"What do you mean I can't have it!?"
"This is Khura'in property. It must go back where it belongs." The man in a black suit grabs the small golden butterfly statue.
"Stop! It was from my father!" The man wearing a tuxedo grabs the statue.
"L-Let go! I will call the cops!" They struggle trying to get the statue. They both slip, causing the man in the black suit to hit his head on the desk and start bleeding.
"O-Oh nonono. What have I done?" The man in the tuxedo panics, when the phone starts ringing. He jumps from the sound. It goes to voice-mail.
"Hey pops! I'm heading over to your place in five minutes. Hope you have the surprise ready for when I get there. See ya!" It's a young man on the line.
"Shit! I have to do something!" The man looks over the body. "I can't go to jail. Not now."
December 1 11:49 a.m. Defendant Lobby No.4
Violet suit? Check. Badge? Check. Book? Huh? Where is it? I scramble through my bag and it's not there! Don't tell me I left back at the office!?
"Looking for this?" Oh! My boss arrives with my composition notebook!
"Thank you, boss! I can't work without this." I grab my personal book and put it in my brown satchel bag.
"I know you're excited for your first trial, but try not to leave anything important behind." He gives me a stern expression.
"It won't happen again, boss. By the way, you're looking dashing today as always!" I salute him.
My name is Locke Smith. I may not look like it, but just yesterday I became a defense attorney and now I'm on my first trial! That handsome fellow in the red suit is my boss. His name is Apollo Justice. I wish I had a cool name like his. And those cool horns on his head! He also has a space looking jacket over his shoulders. He said it is his good luck charm. Something about his best friend watching over him. I bet he was cool too.
"Earth to Locke, you're spacing out again." He breaks my inner monologue.
"Sorry. I get distracted easily." I nervously scratch my cheek.
"That's why I'm here. By the way, where's the client?"
"Now that you mention it, I haven't seen him since I got here."
"I see." He casts his gaze down. "I don't blame him. This must be hard for him." Yeah. He must be in so much pain right now.
"...Hey." Hm? That voice. I turn to face Ahlbi. Our client. I see he has come out of school with his white formal uniform. He holds his satchel tightly to his chest. I guess there are some habits that never go away.
"Hello, Ahlbi. I'm sorry for your loss. But do not worry! We're here to help you prove you didn't do it!" I try to encourage him. He becomes less tense.
"...Right." He's still a little down.
Boss approaches him. "It's okay to feel that way, but I'm sure he would want you to keep your head high." God. He's so cool! "You know what I do when I feel sad? I shout I'm fine! Try it?"
"...I-I'm fine." He struggles to say it. Then he inhales. "I'M FINE!" He shouts at the top of his lungs.
"Damn right! YOU'RE FINE!" I join in on the noise. The guards are giving us weird looks as if we're crazy. Well too bad!
"Thank you. I feel a bit better." There's that smile I know from my bro.
The bailiff walks towards us. "The court is about to begin. Please step inside." They inform us before leaving.
"That's our cue. I'll meet you inside." My boss says as he makes his way inside.
I pat Ahlbi's shoulder. "Don't worry. We won't let the bastard get away with this." I give him a thumbs up. He nods and we both head to the courtroom.
December 1 12:00 p.m. High Court of Khura'in
The gallery is buzzing with chatter.
Locke: Woah. We got a full house today. I guess they're all here to see a hero in action!
Apollo: I highly doubt that. *Sweats nervously* Although, it is uncomfortable with everyone staring at me.
Gallery: *Gasp* That's the legendary horned lawyer that took down the queen and her army!
Locke: *Grin* You were saying?
Apollo:...Shut up.
On the prosecution stand is Gaspen Payne in his golden suit. He's wearing a long raven haired wig.
Payne: *Adjusts glasses* Hmph. I was hoping you were going to be my main opponent today. One day, I will have my revenge for the embarrassment you and that damn blue attorney has caused me! *Smirk* But defeating your pupil will have to do.
Locke: This guy seems a bit too cocky for a loser.
Apollo: Do not underestimate your opponent. I went up against his brother on my first trial and I needed help to win. Be careful, I heard this one is more shifty.
Judge: *Smack* The court will now be in session. It has been awhile since I've seen both of you in court.
Apollo: *Glares at Payne*...
Payne: *Glares at Apollo*...
Locke: *Sweats nervously* Um…The defense is ready, Your Honor.
Judge: Oh? I didn't notice you. Who might you be?
Locke: (Ouch. I know who the real stars are, but you don't gotta do me dirty like that.) *Grin* I'm Locke Smith! And I'll be the main attorney of this case!
Judge: Really? *Mumbles* I was hoping for Apollo.
Locke: What was that last part?
Judge: N-Nothing! I was just wondering why the Hero of Khura'in is not the main defense.
Apollo: If you don't mind, Your Honor, I would like to be treated like any other person. I'm just the assistant.
Judge: *Nod* I see. I'd like to remind everyone that this is a court of law and not a theater for your entertainment.
Locke: (I got this feeling he's probably saying that to himself.)
Judge: Let us proceed with the trial. Prosecution, your opening statement.
Payne: With pleasure. *Pulls out file* The victim's name is Vic Thyma. He was an archeologist of Khura'in collecting artifacts back to this glorious land. *Plays his hair* A true patriot of the state! However, such a wonderful person had to sadly depart early to the Twilight Realm. Due to being struck on the head by a blunt weapon and bleeding to death. Here's the autopsy report.
Autopsy Report has been added to the Court Record.
Apollo: Whenever a new evidence gets submitted, it goes to the Court Record. Always analyze every inch as soon as you can.
Locke: Right! (Now to take a look at the report. It says that he died at 2:12 p.m. The trauma caused him to go unconscious.)
Payne: I also have the murder weapon. *Pulls out the statue* This golden butterfly statue is the object that robbed the man's life. As you can see, there's blood at the base. It also has fingerprints.
Locke: Fingerprints?
Payne: Yes. *Smirk* And one of them belongs to none other than the accused.
Locke: *Recoils in surprise* W-What!?
Judge: The court will accept this new evidence.
Golden Statue has been added to the Court Record.
Locke: (Greeeeeat. It's only just begun and everything is stacked against me already.)
Apollo: Did you notice what he said? One of his prints is there, which means there are others on it.
Locke: That's right! Prosecution, who do the other fingerprints belong to?
Payne: I see no relation, but since you asked nicely, I'll fill you in.
Locke: (Thank you for stepping down your high horse for us mere mortals.)
Payne: One of them belongs to the victim and the other is from the current owner of the item.
Locke: Then there's a cha-
Objection!
Gaspen: *Smirk* Hmph. So quick to point your finger at anyone, like a desperate lawyer. I see you've learned that much.
Apollo: Let me guess. The owner is the witness, correct?
Gaspen: Bravo! Your horns are sharper than ever.
Locke: His smugness is really irritating.
Apollo: Guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
Gaspen: I will now summon the witness to the stand.
A man in a tuxedo walks to the stand. He is currently applying make up on his cheeks.
Gaspen: State your name and occupation, witness.
Joe: *Pockets items* Repeat after me. Buenos días!
Gallery: Buenos días!
Joe: Buenos dias!
Judge: Buenos dias!
Joe: Buenos diAAAS!
Gaspen: Buenos diAAAS!
Joe: Buenos dias!
Apollo/Locke:...
Joe: OOYEEEEE! Esto 'ta bueno!
Gallery: Bien bueno!
Joe: Bien bueno, señoras y señores! Mi nombre es Joseph Loize! Él instructor español de Khura'in!
The courtroom cheers for him.
Joe: *Claps* Jajaja! Muy bien! A+ to everyone who participated. F's for the rest. Remember that there's no shame in making mistakes. *Smirk* That's part of learning, after all.
Apollo: I don't remember signing up for a Spanish class.
Hold it!
Locke: *Smacks desk* Witness! Stop distracting us with your suave and sexy voice! This is a courtroom, not a damn courtyard!
Judge: Defense! Control yourself!
Locke: Eeek!
Judge: While I understand your reasoning, it is my job to moderate the procedure. Understand?
Locke: C-Crystal, Your Honor. (Am I the only one taking this seriously?)
Joe: Now now, he is correct. *Fixes bowtie* I am ready to give my testimony.
Witness Testimony: Joe's Shmoe's
"I was in my office doing the usual paperwork, when Vic stopped by. He said the golden statue had to be confiscated. We talked over the procedure and examination of the artifact if it's actually Khura'in property. I had to make an important call and excuse myself. I was outside when I noticed the boy go inside the building. Once I was done, I went back and saw the gruesome scene."
Judge: I see. The defense may now proceed with the cross-examination.
Apollo: This is it. The moment to find the truth by exposing their lies. Do you need an explanation of how it works?
Locke: (Do I need the help?) That won't be necessary. I've read everything and seen how the procedure works.
Apollo: You might want to press for more information. My bracelet hasn't reacted to any of the statements.
Locke: Right!
Cross-examination
"Once I was done, I went back and saw the gruesome scene."
Hold it!
Locke: Can you describe the gruesome scene for us?
Joe: Why describe it, when I can show you. *Pulls out photo* I took a picture immediately of the boy committing the act.
The image shows Ahlbi looking at the camera with a surprised expression. He's holding the statue while on top of the body.
Locke: *Recoils in surprise* T-This is WHAAAT!?
The gallery talks amongst each other.
Payne: *Smirk* Hehehe! I was about to submit it, but our maestro did it for me.
Judge: This is important evidence. The court will accept it.
Joe's Photo has been added to the Court Record.
Locke: This is bad. Extremely bad! Tell me you sensed something out of him!
Apollo:...He's careful with his wording. Keep pressing him until he slips.
Joe: And with that, I will not say anything further.
Locke: Hold on. We're still trying t-
Objection!
Payne: I'm sorry to burst your bubble. But the witness has the right to remain silent.
Locke: That can't be!
Apollo: *Smacks desk* Dammit. So this was their plan.
Locke: Huh?
Apollo: They know about my ability and are trying to say nothing to prevent that.
Locke: Then what are we going to do? I can't find any holes!
Payne: What's wrong? Having a hard time trying to see the problem? Fufufu!
Locke: Rrrgh!
Judge: If the defense has no objections, I'll have to give a verdict.
Objection!
Locke: There! I have a problem with his statement!
Judge: And what is the problem?
Payne: Don't bother, Your Honor. It's clear he's grasping at straws.
Locke: (I have to find something, ANYTHING that proves he didn't do it!)
Locke fiddles with the statue.
Joe: Hey! Careful wit-
By just slightly touching it, Locke snaps the wings off.
Joe: Qué estás haciendo!? That's a valuable treasure!
Locke: I-I'm sorry! I barely put any force on it. (...Wait a minute? Something's not adding up.)
Payne: Having no respect for the culture. Truly a disrespectful lawyer.
Judge: This defense has shown nothing but disrespect since we've started.
Locke is too focused on analyzing the photo to notice.
Joe: I will sue you for everything your worth once this is over. You hear me! Lawyers like you need to be put behind bars.
The gallery is still making noise.
Locke: *Smacks desk* EVERYONE! BE QUIET!
Judge: How dar-
Locke: Just give me 10 seconds of silence to think!
Apollo: *Sweats nervously*...Let's give him a bit of space.
Judge: Such rudeness. Fine. If by 10 seconds you haven't proved anything, I will give my verdict immediately.
Locke: (All right. I have to think quickly. Just breathe and conjure up the scene.)
Mind Palace
Locke conjures up the crime scene perfectly. He is standing next to the corpse.
Locke: Let's see. All this time we've been focusing on the statue. But that's not true because…
The statue is fragile
Locke: That's right. The base was sturdy, but used as a weapon would've definitely damaged the butterfly. Now another problem arises, the state of the office clearly suggests that…
There was a fight
Locke: Based on the books scattered on the floor, there was a fight before the murder. Or it could be that he's that messy, but that seems unlikely due to how much he cares about these items. Now another thing. What is the true murder weapon? Based on the description, there should be something in the room that fits that description. And that would be…
He hit his head on the table
Got it!
Locke: *Smacks desk* Witness! I'm accusing you for the murder of the victim!
Payne: What
Apollo: -did
Joe: -you
Judge: -sayyyyyyyy!?
The gallery goes wild.
Apollo: Hey hey. This is something you should talk about me before making wild claims like that.
Objection!
Payne: The lawyer has gone insane, Your Honor.
Locke: *Shakes head* Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm clear in the head. *Smirk* What's wrong? Afraid you might say or do something that might reveal your lies?
Joe:...Ugh!
Locke: You can try and keep your mouth shut, but I'll reveal the true events of your crime!
Judge: Don't keep us in suspense! How did it go down?
Locke: *Pulls out photo* In this photo, the office clearly shows a sign of a fight. Which seems a bit odd, since you claimed you were only discussing.
Objection!
Payne: It's clear that the defendant was having a fight before he killed him.
Objection!
Locke: No offense to my client, but are you suggesting that a man of the state was overpowered by a teenager?
Payne: *Sweats nervously* W-Well, I mean-
Locke: I'll tell you what happened. The victim and Joe did more than just talk and fought one another for the artifact! Which led to the victim hitting his head on the table!
Joe: ! How!?
Gotcha!
Apollo: Seems you weren't expecting the reveal with how you fiddle around your wrist. Are you perhaps hiding an injury from the conflict?
Joe: *Massages wrist* Rrrrgh!
Locke: If there's traces of blood on the edge of the table, *Points dramatically* then it could've been no else but you!
Joe: N-No…no entienden que eso es…MIIIIIIIIIIIOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Silence hovers the courtroom as everyone is trying to sink everything in.
Joe: *Sobs* It was an accident. I just didn't want them to take away my only memory of the father. I-I lost him during the damn revolution you lawyers caused!
Locke:...I understand.
Joe: How could you possibly understand!?
Locke: Because I too lost my dad in the conflict. Regardless of that, you've robbed a boy from his. Now you have to live with that burden for the rest of your life.
Joe:...*Sobs* Lo siento. Lo siento muchoooo!
The bailiff detains the witness and leaves with him.
Judge: The tragic truth has been revealed. Impressive work…
Locke: Locke Smith, Your Honor.
Judge: Of course. You may be extremely rude, but I can see now your heart is in the right place. Especially with how you pieced the events with very little evidence.
Locke: Thank you! *Smile and blush* People tell me I have an impressive active imagination.
Payne: Urgh! I've lost once again. *Recoils in surprise* Why does this keep happeniiiiiiiiing!?
Payne's wig slips from his head. Revealing his shiny dome for everyone to witness.
Judge: I will now give my final verdict. Defendant, please come to the stand.
Ahlbi goes up to the stand.
Judge: This court finds the defendant…
Not Guilty
Confetti showers the courtroom as the gallery cheers.
Judge: The court is now adjourned. *Smack*
December 1 1:02 p.m. Defendant Lobby No.4
WOOOOOOHOOOOOO! We did it! My first win! I need to write this down! I pull out my composition notebook.
"Impressive work out there." Boss approaches me.
"Thank you, boss! I honestly couldn't have done it without you by my side." I salute him.
"Really? From my perspective, I barely did anything."
"Oh don't be that way! I'm still a bit confused as to why Rayfa didn't come and do her magical water vision dance. That could've helped us today."
Boss is looking at me with a funny expression. "You do know she's been gone to a neighboring country for a month, right? There was even a giant party thrown for her departure."
"O-Oh. I forgot." Must've been studying real hard for me to notice. Hey! Ahlbi joins us. Still looking down. "See, man? I told you we'd get that bastard!"
He clenches the bag. "Pops…" he sniffles. "I-I forgot his birthday and gave him a stupid plastic necklace as a last minute. I was going to work to give him a better one, but now…he's gone. Not knowing it was a dumb gift." He sobs.
"That's not true. He did value your gift."
"How can you be so sure?" Let's see. I should have the evidence to prove that claim.
Take that!
I pull out the photo. "I know it's hard to think back at this scene again, but you can see the necklace on his chest."
"Yeah. He wore that just to make me feel better."
"I don't think so."
"Huh?"
"You may think it's trash, but this meant a lot to him. It's not about the worth of the item, but the meaning behind it. He kept it because it came from the greatest treasure in his life. You."
Ahlbi tenses and sniffles a bit, before relaxing and wiping the tears. "Thank you so much!" My man is feeling better already!
He gives us more praise before leaving us. "All right! So are we going to tackle more cases? With the two of us working together, we would be an unstoppable force!" I laugh. He did not.
"Locke, I have something important to tell you."
"What is it?"
He avoids eye contact. "I have received a letter from the defense agency in Puerto Rico requesting a defense attorney to aid them."
"Okay? So what's the problem?"
"They need one to be sent by tomorrow morning."
"T-Tomorrow!?" That's barely any time to even be ready to go to the bathroom!
"I ask you because you're the only other attorney in the office who is very knowledgeable about the law. And today you've proven to me that I made the right call. What do you say?"
"What do I say? Is that even a question? I'll do it! I'll show them what our agency can do and prove we're reliable attorneys!"
He smiles. "I knew you'd say yes. Which is why I gave the go ahead and registered you earlier." Ooof. Imagine if I'd said no. "Let's go get something to eat. These trials really take a lot out of you."
"Sure thing! You can have whatever you want to keep up your good looks, boss. It's on me!" He sighs before we leave.
I know I'm acting confident, but I'd be lying if I wasn't nervous. This is a new territory for me and I know I'll be going alone. That won't stop me! I'll show them the fruit of knowledge I've acquired and put it to the test!
The End
