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The Prisoner

Panic settled into Misaki's mind. Judge Satou probably wasn't convinced by Usui's defense, probably because her testimony and Tora's matched, saying the relationship was a wholly legal and appropriate one.

But was she panicking because they would lose, or because they might not lose?

Misaki wasn't sure of anything anymore. But sooner or later, she would shatter into pieces. And when she was left on the floor in a million tiny shards, he would leave, and they would never see each other again.

She was afraid. She really was.

But Usui's expression was a perfect poker face. He looked determined, but for what, she didn't know.

Did he love her?

Why was he leaving her, if he did?

She just slumped in her seat. She didn't have any power right now anyways. Nothing would make a difference.

XXX

Kana's speech came first. She pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose, briefly shuffled her notes and started. "My client saw the relationship between himself and Ayuzawa-san as perfectly legitimate, even if it were not official. There was no threatening into this relationship, whether verbally or physically. Both Igarashi-san and Ayuzawa-san recognized this fact, nor was there any evidence to prove this claim. It is also obvious that Igarashi-san, even if Ayuzawa-san felt uncomfortable or threatened, had no knowledge of the fact, due to the fact Ayuzawa-san stayed silent about her feelings. In her testimony, Ayuzawa-san first said she had indeed harbored romantic feelings for Igarashi-san, but later she also claimed she did not. We see this as a confusion of emotions. We can even venture to say it was her fault for not making the relationship between herself and Igarashi-san clear.

"Also, this case was damaging to Igarashi-san. As the chief executive officer of Igarashi Corp., Igarashi-san has been managing his personal image as a mirror to show his own company's image. Through this case Igarashi-san has received a great deal of attention from the media, and rumors have spread. Even if Igarashi-san is proven innocent, press will follow him for the rest of his life, damaging his career. It is not in Ayuzawa-san's place to accuse Igarashi-san for threatening her into sexual abuse.

"Therefore, we see this as unlawful to penalize Igarashi-san for a crime he has not committed. The claims the other side has made are not only fraudulent, but acts of defamation to Igarashi-san. Igarashi-san has done nothing wrong. That will be all."

Kana sat back into her seat, the smile on her face professionally triumphant. Tora's face remained blank.

Judge Satou looked Usui's way, motioning for him to stand and make his speech. Usui took a deep breath, and stood.

The Observer

Usui looked at Misaki, who in turn gazed back. He then looked up at the judge, and started to speak. "Ladies and gentlemen, are you familiar with the classic The Phantom of the Opera?"

Kana looked up. Tora's eyes widened. Misaki gaped. Usui continued. "The Phantom of the Opera is a very famous story about a possessive man, seemingly the "Phantom", who craves for a beautiful woman named Christine. He tutors her so that she becomes the star of the opera house. On the day of her debut, however, Christine meets a childhood friend named Raoul, and both fall in love. The Phantom sees this, and in his jealousy, tries to imprison Christine in his chambers for the rest of her life-"

Judge Satou shook his head. "Usui-kun, I don't see how this is relevant-"

"-but at the last moment, the Phantom pities her, and she is let out. Christine asks for help from her lover Raoul, but-" Usui's mouth went dry. The story was dangerously driving close to reality. He stole a glance at Misaki. Her eyes were wide, and maybe wet. Was she crying? "-but, foolishly, he tells her not to worry. Christine is later kidnapped again by the Phantom, who intends to marry her forcefully. Christine begs to be let go, but the Phantom forces her into a wedding dress, until Raoul rescues her. The Phantom is anguished by the fact Christine loves another man, and tries to kill Raoul. Christine, taking pity on the Phantom and to rescue her love, gives the Phantom one last kiss. The Phantom sees the error of his ways and lets both Christine and Raoul go. He himself disappears with a swish of his cloak.

"Today's case is not so different from this story. Throughout the plot, the people around Christine do not believe her when she asks for rescue from the Phantom, saying they are mere things 'inside her mind', until it is too late. Ayuzawa-san also asked for help at court today. However, she was scared to testify that she was not in love with Igarashi-san, in fear of losing her job and her mother. If the court is to rule that Ayuzawa-san has falsely accused Igarashi-san, I do not see how this would be different from not rescuing Christine from the hands of the Phantom.

"Igarashi-san, though he nor Ayuzawa-san have said it, has tremendous influence over Ayuzawa-san's life. Ayuzawa Minako-san, my client's mother, was moved to a hospital under the Igarashi Corp. under Igarashi-san's orders. Ayuzawa Misaki-san was scouted and promoted to Igarashi-san's secretary though she had a job at a law firm before. It is clear that Igarashi-san wanted to get closer to Ayuzawa-san romantically, since he has confessed he loves her.

"This is a different case for my client. Ayuzawa-san first testified she did love Igarashi-san, however, she changed her answer afterwards. We can see that Ayuzawa-san was not decided about her feelings for Igarashi-san, but since there were so many facets of her life that depended on Igarashi-san, she accepted his offer to sleep with him. Though it is not a direct threatening, this can be a form of blackmail psychologically. Therefore, Ayuzawa-san asked for help from the court by suing Igarashi-san.

"For the sake of justice, for the sake of saving Ayuzawa Misaki-san, a woman afraid of the consequences of denying the man who has power over her life, it is crucial, no, right for the court to rule him guilty. Raoul could not save Christine the first time, but at the end he did. The court must save Ayuzawa-san as Raoul, because she does not have the power to fight for herself, and-" he hesitated, and said, almost to himself, "-since I cannot be the Raoul."

XXX

Judge Satou's brow was severely furrowed, thinking deeply about the decision to make. At last he opened his eyes.

"It seems to me, that, although it is true Igarashi-san has a huge influence over Ayuzawa-san's life, the decision to sleep with Igarashi-san was completely spontaneous. There is no evidence showing Ayuzawa-san being forced to go with Igarashi-san, nor any testimonies of Ayuzawa-san hating Igarashi-san. Therefore, the court rules that Igarashi-san is cleared of all charges." The gravel struck three times, signaling the end.

Usui closed his eyes. They had lost.

The Jailer

Tora had predicted the outcome, but sat astonished just the same. He was not guilty. He was cleared of all charges. He was innocent. Tora almost choked on the word. Innocent.

He saw Usui rushing out of the building, and a crying Misaki following unsuccessfully. Tora cringed.

He approached Misaki, who was on the floor, sobbing. "Come with me."

Misaki glared. "Well, I guess you're happy. Was this a fun episode for you?"

Tora did not speak.

Misaki stood. Her eyes were filled with tears even with the tears already flowing down her face. "You bastard. You heartless, fucking bastard. I hope you enjoyed making my life a wreck." She tried to pass by him and out the door, but Tora caught her wrist and pulled her towards him. She stumbled, but glared again.

"What the fuck do you want from me? Haven't you had enough?" she asked, her voice rough from anger and tears.

God, did she know she looked beautiful when she was angry?

"I need to talk to you."

"Well, I don't!" she spat viciously. "You've had your fun, using my misery to your advantage. Now I bet my mother will be thrown out, and I'll be fired! Maybe I'll work as a goddamn prostitute this time, since I already have experience in selling myself to rich bastards like you! Hey, thanks so much for adding another thing I can do to my resume. Thanks a lot." She yanked her arm so as to pry herself out of his grasp, but his hands were like iron. "Let me go!"

"Calm down and come with me."

Tora yanked Misaki down the hall, her trying to pull herself out of his grasp the whole time. He came to a café in the building, where, thankfully, nobody was drinking.

He pushed her into a chair. Misaki tried to get up and head for the door, but Tora just pushed her down on the chair again. She sighed in defeat, and slumped in her chair, glaring.

"What the fuck do you want? Do you need some after-court sex in a café too? What? Do you want me to fucking take my dress off right-"

"Is that all you think of me?"

Misaki looked at him, startled by his uncharacteristically serious voice. Tora gazed at Misaki. He sighed, and ruffled his own hair in frustration.

"Your mother won't be removed from the hospital."

Misaki scoffed. "That's all you wanted to tell me? And probably, I'll have to pay the bills."

"For free, like always."

She glared at him. "What do you want?"

Tora sighed, putting folded hands on the table in front of them. "Do you even realize that I love you?"

She stared at him in disbelief. "You're lying."

"I am not."

She shook her head. "No. No freaking way. You would never have done that if you loved me."

Tora smirked humorlessly. "I'm like the Phantom, aren't I?"

She looked at him, uncomprehending. He sighed again. "I've never been in love. I thought I could keep you with me if I tied you to me by using your mother and job. The sex was never what I really wanted."

Misaki gaped.

Tora continued. "I knew I was hurting you, but I thought that was the only way to keep you with me. What I want to say is…" Damn. He was losing his words. "…what I wanted to say is…that…I love you. And I'm sorry. For everything."

Misaki stayed mute in disbelief. Tora shifted his body, feeling awkward. "You'll keep your job, if you still want it, I mean. Your sister still has benefits of scholarship from my company. I won't force you into things you don't want anymore-"

"Thank you."

Tora snapped his head up. Misaki was crying. "But if you loved me, why did you have to…why…"

"I'm sorry."

Misaki wiped a tear from her eye. "I hate you still. But thank you. For taking care of my family."

Tora nodded. He sighed. "You love Usui, don't you?"

Misaki froze. Tora shrugged. "I'm not interrogating you on your love life. I just happen to know he's leaving for London at 3:00 P.M."

"What?"

"He's going back to London today."

Misaki looked startled, but soon her expression molded into one of disappointment. "I see. He did leave me again, then."

Tora looked at her. Why would anyone want to leave her? "He's a goddamn bastard."

"You're not in the position to say that."

Tora smiled dryly. "Excuse me. I forgot my place."

Misaki sighed sadly. "Do you love him?"

Misaki looked up again. Tora stared back. "Do you?"

Misaki shook her head, tears forming in her eyes again. He sighed. "You liar."

"If you want to see him one more time, I can help you."

Misaki glared. "Why the hell would you help me?"

"I'm sorry. That's why."

Misaki looked at him suspiciously, but decided to trust him. "Why would I have to go to see him?"

"He's an idiot. I know he's planning to walk out of your life forever."

Misaki hesitated. Tora held out a key on his right hand palm. "Take it. Go to him."

Misaki hesitated once more. She tentatively approached the car key, and took it. Tora smiled to himself. She stood up to leave…

…only to come back and kiss him. Tora looked at her, surprised. She was crying, but the expression on her face was no doubt a smile. "Thank you." She hurried off.

"Christine, taking pity on the Phantom and to rescue her love, gives the Phantom one last kiss…. The Phantom sees the error of his ways and lets both Christine and Raoul go. He himself disappears with a swish of his cloak."

"One last kiss…"

"Disappears with a swish of his cloak."

Now was a good time to disappear, wasn't it? In the confines of the empty café, for the first time in his life, Igarashi Tora felt a tear trail down his cheek.

May you find him, Christine.

The next chapter will be the last one. Don't worry! We have an epilogue after that, too!

Reviews are welcome.

Love,

New Guinee