Sept. 18, 7:42 PM
Gatewater Hotel~ Viola Hall
"THE JAMMIN' NINJA!"
The gentle strumming of a guitar was echoed through the hall as a blue ninja with red markings all over his suit and a golden shuriken on his helmet made his way to the stage. Upon hearing the applause of the audience, he sat down and pressed his back against a tree, strumming a wonderful melody as woodland critters gathered around him.
"CAPTAIN SAIPAN!"
A red-clad hero with a flower-themed helmet and silver scuba gear stood high and crossed his arms, taking in the tropical sunlight before stepping on the stage to bow to the audience, who responded with applause.
"JUSTICE ACADEMY, CLASS 4-2!"
A legion of young teens clad in Power Ranger-styled suits jumped into the scene, each of them striking a pose in unison as the audience greeted them with cheers and whistles.
"And let's not forget our dear CRYSTAL CRUSADER ROSE!"
The crowd roared in applause as the titular galactic heroine descended to the stage. Her long pink hair flowed majestically as she waved her rapier around, the black and pink gems adorned on it shining brightly as the spotlight hit her. Upon her feet touching the ground, the Crystal Crusader raised her sword high and with a bold cry of justice, caused the audience to go wild in applause.
"Woohoo!" Pearl cheered from the stands, jumping up and down as she marveled at the sight of her hero. "Go get 'em, second Crusade Rose!"
"Second?" Viola said. "Why, Pearl, what's there on the stage is the genuine Crystal Crusader Rose...hee...hee...hee..."
Pearl huffed. "No, she isn't! She's just Celeste taking up your name! You'll always be Crystal Crusader Rose to me, Ms. Viola."
Viola genuinely smiled at that, touched by her young fan's words. "Why, thank you, Pearl...I really appreciate that..."
Pearl smiled and nodded in response. "Still, I really hope Miss Celeste wins for you! Go! Go! Go!"
Iris giggled affectionately, loving the sight of her little sister's enthusiasm. "It was nice of you to invite me, my sister, and my cousin to this event, Ms. Viola."
"Think nothing of it...hee...hee...hee..." Viola chuckled ominously, contrasting with her soft and friendly features. "It's my way of thanking you for all the help you've given me..."
"It was my pleasure," Iris replied with a smile. Really it was. After all that Viola had to go through, from her identity as a Cadaverini to the public wanting to cancel her just for her family ties, it looked like the poor woman's career was ruined beyond repair. Mad parents wanted her off the Crystal Crusader role, many were still suspicious of her even if she was cleared of her murder charge, and the executives at Global Studios even considered blacklisting her from show business entirely. Fortunately for Viola, Iris took it upon herself to help her further, fighting tooth and nail to ensure that she would have her new life as an actress intact.
It was a tough battle that lasted for a month, especially given that Franziska von Karma played the prosecutor in it (Iris has the scars to prove it), but she had managed to save Viola's career. She was still able to perform as an actress for Global Studios, however, at the cost that she was no longer able to play Crystal Crusader Rose.
Viola and Pearl especially were devastated, but eventually came to accept it. Viola was relieved she was still able to continue her acting career and Pearl had come to accept Celeste L. Starr as the second Crystal Crusader Rose. She knew Viola would always be the heroine, no matter what anyone said.
Now that the whole Cadaverini fiasco was resolved, Viola decided to thank Iris and Pearl by inviting them to the Hero of Heroes Grand Prix, an annual contest between various TV superheroes to determine who was this year's best. Knowing Maya was a huge fan of these shows, Iris knew she had to take her to this event.
"I guess Crystal Crusader Rose is alright," Maya sighed before munching on a chicken leg from the food table. "I still wished the Samurai was here..."
"What!?" Pearl exclaimed, feeling betrayed. "Mystic Maya, how could you!? Crystal Crusader Rose is the best hero there is!"
Maya scoffed. "Seriously!? Pearly, there's no way anyone can top the Steel Samurai and his successor Nickel Samurai! I'm sorry, but Rose doesn't even come close!"
"Oh, yeah-!"
"Girls, shush!" Iris interrupted. "They're about to announce the winner!"
"Hahaha! Now! The moment you've all been waiting for! Who will be this year's Grand Prix Champion? Who will be our "Hero of Heroes"!? the announcer shouted, the audience cheering as the image of the moon appeared on the stage. The announcer laughed heartily as the heroes motioned to the stage, each striking another pose as the stage lights centered on them.
"Will it be last year's runner-up, Jammin' Ninja!? Or maybe Captain Saipan all the way from the lovely tropical island of Saipan!? I see the students of a Justice Academy are raring to win! Or will last year's champion Crystal Crusader Rose take home another prize?! We hope lady luck is with all our heroes tonight! And now! The winner of the third annual Hero of Heroes Grand Prix..." the announcer paused to gesture to the Jammin' Ninja. The aforementioned hero stepped forward, excitement in his eyes as he was ready to accept the reward.
"IS ME!" a voice cried out, the heroes turning to each other in confusion. Suddenly, the image of the moon was sliced in two before a figure suddenly jumped onto the stage, a familiar theme suddenly playing.
"I-It's the Steel Samurai theme!" Maya cheered, jumping in excitement while Pearl looked on in dread.
The other heroes looked in awe, while the Jammin' Ninja glared in frustration, as all the spotlights turned to this new figure, revealing a younger version of the old hero Steel Samurai, this time clad in blue robes with the tidal wave designs. His red shoulder armor shone brightly as this new hero raised his naginata, spinning it wildly before striking his iconic pose, causing the entire audience to explode in applause.
"Whoooooooooa!" the announcer laughed. "The true hero of the night has appeared in our midst! It looks like this year's Grand Prix goes to this fantastic warrior! The Nickel Samurai! Too bad, Jammin' Ninja. Looks like the title eluded you again this year!"
"Yes!" / "No!" Maya and Pearl cried out respectively, the former jumping for joy while the other dropped her head and pressed her palms against her face in disappointment.
"You see that, Iris!? Nickel Samurai won! He did it! Woohoo!" Maya shouted, punching the air before jabbing her finger at Pearl. "In your face, Pearly! Woohoo!"
"You're just lucky that he won this year!" Pearl huffed, crossing her arms. "Crystal Crusader Rose will win next year, for sure!"
"Oh, you too," Iris sighed, shaking her head in exasperation.
"I don't mind the Nickel Samurai winning..." Viola said. "I'm really happy since he's doing Don Powers' samurai series justice...hee...hee...hee..."
"Crystal Crusader Rose is ten times better than any of your Samurai will be!" Pearl shouted at Maya, who gasped.
"Girls..." Iris tried to say but their bickering cut her off. She sighed.
"Drink, miss?" a bellboy offered, holding up an alluring glass of grape juice. "I can tell you need it."
Iris chuckled. "Why, yes. Yes, I do," she said, taking the glass before sipping it. The taste was so sublime. A sip turned into a gulp and before she even knew it, she was drinking down every last drop of the juice. "Thank you."
"Any time," the bellboy said, taking the glass from Iris before leaving.
"How are you even so sure of that!?" Maya shouted back. "Do you even watch the Samurai series!?"
"No, I don't need to! I only need to watch Crystal Crusader Rose and the Educational Channel's "Kids' Masterpiece Theatre! Everything else aside from those, I don't need to watch!" Pearl declared, sticking her tongue out.
Maya growled. "OK, that's it! From now on, it's The Nickel Samurai you're watching! All the kids watch it!"
"Not this kid!" Pearl retorted. "Big Sis Iris doesn't watch it either!"
"Iris is an old fart, so she's not allowed to watch it anymore!" Maya shouted.
"I'm not that old," Iris chimed in, narrowing her eyes at Maya. "I still enjoy Kids' Masterpiece Theatre."
"Aw, I didn't know you were so young at heart, Iris!" Maya said, smiling.
"Big Sis, you're a grown-up! You're too old for that show!" Pearl scolded. "You're not allowed to watch it anymore! You're supposed to act your age and have interests that match...It's very important."
"But...but...!" Iris tried to protest, but didn't have the heart to scold her little sister.
"Aw, give it a rest, Pearly!" Maya giggled.
"Hee...hee...hee...looks like I made the right choice inviting you and your family..." Viola said, smiling warmly. "I'm glad you're all having a good time..."
"NICKEL SAMURAI!" a voice shouted angrily, making everyone turn their heads to the stage to see the Jammin' Ninja marching toward the Nickel Samurai, wielding his signature guitar like a weapon.
Viola looked tense for a moment as the Ninja went up the Samurai, raising his guitar high...before playing a congratulatory tune to his rival. He then extended a friendly handshake to the Nickel Samurai, who accepted it.
"You see that!?" the announcer shouted. "The Jammin' Ninja congratulated his rival's victory! Now, isn't that a sight to behold!?"
"Oh, man, that brings tears to my eyes!" Maya shouted, crying profusely while holding two chicken legs.
Viola sighed in relief. "He's taking it well. That's a relief..."
"What do you mean by that?" Iris asked, tilting her head.
"The Jammin' Ninja was lost to Crystal Crusader Rose last year. He didn't take it well...hee...hee...hee..." Viola said, chuckling nervously as she remembered seeing the Jammin' Ninja smash his guitar in a fit of rage during last year's Grand Prix. "With how popular his show has gotten, I honestly thought this year was his. It's good he's taking it well, considering who he lost too..."
"It was strange that he didn't carry his bright red guitar," Maya pointed out, to which Viola perked up.
"Yes, you're right...hmm...I wonder why he didn't bring his signature instrument...?"
I will never understand these TV shows, Iris thought with an exasperated sigh.
"H-Hey!"
Iris blinked at the sound of a familiar voice.
"Hey! I wanna take a pic!" the voice shouted as Iris turned to see a pair of hands holding up a camera, frantically taking pictures of the Nickel Samurai and Jammin' Ninja's handshake.
Iris walked forward, politely moving past some of the journalists and newspeople there. Her eyes widen in surprise to see a redheaded ditz she knew all too well...
"Ini!?"
. . .
Sept. 18
Gatewater Hotel~ Hallway
"It's, like, a surprise to see you here, Iris!" Ini said. "And you brought Pearly, Maya, and...wait, aren't you, like, the Cadaverini girl that Iris defended in court?"
Viola paused for a moment before nodding. Ini giggled.
"Hey, she defended me and Maya in court too!" Ini giggled, spreading her arms wide. "Frame-up buddies!"
Before Viola and Maya could react, they were suddenly pulled into an affectionate hug by Ini. Maya blushed while Viola chuckled in amusement.
"Alright, Ini, that's enough," Iris said, causing Ini to let them go. "What are you doing here anyway?"
"If you wanna know, I, like, takes pictures for this magazine sometimes," Ini answered, holding up her camera.
"Magazines?" Iris asked, raising a brow.
Ini giggled vapidly. "Well, I, like, gotta pay my tuition fees somehow! Teehee! Plus, it's, like, a really fun job. I get to, like, document supernatural events and showbiz news for everyone's favorite magazine!"
She then handed a magazine to Iris, who accept and began to observe its contents.
"Gossip Land magazine?" Iris mumbled to herself, flipping the pages, only to blush at a...revealing sight. "Oh, my...!"
"Hey, what's that?" Maya asked, leaning closer and her eyes sparkling in interest at the sight. "Oh, my gosh!"
"The woman in this picture is dressed rather scantily," Pearl said, causing Iris to gawk at her.
"W-what...Pearl, don't look!" Iris exclaimed, raising the magazine high.
"But I want to!" Pearl said with a pout. Maya shared her statement.
Iris then pressed the magazine on Ini's chest, giving it back to the ditzy woman.
"Hmm...I take it you're here for the post-ceremony, Ms. Miney?" Viola asked.
"Oh, Ms. Miney's my mother's name," Ini said. "And yep, that's what I'm, like, here for?"
"What's that?" Iris asked.
"The winner always does a post-ceremony stage show every Grand Prix," Viola answered. "Apparently, the Nickel Samurai is planning to confess something."
Iris raised a brow. "A confession? Sounds serious."
"I know, right!? I, like, totally get something juicy for the magazine with it!" Ini said, excitedly. "Oh, I'm just getting pumped thinking about it!"
"ARGH! Come on, Iris! We gotta get to the ceremony show now!" Maya shouted, caught up by the hype. "You don't want us to be the last ones there, do you!?"
"Mystic Maya, the show won't start for another 20 minutes..." Iris sighed.
"Still, I hope you remembered to bring the tickets I gave you for it...hee...hee...hee..." Viola said, to which Iris, Pearl, and Maya showed their tickets in response.
"I'll, like, join up with you later," Ini said. "I still got some, like, photos to take someplace else. I hope you have fun, Iris!"
"Thanks, Ini," Iris said. "I can tell this will be a fun day, I'm sure of it."
. . .
Sept. 18, 20 minutes later...
Gatewater Hotel~ Hotel Lobby
Iris, Maya, Pearl, and Viola entered the hall and saw that everyone was quiet, patiently waiting for the show to start. Many reporters and cameramen were itching to capture not only the ceremony but also the confession that was about to happen.
"Ugh..." Iris groaned, clutching her stomach.
"Are you okay, Big Sis?" Pearl asked, concerned.
"Oh, I'm fine, Pearl," Iris said. "I think I might've eaten too much food there..."
"I'm so pumped!" Maya said. "I wonder if he's going to show off his special move today? Nickel Samurai Smelting!"
"Actually, I'm more invested in the confession he's about to do," Viola said.
Maya tilted her head. "Oh, you don't know anything about it, Ms. Viola?"
"No, all I've heard is that he'll hold a press conference in his Nickel Samurai persona."
"Oooh!" Maya's eyes sparkled, raising her fists slightly in excitement.
That'd make for a weird press conference, Iris thought, rolling her eyes.
"Your attention please," a voice from the PA system announced. "The Nickel Samurai's Post-Ceremony Stage Show will not be held tonight due to unforeseen circumstances."
"WHAAAT!?" Maya exclaimed. "WHYYYY!?"
Iris shrugged. "Something must've happened."
"We are asking for everyone's cooperation at this time. So please stay where you are," the voice continued. "This is a special request from the police."
Pearl gasped.
"Police?!" Iris said. "Now what could they be doing here?"
"Perhaps we should check it out...?" Viola suggested.
"Yes, let's," Iris said, joining Viola, only for a strange figure in a blue space suit and fishbowl head. On the figure's hand was a toy laser gun and they pointed it at Iris, pressing the trigger as if trying to shoot her down.
"Freeze!" an all too familiar voice barked from the figure. "Didn't you hear the announcement just now!? It just finished telling you not to move! Honestly, youth these days can't be bothered to listen to other people when they talk! Just the other day it was the same thing! There was a small footbridge with a sign next to it that said, "Beware, Bridge Out!" And along comes a snot-nosed little punk kid right up to-!"
"Wait...that non-stop chatter..." Iris rubbed her chin in thought before reeling back in horror after realizing who it is. "M-Ms. Oldbag!"
There was a pause before the figure reached up to remove her fishbowl helmet, revealing the wrinkly, angry face of Wendy Oldbag.
What is it, you young whipper-snappers!? Do I know you!? ...Wait," she narrowed her eyes before giving a harsh glare at Iris. "YOU! You're that no good attorney that kept bothering me, aren't you!?"
"Y-yes, but...what are you even doing here!?"
"I'm a member of security, whippersnapper! Can't you see with my outfit!?"
"But that outfit..." Maya was about to say but squeaked in fear at Oldbag's glare.
"Annoying, noisy brats! Eat blaster!" the old security guard shouted, pointing her toy laser gun at them, making a 'rata-tat-tat-tat-tat' noise.
"Didn't you have a position at Global Studios?" Iris asked.
"Oh, that old place? Well, since "that" incident, they've been letting people go. When they cut the security team, I got the pink slip."
Iris raised a brow. "And what did you do?"
"Nothing, you young'un!" Oldbag hissed, glaring at Iris. "Don't you remember? That incident a month ago... When this lady got on the witness stand and testified."
"I can hardly forget," Iris responded dryly.
"And you! Bullying me at that time; this fragile girl at heart!?" Oldbag shouted, now pointing her gun at Iris. "At first, I thought I may have rubbed the upper management the wrong way by testifying...but then I saw you! Yes! I'm stuck with this hotel security job and it's all your fault!"
Iris sighed, massaging the temples of her forehead. "Ms. Oldbag, we have no time for this. Can't we just-" she paused, feeling her stomach ache again, but Oldbag got what she was trying to say.
"NO!" Oldbag barked. "You heard what the voice said!? The police wanted you to stay put, so you stay put!"
"But-!"
"NO BUTS!" 'rata-tat-tat-tat-tat'.
Iris sighed in defeat. Seeing this, Viola decided to step forward. "My, it's nice seeing you again, Ms. Oldbag...hee...hee...hee..."
Oldbag suddenly perked up, her scowl replaced with a delightful smile. "Oh, Ms. Viola, it's wonderful to see you here! I'm so relieved that you're alright after what you've been through! When you were arrested for murder, I just knew you couldn't have done it!"
"...What?" Iris blurted out. "Didn't you tell the court that Ms. Vio-"
Viola glanced at Iris to stay quiet. "I'm so glad you had such a strong faith in me. I didn't think anyone would still believe in me that day...hee...hee...hee..."
"Well, just to let you know I never lost faith in you! I even defended you when you were in court!"
"But you testified against-" Iris was cut off by Viola's glance again.
"It's a shame that Global Studios had to fire you," Viola said. "The place doesn't seem as safe without you there."
Oldbag huffed. "Well, I told those fat bigwigs at upper management that they were making a mistake giving me the pink slip, but they didn't listen to me! Those ungrateful snobs don't remember how much I did for them! Like, there was one time a group of robbers barged in with machine guns! You wanna know what I did? I-!"
Iris, Pearl, and Maya stood there dumbfounded as Oldbag ranted and raved, too fast for them to comprehend. As Oldbag went on, Viola glanced toward Iris and her family then gestured for them to head to the exit. Understanding what she meant, Iris, Maya, and Pearl quickly left the scene while Oldbag was distracted.
. . .
Sept. 18
Gatewater Hotel~ Hallway
"Whew...that Oldbag lady sure is hard to deal with," Maya remarked with a sigh.
"You have no idea," Iris chuckled before clutching her stomach in pain.
"Big Sis, what's happening with you?" Pearl asked, concerned.
"I...I think I might have eaten too much back at the Viola Hall," Iris said with a groan. "I...I might need to go to the bathroom first..."
"Ms. Maya Fey. Excuse me, Ms. Maya Fey," the voice from the PA System said. "You have a phone call at the front desk."
I wonder who could that be, Maya thought before turning to Iris. "I should go, but I can't just-"
"I-It's okay, Mystic Maya," Iris assured her despite looking a bit sickly. "I-I'll take care of it, don't worry. Just go answer who's calling you...
Maya looked hesitant for a second before nodding. "Alright. I'll see you later back at the lobby."
Iris and Pearl waved goodbye as Maya took off. Almost immediately once she was gone, Iris felt her stomach ache even harder, as if something was twisting her insides. She knelt to the floor, groaning even louder as sweat dripped down her forehead.
"B-Big Sis!" Pearl cried out, grabbing her sister should she fall. "P-Please stay with me!"
"R-restroom...!" Iris pleaded, pointing at the restroom in front of them. Helping her big sister up, Pearl quickly guiding her to the restroom; walking past two doors, one with two flowers on the sides and another decorated with bouquets and teddy bears.
"T-Thank you, Pearl..." Iris said weakly. "P-please stay here..."
"But shouldn't I help you?" Pearl asked in protest.
"Y-you already did, but I want to handle the rest," Iris said. "W-what if whatever I'm having is contagious? I want you to stay safe, Pearl."
"But...!"
"Pearl, please..." Iris added, gently pressing her palms to her sister's cheeks. "If anything happened to you, I'll never forgive myself. So please, stay here and wait for me to come out."
Pearl hesitated for a moment before nodding. Iris flashed her little sister a thankful smirk before dashing into the restroom. Feeling a sudden urge to hurl, Iris rushed to the first stall but found it locked. She then went to the extend, opened it, and dove inside, slamming the door shut. The figure who sat on the toilet of the first stall glance down and saw Iris' kneeling legs as the sound of hurling was audible.
Good, they thought before standing up and leaving the stall.
. . .
"I hope Big Sis will be alright," Pearl mumbled to herself, twiddling her thumbs as she waited for Iris. She then perked up at the sound of heels clicking against the tile floor of the bathroom. Turning, she was relieved to see that Iris had stepped out, looking completely fine.
"Oh, Big Sis!" Pearl said happily. "I hope you're alright now. You really came out of the bathroom fast."
"It was nothing to worry about, Pearl," Iris said in a strange tone that Pearl took note of. "Everything's alright now..."
Pearl paused for a moment before her sister extended her hand. "Shall we go now?" Iris asked.
Pearl couldn't help but feel concerned. The woman in front of her...sounded like Iris. She even looked and spoke like her. So why was there something wrong?
"A-are you okay, Big Sis...?" Pearl asked, her voice faltering. As she looked up to her supposed sister's eyes, she gasped in horror at the ghostly, soulless gaze that met her. "Y-you're not-! Mmmmphhhmppph!"
Pearl struggled to fight against the woman who wore her sister's face as the latter grabbed her and covered her mouth with a strange smelling handkerchief. As Pearl continued to free herself from the woman's grip, she could feel her senses and body going weaker and weaker. Her sight got blurrier the more she inhaled the vile odor until soon enough, she could no longer keep herself awake as the mysterious figure walked away from the bathroom with no one to stop her.
. . .
. . .
. . .
"Whew! I'm sorry it took so long!" Iris said as she stepped out of the restroom. "Turns out the juice I drank really messed with my stomach, but I'm feeling fine-Pearl?"
Iris froze. She looked around her surroundings. "Pearl? Pearl, where are you? Pearl...?"
Court Record:
Evidence:
1. Iris' Attorney Badge
2. Magatama
3. The Nickel Samurai
4. Press Conference Ticket
Profiles:
1. Pearl Fey
2. Maya Fey
3. Viola Cadaverini
4. Ini Miney
5. Wendy Oldbag
Author's Note: And the 1st part of this new case is done! What do you guys think? It took me a good while to make this but it was all worth it. I hope you guys like some of the changes I added and for fun, I decided to replace Shelley with a character from the games. Can you guess who he is? If so, I hope you like his inclusion. Please, tell me your thoughts on this case, and please let me know your thoughts on it through the reviews. I hope you enjoy what comes next!
Furthermore, I have a friend who recently made an adaptation of the first case of my fic! Please, check out his YouTube Channel titled AceDemoMuse76.
It's really great. Thank you so much and I hope you all have a great new year.