:01] <Lyra_Bel> "I won't do anything too stupid without express permission."
[00:01] <Faerzen_Norstov> "And that you won't take action on this matter with Abyss until I return and we can talk?"
[00:02] <Lyra_Bel> "Unless the current situation changes drastically."
[00:02] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Thank you, I suppose that will have to suffice."
[00:02] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Abyss?"
[00:03] <Regent> Abyss says nothing
[00:03] <Lyra_Bel> *Reg?*
[00:03] <Lyra_Bel> *We're even now, yeah?*
[00:03] <Regent> *Yeah Lyra, we're even*
[00:03] <Faerzen_Norstov> "I know I still do not know the veracity of your word, but I still desire to respect it regardless. If you still wish to not say anything, a nod yes or no is fine."
[00:04] <Regent> A nod yes
[00:04] <Faerzen_Norstov> "Thank you."
[00:04] <Faerzen_Norstov> "I will hopefully return shortly."
[00:04] <Regent> == END ==