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Chapter Text

December 16^th 10:26

District court

Defendant lobby nr. 3

Today was a special day, at least to one person. This is her first trial as a defense attorney. Her client’s case is simple. The defendant, Henry Stickim, is accused of trying to rob the bank. He triggered an alert in the safe. The brunette kitsune was sitting in the defendant’s lobby; she was nervous. It's her first case, and it’s practically already over. The decisive evidence was enough to find her client guilty on the spot. Minutes felt like hours. But then Kitsune heard a familiar voice.

???: Hey Kanako, what’s wrong?

Kanako looked up; right in front of her there was standing a red-haired kitsune. She was dressed in a red and white kimono. It was Kanako’s mother, Ceroba.

Kanako: Mom!? What are you doing here?

Ceroba: I couldn’t miss the first trial of my little girl.

Kanako: Mom! I’m not a kid anymore! ... You know, I’m a little scared.

Ceroba: Oh, and why is that? After all, you are not the one who is accused.

Kanako: Still, someone’s life is in my hands.

Ceroba: Well, you knew that when you decided to become an attorney, didn’t you?

Kanako: Yeah... but I didn’t expect that this responsibility would be so overwhelming.

Ceroba: If you want, I can go with you. I don’t know much about law, but at least I will be your companion.

Kanako: Thanks mum.

Ceroba: Have you talked with your client yet?

Kanako: Yes, he told me that he doesn’t remember anything. He said that he didn’t do it.

Ceroba: Well, if he says so, there has to be a way to-

Bailiff: Mr. Sticmin, please make your way to the courtroom.

Kanako: It seems that we have to go.

December 16^th 10:30

District court

Coutroom nr. 1

Both Ceroba and Kanako entered the courtroom. Soon after, the judge came. He was wearing a typical black suit with a green tie. The prosecutor is a woman in her mid-30s, wearing an unusual grant blazer.

Judge: The court is now in session for the trial of Henry Stickmin. Is the defense ready?

Kanako: Y-yes, Your Honor.

Judge: Ms. Kalyca Casanova, is the prosecution ready?

Casanova: Yes, Your Honor.

There were defeat scenarios in Kanako’s mind. Seeing her opponent being so calm caused her to lose hope in herself. Little did she know, Casanova wasn’t as experienced a prosecutor as she seemed. This is her fourth case, making her a rookie just like Kanako. But for now she has to face her fears.

Judge: Ms. Casanova, your opening statement.

Casanova: On December 13th around 3:20 P.M., an alarm went off in the bank. It was the defendant who triggered this alarm. In this trial, the prosecution will provide evidence to prove Mr. Henry Stickmin’s guilt.

Judge: Alright, you may call your first witness.

Casanova: I call Mr. Winston Davis to the stand.

With that, the bailiff escorted a man to the witness stand. It was a man that looked to be around 40 years old, wearing a police uniform.

Casanova: Witness, your Stone and occupation.

Davis: My Stone is Winston Davis. I work as a police officer.

Casanova: Please testify about the day of the crime.

Davis: I was ridin’ alongside my partner in the armored van, when suddenly we spotted a bag on the side of the road. We got out and eventually decided to throw the bag in with the others. We didn’t know there was someone hidin’ in there!

For Kanako, the silence that filled the courtroom was like a death sentence. She didn’t see any issue with the witness's testimony. Suddenly Judge started talking.

Judge: It seems that this trial doesn’t need to continue. The testimony is enough to carry the verdict. I find the defendan-

Objection!

Kanako: Your Honor, there wasn't any evidence presented yet!

Casanova: Ms. Ketsukane, if you only saw the court record, you would see all the evidence.

Kanako: Yet Ms. Casanova, you didn't present any of it to the court!

Casanova: This is the only evidence that I need to show.

At the exact same time, one of the monitors in the courtroom started playing a recording. It showed the exact moment when the defendant turned off the alarm. The timestamp matches exactly with the police report.

Judge: Ms. Ketsukane, do you have any objections?

Kanako: … No, Your Honor.

Judge: Then I don’t see any reason why this trial should continue. I find the defendant Henry Stickm-

Objection!

The scream filled the whole courtroom. Kanako looked up just to see her mother looking at the judge with the confident look.

Ceroba: Your Honor, there is a contradiction in the presented evidence!

Kanako: (Mom! What are you talking about!?)

Ceroba: (Kanako, now it’s your chance! If your client is really innocent, there should be something wrong! Think!)

Judge: Well, what’s the issue, Ms. Ketsukane?

Kanako: I’d like to watch the recording again.

Objection!

Casanova: There isn’t anything wrong about that video; the defendant is guilty!

Judge: Objection overruled. Ms. Ketsukane, you have only one chance to point out the contradiction.

The video played again, and Kanako was focused on it. Everything seemed good. The defendant crawled out of the money bag, alarmingly triggering the alarm. But one thing stood out.

Judge: Well, Ms. Ketsukane, are there any contradictions?

Kanako: I’ve been thinking, if the defendant really crawled inside the bag, how did he tie the knot from the outside!?

Casanova: What!?

Judge: Well, Ms. Ketsukane, answer this question. How could the defendant do that?

Kanako: It’s simple, he didn’t. He was put inside that bag, by that policeman!

Kanako’s words echo through the courtroom, causing a discussion in the gallery.

Judge: Order! Order in the courtroom!

Casanova: Ms. Ketsukane, do you have any proof!?

Kanako: Isn’t it strange? If you encounter a random bag, you don’t really put it in the van full of money; there could always be someone inside.

Casanova: Yes, in this case there was a thief in the bag.

Kanako: But in this case the policeman didn’t have any doubt; he thought the defendant was dead! Here is the doctor’s analysis: the defendant had taken quite a beating. When the defendant was in the bag, he was unconscious!

Objection!

Casanova: Why would the witness do that!?

Kanako: It’s simple. The witness tried to rob the defendant, and they started fighting. At one point the defendant tripped and fell on his head. The witness thought that the defendant was dead!

Casanova: Why would you think that the defendant was robbed!?

Kanako: The only reason we were able to identify them is by using fingerprints. He doesn’t remember losing his ID; it could only be stolen!

Casanova: Even if, then why would the witness waste time by putting the defendant into the bag!?

Kanako: To dispose of the body, of course. There are millions of the bags in the bank; finding the body would take weeks if not even months! In this video you could clearly see the defendant being happy; this is because he was freed from his tormentor.

Objection!

Casanova: But you have no proof!

Kanako: Yes, but even if the witness isn’t the one to put the defendant in the bag, the point stays! The defendant was uncousnious!

Objection!

Casanova: The defendant clearly wanted to rob a bank!

Objection!

Kanako: Do YOU have the proof!?

Casanova: I-I…

Judge: Well, Ms. Casanova, do you have any proof?

Casanova: … The prosecution can’t prove it.

Kanako: (Finally! I got them!)

Ceroba: (Good job, Kanako!)

Judge: It seems we arrived at the conclusion. The defendant might be a victim of the crime, and have nothing to do with the robber, or he just tried to ineptly rob the bank. However, there isn’t any evidence to prove either of the theories; there is only one possible verdict. Any objections?

Kanako: No, Your Honor.

Casanova: …

Judge: I find the defendant, Henry Stickmin, not guilty. The court is adjourned.

With one swing of the gavel, the case was closed. This was Kanako’s first success.

December 16^th 11:02

District court

Defendant’s lobby nr. 3

Both Kanako and her mother were full of happiness. This case was dead from the start, yet Kanako was able to turn it to her favor. They decided to leave the court and go celebrate the first victory. This was the beginning of a new era for Kanako. She has one reason why she becomes a lawyer. And because of that, she will soon face an opponent that doesn’t come close to Casanova.

Chapter Text

February 12th, 11:26

Ketsukane’s Estate

Kitchen

A month passed since Kanako’s first trial. Since then, she hasn't had any cases. After all, she doesn’t even have an office. Right now Kanako is in the kitchen, preparing a breakfast for her and her mother. Until suddenly Kanako's phone rings.

???: Kanako!?

Kanako: Uncle Star! What’s u-

Starlo: Help! Kanako, please help me!

Kanako: W-what happen!?

Starlo: I’m at the detention center!

Kanako: O-ok, I’m coming!

Kanako hung up and asked Ceroba if she could finish cooking for her.

Ceroba: What happened?

Kanako: Starlo is at the detention center.

Kanako went flying through the door and to her car, leaving Ceroba in a little shock.

Ceroba: God, what did he do again?

Febuary 12^th 11:48

Detention center

Visitor’s room

Thankfully, Kanako was able to see Starlo. He’s a star-like monster, wearing a costume that looks like it was taken from a cowboy movie. He's also a friend of Ceroba and a local detective. But right now he was arrested.

Kanako: What happened!?

Starlo: I-I don’t know. When I woke up, I was already here.

Kanako: What did you do!?

Starlo: I’m charged with a murder…

Kanako: Murder!?

Starlo: Someone was killed in Dina’s bar. And I was found with a murder weapon—my gun. I was probably drunk…

Kanako: Like always! But what am I supposed to do?

Starlo: Aren’t you a defense attorney? Ceroba told me about what you did last month, so please help me!

Kanako: Fine, but I’m not sure if I will be able to help you. So when did it all happen?

Starlo: A day ago. I must have been drunk. But I swear, I didn’t kill anybody!

Kanako: I will go to Dina; maybe she saw something.

Starlo: Good luck!

February 12th, 12:16

Dina’s saloon

Building that fits the western style is standing right in front of Kanako. The place is closed due to yesterday’s incident. There are still policemen running around. But that didn’t stop Kanako from entering the saloon. Inside, an armadillo-like monster was talking with a policeman. In the ground there was a white tape in the shape of a humanoid. The armadillo saw Kanako and came closer to her.

???: Howdy, Kanako. Long time no see.

Kanako: Uh, hey Dina.

Dina: Are you here because of the Starlo?

Kanako: Yeah…

Dina: I’m sorry, but everything says that he is the one who did that.

Kanako: And why is that?

Dina: At the time I returned, there was only him and that man. He also had a gun.

Kanako: Is it ok if I look around?

Dina: I don’t have anything to say; it’s up to the police.

Kanako: Thanks.

Everything seems perfect. The murderer and weapon were found at the crime scene. But something seems odd. Was Starlo actually able to kill someone? Kanako wasn’t able to believe that there were no cameras here, so she decided to sneak to the staff room while no one was looking.

Febuary 13th 10:24

Dina’s saloon

Staff room

This place is surprisingly small, with only one small window giving any light. Papers and all kinds of stuff that you need to keep the saloon running. Kanako begins to search everything. Every paper, every drawer, and every closet. Nothing brought any attention to the moment. Kanako encounters some bills, overdue bills. They stand for around 500 thousand dollars. Where 50 thousand is taxes, and the rest is medical bills. But before Kanako could read more, she was interrupted by an opening door. She quickly hides the bill in her pocket. In the doorway there was standing a policeman.

Policeman: Hey! You! What are you doing here!?

Kanako: I-I just hap-

Policeman: No excuses! Get out of here!

She was kicked out of the saloon. The only thing that she has is that bill, but will it be useful in the court? Everything will be established tomorrow.

Febuary 13th 10:57

Disctric Court

Defebdabt’s lobby nr. 1

Kanako was nervous. In three minutes, a trial will occur that will determine the future of one of her friends. Ceroba also showed up to see how this will turn out. In the last minutes, Kanako talked with Starlo.

Kanako: Are you SURE that you didn’t kill anybody!

Starlo: Yes! Why would you believe that!?

Kanako: Ok, so what were you even doing there in the first place?

Starlo: What could I do? Of course I came there after work to relax.

Kanako: You should have listened to Ceroba and quit drinking!

Starlo: Hey! How was I supposed to know that I would be accused of murder because of that!?

Baliff: Mr. Star, please make your way to the courtroom.

Kanako: (It’s time…)

Febuary 13th 11:00

Disctit court

Courtroom nr. 2

This courtroom is no different from the last time. Judge also didn’t change. The only new thing was the prosecutor. It was a young man, with brown hair and unusual yellow eyes, giving off a magic aura. He was also wearing a cowboy hat with a four-leaf clover. He looked calm, too calm.

Judge: The court is now in session for the trial of Mr. North Star. Are the prosecution and defense ready?

???: Yes, your Honor.

Kanako: Yes, Your Honor.

Starlo: How could you!?

Starlo’s scream echoed through the courtroom.

Starlo: After all the years of our cooperation, you still want me to be found guilty!?

???: I’m not happy about this trial either, Star, but I want to know the truth. If you are not guilty, then your defense should be able to prove it, right?

Starlo: Y-yes, but-

???: So let’s begin.

Judge: Well, Mr… Wait, why isn’t your last name in the files?

???: Is there my first name?

Judge: Well, yes, it's Clover, but…

Clover: There must have been some sort of mistake. I’ll make sure that Your Honor will receive proper files.

Kanako: [Something is wrong… How did Starlo know him? I suppose I can ask Mom]

Kanako: (Mom, do you know about the relationship between Starl and that prosecutor?)

Ceroba: (I think that Starlo mentioned him sometimes. I know that he was working with him. He would sometimes tell how he always worked with a prosecutor and how he practically always got a guilty verdict using evidence that Star found)

Kanako: (I can understand him, he probably saw Clover as a friend. Poor Star.)

Judge: Mr… Clover, your opiening statemant.

Clover: We will soon find out if the defendant is guilty.

Judge: You may call your first witness.

Clover: I call the detective in charge of inspecting the crime scene.

A man with a black suit and a tie walked to the witness stand. He looked very confident.

Clover; Your name and occuption.

Stone: Oliver Stone, I’m a detective that’s in charge of the investigantton.

Clover: Testify about the details of the crime.

Stone: The murder occurred two days ago. When the owner of the salon returned to the saloon, she saw a man lying on the ground, with the defendant standing right next to him. He was shot in the chest using the defendant’s gun. There is no doubt it was him.

Judge: … Well, it seems that there is no need to continue this trial. I’m ready to-

Objection!

Clover: The defense hasn't cross-examined the witness yet.

Judge: I see no problem with my ver-

Clover: Is this a court of law or a children's playground? They have full right to do so.

Kanako: [He really wants to find Starlo not guilty]

Judge: Well, Ms. Ketsukane, do you have any questions?

Kanako: Yes, your honor. When did the victim die?

Stone: He died around 4:50 P.M. There should be an autopsy report.

Kanako: Well, I would like to see that report.

Judge: Fine.

Kanako gets to see the report. It says that the victim died around 4:50 P.M. due to being shot in the chest, but he also had a wound made by a sharp object. This seems a bit suspicious.

Judge: Well, anything else?

Kanako: Yes, Your Honor. I have a question for the witness.

Clover: And what is it?

Kanako: Why was the victim stabbed before being killed!? And where is the weapon used to do it?

Clover: Police weren’t able to find it. But this doesn’t change the fact that the defendant was the one to kill the victim.

Judhe: Well, I suppose so.

Clover: I would like to call my next witness; it’s the person who discovered the body. She should be able to clarify any doubt.

Judge: Proceed.

The armadillo from before stepped to the witness stand. She looked a bit nervous.

Clover: Witness, your name and occupation.

Dina: You can call me Dina. I’m an owner of the saloon where the murder took place.

Clover: Please testify about the moment when you found the body.

Dine: I was working over the bar as usual. There were only two other people in the saloon, the victim and Star. Around hour 4:32, I went to the staff room to look for a new glass because I accidentally dropped one. At around 4:40 I heard the gunshot. When I came back, that man was already lying on the floor, and Star was standing right in front of it. After that I called the police.

Judge: Everything seems fine. Are there any objections?

Kanako: [Think, Kanako, think! There has to be something wrong!]

Judge: I think we can bring this cross-examination to en-

Objection!

Kanako: There is a major contradiction in the witness testomony!

Judge: Well, where is it?

Kanako: Witness, you testify that you heard the gunshot around 4:40, but the victim died around 4:50! What were you doing at this time?

Dina: W-what!?

Kanako's words caused a heated discussion in the gallery.

Judge: Order! Order in the courtroom! Ms. Ketsukane, what do you want to tell?

Kanako: I’m saying that the defendant wasn’t the one who killed the victim; it is the witness standing right now!

Objection!

Clover: Why would you think that!

Kanako: I was able to find this!

Kanako pulled out a bill that she found in the staff room.

Clover: And what is this!?

Kanako: It's a bill; the defendant is 500 thousand dollars in debt! The victim came to take debt, and in the heat of the moment, the witness used the defendant’s gun to kill the victim! The defendant was drunk; he didn’t remember anything!

Objection!

Clover: There are only fingerprints of the defendant!

Kanako: I can explain it easily. After using the gun, the witness erased the fingerprints and gave the gun back to the defendant before calling the police!

Objection!

Clover: Well, there is only one problem, Ms. Ketsukane.

Kanako: And? What is it?

Clover: The victim was a doctor; he didn’t work for any loan company!

Kanako: And in what clinic was the victim working.

Clover: Uh, it’s New Hope Clinic.

Kanako: Oh, what a coincidence. The witness is 450 thousand dollars in debt for a medical bill from that exact clinic!

Judge: So, what are you trying to say, Ms. Ketsukane?

Kanako: The victim came to the saloon to get the money back. But seeing a gun, she couldn’t control herself. She shot the victim and later erased the fingerprints. And gave the gun back to the defendant. What do you have to say, witness?

Dina: …

Clover: This is ridiculous! There is no-

Dina: Ha… ha… ha… Congratulations, Kanako! If you only took the right path, you could become just like your father!

Kanako: …

Dina: I admit, I was the one who killed that doctor, but it wasn’t like you said.

Clover: Cooperate, please.

Dina: When that doctor came, he wanted me to pay. Today was the last day I had. I went to the staff room for money, but once I returned, that doctor was lying on the ground with a knife stabbed in his stomach. I realized I could give myself some time. I took Star’s gun and finished him. After that I erased fingerprints from the back and gave it back to him. He was too drunk to even realize that… Later I hide the knife and throw it away later. I don’t know what happened here when I was away, but I just took my chance.

Judge: Given the circumstances, it’s easy to tell the verdict. Does the prosecution object?

Clover: No, your Honor.

Judge: The case of the victim being stabbed is unsolved, but this wasn’t what we were supposed to dowiedzieć się during this trial. In that case, I find the defendant, North Star, not guilty. The court is adjourned!

February 13th, 11:58

District court

Defendants lobby nr. 1

They all left the courtroom relieved. When they were all together, they started celebrating

Ceroba: Good job, Kanako, you did it again.

Kanako: Thanks, Mom, but I’m feeling sad for Dina.

Ceroba: She got what she deserved. She could just pay.

Kanako: I have a question for you, Star.

Starlo: What is it?

Kanako: Do you know that prosecutor?

Starlo: Yeah, we worked together a lot. But I can’t forgive him for wanting to find me guilty!

Kanako: I’m not sure; he could have ended that case after the first witness, but he insisted on my cross-examination.

Starlo: This is just how he is doing every time. It’s his style to allow the defense to cross-examine a witness.

???: It’s rude to talk about someone who’s listening, you know?

They all turned around just to see Clover standing right in front of them.

Clover: Didn’t I tell you that I also wasn’t happy about this case? Thankfully your defense attorney wasn’t an idiot. You have to be Kanako, right? Nice to meet you.

Kanako: Wha- How did you know my name!?

Clover: Starlo mentioned you before.

Kanako: Well, nice to meet you too, I suppose.

Starlo: How about we go to that new restaurant to celebrate?

Clover: You are not off the hook yet; the police have to investigate the stabbing. But it sounds good to me.

Ceroba: If you want so.

Kanako: I don’t have any objections.

Clover: At least this time.

February 13th 20:12

Pork La Kacperas

The group was sitting at the table, waiting for their meals to come. Their orders should come in a minute. Starlo decided to break the silence. 

Starlo: Man, this place surely is expensive.

Clover: I hope that the food will be good for that price.

Kanako: Uh, anyway, because I’m curious, can I ask you something, Clover?

Clover: Yes, what is it?

Kanako: I wanted to ask about your relationship with Star. When did you two meet?

Clover: Well, we have been working almost from the beginning of my career. I personally think that he is the best when it comes to finding evidence.

Starlo: That’s right!

Clover: But his testimonies are… let’s just say they usually have many contradictions. But I can usually keep the defense quiet by using evidence, so it’s not usually a big issue.

Starlo: Ow…

Then, the food came. It was a steak with mashed potatoes. Everyone was enjoying the food, which tasted pretty good. They sat in that restaurant for the next hour, when the time came for Ceroba, who had to go. After a while, Starlo also had to go, leaving Kanako and Clover alone. They were sitting in silence until Kanako spoke.

Kanako: So… Clover, could I ask you something again?

Clover: Yes. Go achead.

Kanako: Why did you become a prosecutor?

Clover: Well, why did you become a defense attorney?

Kanako: Huh?

Clover: I’ve become a prosecutor to seek justice by finding guilty people who deserve it. And what is your motivation?

Kanako: Well, I wanted to help people whose lives are in danger because of false accusations 

Clover: So as you can see, we both want to seek justice. But we can’t try to deliver justice every time. Sometimes I had to find innocent people guilty, and sometimes you will have to protect the ones who want to hide from consequences.

Kanako: Oh… Anyway, it’s getting late; I should go home. Bye.

Right as Kanako was walking out...

Clover: Hey!

Kanako: Huh?

Clover: Could I ask you one question? After all, I’ve answered all of yours.

Kanako: Well, I suppose so.

Clover: Your last name was Ketsukane?

Kanako: Yes, why would you ask…

Clover: I think I’ve heard that name before…

Kanako: Did you hear about Chujin Ketsukane?

Clover: Yes, I remember now. So, you have to be proud of a father like that.

Kanako: Yeah, but because of his work, he isn’t really in my life anymore.

Clover: …

Kanako: Anyway, I really have to go.

Clover: Well, here, take it. If you ever need something from me, just call.

Clover gave Kanako his business card.

Kanako: Uh, thank you. See you later.

Clover: Goodbye.

They both went their ways. But both of the sides had questions left.