#trial 2

Record no.5

Although she had a natural charm and adorably jumped in place whenever she saw a cute animal or a pretty landscape, she was too insecure to make friends on her own. Performing better than my peers – being told that I’m surprisingly mature and collected for such a young kid – I watched her carefully before deciding to prove that I’m the most skilled artisan. What does this word mean? I can't read English!  With a bright smile, she showed me an open book. I averted my eyes with a slightly pouting expression. I don't believe it. You're a smart girl. I really can't! Her whining voice was getting on my nerves; why am I still friends with you, why have I become friends with you in the first place? Ah, it's a matter of habit. Next time I search for someone to make "special", I'll warn beforehand: "Sorry, I definitely won't get along with people who—" You always say I'm smart, but I don't get why. She put the book away.  Do you just not want to teach me? Okay, give it. The irritation that I suppressed began to seep into my voice, and I wished we could finish this conversation already. I gestured to her to show me the word she was talking about.  Why? “Fated meetings” are no more than a time-place coincidence. Why? I hated the thought of letting anyone under my rib cage. Why? I was enough to praise myself – there’s no joy in being looked up at with sparkling eyes. So why – can I no longer live without you? Ahh, seriously, this is the word you don't understand? I sighed and stared at her. She stared back with a confusing emotion on her face; somewhat angry — of course, I'm criticizing her again — somewhat carefree — with the intent to brush this awkwardness off as a joke. It means, "heart".

Record no.6

You’re an unloving person. When you were doubtful of the world, I held your hand and helped you walk. A serene lighthouse in the middle of a cold, cold sea. A tender ray of moonlight among an empty, empty night. A burning passion; a sweet aftertaste on the tip of your tongue. It’s the third time she told me about rejecting a confession at school. Sometimes she’d tell me “sorry, I can’t come because of personal problems” – then I find out she spent this whole time with people whose names I don’t know. If she doesn’t care, why won’t she become the first one to reject me? It’d make everything much easier. I’m bad at smiling, but I could allow myself to faintly giggle when I saw the hope in your eyes.  I’ll release you from pain – fixing the way you behave, who you talk to, and what you like. You’d say my voice is soothing your soul – then, I’d hear “I never felt at peace”... Why won’t you grant me salvation as well? Others constantly make up their own, favorite version of her and try to use her; she complains about this without fully realizing what’s the problem. I tell her: you must stop allowing them to treat you like this– she only says “oh, it’s that bad?” – then continues to be friendly with them, the same as usual. You don’t have to please everyone; you don’t have to twist yourself to be liked. You already have me – I love you the way you are.  A flickering light in the tree leaves, hiding into the blue shadows of a sunny day. A warm orange blur of the city at night, erased by the darkness as time goes on. A lukewarm touch; a bitter lie stuck in my cracked heart. “I want a good ending in this life.” “I want it, too.” Holding back the words “it can’t be helped”, you look away.

Record no.7

You didn’t reveal the truth to me that night. Ready to throw yourself away, you refused to give me a goodbye. I could never become someone to tell the truth to. I knew where you’d go; because I was the one to lead you, and there was a time you told me everything about your new steps.  Those people are cruel, seeing no more than what they want to see, tearing you apart and fighting on who gets to steal the pieces; I’m the only one who wishes for soft, soft happiness to embrace you, hand in my hand. The words that my voice is saving you – don't you dare to take them back.  Ah, who's seeing your smile? I hate it. You’d be dead without me, after all the time I’ve spent–! Looking at my work – the one I believed to be a masterpiece – I realize I’ve been a mere amateur in this craft. Luckily, it’s always possible to undo the stitches. I’ll meet you face-to-face. The person whose features I no longer recognize. Because you won’t understand how much you hurt yourself, and stop with the futile course of life – the one that’s trying to exclude me. I’ll bring back the one who loved me; let’s have a grand funeral for all who you believe to be your friends.

The door opens. The Warden doesn't speak until they've sat down. They sound frustrated, but maintain their usual dominant tone. Tess speaks quietly.

T: He-Hello, Warden. Good evening.

W: Hello. It's time for your interrogation. Again. I hope that you'll behave this time.

T: I will. I'm… I'm sorry for attacking you last time. Really sorry. I shouldn't have done that.

W: Have you finally come to your senses? … hm. How have you been lately?

T: I, um. It's been… okay..? It's been fine. I mean…

Tess trails off.

W: Well?

T: You know what happened. You've already talked with Nastya… you know that we fought.

W: That's an interesting way of putting. thought that she attacked you.

T: I mean, she only did that 'cus… um. It's my fault that she attacked me. I provoked her. If I didn't, it'd have been fine, so…

W: You blame yourself, then? You're not angry with her?

Tess is silent.

W: Answer me.

T: I- I don't know. I'm fine with it.

W: Really?

T: Yeah.

W: So you'd be fine if I forgave her, then.

T: … that's…

T: …

T: You're the warden. Not me.

W: Her judgement has already been cast. You won't have any sway on my vote. I'm curious, so indulge me — do you forgive her?

T: Why do you care?

W: You don't hold any grudges against her, meaning that there's no reason for you to not forgive her. Unless you're lying again, of course.

T: No! No, I'm not lying. I- I really am fine with it. I'm… I'm not angry at her. Or you! Er, or anyone else. It's fine. Yeah, I forgive her.

W: Still lying, then.

T: I- I'm not! I wouldn't.

W: … here I thought that she managed to knock some sense into you. I didn't think that you'd want a repeat of last time.

T: That's not-

W: I might take some inspiration from her, you know? I can't imagine that you'd be able to defend yourself very well right now. Even without your injuries, your restraints-

T: Fine, fine- I don't forgive her, okay?! Just stop! I'm sorry for lying, I- I don't know why I did.

T: I mean, of course I don't forgive her! She broke my arm!! I've gotten my nose broken before, but my arm?! That's- and, I mean, I wasn't even saying anything all that bad, I just- I was just complaining to Yasmina, that's all! You can ask them about it!

W: Nastya said that you were 'talking bad about me'.

T: I didn't mean it!

W: So, you're not just a murderer, but a gossip and a liar, too.

T: No, no, you've got it wrong! I didn't-

W: I don't know why I keep getting my hopes up. All of you are the same... You'll never change.

T: … No. You're wrong.

W: Oh?

T: If we're all the same, why did you forgive them and not me? We're different. You said so!

W: Are you questioning me?

T: No! I just… I just want to understand. What I did… Compared to what I did, Nastya did something way worse! And- and, you forgave her! She broke my arm, and- and what did you do about it?!

W: I wasn't present for the altercation. There was no way for me to interfere.

T: You weren't there then, but you're here now! So… so, do something!! You haven't punished her at all! She's been following you around like a puppy, and- and you, what?! You just let her?!

W: I gave her a talking to.

T: And I got my fucking arm broken! That's not fair! I saw her when she left the interrogation room — she looked so happy, like she had such a good time with you! You probably didn't even tell her off, did you?!

W: Let me remind you that it wasn't me who broke your arm. It was Nastya. She did that out of her own volition.

T: Sure, but you'll probably forgive her for it! That's why you haven't told her off, right? You forgave her… that's not your place..!

W: I don't understand what you want me to do about this. Would you like me to break her arm, too? Or should I hold her down while you do it? Would that be sufficient?

T: What? No! I- I don't know!

W: You're not making any sense.

T: Neither are you! You still haven't told me why you can't forgive me… what's so different about me from the others..?

W: You really don't understand?

T: No, of course I don't! If- if it's because I wouldn't admit it, then… then…

Tess' voice is quiet and weak. You could barely hear them.

T: I- I did. I killed someone. I'm… a murderer. Okay? Is that enough? Do you forgive me yet?

W: I'm glad that you're finally coming to your senses, but no. It's too little, too late.

T: I don't get it. I didn't- I didn't mean to, it just… it happened so fast. I wasn't thinking. One moment, they were alive, and then, I woke up here. It was an accident, but so many of the other prisoners actually wanted to kill someone! And… and you forgave them. Is what I did so much worse than that?

T: I just don't get it. What do you want from me? What did I do..? What should I do? How can I do better if you won't tell me how?

T: Is it 'cus I was mean to you? Is that it..? … no. It can't be. Volkov was mean to you, too, he yelled at you, he- he's been calling you an 'excuse of a guard' ever since we got here, and even he got forgiven!

T: I don't know, I don't know what to do… every choice I make is the wrong one. It's just like how it used to be. Nothing's changed, not at all… what do you want from me..? Am I just wrong..? Is this there is for me?

W: … that's a relief. I'm glad that you're finally starting to understand.

T: What..? What does that mean?

The Warden stands up, their chair screeching.

T: What? No, no- I'm sorry for saying all that, okay? I'm sorry. Please, don't come closer..! I didn't mean it! Please.

The Warden gently cups Tess' face. She goes quiet.

W: See? This is what I mean. You went out of line, but all it takes for you to grovel for my forgiveness is for me to stand up. That wasn't even a real threat… Nastya's attack really took a toll on you, huh? I know that your apologies are far from genuine, but you'll get there. I must say, you've made a great improvement since last time.

T: … huh..?

W: You're right, Tereza. There is something undeniably wrong with you. That's why you're here — for MILGRAM to make you right. You'll never be pure again, but you're not beyond redemption yet. All you need to do is trust in me. I'll make you better.

W: The journey will be ardeous, and you may want to quit when it proves too difficult, but if you truly are deserving of salvation, you'll bear it. Only then, once you prove that you deserve a new beginning, will you truly be forgiven.

W: I have faith in you. Don't let it be misguided.

The Warden lets go of Tess and goes back to their seat. Tess stays silent.

W: I noticed that you've been growing closer towards Sasha as of late. Don't let them guide you down the wrong path.

A mechanical sound begings to fill the room.

W: I cannot gurantee your forgiveness… You may not have earned it yet. Don't worry — even if you don't get forgiven this time, there's always the third trial. It's rare for someone to never get forgiven.

T: What are you saying? I- I might… I'll have to go through this again?

W: Oh, no. If you're not forgiven, the punishment will be far more severe than this.

T: But I apologised! I- I said that I'm sorry! I'll even forgive Nastya, I- I really, really will..! Just forgive me, please. Please, Warden.

W: Still so ingenuine.

T: I really mean it!

W: Tell me, Tereza — what do you really think about me? You only care about my authority, don't you? If I were a prisoner, like you, you wouldn't respect me half as much as you do right now

T: What..? What does that even mean? That's how it's supposed to work, right? You're the warden. I'm the prisoner. I- I get that now. That's all there is. I'm sorry that I didn't understand that sooner.

W: … that's right.

W: Prisoner 004, Tereza Hill, sing your sins!

---

the song that tess covers is pain pain go away by tooboe ^_^ the translyrics i use are from the subtitles of the video and here

Just like in the MV of the OG song, the screen in Tess' MV is split up into two parts. There's a line in the middle seperating the two.

This is the worst, my tears won't dry up forever

Tess is walking to school. On the left, they're alone, zoning out. On the right, they're surrounded by friends, laughing and chatting away.

I want this pain to away to you who are happy

They're eating lunch. Same as the previous scene, left!Tess is alone, eating their food in a bathroom stall, hiding from someone. Tight!Tess is with friends, worrying about no such things.

To a heaven-like island, to where the demon's hands are clapping Bye-bye, see you again someday, somewhere

They walk up to their locker. Left!Tess' lock is smashed up. When they open their locked, they find it vandalised, hateful remarks written across it. They don't seem surprised. Right!Tess simply puts their shoes and jacket on and walks away.

It in the middle of the night in the midsummer

The scenes in both sides of the screen are the same now. Tess, a few years younger than as we know them, walks into a classroom. They look around, quick to spot an empty seat and sit down.

For some reason, a stranger I don't know takes my hand

Tess looks anxious. Someone clasps right!Tess on the shoulder, and they start happily talking. Their tension seems to dissipate. Nobody comes up to left!Tess.

Leading me to the afterlife, with faint idle talk

Right!Tess sits at a bench in the school hallway during recess. They're surrounded by their classmates. They laugh at Tess' jokes, seeming to naturally click with them. Lefft!Tess is surrounded by the same people, but they look uncomfortable. They don't say anything, but their classmates still laugh.

I left this small town completely deceived

After a bit, someone grabs left!Tess by the collar of their shirt. They drag them up. Tess tries to fight them off, but the other person is stronger and throws them to the ground. Right!Tess is still having fun talking to their new friends.

This is the worst, my tears won't dry up forever I want this pain to away to you who are happy

A few people, laughing, shove Tess into a bathroom stall. They force their face into the toilet, holding them down as they struggle. Right!Tess is in a similar scene, but they're the one holding somone down. They're laughing.

To a heaven-like island, to where the demon's hands are clapping

We flash between a few scenes similar to the previous one. Left!Tess is either alone or getting bullied, with right!Tess either hanging out with their friends or bullying someone.

Bye-bye, see you again someday, somewhere Bye-bye, see you again someday, somewhere

Left!Tess, still in their school shoes, leaves the school. They look longingly to the right, where right!Tess, jacket and outside shoes on, is laughing with their friends. They briefly glance at left!Tess, frowning. Then, one of their friends, taps them on the shoulder and Tess leaves the scene.

We see a lot of similar scenes to the ones that have already happened now — like Left!Tess backed up against a wall. Their classmates are looking through their backpack. They take things out, looking through their excercise books, laughing at the things they doodled in there. Right!Tess is doing the same to someone else.

Some of the scenes it shows aren't directly bullying — left!Tess is on their own, right!Tess is with friends.

It sounds like someone unfamiliar talking in their sleep

Left!Tess is on their way to the classroom. Right!Tess is already inside, surrounded by most of the classroom. They're smiling. When Left!Tess enters the room, they stop in the door, looking directly at right!Tess.

No matter how hard I try, there was nothing I could do to save myself So I lived alone again

The bar in the middle of the screen slides to the right, merging the scene into one. As it slides over right!Tess, they morph into someone else — Tess' classmate with the pink hair from the previous MV. They're laughing. It looks like their classmates genuienly enjoy their company. At the sight of this, Tess' face first contorts in confusion, and then rage. They slam the classroom door shut.

It's the end of the schoolday. Tess, with no shoes or jacket on, is heading towards the school exit. We don't see their face, because we see from their POV.

They're by the stairs when their pink-haired classmate runs up to them. Giggling a bit, they talk to Tess for a while, smiling all the while. Then, they offer out their hand to Tess. We see a flash of Tess' eyes here. They look terrified.

In a flash, they grab their classmate by the shoulder and push them down the stairs.

Life is cruel, I won't be able to laugh for the rest of my life

Their classmate's body lays in a bloody heap at the bottom of the stairs. It distorts, Tess' body replacing their own for a few seconds.

I want to be optimistic about constant slander and do something about it

Tess' face distorts, flashing between laughing and looking down in horror.

Let's patch it up, love and peace, the ark of freedom I can't be bothered, I take it back, just get out of here

Still distorting, they walk down the stairs, unable to take their eyes off of their classmate. They kneel down next to them, reaching forward, when someone stands at the top of the stairs. We only see the shadow that they cast. They have a hat and a cape.

This is the worst, my tears won't dry up forever I want this pain to away to you who are happy

The area aroud them fades away, leaving Tess alone in a pitch black area. Eyes appear in the dark, bearing into Tess. They're no longer distorting. Overwhelmed, they're shaking.

To a heaven-like island, to where the demon's hands are clapping Bye-bye, see you again someday, somewhere

Indistinct silhouettes grab Tess by the shoulders. Terrified, they don't fight back and let themselves be dragged to and put inside a guilottine.

Bye-bye, see you again someday, somewhere

We don't see their face as the blade comes down.

---

what milgram song would they cover? after pain. a treat for left!tess

what non-milgram song would they cover? bake no hana by nakiso!!! this was originally supposed to be their trial song, but it's too short…

thank you for reading!! (*^▽^*) ive been looking forward to sharing this with you for a while, so i hope you enjoyed it..! as always, feel free to share any theories you have, as well as ask tess any questions that you may have. i'll try to get the interrogation out before the poll ends!

Es: Mikoto Mikoto: Oh…Hey Warden, Es: You… are Mikoto right? Mikoto: Eh? What are you talking about? It feels like it's been a while, doesn't it? Have you been well? Huh? What is this? Chains? I hate these, Take them off Es: Request denied. You are too dangerous. Physical restraint is essential. Mikoto: Uh.. Um… What are you saying, capturing such a harmless person like me? Es: As I thought, you have no self-awareness. Mikoto: Well, I get it. I must have caused a ruckus while I was asleep, right? Everyone told me that I really went all out with the chaos. Es: It seems so. Mikoto: I guess it's something like sleepwalking disorder. Lately I've been feeling drowsy more frequently too. Oh man, that's troublesome, isn't it? Es: Mikoto… Mikoto: I can tell from everyone's attitude that they're scared of me. I can read the room/atmosphere… I… Es: Hmm… Mikoto: It's frustrating, isn't it? I've been confused ever since I got here. Es: You really laugh when you're in pain/troubled, don't you? Mikoto: Eh? Es: You don't get angry or yell. You laugh like you're in a bind/at a loss. Mikoto: That sounds about right. I might have that kind of trait. Usually, if I laugh and gloss it over, things go well. I'm good at that kind of thing, so I manage somehow. But, it doesn't end, does it? My head is filled with things I have no memory of doing. Orekoto: I constantly feel irritated Es: There it is. Orekoto: Seems like you haven't been beaten up enough, huh, you brat of a guard. Es: Ah… Gr….. Orekoto: Hah? Cat got your tongue? Es: Even though you got done in by Kotoko. Orekoto: That was just because I was caught off guard. We fought while you were asleep, it's not like I lost or anything. Es: Multiple personality disorder. Is it correct to understand that you, who are speaking now, are a separate personality from the Mikoto earlier? Mikoto: You're accepting this quite normally, aren't you. Multiple personalities is ridiculous, right? Es: Yes. I didn't think something like that could really exist either. Mikoto: Yeah, exactly. If it wasn't me, I wouldn't believe it either. I'd just think it's a lie to escape the guilt of killing someone. Es: However, Milgram recognizes you as such. I'm just accepting it as fact and moving my thoughts forward. So, what should I call you? Orekoto: I don't know man. Call me whatever you want. Es: For convenience, I will call you John. Orekoto: That's a dog-like name. Es: It's used to refer to a person of unknown identity. It comes from "John Doe". Do you like it? Orekoto: Is it okay to show off knowledge like that? Es: But you seem quite calm today. I thought you were a monster. I didn't expect we could communicate this well. Orekoto/John: Don't get cocky. If it wasn't for these chains your face would be smashed in by now brat. Es: Oh? How scary. I'm scared. /s Mikoto: Hmph. Es: Then you are not Milgram's prisoner. The best proof is that Milgram's restraints are not effective on you. Milgram has judged Mikoto to be the prisoner, while you, a separate personality, are an exception. Orekoto/John: Ah I see. So for you, multiple personalities has been anything but confirmed. Es: That's why today, chair creaks I thought I'd hear you out as an important witness. I'm very glad we are able to have a proper conversation. Orekoto/John: But you know, this isn't a good thing. Probably. Es: What are you trying to say? Orekoto/John: I(Boku) might be disappearing (?!) Es: gasps Orekoto/John: Clearly, the time I'm(ore) out in front is getting longer. Thanks to that, my existence is becoming more stable. Isn't that the reason we can talk properly now? Es: makes a concerned sound Orekoto/John: Maybe it would have been better if I (ore) stayed a monster. … Oh? What's with that look? Es: I'm surprised to hear you speak so rationally, contrary to what I expected. Orekoto: I have a college degree after all. How does one develop Multiple Personality Disorder?

Es: To be precise, it is called Dissociative Identity Disorder. Generally, it is thought to occur when another personality is created and separated in order to protect oneself from suffering, stress, trauma, etc. Orekoto/John: Hm. 多分俺は僕の受けたストレスを解消するために出てきてる。俺が長く出てるってことは、それだけ僕が強いストレスを受け続けているわけだ。 I'm (ore) probably emerging to relieve the stress he's (Boku) under. The fact that I'm (ore) out for longer means he's (boku) under more severe constant stress.

Es: Stress huh? It's probably because of Milgram, I see. Orekoto/John: Especially the verdict of "GUILTY/Not Forgiven" He (Boku) feels tremendous stress. So he leaves his heart/mind to me. Es: I see. Orekoto/John: It's no wonder. To him, he's being blamed for a crime he has no memory of. / It's not unreasonable. From his (Boku) point of view, he is being blamed for a crime they have no memory of. Es: "If that's true, are you the one who actually committed the murder?" Orekoto/John: Yes. It was me. (Ore-da)

Orekoto/John: I'm (ore) the one who killed them. Es: ん… Orekoto/John: So, I (Boku) really didn't do it. Es: Why did you kill them? Let's hear your explanation. Orekoto/John: (むしゃくしゃして。) I was frustrated. Es: Who did you kill? Orekoto/John: (そこら辺歩いてた奴。) Some guy who was walking around.

Es: How many did you kill? Orekoto/John: I don't remember. That was the first time I emerged. It's hazy. Es: You have the audacity to say that without any shame. Orekoto/John: Legally speaking, what would happen to me? Es: You might get a reduced sentence based on a psychological evaluation, but depending on the number of people you killed, you might not be able to avoid the death penalty. Orekoto/John: (いや、やったのは俺だ。僕は寝ていただけだ。) No, I (ore) was the one who did it. He (Boku) was just sleeping. Es: As if things could be that convenient.

Orekoto/John (Boku): 僕の身にもなってやれよ。僕はただストレスに耐えていただけなんだぜ。一人でじっと耐えていたんだ。爆発するまで誰かを傷つけようなんて考えてなかったんだよ。 Put yourself in my shoes. I (boku) was just enduring the stress, that's all. I (boku) was enduring it alone. I (boku) never thought about hurting anyone until it reached a breaking point.

そういうことができない奴なんだ。気を使って空気を見て、周りの顔色を窺ってばっかで、そういうことができないから、爆発しそうだったから俺が生まれたんだ。あんまりだろう。何も捨てねえんだぞ。 I'm (boku) not the kind of guy who can do that. I'm (boku) always worried about the atmosphere/the room, watching people's expressions, so I (boku) can't do things like that. That's why I (boku) was about to explode, so I (ore) was born. It's too much. I (boku) haven't done anything wrong!

Es: Even if that's how it was, even if it wasn't Mikoto's intention, human lives have been lost. Orekoto/John: Urgh… Es: Even if the one inside was you, John, there's no way to prove it. At the very least, it won't fully hold up in court. It could even be deemed as a lie.

Orekoto/John: YOU!! Es: ! Orekoto/John: (お前はどう思うんだ？) What do YOU actually think?! Es: Mine? Orekoto/John: I (ore) did it. He (boku) didn't do it. You're just going by what Milgram says. Why the hell does it matter what the justice/criminal system thinks, what about YOUR judgement?! What do you think about me? Es: ... Orekoto/John: Forgive me (Boku) already. I'm (ore) the one who did it...

Es: I can't judge right away. It's not something I can decide to forgive so easily. In fact, Mikoto's mindset/emotional landscape was far too cruel. I judged not to forgive. / I've decided not to forgive. Orekoto/John: (You're saying that because you think) That's probably because multiple personalities could be fake. I (boku) truly did nothing wrong. I (ore) was the one who killed.

Es: …

Orekoto/John: Can you be satisfied with that? Imagine waking up in the morning and finding out you've become a murderer.

Es: The act of creating you could be called a sin. / It might be said that the sin is in having given birth to you.

Orekoto/John: !!!!!!!!!!!! … You are probably right…

Orekoto/John: I (ore) am his (boku) ideal self. I'm (ore) the one who doesn't just lie down and resign ourselves to unfairness and stress. If I (Ore) hadn't been born, he (Boku) would have surely reached his limit and broken down. Es: Then… you… Orekoto/John: It's true that I (boku) wished for an existence that could break everything. Maybe it's because of my (Boku's) weakness that I couldn't face it alone. But that's all. Is that a sin/crime?

Es: That's for us to consider moving forward. Orekoto/John: Talking with you, I (ore) understand that what I (ore) did cannot be forgiven. I (ore) accept that.

Es: Yeah, that's right. Orekoto/John: Milgram's subject of judgment is him (Boku), Mikoto. Not me (ore)… John that is. Es: That is correct. Orekoto/John: Please forgive him (boku). Otherwise he (boku) won't be able to endure anymore. Es: I see, you want me to decide that since it was another other personality that committed the crime, it doesn't count as his (Boku's) sin.

Orekoto/John: Yes. If you forgive him (Boku), then I'll disappear.

Es: !!

Orekoto/John: That's right, in the end I (ore) have to vanish. I'll take on everything and vanish. I will.

…Because I (ore) was born to protect him (boku). Es: For that purpose. You were born. Orekoto/John: If it's to protect him (Boku), then I'll do anything.

Bell Chimes

Es: John… Mikoto: Hm? What is it? A dog's name? Es: Mikoto… Mikoto: Warden, you have a pet dog? What kind of breed is it? Wait, let me think, not a Toy Poodle, but I might surprisingly like the ones that are ugly-cute. Not a French Bulldog or anything like that. Es: That's not it. (irritated) Mikoto: Then a pug? Es: It's not a dog's name! Mikoto: Ehh? Then, what is it? Es: It's the name of your friend. Mikoto: laughs No way! I don't know anyone with that name!

Good morning, Warden Key. I'm assuming you had a nice sleep? I would hope that's the case.

… Hm? A nightmare? I apologise about that. I suppose the first trial took a bit of a toll on you.

Speaking of which… Your awakening means the start of the second trial. Although… I guess I never really explained something crucial… … Now, now. Don't look at me like that. Even a few details escape my mind. I'll explain right away.

After the first trial… The prisoners were treated in accordance to whether they were FORGIVABLE or UNFORGIVABLE. That is to say, those found INNOCENT were given slightly more freedom. Look. You'll notice some of their restraints have loosened up. Conversely, those found GUILTY have been… Restrained, so to say. A harder existence, so they can atone for their sins and reflect more upon it. That being said… They have not really been… Excessively punished. At least by me personally. Their freedom of thought is still left intact. Unfortunately… This has caused a few things that… I wasn't really able to interfere in.

… None of them resulted in death, Key. You can stop looking at me like that.

Sigh… I guess a status report would be better. Very well.

Prisoner #O1: Ueno Kei.

Your judgement was INNOCENT, and thus, their ideas were affirmed.

Because their ideals were affirmed… They've found even more comfort in a bit of… Self expression. Dare I say, they've been finding themselves more comfortable on their own skin?

I would say it slightly attributes to #O6 also helping around… But we'll get to her later. That being said… #O1 has also become somewhat… Self-centered? Earnestly throwing away the opinions of others. I'd say good for them, if I didn't find that mentality somewhat unhealthy.

Prisoner #O2: Hanakawa Aya.

Your judgement was INNOCENT, and thus, her ideas were affirmed.

Much like #O1, Aya has become somewhat more expressive. Almost as if she has thrown caution to the wind. Well… More specifically… She seems far more cheerful. Almost as if she has returned to her idol persona. Although… She definitely seems more genuine than before? I'm… Unsure of what to make of this.

Prisoner #O3: Hoshino Shuu.

Your judgement was GUILTY, and thus, his ideas were denied.

Although… Saying his ideas were denied is a bit of a stretch? If anything… It seems more like he's doubled down on them. Feeling exceedingly nervous and trying to make sure he's becoming "better". It's gotten to a point where he'll often practice and… Injure himself, due to the restraints not allowing him to move as much. It's a sad spectacle.

Prisoner #O4: Minoharu Tentou.

Your judgement was GUILTY, and thus, it's ideas were denied.

#O4 has… Definitely become more hostile towards others. Although not as badly as #O9. …No. Rather, I'd say it's become spiteful? Cursing the prison's system rather than you as an individual. That being said, #O4 is one of the few that has become apprehensive towards #O6. To them, it appears camaraderie is just some sort of trick.

Prisoner #O5: Takahashi Minoru.

Your judgement was INNOCENT, and thus, his ideas were affirmed.

#O5's change… How do I explain it…

It seems like #O5 has… Become extremely complacent with MILGRAM. Almost to a scary degree. I don't really know how to word this correctly? But he's become far friendler and a massive people pleaser. Most notably, it seems like he's also established some sort of coodependency with #O6. Of course, #O6 has taken herself to try to help everyone… But #O5 seems the most attached to her. Speaking of which…

Prisoner #O6: Dokugamori Satsuki.

Your judgement was INNOCENT, and thus, her ideas were affirmed.

#O6 has decided to take her role as a "good girl" pretty seriously. Trying to be the prison's "moral support" or "healer" in a sense. Of course, she seems to be dismissive to those who reject her. That being said… I can't really make sure that's entirely the case. Well… At least she's kept people from extremely freaking out over #O8's attacks. … Huh? What do I mean? I'll talk about it in a bit. For now, let me continue with the status report.

Prisoner #O7: Mochizuki Hikaru.

Your judgement was GUILTY, and thus, their ideas were affirmed.

Sigh… I wish I could say their ideas were denied. But it looks like they were looking forward to this. I don't think I can understand them. That being said… #O7 seems… Awfully sturdy. Guess those supposed years of delinquency paid off.

#O7, though not as badly battered as #O3, has been shielding those who were guilty from #O8's attacks. That being said, they also didn't seem to attack back. Guess they feel like they're above hurting a child.

Prisoner #O8: Inaba Rika.

Your judgement was INNOCENT, and thus, her ideas were affirmed.

I assume I don't have to repeat what I said before, right? Childhood innocence can be terrifying if left unchecked.

#O8 has decided to take her role as a hero quite seriously. She even managed to get a metal pipe to use between trials.

Of those who you said were UNFORGIVABLE, #O8 attacked #O3, #O9, and #O7. As stated earlier, #O7 taking the vast majority of blows. It doesn't seem like she was… Fully content with it though. Maybe it's the fact she saw #O3 and #O7 as sources of comfort before. Or maybe it could also be attributed to #1O's intervention. Her feeling conflicted doesn't seem to change much however. She still seems willing to enact her so called "justice".

Prisoner #O9: Itsuki Umi.

Your judgement was GUILTY, and thus, his ideas were denied.

You might call it a much needed wake up call. He definitely has taken a knock off his pedestal, and treating others a bit more…. Equally. Best example of this is #1O. …That being said… I'd argue it might have felt like the change was quite abrupt for him. He's definitely become more… Defensive. Hostile. Like a small kicked dog. That's not to mention periods of time where he seems to…. Zone off. Even I am conflicted. I did not think someone could fall this low in the span of one trial.

Finally… Prisoner #1O: Yoru Makoto.

Your judgement was INNOCENT, and thus, her ideas were…. Hm.

I'm not sure whether to say they've been affirmed or denied. Dare I say… She's doing more of her own thing. Helping others in a different way. Most notably, she's been trying to calm down #O9 as best as she can, and even intervened every time #O8 was about to hit him. And yet… It feels as if she's given away her own free will. She's become more of a puppet than anything.

Thus, concludes the status report on the prisoners. As you can see… Just their veredicts were enough to drastically change things. Their relationships, their mindsets, and so on. Ah. Worry not. Fighting will not be allowed throughout the duration of the trials.

Haa… I can see this being quite troubling, however.

That being said… You have more plans on how to vote, right? MILGRAM allows for many reasons to vote someone INNOCENT or GUILTY as your basis. …Though…

It would be dissapointing to see you vote based on what's best for everyone. These people are first and foremost murderers after all. Even the smallest change can have massive ripple effects.

Just because you think someone could be more benefitial… That doesn't ensure that they'll actually be in the way you expect. Humans are complicated and unpredictable, after all.

Ahem… Withthis information in mind… I hope you can continue judging without too many problems.

Do not waver. We're counting on you, Key.

Let CIELGRAM: The Second Trial…