Rosie Emporium. I see another name crudely painted over. Guess they got purged. Hmmm. Oh well. Time to go inside and get some shroom bars for Loona. Before reaching the entrance, there's an extravagant lady demon closing the store. That's weird. I didn't know they closed early today. She turns around and we both stare at each other for an uncomfortably long time. She smirks. *Red* Uh oh.

"You must be Qwais's friend." She says.

"Y-Yeah. We um...chat sometimes here and there. Are you one of his co-workers?"

"I am the owner of the establishment. My name is Rosie." She does the lady bow. Very lady-like.

"Nice to meet you, Ms. Rosie. I'm Daniel." I bow out of courtesy. "Did Qwais already leave?" Her smile falters ever so slightly.

"That hound is currently in jail for smuggling Lucifer's child workers to sinners and demons. And also for murder."

"Wait what!?" I can't believe it! That can't be right. He doesn't seem the type to do it.

"To think he would do something so rash. I guess I have to start looking for another employee." *Blue* Wait...what just happened? Oh great. My scales are detecting people's emotions again. I don't know why it happens, it just comes and goes as it pleases. I should probably point it out.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Rosie. I need you to clarify something for me. I detected a hint of sadness when you said you need to look for another person. Which can mean two things. Either you're sad that you have to now take care of the store in the meantime...or you actually care for Qwais and thinking of finding someone else to replace him fills you with sadness." There it is. She recoils in surprise. Under these circumstances, I would be told to fuck off or get chased down. She grins. Why do I feel that's a worse outcome?

"My my~! It's true. You really are as interesting as he described." She giggles. I wonder what kind of shit he says about me? She thinks for a moment. "You're a recent sinner. Which means you still have some humanity left…Would you like to accompany me?"

"W-Where exactly?"

"To the human world, of course." She snaps her fingers and a random limousine shows up. Where the fuck did that come from? "Don't be shy. I'll fill you in on how it all works." She steps inside. Oh boy. Loona is going to kill me if I don't get what she asked. Guess I gotta go along. I enter the vehicle. It's pretty much what I expected for a rich ass person to ride. She grabs a bottle of wine from a mini fridge. She pours it on two wine glasses and hands me one.

*Orange* "Thank you. So, why are we going back to the li-human world?"

"That's very simple. When there's an unforgivable crime committed in both Heaven and Hell, we have a special court in which the judge is a human. The reason for this is that a human is a neutral entity that can make judgment only based on facts."

"Really? That's interesting."

"Since it's one of the few times where demons and angels meet civilly, it is only used for the most heinous crimes that puts Hell to shame. The last one was about seventy years ago by a fellow German who tried to overthrow Lucifer's throne with his followers." I don't think I need to guess who she's implying. "However, whenever it's a demon or a sinner, they never have anyone with an attorney to defend them. Because of that, a guilty verdict is always certain."

*Red* "W-WHAT!? Does that mean that Qwais doesn't have an attorney?" She looks out the window. I must've been too involved in the explanation, that I fail to notice that we're now cruising through the forest with the full moon hovering in the clear sky.

"I don't know. One can hope for a miracle." She smirks at me. I stay silent. How can they proceed a trial unfairly? Just like her, I hope he has someone who will stand up for him.

Church of Platitudes, The Defendant Lobby

Well now, I certainly didn't expect the trial to be held in a church. There are statues of Lucifer and Lilith adorned in this room. With the apple and snake motifs. Qwais is on the corner crossed arm. He still hasn't noticed us yet.

"I expected Master to arrive. Why are you here?" He says facing us.

"Hey man, I heard what happened and I wanted to see if you're okay?" He avoids making eye contact. *Yellow* Hm? Joy?

"He's a shy little puppy. He's actually happy to see you with the way his tail slightly wagging." Rosie giggles.

"Do you have an attorney?" I ask.

"...No."

"Then we must postpone the trial until we get you one!"

"That is impossible. This case has to be solved as soon as possible. The relationship of both Lucifer and God depends on it." Rosie explains.

"That's so bullshit! Is there no one that can help!?"

"...I see. That's why you brought him." Qwais faces me. "Daniel, whatever happens, don't get involved."

"What do you mean?"

"If I get the guilty verdict, the defense will also receive the same punishment. In this case, Extermination."

"W-WHAT!? How is that fair!?" I can't believe what I'm hearing! What kind of kangaroo court are they running here!?

"The court is about to start. Please step inside." The bailiff calls for Qwais.

"One moment." He faces me. *Blue* He hasn't spoken and my scales are already reacting. "...Daniel…Thank you."

"For what?"

"For everything. I never thought I would ever find someone I can genuinely call a friend in Hell. You too, Master." Rosie stays silent. With that, he steps inside.

"Let's go to the gallery." She suggests. I still can't believe this is happening. Am I seriously going to watch a friend get terminated right before my eyes?

Courtroom of Platitudes

The court is bustling with chatter. The place is divided where one side are angels and the other is where Daniel is. Alongside the Overlords. Even the Lord of Hell is here too. Some of them look his way with curiosity. He sits next to Rosie, who is chatting with a fellow red deer in a red suit. For some reason, his voice has a radio filter. His scales are unconsciously picking up his emotions. Unbeknownst to Daniel, Theater Mode has been activated.

Red fellow: I say, who is that chap you brought along? I've noticed his colors changing constantly.

Rosie: Let me introduce you to him. Daniel, this is Alastor. A good companion of mine.

Daniel: Violet ….You're curiosity will kill you one day.

Alastor: Hahaha! That is my one and only weakness. Nice to meet you, sport!

He extends his hand.

Daniel: Red Sorry. I don't exchange physical contact with the Radio Demon.

His grin widens. The elderly human Judge sits on his seat.

Judge: *Smack* Court is now in session.

The room becomes silent. An angel with a wicked spiky blonde stands on the prosecution side. To no one's surprise, the defense bench is empty.

Judge: Today's trial will be the illegal children smuggling and murder of Henry Blueford. Is the prosecution ready?

Spiky Dude: Your Honor, let's not waste any unnecessary time with the formalities. *Smirk* After all, the defendant has no attorney to represent him. Plus, all of us have much more important matters to attend to.

Judge:...Very well. Can the defendant please come to the witness stand?

Qwais walks to the stand.

Judge: Since you have no attorney, I will now give my verdict. The court finds the defendant…

Hold it!

Judge: !

Spiky Dude: !

Qwais: !

Daniel is on the defense bench, finger-pointing menacingly.

Daniel: I will be representing as Qwais's attorney!

The gallery is talking amongst each other.

Judge: *Smack* Order in the court! Demon! Have you no shame?

Daniel: I'm sorry, Your Honor. But I can't let this injustice go unchallenged any longer. I thought this was supposed to be a fair trial, but I see now all of you are no better than the crooks I've dealt with in Hell!

Spiky Dude: *Recoils in surprise* C-Crook?

Judge: Enough! Bailiff, remove this demon at once!

Protesto!

Spiky Dude:...*Smirk* Hmph. I'll allow it.

Judge: Are you sure, Raguel?

Raguel: Of course. It has been many cycles since we had a proper procedure. Take this as a warm up and a good representation of how fair our justice system works.

Judge: Hmmm. If the agent of God wills it, then I will allow it. You may stay, Mr...

Daniel: Daniel Gomez, sir.

Judge: Very well. Since the defendant has an attorney, we will now have a proper procedure. Prosecution, your opening statement.

Raguel: *Bows* With pleasure. *Pulls out a file* The victim's name is Henry Blueford. He was killed during the exchange of supplies which had children hidden in the crates. He was struck on the head with a blunt object and died of blood loss. Here's the autopsy report.

Autopsy Report is added to the Court Record.

Raguel: I also have a photo of the crime scene.

Judge: A very gruesome image. The court will accept the evidence.

Crime Scene Photo is added to the Court Record.

Daniel: (It looks pretty tame. But I can see how it might unnerve the average person. There's a tiny pool of blood under his head.)

Judge: There is one thing I'm wondering, where's the murder weapon?

Raguel: Unfortunately, we could not find the weapon at the scene.

Daniel: Then there could be other possible suspects than the defendant!

Protesto!

Raguel: If you would let me finish, you would know the reason behind his suspicion. There was someone who witnessed the crime happen.

Daniel: Yellow W-WHAT!?

Raguel: I would like to call the witness to the stand.

A man who looks to be in his mid 50's approaches the stand. He fixes his gray suit.

Raguel: State your name and occupation.

Victor: *Cleans his pocket watch* My name is Victor Smith. CEO of French Ford.

Daniel: French Ford?

Victor: It's my proud company that produces cannabis and other hallucinogenic substances.

Daniel: (So that's where she gets her stocks from.)

Raguel: Please testify at the moment of the crime.

Victor: *Puts away the watch* Can do. Time is money, after all.

Witness Testimony: Victor's Testimony

"I was supposed to meet the employer at exactly 8:00 a.m. in the district. When I arrived, I saw the victim talking to someone behind the truck. That's when their conversation got heated and they started arguing. Then I heard a strike and the man fell on the ground. Thinking that my life would be threatened, I hurried back to my car and drove off."

Raguel: And there you have it. Undeniable proof of his sin.

Judge: It does seem convincing. Defense, you may now proceed with the cross-examination.

Daniel: Yes, Your Honor. (I have to find a hole quickly or else me and Qwais are fucked!)

Cross-examination

"When I arrived, I saw the victim talking to someone behind the truck."

Hold it!

Daniel: Did you see who the other person was?

Victor: *Pulls out his watch*...Like I said, they were behind the truck, but who else would it be than that demon? He was supposed to be the one I dealt business with.

Daniel: Purple (...! My scales reacted to that statement. I should press him further) You hesitated to answer. Why is that?

Victor:...I carefully think about what I say. Is there a problem with that?

Daniel: Violet (There it is again. I'm getting closer to the truth.)

Raguel: I hope you're not going to insinuate that it could've been someone other than the defendant? *Smirk* If you do, I need to see some evidence.

Daniel: Hmmm. Are you sure there weren't any features that you could remember?

Victor:...I believe they had a cloak to hide their identity.

Daniel: Orange A cloak?

Victor: Yes. That was what I remembered before running back.

Daniel: I see. (I should keep that in mind.)

Cloaked Culprit is added to the Court Record.

"Then I heard the strike and the man fell down."

Hold it!

Daniel: You heard it? So you didn't see the moment he got struck?

Victor:...Yes. Everything happened very fast. All that blood that the man left on the floor...truly horrifying.

Raguel: It's only natural to find it very gruesome. My sympathy goes to you.

Daniel: Yellow (My scales are acting up again.) Could you please add that statement to your testimony?

Victor: Sure. If it gets us to finish this quickly.

"The man fell and left the whole floor covered in blood."

Objection!

Daniel: Blue Are you certain that the floor was full of blood?

Victor:...Yes. My memories are still fresh from the events.

Daniel: *Smirk* If that's the case, then we'll need to evaluate the legitimacy of your claims.

Victor: I beg your pardon!?

Daniel: *Pulls out the photo* This picture holds the contradiction of his claim.

Judge: Really? Could you point out this inconsistency?

Take that!

Daniel: Look at the amount of blood in this scene. Is the floor full of blood?

Judge: Hmmm. Now that you mention it. There's only a tiny amount under his head.

Protesto!

Raguel: The witness could've misremembered the events.

Objection!

Daniel: *Shakes head* Unlikely. My scales reacted to his emotions and he did see a massive amount of blood.

Raguel: *Smacks desk* If that's the case, why is the large volume absent in the scene?

Daniel: (Okay Gomez. All eyes are on you. I have to wonder why there's barely any blood in this photo…! Wait, could that be it?)...I believe this picture was taken after the body was moved from the actual scene of the crime!

Judge: Are-

Victor: You-

Raguel: Serioooooous!?

The gallery is bustling with noise.

Judge: *Smack* Order! I will have order in the court!

Protesto!

Raguel: This is an outrageous claim! How would the culprit move the body without anyone noticing?

Daniel: *Smirk* How about you answer my question? What was the culprit already using to traffic children?

Raguel: What was….! *Recoils in surprise* No way!

Daniel: Red *Smacks desk* That's right! The true culprit hid the body in one of the crates and used the truck to transport the body!

Raguel: T-This…*Clutches his chest* is not possibleeeeee!

The gallery becomes hysterical.

Judge: Order! Ordeeeeeeeer! *Smack, Smack, Smack* The court will have a thirty minute recess. Prosecution!

Raguel: Y-Yes, Your Honor?

Judge: You will find this possible crime scene that the defense has pointed out. With God and Satan as witnesses, we cannot proceed with a verdict without absolute certainty. Do you understand?

Raguel:...Yes, Your Honor. I will investigate it at once.

Judge: Defense.

Daniel: Yellow H-Huh? Y-Yes, Y-Your Honor?

Judge: It fills my soul with hope knowing there are demons willing to defend their client until the truth is revealed. Even the fact that Satan hasn't removed you after such an abhorrent entrance, means he finds you worthy to be standing on biblical grounds.

Daniel: Pink Ehehe. T-Thank you, Your Honor. And Satan! (I honestly can't tell if that was a backhanded compliment or an encouraging insult.)

Judge: Court is dismissed. *Smack*

Defendant Lobby 11:07 p.m.

AAAAAAAH! That was the most intense shit in my life! I'm glad my acting has made me come off as confident as I totally don't present. Why is this more nerve wracking than killing someone? I guess there's more pressure to keep someone alive. *Red* Uh oh. Someone's mad at me. Why is the floor shaking? EEEEEP! Qwais is stomping towards me with such anger! I've never seen him mad, let alone any emotions expressed very intensely!

"What the fuck is wrong with you!? I told you not to get involved! Now if I'm found guilty…" he takes deep breaths.

"Oh my~! What have we here?" Ms. Rosie says from behind me. This ain't a novela, lady.

"Look Qwais, I know you care for my well-being, you have to be out of your mind if you thought I was going to stand by and watch a friend die. Because I know you're innocent." He stays silent. "Can you tell me your side of the story? We haven't gone through that part."

"...Only because we're now part of it. I was waiting at the usual drop off. The truck came a half hour late, which was extremely unusual as it never missed its schedule. But shit happens, so I didn't think much of it. I went to grab one of the crates, which was heavier than usual. Then it broke and that's where the body fell."

"Just like in the photo."

He nods. "Obviously, I went to check up on him. But he was already dead. That's when I got detained by the police and the rest is history." Now I get it. The victim was murdered somewhere else and they transported the body to blame the poor person picking up the supplies. "Also, I managed to pick this up." He hands me a white feather. Hm? It has some blood on it.

Bloody Feather is added to the Court Record.

"Thank you. Now I know for certain that you're innocent and I'll fight for it till the end!" I encourage him. I have to. If I fail, then the truth will forever be buried.

"The court will begin momentarily. Please step inside." The bailiff notifies us.

"All right. Let's go get that Not Guilty verdict!" I pump myself before heading back.

Courtroom of Platitudes 11:30 p.m.

The gallery is filled with chattering.

Judge: *Smack* The court will resume the proceedings. Prosecution, any news of your investigation.

Raguel: Yes. We found large traces of blood from where the witness saw the incident. The truck in question belonged to another company and we traced it back to the owner.

Daniel: (Fuck yeah! I was right on the money.)

Raguel: I brought him here to testify in court.

Daniel: Really?

Raguel: *Smirk* Although, the defense might not like what he has to say.

Daniel: Hmph. We'll see about that.

Judge: I see. Then the witness may take a stand.

A duck demon walks on the stand. He is wearing white business shirt and fitting black pants and dress shoes. His defining features are his long neck that make him look like a swan and his entire arms are just wings. He is currently balancing a walnut on one of his feathers.

Daniel: Red (Yikes. This guy screams bad news.)

Raguel: Witness, state your name and occupation.

He cracks the nut with his beak and eats the inside.

Bob:...*Grin* Bob Nickleson, at your service. I am the district manager of CWI.

Daniel: CWI?

Bob: Child Worker Institution. You know all those skyscrapers and important buildings in Pentagram City? All done by five year old hands. Kreeeekekeke!

Daniel: Wait! You use kids to do constructions? That's dangerous and illegal! (Also, was that him laughing? That sounded more like a jackhammer, than anything else.)

Bob: True. It is illegal. In the human world, that is. But the children are not slaves. They have all the needs they want and all the wants they need. After they finish their work, they'll ascend back to Heaven where they belong. Nothing immoral at all.

Daniel: That's….not right, man.

Bob: *Pulls out a walnut* That's just how we run here. Don't like it, take your complaints to Lucifer. I'm sure he will consider the advice. Krrrrreeekeke!

Daniel: (Okay, man. Cool it with the laughter.)

Raguel: As informative this conversation is, we have a trial to get through.

Bob: With pleasure.

Witness Testimony: Bob's Involvement

"I was riding my truck doing my usual business. I decided to stop and use the restroom. When I finished with my duty, I saw that wolf boy arguing with the victim. Then he struck him with a strong punch to the head and died."

Daniel:...Wait a minute...my scales didn't react to anything.

Bob: Is there a problem?

Daniel: N-No! I'm ready for the cross-examination. (I'm so close! There has to be something I can point out.)

Cross-examination

"When I finished with my duty, I saw the wolf boy arguing with the victim."

Objection!

Daniel: Sorry duck man, but you're wrong about that.

Bob: Wrong? Whatever could you mean?

Daniel: I mean the fact that you couldn't have known the identity of the culprit!

Bob: What!?

Daniel: The last witness testified that the culprit was wearing a cloak at the time. *Smack desk* Therefore, it's impossible for you to know his identity!

Protesto!

Raguel: Such basic information is not hard to figure out. After all, have you seen the defendant's physique? Hard to not figure it out.

Daniel: We have two testimonies describing the events differently. I don't know about you, but these witnesses are unreliable!

Judge: Hmmm. One said he wore a cloak, the other said he didn't. These accounts contradict each other. Any objections to the defense claims?

Raguel:...None at all.

Daniel: (That's weird. He conceded pretty easily.)

Objection!

Daniel: !

Judge: !

Raguel: !

Bob: So that's how you want to roll, Raguel? Hmph. Your mother would be disappointed.

Raguel: *Smacks desk* Do not insult me, sinner! My job is to uphold the truth to the court and bring justice to criminals.

Bob: Kek. What a half-breed comment. Are you forgetting you're dealing with the Lord's right wing man? The accusation of me lying under oath? *Smashes walnut* Inconceivable!

Daniel: Yellow (There it is! He is lying. And I already got in mind who the real culprit is.)

Bob: I already gave my testimony. I'll be taking my leave. The kids need me.

Hold it!

Daniel: You're not going anywhere!

Bob:...You're really passing me off, lizard boy.

Judge: Defense, is there something you want to do with the witness?

Daniel: (I've made up my mind. This is the guy we've been looking for.) Yes. The defense accuses the witness to be the real culprit!

Raguel/Bob: QUEEEEEEE!?

The gallery bursts with noise.

Judge: *Smack* Order! Defense! Do you realize the severity of such accusations?

Daniel: I do, Your Honor. And I wouldn't make it if I didn't have evidence to support my claim.

Raguel: Y-You do!?

Judge: Don't keep us in suspense. Though I will warn you, if your evidence proves nothing, there will be consequences. Now, what evidence points to the culpability of the witness?

Take that!

Daniel: *Pulls out the bloodied feather* Hey Bob, does this look familiar?

Bob: ! Where did you get that?

Daniel: This was found on the victim's body. And if we run a DNA test of both the blood and the feather, I bet my second life that it's the victim's blood and you're feather!

Objection!

Bob: Kek. How very curious. However, there's one flaw in your argument.

Daniel: And that is?

Bob: *Shows off his wings* There was no way I could hold a weapon to kill with these.

Daniel: Ugh! (Fuck! He's right. How did he actually kill the victim?...) Actually, you didn't need to hold anything. *Smirk* After all, you've been cracking nuts with your strong beak.

Bob: !

Daniel: If we find traces of blood on your beak, *Points dramatically* then it could've been no one else but you!

Bob: Rrrngh! SQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!

Bob collapses from the shock and the gallery becomes hysterical.

Judge: Bailiff! Detain the witness and take him to the infirmary at once!

The bailiff removes the witness from the court. Some time passes until the gallery calms down.

Judge: Prosecution, any update on the witness well-being?

Raguel: He is still unconscious, but nothing major. We also took the feather for analysis and the blood does indeed belong to the victim. We also found traces of the victim's blood on the beak. Just like the defense claimed.

Daniel: (Holy shit! I actually got it right! Maybe I should start considering studying law?)

Judge: Very well. Since we've found the true culprit, we can finally reach a verdict. Can the defendant come to the stand?

Qwais takes a stand.

Judge: It has been a lengthy trial, but I can say with confidence that the court finds Qwais Saad…

Not Guilty

Confetti is showered throughout the court as the gallery cheers.

Judge: Court is dismissed. *Smack*

The Defendant Lobby 11:46 p.m.

WOOOOOOO! Fuck yea! I did it, baby!

"Congratulations on your victory." Ms. Rosie says as she enters.

*Blue* "I won't lie, I was nervous as all Hell, but I saved Qwais from dying again!" Hm? Yikes! Since when was Qwais next to me?

"...You're one crazy son of a bitch, you know? I'm glad Master dragged you along. I will never doubt your faith in me ever again." Woah! That's the first time he's ever smiled at me!

*Pink* "It was nothing. It's what friends are for." Huh? Raguel comes in with an intense face.

"Oh! I'm sorry to disrupt your celebration. I just wanted to talk to the defense." Oh boy. I wonder what he wants? He approaches me. Then bows. "Thank you."

*Blue* "Huh? I'm confused."

"Bob Nickleson. I've been trying to find evidence of his smuggling for years." He looks away. "My partner, Henry, lost his life acting as an employer investigating for me."

*Red* "Oh shit! I'm sorry for your loss." Damn. So that's why he conceded earlier.

"It's all right. He will be brought to justice and rot his entire existence in the ninth circle." Yikes. Hate to be at the wrong end of this guy. "Well I leave you with your victory. This will stain my perfect record, but I'm glad I lost this once. However, should we meet at opposite ends, I will not go as easy as I did today."

"S-Sure." I don't know if I'll ever come back, but one never knows how fate works.

"Before we leave, could you shout 'Objection' one more time?" Rosie asks.

"I want to hear it too." Qwais pitches in.

"I too would like to hear those words that shook the court." Not you too, Raguel.

"All right! It's my purpose to entertain the audience. Here goes nothing."

Objection!