I know I haven't updated in a while, and forgive me - 'tis Testing Season.

I'm going to be busy preparing for the tests, and I assure you that exactly a month from today, I will be at full leisure. Starting May 18, I can pick up writing again without having tests to interfere with my writing.

This is a first glimpse of the first part if this story. I've uploaded this preview to assure you that I'm not dead - yet.

Enjoy! Your lingering curiosity shall be satisfied after approximately 720 hours!

Judge: "The court finds the defendant, Jeffrey Jefferson,"

NOT GUILTY

After hearing the two words, I felt I could breathe again. The defendant shed tears of joy while the real criminal snarled and glared at the people in the room. The old prosecutor shook his head as he packed his papers into his briefcase. I gather my papers and motion my aide towards the court lobby. As he walked by, the prosecutor muttered something about a "last case" and a "resignation." I suppose it was about time he retired, anyway.

The detective walks over to me with a huge smile on his face.
?: "Good job, Luna! I knew you could do it!"

Meet Rick Erlenmeyer. Erlenmeyer wears a blue trenchcoat and has black, spiked hair. His eyes are blue, like a blooming muscari, and he prefers to keep a clean, shaven face. I first met Erlenmeyer in high school, and we both had an interest in law. The idea of a lawyer was daunting for him, and decided to become a detective, instead. A cop was also an option, and in my honest opinion, would make him look much better, but he said that detectives and cops are quite similar, and as a detective, he'll play a more active part in court.

?: "Isn't she something? I know a good lawyer when I see one!"

This is my aide, Aika Meson. Meson usually wears bright colours, like hot pink and baby blue. Her hair is dyed blonde and barely reaches her shoulders. Her eyes are teal, and she's rather on the short side.

Aequor: "Aw… It's really nothing much."
Meson: "Nothing much? This is your 27th win in a row!"
Erlenmeyer: "Wha- 27 WINS?"
Meson: "With no losses, to boot!"

Meson's grinning from ear to ear while Erlenmeyer is trying not to explode.

Erlenmeyer: "I was friends with this genius? Yet, I never helped you before? If I knew this earlier, I'd be 'Rick Erlenmeyer – Genius Detective!'"

Meson giggled, and I couldn't help but laugh, myself.

Aequor: "Come on. Let's go home."

It was decided that I could cook dinner for the three of us and my two siblings.

We were talking about the latest movies when my phone rang.
Aequor: "Hello?"
?: "Luna! Something's happened! I think the house was robbed!"

It's Orion Castelle, my younger brother. There is serious worry in his voice.
Aequor: "What happened? Is it serious?"

Orion was quiet for a moment, as if he was choking back a sob.

Castelle: "Yes. He's not waking up."

It took me seconds to realize that he confused "serious" for Sirius, my older brother.

Aequor: "Hang on. I'm almost home."

This was bad. I pressed harder on the acceleration.

Erlenmeyer: "Luna? What's up?"
Meson: "You look tense."
Aequor: "House was robbed. Sirius."