Facing the Unknown

A/N: I haven't touched this story in how many years? While I do intend to eventually overhaul all of it, I may just leave it in the state that it's in. I only own my oc who may not even make a cameo in this chapter. Everyone else belongs to Warner Brother's Entertainment and all other respective parties.

Wakko and Dot were feeling rather down as they watched rain pelt the window of Scratchy's car. They had been looking forward to but also dreading the trial as it drew closer. They had reached out to Claire to see if she would be able to join them. Much to their dismay her health prevented her from traveling like she would have wished.

"I'm sorry guys I would love to be there but I'm in no shape to travel" Claire coughed as they spoke to the remaining Warner siblings over a video call.

Dot frowned, "We'll miss you! We need you there with us!"

"Her rest is important Dot" Wakko pointed out and frowned, "We'll keep you updated as the case pushes forward.

Dot sighed, "I know I know!"

"You two will be okay" Claire assured them, "I get the feeling that the state has a strong case. And remember you have the backing of so many fans behind you too. There is a lot to be said for the loyal following of Animaniacs."

"Thank you, Claire," Wakko had a sad smile, "Hopefully when the trial is over, we can all get together again and just reminisce over the old memories."

"We'll see about that at some point" Claire smiled as she fell into another coughing fit, "I need to go. You two take care….and remember…. he's always with you…. even if you can't see him."

Scratchy looked from his rear-view mirror, "What's the matter you two? I know this is going to be a heavy day but I am sure everything is going to be okay."

"I hope so Scratchy" Dot frowned.

Wakko nodded, "I know things are going to be okay."

He looked out the window as the strange he had once saw rode by on their motorcycle. Wakko wasn't quite sure why, but the stranger felt familiar in a way. As if there was something that reminded him of the brother that he lost. His eyes followed the helmeted figure weave in and out of traffic, occasionally blowing their horn at a distracted driver.

"Zat man is going to get hurt!" Scratchy blurted out, "Wait is that our strange friend?"

"Yep that's him!" Wakko had a faint smile, "I told him that the trial would be coming up. I don't know why but he seems oddly familiar in a sense."

All the Warner's could hope for was a continued peaceful drive as they headed towards their destination. Despite the car being calm anxiety was eating away at each one of them. Scratchy was worried that the day was going to be too much for the young Warners. Yet, he knew in his heart they would have been even more upset if they didn't go.

None of them were quite sure what they were supposed to expect that day. Across the radio stations that would come through, the word about the trial and spread like wildfire. Wakko wasn't sure if they wanted all the attention on them. Yet, this attention would hopefully help get public support to get Memlo and Buddy locked behind bars.

To the Warners this would be a chance for justice to prevail when they needed it to. The evidence was there, the confession was there too. All that was needed now was for the people who took their brother away to pay. Wakko would have loved to take justice into his own hands, but he knew his brother would have never approved. To the Warner's this day was going to be painful.

To the rest of the world, it was a tense Wednesday morning as cameras focused on an imposing courthouse. Word had quickly raced around Hollywood and the world. Today it would be the start of the trial of Buddy and Memlo, under the charge of murder in the first degree. Everyone kept their eyes focused on the heavy doors. Many hoping to see if the last two Warner siblings would make an appearance.

The Warners would be there, but they had entered the courthouse via a back entrance. They were already miserable enough. For as long as it had been many people assumed that their wounds would have been healed by now. Yet, this trial would open more wounds than they would have expected.

The state had selected a strong district attorney to prosecute the case. However, Memlo and Buddy had also lawyered up with a powerful firm that had been known for some not so savory practices. While this had Dot concerned Wakko had to hold faith that everything would be okay. He was surprised to see so many people had been allowed to sit in the room to watch the trial in person.

"There are so many people here" Dot blinked.

Wakko nodded, "The case made national news if I recall correctly…"

"I wish she could have been here with us" Dot frowned as she scooted closer to Wakko.

Wakko gave a faint sigh, "I wish she could have been here too, but we can do this."

"Everyone rise!" the bailiff barked, "The honorable Judge Pacaderm residing!"

Everyone stood up as a large elephant dressed in judge robes. Their gray eyes were covered under heavy wrinkles. As they sat down at their seat everyone stood in uncomfortable silence as the chair groaned under the judge's weight, "The State of California vs. Buddy and Memlo is set to proceed. The prosecution may start with the opening arguments."

"Thank you, your honor," the DA stood up from their table. The DA was a toon like some of those who were in the very room. He seemed reminiscent of lawyers of old tv shows, fitting suits, broad shoulders, a strong sense of right and wrong. The DA cleared his throat and started his opening argument, "Many people here have a fond place in their hearts for the Warner Siblings. On the night of the incident Memlo and Buddy had acted with malicious intent to not only destroy Warner Brother's property but also to commit murder and kill all three Warner siblings! However, they were only successful in the murder of Yakko Warner, the oldest of the Warner siblings."

The judge nodded, "Mr. Buddly, Mr. Memlo you are aware that you are being charged on the counts of First-Degree murder, criminal mischief and destruction of property."

"The accused have asked that we handle all of their statements" the defense attorney spoke with a smug look, "It's been quite some time Pearson."

"You won't win this one Williams" Pearson spoke, "Justice may be blind, but she is just."

"Whatever you say" Williams spats back with a dark tone, "Now then if the court would please pay attention. I stand to defend the accused. Both men were driven insane upon working with the Warner siblings. Their minds were broken and molded by the constant fear of being pranked and gookied!"

The air was tense that hung around the court room as the opening arguments were spoken. Wakko watched the jurors with an odd sense of intrigue. He was almost certain that he saw death sitting amongst them. Wasn't Death supposed to be impartial though? The grim reaper had noticed Wako starting at him and gave a slight wave. Just as quickly as he was there, he had vanished into thin air. Appearing next to Dot, "Talk about a full house huh?"

"Why are you here?" Dot gaped.

Death shrugged, "This looks like it could be a good show. Granted, the death penalty isn't around anymore but it'll be fun to watch them rot away in their cells. Not like I would want to reap their classless souls anyways…. your brother he would have been proud of you two coming here today to face these two."

"Aww you're just saying that!" Dot tried to play coy.

Death shrugged, "Am I though? I really don't play games you know. Just know that I am sure everything will be fine. I'm relieved to know my helper had made sure you go there in one piece."

"Your helper?" Wakko blinked.

Death nodded, "I have quite a few thank you. In return for helping me they can work towards regaining their life back. It's quite a long and complicated process. I've had one of my helpers keeping an eye on you, so I don't have to be stuck with more than one Warner! He said hello by the way…in case you were wondering."

Wakko had a faint smile, "Let him know we're hanging in there please."

Death nodded and noticed as his helmeted helper walked into the room, "I'll be sure to do that. Consider it payment for the suits."

"Told you they're so better than tattered robes" Dot crossed her arms.

Death sighed, "Of course of course."

Meanwhile Yakko took a seat in the back row as he prepared to watch his own murderers get placed on trial. He waved slightly as Wakko turned around and flashed him a genuine smile. Yakko couldn't remember the last time he had saw Wak look that much like his old self. He knew the first thing he would do when he could finally reveal himself would be letting Wakko just be himself once more. He would handle all the adult things, just like it should have always been.

Don't worry little sibs. This will all be over soon and then we can return to the Watertower together. I'm so proud of both of you for how far you've come since all of this started.

-End.