Morix: Web of Mistrust

Turnabout Deception, Part 1

Mr. Strann hesitated before nodding and walking to the courtroom. He didn't seem to like that Cotoli had cut the conversation short so suddenly, but he didn't say anything about it, instead leaving me to stand alone with my brother. 

"I have a bad feeling about this guy," I murmured. "Maybe it's because I'm feeling like garbage because of everything that happened yesterday, but... I don't know. I just don't think I want to talk to him much after this trial ends."

"You aren't the only one who feels that way," Cotoli agreed. "I think that there's something strange about him as well, but I don't know how to describe it. Maybe it was because he was so open about discussing the Oracle of the Law. I know that's what our agency has gained a reputation for, but... I don't know many people who are that forthcoming with their questions."

"We'll have to figure it out later on," I sighed, shaking my head. "Let's leave it there for now and head into the courtroom. I want to find the truth behind the person who attacked Polly, and we can't exactly do that while we're standing out here."

Cotoli nodded and took my hand in his once again. He gave it a gentle squeeze. "We're going to find the truth behind this case," he assured me. "I promise. I know that it's looking rough right now, but we've found our way out of dark situations before, and I know this will be the same."

I nodded silently, not bothering to say anything that would go against that. I was too tired to argue with him or think about the worst case scenario. I just wanted to get this over with so that I could go back home and rest. This was the first significant case in ages, and I had gotten used to the unsteady peace without even realizing it. It was shattered before I could truly enjoy it, and I hated that this was the case. 

March 12

Courtroom No. 1

10:00 AM

Chrysalis Starr

When I walked into the courtroom, I felt as if my body was being weighed down by lead. Everything was hurting deep down, and I wanted to be anywhere but there. The emotional stress of my unexpected peace suddenly being destroyed was a lot greater than I could have expected, and Polly getting attacked only made it worse. Plus, there was the fact that our client appeared to be something of an asshole. For the most part, I did what I could to avoid vulgar accusations like that, but given that I was already in a bad mood, I couldn't help the thought that echoed in my head over and over. 

I could tell that Cotoli was just as stressed as I was, but he was much better at hiding it than I ever could have been. We were both good at acting, just in different ways. He had a loose smile on his face to hide how much he was screaming on the inside, but I chose to glare at everyone who looked at me wrong. This trial was already aggravating me, and it hadn't even started yet. 

"We're going to figure this out," Cotoli assured me, able to tell without even hearing me speak that I was still not feeling great. He smiled gently to me as he shifted around with the papers he had his limited information about the trial written on. 

I nodded silently, unsure of what to say. I didn't trust myself to be able to speak without my voice failing me somehow. I didn't want to show any weakness so long as Mr. Strann was around. Something about him still bothered me, and I couldn't have him seeing through the mask. For the sake of my identity and job as Oracle, I had to keep him away. Unlike Neptune, he didn't seem like he would turn around later on. I had been unsure of her at first, but she gave off different vibes than him. Mr. Strann just bothered me whenever he looked in my direction, and it made me feel queasy just to think about.