Jorin Cobalt: Spiral Attorney
Mi, 11/11/2015 - 18:22
AN: Yes, this is a crossover. Yes, I pretty much screwed with the lore (for fun). Yes, I messed up the characters (for fun). Especially Echo, who I made female, since his/her role and personality much better fit such. ALSO BECAUSE ECHO IS A FEMALE NAME, OOO!
You may play along and guess what’s wrong with the testimonies yourself, or just read. Anyway, let’s get this started!
Trial 1: Turnabout Beginnings: Trial Former
September 9, 6305
2:00 PM
Courtroom #5 of the Justice Attorneys’ Guild Hall
Judge Hahn: Bailiff! Tell the defense and prosecution to enter the courtroom.
Bailiff: Yes, your honour.
The bailiff, a knight clad in Royal Jelly, marches into the courtroom lobby. Soon after, he comes back.
Another knight, with a magnificent Mighty Cobalt Helm and a metallic silver business suit, walks in after the bailiff. Along with him, his mentor, a female knight in Skolver walks in. They both take their places by the defense side of the courtroom.
The defense attorney, Jorin Cobalt, is enthusiastic in his tone.
Jorin: I can’t believe I’m going to defend my first client! Thanks for deciding to help me, Echo.
Jorin’s mentor and assistant for the trial, Echo Strike, speaks in a British yet strangely cold tone.
Echo: Don’t mention it. Jorin, are you sure you want to defend a murder suspect as your first client? Murder is a very serious crime. If you make a mistake, it’s possible an innocent man will be put in front of the firing squad.
Jorin: My client is innocent, and I will prove him such!
Echo: Very well. What is your client’s name?
Jorin: Um...I think it’s...um…
Echo: Jorin! If you can’t even answer such a basic question, it is a moral imperative for me to pull you out of this trial! What is his name?
Jorin: Yeah...It’s Krypton Noblus, isn’t it?
Echo: Congratulations. You passed the test. You just might be able to do this.
The courtroom door opens once again, and a knight known only as Brinks walks to the prosecution side.
Judge Hahn: Court is now in session. Is the defense ready?
Jorin: Um, yeah! We’re ready!
Echo: Calm yourself. You’ll need a calm mind to think clearly and defend your client.
Judge Hahn: Is the prosecution ready?
Brinks speaks in a gruff voice.
Brinks: The prosecution is ready. Mr. Cobalt, I personally think you should leave. I am a master prosecutor, after all! Every single time I’ve faced a rookie, they quit their jobs the next day!
Jorin sweats.
Jorin: Is that true?
Echo: Yes.
Jorin: Darn.
Brinks: I would now like everyone to look at the defendant, Krypton Noblus. Ignore his ugly Ancient Plate gear. He is suspected of murdering Lithia Alkali in her hotel room on September 2, at precisely 10 in the evening. The victim was electrocuted, then had her throat slashed.
Autopsy report added to evidence: Victim was electrocuted, then had her throat slashed.
Brinks: The murder weapon is a Shockburst Brandish. It has the victim’s blood on it. However, we don't have any fingerprints on the weapon.
Shockburst Brandish added to evidence: A sword with a shock function. When electrified, has a soft humming noise. Victim’s blood found on the blade.
Brinks: We know that the weapon is the defendant’s because of a surveillance camera at the entrance of his own hotel room, showing him carrying a Shockburst Brandish into his room the day before the murder.
Surveillance Camera Footage added to evidence: Footage recording the entrance of the defendant’s room.
Judge Hahn: However, the prosecution will need to present decisive evidence to prove guilt.
Brinks: Of course, your honour. We would like to present a theory on what conspired at the time of the murder. We would like to present a floor plan of the room, which is also a diagram of the murder scene.
Brinks: As you can see, the victim’s room is a horseshoe shape. The entrance is in the middle of the inward curve, and the bathroom is at the end of the right tip of the horseshoe. The victim was found dead inside her bathroom.
Brinks: We believe that the defendant walked into the room and murdered the victim in her bathroom using the Shockburst Brandish. There is the victim’s blood on the floor of the bathroom.
Murder Diagram added to evidence: Victim killed in bathroom, which is at the end of the right tip of the horseshoe-shaped room.
Judge Hahn: Does the prosecution have decisive evidence to prove their claim?
Brinks: Hahaha, indeed! We have a witness. The prosecution calls forth Iodin Halo to the stand!
A muscular male knight in Boosted Plate is brought by the Bailiff to the witness stand.
Brinks: Witness, state your name and profession.
Halo: My name is Iodin Halo, and I work room service at the hotel Miss Alkali was killed at.
Brinks: Did you witness the murder?
Halo: I surely did.
Judge Hahn: Witness, your testimony please.
WITNESS TESTIMONY
What I Saw
Halo: It was precisely 10 in the evening when I went up to Miss Alkali’s room to deliver a cup of coffee she ordered that night.
Halo: I was at the door of her room when I heard screaming, and then I saw it!
Halo: The defendant, right there in the bathroom, used his sword to murder Miss Alkali! It was horrifying!
END TESTIMONY
Jorin: I’m screwed.
Echo: No, you aren’t.
Jorin: Huh?
Echo: Jorin, I can sense that he’s lying. If you don’t tear apart his lies, then the truth will fall into darkness.
Jorin: Yes, you are right! I will save my client, Echo.
Echo: ...
Jorin: What’s wrong, Echo? Did I say something wrong?
Echo: Hmph. Just get started with your cross-examination.
Judge Hahn: The defense may cross-examine the witness.
CROSS EXAMINATION
Halo: It was precisely 10 in the evening when I went up to Miss Alkali’s room to deliver a cup of coffee she ordered that night.
Jorin: Are you sure you were at the door at precisely 10 in the evening?
Halo: Absolutely.
Jorin: How can you be sure?
Halo: I had a watch, and I checked it right before I got to her room. I’m sure.
Halo: I was at the door of her room when I heard screaming, and then I saw it!
Jorin: So, the moment you were at the door, you heard screaming?
Halo: Yes.
Jorin: And did you see the murder at the same time?
Halo: The door was open, so I could see in clearly. I didn’t have to enter the room, so I chose not to, just to be safe.
Halo: The defendant, right there in the bathroom, used his sword to murder Miss Alkali! It was horrifying!
Jorin: You saw, with your own eyes, the very moments of the killing?
Halo: Yes, that’s what I said. So what?
Jorin: Nothing, I guess.
Echo: Jorin, there is something in his testimony that completely breaks what we know about what happened!
Jorin: There is?
Echo: Think, Jorin, think!
Halo: The defendant, right there in the bathroom, used his sword to murder Miss Alkali! It was horrifying!
Jorin: Wait a minute…
OBJECTION!
Jorin points his finger at Halo.
Jorin: You say that you saw the murder itself?
Halo: Yes, I don’t see the problem with that. And I don’t see why you want me to repeat that.
Jorin: Because that’s impossible. Look at the diagram of the murder. Clearly, since the bathroom is at the tip of the horseshoe-shaped room, you wouldn’t be able to see the murder if you were merely standing at the door!
Halo sweats and slams the witness stand.
The court erupts in conversation.
Using his gavel, Judge Hahn makes a slamming noise.
Judge Hahn: Order! Order in the court! Cobalt, what is the meaning of this?
Jorin: Well, you see…
Echo: Jorin, I think we’ve finally uncovered the truth.
Jorin: Are you serious? Is it actually?
Echo: Either you have, or your client is guilty, which I know he isn’t.
Judge Hahn: Cobalt! What is the defense’s explanation for this contradiction?
Jorin: I think the answer is obvious. In order to witness what happened during the murder, you would have to be inside the crime scene!
Halo slams the witness stand.
Jorin: The defense accuses the witness, Iodin Halo, of being the murderer of Lithia Alkali!
OBJECTION!
Brinks crosses his arms.
Brinks: Not so fast, Cobalt. Are you actually accusing Mr. Halo of being the murderer? This contradiction alone does not prove anything!
OBJECTION!
Jorin: Actually, I’ve just proven that Halo MUST have been inside her room! The defense requests that the witness testify to this matter!
The court erupts in conversation.
Judge Hahn slams his gavel.
Judge Hahn: Order! Order in the court! I think this situation deserves a ten minute recess. I would like both sides to consider what happened, and for both sides to bring strong arguments and theories. Court is now in recess.
Fr, 11/13/2015 - 20:27
#2
Trial 2: Hundred-Metre Turnabout: Investigation
Recorded News Announcer: And look! The champion of this year’s hundred-metre tournament is Insain Volt! What a race! He narrowly beat his brother, Unsain Volt by a tenth of a second!
“Fantastic, that race was.”
“Yeah, you beat me so narrowly.”
…
BANG!
February 23, 6309
10:00 AM
Cobalt & Co. Law Offices Guild Hall
Jorin: (I’ve been a defense attorney for a few years now. Shortly after my first trial, Echo left the office for some reason and left the firm to me. I haven’t seen her since, and I don’t know what she’s doing now on Cradle. Is she descending into the Clockworks? I hope to figure out one day.)
Knock knock! Someone knocks on the door leading into the Guild Hall.
Jorin: (Another acquaintance of a client wanting to meet in person? Damn, why can’t you people just call me?!)
Jorin: Ugh...Come on in!
The door opens, and a little girl in Wolver comes in.
Girl: Hello, mister!
Jorin: Um, who are you?
Girl: You can call me Nymphia! Nymphia Strike!
Jorin: (Strike?!)
Jorin: Are you-
Nymphia: Yes, I’m Echo’s sister! I can’t believe I can see her again after all these years!
Jorin: I’m sorry, but Echo doesn’t work here anymore.
Nymphia: I know, that’s fine. She also wanted me to give you this letter.
Jorin: Huh? I’m gonna read it right now, if you don’t mind.
Please, Unsain Volt here! I need a defense attorney, as soon as thunder follows lightning! The insane people are accusing me of killing my brother. It doesn’t make any sense. Please visit the Detention Guild Hall as soon as you can, as fast as thunder and lightning!
Jorin: A client? It’s good to know that Echo is watching out for my business. She must know that these past few weeks have been really slow.
Nymphia: Yeah! Let’s go to the Detention Guild Hall!
Jorin: Okay, you can follow if you want, I guess.
February 23, 6309
11:00 AM
Detention Guild Hall
Guard: You can meet with the defendant right away. Follow me.
Jorin and Nymphia follow the guard into the visiting room and see an athletic dark-skinned man in red running gear.
Unsain: Thank you for coming here, so much! I thought you would never help my case!
Jorin: Of course I’m going to help the famous Unsain Volt! By the way, when is your trial?
Unsain: As soon as thunder follows lightning! Tomorrow, that is.
Jorin: Tomorrow?!
Unsain: Yes.
Jorin: How can I possibly prepare a case for you in that time?
Unsain: Well, Miss Echo told me once that you were great at making up cases really fast, like in your first case when you had trouble remembering your client’s name! You winged it for the rest of the trial.
Jorin: Hey, don’t mention-
Jorin: Wait, how do you know Echo?
Unsain: We kinda...went out...in high school. We still talk every now and then. It’s nothing, don’t mind it.
Jorin: You what?!
Unsain: I told you not to mind it! Just please, help my case?
Jorin: Okay. So, what happened at the time of the crime?
Unsain: So, at the restaurant Le Poulet, us sprinters, all seven of us, had dinner late into the night. We rented out the restaurant to ourselves. Eventually, my brother and I were the only ones left to play poker, and we played for about an hour after they left.
Unsain: We played until an hour after the rain began to pour. The rain began at around the same time the others left.
Nymphia: Yeah, I remember that! The rain started pouring at eleven, if I remember correctly.
Unsain: At about midnight, I got up to leave through the back door to get into my car. However, on the way there, I blacked out.
Jorin: What?
Unsain: I don’t know, I think someone hit me on the back of my head. Next thing I knew, I woke up, saw my brother dead, and was arrested.
Jorin: Well, I think I’ve heard enough from you. I’ll be sure to defend you in court tomorrow!
Unsain: Please do!
Nymphia: I think we should check out the crime scene now.
Unsain: Certainly, run faster than thunder and lightning!
Nymphia: Absolutely!
Nymphia takes out a pocket-sized Snarble Barb, slashes it in the air, and then thrusts it in the direction of the exit.
Nymphia: Proceed, brave knight, defender of justice and the people! Charge!
Jorin: Calm down.
February 23, 6309
12:00 PM
Le Poulet
Jorin: Oh look, there’s Detective Gunboot!
Sure enough, a tall knight with a Gunslinger hat and a trench coat is at the scene of the crime.
Jorin: Hello, Gunboot!
Gunboot: Hello there, Jorin! Are you defending Unsain Volt this time?
Jorin: Yeah, and I need to examine the crime scene.
Gunboot: Go ahead. Who’s this little girl?
OBJECTION!
Nymphia slashes and thrusts her Snarble Barb.
Nymphia: I’m not a little girl! My sister told me so!
Gunboot laughs.
Gunboot: Oh, your sister must be Echo. So, you’re Nymphia, right?
Nymphia: Yeah!
Gunboot: Go on in, Jorin. You too!
Nymphia: Yay! I get to investigate a crime scene!
Jorin: (Don’t be so excited over a person’s spot of death!)
Gunboot: Oh yeah, Jorin. I’ve been asked to give some evidence to you by the prosecutor of this case.
Jorin: Huh? I thought prosecutors didn’t have to do that before trial began.
Gunboot: It confuses me as well. It’s one of the newer prosecutors, so I guess that kind of thing just happens.
Jorin: Thank goodness. I guess I can have an easier defense, then. What’s the prosecutor’s name?
Gunboot: Sorry, I forgot.
Jorin: You forgot?!
Gunboot: Don’t ask! Anyway, here’s the autopsy report and details on the murder weapon.
Gunboot: The victim died at around midnight from an Antigua shot that entered the left ear.
Autopsy report added to evidence: Victim died at midnight from an Antigua shot entering the left ear.
Gunboot: The murder weapon is an Antigua found on the table the defendant and victim were playing poker on. The Antigua has the defendant’s fingerprints, so we can be sure it’s his. It also fired one shot exactly, equal to the number of gunshot wounds.
Antigua added to evidence: The murder weapon. Has my client’s fingerprints.
Jorin: So, I’ll be going in now.
Nymphia slashes and thrusts her Snarble Barb.
Nymphia: Onwards!
The two go into Le Poulet.
Jorin: Oh boy!
From the entrance’s viewpoint, a mannequin replaces the victim on the right side of the table while there is an open seat on the table’s left side. On the exact opposite side of the entrance is a narrow hallway leading to a back door.
Nymphia: Let’s investigate!
Jorin approaches the mannequin, and his attention turns to the table.
Jorin: What’s this?
Nymphia: Hey, the wine glass by the mannequin is knocked over!
Jorin: Could the detective have possibly tipped it?
Nymphia: Impossible, Echo told me once that the detectives are extremely careful in that regard, even clumsy ones like Gunboot.
Jorin: Curious…
Knocked-over Wine Glass added to evidence: The wine glass the victim was drinking out of at the time of the murder. It is tipped over onto its side.
Nymphia: That back door has been annoying me for the past bit. Shall we check it out?
Jorin: I don’t see why not.
The two go over to the back door, but find yellow tape blocking the path.
Jorin: Huh?
Nymphia: Are you blind? Look at the floor!
Jorin: Oh!
On the floor are very clear shoeprints made out of mud.
Muddy Shoeprints added: Very clear shoeprints made out of mud. They lead into the restaurant from the back door for a short distance and go back out the same way.
Jorin: I don’t think there’s anything else important here.
Nymphia: Yeah, you’re right. I hope we have enough evidence for the trial tomorrow.
To be continued...
September 9, 6305
3:40 PM
Courtroom Lobby of the Justice Attorneys’ Guild Hall
Echo: Nice job, Jorin.
Jorin: Yeah, thanks.
Echo: But this battle is far from over. I’m sure Prosecutor Brinks is speaking to the witness to testify away the contradiction. If you can’t definitely prove that Halo was in the room at the time of the murder, you lose.
Jorin: Gulp. Don’t worry. I, uh, hope I can.
Echo: ...
September 9, 6305
3:50 PM
Courtroom #5 of the Justice Attorneys’ Guild Hall
Judge Hahn: Court now reconvenes. What is the prosecution’s next action?
Brinks: We would like the witness to testify again, agreeing with the defense on the matter. Witness, testify to how you knew the murder took place inside the bathroom!
WITNESS TESTIMONY
How I Knew
Halo: In truth, I didn’t actually see the murder in the bathroom.
Halo: Instead, I saw the two arguing about something.
Halo: It turned violent, and the defendant over there slashed her!
Halo: He stabbed her again and again, until the stabs pushed her into the bathroom.
Halo: I knew she died in the bathroom because I heard the door shut.
Halo: I immediately left to get help.
END TESTIMONY
Echo: I bet you can find a contradiction in there somewhere.
Jorin: I don’t have a choice.
Judge Hahn: The defense may cross-examine the witness.
CROSS EXAMINATION
Halo: In truth, I didn’t actually see the murder in the bathroom.
Jorin: So you admit that what you said earlier was conjecture?
OBJECTION!
Brinks crosses his arms.
Brinks: He’s getting to his reasoning. Let him speak!
Echo: Jorin, be careful. That question was completely pointless.
Jorin: Sigh. Okay, Echo.
Halo: Instead, I saw the two arguing about something.
Jorin: Arguing?
Halo: Yes. Noblus was raising his voice before he attacked Miss Alkali.
Halo: It turned violent, and the defendant over there slashed her!
Jorin: So immediately after they argued, you saw the defendant pull out his sword and slash her?
Halo: Yes, I saw that quite clearly. I can’t be sure where he slashed her, however. I’m sure I saw it though.
Halo: He stabbed her again and again, until the stabs pushed her into the bathroom.
Jorin: So he stabbed her many times? And the force of the stabs pushed her?
Halo: Absolutely. It was possibly the most brutal thing I’ve ever seen.
Jorin: (Why did he add that in? Maybe I can find the truth from that.)
Halo: I knew she died in the bathroom because I heard the door shut.
Jorin: Just because the door shut doesn’t mean she died in the bathroom!
Halo: You’re right. I think it was because I heard that the stabbing noises were muffled, like they were behind a door.
Halo: I immediately left to get help.
Jorin: What do you mean by “immediately?”
Halo: I was frozen for a second or two by the events, but a few seconds after the bathroom door shut, I left.
Echo: Hear something fishy?
Jorin: I think so…
Jorin: (Let’s go over the evidence and see what we find…)
Halo: He stabbed her again and again, until the stabs pushed her into the bathroom.
OBJECTION!
Jorin points his finger at Halo.
Jorin: Are you sure you saw the defendant stab the victim into the bathroom?
Halo: Yes.
Jorin: That was an incredibly lame lie. I’m sorry, that’s impossible. The autopsy report clearly states that the only wounds she sustained were signs of electrocution and a slash to the throat. Yet, you claim she was stabbed!
Halo slams the witness stand.
OBJECTION!
Brinks crosses his arms.
Brinks: The murder weapon doesn’t have a very sharp tip. The stabs could have easily been unable to wound the victim!
OBJECTION!
Jorin: If the stabs were that weak, then the victim wouldn’t have allowed herself to get pushed into the bathroom!
OBJECTION!
Brinks: Why would he lie about that in the first place?
Jorin: Simple! He needed to explain the contradiction he made earlier, and describing it like this not only explained away the contradiction, but put my client in a worse light!
Brinks puts his hand on his forehead.
Brinks: Ugh…
The court erupts in conversation.
Judge Hahn slams his gavel.
Judge Hahn: Order! Order in the court! Witness. I think this is enough to prove your guilt.
Halo laughs.
Halo: Not so fast, judge. Mr. Defense Lawyer hasn’t proven anything yet.
Jorin: What do you mean?
Halo: First of all, the weapon belongs to Noblus, does it not?
OBJECTION!
Jorin: So what? Even if it is his, it doesn’t mean that he used it to murder the victim!
Halo: He still could have used it, of course!
OBJECTION!
Jorin: That’s mere conjecture! That in no way ties him to the crime. There is an equal chance for you to have stolen his sword!
OBJECTION!
Brinks crosses his arms.
Brinks: Prove it, Cobalt.
Jorin sweats.
Jorin: Um...I can’t.
Brinks: Heh, just what I thought. Rookie.
Echo: Jorin! This isn’t over yet. You know the truth! There is still one chance left. Halo still has to testify to the stab contradiction!
Jorin: Your honour! The defense requests that the witness testifies once more to the stab contradiction!
Judge Hahn: Does the prosecution have any objections?
Brinks: No, your honour.
Judge Hahn: Very well. This will be the final testimony.
OBJECTION!
Echo whips out her Final Flourish and stabs the air.
Echo: Your honour, the defense thinks that if the truth should be found, any amount of testifying is necessary!
Judge Hahn: Miss Strike, you know very well that Jorin won’t prove anything if he can’t prove Halo’s guilt with this.
Echo: …
Jorin: So…
Echo: ...Looks like you don’t have a choice. This is your last chance to nail Halo.
Jorin: Crap. Thanks for trying, anyway.
Echo: ...
Judge Hahn: Witness, your testimony please.
WITNESS TESTIMONY
The Final Testimony
Halo: I must have mistaken the stabbing for something else, sorry.
Halo: He simply held the sword in his hand when he shoved and grabbed her, making it look like he stabbed her.
Halo: The bathroom door shut, and I heard Miss Alkali screaming.
Halo: I heard the shock function on the Shockburst Brandish, which was the moment of electrocution.
Halo: I then heard a sword slash, which must have been when her throat was cut.
Halo: I immediately left to get help after that.
END TESTIMONY
Echo: This is it, Jorin. Go and prove it!
Jorin: Welp.
Judge Hahn: Cobalt, your cross-examination please.
CROSS EXAMINATION
Halo: I must have mistaken the stabbing for something else, sorry.
Jorin: So you-
Echo: Don’t even.
Jorin: Okay, fine.
Halo: He simply held the sword in his hand when he shoved and grabbed her, making it look like he stabbed her.
Jorin: That’s ridiculous! How could you mistake something like that?
OBJECTION!
Brinks crosses his arms.
Brinks: He made a mistake. Can you prove that he didn’t?
Jorin: Uh…
Brinks: As I thought. Continue with your terrible cross-examination, Cobalt loser.
Halo: The bathroom door shut, and I heard Miss Alkali screaming.
Jorin: So after the bathroom door shut, you heard Miss Alkali screaming?
Halo: Yes. I know that a female was screaming, and I don’t know who else it could be than Miss Alkali.
Halo: I heard the shock function on the Shockburst Brandish, which was the moment of electrocution.
Jorin: Are you sure? Could you have heard the humming of a television, or a radio?
Halo: No, I’m sure I heard the moment of electrocution. I’ve heard Shockburst Brandishes being used before, so I’m sure. Also, I heard a scream the moment after the humming began.
Halo: I then heard a sword slash, which must have been when her throat was cut.
Jorin: Are you sure you heard the sword slash after she was electrocuted?
Halo: Yes, absolutely. Are you going to pull an objection and say I traveled through time, lawyer?
Jorin: No, of course not!
Halo: I immediately left to get help after that.
Jorin: So you left a few seconds after you heard the slash?
Halo: Yeah, I was frozen in place for a moment. Is that strange?
Echo: Jorin, think about what he’s just said. Can you prove his guilt? Because I can tell that he’s still lying.
Jorin: How?
Echo: I have my ways. Prove it, Jorin. Prove that he killed Alkali, and prove that your client, Mr. Noblus, is innocent! It is the truth, after all.
Jorin: (There must be evidence here somewhere, right?)
Jorin: Hm…
Halo: I heard the shock function on the Shockburst Brandish, which was the moment of electrocution.
OBJECTION!
Jorin points his finger at Halo.
Jorin: Are you sure you heard the humming of the Shockburst Brandish?
Halo: Absolutely. So what? Do you claim I made the humming noise with my mouth?
Jorin: Actually, I think that you heard the Shockburst Brandish. Your lies end here, Iodin Halo! Take a look at the murder weapon!
Halo: What about it?
Jorin: Its humming is soft, almost like a whisper. If the door was shut in the bathroom, there was no way the sound could reach you! The only place you could hear that humming noise would be inside the bathroom!
Halo slams the witness stand.
OBJECTION!
Brinks: That’s ridiculous!
OBJECTION!
Jorin: How so?
Brinks: This is...impossible! Why can’t I just...convict the defendant! Augh!
The courtroom erupts in conversation.
Judge Hahn slams his gavel.
Judge Hahn: Order! Order in the court! Witness! What do you have to say for yourself?
Halo grabs his helmet and randomly twists it until it’s backwards. Shaking like a rabid dog, he speaks.
Halo: Heh, heh, heh. Mr. Lawyer, do you honestly think that alone will prove my guilt? There is still one thing left for you to do.
Jorin: What is that?
Halo: Prove that I had the Shockburst Brandish in my possession, and that I used it! I may have heard the Shockburst Brandish from wherever, but you can’t prove that I actually used the sword!
Jorin: I...I…
Echo: What’s wrong, Jorin?
Jorin: I think I’ve come just short, Echo. I’m sorry.
Echo: No, you can’t give up. You know the truth. I’m sure you have the evidence! Just look for it! What will finally, absolutely prove that Halo had the murder weapon?
Jorin: Very well…
Halo: Yes, Mr. Lawyer?
THE SPIRAL KNIGHTS BATTLE THEME PLAYS
Jorin: I have the one piece of evidence I need to prove your guilt!
Halo: Ha! Give me a break. You’ve got nothing!
OBJECTION!
Brinks: That’s right. I call your bluff, Cobalt!
Judge Hahn: I hope you aren’t bluffing. Mr. Cobalt, what is the final piece of evidence that will prove Halo’s guilt?
Jorin: (I’ve got to think about the events that transpired. How did he get the Shockburst Brandish from Noblus?)
Jorin: (I think I know it!)
TAKE THAT!
Jorin: Everyone, take a look at the surveillance camera footage! I’m sure that if we examined the video, we should see Halo sneaking out of the defendant’s room, Shockburst Brandish in hand!
Halo sweats.
Halo: No! That’s impossible! No! Why should we?
Jorin: (I’ve got him now!)
Jorin: If it’s impossible, then I don’t see why not. Halo, we both know very well what we’ll find in the video!
Jorin points at Halo one last time.
Jorin: Iodin Halo! You are the killer!
Halo spins his helmet some more, with each second the spinning becoming more frantic. Halo shakes so much that his armour begins to fall off until he’s left in his clothes. Tired, Halo falls unconscious.
Later in the courtroom…
Judge Hahn: So, what is the condition of Mr. Halo?
Brinks is sweating profusely.
Brinks: He has...been arrested.
Judge Hahn: What about the video?
Brinks: I think we all know what we found. The defense’s claims are correct.
Judge Hahn: Defendant.
Noblus: Yes, your honour?
Judge Hahn: It is very obvious at this point, but formality requires me to hand down my verdict. The court finds Krypton Noblus…
NOT
GUILTY.
Jorin: (It turned out that Mr. Halo got into an argument with Miss Alkali earlier that day. He became enraged and stole the Shockburst Brandish from my client to try to blame the murder on him. He used the cover of a coffee delivery to murder Miss Alkali.)
September 9, 6305
5:00 PM
Courtroom Lobby of the Justice Attorneys’ Guild Hall
Echo: Great job, Jorin!
Jorin: Yeah…Thanks for being with me today. I couldn’t have done it without you.
Echo: Thank your own skills, you were amazing out there.
Jorin: Not even close to you! You’re good enough to be my mentor, even though we’re the same age.
Jorin slouches.
Echo cocks her head.
Echo: What’s wrong? You got your “not guilty” verdict.
Jorin: It’s just...why did you act like that earlier?
Echo: You mean…
Jorin: Yes, you are right! I will save my client, Echo.
Echo: ...
Jorin: What’s wrong, Echo? Did I say something wrong?
Echo: Hmph. Just get started with your cross-examination.
Echo: That?
Jorin: Yeah.
Echo: It’s just, we’re very different people, Jorin, in all aspects other than our jobs.
Jorin: What do you mean?
Echo: You seem to fight to save your client. I fight for the truth, and I stand by it no matter what it is. Of course, both of us will end up at the truth, but it’s for a different reason.
Jorin: So?
Echo: Jorin. One day you will realize that being a lawyer...It can be a very hard job. One day, being a lawyer to save someone will be the hardest thing you will ever do, and you will realize why the truth is more important than saving the innocent and damning the evil.
Jorin: I’m sorry, what do you mean?
Echo: You seemed to be in the courtroom just to save your client, even though you weren’t sure about his innocence. Of course, a defense lawyer must fight until the very end. However, you didn’t even seem to consider the possibility of his guilt. Even if you don’t understand what I’m saying now, you will one day.
With that, Echo turns around to leave.
Jorin: By the way, Echo, I never asked you something.
Echo: What is it?
Jorin: Why do you try so hard to be good at what you do?
Echo: …
Jorin: I think I already know the answer, now that I think about it. Is it about fifteen years ago, when we were in grade school?
Echo: …
Jorin: I thought so. I didn’t think you would hold onto that for so long…
Echo: Whatever. See you, Jorin.
Jorin: Bye.
END OF TRIAL 1: TURNABOUT BEGINNINGS