The Huntsmaster's Trial – Day Two

Before going to the Island of Draco, the Longs are going to the courtroom to see the second day of the trial of Hunter Killdragonosa. It's now the defense's turn to inquire Detective Maza.

"Detective Maza, do you know you're still under oath?" The Judge asks.

"Yes." Detective Maza answers.

"Detective Maza, did you interrogate my client about the underground chamber you've previously mentioned while answering the Prosecutor's questions?" The defense attorney asks.

"Yes." Detective Maza answers.

"And what did he tell you?" The defense attorney asks.

"He told me that it has been built right after World War II." Detective Maza answers.

"Did you check it out?" The defense attorney asks.

"Yes." Detective Maza answers. "And this has been proven true."

"And exactly which laws did my client break by having his shelter connected to that Huntsclan cemetery?" The defense attorney asks.

"Well, none." Detective Maza answers.

"Detective Maza, did my client break any law by possessing all those weapons presented in this court?" The defense attorney asks.

"No." Detective Maza answers. "But..."

"No more questions." The defense attorney says.

Detective Maza then leaves court. "Does anyone want to call another witness?" The Judge asks.

"Yes, You Honor." The defense attorney replies. "The defense calls Hunter Killdragonosa to the stand."

Despite the fact it was previosly mentioned that the Huntsmaster intended to testify, the jurors and the spectators can't help but show surprise at the fact he was indeed called to the stand.

"Hunter Killdragonosa, do you swear under penalty of perjury to tell the truth, only the truth and nothing but the truth?" The Judge asks.

"I swear, You Honor." The Huntsmaster replies.

The defense starts making questions. "Mr. Killdragonosa, when was the first time you ever heard that your foster child had been kidnapped from her real parents?"

"When the cops appeared at my home to rescue her and arrest me." The Huntsmaster answers.

"What was your first reaction about that?" The defense attorney asks.

"At first, I was shocked at the idea that my sister and her husband would have kidnapped a baby but when I've learned that the kidnapped girl's twin sister looks like my Rose minus the dragon-shaped birthmark on Rose's right hand there was no denying." The Huntsmaster answers with some sadness. "I still find it hard to accept."

"And what happened to the people who you originally believed to be Rose's parents?" The defense attorney asks.

"They disappeared while trying to locate an access to the Island of Draco." The Huntsmaster explains.

"For the record, what's the Island of Draco?" The defense attorney asks.

"It's a meeting place for all the dragons of the world." The Huntsmaster explains. "The Huntsclan has been trying to find it for centuries with no success."

"True." Rose whispers to Jake. "That's what I've been told my whole life."

"And what do you believe that happened to them?" The defense attorney asks.

"I believe they were captured or killed by dragons." The Huntsmaster answers.

"Don't you think they might have vanished on their own accord to avoid being caught by babynapping?" The defense attorney asks.

"Objection!" The Prosecutor exclaims. "Speculation."

"Sustained." The Judge replies. "Reformulate your question, counsellor."

"Mr. Killdragonosa, by the time Rose's alleged parents were declared missing did anyone suggest the idea they might have disappeared to avoid criminal prosecution?" The defense attorney asks.

"No." The Huntsmaster replies. The defense attorney isn't pleased with the answer but decides against pressing the subject.

"No more questions, You Honor." The defnse attorney replies.

"The Prosecutor may inquire the witness now." The Judge announces.

The Prosecutor approaches Hunter Killdragonosa.

"Mr. Killdragonosa, based on how you raised Rose, what do you think of yourself as a foster parent?" The Prosecutor asks.

"I believe I'm a good parent." The Huntsmaster replies.

"And what about the claims that your obsession with magical creatures leads you to submit her to a harsh treatment?" The Prosecutor asks.

"Tough love." The Huntsmaster answers. "With or without magical creatures around New York is a dangerous town. She needs to be able to defend herself from these dangers."

The Huntsmaster is winning the jury's sympathy. Most of them are parents themselves and understand that.

"Mr. Killdragonosa, have you ever taken Rose into any of those magical creature hunts your clan is involved with?" The Prosecutor asks.

"Yes." The Huntsmaster replies.

"Aren't you concerned about her safety?" The Prosecutor asks.

"Yes." The Huntsmaster replies. "That's why I still go with her until she becomes no longer a child or until she slays her first dragon. Whatever happens first."

Now he alienated the jurors again.

"Mr. Killdragonosa, how would you react if she decided not to hunt magical creatures ever again?" The Prosecutor asks.

"I'd feel disappointed." The Huntsmaster replies.

"How disappointed?" The Prosecutor asks.

"I'd never forgive her." The Huntsmaster replies.

"Mr. Killdragonosa, how does the Huntsclan deal with those who decide to leave?" The Prosecutor asks.

"Objection." The defense attorney replies. "Relevance."

"Mr. Killdragonosa's been raising Rose to be a part of the Huntsclan." The Prosecutor says.

"I'll allow it." The Judge says. "You may answer now, Mr. Killdragonosa."

"It depends on the Huntsclan's situation at the moment." The Huntsmaster replies. "If we have enough numbers to keep going without those quitters, they'll be free to leave."

"And what if the Huntsclan doesn't?" The Prosecutor asks.

"Then they might be called back on active duty." The Huntsmaster explains.

"And what if they refuse?" The Prosecutor asks.

"Then they'll be expelled in disgrace." The Huntsmaster explains.

"And what happens to them afterwards?" The Prosecutor asks.

"We don't care unless we need them again." The Huntsmaster replies.

"Is Rose the first case you ever heard about someone joining the Huntsclan despite not being born into a Huntsclan family?" The Prosecutor asks.

"No." The Huntsmaster replies.

"Which cases have you ever heard about before?" The Prosecutor asks.

"Back in the days the humanity didn't doubt the existence of magical creatures, there was no need for kidnapping since the families willingly gave us whatever kids had the birthmark." The Huntsmaster explains.

"No more questions." The Prosecutor says.

"The case will continue the next day." The Judge announces. "Take Mr. Killdragonosa back to his cell."

Jake and his family head to the Island of Draco. Lao Shi was in a separate seat from his family out of fear a slayer other than Rose would make the association.

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