The courtroom was alive with chatter as the pre-proceedings were taking place. Minnie's Melodyland hadn't had such a high profile case in a long time, and all of the news had been focused on this. The gallery was stuffed to the brim with eager spectators, young law students, and family and friends. Romeo took a deep breath, and followed his brother, his mom, Rudy, and the attorneys into the suddenly silent courtroom. Walking over and taking their seats behind a long wooden desk, all of them were anxiously prepared for the big day. Romeo and Allen had been given matching suits to wear. The attorneys had told them that it might make Allen look more sympathetic if him and his brother matched, and he sat with his family. Romeo looked over to his brother, who must have been made of stone as he showed no emotion at all. "Don't worry Allen. Once they hear from you they will realize how great of a Toon you are and we'll be out of here in no time!"

The oldest attorney hushed Romeo, as the judge and jury were escorted in, each taking their respective seats. "Good morning everybody. My name is Judge Stickler, and I will be running the proceedings. I am aware of the possibly sensitive, and controversial aspects of this case, so I will once again remind the jury and those in the gallery to please remain quiet and respectful during proceedings, and to please refrain from any potential bias or undue thinking until the case has been decided. I see the defense is being led by the Three Blind Mice attorneys at law?" pushing his glasses the elderly dog chuckled. "I wasn't aware that you three were practicing outside of Slapstick Villa these days?"

The youngest attorney stood up and bowed to the judge. "Yes, sir. It is an honor to be in your courthouse today."

"Indeed." looking to the other desk, where a very intimidating purple cat stood confidently, the judge grinned and chuckled. "Prosecutor Gel. Always a pleasant addition to the courthouse as well."

"Thank you sir!" the young cat stood as the rest of the courtroom silently sat, awaiting the judge to proceed.

Pulling out a paper, Stickler began to read. "Mr. Allen Duckowitz. You are currently being tried for the assault and battery of a Mr. Static Thundercloud, and a Mr. Dumb Dumb Dumb rabbit, who I have been informed has unfortunately passed away from an unrelated matter. May he rest in peace. Mr. Duckowitz how do you plea to these charges?"

Allen stood up and spoke bluntly. "Not Guilty, your honor."

"Very well. The jury will take note that Mr. Duckowitz has entered a non-guilty plea. Will the prosecution please make it's opening statement?"

Rudy had never been inside of a courtroom, and she hoped she would never have to be, at least not from this position. The burning stare of a hundred Toons on them was enough to give her pause, but she still couldn't shake the horrible feeling that she had been assured not to feel. Crossing her legs, she watched as the prosecutor went on a long, whimsical tale of a young rabbit, cut down in his prime. She had ripped into Allen, practically blaming the rabbit's death on him without outright saying it. This lawyer was very good. In a way, it made her happy. She still didn't like Allen very much, and he probably deserved it for being such a hothead. Finally the purple prosecutor sat down and Allen's attorneys were given the opportunity to speak. The middle brother was the one to make the opening statement. "Members of the jury. I imagine what you just heard must be.. shocking. Disgusting.. Abhorrent! If I was in your position, I would be appalled... If was the prosecution said was at all true. Over the course of this trial, we will prove that without a shadow of a doubt, Mr. Duckowitz acted in complete self-defense. I may be blind, but even I can see that this duck is an innocent Toon."

Unable to focus on the legal mumbo-jumbo, Rudy grabbed Romeo's hand and leaned over. "Babe, I'm a bit worried being out in the open like this. Do you think we can move back a bit so we are near security?"

"We'll be fine, Rudy. Why would anybody be stupid enough to do something in a crowded courtroom? We're in probably the safest place we could be. Trust me, everything is okay, sweetheart."

Clara was still steaming mad as she watched the prosecutor rip into her son. Clara was quite familiar with Gel. As the heir to one of the largest personal grooming supplies manufacturers in Toontown, Gel was well known for turning down a fortune to pursue law instead. At first she had admired her, but that soon turned to bitter anger the longer the cat spoke. A witness who had supposedly been at the scene of the crime, an elderly woman, was doing her best to recount what she had seen. "Well, you see. I do remember a young lad approaching the two others. He pulled out a book or a map or something. Sorry I didn't have my glasses with me. Anyways there is some words thrown around and the next thing I know the young duck is throwing his fists and hitting a rabbit with some sort of platter?"

"Thank you Mrs. Gerta. The prosecution has no more answers." Clara was in complete disbelief, hearing about her son's actions. How was this the same, Toon that used to cry when he would step on a flower? The one who had been with her when they went to pick up Romeo from the animation agency. Part of her was glad that her wife was no longer around to have to witness this, because it would break her poor, sweet heart. As witness after witness was called and questioned, Clara could only fidget around uncomfortably. She wasn't even able to look over at her own son.

Romeo had been taking an emotional meeting. Every witness, every accusation, it all hammered home his brother's guilt. Something that Romeo could no longer avoid. In a way this was Romeo's fault. If only he hadn't hired Berry, this probably never would have happened. Of course, Allen would still have a chance to testify for himself, something that the attorney's had continuously reminded the group. Romeo was amazed at how cooly the mice acted. Not once, not even as the prosecutor grilled the witnesses, did they ever show any sign of worry? Every time the prosecution seemed like they had nailed them, they would just shake it off and keep going. After an especially hot grilling of a witness, the oldest one leaned over and whispered to them. "Hey, this isn't going too badly. Although I think we need to start building up our character defense. I'm thinking maybe we can have you testify to your brother's character? Do you think you could do that?"

Beaming at the idea of saving his brother, Romeo nodded happily. "Of course sir. Allen is the best, I could talk about him all day!"

"I sure hope so son, because we look like we're going to need it." the other attorney chimed in. "We'll fill you in on recess."

Poppensticks quietly snuck through the courthouse. He had been in here a few times, although never out of cuffs. He had decided to dress a bit more casually to abstain from gathering attention. Wearing a dark purple t-shirt, and orange shorts, he whistled as he walked down the shiny glossed floors. He almost had a heart attack when he found out that the target was going to be in the Minnie's Melodyland courtroom of all places. But he had a job to do, and he was going to get it done. Patting his right leg, he ensured that his knife was strapped tightly to his leg. In his shorts' waistband was a squirt-gun filled with white out. He was a seasoned assassin and knew that he always needed a backup plan. At first he had thought he might be able to get into the holding cell, but the guards had been on maximum security. They must have already had an idea of what was going. Following a stream of other Toons, he made his way into one of the courtrooms at the instruction of the bailiff. Taking a seat right in the middle, he made sure to disguise himself in the crowd. He couldn't risk anything going wrong today. As more Toons poured in, he began to feel a bit nervous. Pulling out a picture of Allen, he did his best to memorize the features. Light blue duck, medium height. Well how hard would it be? He'd be sitting up at the defendant's table, it would be bullet-proof.

""Good morning everybody. My name is Judge Stickler, and I will be running the proceedings. I am aware of the possibly sensitive, and controversial aspects of this case, so I will once again remind the jury and those in the gallery to please remain quiet and respectful during proceedings." Poppensticked chuckled to himself. "Sure thing judgey. I'll make that duck reeeeeal quiet." sitting patiently, he watched the case unfold.

Stupid Stupid Stupid Rabbit paced nervously back in forth in his work-office. When he had received a call from one of his subordinates regarding his brother's death, he had made it an immediate concern to be here. Finally the door opened and a green bear walked inside, his face was nervous. Nobody liked to deal with the boss personally. Stupid Rabbit was known for being.. unpredictable. "Groose, I'm glad you could make it. Please sit down." the green bear was taken aback at the rabbit' sudden kindness, but did as he was told, afraid to say anything. "So you say we have a lead on Dumb Rabbit's murder?"

"Um. Well I believe so sir.." pulling out a few pictures he laid them on the grass. "I have a partner who works in security at the hospital. Well he was able to the footage from the day that Dumb Rabbit was murdered." he eyed Stupid whose eyes were glued to the photos. "We couldn't seem to identify the Toon walking in, but he was the only one who didn't have any sort of doctors clothes on. Some orange monkey."

"Ninja.." Stupid whispered angrily to himself.

Groose scratched his head in confusion. "Sorry sir, Ninja?"

"Ah yes, my ignorant friend, Ninja! As I'm sure you are probably too young to remember back in my prime I used to work in the Melodyland Crime sector. Anyways, I worked with a Toon named Chase Hucklefink, total garbage, loved him like a brother. Anyways, one day he comes to me and says he's splitting off, going to go join this new thing where he would have more influence. Wanted me to come be his lackey. I tell him, I say no. At the time I wanted to split off and do MY own thing. Fortunately for you because now you're here. Anyways this causes a big rift and we go our own ways, he joins the In-Sells, and I start the Stupid Clan. He goes and steals away one of my best assassins, monkey named Ninja. Let me tell you something, this guy is not one to mess around with. He has a nasally little brat voice, but he can kill you before you can blink. I'm guessing he is still working for Chase.. which means.." Stupid slammed his fists on the table. "That SON OF A.."

Scooching back anxiously in his chair, Groose watched his boss release a flurry of colorful words. "Um sir. How should we handle this?"

Pondering, Stupid smiled. "You let me worry about that, Groose. standing up Stupid walked over to his younger partner. "Good work on getting this for me. Did anybody see you?"

"No sir!" Groose smiled proudly at the multi-colored rabbit.

"Good, well you go do whatever you need to do." Stupid slapped the bear's back and watched as he jogged out mercifully. A plot was hatching in his mind. He was going to get Chase. He needed to call off his current hit first. His boiling anger for that slimy green cat overwhelmed his annoyance at the duck. Besides, taking out the duck would likely just give Chase an enjoyment he didn't deserve. Pulling out his whisper device, he began to type in a message. "Pop. Calling off hit. Don't kill the duck.

Rudy checked her watch and sighed. Somehow it was only eleven. She felt like she had been here for an eternity. If it wasn't for Romeo, she would have left hours ago. Listening as the judge rapped out an order to the jury, she yawned and tried to stay awake. She was surprised there were so many Toons here and none of them were asleep. Darting her eyes across the room, she was hit suddenly when a large pink horse in a purple shirt and covered in scars appeared in her vision. Sitting quietly with his hands folded in his lap, he was laser focused on the trial. Feeling her heart pounding, she turned to Romeo and tugged on the side of his shirt below view of the group behind her. "Romeo. Romeo!" she whispered, loudly enough for him to hear, but quiet enough not to interrupt.

"Is this really a good time, Rudy?" Romeo kept his eyes forward, listening to the prosecutor presented some kind of evidence. Forming personal anecdotes about his brother that would be sure to warm any audience.

"It's the horse! Romeo it's the horse I told you about!" peeking back, she noticed the horse still mindlessly gazing ahead. Romeo sighed and turned his head quickly, before being caught by Rudy's hand. "Don't look straight at him. Be subtle! I don't want him to know we are here!"

Romeo gradually turned around and caught eye of the horse. "Yeah, I mean he is a little weird looking. Are you sure it's the same Toon?"

"I KNOW it is him. We need to tell someone!" she begged her boyfriend.

"Okay, I'll tell my mom." Romeo agreed.

Clara's anger had not subsided through the trial, in fact it had only burned hotter. She felt like she could scream. Although the attorneys had promised her she would get a chance to testify, and she would destroy that stupid prosecutor. Listening as their attorney made their preparations to call hr up, she felt a nudge from her left. "Mom. Mom." looking over she saw Romeo looking at her worryingly.

"What's wrong sweetie?" she inquired, worried once she saw his face. He must really be concerned about his brother, she figured.

"Um, mom. I don't know how to say this. But I think that there's someone here that's trying to hurt Allen.." Romeo gulped as he said it, visualizing the worst fears he could imagine.

Shaking her head, Clara reached over and held onto her son. "Romeo. I think that Deputy Skids has put too many ideas in your head. We are about as safe as we could possibly be in here. Besides, the report has already gone out that Dumb Rabbit was killed by a poisoning. Your brother will be fine.. well you know.. after all of this." she had a combination of frustration and depression in her voice.

"You don't understand, Mrs. Duckowitz." Rudy joined in the cause. "This horse showed up at the bakery and specifically asked for Allen. He's real sketchy too. He was wearing a trench-coat and has a bunch of scars!"

Stroking her chin, Clara contemplated. The description sounded vaguely familiar, but she had run across so many Toons that she could have been creating this one in her own memory. "Guys, I promise. We have extra security. Nothing bad is going to happen. Anyways, it looks like I am up next. Wish me luck!"

Allen rested his face on his fist. How badly he wish his fist was going into these witness's faces instead. They were telling straight up lies! He didn't hit Static six times, it was like four! His mind was still focused on what that dog had said. After all, he had been moved into a private holding cell and been given six security guards. The realization that he could be in serious trouble was not lost on him either. When he had heard the sentencing possibilities from the judge was the first time it had hit him. While the charges were lowered, he could still face four years in prison. On his right, Romeo, Clara, and Rudy were all discussing among themselves. "Our next witness is actually one I'm sure many in the jury are aware of. As a Toon Council member, a pioneer in the business world, and an all around good Toon, I would like to call Allen's mother, Clara Duckowitz to the stand!" Allen almost cheered as he saw his mom stand up and nearly glide over to the witness stand. Over the next fifteen minutes, Clara waxed poetic about her son. Stories of him growing up, being an amazing older brother, the loss of her wife, their mother, anything she could think of. It seemed to be working. The jury had been in tears, and his attorneys were lobbing her softballs. Maybe he had a chance after all.

Paintbrush jogged into the bathroom, holding his bladder the brown deer barely made it into the stall in time. Sitting down at the toilet, he breathed a sigh of relief. Closing his eyes and relaxing, he was interrupted by an echoing vibration. Leaning over, he noticed a brightly lit whisper device. Trying to ignore it, he was enticed. Someone had lost this, maybe he just needed to check who it belonged too.. Reaching down he grabbed the blue device and pulled open the messages and nearly dropped it into the toilet as he read. "Pop. Calling off hit. Don't kill the duck." panicking, the device fell to the floor. He needed to tell someone!" Pulling up his shirts and not flushing, he darted his way out of the bathroom, screaming for help.

Poppensticks hated this place. He forgot how boring it was. It was a good reminder to not get arrested again. Occasionally he would peek up. What were the odds that there was two blue ducks, that they were brothers, and that they were wearing the same exact suits? Nothing was ever easy for him. Clenching his knife, he continued to wait for an opportunity. He figured he might be able to sneak in during a recess and get a quick stab in, but the more time passed, the more anxious he got. He had noticed the brown cat from the bakery had looked back at him a few times. Did she notice him? She wasn't sure, but it was going to be an issue if she recognized him. Now the red rabbit was yapping away about her son, about how amazing he was. Part of him felt bad that she would be center stage for her son's murder, but another part of him didn't care. What better way to maximize sadness? In the middle of testimony, a bailiff had walked up and whispered something to the judge who hammered his gavel. "I'm sorry to interrupt proceedings, and I do not wish to alarm anybody, but it looks like the courthouse will be on a temporary lock down." this elicited murmurs of worry from the audience. Poppen gripped his waist. This was terrible news. If somebody decided to search him he was done for. Standing up, he slowly started inching his way from the group of sitting bystanders.

Clara began to panic. Lock-downs at a courthouse were incredibly rare. Generally only if there was a potential immediate threat on the premises. What if Romeo was correct earlier? Standing up she looked into the gallery where a horse matching the description was quietly doing his best to evade attention. Staring at his face her eyes widened. She knew this Toon. "Hey you, horse! Stop right there!" Jumping up she immediately eyed her sons who were now jumping up and turning around, as well as most of the gallery. Everything seemed to slow down in front of her as she watched the horse reach into his shorts.

"Hey you, horse! Stop right there!" is all it took for Rudy's suspicions to be confirmed. Screaming she turned in time to see the horses face change one of a calm demeanor to a shocked, to angry. It was the horse from her nightmare. The one who had showed up at the bakery. Why was this happening?

"Romeo!" she screamed watching as her boyfriend leapt up and turned to faced the horse.

"Hey you, horse! Stop right there!" Romeo watched his mother's horrified expression. Horse? Wait, she couldn't mean? Jumping up at the sound of Rudy's scream, he turned around and watched as the horse pushed a Toon out of his way. Reaching into his waist band, he watched the horse pull out a squirt-gun. Toons in the gallery began to scream and flee, getting as far away as possible. Leaping over barriers, trampling fallen toons, and anything else they could to to ensure their safety. The horse took aim at Allen, who was still turning to face the potential threat. In one split second, Romeo acted.

"Allen!" With that confirmation, Poppensticks aimed and pulled the trigger. Shooting a small stream of white liquid, ditching the gun and beginning to join in the chaos of the escaping Toons. Romeo's face collided with his brother's shoulder as he made contact, pushing him down to the ground with him. Breathing heavily, he stared down at his brother's shocked expression. Feeling his heavy breathing confirming that the pair were safe. A searing pain in his left shoulder caused him to reach up to grab it.. but it was no longer there!

Allen was still lost in thought. Listening to his mother tell these stories of himself and Romeo made him regret the selfish actions he had taken. Why had he acted so irrationally? All over such a stupid thing. He would miss out on so much of his brother's life. His booming business, the fun memories, and everything else. His thoughts were interrupted as chaos broke loose. Standing up, he was immediately knocked over when Romeo bowled into him, screaming his name. What the hell was happening? A few moments passed and he felt his body shaking with adrenaline. Breathing heavily, he felt his brother on top of him. Staring up in horror, he watched as his brother's arm suddenly began to dissipate. "Romeo? Romeo!" Reaching up he watched as the younger duck fell backwards, screaming in pain.

Clara jumped over the stand, now ignoring the horse as she barreled her way over to her son. The only thing in her mind was the hope that the shot had missed. The screams of pain did not ease that worry. Saying a prayer under her breath, she made her way over and kneeled down, letting out a pained scream as she watched her son's arm melting away, slowly making his way to his torso. She knew very well what was happening, and that there was not a damn thing she could do about it.

Rudy recovered from her terror just in time to see Romeo falling backwards in pain. "Oh my cog, Romeo!" her body went numb with fear, unsure of what was happening. It was like nothing she had ever seen before. She could not hear her screams as everything went silent. Cradling her lover's head she watched her tears drop onto his face, which had transitioned from one of pain to one of fear as he was slowly surrounded by his family.

Reaching up for his left shoulder, Romeo began to panic when he felt nothing, The pain had disappeared and was slowly spreading through his arm. Letting out a pained scream he fell backwards. "HELP!" he let out. Watching as Allen and Rudy came into view over him, faces in shock, tears streaming. More and more of his body became numb. He could no longer move his body. Rudy had grabbed his head and put it into her lap as she screamed out for help. "Rudy! Rudy what's - what's going on Rudy!" he begged for an answer. His heart was nearly out of his chest.

"You're going to be okay babe! HELP!" she screamed out. She watched as Clara clamored across the floor, falling to her knees and sobbing and screaming. Grabbing her son's remaining hand she closed her eyes.

"I'm here baby. It's going to be okay baby. Just take a deep breath okay!"

Romeo could no longer feel his legs. "Mommy.. Mommy I'm scared! Allen! Someone!" the sudden realization of what was happening had hit him. Facing one's own mortality was the most horrifying thing that any living creature could do. As he begged for help, he knew that he was done for. Closing his eyes he let out one more scream and turned to face Rudy. "Rudy.. I'm so sorry. I know I wasn't perfect.. but I love you." as his arm slowly disppeared and Clara's hand fell to the ground he tilted his head up and tried to smile. "Mom. I can't believe I was lucky enough to have the greatest mom in the world. I - I love you mom!" his breathing became difficult. He was struggling to suck in even enough air to speak. Fighting for every breath he turned to his brother. His best friend in the world. The one he would do anything for. The one he would die for. "Allen. I guess..." stopping to breathe. "I guess that I'm not going to get to see you become the head chef."

"Just hold on Romeo. You're going to be okay!" the older duck screamed, still in denial about his younger brothers' sealed fate. "Romeo, you're not leaving me now!" tears poured from his face.

"It's okay.. Allen.. it's okay.. Because it was for you.. I love.. you.. Allen." the white out slowly made it's way through the rest of Allen's torso, slowly erasing any ability for Romeo to speak. The next thirty seconds were just Romeo gurgling in pain, as his family surrounded him, screaming and sobbing in pain as they watched their beloved Romeo die in front of them. Closing his eyes, he managed one last smile before he was finally gone.

Romeo Duckowitz was dead.