of noise.

She had to find a way to keep awake- coffee was bland and boring now. That’s when she spotted her.

❝ Echo-chan~ Let’s play a game yes? It’ll help you keep awake~ !! ❞ But Lotti suddenly noticed the sudden change in behavior. 

Noise would normally have been ticked off to be mistaken for Echo. That pathetic, annoying stand-in didn’t deserve special treatment, and Lotti had been far too fond of Echo for her liking. But since Noise was in a good mood now that she’d regained control, she’ll overlook that slight.

“Forget Echo, why would you want to play with her? She’s boring. This game’s boring. They’re falling all over themselves and no one’s murdered anyone yet.” She showed the woman a twisted smile.

“I hope you have something more exciting in mind.”

“Oh…writing in your journal? He blinks a few times, staring at her now. What she says next unnerves him slightly, because remembering Ryouta Mitarai and his lamentable death was really sad. 

And that made him remember the killer’s death in it’s flashy, grotesque display–– not a happy memory. But he mentally shakes that from his thoughts for now. “I see…..I see though! It’s possible that she may have, I wonder…. I wonder how she had the ability to do that….?” He glances toward the pages when she shows him, cocking his head to the side, how curious. At least someone was taking note of the events. 

Echo watched the boy’s reaction. Even if she said little, her eyes took in everything that passed in the gallery-- the nervous shuffling, the terrified eyes, the pleas and hearts breaking. These were emotions too strong for her to relate to, but she was beginning to understand them a little. This boy sympathized with the victim and the culprit.

After the unfortunate tragedy concerning both the victim and killer, März camped out in his hotel room for a few days. Today is the first day he found the courage to leave. The confines of his room made him anxious, prompting him to leave and adventure else where. 

He hadn’t noticed the girl, and he stumbles over her; an airy gasp leaving his lips. Regaining his balance, he glances over, noticing her crouched on the floor. with a journal in hand, too. He turns, then rubs the back of his head. “O-oh, it’s okay,” He reassures, “ I wasn’t looking where I was going either, s-so…” 

“Echo was writing in her journal.” She let him look at the entry she had just finished, which read less like a girl’s diary and more like a logbook of events jotted down in a mechanical manner. 

What a familiar feeling this must be to everyone as tired, weary and irritated alike steadily flood into the announcement hall. How long had it been since they were last here? How long had it been since this entire place suddenly took on a much darker turn? How long, since there were two more people among them that were oh so absent now.

This time the stage is surprisingly empty. All but for the large unopened chest left by the mannequins when they left. All but for the little girl, their CAPTOR, using said chest as a footstool in order to reach the microphone.

“ Hello everyone! Nice to see all of Mary’s friends looking alive and awake! ” A giggle escaped her, as if the joke that had slipped past her lips was the most amusing thing in the world. “ Anyway~ Mary is sure we all know what everyone is  thinking right now, right? After all, we all still remember the LAST game we played right? ”

Light blue eyes scan the hall, looking at the faces gathered around the hall, taking each one in by turn. Oh yes, the little girl was well aware as to what must be running through all of their minds.

What now?

What next?

What new GAME was Mary going to force them to play?

Which one of THEM would be the next ones to DIE because of it?

( After all, they all saw just how well Mary’s LAST little announcement went after all.)

❝ IN the spirit of Mary’s lovely new announcement- I’d like say a little something too~ ♡  ❞ Lotti smiles as she wraps her arms around both Oz && Echo, bringing them nice && close to her but her teasing smile soon vanished ( what a RARE sight ) and a malicious glare took its place, 

❝ Don’t. Touch. These. Two. Anything happens to them && I’ll happily tear off your skin. Slowly and lovingly! Clear? Clear! Anyways~ who wants to try one of my double shot lattes? They’re pretty damn good! ❞

“M-Miss Lotti...” Echo was surprised when the woman’s arm wrapped around her, but she didn’t protest. In her chest she felt a new and inexpressible feeling. If she had to put a name to it, it would be something between embarrassment and happiness. Why would Lotti go so far for her? She was just Echo.

“Yes. Echo will prepare some coffee. Would Miss Lotti like some?” She could stay up late when ordered, but this was the first time she’d gone this long without sleep. Echo didn’t like this game, but rules were rules.

❝ … ❞

She sure as HELL isn’t going to be an IDIOT and try to help. So the Baskerville simply stares and observes quietly. The dolls look creepy and weird-  their moves are so unnatural but natural at the same time. 

ღ The Baskerville was on her way to the kitchen when she saw her darling little friend roaming around the halls. Lotti smiled as she wrapped an arm around the girl’s shoulder (bringing her nice and close~ ) 

“It’s ‘Echo.’”

Though Echo had requested that they hide their relationship, she supposed there was no harm in accepting friendly gestures as long as the past was not brought up. Echo didn’t struggle as she was guided towards the kitchen, though wasn’t Lotti a bit too close? Truthfully, this kind of affection was still confusing to her.

Yeah like, I saw some things going on but i thought i had more time before the trial sob desu

“Miss Lotti...” 

This was the first time someone had defended her, and so fiercely, that Echo’s cold expression fell away to reveal a vulnerable girl underneath. But soon her eyes grew serious once again. “Echo appreciates your concern. But there is something Echo must ask...” Something that required Lotti’s cooperation. She took a step away from the woman.

“Echo has been ordered by Master Vincent not to reveal her ties to the Baskervilles. It must be kept secret from Oz Vessalius. While we are here, can you pretend you do not know Echo and that we have just met?” Even if Vincent wasn’t present, she felt duty bound to obey his orders.