252 Sir Mouse and Lady May - Attorneys At Law 2

The halls erupted when hearing Taf's words. It was indeed foolish in most eyes, as without a proper defense they had no hopes of contesting the charges. Thus this was seen as them throwing in the towel before the tribunal had even begun. Surely that is the only explanation? If that was truly the case, then a more disappointed audience could never be found.

Of course for the likes of Mu and Zanders, they truly wished the seats could firmly bound them where they sat. This would make it easier for them not to burst off into the air in sheer delight. Before they were a bit worried the couple had hired a professional to represent them, making their plot slightly more bothersome to Accomplish. But with their actions, even if the adjudicator wished it there was no way of losing such a case.

Baro, however, was not delighted after Taf's utterance. Once more he saw it as another attempt by the two to bring disrepute into the proceedings. He was a professional through and through, to see others mock what he prides himself on, simply did not sit well with him. Yet it was within their rights to represent themselves so at this point, it made no sense to reprimand them. 

As the clock struck nine, a raspy voice could be heard. All attention was drawn to the speaker, it was one of the Senior Elders. His hair was thinning and his body seemingly becoming feeble, "Very well, an unwise decision, nevertheless the tribunal is bounded to accept. At this moment we'll be hearing the opening statement."

With this, a hush engulfed the hall as all were in anticipation of the tribunal finally beginning. what will the arguments be? How would each side gather evidence to support their arguments? These were some of the thoughts that ran through their minds.

Everyone's eyes then shifted to Adjudicator Baro. He took to his feet making his way to the center of the halls. Baro then looked to the twelve judges who were seated in a semi-circular format. He did not say a word at first as he looked into each and every one of their eyes as though having aa personal conversation with each,

"Seventy-four years, this is how many years I have presided over cases on this great sect's behalf. I have seen many sat where the two defendants have perched themselves. A more innocent looking pair, perhaps I have never seen. Yet I have learned that looks can be deceiving and here we have a perfect example. 

When I first heard about the case, I said to myself, two fifteen-year-olds accused of such heinous acts. Simply this cannot be. Then I was provided with the evidence and by what I discovered, a more ruthless couple I have never seen. Do not let their ages fool you. Behind those innocent smiles are cold-blooded killers who have used their talents as a means to do as they pleased."

Baro paused for effect ensuring he had all twelve judges before highlighting his points going forward,

Yes victims, let's not forget that two lives lost whose voices will forever be silenced because their fellow disciples decided their lives had no meaning. Let the verdict found be quilty so we can finally seek justice for Shinoda and Darwin. Whose death the defendant dare try profiting from with a ludicrous countersuit. Again showcasing their cold-hearted natures."

Baro's opening statements could be said to have been quite compelling. Not only did he break away at Taf and May's innocents but relay the true victims of their acts, the deceased Shinoda and Darwin. As he went to his desk he scuffed at the two, knowing as things stood they had to claw themselves back for this to even be a contest.

In response, May took to her feet, straightened her skirt before taking the floor, and just as Adjudicator Baro before her, approached the twelve judges.

"Seventy-four years, that is quite commendable I need not say, Adjudicator Baro. On behalf of the sect, I must indeed say, thank you for your service." May congratulated with a smile as she addressed Baro who seemingly did not care for her sentiments. Her smile however soon turned into a frown,

"Yet as I usher you praises I find myself asking the question, in these seventy-four years of service, how many innocent souls have you prosecuted in those chairs you previously pointed?

I ask this because of your presumed guilty before trial mentality. From what this tribunal has seen you have decided to take on both the roles of prosecutor and judges. This is startling to myself and co-defendant as we thought this tribunal was a fair and just proceeding. I am actually happy that death is not the penalty, as based on your opening statements, you would have a guillotine present taking on a third additional role of executioner."

May's words caused some within the halls to chuckle as a frown donned the face of Baro. She then continued,

"We are not perfect, but really who can be defined as such? Judges, all that we ask one thing of this tribunal. Before lighting your torches and pitchforks, sending us into exile as the prosecutor hopes to accomplish, please ensure that proper procedures are followed and our evidence noted. We'll show in our evidence that we are not the monsters as Adjudicator Baro suggest but simply victims who only acted in self-defense.

Thus our rightful calls for compensation as disciples bounded to the sect. Who as an entity has its own astounding failures in due diligence."

With May's opening arguments even Baro was a bit surprised. She swiftly countered his previous statement while bringing her points to the fold. Yet he just saw it as simple beginners' luck and nothing more. It's easy to use beautiful words but at the end of the day, evidence needs to be collected to back up the statements. He has already gathered his creating an airtight case, but what about the two?

With opening statements out of the way, it was time to prove the fact presented. First, to bring forth a witness was Adjudicator Baro, when the mahogany doors opened with all eyes prying, Captian Jobu could be seen[1]. Quickly he was guided to a seat within the center of the halls. Jobu was then addressed by the Adjudicator,

"State your name and duties." A bit overwhelmed by the occasion Jobu stuttered at first,

"Jabo Briggs, I am the captain of one of the many patrolling squads of our sect. In my capacity, I'm allowed to engage all personal exciting or entering the sect's borders."

"Very well, tell me Jobu, has there been any occasion which you have dealt with anyone truly hostile while conducting your duties?" Questioned Barro.

He replied, "Many adjudicator Baro, but it is a part of the job."

Once more Barro pressed, 'How about the defendants, have you had any interaction with the two prior to today's proceeding?" As he spoke a finger was outstretched pointing to both May and Taf who calmly sat.

When looking at the two, Jobu quickly shifted eye contact when realizing his and Taf's eyes had met. He then replied to Baro's questioning,

"I wouldn't class it as interaction, more like a horrific traumatizing experience from which I still have not to recovered."

"Wow, such strong words to describe someone which prior to meeting at the walls there was no previous interaction. Please tell the tribunal why this is." Daring not to once more look at Taf, Jobu then did a gulping motion before regaling his tale,

"They are so memorable Adjudicator Baro, because the defendant with the alias of Sir Mouse had beaten one of my members so badly, still to this day he fears leaving his room. Even with his scars now fully healed, the level of therapy needed for him to return as a fully functioning adult will be overwhelming."

Gasps could be heard in the audience as Jabu went into the details of the harsh beating sustained by his underling under Taf's hands. It could be said just based on this testimony if the proceedings were to end at this very moment, Taf would be found guilty without the benefit of the doubt.

"No more questioned, your witness." Uttered Baro in a sarcastic tone as he casually made his way back to his desk. Taf and May however paid him no heed. Seeing it was their turn to question the witness, Taf then made his way towards Jaco who sat in the center of the hall.

"Mr Briggs, in all of the details provided I notice there was no seeming recollection of the events which preceded my actions." As Taf spoke he subconsciously touched the desk of Jobu which seemingly caused him to shiver in fear blurting out,

"Perhaps I.., I was mistaken." He quickly retracted his statement, however, this was not what Taf had intended. With Jobo's actions, Taf knew right there and then, he had fallen into a cleverly laid trap. It was not on the part of Jobo, by his reaction it could be seen he was truly traumatized and would say anything he thought Taf intended.

This was all the doing of Adjudicator Baro who knew of Jobo's fear of Taf so he placed him on the stand. He was not in the center to be a witness, but a martyr.

Seeing his cleverly laid plan unravel before his eyes, Baro smirked at Taf's seeming incompetence. An experienced attorney would have never allowed Taf the accuser to cross his victim in an open trial. This is a bait tactic, by doing this he had unwilling dug himself into the deepest hole before proceeding had even fully begun, tarnishing his reputation. Now he would be seen as a bully, which never bodes well for an accused.

Looking at the faces in the halls, especially the judges it could be seen how sympathetic they were toward Jobu who seemingly had post-traumatic stress disorder when confronted by Taf.

Taf cursed in his mind at his own seeming naivety. The clues were all there before his eyes, yet he failed to observe. As Taf looked to Adjudicator Baro, he saw him mouthed mercilessly,

"Check, your move."

Unedited Version

To be continued ....