Chapter 7: Our Brands of Justice

A sizable group of just over two dozen officers had gathered in the lobby of the Mahogany Town Police Headquarters. Lars Bunston had worked swiftly to make this happen. He wanted to be sure everything was in order before Nori arrived. The stout man had rounded up everyone he could. He had chairs set up in rows alongside the lobby's seats. He even dug up and wheeled out the station's television, the only clue as to what this might be about to those sitting idly by.

"What's this all about, Bunston?" A dark-skinned officer with a slight rural accent asked the question on everyone's mind.

"As you may have surmised from this baby," the stout officer declared, giving the television a pat, "I have booked a surprise motivational seminar for the department! It will include a video, of course. The one showing it will hopefully be here soon."

This incited murmuring, but not all negative. The same officer spoke a concern and arched eyebrow. "Aren't these things supposed to be set up well ahead of time? Did you get approval to do this?"

"Already taken care of, Stabler! The chief himself should be coming to see it, once he gets done with his meeting!" The highest source of approval. He counted his blessings the chief was understanding. "Sorry it was on such notice, but I got an amazing price on it. It had to be today though!" Bunston chuckled while scanning the crowd for dissenters. There was confusion, but few dissenters. "With that all said and done, just sit tight! The one making the presentation should be arriving shortly!"

"I hope he gets here soon," a female officer with a blonde ponytail sitting between Stabler and Officer Jenny complained, sitting forward and massaging her back. "When was this scheduled?"

Bunston's eyes darted to his watch. 2:32. "Um, uh, two minutes ago, Benson." He nervously chuckled at the unexpected question. "Maybe he got stuck in traffic?" His eyes went to the doors, pondering just when he was going to appear.

Officer Benson stood to her feet, motioning to those beside her. "Well, I don't want to sit here on these chairs too long. And the three of us need to take care of some paperwork, so-"

"Wait, wait, wait!" Bunston protested, catching the young man walking in at that precise moment. He pointed over to the doors. "Actually, there he is now!"

Every head turned to face him, causing Nori to recoil and freeze. What was going on here?! An oblivious Bunston waved him forth, causing him to reflexively hobble over. This was not something he was prepared for, though he concealed his panic well.

The young official peered at Bunston, eyes pleading with him to help out, but the stout man was ignorant to it. "Well, I'll give you the floor. Give'em a good show!" He slapped Nori on the back, encouragingly but with enough force to cause the young man to nearly lose his balance.

"Keep it together, Nori!" he urged himself, mouthing the words. "If these people have a bad image of you, they won't take you seriously!" On glancing at the crowd though, he found he was already under scrutiny. There were more than a couple officers giving him strange glances or whispering to each other. Then again, it was only natural. He wasn't an unfamiliar face, after all. He nearly caused a ruckus the first time, and had visited twice later. There were going to be some preconceived notions.

"Nothing to it but to be professional and say what I have to, then." Perhaps contrarily, a fact he was aware of, he felt a bit of ease at this. It's all he could do. He was here to change people's thoughts. What more would it be to change some's thoughts on himself?

"Good afternoon," he greeted with a bow, attempting to be as formal as he could manage. "My name is Nori Carino, and I am a Pokemon rehabilitator, a government-sponsored special trainer. I work hands-on training Pokemon with psychological issues so they may overcome them." Nori paused to consider for a moment. He supposed he may as well address the potential elephant in the room. "Some of you may recognize me from having visited your station a number of times over the past three days. This time, I am here due to more concerning business relevant to your operations." He gestured as he spoke, as he had read that helped with image. He took a moment to place his bag down and retrieve what he had come to display, holding it up for all to see. "Earlier this morning, an unknown individual delivered this surveillance tape to my hotel room. The tape in question appears to have been stolen from this police department. When I initially watched it view and surmise the contents of this unlabeled video, I was highly disturbed by what I witnessed. I feel that before returning it to its proper owners, that those within your department deserve to see this as well. The matters presented on this tape are those that must be brought to light."

A number of officers had been rolling their eyes at the teenager's speech. Yet even the most jaded of them snapped to attention on his last statement. It couldn't just be something petty, could it? As they whispered to each other, two points were on everyone's mind. Could there a scandal in the department? And why would someone send it to this young man?

Nori internally breathed a sigh of relief at the crowd picking up. As long as he had their attention, he could make it through this. The young official inserted the tape, crossing his fingers as he hit the play button that they would have the same reaction as everyone else.

As the screen flickered to life, everyone was surprised to see what appeared. It was only natural. This was one of the holding cells, and it had none other than the girl at the center of a major incident in there. Sitting on a bed with her mother who had came in here yesterday accepting partial responsibility.

"Hey, mom? Can we talk a little more before we go to sleep too?"

"Yes, we should. It may be one of our last chances to do so..."

"Well, there's a lot of things I want to talk about..."

People started leaning in closer. Nori smiled to himself as the video continued playing. It was working! Seeing this had to be eye-opening for a lot of them. In fact their eyes and ears were fully focused on the video.

No one noticed the officer with a bushy black mustache get up in a huff and rush into the hallway.

It was a common expectation that Frederick Holle would work questioning sometime between two and four in the afternoon. While not necessarily set in stone, more often than not he would begin at two on the dot, and be finished before four. If he had no one to personally question, he would either assist or oversee someone else. The routine of his had become the subject of joking around the station, though he was hardly bothered by it.

Today was no exception. Having worked the Parisa case many times over the past few days, he decided to bring in the suspect in the other case he had been handling, perhaps neglecting. Which was only natural given this delinquent girl was only set to be charged with vandalism, but a crime is still a crime.

The smirking short-haired blonde teen was being uncooperative, either evading, being vague on, or refusing to answer questions. He had dealt with these sorts of individuals before to the point of it being natural, but it was frustrating the woman with him to no end. If her hair hadn't already been naturally frizzy, she would've made it so with how much she had been running her fingers through her hair. So much was her behavior that Holle had to pull her aside.

"I can't take this, sir!" the redhead whined. "What are we supposed to do?"

"Do not let her get to you, Peake," the detective instructed, crossing his arms. "We are ultimately the ones in control of this situation. And rest assured that she is only making it worse for herself." He said the last sentence louder while firing off a glare. The girl remained unfazed, smiling back with an arrogance as if she thought she knew something as well. "It's a part of the job. You will run into these kinds of folks from time to time, so-"

His sentence was interrupted by the door flying open, and a man with a bushy mustache rushing in. "Mr. Holle, sir!" Pools called out.

The detective's face contorted into a fierce scowl that could stop a Primeape in its tracks. "How many times have I told you," he barked, "NOT to interrupt me when I am questioning someone!"

"Sorry! I'm sorry, Mr. Holle!" Pools' reply was instantaneous with a slight bit of terror, as if he were a soldier replying to a superior. So much was it that he momentarily forgot why he interrupted the detective. When it hit him, he ran over. "I know I shouldn't, but I had no choice! We have an emergency on our hands!"

To insist that much, especially after he had raised his voice, told Holle that this indeed was serious. "Get a hold of yourself," he firmly spoke. "Calm down and explain things carefully."

The officer was hyperventilating, from a mix of panic and exertion. He inhaled deeply, breathing in and out in a futile attempt to contain himself. "That kid...you know, the one we were talking about? That so-called official-"

"Get to the point already!" The detective was in no mood for games.

Pools' next words came out as a burst, "He's showing the force a security tape of the Parisa girl!"

"What?" Holle replied, deadpan. His two subordinates shuddered at his tone. Even the blonde girl, who had been chuckling to herself the whole time, gave pause at the fiery temperament abruptly going cold. "How did he get it?"

"He claimed someone gave it to him! People are watching it and he's trying to convince them-"

Holle raised a hand to silence him. "I understand. I'll deal with this." The detective marched out the door, not even looking back as he ordered, "You and Peake take care of things here." He had instantly recognized this for what it was. And he was not going to allow it to happen. Nori Carino had crossed the line. Because of that, he was going to suffer the consequences.

As the relevant footage came to an end, several officers were left stunned. There wasn't a person present who hadn't at least known the name of the person arrested for releasing the Gyarados and indirectly causing the incident at the Lake of Rage. However, there were almost none who knew the kind of person she was. Most thought it must have been a casual, irresponsible trainer who never thought about the consequences of his or her actions. But to hear the story behind the release and see the kindhearted girl break down over her potential imprisonment shook, even disturbed the collective crowd.

Nori knew. He went through it himself, after all. He could tell from the expressions of many processing this information. A few were even in tears. Things were going exactly as he had hoped so far. With confidence, he addressed the audience. "Two days ago, Julia Parisa was arrested for releasing a Pokemon that went on to cause significant damage afterwards. However, I feel that her situation has flown under the radar due to various circumstances. Is this really justice?"

Nori momentarily paused to collect his thoughts. And to take stock of the situation. Everyone was watching him intently. He had all these officers' full attention. They were listening to him. With an honest and frank heart, he continued on, "I understand this is a difficult situation. It is true that-"

"All right, what in Arceus' name is going on here?"

The furious voice of Frederick Holle cut through Nori's speech. He marched into the lobby, head craning about as he took the situation in. The tape in question was still playing on the station's mobile television. Over thirty officers were just sitting there doing nothing as a criminal stood right before them. One who was standing and staring at him with wide eyes, as if he was foolish enough not to expect this. Well, he should have. No one can escape their crimes.

"Why are you louts just sitting around?" Holle barked. The collecive crowd remained still, all in fear, awe, or both of the angered veteran of the force. "This kid is in possession of a surveillance tape stolen from this station. Why has he not been detained yet?!"

Nori was prepared for this. At least, he thought he was. The worst actually happening startled and alarmed him. He briefly glanced to a wide-eyed Bunston and managed to force out a couple words, "I expla-"

"I do not want to hear your excuses right now," Holle interrupted. "You will explain everything to me in questioning." He pointed at a pair of officers in the back row. "You two, accompany me. And haul this kid into interrogation."

The two snapped up to obey immediately. But Nori was moving swifter, going on ahead before they could even think about catching up. This was garbage, but he knew he couldn't fight it. And he was going to keep some dignity this time. "I'm going! Sheesh! And I-"

"And I told you-"

He stopped and spun around, cutting off Holle by shouting even louder. "I told them it WASN'T me! I don't know who sent this to me!"

Nori paused for only a split second, which the black coated man used to cut in again. "We'll speak more on that in a few minutes. For now, you're being placed..." But Nori had already walked away before he could finish. Holle shrugged. He thought that nothing more than a convenient lie. Better for him to enjoy his freedom while it lasted.

He followed close behind the officers he had ordered to assist. Despite his anger, he could not help but be incredibly disappointed in Nori Carino. He had the chance to become an upstanding contributor to society and he not only threw it all away, but he succumbed to going down that dark path he had warned him of. Like too many young people in this day and age. He was hoping he would not have to do this to the young official, and yet was fully prepared and ready to ensure justice was served.

The next thirty minutes for Nori easily felt more than eight times that. He was confined to a small yet overly bright room, monitored by two officers, a bespectacled man looking to be in his early 20s, and a much older one with graying teal hair and beard. They had been quiet the whole time, aside from mild small talk. Nori had nothing further to say on the matter anyway. He had told Holle his story in plain terms, and said to speak with Kunoichi's Rest, Julia's friends, and Connor's diner to verify it. That was all that needed to be said. He had no excuses about what he did, but regrets were starting to form.

Nori had sat on his hands to prevent himself from restlessly fidgeting with them like he was doing at first. Thinking about this incident. He only came to Johto on a vacation he didn't even want to take. Yet he got caught up in a major incident during his stay. It was not by happenstance but by choice. He had made a choice to do be a part of this. And because of that choice, he might not get to come back. He may not be able to see his friends, his family, or his home region again for a long time.

If he were dealing with anyone else, he would not be so unconfident. Yet seeing the look in that detective's eyes, hearing all he had said, and just sensing the kind of person he was made Nori very worried. Worried for himself, and for all those he would hurt if he was imprisoned. Not just Julia after promising he would not, but all the people expecting to see him again in a day or two. To his Pokemon for not being able to look after them anymore. To all the people that helped him reach this point.

His eyes went to the door. He'd been doing that a lot during the wait. The detective had been gone for ages, presumably calling the relevant people and places. Wouldn't it take only a few minutes each, not like twenty total? Maybe the detective was taking his time trying to get him on something. It'd explain a lot of things. Reason seemed as foreign as an Alolan to that man.

The door almost crashed open. That and the frustration on Holle's face gave it away instantly. The detective stomped into the room, giving his head a shake. He stood over Nori and ruefully told him, "You got VERY lucky."

It worked out! Nori loudly sighed in relief. Just knowing finally was enough, but knowing he was clear was even better. And better yet as upset as he was, Holle seemed accepting of it.

"First off. The sources you said could back your story up. I'm going to let you know those meant nothing. All they had to go on were your claims, and they are very clearly biased towards you." The young official rolled his eyes at this. Shouldn't it have meant at least something? Like those witnesses who talk about someone's character? Well, maybe not to Holle. The detective continued on, "I recommend NOT relying anything similar in the future. However, the hotel checked their surveillance records. Your claim that you did not leave your hotel room at all last night holds true. Moreover, an unidentified person dropped the tape off in your room's mail slot earlier this morning at 10:12am."

Just as he figured. Maybe somebody else had broken in and taken the tape. Maybe they should be questioning security about anything they saw instead of just throwing him into questioning just for having it.

Holle crossed his arms. "We're in the phase of investigating whoever was responsible for this theft. But it seems you were not responsible."

"So that means I go free?" the chestnut-haired boy asked, for final clarification. "Nothing happens to me?"

The detective chuckled. "You would like that, wouldn't you?" Nori's heart sank on hearing these words. Returning to a stern tone, the detective layed the situation out, "Depending on the results of our investigation, you may still be held accountable if you are found to have orchestrated this theft."

Again, Nori sighed in relief. If it was just that, he had nothing to worry about. He had nothing to hide. Besides, how could he have known to get the tape anyway? He wasn't a psychic, so it made no sense! Realizing his emotions were all over the place, he mumbled some encouragement to himself.

His relaxing was so blatantly obvious, that Holle actually nodded in acceptance, knowing the young official was likely not responsible. However, it didn't mean he was going to leave the matter be. His next words were intended to shut Nori down once and for all. "In any event, I am reporting you to your superiors for your actions. You have been acting way beyond your jurisdiction, and everything you have been doing has been causing our department headaches." He got down on Nori's level to look him square in the eye, with the seriousness of a heart attack. "It ends here. Further involvement of any sort in this case will result in you being charged and incarcerated."

"What?!" Nori protested, eyes stretching wide. Sure, he'd made a strong statement, but suddenly saying this? No, it didn't make sense. "Wait, can you even do that?!" He thought better of this query, turning to the two officers present and asking them instead. "Can he?!"

The young officer sighed sympathetically. "Unfortunately, yes. He can, Mr. Carino."

"Why?!"

"Anyone who causes significant difficulty towards the resolution of a case can be charged with obstruction of an investigation," the older one quoted with a frown.

Them saying this neutrally was no comfort. The detective suddenly stopping him now didn't feel right. The timing of it after he had done something that could well be the deciding factor with a bit of follow-up seemed very unusual. "You know what?" he started to speak without even realizing it. "It sounds to me like you're trying to take advantage of that law to keep me quiet. It's straight up abuse of a gag order." He stood up and looked Holle square in the face. "Isn't it?"

The detective was not intimidated or bothered in the slightest, simply reiterating, "Do anything more to influence this case, and you'll be charged. It's as simple as that." Nori blinked, but remained standing. Holle was not denying it, but then again, there was nothing he could do about it either. Unexpectedly, the detective patted him on the shoulder. "I would like to apologize to you," he said. "I didn't want to have to do this. But you've been going too far with your actions to the point of causing us trouble. So I had no other alternative."

Nori stepped away. Holle was trying to make him look like the bad guy, entirely in the wrong. If he just accepted this, everything he did up to now would mean nothing. He had to chance it. "But...but..." But he couldn't find the words. He didn't know what he could say.

"We're sorry," the officer with glasses nervously said. "You did show us that girl is a good kid, and I...well..."

As he trailed off, the older officer sighed heavily. "However, the law is the law. So she will have to answer for it."

"I...I understand that! I really do!" Nori stammered. It must be confessed he was hoping they'd say otherwise. He had his fingers crossed it would be that easy, but was aware in the back of his mind it was a long shot. "But is knowing she's a good person not worth some leniency at least?!" That wasn't. He knew that at worst, he could accomplish that much.

Holle shook his head. "We don't decide a criminal's sentencing, Mr. Carino," he told the young official. "All we do is present the facts and allow the courts to take over from there."

"...seeking to prosecute her..."

It flashed through Nori's mind. A public remark that Holle had made earlier. And one that had been repeated to him personally several times. The thing that had been bothering him the whole time.

"If I have anything to say about this matter..."

If he could get that out in the open, then...

That was it.

He had his chance.

And he felt he had to take it. Even if there were only these two other officers here to see him do it. Even if he had been threatened for further involvement. Even if worse could happen from him saying this. He'd come this far. It was time to see it through once and for all!

Nori pointed boldly at Holle. The dark uniformed man's face went blank as he wondered what was the sudden cause of this. "What about when you did that interview on TV?" He stated this fact plainly, not accusingly. "You said yourself that you wanted to see Julia prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. So yo-"

"Enough." Holle cut him off coldly and sternly. "Any more of that and I'll charge you with slander as well."

Nori jumped at the sudden shift in mood. To get that, he must have struck a nerve. But Holle really was personally pushing for a harsh punishment. He pointed it out, it had to be a good thing that he did. And those two were there to see it. All they had to do was recount what they had heard. He turned to the officers to see them warily watching Holle. On further examining...they almost seemed afraid?

"Please..." he whispered. The younger one seemed like he was about to speak up for a moment, but a glower from Holle silenced him. "So...is that it? Was this all for nothing?"

Nobody said anything. The older officer refused to make eye contact.

Nori couldn't believe what he was seeing. He'd risked everything and almost got burned for it. He'd taken a huge chance just to give Julia one. And it was going to end like this? With all these officers knowing what was happening being wrong, yet too afraid to voice their thoughts? Unwilling to do anything? In fear of their superior?

The detective remained in silent consideration. He smirked after a few moments, speaking up with intent to slap the young official with a cruel dose of reality. "You've failed at this. Now leave."

Shaking his head involuntarily. Had he failed? He may have been silenced per Holle's threats, but that didn't mean he couldn't do anything. His eyes pleaded with the two officers in the room, begging them to stand up to the detective. The two replied by looking away from him in shame. Nori wanted to outright scream at them to help. He could only do so much on his own. But if they wouldn't even dare consider this, then...

"You're free to go. Now go. Now."

That was it. He could do nothing more. He really had failed. He was sure Holle would be monitoring him on his way out in case he decided to speak to anyone else. He'd promised to Julia he would not do anything to get himself thrown in jail. That was a risk he just couldn't take. And one he didn't fancy taking after dodging one bullet already.

He was powerless to affect the case further. Whatever happened to Julia from here was up in the air...

Stabler and Benson originally showed up in chapter 32.5 of MarJour, though the latter was only described as a blonde officer with a ponytail. Asked for names, and got that in reply as a reference. The girl that Holle was interrogating is a character concept I came up with but had no place for, Julia's cellmate. I decided to have her present but wholly in the background.