Luka is in front of the dorm of his classmate. The hallway is filled with darkness, but his eyes have adjusted to it. He brought his notes to catch up on the last lessons. He knocks.
"Henry? It's Luka." No reply. He twists the knobs. It's unlocked. He steps inside. The whole room is pitch black. He flicks the switch, but the light doesn't turn on. Uneasiness fills his body. "H-Henry?" He calls out for him, but nothing. He doesn't know what is going on, but he is determined to investigate. Suddenly, something strikes him from behind his head. "Ugh!" He falls to the ground. His vision is blurred. The last thing he heard before losing consciousness, was a soft giggle.
14th of September 11:47 a.m. Defendant Lobby No.2 inside the Academy.
"..." Norman is looking around the room. "Ugh. Those statues are not giving me good vibes." He is talking about the statues of high ranking monsters looking down on him.
"Norman!" Luka shouts as he approaches him. "Thank goodness you're here!"
"Of course. You thought I was lying or something?"
"...To be honest. I thought you wouldn't come. Nobody wanted to defend me as it was a "close shut case", as one of them put it." He looks down with a sad expression.
"What bullshit, man! And they call themselves lawyers? For shame!"
"Do you have any experience or studied law firm?"
"Nope. I played Ace Attorney and Danganronpa, so I think I'm qualified." He laughs.
"I'm so doomed." He looks down with a sad expression once more.
"...Did you actually kill the man?"
"Of course not! He was a friend!" Luka immediately answers.
"Okay then. That's all I need."
"Huh?"
"I won't be lying to you, I'm nervous as fuck. But I'll be damned if I let an innocent man get sent to the slammer." He says confidently. (I say that, but I've been clenching my fists since this morning. I'm sorry if I don't look so confident.)
"Good morning." Fateburn XV greets them.
"P-P-Principal!? What are you doing here?" The boys are surprised.
She giggles. "I'm only checking up on you. Although, you seem a bit tense." She becomes serious. "I know this is tough, considering you aren't a lawyer, but there's a reason why I chose you for this case."
"Well, you did kinda put me on the spot. And I'm surprised no one else would take the case."
"That's easy. Everyone detests Luka."
"Huh? People hate him?" Norman looks at Luka, but he avoids eye contact.
"It's no surprise you don't know this. I'm sure you've noticed that despite his amazing skills in the arts of combat and knowledge, he lacks any other companion other than yourself and Sonia. That's becau-"
"STOP! I don't want him to know!" Luka coldly says his piece, then turns his back on them.
"...All right. It was wrong of me to say it without your consent." She gives a soft smile. "The trial is about to start. Good luck to the both of you." She leaves.
(...I don't know what's up with Luka's backstory, but right now that is not important. I should be focusing on proving his innocence! Because I believe in him!) Norman pumps himself before heading inside.
14th of September 12:00 p.m. Courtroom
The gallery is bustling with students and teachers talking amongst each other. The judge is Father Gascon. Norman is on the defense stand, mesmerized by the scene.
Norman: (Wow. We got a full house today. This definitely does not make me feel comfortable at all.)
Judge: *Smack* The court is now in session. Is the prosecution and defense ready?
On the prosecution side are two angels in professional suits. One of them is the silver haired stoic Valkyrie, Victoria. The other is her close companion Cupid, Cupi.
Victoria:...
Cupi: The prosecution is very ready, Your Honor!
Norman:...OH! T-The defence is ready!...Your Excellency?
Judge:...Mr. Sanchez?
Norman: Y-YES!?
Judge: I understand this is your first trial? While I empathize with your uneasiness, know that the fate of the accused is in your sweaty palms. So please, calm your nerves.
Norman: I-I will, Your Honor. (Did he have to point that out to everybody? Now I understand how Naruhodo feels.) One question. How come the prosecution gets to have a partner and I don't?
Cupi: *Slams desk* That's because you're an unworthy piece of s-!
Victoria slaps her face.
Cupi: Oopsie woopsie! What I meant to say was that you're not an actual attorney to have assistance. Teehee~!
Norman:...Okay. (That certainly is not worrying at all.)
Judge: If there are no further questions, let us proceed with the trial. Prosecution, your opening statement.
Victoria: As you wish, Your Honor. *Pulls out a file* The victim's name is Henry Blueford. A 23 year old sophomore from the Angel alignment. He was killed through asphyxiation. Here's the autopsy report.
Henry's Autopsy has been added to the Court Record.
Norman: (Let me check it out...He died at 2:12 a.m. and there's evidence that he was sodomized due to the traces of semen in his rectum. It was also clear that he ejaculated.)
Victoria: As you can see, he was being raped while getting strangled. *Pulls out her broadsword* An unforgivable crime worthy of death penalty.
Hold it!
Norman: Woah! Let's not get ahead of ourselves! You haven't even proved that the defendant was the one who did it.
Objection!
Cupi: *Slams desk* Listen here, you sniveling motherfu-! *Gets slapped* Oopsie daisy! What I meant to say was we have a witness who saw him commit the crime!
Norman: W-What!?
Victoria: Bring forth the witness at once.
A Slug Girl in a Victorian outfit takes the stand. Norman is amazed and materializes the Monsterpedia.
Cupi: What sorcery are you brewing!?
Norman: Oh! *Vaporizes the book* Sorry. I get excited when I see a new monster and I want to look up interesting things about them. Hehehe.
Victoria: Nobody cares.
Norman: (Ouch. Let a man sate his curiosity, woman.)
Victoria: State your name and occupation, witness.
Elizabeth: *Opens a parasol* My name is Elizabeth Escargot and I'm currently a part time customer service.
Norman: Customer service? For what, exactly?
Elizabeth: Hmph. If you're thinking of THAT kind of service, I assure you, a lady like me would never stoop so low for anyone.
Norman: That wasn't what I was implying. (That's a self report if I ever heard one.)
Victoria: She does cleaning services during the night shifts. Please recount the moment you saw the murder.
Elizabeth: *Twirls parasol* I will try. It's hard to remember back from the horrible scene.
Witness Testimony: Elizabeth's Testimony
"I was doing my usual nightly rounds in the dorms. I knocked on the door, but no one answered. I assumed it was unoccupied, so I unlocked it with the master key I carry and stepped inside. That's when I saw his lifeless body on the bed. That boy was on top of him. He didn't notice me yet and I took the opportunity to strike him in the head with my parasol. The rest is history."
Norman: Wait a minute. I thought you witnessed the murder as it happened. He could've been checking if he was okay!
Objection!
Victoria: Unlikely. We have footage of him going to the dorm at exactly 12:23 a.m.
She pulls out a cassette and plays it. It shows the empty hallway. Minutes pass and Luka shows up walking down the hall and stops in front of the door. The footage cuts off immediately.
Judge: What happened to the footage?
Cupi: Oh! I'll answer this one! There was a blackout at the time. It came back about 3 hours later, but the cameras were very old and some never worked afterwards.
The Blackout incident was added to the Court Record.
Judge: Very well. Defense, you may proceed with the cross-examination.
Norman: Y-Yes, Your Honor. (All right. I know Luka is innocent. Therefore, there must be a contradiction somewhere!)
Cross-examination
"I assumed it was unoccupied, so I unlocked it with the master key I carry and stepped inside."
Hold it!
Norman: Does the master key unlock every door?
Elizabeth: Only the ones in the dorm. It is only necessary as normal students would lock their rooms. Of course one would need a key to open them to clean.
Norman: (Hmm. That makes sense. That was honestly a stupid question. Rrrrgh! Get it together, man! Just listen carefully and look back on the evidence.)
"That's when I saw his lifeless body on the bed."
Objection!
Norman:...
Judge: Is there something wrong, Defense? You only shouted and are currently pointing aggressively at the witness.
Norman: Ack! S-Sorry. I just had a problem with what the witness said. That she saw the lifeless body.
Judge: Is there a problem with that statement?
Norman: Yes. It would've been impossible for her to see the body. After all, there was a blackout at the time.
Elizabeth: Agh!
Objection!
Cupi: She could've used a flashlight to navigate through the darkness.
Objection!
Norman: *Shakes head* That is impossible. If there were any source of light, the defendant would've noticed and tried to hide or attack the witness.
Judge: Hmmm. The defense raises a good point. Any objections, prosecution?
Victoria:...None at the moment.
Norman: (She conceded very easily. It would be a good thing, but I know they have something up their sleeves!)
Victoria: *Pulls out a file* It is true that because of the blackout, the witness couldn't have possibly seen the crime.
Norman: Then my suggestion of a possibility that the def-
Objection!
Victoria: I wasn't finished. *Fixes her hair* There's one thing you've failed to take into account.
Norman: And that is?
Victoria: We have other senses. She may have heard it at first and then seen the body later. It was a traumatizing experience that she may have mixed the two memories. Isn't that right, witness?
Elizabeth:...*Twirls parasol and smiles* That is exactly what happened.
Norman: *Recoils in surprise* You can't be serious!?
Victoria: Which means, her statement has no flaws whatsoever and we've been wasting time.
Judge: Seems there is no room for any doubts. If the defense does not further arguments, then I will proceed with the verdict.
Norman: (Dammit! I have to think of something, ANYTHING that there's something wrong with this case!)
Judge: We're waiting for your response, Mr. Sanchez.
Norman:...Prosecution. Mind if I ask a question?
Cupi: As if we would answer to you, low life sc-!
Victoria slaps her.
Victoria: What is it?
Norman: (Good thing she's not my partner.) I've noticed there are no results on the identity of the semen in the victim. Why is that?
Victoria: Hmph. Because only males produce semen. It's obvious who it belongs to, therefore such investigations are unnecessary.
Norman: Is that so? *Smirk* You know, for an angel of justice, you sure are sloppy in your works.
Cupi: How dare you talk shit about her!? That's my job!
Victoria: *Glares* I hope you have evidence to back up such slander.
Take that!
Norman: *Materializes book* Let me enlighten everyone in this room that while it is true males can produce sperm, there are some monster species that possess both genitals. And it just so happens that one of them is slugs. Isn't that right, witness?
Elizabeth: *Clutches tightly her parasol*...
Norman: *Points* I request a DNA test on the semen.
Judge: Very well. We wil-
Hold it!
Norman: !
Victoria/Cupi: !
Judge: !
Elizabeth: *Puts away parasol* There will be no need for that.
Norman: Then you admit that it belongs to you?
Elizabeth: *Sigh* Yes. It's true. *Grin* I was sodomizing that broken fool! AHAHAHAHA!
The court is filled with chattering. The noise drowns out as Norman is lost in his thoughts.
Norman: (...Something is off. She's basically admitting to her crimes. Why?)
Judge: *Smack* Order! Witness! This is no laughing matter!
Elizabeth: I'm sorry. It's just I know the defense is ready to point fingers at anyone, like a corrupt lawyer would do.
Objection!
Norman: *Smacks desk* I am not corrupt! *Points at her* Now stop with the condensending attitude and explain why you were raping the victim!
Elizabeth: Hmph. *Fixes gloves* Remember how I said I do services for customers? Well there are "special" requests one can ask. Henry had an interesting fetish. Rape role play.
Norman:...I-I'm sorry. Did you say he's into forced sexual intercourse?
Elizabeth: Very strange that someone likes to get dominated. *Smile* But who am I to deny the requests of my clients?
Victoria: Enough. While I wish I could erase such degeneracy from my mind, this makes the situation much clearer.
Norman: W-What do you mean?
Victoria: There is one footage that was captured during the blackout.
She presents footage of the laundromat near the dorm. Even with the lack of light, a silhouette of the witness is seen shoving something inside the washing machine.
Victoria: This was taken five minutes before the murder took place. Which means the accused sneaked inside while the witness was away and killed the victim in his own room. *Points at him* That is the whole truth!
Norman: Ngh...*Smacks his head* NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
The gallery bursts with noise.
Judge: Order! Order! Defense! Control yourself, man!
Victoria: Your Honor, I believe it's time for the verdict. We have proven without a shadow of a doubt the true criminal.
Judge:...I see. It pains me to do this, but it must be done. Defendant, please come to the stand.
Luka nervously approaches the stand.
Norman: *Sobs* I'm sorry, Luka. *Clenches fists* I wasn't good enough.
Judge: The court finds the defendant…
Hold it!
Judge: !
Luka: !
Elizabeth: !
Norman: H-Huh!?
Alma Elma appears next to Norman.
Alma: Whew. I made it just in time.
Norman: What the fuck!? Who are you?
Judge: A-A-Alma? W-What are you doing here?
Norman: (Is it me or is the judge getting cold feet all of a sudden?)
Alma: I've been called in for assistance. Do you mind giving us a recess so I can be filled in~?
She leans forward, emphasizing her massive cleavage.
Judge: O-Of course!
Objection!
Cupi: Your Honor! We've already established that the defendant actually did it!
Alma: Ara? That's not the way I see it.
Cupi: *Slams desk* What do you mean, whore!?
Alma: The boy here has proven that the witness was engaging with the victim before the murder. *Smirk* Therefore, she's now a prime suspect. I believe there's still some doubts that need clarifications. Wouldn't you agree, Your Honor?
Judge: *Nods* Indeed. Objection overruled.
Cupi: But!
Judge: The court will have a thirty minute recess. Prosecution, investigate anything about the witness activities during the incident. Am I clear?
Victoria:...Of course. It shall be done.
Judge: Very well. Without further ado, court is in recess. *Smack*
14th of September 12:53 p.m. Defendant Lobby
"AAAAAAH! That was the most intense shit I've ever experienced! I think I've lost decades of my life just now." Norman is doing breathing exercises.
"You did great out there." The principal walks in. Luka and Alma person join them. Norman avoids looking at him.
"Great? I don't believe that. If it wasn't for her, he would've been behind bars by now. I'm sorry for failing you, Luka."
Luka approaches him. "It's okay. You did what you could. I'm honestly surprised it got that far to begin with." He gives him a melancholic smile.
(So he accepted he wouldn't make it…) Norman thinks.
"Don't worry. I've called Alma to take over the case now. You can come and sit at the gallery with us. He is in great hands." The principal tries to cheer him up.
"Ms. Fateburn. I will have to decline the proposition. I want to still be his attorney." They are surprised by his claim. "I know. I'm inexperienced and I was caught off guard by the prosecution's conclusion. But now I'm determined to defend you to the end! With your consent, of course." He can see there's conflict on their faces.
Alma smiles. "Hora? That's unexpected." She walks towards him. "And why would we risk letting someone who doesn't know anything about the law be in charge? Hmmmm?"
(She's getting her face too close for comfort.) He takes a deep breath. "I will not bore you with the friendship speeches, because that's just fantasy." He summons the book. "We embrace the darkness, in order to illuminate the truth. I accepted this gift and I will use it to protect the rejects of society. Like us." He directs the comment to Luka. He looks away, but saw a smile.
Alma caresses Norman's cheek. "Those eyes. Never once casted down to look at me. Interesting." She finally moves away. "It's settled then. You can stay over. I'll just be your assistant for today."
"Are you sure?" The principal asks.
"Of course. Plus, he still would've joined anyway. No reason to stop him. It's all in his hands now."
The bailiff walks in. "The court is about to begin. Please step inside." They leave.
"Hey." Luka speaks to Norman. "I'm sorry I doubted you."
"It's okay, man. I understand and I won't freak out like that again…hopefully. Also, why were you at his dorm earlier?"
"Oh. It's because I was going to give him this." Luka hands him a phone. "I thought it was mine, but it's actually Henry's."
Henry's Phone was added to the Court Record.
"Why do you have his phone?"
He shakes his head. "We must've switched it when we bumped into each other during lunch and dropped our phones. It was one of the reasons I agreed to bring his homework." He scratches his head. "I forgot to bring the papers and then the blackout happened, so I decided to head back and come back later."
"I see. Thank you." (I wonder if this will be relevant for the case.) He pockets the evidence and heads inside.
14th of September 1:23 p.m. Courtroom
The gallery is talking amongst each other.
Judge: The court will now resume with the trial. Prosecution, has your investigation brought up something new?
Cupi: Oh yes! The witness will testify her alibi at the time of the crime.
Judge: Very well. The witness may come to the stand.
Elizabeth slithers to the stand.
Judge: Please give us your testimony of your alibi.
Elizabeth: *Twirls parasol* I personally don't see a point to this, but I'll do it to satisfy the corrupt lawyer.
Witness Testimony: Elizabeth's Whereabouts
"I went into his dorm like he requested. We discussed role play and safe words. Then we did the deed together. Suddenly, the blackout happened and we had to stop. Luckily, I know the layout of the building, so I decided to take our clothes and sheets to wash."
Judge: I see. And by "deed", you mean…
Elizabeth: Sorry. I don't kiss and tell~! *Winks*
Judge: O-Oh! Of course! My apologies.
Norman: He does know that we need to know every gritty detail to know the full story, no?
Alma: Remember, not everyone is open about their sexuality like us. Also, try not to use the same word in the same sentence.
Norman: That's what you have a problem with? (Whatever. Time to extract more information out of her.)
Cross-examination
"I went into his dorm like he requested. We discussed role play and safe words."
Hold it!
Norman: Did you both planned the sexual activities beforehand?
Elizabeth:...*Smirk*
Norman: *Nervously sweats* Did I say something funny?
Elizabeth: You know there's no shame in saying sex. Even a lady like me has her casual side.
Alma: She's right. You have a weird analytical mind when it comes to sex.
Judge: *Nods* I agree. Even an old man like me is okay to allow the topic of sex in the court. I mean, we're all hot blooded beings. Hahahaha!
Norman: *Smacks desk* Everyone! Stop pivoting and let's focus on the question! And just so we're clear, I have plenty of the mating ritual with my bae~! *Smiles and blushes*
Judge: You have a girlfriend!? Congratulations, Norman! I told you one day you would find the right person. You know, when I was your ag-
Objection!
Victoria: As much as we would like to hear your life story, let us get back to the trial. Now witness, stop distracting the court and answer the defense's question.
Elizabeth: Are you sure? I was enjoying the lovely conversation. Checheche~!
Victoria: *Unsheathes broadsword*...
Elizabeth: *Waves dismissively* Fine fine. We planned it over at the cafeteria that afternoon. Then met up later that night for further discussions.
Norman: (The cafeteria. That's where Henry and Luka bumped into each other.) Why there? Wouldn't it have been better to have done it somewhere privately?
Elizabeth: I like to keep my business a secret. Wouldn't want people to see me going into someone's dorm with many witnesses. So talking in public doesn't seem out of place.
Norman: I guess that makes sense.
Alma: You seem to have doubts.
Norman: Hmmm. I have this distinct feeling that there's more to it than that.
Alma: If that's the case, why not keep pressing for more information?
Norman: No. I think that's as far as I'm getting out of her. I think I'll take another look at the Court Record.
Alma: Oh? Acting like a proper lawyer now, hmm?
Norman gives her a weird look before pulling out Henry's phone. He turns it on.
Norman: (I'm surprised that he didn't put a pass code. Now let's go through the messages…Wait, there's one message here sent to Elizabeth.)
Hello, Elizabeth. Don't worry about how I got your number. I heard that you do special services and I'm interested in it. Let's meet up at the cafeteria this afternoon. Oh and if you don't show up, I have some pictures I took of your previous customer. I'm sure you understand what I'm implying. See you soon!
Norman: *Recoils in surprise* (This is blackmail!)
Alma: What's wrong? Found something damning?
Norman: Damn right! I'm goin-
Alma: Wait. Don't accuse her just yet. Try to lead up to it and take down every argument along the way. Then present the evidence when you have her cornered.
Norman: O-Okay? (I think presenting this blackmail would be enough, but if she suggests it, I can't complain. Now how do I lead up to it?)
Alma: Given the new revelation, that changes the perspective of certain interactions, no?
Norman: Yeah. Witness, why did you clean the covers? If it was me, I'd wait until the lights were back.
Elizabeth: Hmph! Unlike you, I don't let the dark stop me from performing my duties.
Norman: I admire your dedication. Are they still in the washing machine?
Elizabeth: Yes. I never got the chance to dry them, since I was sent for questioning.
Norman: Naruhodo. So it should be fine if we investigate it, Wright?
Elizabeth:...Do whatever you want. You'll be wasting your time. Right, prosecution?
Cupi: That's right! Let's not was-
Objection!
Victoria: I'll allow it.
Cupi: W-What are you doing, Vicky!?
Victoria: *Crosses her arms* Do not misunderstand me. I'm only allowing every stone to be unturned so there will be no doubt about the absolute truth.
Judge: Very well. Bailiff, send someone to investigate the washer at once.
Bailiff: *Salutes* Yes, sir! Okay, sir! Will do, sir!
Some time later
The bailiff enters the courtroom.
Bailiff: Sir! We found some blankets and covers still wet and not dried at all! We also found this cellphone inside.
Judge: A cellphone? Why would that be there?
Alma: Very curious. Why don't we ask the witness?
Elizabeth: *Twirls parasol* It must've been mixed up when I was gathering the covers. It was dark, after all.
Norman: Hey man, does it still work?
Bailiff: Negative, sir! It is completely and utterly useless! If there was any incriminating evidence, then it's forever lost, sir!
Norman: Damn. I hope you backed up all the Sonia and Alice nudes you got, Luka.
Luka: W-W-WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!?
Judge: Aside from the vulgar pictures, I share my confusion with the defendant. Are you suggesting that's not the victim's phone?
Objection!
Cupi: The defense is clearly bluffing, Your Honor!
Victoria: If you're so sure about it, I better expect very important evidence. *Unsheathes broadsword* In fact, the penalty will be doubled if your statement is baseless.
Norman: You can't do that! That's the Judge's job!
Judge: And I agree. This court has gone long enough and if you're trying to delay any further, there will be severe consequences.
Norman: Ugh! (Why is everyone ganging up on me!?)
Alma: Don't lose your focus. You already have the evidence. Now show them and shove your manhood all over their faces.
Norman: *Deep breaths* Right! You want evidence? I got it right here!
Take that!
Judge: Wait, isn't that your phone?
Norman: *Shakes head* No, Your Honor. This is actually the victim's.
Victoria/Cupi/Elizabeth: What did you say!?
Norman: Not only that, but it also holds important information. Information that a certain person wouldn't want anyone to find out.
Elizabeth:...*Clutches tightly her parasol*
Judge: Let me see that. *Phone passed to him*...! My word! This is blackmail! And it's for the witness!
Victoria/Cupi: N-Naniiiiiiiiiiiiiii!
The gallery bursts with noise.
Judge: *Smack smack smack* Order! Order! I will have order!
Norman: I believe it's clear who the true culprit is. *Smacks desk* Elizabeth, I'm accusing you of the murder of Henry Blueford!
Elizabeth:...*Smirk* Heh. Hehehehe. HAHAHAHA!
Norman:...*Sweats nervously* That's not the reaction I was expecting.
Elizabeth: FOOL! BUFFOON! WORM! LOW LIFE!
Judge: Cease the name calling at once! This is a court, not a playgrou-
Be quiet!
Elizabeth: I will not let you lecture me, old coot!
Judge: Old coot!?
Elizabeth slams her parasol on the stand.
Elizabeth: Do not slander me any longer! Prosecution!
Cupi: H-Huh?
Elizabeth: How dare you let the defense get away with this!? Yes. I was blackmailed. So what? That doesn't mean I murdered him. They have no proof that I killed him!
Victoria:...Unfortunately, she is correct.
Norman: Are you serious!?
Victoria: Despite all the circumstances leading to her, there is no evidence that points to her committing the crime.
Norman: Rngh! NO WA-
Objection!
Elizabeth: !
Victoria/Cupi: !
Norman: !
Alma is pointing aggressively at the witness.
Alma: Sorry, hun. But you're not slipping out of this one.
Elizabeth: Y-You! SLUT! WHORE! BITCH! CUNT! ROASTIE!
Judge: If you keep this up, I will re-
Be quiet!
Elizabeth: You're not the one being accused of murder, old timer!
Judge: Old timer!?
Norman: Alma?
Alma: There's one thing you should learn about being a lawyer. *She faces him* And that's never giving up.
Norman: Huh?
Alma: Finding the truth is important, but you're not alone. The client is also your top responsibility and they are relying on you to defend them. Do not let the faith they put on you be in vain. Understand?
Norman: W-Well yeah? But what does that have to do with the situation at hand?
Alma:...I'll give you a hint. While she perfectly executed the murder into not leaving any evidence behind, there is one incident that was unexpected and she had to act fast.
Norman: An unexpected incident…! OH! I got it!
Judge: Defense, would like to tell us what you objected to?
Norman: Your Honor, I have no evidence that she killed the victim.
Elizabeth: Hah! I knew it!
Norman: *Smirk* However, there is evidence that she committed another crime. And she's in possession of it right now!
Elizabeth: W-What!?
Judge: Then don't just say it. Show us where this evidence is?
Take that!
Norman: You've been clinging to that parasol ever since we got here. Would you mind handing it over for analysis?
Elizabeth: I will not do such things. It is irrelevant.
Alma: Hora? What's the matter? Are you afraid there might be something that doesn't belong there?
Be quiet!
Elizabeth: I have nothing to hide. I just don't see the point, is all.
Norman: Well I do. After all, how else did you knock out Luka in the first place?
Elizabeth: !
Norman: *Smacks desk* Stop trying to delay the inevitable. If the traces of Luka's blood are on the parasol, *Points dramatically* then the only person who could've killed Henry was none other than you, witness!
Elizabeth: N-No! I-I-I w-was trying t-to defend myself. Yes! No wait. T-That doesn't make sense. W-What I-I meant to say w-was…*Hyperventilating* Rrrrgh! That boy. That foolish boy had to come! RRRRRRGH! *Splits the parasol in half* NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
She collapses from the shock and the gallery is in chaos.
Judge: Bailiff! Send the witness to the infirmary and call the cops immediately!
The bailiff removes the witness from the court.
Some time later
Judge: Hmm. That was certainly the wildest trial I've ever seen. Prosecution, any updates on the witness?
Cupi: *Sobs* S-She confessed to everything and is being arrested as we speak.
Victoria: Why are you crying? You should be proud.
Cupi: B-But we lost our first trial. To a nobody, at that! WAAAAH!
Victoria:...Don't be foolish. The point of this court is to bring out the truth and give proper justice. Winning or losing is meaningless. *Tears fall out* So keep your head high. We did our job.
Cupi hugs Victoria and they cry together.
Norman:...Is this real? D-Did we actually win?
Judge: Nor-Defense. I am truly impressed. Not only did you prove the defendant's innocence, but also found the true perpetrator.
Alma: Congratulations, love. You've got the praise from the Judge himself. That's an honor not many people get.
Norman: T-Thank you. (I guess she has no idea that I know him personally.)
Judge: Now, can the defendant please come to the stand?
Luka goes to the stand.
Judge: It has been a lengthy trial, but I can finally confidently give a verdict. The court finds the defendant Luka Hein…
Not Guilty
Confetti showers the entire room as the gallery applauds.
Judge: Court is dismissed. *Smack*
14th of September 2:12 p.m. Defendant Lobby No.2
"WOOOOOO! Fuck yea! We did it!" Norman celebrates. Luka enters. "Come here, you motherfucker!" He bearhugs the poor little man.
"ACK! Uncle! Uncle!" Norman releases him. "That was crazy out there. Hope I never have to go through that again." Fateburn XV and Alma join in.
"Well done! I knew I made the right call, after all. Wait till Tamamo hears about this." The principal giggles.
"This man definitely has potential. Although, you need to work on your deduction." Alma says. "You see, you were right about the parasol, but not about the blood."
"What do you mean?" Norman asks.
Alma pulls out a micro USB. "When she snapped it, this little thing flew out and I quickly snatched it. I assume this is what she thought had the messages."
"Wait, you caught it? When did that happen?" Norman ponders.
"Hmmm~! I'm very quick on my feet." She winks.
"Oh. Well, at least your nudes are still safe." Norman pats Luka's back.
"Give me that!" Luka snatches the USB from her. "This holds important memories. Not just the pictures." He blushes. Everyone laughs.
"So, what are you going to do now?" Fateburn asks Norman.
"When I joined the Academy, I didn't know what to do with my gift." He materializes the Monsterpedia. "But today I realized I can use this to help those under the law. We don't live in medieval times anymore. We now fight using the law on our side." He faces them. "I've made up my mind. I'm going to become a defense attorney."
"Hora? You know the road ahead will be difficult and there will be cunning people who are much better at hiding their intentions than that Slug. But I believe you can do it." Alma encourages. "But before we go, how about we hear that voice of yours?"
"Huh?" Norman is flustered.
"I too would like to hear the voice that shook the court today." Fateburn pitches in.
"Huh? Huh?"
"I'd be lying if I didn't want to hear it one more time." Luka admits.
"Are you serious? All right! Here goes…"
Objection!
And This marks the end of this story. I know this may be a disappointment to some but I've moved on from this concept. I would much rather do an Ace Attorney AU like this bonus chapter. Maybe I'll do one in the future when I'm not working on my original story. Hope you enjoyed reading!
