A/N: Finally making significant time headway! The clues are being presented as our attorneys find them. However, there are those that actively want to obscure the truth. Enjoy, my readers!

April 27th, 2029

Los Angeles Convention Center

"How about we take a break from the investigation, Junie," Athena said. "In a convention center this big, surely we're going to find something nice!"

"I appreciate that, Thena." If she were being honest, Juniper was starting to feel tired from this investigation. She could see all the disparate elements before her, but for the life of her couldn't figure out how they all fit together.

"Speaking of books, do you think any are being sold here?" Juniper asked. "I'd like to pick something up for my personal collection."

"Sure! Meanwhile, I think I'm going to see if I can't find an event that will let me show off my skills!" Athena said, making a V sign with her hand.

The two of them went towards one of the side halls, looking around the exhibition booths. There were some for different shows, including one for the ever famous Steel Samurai. Likewise, said booth had some advertisements for the "Steel Samurai vs. The Plumed Punisher" movie. Recently, it was announced that Starlight Moon was playing the lead villain.

"That was the actress that Hugh defended, right?" Athena asked, looking at a poster. "Why do you think she was cast as the villain?"

"I'm not sure, but I'm glad that Miss Moon's career is thriving," Juniper answered. "Although, who is this 'Arachnid Queen' that she's supposed to be playing?"

"Oh, I'm surprised you don't remember! It's that case that Apollo defended in Khura'in," Athena said, grinning. "When he overthrew-"

"Oh, now I remember! I'm amazed that they're making this into a movie," Juniper said. "Honestly, I didn't remember because I still have the Midnah Ni'te case on my mind."

"I haven't heard of that. Is it a case that you took on?"

Oh, right. I guess I haven't told Thena yet. "No, I didn't take on this case. It's a case where-"

"Are you that defense attorney?"

The sudden voice turned out to be from none other than Dakota Sapling. "Oh, Miss Sapling! What are you doing here?" Juniper asked.

"Well, that absolutely rude prosecutor kept me in questioning, but I didn't have anything to do with the crime," Miss Sapling said. "So eventually, she had to let me go."

"Looks like Robin wasn't able to get anything out of her. That's kind of impressive," Athena said.

"Well, it's because a girl like me can't be defeated. Not when I have the most powerful feeling inside of me," Dakota said, sighing dreamily. "My admiration for the greatest author!"

"By chance, would that author happen to be Edward Iraman? I've heard his name be mentioned before," Athena said.

"There isn't a single person on this country- no, a single person in this world that hasn't heard of Edward." Dakota put her hands to her chest and swooned. "I don't compare to someone like him. Of course, judging by your face, you don't know anything about this kind of feeling."

Athena turned towards Juniper. "Woah! Yeah, what's with that expression, Junie?"

Somehow, I feel like I'm being personally attacked right now. "...Never mind that. Miss Sapling, can I ask you some questions?"

"Sure, I don't see why not."

Juniper considered what questions she needed to ask Dakota. Now would be a good time to confirm John's account.

"On the day of the murder, did you happen to see Skylar? We have testimony that places her at this convention center," Juniper said.

"Oh, her? I don't remember seeing her around here," Dakota said, rolling her eyes. "This is a pretty big convention center, so maybe we didn't run into each other."

"Hang on a second, Miss Sapling. I am hearing a significant amount of bitterness in your voice," Athena said. "And it seems to be directed towards Miss Sapling."

"Ah, no, I don't feel anything of the sort towards my competitor!" Dakota said, frantically shaking her head, her ponytail whipping about frantically.

"Wait, I remember Mr. Swerve saying that both you and Skylar were part of the 'Worlds Collide' contest. Are you feelings related to that?" Juniper asked.

"It's not like that! In fact, you've got it all wrong," Dakota said. "I was talking to Mr. Swerve about how Skylar had been in the contest. Almost one of the finalists, in fact. But she dropped out."

"She dropped out? But why?" That sounded strange to Juniper, to say the least. "If she was almost a finalist, why would she?"

"Skylar shrugged. "I have no idea. But that's all I know."

Juniper approached Athena, then whispered to her, "Is there anything that you've noticed in her tone?"

"If you mean discord in her voice, not that I've heard. But what she's saying is clearly suspicious," Athena answered. "The real question is, how do we prove it?"

That was always what it came down to, didn't it? As long as they didn't have evidence, they wouldn't be able to press further. Robin had the same problem earlier, evidently.

"What about you, Miss Sapling? Where were you on the day of the crime?" Juniper asked instead.

"I was here because I heard that Mr. Iraman was signing autographs, and I absolutely had to get one," Miss Sapling said, swooning again. "Actually, I was thinking of going to get a third autograph."

"Wasn't Skylar also here to get an autograph from him? He seems very popular with the ladies," Athena said.

"We really need to interview him at some point, then. The more we learn about Skylar's movements-"

"I can assure you that… that woman was nowhere near him!" Dakota butted in. "So don't you dare pester him with your annoying questions."

"Okaaaay then. That hit a nerve," Athena said, sweating. "Let's make sure she's not nearby before we continue our investigation."

Before Juniper could make a response, she noticed someone rushing towards her, shoving their way through the crowds. It turned out to be Ema.

"Miss Woods! Athena!" I need you to come with me at once!" Ema said urgently.

"Did something ha-"

No time to explain. I need you to follow me now!" Juniper decided to listen, and followed Ema, with Athena right behind her.

April 27th, 2029

Los Angeles Convention Center, Private Meeting Room

They entered back into the main exhibition hall, where there was still the long line waiting to get autographs. Ema went towards a smaller room off to the side, opening the door.

Inside the door was what appeared to be a small lounge. There was a table, a couch, and a small fridge with drinks. Juniper tried to step inside, but Ema stopped her.

"I need you to look carefully at the floor, and tell me what you see." Ema said, her eyes burning with anger.

Juniper looked down. Nothing seemed wrong with the floor. If anything, it looked completely spotless. "The floor is clean. Was it like this when you found it?"

"No, it wasn't it. When I first discovered this room, it was covered in footprints," Ema said. "I was going to analyze them personally, but I got a call from the precinct telling me that they wanted me to analyze the wallpaper scrap again."

"Wait a minute, Ema. Didn't you say earlier that you found nothing on the scrap itself?" Athena asked, frowning.

"I did, but my superior didn't want to hear it. When I returned to this room after, the floor had been mopped up by a janitor," Ema said, glaring. "And questioning them, I learned that apparently another detective approved this tampering with the scene. A detective that somehow never introduced themselves."

"Detective Skye, are you trying to say… that someone is actively rigging this case?" Juniper asked, horrified.

"Seems like it," Ema said bluntly. "Who it is and why they're doing this, I don't know."

"So why did you bring us here? Not that we don't appreciate you telling us!" Athena said quickly.

"Pretty soon, the police will arrive to seal off this room," Ema said. "This is the one and only chance for you to investigate it."

"That's really nice of you, Ema! Thank you so much!" Athena exclaimed, beaming.

"D-don't think that means I won't be keeping an eye on you, Athena," Ema said, turning away as her face went red. "So don't try anything!"

Juniper was already moving around the room, studying it carefully. A detail that stuck out that some couch cushions were scattered about the room. "This could be taken as a sign that a struggle happened."

"Maybe. But in my experience, it won't be enough," Athena said. "We need proof that an attack happened."

"In which case… Detective Skye, do you have any luminol on you?" Juniper asked.

"I thought you'd never ask," Ema said, grinning as she took out a spray bottle and a pair of pink glasses. "Here, take these."

Juniper put on the glasses, tinting the entire room in red.

"Oh, can I be the one that sprays the room? I'll reach anywhere you want me to, Junie!" Athena exclaimed.

"Sure, here you go." Juniper handed the luminol bottle to Athena. Immediately, the defense attorney sprayed the sofa, but no residue showed up. Next, Athena sprayed the drinks machine, but didn't turn up anything either.

The last thing to do was spray the walls, but… "I don't think we have enough luminol to spray all of them."

"And if you use that all up, you're paying for it." Ema added.

Of all the walls in the room, which one would be affected? "Thena, spray the wall directly behind the couch."

"You got it, Junie!" Athena took the luminol, and sprayed it liberally on the wall. Juniper gasped- a small blue spot showed up just above the couch.

"So you saw it too. That is blood residue," Ema said, also wearing pink glasses. "At a guess, I would say that's from the victim's head wound, but I'll test it to know for sure."

"So this is the true scene of the crime, then." Suddenly, the small room seemed claustrophobic to Juniper, and she wanted to leave.

Meanwhile, Athena approached the soda machine. "There is bottled water… soda… there's even orange juice!"

"No! You are not messing up this crime scene any more!" Ema said sharply.

"We already tested the fridge!"Athena whined. "So surely it would be okay to take just one drink."

"I'm probably getting an earful from the precinct for letting this place get tampered with," Ema said, glaring. "And I'm sorry, but I don't like you enough to get in more trouble."

"Oh. That hurts to hear," Athena said, her eyes watering.

"You're so cold, Ema!" Widget exclaimed.

Juniper couldn't help but giggle at this display. I really needed that. I can always count on you at times like these, Thena.

After that, Juniper looked at the floor. Ema had said that it had been mopped up, which seemed to imply that there was evidence someone wanted destroyed.

Juniper got on her hands and knees, then looked around. Under the couch… "I found something!"

"Don't touch it!" Ema approached the couch, putting on gloves. Kneeling down, she searched where Juniper directed. After a minute, Ema brought out a book.

Without a word, she opened the book, spritzing pages with luminol. And then- "Found a drop of blood. This books warrants further examination. Do you want to dust it for fingerprints, Miss Woods?"

"Wait, are you really asking me? You're the professional forensics investigator," Juniper said.

"This is true. But I can't have all the fun around here," Ema said, giving the first friendly smile this entire case. "If you need any help, I'm here."

After putting on a pair of gloves herself, Juniper took the book in her hands. At Ema's direction, she dusted the cover in white powder. Taking a deep breath, Juniper blew it off.

On the spine of the book, fingerprints appeared. "Looks like you're a natural at this!" Ema exclaimed. "Do you have an idea of who this might belong to?"

Considering all the accounts I've heard up until now, there is only one possibility.

"I believe this book belongs to the victim, Skylar Scribe," Juniper said. "Various testimonies point to her carrying a book with her on the day of the crime."

"Let's see, then…" Ema compared the fingerprints on the book to the police files she had on her. "You're correct! The fingerprints are indeed the victim's."

"Thank you for confirming that, Detective Skye." There was one thing Juniper was keeping to herself. She didn't fail to notice the author's name on the book: "Edward Iraman".

Skylar's Book added to the Court Record

"I think that wraps up the investigation of this room, Junie," Athena said. "Where do you think we should go next?"

"There's evidence that we really need confirmed: the wallpaper found with the Miss Scribe," Juniper said. "If possible, I'd like to talk with an organizer of the 'Worlds Collide' contest."

"I think if anyone can arrange that, it would be Prosecutor Newman. Why don't you give her a call?" Ema said. "I'll be staying here for a bit longer."

"Ah, okay. Thanks for your help!" Juniper took out her cell phone, and dialed Robin's number.

"Hello, Juniper! Did you need something?"

"Yes, I was hoping I could talk with someone in charge of the writing contest," Juniper said. "What has your search turned up?"

"As it just so happens, I was investigating exactly t-h-a-t!" Robin said cheerfully. "Right now, I'm meeting with a judge of that contest. Want to talk with him too?"

"Sure! Tell me where you are." Juniper carefully paid attention to Robin's directions, then thanked her and hung up. "We have our next destination, Thena!"

April 27th, 2029

Los Angeles Convention Center, Judges' Room

4:00 p.m.

It's getting pretty late. But I can't afford to stop this investigation until I know I'm ready for court tomorrow.

Those were the thoughts running around in Juniper's head as she entered the room that Robin had told her about. The room was long, leading up to a large desk, while the walls were flanked with various small potted trees.

Robin was here, talking with an imposing, middle aged man. He had long, black hair slicked back to his neck, a handlebar mustache, and was dressed in a three piece gray suit, topped with a red bowtie. Seated behind the desk, he quickly took notice of Juniper.

"Ah, is this the defense attorney I've been hearing so much about," The man said. "My name is Nicholas Solomon. I am one of the judges of the 'Worlds Collide' contest."

"My name is Juniper Woods. Nice to meet you." Juniper took a quick look at Mr. Solomon's desk. A nameplate displayed on it had his last name, while most of the space was taken up by books.

In the space that wasn't taken up by books, there were two things: A lamp, and a gold-lined envelope. A part of Juniper wanted to ask what was inside. For now, she made a mental note.

Solomon's Desk added to the Court Record

"This prosecutor had a few questions for me, and I decided to wait until everyone was together in this room," Mr. Solomon said. "Now that we're all here, what do you want to know?"

"I heard from one of the contestants that Skylar dropped out of the contest. Is that true?" Juniper asked.

"It is indeed. I even have the updated roster here," Mr. Solomon said, handing Juniper an official-looking paper.

The document read "Worlds Collides finalist roster: Aphrodite Sweetheart, and Quicksilver Genius". Andres told me that the pen-name he and Skylar used was 'Colorful-Sky', and it's not on here.

Worlds Collide Roster added to the Court Record.

"Something I've been wondering for a while now," Robin said. "Just what are the rules of this contest anyways?"

"I shall explain them to you. This is a national writing contest where writers from all over submit their stories," Mr. Solomon said, stroking his mustache. "My fellow judges and I comb over them, dissecting every word. Slowly but surely, unworthy stories are purged in critical fire."

"That sounds super intense!" Athena exclaimed. "So does that mean the finalists are the best of the best?"

"You are correct. Which leads us to the final stage that is ongoing," Mr. Solomon said. "The three finalists submit their best stories. Then, we tear into them with a passionate fervor. The story that survives the end is the final winner."

"Woooooaaahhhh! That sounds awesome! It makes me want to put myself through that kind of experience!" Robin shouted.

"On the final day of the contest, we hold an announcement ceremony at the main exhibition hall," Mr. Solomon explained. "Normally, we have the three finalists waiting to go on stage. The runner up prizes, a thousand dollars for third place and five thousand dollars for second place, get announced, and the authors are revealed."

Mr Solomon says "normally". I guess what's not normal is Skylar dropping out. Juniper still didn't entirely believe that she dropped out in the first place.

"Then after the runner-ups have been announced, the room waits in bated breath for the announcement of the final winner," Mr. Solomon said. "On stage, a magnificent banner unfurls, unveiling the winner's book- and their prize of ten-thousand dollars, as well as an exclusive publishing contract, and they too are presented to the nation."

"I see. Thank you for your information." For most of this case, Juniper could not find a motive of why someone would want to kill Skylar. But the final prize of the contest- that could be a strong motive.

"I was just telling Mr. Solomon that Andres was being accused of killing of Skylar, but he has no motive," Robin said. "They're working together, so the prize would go to both of them."

Mr. Solomon shrugged. "I know nothing of this murder. I have been busy running this contest with the other judges."

Now was the time to clear up some further details. "I've been wondering. How are Mr. Artisan and Miss Scribe allowed to enter the contest together?"

"There are no rules against multiple people submitting one entry," Mr. Solomon said. "Most contestants prefer to work alone, is all. Besides which, all Mr. Artisan did were the illustrations. It would be Miss Scribe's word crafting that would be judged."

After hearing this account, it occurred to Juniper that there were two points that Mr. Solomon could elaborate on. "At the entrance of the of the main exhibition hall, there's an arch with a five on it. What's that about?"

"It is an arch that was built in celebration of a fifth anniversary special to this contest," Mr. Solomon said. "Why do you ask, attorney?"

"Because I noticed that the arch isn't finished," Juniper said, nervously playing with her fingers. "I thought it was odd, for some that's important to the contest."

"You're very observant. Construction of the arch had to be stopped because of this murder." Mr. Solomon tented his fingers in front of him. "It is unfortunate, but once this case is over, the arch will be finished."

Juniper looked over at Athena, who shook her head. So far, it seemed like the other attorney hadn't picked up any discord.

Which didn't mean Mr. Solomon wasn't lying. Just like Miss Sapling, Juniper had a feeling there was more to this than they wanted her to know.

As for the other thing that Juniper wanted to know… "If you don't mind telling me, who are the two finalists?"

"I will tell you what I told the prosecutor here," Mr. Solomon said, gesturing at Robin. "The identity of my contestants is private. I will not disclose them for any less than an official warrant."

"As you can imagine, I've been trying to get a warrant for what feels like this entire case," Robin added. "But every time, I get told the same thing: I'll only get the warrant once I find a link with the case. It's so stupid!"

"You're very frustrated, Robin," Athena said, a concerned expression on her face. "Maybe we should take a break."

"Yes. let's go find somewhere to catch a breath." But Juniper did not want to leave the convention center yet. There was still more that she wanted to get done.

Interviewing Miss Sapling again, for a start. But seeing if at long last, she could talk with the one person in this case that had evaded them up until now…

To be continued.

A/N: This phase of the case reaches it's conclusion next chapter. This is the most complex case I have ever written, with many moving parts in the background. Who can see past this deception? I do want to know. See you next time! Please review.