July 7
Winter Cloud Building Entrance
"You again!?" Iris and Oldbag exclaimed at one another, the latter dramatically jabbing her finger towards the former.
Oh, that's just great! Grrr... Iris thought grumpily. Just when she reached the entrance of a crime scene, another roadblock had to show itself! Did she do something wrong? Was the world really intent on her not winning this case!?
"Just when I thought getting my face pelted with tomatoes was the worst part of this day..." Oldbag grumbled. "What are you doing here, anyway?"
"Doing my job, I..." Iris paused to let out a sigh, then she glanced at her watch.
"Shit..." she muttered under her breath so her little sister couldn't hear her. It was getting close to sunset. She was running out of time.
"Pearl, is it okay if you can start investigating without me?" Iris asked. "You just have to stay and look around the entrance and the back for clues, but you can't enter the Winter Cloud Building without me, alright?"
Iris knew this was most likely the irresponsible thing to do as Pearl's new caretaker, but the clock was ticking and Pearl had shown her skills in the previous case she partook in. Besides, Pearl would only check the outside grounds of the building and Iris wouldn't be too far behind once she was done dealing with Oldbag.
Pearl's eyes beamed up as her tiny fists clenched in excitement. "I'm gonna investigate..." she whispered before puffing to her chest, giving her big sister a determined look. "I won't let you down, Big Sis!"
Pearl wasted no time and ran toward the Winter Cloud Building, fired up and ready to make her sister proud. Iris couldn't help but smile at the sight of her dear sister's enthusiasm and determination.
"Isn't that a bit too much?" Oldbag asked, raising a brow. "Asking your little sister to look for clues?"
"She might be young, Ms. Oldbag, but she has that potential in her," Iris said before giggling upon remembering her case with Morgan and Dahlia. "I might've not even won a certain case without her."
"Then you must really stink in your job if you had to rely on a 5-year-old to win a case for you."
Iris' smile morphed into a frown as she turned to Oldbag with a glare. "Firstly, my Pearl is 8. Secondly, what do you want from me? Last time I checked, you gave me clearance to investigate this place."
"Oh, I did," Oldbag said, crossing her arms. "I just happened to spot you when I got out of the ladies' room after washing my face."
Iris noticed that Oldbag's hair and the torso of her uniform were drenched, then it clicked in her mind. "Those protestors outside caused you trouble too?"
"Oh, you don't know the half of it!" Oldbag groaned. "I was just standing at the entrance, minding my own business when suddenly a bunch of nutcases barge in and make a ruckus! Back in my day, things like that-!"
"Wouldn't happen, yes," Iris added. "I know how you feel."
Oldbag eyed at the lawyer suspiciously, but Iris raised her arms to make a defensive gesture "I really do. Today has been immensely unproductive. A potential witness turned out to be uncooperative and that von Karma is preventing me from talking to my own client..."
Oldbag noticed the venomous edge that came when Iris mentioned that name. Not that she blamed her, that brat prosecutor was a maniac.
"I realized that von Karma keeping me from Ms. Viola has allowed me to investigate the Winter Cloud Building since she isn't around here anymore," Iris said. "And just when I got here..."
"Those self-righteous nutjobs showed up," Oldbag finished to her. Iris nodded in response.
"I swear if they really did block my way here..." Iris shuddered. She couldn't imagine the look of disappointment Viola would give her if she came back with no leads to prove her innocence.
"Heh, I can't help but agree with you there," Oldbag said with a chuckle. "Good thing that fine, handsome detective showed up just in time."
I wouldn't call Detective Gumshoe handsome, but yeah, Iris thought before clearing her throat a bit. "Yes, and now that I'm here, I wish to speak to you again in regards to this case."
Oldbag grumbled. "Can't you go bother someone else this time?"
"Believe me, I would love to, but I'm pressed on time and I need to talk to as many witnesses as I can. And besides," Iris said before flashing a soft smile to Oldbag, "who better to get information than someone as wise and experienced as you."
Oldbag's face blushed for a moment before returning to its usual grumpy expression. "Oh, hush you, if you think a little compliment like that's going to win me over-"
"I'll leave you alone for the rest of the day if you do."
"What do you want to ask first?"
Iris smirked slyly before taking out a notepad. "Okay..." she paused for a few seconds to skim at her written questions. "Can you give me any details in regards to the Winter Cloud Building?"
"That place? It's the oldest thing in this entire studio if I don't say so myself," Oldbag said.
"Older than you?" Iris jokingly asked, earning a harsh glare from Oldbag. "My apologies. Anyways, from what I can gather, it was where most of Crystal Crusader Rose was filmed. There must be a reason why the killer chose it as the location for their crime."
"Of course there is. That building has been around even before this studio was built. It's not really part of the Studio, but since it's so close to it, Mr. Powers and his crew decided to shoot most of the show there. It's the only place with no security cameras or anything in it to record that wretched Cadaverini murdering Poor Powers!"
Iris raised a brow at this. "Do you still believe Ms. Viola committed the crime?"
"Of course, who else could it be?" Oldbag huffed. "That wretch kept cozying up to Poor Powers, taking advantage of his kind, gullible heart!"
"Cozying up? What do you mean?"
"I mean cozying up! You know, talking nice, helping him out in difficult parts in making his show, helping him with groceries-"
"That sounds more like altruism."
"It's all lies, I tell you, whippersnapper!" Oldbag shouted. "Don't be fooled! That no-good Cadaverini killed Poor Powers, and there's no proof otherwise!"
I could tell her I'm here to find exactly that, Iris thought in amusement, but I'd be here all day if I do...
"Alright, I believe that's all the questions I have for you in regards to this case. Thank you for your time, but I must be-"
"AAAAAAHH!"
Iris paled, the warmth in her body draining when she heard that scream. "Pearl!" she called out as she ran toward the Winter Cloud Building.
. . .
July 7
Winter Cloud Building
Several minutes earlier...
Pearl Fey, Junior Attorney, wandered around the front and back of the Winter Cloud Building. Squinting her eyes and moving her palm over her head to shield them from the beating sun, Pearl scanned the area for any signs of evidence; however, despite her focus, there wasn't any to be found.
Pearl put her hand down and sighed. This was already the fourth time she scanned this area...
Still, she couldn't give up, not when her sister was counting on her. She trusted her with this task, and she won't disappoint her!
And besides, Ms. Viola-the Crystal Crusader-was counting on her! She can't give up now.
I'm gonna find it! she declared mentally. I'm gonna find it and make-Woah!
Pearl wobbled about, tripping on a concrete stair she hadn't noticed but managed to compose herself before she could fall. Afterward, Pearl looked around and saw she was at the back of the Winter Cloud Building. She could tell from the two trashcans, the dying plantlife all around her, and the blue car that was parked in this desolate location.
She saw this scene four times already. It was sad to look at then, but it was depressing since Pearl couldn't find any evidence right now.
"Maybe I'm not looking at the right place," Pearl whispered to herself, rubbing her chin. "Maybe the evidence is...close to the building rather than around."
As soon as she said that, it was then she noticed a peculiar piece of crumpled, torn-up paper lying below the concrete stairs of the building, specifically its side.
It could be just trash, Pearl thought. But the rest of the back seemed so empty, so...
Hoping for the best outcome, she knelt to pick up the paper...only for the large metallic two-way door to be suddenly open with a loud bang.
"AAAAAAHH!" Pearl screamed in shock, tumbling to the ground and clutching the paper in her hand tightly.
"Pearl!" she heard her sister call out and it didn't take long for Iris to arrive, with Oldbag not too far behind her
"Are you alright?!" she asked with concern, picking Pearl up.
"I-I'm okay, Big Sis," Pearl said. "I just got surprised by something, that's it."
Oldbag gasped for air, sweat dripping down her body as she wheezed. "Slow down next time, would you...?!"
"Y-yeah, sorry," a familiar voice said, chuckling nervously. "I didn't see you there."
Iris and Pearl turned to be greeted by Penny Nichols, who waved to the sisters awkwardly. "Hello again," she greeted them.
"Oh, Ms. Nichols, what a surprise," Iris said. "What are you doing here?"
"Oh, nothing much, just taking all of this film equipment out of the building and back to storage," Penny said, removing the drape from the large cart behind her.
Iris gaped at the large amounts of cameras, speakers, setpieces, green screens, headlights, and other heavy film props and tools organized and neatly stacked inside a large cart that Penny seemed to have no trouble pulling by herself.
"That's a lot of equipment, Ms. Nichols," Iris said, impressed.
Oldbag huffed. "That's Nichols for you...one year working here and she's suddenly a bodybuilder," she remarked snidely.
Beaming with pride, Penny outstretched her arms and made a pose, flexing her muscles, which showed an impressive set of biceps underneath her long sleeves.
Oldbag groaned at this. "You adorable little sister's safe, which I'm glad!" she gave a genuine smile, patting Pearl on the head before turning to glare at Iris. "I'm going back to work now. Good luck dealing with the lawyer, Nichols."
"Um...will do?" Penny said questioningly, slightly waving goodbye to Oldbag as the senior guard left. She then turned to Iris and Pearl. "So, uh...how's that trial going for you?"
"We managed to extend it for one day, but aside from that, we haven't gotten any results in regards to evidence on Ms. Viola's innocence," Iris said, frowning.
Penny sighed. "But...there's still a chance? For Viola to get cleared?"
"Well, yes, but we still need to find some form of evidence," To which I've been constantly denied at every turn! Iris shouted mentally.
"Hmm..." Pearl hummed in thought before flashing a kind smile to Iris and Pearl. "Maybe I can help? Answer a few things."
Iris smiled. "That would be wonderful, Ms. Nichols! That would be very helpful."
"Alright, ask away," Penny said, flashing a grin. "What do you want to know?"
"From what I heard from Ms. Oldbag, the Winter Cloud Building has no security cameras like the rest of the studio," Iris said. "Is that correct?"
Penny nodded. "Before the studio was made, the Winter Cloud Building was this big fancy hotel," Penny gestured to the inside of the building, with Iris and Penny noticing how barren and dark the location was.
"Don't be fooled by how it looks now, this place was great," Penny smiled softly as she stared into the darkness of the building.
. . .
Many years ago...
8-year-old Penny Nichols gasped in awe, her eyes wide and sparkling as she stared at the Winter Cloud Building. The large ten-story building shone brightly with the lights from the individual rooms against the snowy night sky. The lights complemented the building's large width and shining silver walls, giving it the appearance of a giant dazzling diamond.
Below the building stood a huge crowd of paparazzi, news interviewers, and many others eagerly anticipating the arrival of a celebrity who would be staying in the illustrious hotel. Penny didn't really care about it, as weird as it sounded, she just wanted to admire the Winter Cloud Building's dazzling beauty.
As young Penny gawked at the enchanting building, her ears noticed the purring of a black pristine limousine. As the fanciful vehicle parked near the red carpet set out for it and the young teen celebrity Celeste Starr stepped out, alongside a tall woman who appeared to be her mother.
Penny narrowed her eyes and stood on the bench to get a better view of the girl, who was showered by dozens of flashing cameras and adoring fans, as she and her mother quickly made their way inside the Winter Cloud Gate Building.
Lucky her, Penny thought. She gets to go inside the building.
It sounded silly for a child to obsess over a building, but Penny couldn't help it. From what she heard from classmates, the place was like a palace with lavish rooms, elegant decor, and all sorts of luxuries she and her father were too poor to afford. Not to mention the fact that the building was a place where famous people would visit to relax or stay in.
If Penny found a way to get in, would there be a chance for her to run into her hero, the Steel Samurai? He was famous and many famous people go to that building. Maybe someday, she and her dad will get enough money to go into that building. It would take a lot of work to get that money, but if it meant a chance in meeting the Steel Samurai, it'll be worth it.
"Penny!" Penny's entranced state towards the building upon hearing that voice. She turned in its direction and smiled.
"Hi, daddy," Penny said innocently.
"Sorry I left you here for too long," he said, chuckling nervously. "Work took a little longer than I thought."
"But those bad men won't come back now?" Penny asked, to which her father flinched for a moment before flashing a fake smile.
"Not today, they won't," he assured Penny, gripping the Steel Samurai jacket she wore. "Now then, why don't we go out and eat before we head home?"
Penny gasped, her eyes sparkling at the offer before a thought came into her mind. "Do we have enough money for that?"
Her father laughed. "We do, sweetheart. Always. So, what do you want to eat-?"
"Steel Samurai burgers!" Penny shouted enthusiastically, raising her arms high.
"Really, again?" her father said, jokingly shaking his head. "Don't you want something else?"
Penny huffed. "Steel Samurai burgers."
Her father threw up her arms and sighed, but his smile was still visible. "Alright, alright."
"Yay!" Penny cheered, jumping in excitement, with her father laughing heartily. Grabbing her daughter, he placed her over his shoulder and the two made their merry way to the nearest restaurant that sold Penny's beloved Samurai burgers, with Penny singing the Steel Samurai theme along the way.
. . .
"Ms. Nichols?" Iris asked, she and Penny glancing at each other in concern for the young woman who was currently standing on the same spot while looking at the dark abyss inside the building with a vacant smile.
"Um...hello, Ms. Nichols?" Iris said, snapping her fingers near Penny's ears. "Ms. Nichols!"
Penny snapped back to reality, turning to Iris. "Oh, sorry, I got a bit nostalgic there. Anyway, yeah, this place used to be a popular hotspot for celebrities who visit this city. Taylor Swift, Gordon Ramsey, Celeste...all of them stayed in this building, at least once or twice."
"Interesting," Iris said. "If that's the case, why did it close down?"
Penny paused for a moment, her face morphing into a solemn frown. "It...well..."
. . .
Years ago...
9-year-old Penny wasn't stupid. Sure, she was young, a little naive at certain things, and tended to venture into the realm of the Steel Samurai TV show for too long...but she wasn't stupid.
"It's already been three weeks, Dime," Penny heard a gruff, hostile voice from outside her bedroom. "When the fuck are ya going to pay yer loans!?"
"P-please, Mr. Tigre, I don't have the money at the moment," she heard her father's scared voice. "J-just please, if you give me more time-!"
"YA ALREADY HAD YER GODDAMN TIME!" Tigre roared out, making Pearl jump. "The Cadaverini Family are tired o' waitin'! They want the loan and we'll get it outta-!"
"Daddy...?"
Pearl regretted stepping out of her room as the man who was lifting her father by the collar of his shirt. He gave a surprised look to Penny, who froze in terror at the large orange-skinned man who was threatening her father and looming over her.
He wore a sharp orange suit with the symbol of a tiger and a dragon clashing on it, as well as sharp eyes and muscles that made him look more like a beast than a man. He stared at Penny, tilting his head as the girl look at him with absolute fear.
After a tense moment, he let Penny's father go.
"Two more weeks," Tigre growled lowly. "That's all I'm gonna give ya, Dime."
"T-thankyou...!" Penny's father sighed in relief. The man glanced at Penny, gave the girl a quick nod, and left their home. As soon as he was gone, Penny wasted no time and ran to her father's side.
"Daddy, are you okay?!" she asked.
He chuckled nervously. "I-it's fine, sweetheart. Just trouble from work is all."
He then flashed a fake smile to his daughter. "Say, isn't that Steel Samurai gonna start in a few minutes? Why don't you go watch it."
"But daddy-"
"You shouldn't miss it, sweetheart," he pressed. "Tomorrow's a school day and you still have homework to do before bed. Why don't you watch it now before getting to that?"
Penny wasn't stupid. She didn't know most of the details about what was going on, but she wasn't stupid. She knew her father was hurting. She knew he was intentionally trying to change the subject.
"Okay..." she mumbled, reluctantly going back to her room.
"I'll make some soup for you, sweetheart, how's that sound?" he added.
"S-sounds good..."
When Penny returned to her room, she grabbed her remote to turn on the small television her father had brought her on her birthday. As the Steel Samurai's theme song played bombastically, Penny raised the volume to try and drown out the thoughts of what happened earlier.
Penny wasn't stupid. She was perfectly aware of the trouble she and her father were in...and the Steel Samurai was her only escape from it.
. . .
"I..." Penny struggled to hold back tears as she clenched her fists at the memory. "This building closed down because it turned out to be used for criminal activities. Cadaverini, specifically."
"Oh," Iris' brows raised in surprise. "I'm...sorry to hear that."
"It's okay," Penny sniffed, glancing back at the darkness before turning to the large cart behind her. "I'm sorry, but I really need to get back to work now. If you need to get more clues, I think you'll find them inside the Winter Cloud Building."
She then took out a flashlight from the cart of film equipment and handed it to Iris. "This should help. We also repaired the elevator, so feel free to use it."
"Oh, thank you so much, Ms. Nichols," Iris said. "Thank you as well for letting me interview you."
"Don't mention it," Penny replied. "Just...good luck with your case."
"We will!" Pearl said enthusiastically. "We'll prove Ms. Viola didn't kill anyone it!"
Penny cringed a bit, but held on and gave a sweet smile to Pearl. She quickly made her way to her car, attaching the cart to its back. She then peered her head inside the cart to check if she had everything.
Green screen? Check.
Cameras? Check.
Microphones and other audio equipment? Check.
The shattered bloody headlight? Penny sighed in relief. Thank god that crazy prosecutor lady didn't find it...
Turning around to see Iris and Pearl entering the Winter Cloud Building, Penny quickly put the drape over the film equipment and went into her vehicle, pressing on the gas to get as far away from the Winter Cloud Building as possible.
Iris and her sister...they were good people, Penny can see that.
But I can't let them find out what really happened, Penny thought, finally letting her tears flow from her face as she drove away. Not now, not ever...
Court Record:
Evidence:
1. Iris' Attorney Badge
2. Letter of Request
3. Security Cameras
4. Will Powers' Autopsy Report
5. Crystal Crusader Dress (Costume No. 1)
6. Key Card
7. Crystal Sword
8. Torn and Tattered Crystal Crusader Costume (Costume No. 2)
9. Mysterious Letter
10. Penny's Vehicle
11. Crumpled, Ripped Up Paper
12. Cart of Film Equipment
13. Flashlight
Profiles:
1. Pearl Fey
2. Viola Cadaverini
3. Franziska von Karma
4. Detective Gumshoe
5. Will Powers
6. Wendy Oldbag
7. Celeste L. Starr/Emerald Empress
8. Penny Nichols
9. Furio Tigre