[Story] Anakoni Abel: Perfect Prosecutor

[Andrea]

The funny thing about life is that it never goes the way you expect it to. Go ahead, try and hold on to your semblance of control- try to just... I don't know, sit in your house and keep the same routine, day to day, never leaving under any circumstances. You expect that you'll be in that house forever. And then, boom: an archvillain shoots it with a laser and you have to spend the rest of your life as a masked viligante, hunting down the monster that blows up houses in the night.

... Bad example? Not in the Icy Taco, a place where the weather forecast frequently includes "lasers from the heavens and slight winds" as well as "apocalypse, bad picnic day" almost weekly. And I got the full blunt of the oddities that happen around this magical place by willingly deciding to work with those who break the few natural laws that exist.

I'm a lawyer in a land of magic and insanity. And this is my story.[/color]

---

Anakoni Abel: Perfect Prosecutor

[/size]

This is my new story project that I'll try to update at least once a week! At the time of this writing, I am still on hiatus, so I'll be posting on this thread pretty much exclusively. I did leave several things unfinished when I started said hiatus, but they aren't forgotten about; this story is here for me to update every so often so that I can write again and get a bunch of ideas out of my head. The largest idea being, trying to watch the Ace Attorney-style courtroom cases from the other side- the prosecutor's, specifically.

I'll have one case per page, though whether I'll go for 5 cases or stick to 4 varies. Intermission scenes will fill up the posts I didn't use, so I can progress to the next page.

I also think this story won't have any spoilers, so assume it has none unless I specify otherwise.

So, let's begin!

---

Case 1
Turnabout Remorse

[Andrea]

"... With that said, I can not see any benefit to not taking your life from you at this very moment."

"Lefty, stop... I... thought we were friends."

"Then you thought correctly, especially if you placed emphasis on were."

*BANG*

"... ! ... ..."

"How is it that you're still so calm, then? You are on the brink of death."

"Because... I remembered our motto. 'Expect the unexpected...'"

"... 'And always be prepared'."

"As it stands... I came prepared as well."

*BANG*

*A scream immediately follows the gunshot. In turn, a new gunshot is fired to follow the scream. And all that follows is silence.*

---

---

{September 2nd, 2012, 3:20 PM
Tabloid Town Prosecutors' Office}

*knock knock*

? ? ?: _{Ugh... just 5 more minutes, mom...}

Prosecutor Anakoni! You better not be asleep on the job again, mister![/color]

Zz- *picks head up* Wha-? Er... of course not! (Stayed up too long again... worried about getting first case...) What kind of professional do you take me for?

*A redheaded woman enters, stopping to lean against one of the bookshelves*

A tired one, perhaps, Prosecutor. Worried about losing your first case?

No! *sighs* Yes, Serena.

Well, it won't be so bad! You know I won my first court case as a lawyer.

(As opposed to your first court case as a janitor, or what?)

Don't feel bad if you lose your first one, though. Not everyone can beat the master. Which, Prosecutor Anakoni, would be me.

Well, someone woke up and felt like turning up the rivalry.

Not at all! I'm here because I thought you'd need help.

With what?

Your case, silly. Didn't you get the memo?

*looks*



*The papers have a mark on them where coffee was left*

... I guess that... ... Was important...

And here's where you could use my help. The first thing you need to know is-

*She begins babbling on while he reads the papers*

(Not sure if I should be nervous, excited, or both... I could put away a guilty criminal and therefore protect the innocent, or hurt the innocent by putting one of them wrongfully in prison.)

-cross examining a parrot. Were you listening?

Yep! First step is to gather information, perhaps by speaking to a detective who has already investigated the crime scene.

? ? ?: Knock knock?

*both look*

*A tall, blond man enters the room almost serenely, rubbing his hands together as if for warmth.*

Well, if it isn't the two star prosecutors of the hour! How delightful to work with you, Prosecutor Anakoni. You know I have a fondness for prosecutors, as such a good friend of mine.

(... We met once on the street. And he... wasn't a detective.) Aren't you supposed to be an ambassador?

... ... ...

I think you broke the detective.

*frowns, expression suddenly turning serious* Yes, I am an ambassador, and I prefer that title rather than 'the detective'. But I have experienced temporary setbacks that led me to this rather... different career path.

Right... temporary.

But let's not talk about me! Let's talk about you, and your case!

Give me the facts, then.



The victim was 32 year-old Aidan Borders. He was a man of many talents, all of them involving keeping the local train clean and its passengers happy in some way.

How did he die, then?

It appears that someone fired a pistol at him from close range! The gun was not found at the scene of the crime, tragically.

*stands* ... Understood.

Here, please don't feel shy and take this copy of my personal notes! It's printed on Earth-imported 'spring colors' paper, with a fresh lemony scent!

... Don't say "Earth imported", please. It's weirding me out.

-Palaeno's Notes added to the Court Record!-

Anything else you wanna ask before we go?

Er... was any... magic used?

If any traces are found, you'll be the first to know! *holds up hands*

(It's still difficult to wrap my head around the concept...) Thank you dete- Ambassador Palaeno. Are you going to come with us?

I would love to! *rubs hands together* Unfortunately, there is urgent other business I must attend to.

More important than your job?

Most urgent business, you see. Now run along! Don't let me keep you from the excitement and the thrill of the hunt, prosecutors!

... Interesting choice of words. ... Lock the door on your way out? *leaves*

*follows him*

---

{September 2nd, 2012, 3:52 PM
Detention Center}

(Palaeno already took a look around the crime scene once for me... I can go take a better look later, but I should meet the defendant before the defense g-) Oof!

*Anakoni stumbles back from where he bumped into someone*

*falls over* !

Geez, Prosecutor. Are you alright?

I'm fine-

Not you, Mister Klutzy. *holds out a hand to help the other person up*

Heh heh... *takes hand, standing up* I am more than alright, holding the hand of such a beautiful lady.

Er...

What hair, redder than the burning eyes of a dying criminal! I see things other people don't see. The spirits of the future, but they don't believe me. But one thing I can see clearly is how beautiful you a-

*pries him away* Okay, buddy. That's enough.

Tsk. The hand of a lowly greenhorn has dirtied my aura. If I wanted living proof that the standards for that prosecutors office has dropped, I have the evidence right in front of me.

Who are you?

Ah ha ha ha. Why, lovely, as much as I wish to tell you over dinner, I can't resist toying with oil-hair over here. Internationally revered defense attorney, Nicholas S. Park.

I'm sure the prosecution ends up laughing so hard that they can't make their case.

Heh heh. I'm sure you will get to see my talents in action... that is, if you make it that far. Good day to you, lady and brute.

*He walks off*

... I have to take back every negative thing I've said about you.

Who would want that guy as their defense?

? ? ?: Er... I would.

!

*A very slight, tired-looking man is sitting quietly.*

... My name is Hayden Borders. I assume you two are the pair that wishes to keep me in this forsaken place...

... ! Don't... It's... not like that. I only want to find out what really happened in a case and keep the guilty from getting away and hurting again.

Please. ... You prosecutors only care about... your winning streaks.

Looks like we're off to a good start.

(Okay, think...) You and your brother both worked on the train, right?

... Don't remind me.

You didn't like it?

... Terrible hours. Terrible pay.

And that's why you killed him.

... I don't have to talk to you.

Prosecutor.

Heh... sorry. I'm sorry.

*fiddles with his white gloves*

Nice gloves you have on there.

... Have to wear them. Wouldn't want to dirty the train or the customers' cups or plates, according to management.

(Wouldn't leave any fingerprints, though...)

-Gloves added to the Court Record!-

Can you go now?

One last question. Why were you so sure about hiring that glasses guy as your defense?

... Powerful magic.

What... do you mean?

*turns around in his chair*

He didn't look that magical.

None of them do. (It seems this conversation has ended already.) (It seems fairly simple, but I think there might be a lot more to this...)

To be continued.

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Prosecutor's Badge
My shiny badge. It's proof of my profession.


Palaeno's Notes

Notes that Palaeno took. Says that a gun was fired at the crime scene, but one was not found there.


White Gloves

White gloves belonging to the defendant.

[Andrea]

{September 2nd, 2012, 4:24 PM
Taco Express Train Station}

*Both of them arrive the usually crowded area, which now has been blocked off.*

Stop looking so down already, Prosecutor Anakoni.

You don't have to be so formal all the time. ... But you're right. I just can't stop thinking of what that guy said, and how hopeless he looked.

You know, things aren't always how they appear on the surface.

...

*A few officers are still walking around. A few of them glance over, but don't say anything.*

There has to be something here that clears it all up. Let's take a look.

Examine: Bloodstain



This must be-

Ew. I hate blood.

Why did you choose a career path that involves crimes, then?

Because, uh... I like the... view from my office window.

... That's it?

Quiet, Prosecutor Anakoni.

Sorry. (Haven't seen her get that defensive before...)

Examine: Device



What is this?

Haha. Poor old man prosecutor, so behind with the times.

I'm barely older than you!

A few years isn't 'barely'~

... So, what does this do, miss technological genius?

I... don't know.

That's what I thought. (It seems like a radio, but not like one I've seen before. ... In other news, it's absolutely hideous.)

-Deformed Machine added to the Court Record!-

Examine: Trash Can



I wouldn't expect a place like this to be so clean. And... devoid of clues.

Clean except for that bloodstain, anyway.

Maybe there's something in here? *pulls the lid off of the trash can*

*It tips over, seemingly by itself*

Like, woah, man! Can't anyone get a good sleep around here?[/color]

*steps back*

*Some type of faerie steps out of the overturned trash bin*

Man, I mean, like, sleeping in beds is too mainstream. They get up early and scuttle off to their, like, little commoner jobs. The early bird gets the worm, but the early worm gets eaten. That's why I only just woke up!

... I was wrong. There was nothing but trash inside.

Ha, you're right. I am pretty trashe-

We... can't trust you as a witness, can we.

Haha... can you trust, like, me. When do you know when a lawyer is being honest?

?

When his mouth is shut.

Hey!

Please, dudes. I know your type. Go ahead and present your badger.

... Badge?

Yeah, that.

What's with you and lawyers?

Never liked them! They're like, bad, and selfish, and... *stares off into space* ... What were we talking about again?

Lawyers.

Never liked them! They're like, bad, and-

That's enough, miss...?

Femke! Lawyers these days. I saw one earlier, and they're all thinking their powerful magic will solve everything. Like that Smiles Edgeworth-

*She starts rambling.*

(Powerful magic, huh...?) (I'm not sure if I like where this is headed, but...) Listen, faerie. I think you know who the killer is in my case.

Pfft, nah. Next you'll be asking for more, like, magic powers or something. I can't bestow powers on you that you don't already, y'know, have.

I don't have any magic powers.

Hahahahahaha! Suuuuure you don't. *hiccups* I'm sure that your girlfriend over here knows.

I'm not his girlfriend!

Ooh. You better get in this trash can. You just got dumped.

(I hate you so much.)

So we were talking about- *laughs uncontrollably at random, then abruptly stops* - your case?

Ah. So you do... know something.

Ha! Like you'll get to know about it. Like.. like like like like. It doesn't sound like a word anymo-

Will you just... stop[/color]?

^What?[/color]

What?

[/center][/color]

What?

[/color]

?! *stumbles back* (What just...?) What was that?

^{I don't want to be tricked by lawyers anymore.}

I'm, like, telling you. I don't know anything about the case.

[/center]

The man in the glasses was... terrifying.

[/right][/color]

Man in the... glasses? (Either I'm as tripped out as this faerie, or...)

^{The murderer was too magically powerful.}

You, like, know about-? ... I can't tell you about him.

_{I refuse to talk about the killer.}

[/tt][/color]

Anakoni, what's going on? Your eyes are all-

... ? (What is going on?)

I didn't know prosecutors got drug discounts!

... (Things seem to be back to normal.) (And yet... maybe that was the magic she mentioned? ... While it was in use, I heard another voice from her. Something about the murderer in glasses...)

-Man in the Glasses added to the Court Record!-

What just happened?

... I better explain later. Let's get out of here for now.

---

{September 3nd, 2012, 7:54 AM
Prosecutor's Lobby}

Head is still spinning, thinking about what happened. ... I need more coffee.

*Serena enters and walks up to Anakoni.*

Morning, Prosecutor Anakoni. Fortunately, I didn't catch you sleeping at your desk again.

Wouldn't have gotten that much rest anyway....

Everything seemed to be in place in your office, though. I wonder what Detective Palaeno wanted.

*looks around, as if he might be listening* Ambassador Palaeno. And I have to wonder what led him to this, anyway...

Well, whatever it is, I'm here to guide you through your first trial! I hope you won't be too scared.

I can do this, you know.

I am not looking forward to seeing Mr. Creepy again, though.

*A bailiff pokes his head out from behind a door*

Bailiff: Trial is about to begin. Please enter Courtroom number three.

Alright. Here we go.

*Both of them enter*

---

{September 3nd, 2012, 8:00 AM
Courtroom # 3}

*bangs gavel* Court is now in session for the trial of Hayden Borders.

The defense, as always, is magnificent. And ready.

Uh... the prosecution is ready, your honor.

Mr. Park, I hope for no repeat of the infamous "Donkey Rodeo Incident" of last February.

Of course not, your honor.

Good. I still haven't cleaned all the tomato sauce out of my sho-

Er... opening statement, your honor? Now?

Oh! Yes. Your opening statement, Prosecutor Anna Coiney.

*snickers*

... (I'll let that one slide.)

The prosecution will, uh... Today prove that the defendant- Uh, Hayden Borders... - shot and killed his own brother, the victim.

... Is that all?

Yes?

*sighs* This is why I'm here for you. <sub>You were spitting out words like ammo from a machine gun, motormouth.

I was nervous!</sub>

Very well. Mr. Park?

Hmph. My client is as innocent as a newborn kitten. Why, his slate is so clean, it is beautiful and radiant like Prosecutor Uglykoni's lovely lackey.

Lackey?

But enough play. Such a useless steam of words like an opening statement simply slip through the crevices of one's mind like the sands of time slip through his fingers. I let evidence do the talking for me. And I can already prove the defendant is 101% not guilty!

... Maybe the detective in charge should outline the case before you try to end the trial.

I agree. *slams gavel* I cannot say which opening statement I preferred. Both smelled equally foul.

I know healing magic, in case you two need to be treated of that burn.

Prosecutor Anakoni. Now call your witness to the stand.

Er, right. I call the detective- um, ambassador- in charge of the case to the stand.

*walks up, rubbing hands together*

Name and occupation.

Colias Palaeno. Ambassador and detective. For now.

Tell us the details of the crime.

But of course!

-TESTIMONY-
The Details

Dusk of September 1st saw a heinous crime: a man shot and killed Aidan Borders.

He was a well-respected man that the passengers of his train loved. *rubs hands together still*

He appears to have been shot twice! He may have survived the first one, but was killed by the second.

I suppose you wouldn't be interested in lovely Earth to take a break from this mess? I have some wonderful discounts, if you'd like to take a look.

---

Discounts, you say? Hmm...

But of course! *spreads hands* Only the best for our Judge.

Stick to the facts, my dear man. If you must give a gift to this courtroom, let it be an autopsy report.

Of course! I put it in a beautiful envelope.

The court will happily accept this as evidence.

-Decorated Autopsy Report added to the Court Record!-

Your cross-examination now, Mr. Park.

That will not be necessary. The defense is ready to lay down its hand, take a bite from its sandwich, and declare checkmate to our silly little rookie.

I think you-

Take a look at this!



One driver's license, property of Anakoni Abel. Found right at the scene of the crime. Tsk, tsk. I think our dear little greenhorn is more involved with this case than we think.

Wait... What!?

-Anakoni's License added to the Court Record!-

*the audience gets worked up*

Order! *slams gavel* I can't believe it! I have seen prosecutors that were guilty themselves... but not on their first case!

Shame how they pull the wool over your eyes younger and younger these days, hm?

Hurry! You have to speak up for yourself!

Right, um... _objection.

What was that?

*takes a deep breath* Okay... OBJECTION!

Eep! What's all this yelling about?

I was nowhere near the crime scene! ... At the time the murder happened!

Ah ha. So I suppose that my dear client simply pickpocketed you for an item useless to him, then took it with him as some sort of good luck charm during the alleged murder... And then was careless enough to drop it? Only you seem that foolish.

HOLD IT! It probably was either taken from him and deliberately placed there, or dropped during our investigation!

"Investigation"? What, of the bullet wounds you caused in the poor man's body?

No. It was stolen. And the thief has to be... You, Ambassador Palaeno!

To be continued.

[/center]

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Prosecutor's Badge
My shiny badge. It's proof of my profession.


Palaeno's Notes

Notes that Palaeno took. Says that a gun was fired at the crime scene, but one was not found there.


White Gloves

White gloves belonging to the defendant.


Deformed Machine

A really ugly machine of unknown origin. Found at the crime scene.


Man in the Glasses

An unknown person that Femke sort of mentioned. Supposedly the killer, who has great magical power. And yet...


Decorated Autopsy Report

The autopsy for Aidan Borders, decorated by Palaeno. It reads:

Aidan Borders was shot twice, once in the hip and once through the heart. Victim survived first shot, died instantly at the second one.

Anakoni's License

My... driver's license. Found at the scene of the crime, somehow.

[/spoiler]

[Andrea]

...Me, you say?

... ... Yes! You said you had business to attend to and stayed behind yesterday, remember?

And... it was 'most urgent business'.

OBJECTION! Tsk. I would like to toss this little suggestion to the table: there's no motive for dear Mr. Palaeno to swipe from you, either. Why, I believe my gentle ears heard a ghost of a rumor that he finished a complete investigation before you even got out of your seat, prosecutor. Must you reward him this way?

*deskslam* How about we hear what he has to say before the guilt trip?

I did have urgent business. I have to admit, I wasn't completely professional working in the investigation. I stopped to attend to embassy-related duties.

Embassy?

Yes.

The planets of Xiao-Yani and Etkine have been edging closer to a state of war. It may not directly be one of my duties... however, I've been heavily involved in trying to prevent a war from happening.[/color]

*brightens randomly* The results would be decidedly unpleasant.

Planets... at war?

I find this irr-

Wait. What did you need to do, then? How is it embassy-related if you're not, you know... an alien?

Respectfully, Ms. Dippiti, that is irrelevant to the case at hand.

...

(I didn't think it possible for this guy to sound even slightly less than happy...)

Relevant to the case at hand, rudimentally, is that the man has multiple careers as on top of doing extensive amounts of volunteer work. Most unlike the profile of any thief I have heard.

I must agree.

(I was wrong about it being him... I'm an idiot. But then who could it have been?) (I could have just let it slip when investigating, meaning I did have it with me... However, that creep would try to say that I dropped it during the murder.)

Deep in thought?

... Fairly, yes.

How futile. You are like the seed of a pitiful watermelon. Laying in the dirt where you belong, after I have chewed up all that was protecting you and spit you out.

... However, a misplaced object isn't enough to fully incriminate someone. And yet, the prosecution has failed to explain how it ended up there.

A detective would've seen it if it was there at the time. Detective Palaeno-

Ambassador.

... Yes.



Did you find this at the crime scene during your investigation?

*rubs hands together again* It appears I did not.

... ... Tsk.

Wait... Someone's fingerprints may be left on the license from when they stole it!

*shakes head* And if nobody stole it and this point is irrelevant?

Penalty on me.

Prosecutor Anakoni...

...

_{If I can prove just one of this rat's points wrong, I'll feel better.}

*nods* To accept responsibility is always respectable. Bailiff!



*The bailiff takes it and leaves, returning shortly afterward*

Give me that. *swipes the papers from his fingers* ... Of course, the rookie's fingerprints are on it. As well as unidentified... Fingerprints, similar to the gentle prints of a fae.

A faerie? But we never saw one of those mysteri-

*pokes him* Femke, remember?

... That was a faerie...?

Perhaps it would be worth calling the faerie in, then!

OBJECTION! I... I don't think it is necessary to muddle this case up with unnecessary witnesses! My client lacks a motive, or even incriminating evidence. We must end this mockery of a trial.

OBJECTION! Hey, you were the one who presented my property as evidence to begin with.

... Tsk.

*slams gavel* In that case, this court is now in a 30 minute recess while the witness is called in.

---

{September 3nd, 2012, 8:36 AM
Prosecutor's Lobby}

... I am unsure how well this is going.

You're doing great! Except for the whole "becoming a suspect" thing.

(Why a license and not a credit card? Did she fall in love with me and want to have a picture of me to cherish?) (... Unusual line of thought...)

Excuse me?[/color]

*turns*

*Palaeno walks up, smiling warmly*

Fantastic job out there this morning. You remind me of a prosecutor I once worked with during an investigation.

*frowns, turning away* Oh, uh... (I really did accuse the wrong person, didn't I?)

He says "thanks" and "sorry for calling you a thief".

*laughs* Oh, no need to be hung up on that. Here, have some coupons for the local Windy's Point restaurant. All this hard thinking must be making you hungry!

Oh, no, I... couldn't.

No need to be shy! I must admit, however. There is another reason why I am here to speak with you.

Sorry-

*cuts off the apology* Another defense attorney was originally offered this case. He's an associate of mine; I suspect his decline was related to the present tensions at his homeworld.

Homeworld? Oh, uh... Xiao-Yani or Etkine or something. (All this planetary nonsense...)

What's his name?

*seems slightly amused* That would be Xue Blanche.

Huh. Never heard of him.

Pfft. Your newness is showing.

No it isn't!

I suppose he does only has a handful of cases finished.

(Wait... Didn't Hayden say that he chose Nicholas because of strong magic?)



(No... it has to be Hayden. It has to be!) (But... If I'm wrong...) Ambassador Palaeno. Could I ask if Xue Blanche has any... powerful magic?

*chuckles* From what I'm aware of, yes. He can be quite formidable despite his youthful appearance.

(Nngh.) (But Nicholas wouldn't defend an innocent man for a crime he was guilty of, surely...)

Hellloooo, Prosecutor Anakoni? Stop zoning out, please.

Right.

It is an interesting coincidence that Femke is involved with this case. Mr. Blanche told me that a faerie fitting her description gave him the powers he has.

... That faerie has magic powers...?

? ? ?: Unfortunately, yes.

To be continued.

[/center]

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Prosecutor's Badge
My shiny badge. It's proof of my profession.


Palaeno's Notes

Notes that Palaeno took. Says that a gun was fired at the crime scene, but one was not found there.


White Gloves

White gloves belonging to the defendant.


Deformed Machine

A really ugly machine of unknown origin. Found at the crime scene.


Man in the Glasses

An unknown person that Femke sort of mentioned. Supposedly the killer, who has great magical power. And yet...


Decorated Autopsy Report

The autopsy for Aidan Borders, decorated by Palaeno. It reads:

Aidan Borders was shot twice, once in the hip and once through the heart. Victim survived first shot, died instantly at the second one.

Anakoni's License

My... driver's license. Found at the scene of the crime, somehow.

[/spoiler]

[Andrea]

Hm?

*Another man appears, though his skin is a ghostly white.*

I'm rather pleased to make your acquaintance, the name's Detective Gray. I am an agent operating for an organization focused on solving interplanetary crimes and cases.

Sure you are. I think you took a wrong turn at Neptune.

*smirks* Why, not at all. If I may, though, I wish to call away Ambassador Palaeno for a short while.

But of course!

But he's a witness in our case...

Was. His testimony has been given.

What the heck are you?

Oh, I'm a Wyn from planet Xiao-Yani.

(As if that simplifies it.)

We were talking about Xue not long ago.

Ah, Xue...

What's wrong?

… Nothing is the matter. Good luck, young prosecutors.

*just as quickly as he appeared, he vanishes with Palaeno*

I didn't think this case had too many freaks to deal with.

… *plays with a bit of her hair* … Maybe you ought to back out now, Abel.

… Wait, what?

I mean, nothing. Sorry, Prosecutor Anakoni~

(I wonder what was up with that?)

*The bailiff motions for them to return to the courtroom, which they promptly do*

---

{September 3nd, 2012, 9:08 AM
Courtroom # 3}

Court will now reconvene.

Heh heh heh.

What's going on?

Whip out the serving trays and the video cameras, dear Judge. It's time for you to dole out a serving or two old Anakoni's penalty, and time for us to observe in delight!

Is that so?

Tsk. I have personally spoken with the witness. I know she was oh-so SHOCKED that her fingerprints could potentially be on the little license.

Did you match them up to the ones on the license?

“Did you match them up to the ones on the license”? I don't know how you live with that whiny little voice. Now, I shall call this witness in!

*Femke flutters to the stand*

Name-

Woah, man, I know the procedure! Uh, name and constipation, right?

Wh- … I think that's incorrect.

Oh! Okay, scrap the “name” par-

Her name's Femke. May we move along?

That would be nice.

No need to request me to ask questions of the beautiful lady. By which I politely refer to Femke, not the more beautiful lady.

*sighs* ...

*glances over*

Despite all appearances, Femke holds no criminal record for a total of over 600 years! Moreover, is it not true that you stated as such: “The good cars ended with the Ford Model T”?

Yeah! With a model like Model T, they have to go through time, y'know?

Therefore, she would not even willingly go near a car, much less have a need for a license! And finally, Femke has allegedly burned her fingerprints off!

Oh, not really, man. I just tell people that in case they're secretly the fuzz. Like... you! *points at the Judge*

My beard is more than mere fuzz!

*shakes head* Still.

OBJECTION! If that creep over there won't question the witness, then I will!

*nods* Then go ahead, Prosecutor Coiney. You should know we're above name-calling here.

You're telling the wrong person.

-TESTIMONY-
For Real

I, uh, didn't steal anything.

I didn't have any, like, reason to!

If I wanted to steal something, I shoulda taken the gun from the crime scene. I wonder if it smoked?

---

(Okay, breathe in... breathe out. Let's do this.)

-CROSS-EXAMINATION-

I, uh, didn't steal anything.

I didn't have any, like, reason to!

What about to hide the truth?

Where would I hide it? My pockets were full of- uh, cooking mushrooms.

… Nevermind.

---

If I wanted to steal something, I shoulda taken the gun from the crime scene. I wonder if it smoked?

OBJECTION!



You could've paid closer attention. You loitered around the crime scene all day.

What, dude?

The gun wasn't found at the crime scene at all!

*bursts out laughing* Duuuude! You blew my mind!

OBJECTION! It matters not if the gun was present at all! I think the fact remains: she still did not steal anything.

If anyone wanted to frame you, wouldn't it've been- y'know- like the killer?

Nope.



There would be no faerie-like fingerprints at all if Hayden took it. First, he wore gloves. Second, he's not a faerie.

(Go ahead and keep stating the obvious.)

OBJECTION! That implies, of course, that MY client is the killer. It's rudimentary that he is not.

…!

(Did I just see a reaction?) You... You know something, Femke.

Not usually!

(Let's see if this works.)



Perhaps you, uh... Saw the killer and the distinctive glasses he wore?

Well, uh, maybe...

OBJECTION! I-

We all know the defendant wears glasses! He's guilty!

It should be pointed out that more than one person in this case wore glasses.

… Of course, besides the victim.

(Like it matters!)

…

You also can agree that the killer is a powerful magic-user, correct?

… … Well, uh-

Correct? *deskslam*

_yeah

You were bribed or threatened to steal that license for him! You didn't have a reason to take it, but he did! More likely he threatened you with magic, knowing the defendant.

Incidentally, Mr. Creepy over there is a powerful magic-user...

Is... half the prosecution trying to imply that the defendant is not guilty, but the defense is?!

NO!

*jumps* Prosecutor An-

I hate that guy! But just looking like some type of serial killer doesn't make him one, Serena!

The possibility should not be excluded!

*points at Hayden* It was you!

*the audience starts getting worked up*

ORDER! *slams gavel* I will have order!

… … Ha ha ha... Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

?!

Why, I see nothing more than a hollow puppet of a man fighting with his girlfriend! Your honor, the prosecution doesn't need further opponents to argue with. It can argue on its own. And so, I take my leave.

*Nicholas vanishes from the courtroom*

---

{September 4th, 2012, 1:12 AM
Anakoni's Apartment}

… … Stupid me. I can't sleep again.

*Anakoni rises and walks into the next room. Noticing his laptop display a new message, he raises an eyebrow. Clicking the instant messenger reveals that a new contact would like to be added, under one username: Blank008.*

… As if anyone wants to speak with me anyway. *clicks 'Accept'*

*There's a beep, and then a new window opens.*

ProsAnakoni: What?
Blank008: I saw your trial. Good job.
ProsAnakoni: How did you find me?
Blank008: “ProsAnakoni”? Couldn't be someone else.
ProsAnakoni: Got me there.
Blank008: Not like anyone likes you enough to copy you.
ProsAnakoni: … There, too.
Blank008: Let me give you a warning.

[/tt][/center]

I should've clicked 'Reject'.

Blank008: Kid, you're getting mixed up in all the wrong crap. Crap you don't want to get mixed up in. Crap so rough that it can't be flushed down a toilet. Do you get my drift?
ProsAnakoni: Uh... vaguely?
ProsAnakoni: I'd understand sooner if you would kindly stop discussing crap
Blank008: I mean with Palaeno. Get him fired. And keep away from Detective Gray. Stop hearing about the war. Stop thinking about it, even.
ProsAnakoni: What in the Sam Hill are you talking about.
Blank008: I'll make this clear. You will end up in much trouble. Do you want that?
ProsAnakoni: … No.
Blank008: Then stop. And hurry.
Blank008 has deleted ProsAnakoni
ProsAnakoni has been blocked by Blank008

… Nothing soothes your anxiety quite like that.

*Anakoni exits, heading towards the kitchen. The laptop stays on. Its faint light illuminates the dark room.*

To be continued.

[/center]

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Prosecutor's Badge
My shiny badge. It's proof of my profession.


Palaeno's Notes

Notes that Palaeno took. Says that a gun was fired at the crime scene, but one was not found there.


White Gloves

White gloves belonging to the defendant.


Deformed Machine

A really ugly machine of unknown origin. Found at the crime scene.


Man in the Glasses

An unknown person that Femke sort of mentioned. Supposedly the killer, who has great magical power. And yet...


Decorated Autopsy Report

The autopsy for Aidan Borders, decorated by Palaeno. It reads:

Aidan Borders was shot twice, once in the hip and once through the heart. Victim survived first shot, died instantly at the second one.

Anakoni's License

My... driver's license. Found at the scene of the crime, somehow.

[/spoiler]

[Andrea]

{? ? ?
? ? ?}

No... no!

It can't go like this!

Y-you two! Please help!

{September 4th, 6:24 AM
Anakoni's Apartment}

*BANG BANG BANG*

Gah! *wakes up* … *looks at the clock* … A full 20 minutes of sleep at the kitchen table, I see.

*BANG BANG BANG*

*quickly changes, then opens door*

I believe you should hurry, Prosecutor.

… The trial will start later than usual today to give additional time for investigation. Not to mention multiple people got accused yesterday.

Yes. By you.

I accused the right ones. *walks back inside*

*follows him in* … Have you been baking?

*Anakoni moves back to the kitchen counter and applies frosting to a cake*

I've been baking most of the night. It's funny. I can get so caught up in trying to put away a guilty man that I forget all my worrying about putting away an innocent one. When I'm just making a dessert for myself, the only person who gets hurt if I mess up is me.

Sorry, Abel.

Come again?

It's my fault. I'm not a good prosecutor. I'm always looking at who else it could be. Not who I'm supposed to think it is. Sorry.

(Seems like it.) … Fine. We should go. There's many places to look today. I want to prepare a case solid enough that there will be no more looking.

Sometimes, you can't see for sure until you're right there in the courtroom.

(So this is Serena? I'm not sure if I really woke up...)

*She doesn't say anything*

Um... With all my worrying, I realized that Nicholas never said he matched Femke's prints.

To those of the license?

Yeah. There's also something I want to look for... (I'm going to prove to myself first that Hayden did it for sure.) Shall we?

We shall.

---

{September 4th, 6:50 AM
Dramatis Personae Department}

*Brick buildings reach towards the sky in all their dusty glory. The shadows of a few move through the dim morning light.*

Here we ought to be able to find some more info.

Good! Let's go! *quickly heads towards the doors*

Hey, watch o-

*Serena bumps into someone*

Dear me. Sorry, sorry, a thousand times sorry. Please, harbor no resentment.

Oops!

Clumsy here is the one who should be apolog- -izing? *looks*

*bows* Peace upon both of you. *notices Anakoni's look* Why... is something the matter? Oh, my! I must have spinach between my teeth again...

Um... No, it's not that-

Then what? Tomato? Interplanetary organic leafspinaxtion?

Nothing's between your teeth! I mean, it's nothing. Go on.

As you wish. *bows, then walks away*

Nice lady.

It seems that she's delicate on her feet. Not like some accusatory people around here.

… *lets her hair down*

?

You don't know when to let something go. Like a problem with me, or trying to be so sure that Hayden did it.

As much as I want to believe that the law's just, sometimes it lets bad people go. Innocence can be faked. I will prevent that.

*Serena extracts a lone cigarette from her pocket. He watches as she lights it and inhales.*

You- ?

You are correct, Abel, in that innocence can be faked. I could pretend to be a better person with habits which are not horrible. Like clumsiness.

… *stops, taking it all in* … So you bumped into her on purpose?

You probably order a pizza and focus more on the toppings than the actual pizza. *walks past him, picking up something the woman dropped*



Oh. … I'll take it inside, I guess. She'll come back for it.

-Unfamiliar Thing added to the Court Record!-

Good luck.

*Serena walks off. Anakoni heads inside the buildings.*

{September 4th, 7:04 AM
Inside}

*A burly man sits behind the desk, hunched over a copy of MANLY Magazine.*

*glances up* We ain't interested.

I'm not selling anything.

Da tiger gets it. Youse just got dat scummy look, yanno?

(Speak for yourself, buddy.)

*nods his head at Serena, who's visible walking out through the arched windows* Dis your ol' lady?

Wh- No.

Whassa matter? Youse gotta problem wit da ladies and came to da tiger for advice, eh?

I... Look, buddy, the only way you could repel women more is by draping yourself in a rainbow flag. Now, uh... just show me where the records are?

…

… I said that out loud, didn't-

GROOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR![/b][/size]

Oh, so now youse bein' smart, eh? Youse think we're playin' games here?

I d-

Good, cause ol' Tigre's gotta game for youse! It's called “count how many of dem teeth youse carryin' home in a paper bag”.

Sorry, I-

*Someone walks in*

… Oh, dear. Have I-

*rears back for another roar*

Why, Mr. Furio. That agreement must be remembered. It is of utmost importance.

… Yeah! Youse got nothin' ta worry 'bout. I was just 'bout to show where da files are.

Hayden Borders, please.

Comin' up in a flash! *runs off*

*exhales* Phew... thank you. I believe this is yours?

-Unfamiliar Thing turned over.-

Oh, dear me! It has been found! *bows* I am in your debt, sincerely.

Hey, it was nothing. (No, really, it was pretty much nothing...)

I am Ikan. I am on a spiritual journey filled with spirits.

I'm Anakoni. A prosecutor.

Ah, I understand... *studies his face*

Um... Is there something in my teeth?

You seem to be losing sleep.

You've got me. How'd you know?

Those dark circles under your eyes may be larger than the twin moons of the NTWF.

Heh... Yeah.

*runs back up, holding a file* Ha ha... heres dat file youse wanted, with a few odds n' ends! I usually don't say dis, but keep da change.

Thanks.

-Hayden's File added to the Court Record!-

Now I should be going! (Before he kills me!)

Proceed as you wish. *bows one last time, then vanishes*

… … Youse better leave before I-

_{Oh, silly me, I forgot to walk my goldfish.}

*He's out the door before Tigre's sentence is finished.*

---

{September 4th, 7:32 AM
Taco Express Train Station}

I'm still thinking about what Serena said, aren't I...

SO IT WAS YOU!

What th-

*From a trash can, a scrawny man decked out in medieval garb leaps forth and points at Anakoni.*

Ha! They said the real killer wouldn't return to the scene of the crime! Who's laughing now, Pole Ice Officers? The Great Hero Louis is.

Now I'm being accused by an idiot.

I don't know who that may be. You're only being accused by me! Louis, hero of thyme! Now, what do you have to say for yourself, villainous villain?

… Somehow... I feel that I have something in common with you.

Really? Well, you can't possibly be villainously villainous then. *sheathes sword* The Great Hero Louis shall now introduce himself! My name is Louis.

Anakoni Abel.

No, I said Louis, not Anakoni Abel.

I mean that's my name!

Your name is Louis also?

… Move out of the way and let me find an officer- *notices someone standing behind Louis*

To be continued.

[/i]

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Prosecutor's Badge
My shiny badge. It's proof of my profession.


Palaeno's Notes

Notes that Palaeno took. Says that a gun was fired at the crime scene, but one was not found there.


White Gloves

White gloves belonging to the defendant.


Deformed Machine

A really ugly machine of unknown origin. Found at the crime scene.


Man in the Glasses

An unknown person that Femke sort of mentioned. Supposedly the killer, who has great magical power. And yet...


Decorated Autopsy Report

The autopsy for Aidan Borders, decorated by Palaeno. It reads:

Aidan Borders was shot twice, once in the hip and once through the heart. Victim survived first shot, died instantly at the second one.

Anakoni's License

My... driver's license. Found at the scene of the crime, somehow.


Hayden's File

A DP file on Hayden, with some “loose odds and ends”. I haven't fully looked it over yet.

[Andrea]

*A young man, also with blindingly white skin, tips his fedora to cover his eyes.*

Oh hi!

… Move.

How about a “please”?

Please!

Uh... I wasn't referring to you.

Heh. “Please”. Let me lighten up the mood with a lil' joke.

Uh... alright.

You bet. Knock knock.

Who's there?

Interrupting lawyer.

Interrupting lawyer w-

Please move.

*He pushes Anakoni aside and starts walking away*

Ha! I love that one!

*stumbles* What's your problem?

S'that I'm just too rich. Oh, did the man mean rich as in with money or rich as in with humor? Answer's both, mate.

Shut up!

^You

can't

read me.

[/color]

*Something shatters like glass in Anakoni's mind. Again, he falls over. Louis shouts something about villainous villains as the stranger walks off.*

---

............
…......................
….....Oh-

*Anakoni's eyes open again*

Myself, I'm certainly delighted you have awoken! I thought, “This may be an unusual time for Mr. Abel to have a lay down”, and then I realized-

*cuts him off* Yeah, I'm fine. Dandy.

*offers to help him up* We could all use a hand now and again.

*Anakoni ignores his hand and stands up on his own.*

Just let me be.

*tilts his head* Would you care to elaborate on what the matter is?

I accused you, in court I may add! And you did less than nothing wrong. The opposite! You devote your free time to- to helping other planets, of all things, and I'm still adjusting to all this!

Perhaps that is so, but wasn't it a natural conclusion to draw?

Explain.

It was done in order to find one who left you a potential suspect to begin with. To find the truth, should it lead away from the defendant himself.

*shakes head* But I got caught up in accusing Hayden regardless. I don't want him to slip through one of the law's loopholes.

Ah! But you assume he'll fit right through and not catch on a snag, or fall through into something potentially much more dreadful. Here's a coupon for a direct flight to Zylince. I hear it's rather lovely this time of year!

Uh... Detective?

Ambassador.



Analyze the prints on this for me.

Of course!

-Anakoni's License given to Palaeno.-

*Palaeno walks off, rubbing his hands together*

… (I can't remember much about that guy who knocked me over. I must have hit my head and blacked out...)



*sits on a nearby bench* (I'll give this a lookthrough before I move on.)

Hayden

Class: NPC
Unofficial Writer Association: Drew Skye

Full Name: Hayden Borders

Nickname: Unspecified

Age: Unspecified^*

Appearance: Tall, lanky figure. Dark hair against a pale face. Upturned nose upon which a pair of prescription glasses rest. His most common outfit would be his work uniform, which includes a dark longcoat and a hat of matching color.

Occupation: Taco Express Energy-and-Dimension-Core Specialist & Technician/Mechanic

First Appearance: Unspecified^*

History: Unofficial records state he hails from a version of Earth.

Time Period: XBAA-1

Magical Abilities: None

Weapons: None

Misc:

• Has one brother, who also works at the Taco Express.
  
• Has injured his right hand from daily work, leaving a large noticeable scar.

Personality: -

^*Information withheld

… Withheld? (And he has a scarred hand...)



(Maybe that's why he...)

-Hayden's File updated in the Court Record!-

*rises* And now I should- … Is that the smell of smoke?

You're pretty slow, mister.

Oh. Hi.

I've a way to secure some more info on this case. You've got 25 minutes before you make for the courtroom.

Fine. We'll prepare a perf- Flexible case.



*holds up a card key* This allows access to the jackpot itself. Manager's office.

You're going to tell me one of two things. One is that you're the manager. Two is that you stole that key.

I could tell you many things, but many would be lies. You'd be in your grave before I let them go, 'course.

You're different than I expected.

Which makes you either lucky or unlucky.

*She enters the building and, upon reaching the manager's office, enters the card key into a slot and slides the door open.*

{September 4th, 8:06 AM
Taco Express- Manager's Office} [/size]

*leans against a wall, pressing a hand to his head* (I'm so... tired-)

… This room should contain, as I'll put it, something of interest.

I'll do all I can.

Examine: Fuzzy Dice



These belong in a car.

He likely, you know, takes the train.

Dice do take on a new meaning around here... It must be a, uh, good luck charm.

Examine: Window



We've bigger fish to fry.

What happened to the days where you'd stare out the window and compliment the sun on how bright it is?

It seems as if it were a different person. Others want to see me as happier, nicer... So I let them.

Examine: Work



This is, uh... a business plan.

“So we get a giant elephant and have it step on stuff”.

… (Counterproductive?)

Examine: Computer



“GantTube.com- Broadcast Your Pool”?

Not what I was looking for. Can't speak for you, however.

Hey!

*She closes the browser window*

Security camera footage may be on here, so I'll get looking. I expect you won't get in the way.

This is my case, you're aware.

Is that so?

I don't think the law holds up perfectly, but this- this is breaking and entering, Serena! At first, I didn't know you well because we rarely spoke. I suppose I was dumb for believing I knew you at all.

Abel, listen. I am not the most nice, most perfect, most likeable person. Former close friends wanted to see that person, so I let them at the cost of constant disguise.

But-

Not finished yet. My brother is in charge around here, so not a thing was stolen. I just had to pay him to get him to lend this.



(There was a sacrifice she made to help out here.)

If you can handle this on your own, handle away. You have my heartfelt apologies for unmasking to begin with.

*Serena leaves*

Fine! Fine...



My badge is here to support me! Right, badge?



“Of course, prosecutor!” … … (I really need some sleep...)

*The computer is still humming.*

I should be able to find this myself, right...?



Click: Turnabout Tiger: The Game



This looks fun. No time now, sadly.

Click: Recycle Bin



It's empty. I remember these used to be called “Trash Bins”. Now, suddenly, our computers wish recycling upon us. Uh... I can't just lollygag around until I get caught here.

Click: Internet Explorer



I'd rather not.

Click: Documents



Here we are. (I guess it wouldn't hurt to look for something... right?)

To be continued.

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Prosecutor's Badge
My shiny badge. It's proof of my profession.


Palaeno's Notes

Notes that Palaeno took. Says that a gun was fired at the crime scene, but one was not found there.


White Gloves

White gloves belonging to the defendant.


Deformed Machine

A really ugly machine of unknown origin. Found at the crime scene.


Man in the Glasses

An unknown person that Femke sort of mentioned. Supposedly the killer, who has great magical power. And yet...


Decorated Autopsy Report

The autopsy for Aidan Borders, decorated by Palaeno. It reads:

Aidan Borders was shot twice, once in the hip and once through the heart. Victim survived first shot, died instantly at the second one.

Hayden's File

A DP file on Hayden. Some information is withheld for some reason. It also states he's a mechanic who injured his right hand through daily work.

[Andrea]

(Should find the security camera data if it is on here...)

Click: Minecraft Screenshots



“Boriville server”, “My pet creeper”, “Lol diamond”... No. This is stupid.

Click: My Fave Taco Stories



Taco... what? Hunter, Torkie, PFA...? Are they chefs at a tex-mex place?

Click: Schedule Data



This is the train's schedule. ...It's like a disease, being all over the place. I wonder how many murderers it's happily ferried in...

Click: Security Breach



Heh, it's chock full of videos. Gotcha there, defense attorneys.

*The titles of all the videos are simply strings of numbers. Upon closer inspection, it turns out they're dates- month, day, and year.*

Odd. One's from the summer- “6-28-12”. Nothing happened then. *clicks it*

*Soldiers are gathered around*

*Among the crowd, a hatch is lifted open before a hand retreats back into the hole. A voice can be heard from below the hatch.*

"Let me shed a light on how BLIND you all are!"

*An extremely powerful beam of blinding light shoots out of the hole, burning anyone who happens to be hit on it. From below, Starla holds the light as steadily as possible.*

*Some of them are hit and tossed aside, while the others shout confusion. Blinded, some turn away, while others fire at the light and into the tunnel down*

What a crappy acting job for a movie shooting.

*Anakoni closes the video in disgust.*

I'm running out of time...

*He hovers over the most recent one, dated 9-2-12*

… Yes! Yes. This has got to be it. It has to be.

: 'Rena? That you? It's just me, ol' Chip. Yeah.

!!

*A tall man lumbers in. The only thing louder than his voice is probably his multicolored tie.*

*walks in* Ya dumb broad, I told you to get outta here before- Hey! You aren't Serena, yeah!

I... I was allowed in. Stay out of my way.

You ain't going anywhere, mate. Get offa my computer, yeah!

*The hulking Chip lumbers over to Anakoni*



N-no, sir. As you can see, I am a prosecuting professional.

Yeah, a badge with a smiley face on it? I bet you've gotta bridge in Brooklyn to sell me, too.

(I can't leave without the security camera footage...!)

*slams his fist down on the intruder alarm button*

Well, nice to meet you, Mr. Dippiti! G-gotta run!

*Anakoni flees to the sound of ringing alarm bells. He drops the card key behind him.*

---

{September 4th, 2012, 8:32 AM
Prosecutor's Lobby}

*Anakoni is sitting down, gently rubbing his closed eyes and leaning back against the wall.*

(... Seems that Serena didn't show up.) *sits up again* (Forget it. I don't need her. I'm a- a certified prosecuting professional.)

*walks in* Mr. Abel, I return bearing most excellent news! The matter with fingerprints is as suspected.



Oh. Right.

-Anakoni's License added to the Court Record!-

(Maybe she was right. I'm not really doing this on my-)

I'm rather worried about you, Mr. Abel! *spreads hands, unintentionally jazz hands-ing at him* You don't seem well.

Let me ask something.

But of course!

(... Well, I can't tell him what happened. I'll ask something else I've been wondering.) What did you and the ghost- er, Gray something- talk about?

Gray, the one of us deserving of the title “Detective”? His son, Xue, has been busy. Very absent as of late.

“Zoo”?



Yes, the young lawyer. We met for a bite of lunch once, on discount. My treat. With the distinctive skin tone and fedora he wears... surely you'd remember meeting him? He's difficult to miss.

… Uh.

No? That's a shame. He's quite the kind attorney.

Your jokes aren't very funny.

Jokes?

*Beep*

… Nevermind. I should check this.

*Anakoni disregards Palaeno and takes his phone from his pocket, revealing the phone was the beep's source. A version of the instant messenger has popped up.*

(Contact list... “Edgeworth_Miles”, though he's never on. “the3p1cPORTSM@N”. “Im_Abe_Lincoln_Sir”. “Chin_ups_bar”. And one request pending from “Blank008”.)

*looks* Fellow attorneys, and... A pub?

Huh? No. The chin_ups thing is someone that helped me study for the bar exam. That's the joke.

Delightful! Online connectivity is a wonderful resource for learning.

(... And videos of cats. Mostly that.) … Hey, Detec- just Palaeno. Do you know a “Blank008”?

I can't say I do, I'm afraid!

(That guy who told me to stop with the war nonsense. Whatever. It's Palaeno's business anyway.) Well, I don't know either. No time for him.

*Anakoni denies the contact request. Shortly after, he is called into the courtroom.*

---

{September 4th, 2012, 8:45 AM
Courtroom #3}

*slams gavel* Court will now reconvene for the trial of Hayden Borders. I expect there shall be no further stunts from the defense.

“No further stunts”...? Why, your honor, you wound me...!

(If only he would.)

It was simply preemptive exiting. Are you wishing to be gorgonized by the scandalous prosecution's sway?

… I suppose not? Or do I...? I should look up “gorgonized”-

*overdramatic sigh* Ah, the challenges of the shockingly handsome with a vocabulary so elevated that it is lit by the stars.

Stop goofing around. Tell us why you fled.

Your honor failed spectacularly to reclaim order. No offense. I thought, well, carpe diem- “you only live once”, as the children say, for the prosecution to understand- I'll use this chance to strengthen my case!

Hmm. That is not a fully acceptable excuse. However, we must proceed. Of course, no more of that will be tolerated by this court. We left off with doubts regarding the matter of the license, did we not?

The matter has been clarified now, Judge.



Detective-

”Ambassador!”

… Palaeno looked into it. The prints have got to be Femke's. I've got you.

Tsk.

The prosecution stands by the theory that the killer threatened Femke with magic to take it.

OBJECTION!



I spy, with my glamorous eye... Why, an iota of evidence! Ripe for the picking.

!

I'll read this for you. I was the top reader in my 5th grade class, I'll have you know.

(I wouldn't doubt that your best academic accomplishments are from 5th.)

It says here: our dear Hayden Borders is less magical than the mold growing in the prosecution's home.

That is quite the contradiction! Unless we speak of magic mold, of course... That is a thing you “Tacoers” have, is it not?

I don't think so?

Regardless, Hayden Borders should have no magic. Perhaps the faerie in question could enlighten this court on the matter?

*groans lightly, mumbling*

… Something is different with that cheerful presence.

Oh, I decided the other day... In my lounging robe, at the side of my pool while counting my money... Our dear witness would love to be completely clear-headed for her testimony. Fresh as a changed diaper, yes?

(Oh great. He's forced her to be serious.)

*Femke removes her glasses*

'S too early for this. Don't wake'm. *puts head down on witness stand*

… Is the witness in proper shape to testify?

I insist our lovely witness is indeed. You'll testify now. That was not a request.

-TESTIMONY-
Mumfdbl

Dunno'bout it.

Steal'd no license... nope.

*holds her head, as if she has a massive headache* … Gonna go'to sleep...

---

… Is this your idea of 'clear-headed'?

Why, she just needs time to awaken. Isn't that right, darling?

*grumbles something about lawyers*

*deskslam* I-

Not th't loud, litigator-y leech.

Uh, right. Regardless, she's got her fingerprints on the license. That doesn't mean she took it during the murder. The defense has provided no evidence that I was there at the time! There's also none that I'm the killer rather than his client.

This theory has become rather troubling. Mr. Park, I expect a very good explanation for this.

*sighs, shaking head* I'll explain it to the plebeians, should I must. This shall indeed be child's play.

(He always seems to have something up his sleeve... License first, now this.)



My time was duly spent doing magic readings in retaliation to the fool's accusation of my innocent client. How it works, you ask in your simple way?

(That's used to scan magic? It looks like... popcorn, gone wrong.)

Upon scanning a being or an object with this, it awards me their unique magic frequency.



I'll explain it slowly: my client lives a magic-free lifestyle. This file says so. This magic scanner does as well.



Ah, this filth would never clutter my possession in any other case... But in this one? I found it possesses a very strong magic reading. To be precise, it has slight remnants as if it were touched by a person with a magic frequency of A.700529QB239413.

Tell this court your rambling has a point, Mr. Park.

“Your rambling has a point”, haha. Is it not obvious?

No? I mean, yes?

Only one person should have a magic frequency identical to that string of characters. Identically, I have not completed my scanning research yet. You remained unscanned, Prosecutor Hawaiian Punch!

Stop us'n so m'ny words, lawyer-y lawyer bread jerk.

*sighs* (I bet he's faked the test results somehow... It won't look good either if I deny, though.) (I'm not guilty of anything. I shouldn't have anything to worry about.) … Fine. Test away, doc.

It shall take but a second.



*Nicholas waves the scanner over Anakoni as if trying in vain to hit him. A second of dubious length passes until Nicholas returns to the defense's bench.*

I see. Our results are in: A.700529QB239413. For a change, I've got you, Abel.

W-what?!

*The audience mutters amongst themselves in doubt.*

Order! *slams gavel* This is not necessarily the first piece of evidence to point to our prosecutor.

(It's also not the first thing he pulled out of his sleeve!)

Startlingly to our viewers at home, Anakoni was correct. Femke was threatened by a malicious presence. It just so happens that presence was him.

That doesn't make sense! I wouldn't-

“Doesn't make sense”? If you hold no faith in your words, nobody will! [img src="http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac107/drewskye/Nicholas_[pose.png"] Upon Femke's discovery of the murder, she took the license in fear. Coup de grâce, Anakoni Abel.

O-OBJECTION! That... that's stupid! You're stupid!

Truthfully, there now is more evidence on the table to point at you, Prosecutor.

(I hate him! I'll...) I... Uh, well...

*seems to awaken a bit* Mnfds...

Does our witness wish to put in her two cents?

Ha. Surely you jest, my dearest Judge. There is nothing more she could offer besides her agreements with me. And surely she agrees with my version of how events happened. She does wish to return to her “ignorance is bliss” state...

(And now he's blackmailing her?!)

*The lights turn off, then turn back on*

?

*mumbles* List'n, all you lawyery scummy types. I may be... kinda out there. But I'm still a faerie. My full title still is Femke of Pies.

S-stick to your saccharine script, supercilious stoop! Agh! I'm aggressively alliterating!

Jus' lemme talk. He's... he's not all right about ev'rything.

To be continued.

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Prosecutor's Badge
My shiny badge. It's proof of my profession.


Palaeno's Notes

Notes that Palaeno took. Says that a gun was fired at the crime scene, but one was not found there.


White Gloves

White gloves belonging to the defendant.


Deformed Machine

A really ugly machine of unknown origin. Found at the crime scene.


Man in the Glasses

An unknown person that Femke sort of mentioned. Supposedly the killer, who has great magical power. And yet...


Decorated Autopsy Report

The autopsy for Aidan Borders, decorated by Palaeno. It reads:

Aidan Borders was shot twice, once in the hip and once through the heart. Victim survived first shot, died instantly at the second one.

Hayden's File

A DP file on Hayden. Some information is withheld for some reason. It also states he's a mechanic who injured his right hand through daily work.


Anakoni's License

My license, found at the scene of the crime. Was taken by Femke and has her fingerprints on it.

[Andrea]

-TESTIMONY-
The Truth

'Koni got it correct...

The killer had'm some glasses.

'Koni doesn't wear'm.

---

W-way to wonderfully worsen the worldly worrisome work, wasteful, wacky wretched witch!

Is it true that our prosecutor is not bespectacled?

Uh, yes, your honor. (Can't he see that?)

OBJECTION! N-no potentially passable proof points to the murderer sporting spectacles! Tsk, words are a lovely rubber. They can twist thoroughly until they're unrecognizable as Anakoni in a clean shirt.

I ironed this shirt this morning!

*shakes head* I'll spell it out for you.

-DIRECT EXAMINATION-
The Truth

'Koni got it correct...

The killer had'm some glasses.

Allow me to rephrase this: you allegedly saw the killer's glasses, allegedly during an ungodly hour of the night, allegedly[/b] whilst- according to you- in a trash can?

Dark faerie, bro. Those powers I've got- I can use 'em normally too. Moron lawyer.

How dare you insult a member of the Park family?!

*slams gavel* Have silence for a moment, Mr. Park. Ms. Femke- in fact, all of you. Please refrain from direct attacks on one another. Further this process and I will hold any offender in contempt of court.

Yes, your honor. *looks back at Femke* So, being a dark faerie, you can... see in the dark.

'Mglad someone 'round here is smart... 's called Night Vision.

Ack!

I believe the defense thought a faerie biased against lawyers would cooperate more thoroughly. Let me examine the witness, Judge.

Any further questions, Mr. Park?

… None.

-CROSS-EXAMINATION-

'Koni got it correct...

The killer had'm some glasses.

---



(... Still no clue how I know that. Apparently I've got “magic frequency”.)

Speak up, 'k?

And I don't wear glasses.

Someone's investigated real good. Should've been a detective. Lemme repeat this:

---

'Koni doesn't wear'm.

I also, uh, don't have magic that I know of. There's no threatening with magic I don't have.

OBJECTION! I demand an explanation, then, of this!



I demand you tell me something first! What is it?

*mumbling again, pressing her hand to her head* _{'Sa'dio, dummy.}

I beg your pardon?

It's a radio. A real ol'-timer model. I remember'm coming out a century ago.

Oh. … what

S'from that Wyn planet thingy. They made'm weird back then. *points at the machine's lumpy state* It let 'em get signals from real far 'way.

Why... why would Aidan want a sucky radio from “a wyn planet thingy”?

OBJECTION! Precisely, that point is unrelated to our complex case than this: Burnt-on cheese.

What?

Exactly. You know, I reap great enjoyment from collecting car magazines. I, of course, barely touch the rags. But that point shall stay forever unrelated to any murder I fall victim to, save for one disgruntled car enthusiast hypothetically snapping. Shockingly in a similar sense, Aidan's old radio obsession is without point as well!

It was at the crime scene!

Certainly, and it sings like a little bird: “Anakoni killed him! Anakoni killed him!”. Why, however, Aidan wanted it anyway is irrelevant.

Am I done?

Throwing wrenches into an innocent man's case? Or done pretending to be a 'hipster', pretending to be a sliver as pulchritudinous as the dear Serena Dippiti, pretending to be? Because that[/b], my friend, will never be again so long as I draw breath.

…!

Mr. Park! I'm afraid I'll have to penalize you for your badgering of the witness. The witness may be exc-

(Wait! Maybe there's something I should ask...) Hold on, Femke!

… Three seconds.

No more filthy lies are to be spilled! Your honor, I must say that we are two birds of a feather, two peas in a pod, two men who cherish the goddess that is law!

… Ignoring that, Some false testimony has been given already, not to mention the witness still don't seem to be in the best condition. I can try to overlook Mr. Park's very snide remarks- as I try to ignore the incessant name-calling of Prosecutor Anapony- but Mr. Park seems responsible for your state as well.

Why, your baldness, you insult me!

You're not fit to continue, I believe.

I...

You're wrong.

Excuse me...?

So maybe the whole issue on the license is a mystery. And maybe she's got certain reasons for not wanting to talk about it. Like maybe “persuasion” by a man who cherishes the goddess that is law. But she's trying. The faerie can hate lawyers all she want. Heck, she's got reason to at this point. But she's still testifying and I want to hear what she has to say on one last point.

… ...

… *smiles* Thanks... lawyer-y guy. You can ask away.

OBJECTION! I believe nothing can be proven about so-called blackmail! Comments are comments. I simply wish for our witness's health.

He can't prove nothin'. I can. I'm Femke of Pies, bro.

… Tsk.

You're a lot cooler than I thought.

You too, kid.

… Hm... What do you remember... about...

Lemme cut you off here. The answer's probably not too much. But some.

(She couldn't have missed the gunshot.) What about Aidan getting shot?

O-OBJECTION! Y-your honor, I definitely doubt the verisimilitude of the tongue-tied testimony! Specifically after her small speech: “The answer's probably not too much, but some” is remembered!

Hm... Yes. One chance and one chance only. This court expects that no unrelated details will be pressed upon.

N-none. (I don't know what's gotten to me... I guess I just felt bad for her...) (She wasn't really that likable to begin with, but Nicholas is unforgivable.)

Whenever you stop daydreaming, prosecutor.

R-right. Tell us about what you really remember and not what you were told.

*stands, looking a bit more lucid*

-TESTIMONY-
Last Account

I was sleeping.

Thought then that some kids were settin' off fireworks. Not familiar with guns.

“BANG!” repeatedly. Shattered my eardrums. Not literally.

I, uh, didn't really see 'nything though.

---

(There's got to be something here... She's the only one who was there that lived to tell about it... besides...)

…

Hmph. I see here more fun than vinegar and a beach ball. May I?

Yes, Mr. Park.

-DIRECT EXAMINATION-

I was sleeping.

As far as private lots go, I am 101% certain that is not one acceptable as sleeping quarters for a homely faerie.

Mm. Exile'll do that for you.

Exile?

Exile.

(That seems like the end of that.)

---

Thought then that some kids were settin' off fireworks. Not familiar with guns.

My. I thought the fae were supposed to be wise.

I thought the lawyers were s'posed to be able to afford shirts without mustard stains on them.

I'll have you know this dress shirt is a designer print from Borginia!

OBJECTION! I think this is irrelevant, your honor.

Hm... Objection sustained.

(Yeah! That felt great!)

---

“BANG!” repeatedly. Shattered my eardrums. Not literally.

Oh, “not literally”, I'm oh-so relieved the point was clarified. I assumed you were deaf and only understood us by carefully reading our lips. Everyone go home, the most important bit of this trial is over.

OBJECTION! You're just harassing the witness now!

Harassment? Oh, no. I always have the best intentions guiding my words, my actions.

Good intentions or not, that is harassing the witness. I'll penalize you if you continue this, Mr. Park.

Yes, yes. Continue.

---

I, uh, didn't really see 'nything though.

Then your time spent here, I am afraid to inform you, has been worthless. Pointless. Everything-less.

OBJECTION! I-

I don't refer only to your time as a witness. My words can easily be stretched to highlight your entire life, how long as it may be, and the worth it has provided others besides long-lasting amusement.

I... ! *glares*

Was that the entire point of your questioning? To badger the witness? Your Honor, the prosecution... the prosecution requests the defense be penalized!

Most definitely not. I hold witnesses in utmost adoration. It just so happens that a witness who fails to give information is not dissimilar to a broken toy. In this case, both may be tossed aside.

I am afraid I'll have to penalize you, Mr. Park. Your words would be better spent cutting to the truth rather than pricking at the witness.

*bows* As you wish, sire.

(He's completely losing it now. He must really hate Femke for not acting like he thought.)

…

(Guess he's done his job. Femke looks a lot unhappier.) (I'll try to press just what's necessary.) May I?

This Direct Examination is over. Prosecutor, if you would?

-CROSS-EXAMINATION-

I was sleeping.

Thought then that some kids were settin' off fireworks. Not familiar with guns.

“BANG!” repeatedly. Shattered my eardrums. Not literally.

Clarify on 'repeatedly'.

Hey.

… Move.

How about a “please”?

(How did she-?) … Please clarify on how many times you heard it?

Three times. Happened quickly-ish, kinda.

(Hm...) The prosecution requests that her testimony includes that statement.

*nods* Ms. - … There's no surname here- if you would?

Heh. Yeah. Sure.

---

I, uh, didn't really see 'nything though.

I only heard three gunshots.

OBJECTION!



That is in clear contradiction of this evidence!

Yeah? Your evidence's in clear contradic-whatever of my memories.

Whatever happened, Aidan was only shot two times!

Why... that is true! Of course, I noticed this as well...

Yeah. (I bet.)

Bravo, my friend. You have spared me from droning on about how our witness is wholly unreliable.

That's enough!

Eep!

I don't have to stand here'n take all this! Prosecut-y dude! D'you think I'm unreliable?

I... uh...

Please, dudes. I know your type. Go ahead and present your badger.

... Badge?

Yeah, that.

Shouldn't have trusted you...

Finally. Witness, you are excused from this line of questioning.

*Femke leaves*

… (What's wrong with me?)

Ah. The air smells fresh again.

(I need to do something...) Your honor. Doubt has been raised regarding the number of gunshots... no matter the witness's reliability.

…

(I have only one person to call, even if they're unreliable scum themselves...) Could I call a witness?

Of course, Prosecutor An- Anakoo- Prosecutor Abel. Who is to be called?

Hm... We won't learn more about Aidan or what happened to him this way. Only one other person was at the crime scene to know.

Aidan hasn't been able to be summoned yet, Koni.

Don't call me that! I meant another one.

… D-don't dreadfully dare decide-

I call Hayden Borders to the stand!

OBJECTION! The defense d-dancingly denies the dead-brained's dull, doltish... Dumb idea!

Nervous that he'll say something that he wasn't expected to? *crosses arms*

I am the only one who understands that we do not need to research Aidan Borders's radio habit so much as the placement of your pedestrian prints? … Figuratively, with magic “fingerprints” on the radio?

Careful. Your alliteration's showing, creep.

*slams gavel* Prosecutor Anashonee. You are sure of your decision? There are many questions to be answered. How your magic residue ended up on the... er, radio. The theft of your own driver's license. Now, potentially the number of gunshots. Can this witness answer these questions?

(... I've got to be sure. I've got to be.) Y-yes! The prosecution is 100% sure!

OBJECTION!

Now what?!

*Nicholas flips through one of his law books*

I'll read this for you slowly, simpleton: it is inconceivable- impossible for the prosecution to summon the defendant to the witness stand. The defendant, surprising as it sounds to you, has a will of his own and may choose to testify. It should be my decision to call the defendant, and mine alone.

Agh! (No! Now he won't let me summon Hayden to-)

”Even after... you just said it should be mine?”

Tsk.

!

*Hayden moves from the defendant's seat to the witness stand*

Anakoni's wish is granted. For now.

I canno-

You should find it in you.

… … *loses smug smirk, adopting a look of defeat* Very well. The abhorrent wish: granted.

*He waves his hand at them. There's quiet for a moment.*

…

…

…

…

Pray tell… Your duty is to be completed sometime. Right?

Oh! Uh... Name and occupation, isn't it?

… You ask me? The choice to testify... it was under the expectation of a competent prosecuting attorney. I'd like one last wish granted before you... personally tighten the noose around my neck.

*deskslam* I did what you wanted! Just... Name and occupation!

… *quietly* Hayden Borders. Energy-and-Dimension-Core Specialist and Technician. Taco Express.

(I wonder why he's chosen to testify. What is up with this jerk?)

*looks fairly grim*

(Or how he manipulates the greasy, greasy form of Nicholas himself.)

Tell me, Anakoni. The annual salary for... staring and daydreaming is?

S-shut up!

Prosecutor...

*deskslam* Tell us about Aidan! Now!

Truly, I think-

A penny was not offered... for those thoughts.

… Certainly, that's correct...

Allow me to start my testimony.

To be continued.

[/center]

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Prosecutor's Badge
My shiny badge. It's proof of my profession.


Palaeno's Notes

Notes that Palaeno took. Says that a gun was fired at the crime scene, but one was not found there.


White Gloves

White gloves belonging to the defendant.


Deformed Machine

A really ugly machine of unknown origin. Found at the crime scene.


Man in the Glasses

An unknown person that Femke sort of mentioned. Supposedly the killer, who has great magical power. And yet...


Decorated Autopsy Report

The autopsy for Aidan Borders, decorated by Palaeno. It reads:

Aidan Borders was shot twice, once in the hip and once through the heart. Victim survived first shot, died instantly at the second one.

Hayden's File

A DP file on Hayden. Some information is withheld for some reason. It also states he's a mechanic who injured his right hand through daily work.


Anakoni's License

My license, found at the scene of the crime. Was taken by Femke and has her fingerprints on it.

[Andrea]

-TESTIMONY-
My Brother

… Aidan... With Aidan, enjoyment was found in souvenirs.

Many planets were graced by that... jolly old presence, yes.

Our radio in question? … One of the souvenirs.

The task of cleaning his knickknacks? … Left to me, always. Finger smudges decorated them: filth on filth.

---

(There's not a single trace of attachment to his brother there.)

The true question here may be who's witness this is to be counted as.

I'll claim credit, cheerlessly. Spare me a direct examination, your beardedness?

Are you referring to me?

… You, sir.

Oh! In that case, you are spared a direct examination. _{Hmm, your beardedness... I could get used to that.}

-DIRECT EXAMINATION-

… Aidan... With Aidan, enjoyment was found in souvenirs.

Many planets were graced by that... jolly old presence, yes.

Our radio in question? … ... One of the souvenirs.

And that is where you cease to speak.

I am commanded?

Nary a command has been uttered in such a court of law, save our... ”prosecutor”'s. I simply implore our just Judge to consider if this truly is relevant!

<sub>… It would be dreadful if you were to spontaneously come a cropper, Mr. Park.

Crop a... pardon me?</sub>

Hmm... *misses the whispering* I may be the wrong person to ask...

*All turn to Anakoni*

Uh... um...

My, how confidence in self is lacked... around here.

(No! I know he did it! He had to do it!) (But what if I'm chasing a false lead? If I mess up and don't prove it? He could get away and kill again!)

The obdurate prosecutor hesitates like a corpulent man at the bottom of a sizable stairwell, I see.

I... I... Yes. Yes, I'm sure!

Then your cross-examination, Prosecutor An Acorn.

(I guess no “Prosecutor Abel”.)

-CROSS-EXAMINATION-

… Aidan... With Aidan, enjoyment was found in souvenirs.

The radio was a souvenir!

… Has the time of... reaffirming the obvious passed?

… Just move on!

---

Many planets were graced by that... jolly old presence, yes.

Our radio in question? … ... One of the souvenirs..

Why that old thing?

*facepalm* ...

… The insane may only be understood by the insane. So I ask. “Why that old thing?”, Anakoni?

I... don't know?

My answer has been spoken.

(This guy drives me up the wall.)

---

The task of cleaning his knickknacks? … Left to me, always. Finger smudges decorated them: filth on filth.

OBJECTION!



If your boss requires gloves for the work uniform, Aidan would be required to wear them also!

Tsk.

How did he leave finger smudges?! *deskslam*

… … … *sighs* A laugh may be elicited from this... for another man. With me, you are presented only a sigh.

!

Not even a need... for the defense to speak up. A point's made about... of all things... smudges of a device left by skin.

Yeah, I-

So it's believed my brother's gloves... never were removed.

Especially in his free time, time in which he could unreservedly use devices at will, unhampered by hand coverings?

(Ugh... they're right.)

Unless you found something peculiar about it?

… It, uh.... It wouldn't be found at the station if he only used it at home.

Oh, oh dear us, how shall we ever handle the situation that perhaps he decided to bring the radio in once?

Th-there would have to be a specific reason!

One should be presented... if so.

(There must be a reason he killed his brother!)



(Of course, it may have been planned out. On the flipside, a spur of the moment crime would have to be related to this more directly.)



(But if it was sudden, he wouldn't have found a way to get my 'magic' on there...)

Sky high.

Huh?

… Sky high must be the annual salary for staring and daydreaming...

I concur. Perhaps we could dabble in a little game, your honor?

A game, you say?

If the filth-ridden prosecutor appeared to have any money, I would duly request him to put it where his mouth is. No amount of money could match how valuable our court's time is, however. There should be a penalty on wasting it, no?

It pains me, but it may be for the best. Unless our defendant feels like this line of questioning was truly worth it, that is.

… A tangle with a tiger was expected... a tousle with a tomcat was delivered.

I play no ordinary games, your judgingness. I think we should see to it, together, that we can extricate information from Anakoni or he pays.



Oh, my! Only once in a blue moon do I hand out penalties of that size...

O-OBJECTION! I've got what I need right now!

Then play your cards carefully. What possible reason would Aidan have- in the age of technology and magic- to carry in his ungodly radio?

Tell me what station the radio was turned to!

Have you “got what you need right now”... or simple demands?

OBJECTION! You've no more straws at which to grasp!

OBJECTION! I should be granted at least this answer!

OBJECTION! What answers have you provided us?!

*slams gavel* Consider this the prosecution's last chance. Could one who understands the rather lumpy technology answer the question?

*The bailiff surprisingly raises his hand and volunteers. He observes the radio.*

Bailiff: 705.12 XN. That's one of the Xiao-Yani signals. A news type station thingamajig, it is.

How does that work?

Bailiff: The old wireless isn't misshapen and slow for no reason. Got to pick up things from real far.

(But why would he be so opposed to Aidan's listening to that station...?)

OBJECTION! It's over! You, back against the wall, found no way to incriminate an innocent man besides this pointless line of questioning!



It's time for this penalty to be given. I expected better from a rising star filled with potential, Prosecutor.

(Ugh, no... I can't do it after all...)



!

!

… ?

Yoohoo, Prosecutor Anakoni?[/color]

*The doors swing open*

*throws in a disc as if it were a shuriken* Take that!

*has his hat knocked off* What in blazes-

Sorry I'm late and all. Pickin' up the slack, as it were.

Oh, it's you.

I'm glad someone's grateful.

Egad! What is the meaning of this intrusion?!

I've just what should have been reviewed from the start, _{and would have with another prosecutor}, security camera footage. You're welcome.

Why- why would you come back? I mean, after-

Dunno. Either I'm nicer than I thought or you don't remember our past.

(Remember what-)

OBJECTION! The defense requests- the defense... requests...

Out with it!

Requests... you to die!

I would expect that from Prosecutor An Acoiney, Mr. Park. Not from you.

(Thanks...) *deskslam* Let's see this security footage now!

*The bailiff steps over a hunched-over, disgruntled Hayden to get the disc. He plays the footage.*

*The footage is very blurry and dark. Voices can be heard.*

... here on station 705.12 XN. This concludes our story about the supposed human 'spy' from Blanche missing in action. To repeat, the enigmatic one-handed human is also allegedly responsible for the deaths of-

[/tt][/size]

*The bush of a button and a click silences the radio. A figure appears, as if from nowhere.*

”Heya, friend! Ain't seen you around for days. What's up?”

”Aidan... hello. Could I be told why that clutter is at this station?”

”Come on, man, I sure as a princess getting kidnapped am not missing the news story of the century. They lost one of the government spies.”

”You've found him.”

”... Sorry, what?”

”My friend- oh, if only I could honestly refer to you as that still- you are the pinnacle of denseness. And yet, I would be suspected eventually if your edification on the matter continued..”

*One of the figures pushes the other one down. The radio falls.*

"... With that said, I can not see any benefit to not taking your life from you at this very moment."

"Lefty, stop... I... thought we were friends."

"Then you thought correctly, especially if you placed emphasis on were."

*BANG*

"... ! ... ..."

"How is it that you're still so calm, then? You are on the brink of death."

"Because... I remembered our motto. 'Expect the unexpected...'"

"... 'And always be prepared'."

"As it stands... I came prepared as well."

*The figure rises and grabs at the other*

*BANG*

*A scream immediately follows the gunshot. In turn, a new gunshot is fired to follow the scream. And all that follows is silence.*[/quote]

-Security Footage finally added to the Court Record!-

…

This is about as simple as it gets.

Y-yeah! And you're the other one in the video, Hayden! The killer!

Perhaps not, but one thing is shared between us: we come prepared.[/color]

?!

*Hayden gets back up, holding his hat clenched in one hand. He's wrapped his long scarf around his neck a few times more.*

The flaw with you, Anakoni Abel, is... *turns away from Anakoni* Your entire “accuse defendant” mode, we'll say. You're trying harder than a starving puppy jumping for table scraps. Not every piece of evidence is decisive. Decisiveness is simply finite.. with this evidence as well.

I... I delight in pointing out that Aidan never names the other figure as more than “friend”- a greatly general title, I might add. Would one who refers to acquaintances as “friend” fail to refer to his brother as “brother”, or- … As much as I disgrace my vocabulary by uttering the word- “Bro”?

I guess not, but-

No “but” necessary.

Don't agree with him, Abel.

Intriguing. Double the prosecution are left to try and accuse me. Acceptable terms. May I... have this dance?

-TESTIMONY-
Decisive?

To begin, may it be announced: it is insisted by the prosecution that the killer enjoyed voluminous magical power.

The interlocutor's equivalent of a dog biting its own tail off in a failed game of chase.

Such power at the hands of a killer... ignored in favor of a mere gun? I think not.

Moreover, I hold no magical power. Anakoni Abel, on the contrary, does.

A figurative fingerprint, left by an aura's residue, was found at the crime scene.

The prosecution appears insistent that it itself... alone was the killer.

Pirouette, prosecutor. You need to spin a further web of lies in which to entangle yourself.

---

<sub>Hayden actually smiled.

True colors may appear more vibrant than expected when the dust has been cleared.</sub>

The slight change in demeanor is a bit disconcerting, yet actual points have been raised. Mr. Park?

I...

I hope a direct examination of our witness's little speech is still manageable.

I... It ingenuously is, idolized i-individual.

-DIRECT EXAMINATION-

 
To begin, may it be announced: it is insisted by the prosecution that the killer enjoyed voluminous magical power.

The interlocutor's equivalent of a dog biting its own tail off in a failed game of chase.

Such power at the hands of a killer... ignored in favor of a mere gun? I think not.

A gun would be as pointless as Anakoni Abel in this trial.

Or your sudden agreement with my statement... Adding nothing.

…

_{They don't act like they're on the same side.}

---

Moreover, I hold no magical power. Anakoni Abel, on the contrary, does.

This power was left behind, simply shamefully forgotten about on the radio!

OBJECTION! I don't have any magic powers! I don't know how to use anything like that!

Most obviously... as you used a gun. Knowledge of how to use such powers isn't required to leave behind an aura's residue, so to speak.

Would've been no need to touch the radio in the first place, though. Couldn't it be found anywhere else?

It seems as if an answer to that question could have been found through further competency. A prosecutor's badge is handed out to anyone these days...

---

A figurative fingerprint, left by an aura's residue, was found at the crime scene.

The prosecution appears insistent that it itself... alone was the killer.

With prosecution like this, who needs defense?

Certainly looks like he did it.

Hey!

Relax, Abel. You can't even catch a date. It's much less likely you'd get to murder someone.

Ah, my lovely Serena is back. My pulchritudinous prosecutor! Ah, if only you took this case as you took my heart.

… I take it back. You're more likely to get a date than this guy.

This doesn't have anything to do with dating!

… … If we may move on.
---

Pirouette, prosecutor. You need to spin a further web of lies in which to entangle yourself.

With a case as flimsy as that?



Based around the testimony of a faerie who “didn't see anything”, but somehow saw glasses on the killer?



Based on the loop-intensive scribbles of a man who investigates from behind closed eyelids?

Those points still stand!

The security footage betrays not a gleam of glasses on the murderous figure! Which passes better in a court of law, I dare ask: recorded film or a homeless plum-colored hipster?

There's still the matter that Abel, y'know, didn't know the guy. Until he found him dead.

Even that is solved easily enough. You did know him... but not directly.

To be continued.

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Prosecutor's Badge
My shiny badge. It's proof of my profession.


Palaeno's Notes

Notes that Palaeno took. Says that a gun was fired at the crime scene, but one was not found there.


White Gloves

White gloves belonging to the defendant.


Deformed Machine

A really ugly machine of unknown origin. Found at the crime scene.


Man in the Glasses

An unknown person that Femke sort of mentioned. Supposedly the killer, who has great magical power. And yet...


Decorated Autopsy Report

The autopsy for Aidan Borders, decorated by Palaeno. It reads:

Aidan Borders was shot twice, once in the hip and once through the heart. Victim survived first shot, died instantly at the second one.

Hayden's File

A DP file on Hayden. Some information is withheld for some reason. It also states he's a mechanic who injured his right hand through daily work.


Anakoni's License

My license, found at the scene of the crime. Was taken by Femke and has her fingerprints on it.


Security Footage

Shows the murder. Refers to a spy being found who is only called "lefty".