The fateful day had finally arrived. As the sun crept over the horizon, it brought more than just a new day. It carried the weight of anticipation, for today was the trial of Oscura.
Outside the House of Justice, a sea of protestors, spectators, and reporters swarmed the gates. Only a select few were permitted inside the grand courtroom, their presence carefully controlled. Within, white stone pillars flanked the room, leading to the semi-circular judge's bench where eight imposing seats loomed over the proceedings.
On the defence's side, familiar faces gathered: Gus, Willow, Eda, King, Amity, Emira, Edric, Alador, and the Blight family lawyer named Mildred. Unexpectedly, two more figures appeared — Skara and Viney — drawing surprised looks from Willow and Emira.
"Why are you here?" Emira asked, her curiosity piqued.
"I want to understand what really happened. Seeing Oscura give up like that when she could've wiped out the Scouts so easily… it didn't make sense," Viney admitted, her brows furrowed and expression thoughtful. "You keep saying I didn't know the whole story, so I'm here to get it. If this trial gives me the full picture, I'll listen."
"I'm not gonna lie," Skara chimed in, her voice shaky. "She still terrifies me. But Willow, Gus, you two were never afraid of her. Not even back in the WATTs. In fact, you both pitied her. Then everything with Morgan happened, and now I'm even more confused. Who is the real Luz? Was Morgan the real Luz, like you said? Or was she always Oscura, deep down? You have answers, but...I need to figure it out for myself."
Willow, Gus, and Emira exchanged silent glances. They could explain to them over and over again that Luz was still Luz and Oscura was something else, but in the end, Skara and Viney would have to reach their own conclusions. Otherwise, they'd be no different from the cult.
Speaking of which, Bria was somewhere in the crowd. None of the other cult members were visible yet, but it was hard to imagine she'd come alone. The Abomatons stationed around the courtroom, along with Luz's warnings, would hopefully ensure they didn't attempt anything reckless.
"If Bria and her goons try something..." Amity muttered under her breath. "I'll fill them up with so much Abomination slime until they burst."
"Easy, Amity," Willow assuaged, placing a calming hand on her shoulder. "Bria and her cult have stayed loyal to Oscura this long. We just need to keep a close eye on them."
"All I'm saying is, they'd better keep their mouths shut," Amity threatened, her eyes narrowed.
Across the aisle, on the prosecution's side, stood Bradward Buzzard, a vulture-like biped demon, hunched over in his tailored suit, his gleaming eyes radiating with malicious confidence. His smirk was fixed on Legal Eagle, the defence attorney, as though certain of his victory before the trial had even begun.
Legal remained calm, adjusting his notes with the precision of someone who knew the real game was about to begin. The case might seem clear-cut to the public, but he had information from Luz herself — facts that could flip the entire trial on its head.
Reporters scribbled furiously, cameras whirring and flashing as they broadcasted the proceedings across every scroll and crystal ball on the Isles. The entire Boiling Isles was watching, holding its breath for what was sure to be the trial of the century.
"All rise for the honourable High Council of the United Covens!" a Scout announced.
The murmurs of the crowd died down as the large door to the left swung open. One by one, the eight members of the Council entered: Raine Whispers, Osran, Darius Deamonne, Eberwolf, Hettie Cutburn, Vitmir, Mason, and finally Lilith Clawthorne.
Amity's scowl deepened the moment she saw her former mentor, Lilith, the witch who had started all of this. How could she sit in judgment, knowing what was bound to come out during the trial? Either she was confident nothing would touch her, or she was prepared to face her role in creating Oscura.
The Council members, draped in black robes adorned with their respective Coven badges, took their seats behind the imposing bench.
"Court is now in session!" declared the Scout.
"Please, be seated," Raine instructed, their voice calm but firm.
The courtroom settled into a heavy silence, all eyes fixed on the Council.
"People of the Boiling Isles," Darius began, his deep voice reverberating through the chamber. "We are gathered here today for a trial long denied, though few expected it to come this soon. Today, we begin the trial of former Empress Oscura. You will hear testimonies not only from Oscura herself, but also from witnesses and evidence presented. Given the gravity of this case and its far-reaching consequences, this trial will be broadcast live to the entire Boiling Isles. I remind everyone here to remain composed. I understand that tensions are high, but we will have order."
"Bring forth the accused," Hettie ordered.
A door to the right of the courtroom opened, and all eyes shifted as Luz Noceda stepped forward, her hands bound in glowing cuffs, led by an Abomaton. Legal had managed at least one victory as Luz was not clad in prison garb. Instead, she wore a fitted three-piece blue suit, paired with a white blouse and black tie. Formal, but not intimidating. When asked if she wanted to wear a skirt, she declined.
Perception was everything in a courtroom. If Luz could present herself as an ordinary girl trapped in extraordinary circumstances, it might tilt the scales in her favour.
Amity clenched her fists, a low growl escaping her as she watched Luz — her Luz — bound in chains. A fierce urge to rush to her and break the chains apart surged through her, but she knew better. Acting out would only make things worse. Swallowing her frustration, she forced a smile, catching Luz's eyes as she waved.
Luz, seeing her fiancée and the family behind the defence table, returned a small, genuine smile.
Camera flashes exploded from every corner, shutters clicking furiously as the reporters snapped pictures of the infamous Oscura. Every reaction, Luz's wave, the crowd's tension, was being broadcast across the Boiling Isles.
The Abomaton continued its march, leading Luz to the defence's table, where she would remain for the duration of the trial. But for now, she stood.
"Oscura, you are charged with violating the terms of your original sentence. How do you plead?" Osran's voice was steady, commanding.
Luz glanced toward Legal, who gave her a slight, reassuring nod.
"Not guilty," Luz declared, her voice clear and unwavering.
The courtroom erupted in murmurs, accusatory and loud. The chaos rose quickly, with Mason slamming his gavel down, its crack slicing through the din.
"ORDER IN THE COURT!" Mason bellowed, his eyes flashing with authority.
"Mr. Eagle." Vitmir leaned forward, eyeing Legal with a raised brow. "Are you certain your client doesn't wish to reconsider her plea? It's evident she stands here in blatant violation of her original sentence."
"No, honourable Councilman Vitmir," Legal responded, meeting the potioneer's gaze without flinching. "My client stands by her plea."
"This trial will not only address your client's flagrant violation..." Mason added, his voice measured and calm as he folded his hands. "...but will also serve as the formal trial she was denied for her crimes against the Boiling Isles. Does your client understand the gravity of this?"
"She does, Your Honour," Legal confirmed. "And if I may, I would like to request that the Council refer to my client by her original name 'Luz Noceda' as part of the official record."
"I see no reason not to," Raine responded. "The record should reflect the distinction between the defendant's real name and her alias."
"So ordered," Darius intoned, nodding. "We will refer to her as 'Luz Noceda,' though we reserve the right to use her alias where appropriate. Is that acceptable?"
"It is," Legal replied smoothly.
"Bradward Buzzard," Lilith Clawthorne called, her voice steady. "You may proceed with your opening argument."
"Thank you, Councilwoman Clawthorne." Bradward stepped out from behind his table, straightening his coat before he turned to face the room. His eyes swept across the chamber, finally locking on the Council members. "Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed council members, today marks a monumental day for the Boiling Isles. Today is the day we seek justice." He let the words sink in, pausing before continuing. "Four years ago, the Boiling Isles trembled under the tyrannical rule of one known as Empress Oscura, a name that struck fear into the hearts of every demon, witch, and child across the land! Many lost their lives to her or to her dreaded army of Phantoms. Were it not for the bravery of the WATTs and the mysterious heroes known as the Kamen Riders who came to our aid in our darkest hour, the Demon Realm would have been reduced to ashes!"
Luz winced, her stomach tightening as memories of those dark days rushed back: destruction, betrayal, regret.
"I don't question the wisdom of this Council, but many believed that banishment was too lenient a sentence," Bradward went on, his voice rising with fervour. "At the time, perhaps it was. After all, the portal Oscura used to access our world had been destroyed. We thought she could never return. For four years, we enjoyed peace. The Isles breathed easy. But now, that peace has been shattered. Monsters have returned, and with them Oscura!" He jabbed an accusatory finger in Luz's direction, his feathered hand trembling with conviction. "The Boiling Isles is on edge, terrified by the possibility of Oscura's return. For fifty years, we suffered under the tyranny of Emperor Belos, a human! And after we finally rid ourselves of his rule, we were thrown into an even darker nightmare under yet another human! And to make matters worse, more humans have arrived with her!"
The courtroom buzzed with tension, every word from Bradward's speech digging into the hearts of those present. The weight of his accusations pressed down on Luz, the girl who had once been their saviour and then became their greatest terror.
Marcy flinched under the weight of the crowd's stares while Sasha met their glares with defiance, wrapping a protective arm around Marcy's shoulders.
"It's clear to everyone here that Oscura not only violated the terms of her original sentence, but that she is also seeking to reclaim her throne!" Bradward's voice thundered through the chamber. "She was arrested at the former Glandus High, which has been disgracefully transformed into a shrine to her name! If this isn't proof of her ambition to regain power, I will present more throughout this trial! Esteemed Council members, by the end, there can be only one verdict: guilty. And you must deliver the harshest punishment available: execution! For the countless lives she destroyed, for the suffering she caused, justice demands it!"
Bradward's final words hung in the air like a death knell as the crowd erupted, their chants of "Guilty!" growing louder, swelling until Luz had to cover her ears. She had imagined this moment with people calling for her execution, but now that it was real, it terrified her.
Legal noticed her unease. With a subtle nod, he signalled to Amity. She immediately scooted closer, gently placing a hand on Luz's shoulder, offering silent support. It was all she could do for now.
Bradward, satisfied with the reaction, returned to his seat, his chest puffed out as if the trial was already decided.
"Thank you, Mr. Buzzard," Raine said, their voice neutral, before turning to the defence. "Mr. Eagle, your opening argument."
Legal rose calmly, his expression unshaken by Bradward's fiery plea for execution. He offered Luz a reassuring pat on the shoulder before turning to address the court.
"Let me begin by acknowledging an undeniable truth: Oscura did indeed bring great harm to the Boiling Isles. She and her Phantoms caused death, sorrow, and chaos across this realm. This is not in dispute, not by me nor by anyone here. But I ask you all this: how many of you truly know the person behind the mask of Oscura? Only a handful in this room know the real Luz Noceda."
He paused, allowing the murmurs that rippled through the courtroom to settle before continuing.
"I will show you that Luz Noceda's fall into darkness is more complicated than anyone here understands. She wasn't born a monster. She didn't wake up one day and choose to become Empress Oscura. She was a child, desperate to do good, but pushed into darkness when every other option was taken from her. What began as a desire to protect spiralled into tragedy. And it is that tragedy, not evil, that created Oscura."
He glanced around, noting how the audience leaned forward, their curiosity piqued.
"Esteemed members of the Council, I intend to prove that Luz Noceda did not deliberately violate her original sentence. She had no choice. Luz, Amity Blight, and the other humans with them were dragged here to the Boiling Isles against their will, forced into a twisted game that could not only change this realm but all reality. This is the same game responsible for the Great Return, the event that brought back those who had died." Legal raised his hand, his finger pointing directly at Luz. "And the one responsible for their resurrection? None other than the person you call Oscura: Luz Noceda."
A collective gasp echoed through the courtroom, reporters scrambling to capture every word, pens scratching furiously in their notepads. The Council members exchanged stunned looks. No one had truly understood how the Great Return had occurred — only that they were grateful to have their loved ones back. But to hear that it had been because of Oscura, the very figure they feared, was beyond comprehension.
Bradward shot to his feet, his face flushed with indignation.
"Objection! The defence's claim that Oscura is responsible for the Great Return is completely unfounded!"
Legal turned calmly to face the Council.
"On the contrary, the defence will prove that not only was Luz Noceda responsible for the Great Return, but also that this game brought her and the others here. This will show that she did not return of her own free will, and therefore did not violate the terms of her banishment. Furthermore, I will reveal the full story — how a well-meaning child became the person we all feared as Empress Oscura. And when all the facts are laid bare, there will be only one verdict you can deliver: not guilty."
In the back of the courtroom, Viney and Skara sat frozen, stunned by the revelation. Like so many others, they had never fully understood what had caused the Great Return. But they never imagined Oscura had anything to do with it. Leaning forward, they whispered urgently to Willow, their voices shaky with disbelief.
"H-Hey, Willow...is it true?" Viney asked, her eyes wide with shock.
"Did Oscura really bring everyone back?" Skara added, incredulous.
"She did," Willow nodded, her voice steady. "We weren't there when it happened, but Amity and Sasha were."
Amity turned to face them, her expression solemn, the weight of the truth etched across her face.
"It's true," she confirmed. "Luz entered the game to bring back the lives she took."
Viney and Skara leaned back in their seats, overwhelmed by the weight of what they'd just heard. Their minds raced, struggling to reconcile the Oscura they feared with the Luz they had known.
After the shock of such a massive revelation began to settle, the prosecution wasted no time pressing forward.
"The prosecution would like to call Luz Noceda to the stand," Bradward announced, his voice sharp.
Luz's chains rattled slightly as she shifted nervously, but Amity reached out, placing a steadying hand on her shoulder. Taking a deep breath, Luz stood, letting the Abomaton lead her to the stand. Once seated, she faced the courtroom, trying to keep her composure as Bradward approached with a critical gleam in his eyes.
"State your name for the record," he instructed.
"Luz Noceda," she stated, her voice quiet but steady.
"You are from the Human Realm, correct?" Bradward asked, though his tone suggested it was more accusation than asking for confirmation.
"Yes, I am."
"Can you please tell the court how you first came to the Boiling Isles?"
"Four years ago, I was supposed to go to summer camp," Luz began, her voice steady. "While waiting for the bus, my book was stolen by Eda's Palisman, Owlbert. I followed him into Eda's portal and ended up in the Demon Realm."
"You must have been overwhelmed, arriving in such a strange, new world," Bradward spoke as his voice softened and turned deceptively gentle. "How did you feel?"
"At first..." Luz hesitated, but then answered honestly, "I was terrified. I thought I'd ended up in the Bad Place. But then I met Eda, and I discovered this world was incredible. It was full of magic, and I fell in love with it."
"You claim to love this world, and yet you sought to destroy it," Bradward accused as his voice turned sharp and his expression hardened. "Is that not true?"
The courtroom seemed to hold its breath as his words hung in the air. Luz's stomach knotted, her darkest memories flooding back: her desire to conquer the Multiverse, to erase every other Luz who hadn't suffered like her. The plan would have destroyed the Demon Realm, leaving nothing but devastation in its wake.
Luz swallowed, her voice trembling as she answered.
"It is, but—"
"But?" Bradward rudely cut her off, his tone icy. "Odd, isn't it? You say you love this world, but your actions tell a different story. You ruled with an iron fist, mercilessly killing those who opposed you. Even before your rise to power, you killed Scouts, Coven Heads, and even Emperor Belos himself."
Luz felt her heart sink under the weight of her past. The lives lost — both by her hand and through her Phantoms — haunted her, each memory a heavy stone pressing down on her chest.
"So, Ms. Noceda," Bradward continued, his eyes narrowing. "How do you reconcile that? How could someone who claims to love this world seek to destroy it?"
"I...I wasn't in my right mind," Luz's voice cracked as she tried to explain. "After I forged the Philosopher's Stone, it started to corrupt me."
Bradward's expression twisted into a mocking sneer.
"So, you're saying you went mad with power?"
"No!" Luz's voice rose, frustration and pain breaking through. "Stop twisting my words!"
"But that's exactly what you said, isn't it? You weren't in your right mind. The power you wielded caused you to lose control. And yet, your actions were calculated, deliberate."
"That...that wasn't really me," Luz's voice broke, tears welling in her eyes. "Four years ago, something happened, something that shattered me. It messed with my head...and I...I made the wrong choices."
"Or perhaps you're no different from Belos, a human witch hunter who sought our destruction." Bradward leaned in, his voice dripping with malice. "Maybe you were just waiting for the right moment to gain enough power to wipe us all out."
"Objection!" Legal's voice rang through the court, firm and precise. "Speculation."
"Sustained," Councilman Darius Deamonne cut in, his tone carrying a sharp edge. "Mr. Buzzard, refrain from making baseless accusations."
"Of course, Councilman." Bradward sighed dramatically, though he quickly regained his composure. "So, Ms. Noceda, you claim the 'Philosopher's Stone' corrupted you. Did you relinquish it after your defeat? Was it ever studied?"
"No...it was destroyed."
"So, all we have is your word that this 'Philosopher's Stone' corrupted you? An object that no one can verify even existed?" Bradward spread his arms in a gesture of disbelief, his voice almost mocking.
"It can be verified." Luz straightened slightly, finding a flicker of strength. "I...I learned about the ritual to create it from a book I found in the Forbidden Stacks at the Bonesborough Library."
"The Forbidden Stacks, you say?" Bradward raised an eyebrow, seizing the opportunity. "Tell me, Ms. Noceda, how exactly did you gain access to that restricted area? Only staff and the head librarian are allowed."
Luz hesitated, her eyes glancing at Amity. Amity, sitting in the crowd, looked away, her face pained. Guilt twisted in Luz's chest as she finally answered.
"I...I stole Amity's badge to get in," Luz confessed.
"And how did you, a human, manage to steal from a witch?" Bradward's voice grew louder, his expression hardening as he leaned in. "Did she assist you?"
Luz's fists clenched, the memory surging up in her mind — the sickening thud of the book striking Amity's head, the horror of what she'd done.
"No," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Then how?" Bradward's tone sharpened, his words biting. "How did you steal it?"
"I hit her!" Luz snapped, her voice breaking. "I knocked Amity out cold with a book!"
The courtroom erupted into gasps. Emira, Edric, and Alador all turned to look at Amity, their faces etched with shock and concern. Amity lowered her head, her expression filled with a shame that matched Luz's confession, confirming what the courtroom now feared was true.
"So..." Bradward self-righteously smiled, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "Even before you became Oscura, you already had violent tendencies. No further questions, Your Honours."
As Bradward returned to his seat, wearing a smug expression, Legal stood calmly.
"Your Honours, may I begin my cross-examination?" Luz's lawyer requested.
"You may," Raine permitted.
"Thank you." Legal strode past Bradward who smirked, clearly believing victory was already his. As Legal approached Luz, he noticed the silent tears streaming down her face, the weight of her confession still heavy on her. He paused, his voice gentle. "Ms. Noceda, I see how difficult that was for you."
"It...it was," Luz replied, her voice barely audible.
Legal gave a thoughtful nod.
"Curious," he said, loud enough for the room to hear. "For someone with such 'violent tendencies,' you seem to carry an overwhelming amount of remorse. Why is that? What drove you to such desperation that you felt you had no choice but to harm Amity Blight?"
Luz's eyes drifted toward Amity again, the unspoken fear between them heavy. Amity straightened, locking eyes with Luz, her expression firm yet supportive — silently giving her permission to continue.
"This is still hard for me to say" Luz began, taking a steadying breath. "Even after all these years, it feels like it just happened." She glanced around the courtroom, then continued. "It all started four years ago, during the Covention. I was there with my friends: Willow, Gus, Eda and King. We were having a good time, learning about the different covens. But then...Amity and I got into an argument. She...she stepped on King's cupcake. I got angry and challenged her to a witch's duel. As part of the duel, we made a bet."
"What kind of bet, Ms. Noceda?" Legal asked, his voice steady.
"Objection!" Bradward interrupted. "Where is this going?"
"I assure you, Your Honours," Legal replied, facing the Council. "Ms. Noceda's account will reveal the root of this entire case, shedding light on her later actions."
Darius exchanged glances with his fellow Council members. As much as they wanted to conclude the trial sooner, curiosity over how a fourteen-year-old girl had transformed into the feared Empress Oscura lingered.
"Sustained," Darius allowed. "The defendant may tell her story."
Legal nodded, gesturing for Luz to continue.
"The bet was for Amity to admit that humans could do magic if I won," Luz explained. "If she won, I had to admit to the entire Covention that I wasn't a witch and could never try to learn magic again. To seal the deal, Amity bound us with an Everlasting Oath."
A murmur swept through the crowd. They recognised the severity of an Everlasting Oath. It was not something to be trifled with.
"An Everlasting Oath?" Legal wondered, raising an eyebrow. "That's a serious spell to use in a duel between teenagers. Why agree to it, knowing the consequences?"
"...I didn't know what the spell did at the time," Luz hesitated before she spoke. "I assumed it was a normal agreement in the Demon Realm. After the bet, I realized I didn't know any combat spells, only a light glyph I'd found. I told Eda, and since she hadn't taught me any spells yet, she...cheated. She set up magic traps, landmines that would trigger when stepped on. But Lilith caught the cheating during the duel, and I lost."
Lilith winced slightly, her memory of the event evidently still fresh. Legal's eyes narrowed as he pressed on.
"I'm struggling to understand something," Legal said, his voice thoughtful. "You challenged Amity Blight, a far more experienced witch, over a cupcake?"
"I was defending King's honour," Luz admitted, her voice carrying a hint of a smile. "And because...well, she was being a jerk." Amity cringed in her seat, the memory making her uncomfortable. "After I lost, Amity was furious about the cheating. She invoked the Oath and made me declare in front of everyone that I wasn't a witch. They all laughed at me." Luz's voice cracked, and she paused, steadying herself. "It felt like I was back home, back in the Human Realm, where people can be cruel for the smallest things. Whether it's race, gender, or just being different, people find ways to make you feel like an outcast. So, when all those witches laughed at me just because I wanted to be like them...that broke me."
Her voice faltered as tears filled her eyes again. She struggled to keep her composure. Amity, visibly shaken, shifted as though to go to Luz, but Willow gently placed a hand on her arm, holding her back.
Legal conjured a handkerchief with a subtle spell, and handed it to Luz.
"Take your time," he said kindly.
After wiping her eyes, Luz continued.
"After that, I tried casting the light glyph again. But every time, the magic lashed out at me, scarring me."
"So, to clarify..." Legal continued, his tone measured. "You received a scar each time you tried to use magic?"
"Yes," Luz confirmed, her voice trembling slightly.
Legal stepped back, conjuring a spell circle, which produced a photograph. He sent it to the Council members.
"Your Honours, I would like to submit into evidence a photo of Luz Noceda as Empress Oscura."
The Council members studied the image, then nodded in acknowledgement.
"The photo shall be admitted," Darius stated.
With a second spell, Legal enlarged the image into a holographic projection, the scars on Luz's body clearly visible. The entire courtroom was silent, eyes glued to the image of Luz as Oscura.
"Ms. Noceda, is this you from four years ago?" Legal inquired.
"Yes," Luz replied, her voice thick with bitterness.
"I see many scars," Legal noted. "Am I correct in assuming there were even more, not visible in this image?"
"There were..." Luz swallowed hard. "I only knew one spell, and it was taken from me. I tried everything to break the curse, but nothing worked. After so many scars, I couldn't go back to the Human Realm. If people saw me, they'd think my mom had abused me. I had to fix it."
"And that's when you learned about the ritual in the Forbidden Stacks?"
"Yes," Luz confirmed. "I knew Amity worked there, so I begged her to unbind the Oath, to let me learn magic again. I was so desperate, I even offered to be her servant if she'd help me."
A gasp rippled through the courtroom, and Amity's family exchanged shocked glances. Amity herself looked crushed, her face betraying the weight of those memories.
"For a moment, I thought she might help," Luz continued, her voice trembling. "But she didn't. She said, 'A Blight always upholds their end of the bargain.' I begged her to leave her badge somewhere so I could 'find' it or to pretend I stole it. But she refused. And then...then I grabbed a book." Luz's tears flowed freely now. "I wasn't a violent person — never was, not until that moment. But I couldn't see any other way out." Luz's sobs intensified, but she pressed on. "I hit her. I only wanted to knock her out long enough to get what I needed. But...she ended up in a coma because of me. I'm so sorry, Amity. I'm so, so sorry."
Legal waited a beat, giving Luz time to regain control. When he spoke again, his voice was calm but firm.
"Luz, what happened after you got the book?"
"I...I performed the Sabbath Ritual in the woods. It worked. Not exactly the way I expected, but it worked. The oath was undone, and the Philosopher's Stone was forged. But in exchange...I became the woman you see in that picture."
"So, despite your appearance, you were still a fourteen-year-old girl?" Legal asked, his tone soft.
"I was..." Luz's voice shook as she spoke.
Legal leaned in, his voice steady and resolute.
"You were a child, trapped in an impossible situation. Despite your pleas for help, no one around you listened, forcing you into desperate measures. You gained immense power, yes — but at the cost of your youth. Your body transformed into that of an adult, while your mind remained that of a child. A cruel consequence of the ritual."
"Yes..." Luz slowly nodded with heaviness, her expression reflecting both pain and understanding.
"Your Honours," Legal called, turning to the Council. "While my client may have appeared to be an adult during her reign, emotionally and mentally, she was still a child. A child burdened with unimaginable power, unprepared to wield it. To suggest that she harboured violent tendencies, as Mr. Buzzard claims, is unjust. Desperation can drive even the most rational adults to extreme actions. Now, imagine placing that burden on a child." Legal turned back to Luz, his voice softening. "No further questions, Your Honours."
"Luz, you may return to your seat," Raine said gently, giving her a nod of compassion.
Legal helped Luz back to her chair, where she instinctively moved closer to the railing. Amity, her face full of empathy, wasted no time. She reached out, pulling Luz into a tight embrace. The Latina sobbed quietly into her fiancée's shoulder as Amity whispered reassurances, her voice soft and soothing, trying to calm the pain of reliving such dark memories.
"I know that was hard, Ms. Noceda," Legal acknowledged gently as he knelt beside her, his voice low. "But you did well. What you said stirred something in the people here, and likely beyond these walls. We're getting closer to proving your innocence."
Luz sniffled, wiping her eyes, trying to regain her composure.
"Thanks," she whispered gratefully.
Meanwhile, Bradward, seated at the prosecution's table, watched the exchange with narrowed eyes. Legal's defense had shifted the mood in the courtroom, and he couldn't afford to let the narrative slip away.
"Your Honours, the prosecution calls Kikimora to the stand," Bradward announced, his tone sharp.
All eyes turned to the main entrance as Kikimora, the small, sharp-eyed demon, entered. As she walked down the aisle, her gaze momentarily locked on Luz. For a brief second, Kikimora's eyes softened, as if recalling her former loyalty to her Empress. But just as quickly, she averted her gaze, shivering as she approached the witness stand. The seat magically adjusted to accommodate her height, allowing her to be clearly seen by all.
"State your name and former occupation for the record," Bradward instructed, his voice brisk.
"Kikimora," she stated, her voice sharp but edged with trepidation. "I was Belos' assistant until his death. After Oscura took over, I was relegated to a secretarial role while her Phantoms handled most of the command."
"And how would you describe Oscura's leadership?" Bradward asked, his tone direct and probing.
"Terrifying," Kikimora confessed, visibly shivering at the memory. "The Phantoms she created to enforce her will were unstoppable monsters. We had no way to oppose her as our magic was useless against them. We had no choice but to obey."
"And your role in her regime?" Bradward pressed on.
"At first, I worked with her to survive. I witnessed her kill multiple Coven Scouts during her takeover. I didn't want to meet the same fate." Her voice faltered slightly. "For the first few weeks, Oscura seemed focused on improving the Boiling Isles, first by dissolving the Coven System, thus allowing unrestricted magic. But..."
In the crowd, Bria smirked, enjoying the murmurs of the audience. Even those who despised Oscura couldn't deny her reign had brought certain benefits to the Isles.
"I remember one day when we visited Glandus High," Kikimora continued. "I saw students embracing Oscura as their ruler, celebrating the freedom to mix magic. It was...unsettling."
More murmurs rippled through the crowd. Bria's smirk widened; Oscura's influence was still visible in the Boiling Isles.
"So, Oscura had a plan for the Boiling Isles?" Bradward pressed on again, his interest piqued.
"Something like that," Kikimora replied carefully. "But she kept her true intentions hidden. She didn't trust me. She only showed favour to those who were close to her before her rise to power."
"And who were they?" Bradward questioned, leaning forward.
"Willow Park, Augustus Porter, and Edalyn Clawthorne," Kikimora answered, briefly glancing at the individuals named.
"So, if you weren't part of her inner circle, you were expendable?" Bradward questioned again, his voice hardening.
"Yes," Kikimora answered again, tension creeping into her voice. "She murdered several Coven Scouts along with Adrien Greye, the former Head of the Illusion Coven. She stripped Terra Snapdragon and Lilith Clawthorne of their magic, and drained the life out of Lilith's Palisman."
Terrified gasps rippled through the crowd, and Bradward's smirk grew. He was starting to chip away at the defence's narrative, poking holes in the portrayal of Luz as a helpless victim.
"Things..." Kikimora shakily voiced out. "Things took a drastic turn after the raid on the Golden Lords. They were a group fiercely loyal to the late Emperor Belos. Oscura personally led the raid with her Phantoms, rooting them out. But after the raid...she changed. She was always intimidating, always cloaked in darkness, but after that day...she became unhinged, deranged. Something had driven her to madness."
Bradward leaned in, sensing the opportunity to unravel more.
"What happened next?" he probed.
"It was after that day that I decided to approach the WATTs, offering my services as a spy," Kikimora explained, shifting nervously in her seat. "I knew Oscura was planning something, and I did everything I could to uncover it. One night, after some...disturbing incident, she summoned me to the throne room and revealed her plan: she intended to invade the Human Realm with her Phantoms. She had created a portal powerful enough to breach the dimensional divide, but doing so would destroy this realm in the process."
A shocked wave spread through the courtroom.
"She was no better than Belos," Kikimora spat. "Actually, I take that back. Oscura was way worse. At least Belos wouldn't have told us — he'd have let us all die in ignorance. But Oscura? She told me to warn people. It was like she enjoyed dangling the truth in front of me, knowing I couldn't stop her."
Bradward couldn't hide his satisfaction as he turned back to the Council.
"So, Oscura veered from 'helping' the Isles to plotting its destruction. No more questions, Your Honours."
Legal stood up, adjusting his suit with calm precision.
"Redirect, Your Honours," he requested smoothly.
"Proceed," Vitimir allowed.
Legal paced in front of the witness stand, his brow furrowed as if deep in thought.
"There's something about your testimony that doesn't quite make sense, Ms. Kikimora," he started.
"And what would that be?" Kikimora's eyes narrowed.
"You testified that Luz Noceda, back when she was Empress Oscura, was using her power to improve the Boiling Isles up until the raid on the Golden Lords. Is that correct?"
"Yes," Kikimora responded cautiously.
"And you said it was only after the raid that she became unhinged. Is that correct?"
"Yes, after the raid at The Knee."
Legal stopped pacing and turned to face her directly.
"Tell me, did anyone witness what took place inside the Golden Lords' base? Anything that might explain this sudden shift in Ms. Noceda's behaviour?"
Kikimora hesitated, her eyes shifting uneasily.
"No, the Phantoms guarded the entrance. No one saw what happened inside."
"That's strange," Legal remarked, eyebrow raised. "Up until that moment, Ms. Noceda was making significant changes by dissolving the Coven System and allowing unrestricted magic. Then suddenly, she decides to destroy everything, including the Boiling Isles itself. Have you ever wondered what might have caused such a sharp turn?"
"Well...yes," Kikimora fidgeted, clearly uncomfortable. "I did wonder. As much as I disliked working for her, things weren't unbearable. But after that raid, it was like she gave herself over to some...dark force."
"Exactly," Legal concurred, his voice growing firmer. "My client has testified that the Philosopher's Stone amplified her emotions, particularly her negative ones. It fed on her fear, her guilt, and her grief. Something must have occurred inside that base that pushed her over the edge, and the Stone made it worse."
"Objection!" Bradward interrupted, his tone biting. "Speculation, Your Honours."
"Withdrawn," Legal retracted, raising his hands in surrender. "No further questions, Your Honours."
Legal paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts before addressing the Council.
"Your Honours, given the emotional weight of Ms. Kikimora's testimony and the sensitive nature of what's been revealed today, I would like to request a brief recess so that we may all process the information."
The Council members conferred briefly among themselves before Darius made the decision.
"Very well. Court will recess for ten minutes," he ordered, banging his gavel.
As soon as the gavel hit, the tension in the courtroom shifted. People began to rise from their seats, murmuring amongst themselves, their voices buzzing with the weight of what had just been revealed. Luz remained seated, visibly shaken, while Amity stayed by her side, squeezing her hand in silent support.
Bradward, however, kept his gaze fixed on the Council, his confidence growing as the tide of the trial seemed to be turning in his favour.
In the quiet of the private room, Legal, Luz and her supporters gathered to regroup. The air was thick with tension after the latest revelations during the trial. Amity sat beside Luz, letting out a weary sigh. Revisiting the trauma from four years ago — especially the part where Luz had hurt Amity — was draining for everyone.
"I'm so sorry, Amity…" Luz's voice trembled, guilt etched into every word.
"Hey, stop it," Amity insisted firmly, her eyes soft but resolute. "We all made mistakes back then. I forgave you a long time ago."
"Well, maybe you have," Emira cut in, her tone cool. "But we're still thinking about it."
Luz's heart sank as she looked up to see Emira, Edric, and Alador all watching her, their expressions unreadable but laced with disapproval. The tension in the room felt suffocating.
"You never told us she was the one who put you in that coma, Mittens," Edric coldly said, his voice tight with frustration.
"What does it matter?" Amity shot back, standing up.
"Uh, duh, it does matter!" Edric retorted, incredulous. "She hurt you! Badly!"
Amity's patience snapped. She whirled to face her brother, glaring fiercely.
"And I hurt her worse! You saw those scars! You saw the humiliation I put her through! I shunned her when she begged me to unbind the oath! Luz came to the hospital and healed me. Without her, I could've been in a coma for weeks, months, maybe years!"
Emira pinched the bridge of her nose, trying to remain calm.
"We get that, and we're grateful. But Mittens, you're engaged to someone who assaulted you and messed with your head for months. You can see why we're worried, right?"
"Your sister has a point, Amity," Alador, who had been silent until now, finally spoke, his voice measured. "The last thing I want is for you to end up in a relationship as toxic as mine was with Odalia."
Amity stamped her foot, her frustration boiling over as she pointed a finger at her father.
"First of all, don't you ever compare Luz to Odalia. Ever. Second, I understand how this looks from the outside. Luz and I know better than anyone how complicated it is. But the only way we could heal was through each other. No one else understood how much we hurt." Her voice grew steely. "And before you even dare compare Luz to that horrible woman, remember this: the girl who put me in that coma saved me from Boscha when she didn't have to!"
The room fell silent as her words hung in the air. Eda quickly stepped between them, raising her hands.
"Alright, alright, let's all take a breath," she said, trying to defuse the tension. "I get it. I was sceptical at first, too. But you've all seen how much these two love each other, especially during that fight."
The Blights couldn't argue with that. They had witnessed how Luz had protected Amity, how she had gone berserk when the Jyamato monster injured her. Luz's protectiveness seemed to stem not only from love, but from deep guilt over her past actions. Her drive to atone was comforting in some ways, but troubling in others.
"What's done is done," Mildred finally spoke, her voice calm and steady. "We can't change the past. Those wounds have healed, and reopening them won't help anyone. It's clear Amity is loved and cared for by Ms. Noceda. We should trust in that."
"Thank you, Mildred," Amity said softly, her anger easing as she sat down beside Luz, placing a hand over hers.
Mildred turned to Legal, her gaze sharp.
"Now, Mr. Eagle, what's the plan? Your opponent's determined to paint your client as the greatest evil to ever plague the Boiling Isles."
"Bradward can blow hot air all he wants," Legal scoffed with confidence. "The truth is on our side. Luz's testimony rattled him, and that's why he brought in Kikimora. I'm fairly certain I know who his next witness will be."
"You already know?" Gus asked, intrigued.
"The court rules require both sides to disclose their witness lists. We don't know the exact order, but based on what we've seen, I can make a pretty good guess."
"Who is it?" Willow asked, her brow furrowing.
Legal's expression darkened as he leaned in.
"More than likely, it'll be—"
"The prosecution calls Boscha Barbtalone to the stand!" Bradward's voice rang out, slicing through the tense courtroom.
"Fuck me…" Amity muttered under her breath, slumping in her seat.
"Here we go…" Sasha grumbled, rolling her eyes.
Luz immediately sank lower in her chair, the name Boscha filling her with dread. Of all people...
Marcy clenched her jaw, her fingers twitching as she watched Boscha strut down the aisle. The urge to throw a death glare at the triclops demon-witch bubbled inside her, but she resisted. After what Boscha had done to Sasha, Marcy would have given anything to tackle her right then and there.
Boscha, on the other hand, wore a smug, self-satisfied smirk. Her gaze lingered on Amity, her excitement obvious. She winked, her middle and left eyes closing flirtatiously at the pink-haired witch. Despite her disdain for humans, she gave Sasha a lingering glance as if she found the blonde attractive.
Sasha's skin crawled. Memories of being Boscha's mind-controlled puppet flooded her mind. The urge to pummel the demon-witch surged inside her, but she clenched her fists, holding herself in check.
Boscha reached the witness stand, raising her right hand.
"Boscha Barbtalone, do you swear to tell the whole truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you Titan?" Darius asked, his eyes narrowing.
"I do." She sat down after swearing the oath, casually crossing her legs like she owned the room.
Bradward wasted no time, stepping forward with an air of confidence.
"Ms. Barbtalone, four years ago, you were a member of the Witches Against the Throne, a resistance group that fought against Oscura. Correct?"
"That's right," Boscha confirmed, leaning back.
"And before that, you were a student at Hexside?"
"Yeah, right before it was destroyed."
"Could you please identify the person who destroyed your school?"
"It was that human right there!" Boscha pointed directly at Luz, her voice laced with venom.
Luz let out a small groan, bracing herself.
"Good," Bradward nodded with satisfaction. "Now, Ms. Barbtalone, tell me, what was your life like under Oscura's rule?"
"At first, besides the curriculum changes and Phantoms hanging around, it was mostly normal. I was best friends with Amity Blight. But after her mom was killed, she just…stopped coming to school."
"Understandable. The loss of a parent weighs heavily on any child." Bradward's voice softened, taking on a tone of false sympathy. "Incidentally, who or what was responsible for the death of Mrs. Blight?"
"That bitch sitting over there! Oscura!" Boscha spat, jabbing her finger toward Luz.
Darius banged his gavel.
"Ms. Barbtalone, watch your language in this courtroom!" he ordered.
"Sorry, Your Honours," Boscha replied with a smirk, clearly not meaning it.
Bradward gave a curt nod.
"Now, Ms. Barbtalone, what else can you tell us about life during Oscura's reign?" he asked.
"It was mostly the same until a new girl showed up: Morgan LeFay," Boscha claimed, crossing her arms as her expression turned smug.
"At this time, Your Honours, I'd like to submit this photograph of 'Morgan LeFay' into evidence," Bradward announced, casting a spell that brought a photo into view. It floated up toward the Council.
The Council members examined it, then nodded in approval.
"No objections," Darius allowed.
Bradward enlarged the image into a holographic projection for everyone to see. Immediately, Luz, Willow, and Skara shifted uncomfortably, their faces tinged with embarrassment.
"Now, Ms. Barbtalone, I'm sure the court is curious about why you brought up this witch and why I displayed her image. Could you explain her relevance to the defendant?" he questioned.
"Gladly." Boscha leaned forward, eager to speak. "At first, I pitied the new girl and let her join my group. Only later did I find out she was Oscura in disguise!"
A collective gasp swept through the courtroom.
"That's a serious accusation." Bradward raised an eyebrow. "How can you be sure?"
"Because she revealed herself when I confronted her! She even threatened to kill me if I told anyone," Boscha sneered, glaring at Luz. "She's petty like that. Sure, my friends and I messed with her, but she wanted payback. She made me her lackey for months, forcing me to do degrading things. I was terrified of making one wrong move or I'd be dead, like Amity's mom!" Her gaze shifted to Willow. "Oscura kept up the charade right up until Grom. For whatever reason, she asked Willow out. A pity date, probably. But during Grom, she killed the Fear Bringer itself."
"Thank you, Ms. Barbtalone," Bradward widely smiled, clearly pleased with himself. "Now, can you recount the events of Hexside's fall?"
Boscha took a deep breath, her expression darkening.
"The attack came out of nowhere. Oscura struck without warning. I don't know how many people got hurt, but I remember running with Skara and Amelia. We thought we were safe, but then she showed up. She'd been waiting for us. I tried to fight her, but my spells did nothing. Skara and Amelia stood up for me, begging her not to hurt me. And she rewarded their loyalty by draining their magic, leaving them helpless. She told me it was my punishment, that I had to live with the guilt of their suffering." Boscha's voice quivered with anger.
Bradward's grin widened.
"Thank you, Ms. Barbtalone. No further questions. Your witness."
Legal rose, calmly adjusting his suit before walking to the witness stand. Boscha glared at him, radiating contempt.
"Ms. Barbtalone," Legal began, his voice measured. "Do you recall an incident involving a Greater Basilisk infiltrating Hexside?"
"Yeah," Boscha replied, narrowing her eyes.
"And what happened to this Basilisk?"
"It was killed by Oscura."
"So, the defendant saved Hexside's students and faculty from a monster stealing their magic."
"Yeah, and she used me as bait. So what? Does that make her a hero?" Boscha scoffed.
"I never said she was a hero, Ms. Barbtalone," Legal said coldly. "But you're not without fault either, are you?"
"What's that supposed to mean?" Boscha glared.
"You had feelings for Amity Blight, didn't you?" Legal asked, taking a deliberate step forward.
"So what if I did?" Boscha huffed. "If things had gone differently, Amity and I would've been engaged by now."
'In your dreams,' Amity thought, scowling.
"And you were aware of the secret agreement between your family and the Blights to betroth you to Amity, correct?" Legal pressed on.
"I figured it out, yeah," Boscha confessed. "And I was happy about it."
"So happy that you tried to take advantage of her while she was in a coma?" Legal accused, making Boscha's eyes widen in shock.
"Who told you that...?" Boscha whispered.
"Objection!" Bradward shot up. "The witness isn't on trial!"
Darius banged his gavel.
"Mr. Eagle, stick to the case," he ordered. "You're treading dangerous ground."
"Of course, Councilman Deamonne," Legal accepted with a nod, his voice steady. "But I have proof that Ms. Barbtalone's reputation isn't as spotless as it seems." The room grew tense as he summoned a glowing, golden sphere — inside it, the Desire Driver shimmered ominously. "This device holds the key to the truth."
"Proceed carefully, Mr. Eagle," Darius warned, his eyes narrowing as he studied Legal.
Legal turned his gaze to Boscha.
"I've been informed that this device is given to players of the game that brought Luz Noceda, Amity Blight, and their human friends to the Boiling Isles. Anyone eliminated from the game loses their memories. The only way for former players to recover what they've lost is by touching the centre of this device. According to my sources, Ms. Barbtalone was one of those players."
"That's impossible!" Boscha shot back, her voice sharp with denial. "I'd remember something like that!"
"Are you sure?" Legal raised an eyebrow, his tone cold and calculating. "How could you remember, if your memories were erased?"
Boscha faltered, her confidence cracking.
"Well..." She glanced away, her certainty wavering.
"Touch the centre," Legal challenged, his voice daring her to prove him wrong. "Unless, of course, you're afraid."
The provocation landed perfectly as Boscha's eyes flashed with indignation.
"You think I don't have the guts!?" she snapped, reaching forward. Her fingers hovered over the ID Core for a brief second before she pressed down.
In that instant, all three of her eyes widened as buried memories surged to the surface — battles, betrayals, and the harsh truth of the Desire Grand Prix crashed into her like a raging tidal wave.
"You see it, right?" Soaron glanced to her right and saw Red-Pan walking up next to her. "That's Oscura's true nature: a cruel, vicious, destructive, and manipulative force. She may not have the power she wielded four years ago, but she's still a monster even without it."
"How could the DGP allow someone like that in this game?" Soaron questioned.
"I don't know who's behind this game, but they must have a bad sense of humour to allow her to play. Looks like she's got a taste for power and wants it back," said Red-Pan.
"But she…she wrote that she wanted to bring back–"
"Look, Sasha, you're a smart girl. If she wants to bring your friend back to life, just know there's an ulterior motive behind it. Oscura once posed as a student at my school after she took over my home. I didn't find out until later when she confronted me and said that she would make my life a living hell if I outed her to anyone. And after what she did to Amity's family, I wasn't about to doubt her words." Red-Pan looked down at Oscura from their vantage point and scowled. "You never know what she's planning, everything's just a game to her. But when you're used to wielding unimaginable power, everything's a game to you. It's just a matter of trying to stay a step ahead of her."
Soaron already didn't like Oscura, but now, she disliked her even more. If bringing back Anne was just a part of her plan, then what was her endgame?
"Boscha, I have a plan. When this game's over, and we're recalled to the temple, I need you to back me up when the time comes. And if we're successful, we can get Noceda disqualified. Are you with me?" Soaron asked.
"If it means getting rid of Oscura, then I'm in."
"Good."
"You just don't know when to give up, huh, Bosch?"
"S-Spare me!" Boscha managed to drag herself back to a standing position, panting as she used her right hand to wipe her mouth. When she did, she gasped upon seeing that her blood, which should've been red, was now green. "N-No way…"
"This is the price you paid, Boscha. You're not even a witch anymore. You're a Jyamato, a monster."
"If a monster is what it takes to finally end you, then I'll gladly become the biggest, baddest monster that ever existed!" Boscha threatened.
"You appear to be in some trouble, Ms. Barbtalone," Mr. Butler stated as he stood before Boscha.
"You?" Boscha raised her eyebrow, surprised to see the manservant of the lounge standing in her way. "What the heck are you doing here?"
"I am the Butler of the Desire Grand Prix, young miss. I serve drinks, keep the lounge and temple tidy, and I take out the trash." He reached into his jacket and pulled out a black, purple and red Driver with a rectangular buckle and a screen in front. "And I also punish self-entitled, cheating, little twats like you."
[Vision Driver.]
He strapped on the Vision Driver and tapped the thumb scanner on top of it with his right thumb.
[Glare. Log In.]
Reaching into a holder on the right side of the belt, he took a transparent plastic keycard that was marked by a yellow eye-like logo in the centre.
"Henshin."
He swiped the card down the reader on the Vision Driver.
[Install.]
Five mechanical red, black and purple eyeballs appeared and shot lasers across Mr. Butler's body, materialising his armour before they attached to his chest, shoulders and knees.
[Dominate A System.]
Mr. Butler's bodysuit was black with a four-pack on his stomach. He wore crimson gauntlets and greaves with silver trim. The bodysuit had grey highlights and crimson trim. Finally, his black helmet had a large purple visor that covered the upper half of his head with a pair of antennae extending from his brow.
[GLARE!]
"Kamen Rider Red-Pan, for violating the rules of the Desire Grand Prix, you will be removed," Kamen Rider Glare declared.
"Don't think you can scare me, old man!" Boscha snapped.
[Set!]
"Henshin!"
[JYAMATO!]
Red-Pan charged at Glare and threw a punch, only for him to casually slap her fist away before he countered with a punch to her chest, sending her staggering back. She threw a flurry of punches but he deftly blocked and deflected them with his forearms before striking her in the stomach with a kick, sending her tumbling to the ground.
"You...YOU OLD FART!" Red-Pan roared as she got up and drew a spell circle before unleashing a stream of fire at Glare but he jumped high into the air, avoiding her spell. While in midair, he took out his Providence Card and slid it down the Vision Reader.
[Delete.]
He came back down, extending his right leg as purple energy gathered around his foot. Twisting his body, he delivered a spinning roundhouse kick into Red-Pan's head, sending her flying and cancelling her transformation. She landed roughly on her back with blue static crackling across her body.
Tsumuri stood beside Glare. She sighed as she brought up the list of players on her tablet and marked Boscha as retired.
"You have lost your qualification as a Kamen Rider. Goodbye," she said neutrally as Boscha's ID Core vanished.
[Retired!]
"No!" Boscha denied as she picked herself up. "No, this isn't fair! I'm the best! I'm the star! I'm supposed to win!" Boscha screamed as her body was consumed by blue pixels before vanishing from sight.
Boscha yanked her hand away from the Desire Driver as if it were on fire, gasping for breath. Her eyes went wide with shock as the memories came flooding back. Legal instinctively took a step back, watching as she clutched her head, trembling with fury.
"You're really back?!" Boscha's gaze snapped toward Luz and Amity, her face twisting in complete rage. "Damn you, human! Amity should be mine! You don't deserve to have any wish granted! I was so close to winning!" A wicked grin spread across her face as her eyes locked onto Legal — more specifically, the Desire Driver in his hands. "The game's still going, huh? Guess that means if your ID Core breaks, you're out!"
Before anyone could react, Boscha swiftly conjured a spell circle, firing a beam of energy directly at Legal. But the older demon was quicker than expected, dodging the energy beam just in time. Mr. Buzzard dove for cover as the blast hit a protective barrier, causing shimmering ripples to surge through the courtroom.
"That psycho!" Sasha shouted, springing to her feet.
"If she destroys the ID Core, Luz will lose all her memories!" Marcy cried in panic.
"Mr. Eagle, get rid of the Driver! She's only after that!" Luz yelled.
Without hesitation, Legal tossed the Desire Driver across the floor, far from Boscha's reach. As predicted, Boscha ignored everyone else, leaping from the witness stand and charging straight for the device. She summoned another spell, her eyes wild with determination.
"Sasha!" Luz called urgently.
"I've been waiting for this!" Sasha replied, already prepared to put on her Driver.
A brilliant flash filled the room just as Boscha unleashed her spell. Before it could hit the Driver, a towering wall of Abomination slime erupted from the floor, wrapping protectively around the device. Gasps echoed throughout the courtroom as Kamen Rider Gato — Amity, transformed — stood between Boscha and the Driver. The reporters were quick to murmur, recognizing her as one of the Riders who had been seen with Oscura.
"You're still protecting that monster?!" Boscha spat, her voice dripping with venom.
"Right now, I only see one monster," Gato replied, her voice cold and unwavering. "And it's fitting, considering you briefly became one yourself."
"DAMMIT! I SHOULD'VE USED MY POTION TO CONTROL YOU WHEN I HAD THE CHANCE! YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO BE MINE!" Boscha shrieked, her composure completely unravelling.
"There she is," Gato condescendingly said, her voice calm but cutting. "The girl who never learned to take 'no' for an answer. The same girl who tried to steal a kiss from me, who put her hands on me without my consent."
Boscha's face twisted with pure rage. She conjured two more spell circles, this time directing her attacks at Luz. But before she could release her magic, two beams shot out from the Abomaton guards stationed in the courtroom, creating a shimmering spherical barrier around Boscha and neutralizing her completely.
"Everyone, court is adjourned until tomorrow!" Darius's voice rang out, firm and commanding. "Abomatons, take the witness into custody! Mr. Eagle, Mr. Buzzard — my office, now!"
Legal Eagle and Bradward Buzzard followed the Council members into a private deliberation chamber. Inside, the Council took their seats while the two lawyers remained standing at the foot of the table.
"What in the name of the Titan was that fiasco?!" Darius demanded, his voice echoing through the room.
"My client informed me of Ms. Barbtalone's involvement in the game I mentioned," Legal began, his tone calm but firm. "During the competition, Ms. Barbtalone became increasingly erratic. She conspired with Sasha Waybright to eliminate my client and used underhanded tactics to secure a win. She even resorted to drugging Ms. Waybright with a mind-control potion, a potion she had initially intended to use on Amity Blight."
The Council exchanged uneasy glances.
"Your Honours, I had no idea Ms. Barbtalone would become so unstable," Bradward chimed in, his voice shifting to accusatory. "Or perhaps that device had some kind of magic that drove her mad. Certainly sounds like something Oscura would've done."
"Enough!" Darius cut in, his frustration palpable. "What was the point of that, Mr. Eagle?"
"I am proving that my client did not willingly violate her sentence," Legal replied, maintaining his composure. "The organization behind the game possesses powers and resources far beyond our comprehension. This group has the ability to transport contestants across dimensions, even erasing their memories. It was this organization that brought Luz Noceda, Amity Blight, Sasha Waybright, and Marcy Wu to the Boiling Isles."
"Pure nonsense," Bradward muttered dismissively.
"The evidence speaks for itself," Legal countered. "Amity Blight transformed into a Kamen Rider using the same device that Oscura wielded. Ms. Barbtalone regained her memories of the competition and the games the moment she touched the device. That only happened because she was a participant."
Lilith Clawthorne, who had been listening intently, leaned forward.
"Mr. Eagle, do you intend to prove the existence of this organization?"
"Indeed I do, Ms. Clawthorne," Legal resolutely replied without hesitation. "My client is not simply on trial for violating the terms of her banishment. The larger truth is that Oscura, in part, was a creation of our own making. If we want to achieve true healing, we must confront that truth, for her sake and that of the Boiling Isles."
"Spare us," Bradward scoffed. "You're just trying to gain sympathy for a monster."
"Calm down," Raine interrupted, casting a stern glance at both lawyers before turning to Legal. "Mr. Eagle, tread carefully. And please, tell me this is the last outburst we'll have to endure."
"I can guarantee it," Legal assured. "My remaining witnesses have already had their memories restored. There won't be any more surprises."
"Very well," Hettie added, her eyes narrowing. "We will deal with Ms. Barbtalone separately. You two may go."
With a nod of acknowledgement, Legal and Bradward exited the chambers. As they walked down the corridor, Bradward threw a sharp, disdainful glance at Legal.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" Bradward sneered.
"I don't enjoy seeing anyone lose their mind," Legal replied calmly. "But this case is more complicated than you're willing to admit."
"There's nothing 'complicated' about it," Bradward shot back, his eyes flashing with anger. "Regardless of the excuses, Oscura killed our people. We were denied justice once, and we won't be denied again. Unfortunately for you, Eagle, you're on the wrong side of history."
Legal watched as Bradward stormed off ahead of him, his words lingering in the air.
"We shall see, Mr. Buzzard," he murmured to himself, his gaze steady. "We shall see."
Dr. Exposition: What a dramatic start for the trial, huh? This is just Part 2/5 of the Trial. Hopefully, you guys are still engaged. Legal Eagle is based on Jim Henson's Sam the Eagle while Bradward Buzzard is based on Bradford Buzzard from the DuckTales reboot.