The Chronicles Of Yatagarasu
Chapter 20: "Turnabout Gunblade. Investigation part 2."
Warehouse of Winston and co.
Backstage
Changing Room
3:22 PM
-Why did You lie to me?-Cris asked Ann.
-...
-Everything I found points towards You and Marcus. I'm certain, that one of You is the murderer! So I'm asking again: Why You lied to me!?
-...
-(She's not responding. Guess I have to draw the truth from her.)
Advanced Logic Chess
Start!
-Why You lied to me?
-...I don't know what You are talking about.
-Oh? I think You know and too well. I know You touched something on the crime scene and because of this!
TAKE THAT!
-I found this glove under the case, near gunblade. Do You recognise it?
-...Yes.
-Do You mind showing me that hand You are hiding in your pocket?
-...You already know what You'll find.
-You don't have a glove on this hand, am I right?
-...Yes.
-Now, could you tel me why did You lie to me? What did You want to accomplish?
-I...wanted…
-I think i know why. You wanted to protect someone.
-...*sob*
-And I know who You wanted to protect
TAKE THAT!
-...Marcus…
-Yes, You found something on the crime scene except gunblade, and You took it, but then, Your glove slipped, and just as You wanted to pick it up, You heard our footsteps.
-...
-Ann! Tell me. Is Marcus the real killer?
-...No, he… he cannot be…
-(She's crying. I can't draw any more from her. I guess, it's a succesful unlock.)
Advanced logic Chess
Succes!
-Ann please, show me what you took.
-I...I...I threw it away.
-Don't lie to me, You have it in Your pocket.
-There's nothing, that escapes you.
-Nope.
-*sigh* Marcus… I'm sorry.
She gave Cris a small item. He looked at it and found that it was an unshelled bullet.
-Thank You, Ann.
She stood up, and walked towards the door. Ed, who was standing behind them opened them.
-How it was, Chief?
-Well, i got few useful clues. I now have to confront Marcus.
-Roger that. I'll bring him here for questioning.
-No!-Cris shoted.
-Why?
-If Marcus is the real killer, then we have to approach him by surprise. Let's talk with Clay and Nick first.
-Okay, Clay is still in the back of the warehouse, but I heard nothing about Nick.
-Hmm, I wonder…
-huh?
-Nothing.
Back of the building
3:30 PM
-Clay, we have to ask You few questions.-Cris said.
-...
-Umm, What were You doing from noon to 3.00PM?
-...training.
-I...s-s-see.
-Your outfit… It's Ann's?
-What? Oh, no, My suit is dirty, so Ann gave me her spare costume. It's a bit awkward to be honest, but…WAAH!
Clay raised his sword and slashed near Cris's head. After that he picked up a flower he cut and gave it to Cris.
-You'll look prettier with it in Your hair-he said.
Ed hid his laughter.
-(I don't know how to respond. Terrified or insulted.)
Clay smiled a little.
-Anyways, could You tell me what was Your relation with the victim?
-...
-(Ack! What's this guy's problem?)
-...I...am glad that...he's dead.
-Why?
-He...wasn't as good as they tell.
-Did You hold grudge against mr. Winston?
-In a manner of speaking, yes.
-A "manner" of speaking?
-He did no harm to me directly, but I lost someone precious because of his lies.
-(What?) Could You tell me more about it?
-It happened five years ago. My family wasn't very rich, but we were managing pretty well. But everything changed when my dad lost his job. He was working as security guard in Winston and co. Warehouse. He lost his job because he was accused of stealing. However, it turned out to be misunderstanding. But Clark Winston wasn't the type to accept his mistakes. He never said sorry to my father nor give him back his job. My father was unable to find new job, because of these charges of stealing. Winston never showed any kind of regret. He kept visiting our house even after we moved on to the cheaper apartament, only to ask us to give back what we stole. But the real thief was caught long ago! My dad had his face always so bright... But now I know. He was doing it so we won't see his real feelings. And one day, three years ago...
-Suicide?-Cris asked.
-They have found his body, hanging in the kitchen. He left a note on the table. There was only one name...
-Clay...
-That monster of a man drove my father to his death, and he didn't feel anything from that. Every time I saw him, I wanted to slash him with my Masamune, but I couldn't do it. I cannot harm people. Whenever I feel like attacking him, I cannot make a single step towards this person.
-Clay, enough. Don't force Yourself to talk about it.
-Mr. Fey?
-Hmm?
-Who is He to You?-Clay asked while pointing his finger towards Ed.
-Ed? He's like an older brother to me.
-Would You do anything to protect him?
-(What the hell is that all of a sudden?) I would have taken a bullet for him.
-Thank You. Please find the true meaning behind this case.
-(What the?) True meaning...
-The truth may be closer than You think.
-You know who killed him?-Ed asked.
-...
-Ed, give up. He wants us to find the truth by ourselves. Let's talk to Ann again. It's time to wrap this case. And bring Clay peace he's still looking for.
-Cris...
-Hmm, You finally said my name, Bro.
-...Leave it to me.
-What?
-Protecting You. Just focus on the cases. I'll be always here to protect You, Cris Fey. Or should I say "Haku-Men"?
-I told You, that's secret. You can't walk around and tell everyone who am I.
-I'm just teasing You. Relax, Your secret is safe with me.
-I know. Anyways, let's hurry up. We're near the end of this case. We only have to talk to Ann. After that, I should have enough clues.
-For what?-said someone behind them.
They turned back and faced a rather short man with an umbrella in his right hand. To his suit was clipped prosecutor's badge.
-(Oh crap!) Mr. Payne! What are You doing here?
-I decided to check on You. And it looks like I managed to come here on time.
-W-What do You mean?
-It's over. The girl is being arrested as we speak, and Your actions requires punishment. Your badge.
-(No, Ann is not the real killer! I have to stop them!) Please, give me one more hour...
-No, You used all of my patience.
-I beg You, I'll even turn my badge after that, but please, one hour.
Cris's eyes were full of tears. Payne was moved.
-But You have one hour, and then You turn Your badge. It's Your last case.
-Understood. Ed, You have to quickly check something for me. Find out everything You can about this person...
-Got it, boss!
Main hall
Everyone was watching when police officers were taking Ann. Marcus was standing in the center of the room. His face was showing no emotions.
Hold it!
Cris barged into the hall. He rushed towards Ann.
-I have a one hour-long permission to finish this case. This girl is innocent, and I can prove it! Who thinks that she is guilty, step forward!
Marcus stepped towards Cris.
-...
-Well, Mr. Fey. Shall we begin?
-Bring it on. Time to end this once and for all!
Confrontation
Phase one
"Basis for suspecting Ann."
-Ann is the only one without solid alibi.
-Besides, she also hid an important piece of evidence, so it's normal to suspect her, right?
-And who suspected her first? Oh, right. It was You, Prosecutor Fey.
(Dammit, he already drew out all of the strongest points. This is not gonna be easy.)
Rebuttal
Phase one
"Basis for suspecting Ann"
-Ann is the only one without solid alibi.
Hold It!
-I can picture three more people, who also have no alibi.
-Really? Name them.
-You, Clay and Nick of course.
-I was training with my gunblade to be ready for stage show.
-Is there anyone who can confirm it?
-No.
-Then it's not an alibi.
-Ugh.
-Besides, she also hid an important piece of evidence, so it's normal to suspect her, right?
Hold It!
-She hid an evidence true, but it was incriminating someone else.
-Who?
-I cannot say. It would be equal to accusation.
-Fair enough. Let's continue then.
-And who suspected her first? Oh, right. It was You, Prosecutor Fey.
Hold It!
-Well, I suspected either her or Clay, or even You. Everyone who was supposed to take a part in the show was suspect.
-So, You want to say that it proves nothing?
-Yeah.
-Then let me add one more important point.
-By all means.
-Who had the keys to the vault? It was Ann.
Hold It!
-And who gave them to her?
-If I recall correctly it was Clark.
-(The victim?) But weren't You the one who gave her keys?
-I don't know what You are talking about.
-(He's lying!)...
-Are You already aware of her guilt?
-No, I'm still sure of her innocence.
-Then let us hear it. Who is the real killer?
Cris took deep breath.
-(I cannot say it yet. I have to buy Ed as much time as possible! Let's start from scratch. Maybe then I'll find something, that would incriminate him.) Let's review all the facts first.
Train of Thoughts
"The Real Killer"
Mr. Clark Winston was found dead in the Vault. We still don't know what kind of weapon was used to kill him, however I'm certain about what was he doing. He was protecting this item from the killer.
Take That!
Yes, He was protecting The most expensive replica of a "Lionheart" gunblade. The killer failed to steal it, and thought that he took all incriminating evidence. But it's not true. They left something that can point us to them .
Take That!
I've got here a photo of a footprint that was found under the victim's body. At first we thought that the one who left it is the victim, but that would create contradiction, namely how did the victim left a footprint under his body? He fell before the pool of blood, and there was no blood on his shoes. That means the only person who could left a print like that is the killer. Just look at the size of this print. It's definitely not Ann's. I also found a rectangular frame under the body. Now that I think about it, I can assume that it's…
Take That!
A part of a Keyblade, A weapon made to look like a key. The Victim's weapon.
and The killers murder weapon. But how this can belong to both of them? it can't. That means that either killer or victims position is wrong. What does it mean You ask? It's really simple. I present to You the real identity of a man murdered in the Vault!
Take That!
Evidence:
Prosecutor Badge:"Just one hour, Huh?"
Ann's glove:"A part of her costume. Found near the gunblade."
Unshelled bullet:"If I'm right, this will end the case."
Convent badge:"Clark Winston gave it to me."
Gunblade:"Two rounds were fired."
I apologize for long absence, but I was unable to log in to the site during this month. Whenever I tried, I was kicked out from it. I don't know why. I also realized that I made a mistake. My story began half a year after Apollo Justice, not Year and a half.