Midoriya and Ophelia arrived in one of the court chambers where they had waited for their attorney to arrive to talk about what they had to do. The verdanette swallowed hard to keep the saliva in his mouth at bay, even if he no longer had anything in his stomach it still roiled in discomfort.
The serpentine had her tail wrapped around his waist to help ease the nervousness, but she knew that it is more emotional and there is a limit to what her Quirk can do. She heard Izuku whimper in pain and was about to talk when there was a knock on the door, and she immediately felt the boy's entire body tense.
"Good morning." A tall man with dark glasses, a cane in one hand, and a briefcase in another walked towards the duo and shook hands at the greenette. "My name is Matt Murdock, I will be your attorney today."
"M-matt Murdo-WAITAMINNIT! YOU'RE DAREDEVIL!"
Ophelia laughed at the boy's excitement while Matt looked at him in surprise, completely caught off guard by a 14-year-old knowing who he was.
"I didn't think anybody so young would know my identity. Daredevil retired years ago." He then smiled as he heard his heart flutter.
"You have a record of not only seeking justice Underground but a wide variety of praises from people online that you helped those in need when others refused. Mutants, Quirkless, Undesirables…you sought justice on those you believe deserve a true second chance."
Matt smiled as he had already gained his trust from the record alone. "I believe second chances are well deserved depending on the circumstances."
Izuku chuckled and tears started to form along with his eyes. "Thank you."
Again the attorney nodded before going to business on the plan at hand. "According to your medical records and the Quirk Registration Agency, you are registered as Quirkless, is that correct?"
Izuku nodded. "Y-yes, I did not get my Quirk until most recently."
"Does the Defendant know?" Matt asked the serpentine and she just shook her head, a subtle smirk appearing on her face.
"From the moment we issued a hold all records were sealed, so she has no information since Monday."
"If we assume she still thinks you are Quirkless, we might use that to our advantage."
Izuku thought about what they were suggesting and he blinked in realization. "So…if we play the part that I am still Quirkless we can use it as bait, to break her facade of insanity?"
Matt nodded. "Correct, like a shock to the system in a way, an element of surprise."
"And since you can hide your wings now, it will make it more believable." Ophelia said, giving her two cents.
The greenette gave it some thought. It wouldn't technically be lying if the right questions are asked. Plus if she is playing a dirty card he would have to level the field a bit.
"I'm in."
—
The court was slowly filling in and the Bakugous were in the front row. Katsuki looked around and saw that there were some teachers from shitty Aldera, a few doctors from the hospital they were treated from, Detective Tsukauchi and Recovery Girl right behind him, as well as a few other people as witnesses and officers standing on guard in case things went south. He swallowed thickly as his mouth was being lubricated with his saliva, nervous was no longer the right word as to what he was feeling. Petrified was the better term, and he hated the feeling.
"You doing ok, Bakugou-kun?" Recovery Girl said from right behind him, causing him to jolt in surprise. "You look deathly pale, is it the nerves or did you eat anything this morning?"
"Katsuki couldn't stomach anything this morning, no matter how much I urged." Mitsuki said, now patting her son's head in assurance, he shuddered at the feeling but did not lash out. "He also did not take any pain relievers so I am sure he's in some discomfort."
"Did he take his Suppressant at least?" The elderly nurse asked sternly, and the duo nodded vigorously at her glare. She then softened her look. "I can understand the nervousness, but I would at least suggest even drinking broth." She then went inside her bag next to her and handed the boy a protein drink. "Here, don't down it right away if you are nauseous, take a few sips first then proceed from there."
Katsuki took the drink, not having the energy to fight and in a rare feat, thanked Recovery Girl. She was right, the first few sips made his stomach tighten a bit but then relaxed, grateful that there was something inside the chamber. He then wondered how the green Nerd was feeling, if he himself is a nervous wreck, hell knows Izuku would be even worse.
"All rise for the Judge, Periwinkle Frost."
Everyone stood as a petite female in black robes walked out from one door and towards her desk. Her icy-purple eyes look soft yet lethal and immediately everyone knew that even if she is small, she was not one to cross.
Once she got into position, the officer then announced the next batch. "The Plaintiff and his representatives, Izuku Midoriya, Matt Murdock, and Ophelia Serpentine."
The blonde's stomach lurched at the greenette's name and looked at another door that was being opened and the trio walked towards their desk. Izuku's face looked like he was facing a death sentence, and he hoped that the Nerd would have enough strength to push through this.
"The Defendant and her representative, Inko Midoriya and King Pin."
Another door opened and Inko came out with a lawyer that immediately showed a smugness that Katsuki hated. They are plotting something, and the boy hated not knowing what.
Once all parties arrived and stood at their desks. Judge Periwinkle decided to make her known. "May I remind you, that in this court Quirks are forbidden except for the Judge and the Attorneys if they believe it will aid in their case. If you do, you must represent your Quirk and its purpose. Do you understand?" She directed the last two at the two attorneys, giving a harder stare at King Pin.
"Yes, Your Honor." Both replied.
Judge Periwinkle then looked into her case file and started to read. "We are here regarding the negligence and abuse of Izuku Midoriya, who is testifying against his mother Inko Midoriya, citing10 years of abuse. Once we hear everything from both parties we will issue a final verdict where these allegations are true or false as well as determine if the Defendant is fit to continue raising the Plaintiff."
A few moments of silence were deafening to everyone hearing the information. She then turned to Izuku and spoke in a soft tone that almost sounded melodic. "Young Midoriya, while you are of the legal age to testify in court, I would also remind you that in any way you feel uncomfortable you may ask for a break or to be excused. We will not judge you if you do decide to go that route."
Izuku inhaled deeply, again being comforted that he had that type of escape. "Yes, thank you, Your Honor. I would gladly take the offer if the need arrives. Will it also involve some of the people in this court as well?"
Katsuki cursed silently as he knew the verdanette was referring to him, and that made him even more unnerved. What kind of evidence would need to be present if he is worried about my sanity? The blonde jolted when the Judge looked at him briefly like she had heard him or knew it was about him as well.
"If they do not need to testify at that time they are free to go to a waiting room until they are called." Judge Periwinkle said after looking back at Izuku. "While I admire your care for others, Mr. Midoriya, but at this time please put your compassion aside and focus on your safety and your safety alone."
Izuku flinched but understood. "Y-yes, Your Honor. I understand."
"You may sit down." Everyone did so, and the Judge looked at Matt. "Mr. Murdock, what are the charges?"
Mr. Murdock stood up and handed the list of charges to the Judge's officer. "The charges as follows are; Mental and Physical Abuse of a Minor, Neglect and Abandonment of a Minor, Exploitation of a Minor, Abuse with Intent to Harm a Minor, Abuse with a Dangerous and/or a Deadly Weapon, and Abuse due to a Hate Crime, all charges aim for the 1st Degree."
The officer handed the Judge the list of papers and charges, and Izuku thought he saw a brief flash of fury.
"Mr. Pin, does your Defendant have any charges or plea?"
"Of course, Your Honor." King Pin said and the velvety deep voice he produced sent a shiver down both the teen's spines. He did not sound like he cared for anything. "My client pleads Not Guilty of any wrongdoing as well as Insanity with any knowledge she had done anything wrong." He handed his own paper to the officer. He then looked at the Bakugou's, his beady eyes looking like Satan itself. "Furthermore, there are counter charges against the Bakugous for Domestic Abuse of a Minor, Encouraging Violence of a Minor, Manipulation of a Minor, as well as Mental Scarring from False Accusations."
The Bakugou's and Izuku stared at the Attorney in shock. Ophelia hissed and Murdock just snorted, not surprised one bit. Judge Periwinkle just stared at the man with an impassive glare.
