The Last Dance IC II

[NeoSeraphi]

Selene Icewood stands in shock in the doorway to her father's mansion. Her childhood friend, and apparently the man to whom she was promised, Mikael Sorense, was touching his face earlier when he saw her. Almost as if he was checking to see if he was wearing some kind of disguise...

Come to think of it, that man Logan always appears like a human, doesn't he? He could probably take on another human's face to confuse her further. He claimed he wasn't going to hide behind a mask with her, but why should she trust him? That nonsense about the queen being sixty is probably a total lie. So...is Mikael really the Wolf?

Then again, he was attacked. He was attacked and robbed, and he seems to be concerned about Selene. Could he be Jack?

Or maybe this is all a ruse?! Maybe there's some other hidden face she doesn't know about in this crazy city. Maybe he's working for the Bellflower Network, or the Thieves' Guild, or the Bastards of Erebus? Maybe he's actually a hellknight, and he was checking for his helmet?

Whatever the case may be, Selene needs to get down to the Royalty District and find a way to investigate that house even with the dottari all over it.

[Diachronos]

After seeing to it that Mikael is being taken care of, Selene heads back to her apartment. Sanguine needs to get into Mikael's home tonight, before the trail goes cold.

[NeoSeraphi]

Selene enters the house, only to find two dottari stepping back from Hitori.

"The Chief Prosecutor has no power here. If you want to arrest me, then do it with your blades!" he says angrily.

The dottari stare in shock at his katana, which seems to be solidly blue, but has so many bloodstains on it that they could never be cleaned off.

However, when Hitori sees Selene has entered, he pauses.

"...Tch." He sheathes the weapon and walks past the two guards. "Whatever, I'll give her a piece of my mind to her face then. Let's go!"

They quickly flank him, both of them seemingly too afraid to try shackling his wrists, and head out.

[Diachronos]

Selene stares at the scene in shock. "Hitori? What's going on?"

[NeoSeraphi]

The knight chuckles. "I might not be back for a few days. Take care of the place while I'm out, okay?"

[Diachronos]

Selene nods. "As long as you promise to come back in one piece."

[NeoSeraphi]

Hitori gives her a nod and walks out with the two dottari.

Seems like he was planning to resist arrest, but seeing her stopped him. What does that mean?

[Diachronos]

Selene heads to her room to start getting ready. She'll need to approach after nightfall, and maybe examine the place from afar to see how many dottari are present.

[NeoSeraphi]

When night falls, Selene heads to the mansion. She spots a few dottari guards, but they look to be finishing up for the most part. Only about three men are standing around examining the crime scene.

[Diachronos]

Sanguine circles around the building, looking for an alternative way inside.
[roll0]

[NeoSeraphi]

Sanguine doesn't see any other obvious ways to get inside, but she might find something if she scales the wall and gets to the roof.

[Diachronos]

Sanguine tries climbing up the rear wall of the manor.
[roll0]

[NeoSeraphi]

With some effort, she makes it up to the roof. There, she spies a chimney that she might be able to sneak down if she's careful.

[Diachronos]

Sanguine approaches the chimney and looks inside, wanting to be sure there isn't a fire lit at the bottom before she climbs in.

[NeoSeraphi]

The chimney is bare, but it's a tight fit. She'll likely need to be careful heading down.

DC 15 Escape Artist to get to the bottom without getting stuck.

[Diachronos]

Sanguine frowns, but she climbs in.
[roll0], casting gallant inspiration to increase the result by [roll1] if the check fails

[NeoSeraphi]

Sanguine gets stuck. She thinks perhaps she might need to lay off the cupcakes.

[Diachronos]

Sanguine growls and casts grease on herself to slip through more easily.
[roll0]

[NeoSeraphi]

She slides down to the ground.

Inside the fireplace, she peers out and sees that she's in the parlor. There are two rooms between her and the study, where Mikael was attacked. In the room next to her, she spies a single dottari with his back turned.

[Diachronos]

Sanguine uses her magic to disappear from sight, and starts creeping toward the study.
Casting vanish
Check: [roll0]

[NeoSeraphi]

Perception: [roll0]

The guard continues looking through the pile without notice.

Sanguine makes her way into the next room. A pair of dottari, who look very tired, are irritably writing down every item in this room on a checklist, presumably looking for what has been stolen.

Sanguine can see the bookshelf was turned over, and a pile of books are on the ground. The dottari have been careful to not manipulate the crime scene in any way, which has made their job take a lot longer.

There is a large bloodstain on the desk. Mikael...

She recalls Sumra's depiction of the wound. Mikael was stomped on by someone from behind until his ribcage broke. So, whoever had come in here had to have found Mikael standing up and facing the bookshelf, and then stomped him into the desk. But why would Mikael just sit there and take it?

There's a broken vase, and several flowers laying on the ground. Sanguine covers her mouth to keep from gasping. Those flowers are Tian Xi lilies. Her mother has a garden of them back home. P...perhaps her mother sent them to Mikael? She knew him, after all.

Only one round of invisibility left...

[Diachronos]

Sanguine takes a moment to cast a couple of spells, taking on the appearance of the Chief Prosecutor.
Casting disguise self and glibness

"What is taking you all so long?"

[NeoSeraphi]

The guards straighten up and look at her.

"M-Ma'am? Where...did you come from?"

[Diachronos]

Sanguine narrows her eyes. "From the barracks, obviously. I believe I asked you a question, but I don't recall hearing an answer..."

[NeoSeraphi]

They straighten up. "Ma'am! Sir! The Order of the Rack attempted to conduct their own investigation and we had to drive them off. Captain Spicer had their commander arrested."

[Diachronos]

She sighs and rubs her temples. "I don't want this to take all night. You two go ensure that the Order's commander is taken care of, I'll finish up here."

[NeoSeraphi]

The two of them exchange a look, before nodding and going to get the rest of the dottari to head home. They hand Sanguine their inventory list so far. It looks like nothing is missing.

[Diachronos]

Once they've left, Sanguine starts looking around the room for any sign of what might've caused Mikael to get attacked.
Taking 20 on Perception, total of 36

[NeoSeraphi]

"Looking for this?"

From behind her, an object is tossed onto the desk. It's Jack's mask, with a long crack running down the right middle, splitting apart the right eye. It's caked with dry blood.

When Sanguine turns around, she sees the cocky gambler smiling at her. He's rolling a six sided dice between his fingertips. "Kind of stupid for you to search the scene of a theft for the object that was stolen, isn't it? You won't convince anyone like that, 'Lana Skye'."

[Diachronos]

Sanguine growls. "Why do you want him dead, Logan?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"Dead? I'm insulted. Do you think me so incompetent that I would deliver those injuries and yet leave him alive if I wanted him dead? His life is a mercy! My gift, to you."

[Diachronos]

"Why? I thought you wanted him out of the way completely."

[NeoSeraphi]

"To be honest, I'm rather averse to violence. Without his precious anonymity, the man should quiet down on his own. He can make another mask, but he knows his secret is out, and he has no idea how many people I've told."

[Diachronos]

"And what do you plan to do now that he's out of your way?"

[NeoSeraphi]

The gambler chuckles. "Well, I thought you might slip in to that red dress I gave you and come to dinner with me. Say, tomorrow night? Consider it a birthday treat"

[Diachronos]

Sanguine turns and starts leaving the manor without another word.

[NeoSeraphi]

Logan laughs and picks up the mask. "Oh, by the way, no need to thank me for the advertising. Tomorrow, everyone will know the name 'Sanguine'."

He disappears.

[Diachronos]

What does he mean by that? She returns to the apartment to get out of her disguise.

[NeoSeraphi]

Pyros pops out of her bag. "Are you going to go speak to Mikael about this?"

[Diachronos]

"I probably should, but now might not be the best time for that."

[NeoSeraphi]

Pyros nods and settles in for the night.

Selene wakes up in the morning. Her roommate is likely being held in the barracks, and that's also where Chief Prosecutor Skye is. She might want to talk to Apollo about all of this, he seems trustworthy. Natsu and Gray are likely back from their mission. Mikael should be safe at his manor by now, and her father is available as well.

[Diachronos]

Hitori would probably appreciate knowing what's going on behind the attack, but that might have to wait until he's no longer being held by the dottari. Apollo... she's not sure how to bring up the subject at the moment. She heads to Mikael's estate to see him.

[NeoSeraphi]

When Selene arrives at the Sorense Manor, she is surprised to find several of her father's servants outside. They appear to be polishing windows, dusting, mending the door frame, and other busy work.

[Diachronos]

Selene approaches one of the servants. "Excuse me, do you know where Mikael is?"

[NeoSeraphi]

The servant turns and smiles. "Oh! Lady Ice-..I mean, Miss Bramblestar. Lord Sorense is in his study. Your father has instructed us to help repair this estate as quickly as possible. Apparently Lord Sorense is having a special guest this evening and Lord Icewood wants that to go well." She winks at the half-elf.

[Diachronos]

She nods. "I appreciate it. You're all doing great so far. Keep up the good work." Selene walks inside to find Mikael.

[NeoSeraphi]

Mikael is sitting at his desk, trying to work on some kind of book or research while three servants dash around trying to collect all of his books and set them in the bookcase.

He looks up as she approaches. "Selene. Heh. My, you look lovely even in your street clothes."

...Right. She hadn't dressed like a lady to come see him. This is likely a bit more inappropriate than Selene realizes, and she does see a few of the servants give her a glance when they think she's not looking. Mikael seems to be politely ignoring it though.

[Diachronos]

Selene blushes faintly. "Sorry, I was just stopping by so I didn't want to seem to formal about it."

[NeoSeraphi]

Mikael looks around. "Sorry about the mess. I wasn't expecting you until this evening. Incidentally, happy birthday, Selene."

He smiles warmly at her. He doesn't know she knows his secret. But this is...this is him. He is Jack.

[Diachronos]

"Thanks." She walks around the desk to hug him. "So this is the face you've been hiding from me all this time..."

[NeoSeraphi]

Mikael's eyes darken. He doesn't return her hug.

"...Everyone, take a break."

The servants all stop and look confused.

"Get out!" he barks.

They scatter and leave the room, shutting the door.

Mikael dashes backwards and scans the area. "So...you're going to finish what he started, are you?"

[Diachronos]

Selene blinks. Maybe revealing that she knows his true identity wasn't the best idea right now... "What? No, of course not! Why would I want any part of what that man is plotting?!"

[NeoSeraphi]

"How else could you know it was my mask, when he's the one who took it?" Mikael points out. He starts chanting a spell under his breath and a ball of fire begins gathering in his hand. Selene suddenly realizes why Logan appeared last night. It was to bait her into doing this...so she would have to kill Jack herself.

[Diachronos]

Selene holds up her hands. "Mikael, I came here to find out why he attacked you! He showed up while I was searching and showed me that he took your mask!"

[NeoSeraphi]

Mikael frowns. "Why should I believe you? You waited six months to tell me about this man stalking me. Who's to say you're not on his side?"

[Diachronos]

Selene grits her teeth. "You know what I'm like, Mikael. Do you really think I'd want any part in the plans of someone who wants me to murder and perform sacrifices for him?"

[NeoSeraphi]

He hesitates, but then lowers his hand. The flame fizzles out. "No...No, I don't think that at all. Selene..."

There's a lot of pain in his voice. A lot of regret.

[Diachronos]

Selene shakes her head and approaches him. "You don't need to say anything, Mikael. We can put all this behind us."

[NeoSeraphi]

The man sighs and stands up. "Selene, when you left, I was really sad for a long time. And then, as I got older, I decided I might try and go find you. When my father was arrested, that was the nail in the coffin for me. There was nothing left to tie me to Westcrown. I just decided to go on hiatus for a while."

Come to think of it, didn't Selene's old wet nurse mention that Mikael was constantly running off?

"When I found you, I could scarcely believe it. I wanted to approach you, but...when you saw me in the street, you walked past me as if I wasn't even there. I realized then, that you didn't remember me."

[Diachronos]

"I'm sorry. I don't know why I forgot one of my closest friends." Maybe... maybe somewhere in the back of her mind, she'd only thought of him as a friend because of their engagement? Or perhaps she'd subconsciously pushed the thought of him away because she'd associated memories of Westcrown with her father?

[NeoSeraphi]

Mikael sighs. "I wanted us to reconnect, so I started watching you. Just a bit, to see if I could figure out things we had in common. By the time you started doing stuff as Sanguine, it was too late. I figured I could help you take care of that, but...it just felt wrong to try and talk to you when I knew all this personal stuff about you. Stuff you kept secret from everyone else. Stuff you wouldn't trust me with."

[Diachronos]

She grabs his hand. "Well, regardless of what's happened in the past, we have a chance to reconnect now."

[NeoSeraphi]

Mikael looks up at her. "Ah...Okay. You don't know very much about me, but I think I'm ready to share it with you. If you want."

[NeoSeraphi]

Mikael escorts her out and Selene understands that he intends for her to still return that evening for their date. She gets the feeling that things will become more serious if she shows up, but...maybe she wants to be serious with Mikael?

For now, she could probably go see her friends at the Guild. Though Apollo is probably anticipating a follow up. And what Logan said last night is still bothering her. What did he mean by 'advertising'?

[Diachronos]

Selene heads to Apollo's shop to check in with him, figuring she can inform him of what she'd learned and then go see her friends with Fairy Tail.

[NeoSeraphi]

When Selene enters the bookstore, she's surprised to find it empty. No one is standing behind the desk, and she doesn't see Apollo or Trucy anywhere.

That's odd...the store isn't locked and the open sign is in the window.

She's about to leave, when Selene hears the sound of music coming from the room behind the counter.

[Diachronos]

Selene approaches the counter and leans over it. "Apollo? Trucy?"

[NeoSeraphi]

https://pre00.deviantart.net/438d/th/pre/f/2012/182/a/c/piano_playing_wright_by_stoofpot-d55ldsb.png

The piano stops and the man stands up. "Well, well. If it isn't Selene Icewood. What would a lady be doing in the merchant district, let alone a run down shop like this?"

[Diachronos]

Selene blinks. "I was looking for the shop owner. Do you know where Apollo is?"

[NeoSeraphi]

The man laughs out loud. "Do you know where you are, young lady? This is the Wright Anything Agency. What makes you think Apollo Justice is the owner?"

That...that's a good point, actually.

"Now, if you're looking for Apollo, I'm afraid he's with a client. But, if you're looking for the shop owner, you've found him. Phoenix Wright, at your service."

https://i.pinimg.com/236x/4f/a1/e4/4fa1e41969861e5e4ae0b3dc50e7e7b6.jpg

The man in front of her is about ten years older than Apollo, closer to Leonardo. And though his dress is lazy, his face shows signs of experience and wisdom. He said his name is Wright...he's probably Trucy's father.

[Diachronos]

Selene blinks. She should've guessed that Apollo wasn't the one in charge. "I was looking for Apollo to talk with him about something. Could you let him know I stopped by when he gets back?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Phoenix crosses his arms. "You must be distracted. I said he's with a client. He's going to be defending someone accused of murder. He has to meet with the client, investigate the crime scene, interview witnesses...the trial is next week, you know."

[Diachronos]

"I didn't expect him to be available right away, I just don't know when I'll be available to speak with him, that's all. If it's that much of an issue, I'll just stop by after the trial's over to talk with him." She turns to leave.

[NeoSeraphi]

Phoenix sighs. "Hold on. Okay, look. If you head down to the Detention Center, you'll probably catch him coming out. If you want to talk to him, today is probably the only day you can do it. The Detention Center is the building behind the dottari barracks."

[Diachronos]

Selene nods. "Thanks. Sorry for troubling you, Mr. Wright." She heads out for the Detention Center.

[NeoSeraphi]

When Selene approaches the Detention Center, she sees something that shocks her. A poster on the door. "WANTED: Sanguine - Assault with a deadly weapon and impersonating a high prosecutor."

There's a picture of Sanguine on there, hand drawn but with many details of her outfit and figure.

[Diachronos]

Selene stares at the poster. Logan, you son of a bitch... Granted, the charges are true, but to think he'd go this far...

[NeoSeraphi]

The door opens. A dottari frowns as he looks down at the half-elf. "Ma'am, there's no loitering allowed on the premises. Either come inside or move along, please."

[Diachronos]

"R-right. Sorry." She walks inside.

[NeoSeraphi]

The man sits behind the desk. "How can I help you?"

[Diachronos]

"Yes, I was told that Apollo Justice was here. Do you know if he's left yet?"

[NeoSeraphi]

THE dottari points. "Sixth call on the left."

[Diachronos]

"Thank you, sir." She heads to the cell he had pointed her to.

[NeoSeraphi]

Apollo is frowning at the wall. Hitori sits in the cell, manacles on his wrists. "I told you to leave."

"No. I can't just abandon you. This doesn't make sense! Why would you kill her?" Apollo demands.

Hitori closes his eyes. "Believe what you want. I said, I don't want your help."

"If an innocent man is convicted of murder..."

"I have already died once, Mr. Justice. I am not afraid."

[Diachronos]

Selene's jaw drops. Hitori is the one accused of murder?!

[NeoSeraphi]

Apollo turns around. "Selene?"

Hitori stands up. "I have nothing left to say to you."

He turns away and walks to the back of his cell.

Apollo is helpless.

Selene feels this is a critical moment. Apollo might be able to help Hitori, but not if Hitori isn't willing to fight this charge. If Selene can't convince Hitori to accept Apollo as his attorney, Hitori will be executed.

[Diachronos]

Selene crosses her arms. "So that's it, then? You're just going to roll over and let them kill you for something you didn't do, Hitori?"

[NeoSeraphi]

The knight stands up. "How do you know I didn't do it? Because this kid says so?"

[Diachronos]

"No. I know because you don't strike me as the kind of person who'd end someone's life without a very good reason."

[NeoSeraphi]

Hitori frowns. "Well, I'm sorry, but your feelings don't mean anything in court."

Apollo frowns. He turns to Selene. "...Maybe we should leave him be for now. If we can find some clues at the crime scene that might point to another suspect, we can be surer about his innocence."

[Diachronos]

Selene sighs. "Right... he might've given up, but you haven't. And neither will I."

[NeoSeraphi]

Hitori closes his eyes and lays down on the bed as they leave.

Apollo and Selene walk outside. "Alright, the first course of action we should take is to get the details of the crime. We need to know who the victim was and where the crime took place if we're going to investigate. That means we need to ask Lana."

[Diachronos]

"Sounds like a good idea to me."

[NeoSeraphi]

Lana looks up as the two of them enter her office. "This had better be important. I'm having to clean up this mess that my subordinates left last night when they took orders from an impostor."

[Diachronos]

Selene swallows. "We were looking for information on the crime that Commander Minamoto has been accused of."

[NeoSeraphi]

Lana blinks and looks up. "Why the hell is that any of your business? Last I heard, Minamoto wasn't interested in a lawyer."

Apollo looks guilty and glances to the door like he's thinking about leaving. But...maybe if Selene could fudge the truth just a bit here...

[Diachronos]

Selene shakes her head. "He's accepting Apollo's help. Minamoto is just too proud to admit it openly."
[roll0]

[NeoSeraphi]

Sense Motive: [roll0]

Lana looks at Selene with a frown, but then she chuckles. "Is that so? ...Very well, then. Have a seat."

She opens a folder and reads aloud. "At approximately four PM yesterday afternoon, a body was found in the Temple of the Nine Hells. The victim, Hanabi Suzuki, was a Minkaian priestess visiting from Tian Xia. The body was discovered by Priestess Sumra, of the Fairy Tail Guild. When she found the corpse, Sumra reports that she alerted the high priestess, Azalea Hawthorne, who contacted the dottari and brought them there straight away."

[Diachronos]

Selene nods slowly. "Has anybody else reported that they witnessed what had happened?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Lana shakes her head. "No one witnessed the moment of death, but Minamoto's weapon was lodged inside the victim's back. When he was approached by dottari last night, he refused to explain how his weapon had left his possession or what he was doing just before the body was discovered. I will give the man credit for being honorable enough not to try and lie his way out of this, but his silence is a strong indication of his guilt, wouldn't you agree? If he really didn't do it, all he has to do is tell us the truth and we move on. He knows that."

[Diachronos]

"It seems that way, yes." Unless he's staying quiet to hide something else he doesn't want anybody to know about... She turns to Apollo. "Should we look into the temple first and see if we can learn anything?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Apollo nods. "That seems to be our best option."

Once the two of them are outside, Apollo looks over at Selene. "You came to the Detention Center because you wanted to talk to me about something, right? What is it?"

[Diachronos]

"I looked into the break-in that happened in the Royal District. The attacker tried to murder Mikael Sorense."

[NeoSeraphi]

Apollo frowns. "Seriously? The criminals in this city are just getting bolder...and to think that there was another murder that went on while the dottari were investigating the break-in. But why would someone from Westcrown want to murder a stranger from another land?"

[Diachronos]

"I don't know. But Hitori is from Minkai, so... maybe he knew the priestess? Knowing her doesn't mean he's the one who killed her, though..." She frowns as she thinks over the possibilities. "Do you know if he has any enemies? Someone who might want him out of the way?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Apollo laughs. "Do I know if the law enforcement in a city populated by thieves and criminals has any enemies? Try the families of everyone this man has locked up. The Thieves' Guild probably has no love for him either. The Bellflower Network considers the Rack to be a potential threat to their cause as well. Not to mention his personal crusade against the nobility, some of the strongest influences in the city. But even if the killer took his sword to frame him, I think the bigger concern we have is why they chose to kill the victim."

Right, even if this person didn't like Hitori, that's no reason for them to kill some other person just to get him in trouble. If the person was willing to kill, they would have gone after the knight himself. No, this person likely had a reason to want this priestess dead.

[Diachronos]

She nods in agreement. "Hopefully Sumra or somebody else at the temple will know who she's been interacting with."

[NeoSeraphi]

The two of them arrive at the temple to find it sectioned off by police tape. Azalea is standing at the entrance looking very upset.

[Diachronos]

Selene turns to Apollo. "How do you want to handle this? Should we split up?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Apollo shrugs. "Sure. I can go interview Sumra and you can take Azalea."

Before she can protest, he's gone. Some friend he is!

[Diachronos]

She scowls at him, before approaching Azalea.

[NeoSeraphi]

Azalea sighs in frustration as she looks around. "I can't believe this...Why him, of all people?"

[Diachronos]

"That's what we hope to find out." Selene bows politely to Azalea. As much as she dislikes the woman, she's still a powerful and highly respected priestess at this temple. "May I ask you a few questions about the incident with Hanabi Suzuki and Commander Minamoto?"

[NeoSeraphi]

The woman looks up, startled. "...I suppose. What do you want to know?"

[Diachronos]

"How long has Hanabi been affiliated with the temple? Or was she visiting from outside of Westcrown?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"She arrived a few days ago, escorted by the Order of the Empress. It seems she was making a pilgrimage to the temple in Kintargo on the coast."

[Diachronos]

Selene nods as she makes a note of that. "Do you know what the purpose of her pilgrimage is, or why the Order of the Empress chose to escort her themselves?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Azalea nods. "This woman was next in line to become the head of the faith, the most powerful cleric in the church of Asmodeus. We all suffer from the loss of one so pious."

[Diachronos]

Oh. This wasn't just a murder, it was an assassination of someone in a position of power. Now it's even more important to clear Hitori's name. "I was told that she was originally from Minkai. Do you know if she had any sort of prior relationship with Commander Minamoto?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Azalea stomps her foot. "That thick-skulled buffoon won't even tell me his real name! You think I know anything about his past?" She grimaces and takes a breath to regain her composure. "I can't rule out the possibility, if that's what you're asking."

[Diachronos]

Selene nods. "I understand. Now, do you know if anybody other than the Order of the Empress or the clergy and staff here at the temple had interacted with Priestess Suzuki during the time she was here?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"Of course. She was staying at Sumra's home while she was in town. She ate dinner with the two of us every night. And she left the temple the night before she died to go somewhere. ...I'm not sure where but she returned uninjured."

[Diachronos]

Selene nods. "Is there anything you can tell me about the priestess herself?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Azalea sighs. "Let's see...she prays in the morning and before she goes to sleep. She has no familiar or spirit to speak to, and prefers instead to read this book she always kept with her under her arm. Though it's strange...the book wasn't found on her body or in her bedroom."

[Diachronos]

Selene blinks. "A book? Did you happen to see what the title was, or any identifying markings on its cover?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Azalea shakes her head.

[Diachronos]

"Alright. Do you know when Suzuki and Minamoto were both seen last before Suzuki's body was found?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Azalea crosses her arms and considers it. "Hitori was spotted giving orders to a few of his men around three hours before the body was discovered. That was in the square, next to the fountain. As for Suzuki, I ate breakfast with her that morning and didn't see her after that."

[Diachronos]

Selene nods. "Thank you, ma'am. Hopefully this will help us find whoever is responsible so they can be brought to justice."
[roll0]

[NeoSeraphi]

Azalea seems worried as she mutters to herself about Hitori.

[Diachronos]

"...You seem to know Hitori pretty well. Do you think he would do something like this?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Azalea looks up at her. "...He's not afraid to kill. That's all I'll say on the subject."

[Diachronos]

Selene nods. "Thank you for your time, ma'am." She heads to find Apollo.

[NeoSeraphi]

Apollo looks up as Selene approaches. "Are you alright? Did you find anything useful out?"

He's talking to Sumra, who seems to be holding a blue case.

[Diachronos]

"Well, the victim was next in line to become the head priestess of the Church of Asmodeus, so that might give us some ideas of who would want her dead. Hitori was giving orders to some of his men in the square a few hours before the body was found, and Azalea said that there's a book Hanabi always carried around and read, but wasn't found with her body or in her room. What have you found out?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"Cause of death was blood loss due to a laceration in the back. It seems she was stabbed and left to die. It's odd, though." Apollo looks lost in thought.

[Diachronos]

"What's odd?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"Lana told us that Hitori's sword was found lodged in the victim's back. If she really died of blood loss, how did that happen? The sword would have acted like a plug that kept her blood from leaking out onto the ground. But we did find blood at the crime scene as well, more than enough for the victim to have died of blood loss..."

[Diachronos]

Selene frowns. The sword would have indeed plugged the wound, though the possibility of bleeding out in that situation would only be reduced, not eliminated. But at the same time, how would so much blood have left her body if the wound was being filled in by the blade?

"The wound in her back was the only injury, right?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Apollo nods. "That's right."

[Diachronos]

"Hm... then, it sounds like Hitori's sword might have been planted in her corpse after she'd already bled out."

[NeoSeraphi]

"What? You think something else was used as the murder weapon?" Apollo asks, stroking his chin. "If that's the case, we need to find that other murder weapon to use in court."

[Diachronos]

Selene nods in agreement. "We should also look for the book she had. Whoever has it now is either the killer, or has had contact with them."

[NeoSeraphi]

Apollo nods. "Alright. I will examine the crime scene for now. Why don't you go talk to Hitori and see if he even knew the victim? If he knows anything about the crime, we need to hear it now."

[Diachronos]

"Alright." She glances at Sumra. "Do you happen to know what Hanabi's book was called, or what it looked like?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Sumra thinks. "I'm not sure, but I think the book was a gift from Mirajane when Hanabi visited the guild. She would probably know more about it."

[Diachronos]

Selene returns to the Detention Center to ask Hitori about his relationship with the victim.

[NeoSeraphi]

Hitori sits up as she enters. "You're back. ...What are you doing here, Selene?"

[Diachronos]

"I'm here to ask you about Hanabi Suzuki. Did you know her?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Hitori looks at Selene dully. "You didn't know her. Why do you care about her or her death?"

[Diachronos]

"Frankly, I don't. I care much more about making sure the right person faces justice for killing her."

[NeoSeraphi]

Hitori scoffs. "'Justice'? Justice is a word cowards use to describe vengeance. Killing a killer still makes you a killer."

[Diachronos]

Selene crosses her arms. "And keeping quiet while a murderer is running loose in the city makes you a stubborn idiot. Is that how you plan on keeping the people of Westcrown safe, Hitori? By letting yourself be executed so that someone willing to murder priests of Asmodeus is free to do whatever they want?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Hitori trails off. "I'm no different than you. I don't care about protecting anyone. I just want the right to hunt criminals down and make them suffer. I don't save people. I hurt them."

This isn't working...Apollo is still busy. Who can she turn to for help?

The sound of piano keys echoes in her mind.

[Diachronos]

Selene sighs and turns to leave. "If that's the case, maybe I should just tell Apollo to drop the whole case. If you enjoy hurting people that much, you're going to be hurting a lot more by taking the fall for a murderer than you will by helping us find him."

She leaves the cell and heads back to the bookstore. Maybe Phoenix can give her some advice...

[NeoSeraphi]

"Ah! My first customer! Alright, I can do this!"

Selene is surprised to see yet another individual behind the counter.

http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/aceattorney/images/6/6b/Athena_Cykes_AA6.png/revision/latest?cb=20160702232134

"Guten tag! Wilkommen to the Wright Anything Agency, where you..um...shoot, what was the line?! where you're in the Wright place at the Phoenix time!...Nooo, that's not right at all!"

[Diachronos]

"Um... I was wondering if Mr. Wright was in?"

[NeoSeraphi]

The woman straightens up. "Ah! Herr Wr- I mean, Mr. Wright is currently playing piano at The Skull Canyon bar. I'm afraid his shift won't end until this evening. Is there anything that I can help you with?"

[Diachronos]

She sighs. "I'm trying to help Apollo with a case but the client's being a stubborn ass."

[NeoSeraphi]

The woman grins. "Oh! I can probably help you with that. I'm a lawyer too, see?" She points to the small pin on her yellow jacket proudly.

[Diachronos]

"Alright. Do you have any idea of how to get him to share what he knows?"

[NeoSeraphi]

The woman grins and gives Selene a peace sign and a confident smile.

http://orig08.deviantart.net/c0b1/f/2013/144/1/c/athena_cykes_sprite_by_superaj3-d66dll1.png

"Leave it to me! I'll make him tell you everything."

[Diachronos]

"Okay, and... how do you plan on doing that?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"With my help!" a metallic voice declares out of nowhere.

The woman looks down. "Widget! Let me explain!"

The strange blue face on her necklace turns green and smiles broadly. "It's very nice to meet you, ma'am. I'm Widget, and I can help provide therapy to anyone who is suffering from some sort of guilt, trauma or stress. Usually, people who have witnessed or done something terrible really want to talk about it, but their emotions run out of control and they can't help but clam up or fabricate certain aspects of their story. I can help you spot the out of control emotions, and you can point them out to the witness in order to calm him down."

[Diachronos]

"...So you're basically saying that you're using a zone of truth spell."

[NeoSeraphi]

The woman frowns. "No! It's not like that at all. It's way more complicated. Listen, you'll understand once we get there. But trust me, this is way better for the witness than just a zone of truth spell. After he gets a therapy session with me, his attitude will improve forever. He will have genuinely healed from whatever pain is holding him back."

[Diachronos]

"Alright. Let's go see him, then."

[NeoSeraphi]

The pair of them walk over to Hitori's cell. He looks up at the new girl with interest. Her eyes widen and she dashes behind Selene.

"Ahhhh! You didn't tell me the client was an actual bad guy!"

Widget's face turns yellow and it cries out. "Guilty! Guilty! Get me out of here before he kills me too!"

[Diachronos]

Selene scowls. "There's no proof of whether he's guilty or innocent. That's what we're trying to find out."

[NeoSeraphi]

The woman steps forward hesitantly. "Um...H-hi. My name is Athena Cykes."

Hitori snorts and then stands up and kicks the cell bars. They ring loudly and Athena yelps and hides behind Selene again.

[Diachronos]

Selene sighs. "Hitori, do you have to act this way?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"Why are you trying to help me? Fine, you want the truth? The reason I'm not helping you find the killer? It's because I killed her!"

Hitori grabs the bars and glares at her. "They caught me and are going to execute me. That's your justice, all done!"

Widget beeps and Athena presses down on its face. A holographic screen projects in front of her.

https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/caw/images/a/a4/Athena_Cykes.png/revision/latest?cb=20151015225216

"Sounds like someone needs a little therapy session! Don't worry, this is my specialty. Selene, listen carefully. Right now, Hitori believes he's telling the truth. But you have evidence that he's innocent. That means that some emotions are keeping him from seeing what really happened the other night. I can read his emotions on this screen, with my Mood Matrix. If you pay close attention, you can see an emotion that will seem inconsistent with what he's saying. When that happens, point out the inconsistency and press him for more detail. Remember that we're doing this to help the client, so don't just start by shoving your evidence in his face. Take your time and we can help him work through his out of control emotions together. Then, he will be more likely to accept your help."

[Diachronos]

Selene nods to Athena and turns back to Hitori. "I don't understand. Why would you want to harm Priestess Suzuki?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Hitori frowns and steps back, trying to collect his thoughts.

"There are four emotions on the screen. Try to listen carefully to what he is saying and see if you can't find an emotion that doesn't seem to reflect the memory he's talking about. If you find an inconsistency, there's a reason for that inconsistency. Usually, it's something that the witness has forgotten, but thinking about the emotion and situation will bring it to light."

Witness Testimony - The Day of the Murder

"As to why I would want to murder the priestess..I don't really know. But, I don't need a motive to kill her if it was an accident."

Sadness - N/A
Joy - N/A
Anger - N/A
Surprise/Fear - N/A

"On the day of the murder, I finished up my patrol and gave some orders to my armigers in the fountain square."

Sadness - N/A
Joy - Present
Anger - Present
Surprise/Fear - N/A

"I went to the temple to see Hanabi."

Sadness - N/A
Joy - Present
Anger - N/A
Surprise/Fear - N/A

"After that...my memory is a little fuzzy."

Sadness - N/A
Joy - N/A
Anger - N/A
Surprise/Fear - N/A

"But the next thing I remember is waking up and seeing Hanabi lying in front of me. She looked so peaceful, I would have thought she was sleeping."

Sadness - N/A
Joy - N/A
Anger - N/A
Surprise/Fear - Present

He hesitates. Athena nods and gives Selene a thumbs-up. It's up to her to find an inconsistency and press the knight...gently.

[Diachronos]

Hm... He was angry when he brought up speaking to the armigers? Why? "Were you upset about anything when you went to see her?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Hitori crosses his arms. "Huh? Oh, yeah. Those damn Empress thugs think they run the streets now. I was pissed off because only half of my patrol showed up to get their normal rounds, the rest of them had been commissioned for this hellspawn hunt."

Athena shakes her head. "That's definitely not something we were expecting, but it doesn't seem to have anything to do with the murder. Try again."

[Diachronos]

"I see... you also sounded happy about going to see Hanabi. I take it you got along well with her?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Hitori nods. "Yes. She came to see me the night before. She wanted to share some poetry she had found that was written by my mother in our homeland."

That information is certainly interesting, but it doesn't seem like he's forgetting anything important...she must be on the wrong track.

[Diachronos]

"Alright. And you said that you have no memory of what happened before you found her lying on the ground?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Hitori thinks for a moment and then shakes his head. "No. Nothing."

[Diachronos]

"And... what sort of state was she in when you came to?"

[NeoSeraphi]

The screen blinks and Widget creates an indicator. It reads "Noise Level - 100%"

"What do you mean? I told you, she looked like she was sleeping," Hitori says.

"It's not enough for you to press the statement that seems suspicious. The client can't see the screen, he doesn't realize what emotions you're seeing him feel."

[Diachronos]

"Yes, but was there anything other than that? Wounds, anything that was missing or that wasn't present before?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Hitori presses himself to think harder.

Athena puts her hand firmly on Selene's shoulder. "The emotion, Selene. You need to bring up his specific emotion and ask him about it. Point out the contradiction between the emotion and his statement."

[Diachronos]

"You said that she looked as though she were sleeping, but you seemed as if that had surprised you or intimidated you. Why is that?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Hitori's eyes widened. "I was...surprised? ...Oh, right. Because there was a pool of blood underneath her."

Athena quickly inputs a few keystrokes and it updates. "Alright, now we've got a brand new statement added to the testimony. But this one seems a bit odd. You should press him for further details."

Testimony Updated - The Day of the Murder

"When I came to, Hanabi was lying in a pool of blood. Even then, it wasn't readily apparent to me that she was dead."

Sadness - N/A
Joy - N/A
Anger - N/A
Fear/Surprise - Present

[Diachronos]

"Was there an injury on Hanabi that you noticed? Anything that might explain where the blood came from?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Hitori shakes his head. "No. I didn't see any wounds or weapons at the scene to indicate there had been a murder."

Athena's eyebrows raise. "That contradicts with the information you've gathered so far. Now tell him how he's mistaken and finish things up!"

[Diachronos]

Selene sighs. "Hitori, when she was found, they determined that the cause of death was blood loss because of a wound in her back. A wound that... they found your sword lodged in."

[NeoSeraphi]

Hitori's eyes widen. "Wh-what?!"

He stands up. "When they came to ask me about my sword, they didn't mention it was the murder weapon. They were looking for an alibi, and why I had lost it. I thought that the victim was strangled to death."

Athena frowns. "This isn't good. It seems like there's still discord in his heart. You're helping, but his mind is going wild as he tries to sort out what's real and what's not. You'll need to calm him down to make sure his therapy sticks."

[Diachronos]

Selene holds up her hands. "Hitori, your sword being found lodged in her wound doesn't match up with the cause of death. Leaving the weapon in would've created a plug to stop the blood flow. If you had attacked her and left the sword in, somebody would have been able to find her and tend to her wounds before it was too late."

[NeoSeraphi]

Hitori grabs at his head and screams. The Mood Matrix blinks and the meter changes. "Noise Level - 50%"

"We're doing it! Alright, now here's the last gasp. His mind has created these blocks on his memories for a reason. He's remembering things wrong in order to protect himself. As a last gasp, he will try to come up with anything to rationalize his way of remembering things. This is when his emotions run fully out of control. We just have to help him realize what he's actually feeling, and the truth will be forced out of him."

She points to the Mood Matrix. "For this exercise, we will need to use the Mood Matrix's second feature. Instead of just the presence of out of place emotions, we can also track the intensity of emotions. While his emotions are out of control, he will be saying things that don't relate to the reality of the situation, but his emotions are very real. If you see an emotion that is too weak or too strong based on what he's saying, that's where the grains of truth are hiding. Press him on the strength or weakness of his emotions compared to the statement, and we'll clear the discord from his heart once and for all!"

[Diachronos]

"Hitori, your sword isn't what killed her.
Why are you upset over that fact?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Hitori laughs desperately and shakes his head. "No, you've got it all wrong! I remember everything perfectly!"

Witness Testimony - Strangulation

"When I came to, Hanabi was lying on the ground in a pool of her own blood."

Sadness - N/A
Anger - N/A
Joy - N/A
Fear/Surprise - Low

"But there wasn't a weapon there, I'm telling you! Both of my swords were missing!"

Sadness - Low
Anger - Low
Joy - N/A
Fear/Surprise - N/A

"I stood up and asked her if she was tired, and looked around to see if there was a blanket or something I could cover her with nearby."

Sadness - N/A
Anger - N/A
Joy - N/A
Fear/Surprise - N/A

"But when I turned away, I heard a choking noise from behind me. Like someone had their windpipes crushed!"

Sadness - N/A
Anger - N/A
Joy - N/A
Fear/Surprise - Low

"I spun around in shock, and that's when I realized she was dead!"

Sadness - High
Anger - N/A
Joy - N/A
Fear/Surprise - High

[Diachronos]

["Wait a minute... are you telling me that you saw her lying in a pool of blood, and your first reaction was to see if she was tired or needed a blanket? That doesn't make you worried over whether she might be hurt?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Hitori blinks. "Huh? Oh. I didn't think it was her blood."

Why wouldn't he think that? Was there someone else injured at the scene of the crime?

[Diachronos]

"That still doesn't explain why you wouldn't be concerned about her when you saw her lying in the blood. Was anybody else around when this happened?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Hitori shakes his head. "No one else was around when I woke up, but I was bleeding from the back of my shoulder. I thought the pool of blood on the ground was mine."

Hitori was hurt, too? But he's the suspect...and it doesn't sound like there was a struggle with the victim.

[Diachronos]

"Hm... you don't sound like you were very shocked to hear someone being choked or strangled right behind you."

[NeoSeraphi]

Hitori blinks and tries to think more clearly. "I...was surprised, certainly, but I wasn't on alert. Normally, when I hear something like that my soldier instincts would kick in. But I was distracted...because at that moment Azalea opened the door in front of me and came in. I was relieved to see her."

The Noise level drops to 0!

Athena gasps. "You did it! Hitori's mind has been cleared! Everything he recalls is what happened right after the murder. But that's strange...I thought that someone else discovered the body?"

That's right...why would Azalea lie about that?

[Diachronos]

Selene nods. "What did Azalea say when she came in, Hitori?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Hitori frowns. "She said...'Oh no, it looks like you've really done it this time.'"

He crosses his arms. "So, she wasn't strangled, then?"

Athena looks over at Selene. "Now that his mind is clear, he's willing to listen. You can set a few things straight. We know the cause of death, and even in Hitori's last statement, he said someone else was the one who attacked her. He doesn't think he's the one who 'choked' her, which means he thinks that he's innocent."

[Diachronos]

"Not to my knowledge. I wasn't informed of the exact state of the body, but they determined that blood loss is what killed her. Your sword was found buried in the wound that she'd bled out from, but if that's really how she got the injury the blade would've at least partially blocked the flow of blood out of her wound." So Azalea had walked in right after Hanabi was killed... Maybe she's hiding something?

"Azalea said that there was a book that Hanabi always carried around, but that it was missing when her body was discovered. Did you happen to see it at all while you were visiting her, or after Azalea walked in?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Hitori nods. "She had it with her when she came to visit me the night before. But, I didn't see it when I woke up in the temple."

To recap in her mind:

Hitori had come to see Hanabi at the temple.
He does not remember what happened after he reached the temple.
He woke up inside the temple in front of Hanabi's dead body.
Hitori was also bleeding heavily.
He saw Azalea enter the room, and Azalea told him he was the one who killed Hanabi.
In that instant, Hitori hears the sound of someone being choked behind him, though Hanabi was already dead at the time.
Both of Hitori's swords were missing when he woke up.

[Diachronos]

Selene nods. "Thank you, Hitori. I know this probably wasn't easy to talk about, but this will help us found out what happened."

[NeoSeraphi]

The knight sighs. "You said before that you want to catch the real killer. But that won't do anything if I am convicted for the murder. They can't try someone else if they've already found me guilty."

[Diachronos]

"The trial isn't for another week. That means we have a week to prove your innocence."

[NeoSeraphi]

Hitori laughs. "You have a week to collect evidence. Once the trial starts, it will conclude after two days of deliberation. If the defense isn't able to provide conclusive evidence beyond a reasonable doubt, the defendant is presumed guilty."

[Diachronos]

"Then we'll make the most of the time we have." She turns to leave, intending to find Apollo and tell him what she's found out.

[NeoSeraphi]

Apollo meets up with Selene. When she explains the situation to him, he seems to understand.

"That's fine. I knew he was innocent, in any case. You can leave this to me for now, just show up to the trial on Monday and we'll get this done."

[Diachronos]

Selene nods. "If you need me for anything in the meantime, I should be at the apartment I'm sharing with Hitori."

[NeoSeraphi]

Pyros pops his head out of her bag. "Yeah! Screw Mikael and his stupid invitation, you can spend your birthday drinking alone like you've done for the last ten years!"

Apollo stares at the salamander. "...It's your birthday, Selene?"

[Diachronos]

Selene shoves Pyros back into her bag. "Yes, it is. I already have plans to meet someone tonight."

[NeoSeraphi]

Apollo raises an eyebrow. "Er...right. Well, then. Happy Birthday." He gives her a smile and walks off.

[Diachronos]

Selene heads home, debating whether or not she should try finding some kind of muzzle for Pyros.

[NeoSeraphi]

Well, it's time for her to go see Mikael, but what will she wear? She really needs to go get some more clothes for her station...

[Diachronos]

After some thought, Selene decides to wear the red dress. Logan might've given it to her, but Mikael would probably appreciate it.

[NeoSeraphi]

When Selene arrives at the Sorense Estate, it is completely spotless. You would never have known there was a break-in last night.

Mikael smiles when he sees her. "Good evening, my dear. I'm so honored that you chose to join me."

[Diachronos]

"And I'm honored that you invited me." She returns his smile.

[NeoSeraphi]

Mikael escorts her into the dining room and sits down across from her. "So, are the accommodations to your liking?" he asks.

She can hear a hint of nervousness in his voice. She remembers when he came back to take his mask and he wouldn't speak until he put it on. So this is his real voice, his real emotions, showing to her.

[Diachronos]

"Yes, they are." She gives him a reassuring grin. "Just relax. There's nothing to worry about."

[NeoSeraphi]

"Selene, I..." He trails off. "Alright. I need to be honest with you. Fully honest. So...go ahead. Whatever questions you've wanted to ask Jack all this time, ask away. I won't hide anything from you ever again."

[Diachronos]

"Alright. Just how were you able to keep such a close eye on me?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"I've known you for over ten years now. My scrying magic is able to pinpoint you to the exact spot where you're sitting, any time I cast it. And because I always have the opportunity to take a bit of your hair, or some of your clothes, whenever you aren't looking, I always have a strong focus for it."

[Diachronos]

That explains why she'd randomly find articles of clothing to go missing... "I'm surprised you were always able to get close enough to obtain them. Did you follow me everywhere the whole time?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"Yes. I used my family's connections to arrange special 'lucky' events where you might have been stopped by a guard or protected by a thug whenever I had the opportunity. Even so, I was prepared to step in and save Sanguine myself if it came to it, and that was why I had to follow you so closely."

[Diachronos]

"Were you following me before I took up the mantle of Sanguine?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"Erm...well...not as closely as I did after. I mostly just used my scrying magic to check on you from time to time, once I found you the first time."

[Diachronos]

"And you were fine with the things I did as Sanguine?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"I never necessarily agreed with your methods, but the longer I spent under that mask, the more 'Jack' became a real person and not just a disguise. And Jack was honest in his support of you. He feels the same way about Sanguine that I feel about you, Selene."

Mikael gives her a look that could stop her heart. Unapologetic, blatant, honest love in his eyes. He's not ashamed, or worried about what she might think. He's the happiest he's ever been to reunite with her.

[Diachronos]

Selene stares into his eyes, completely lost in that expression. "...I know we probably can't pick up our relationship where it was all those years ago. But I'd be happy to start over with you, Mikael. A relationship that we chose, rather than one our parents pushed us into."

[NeoSeraphi]

Mikael hesitates. "I...see. Then, I have a favor to ask, if you would allow me."

[Diachronos]

"What kind of favor, Mikael?"

[NeoSeraphi]

The Doctor places his hand over his other, and removes a small brass ring. He places it on the table. "This is the signet ring of House Sorense. I would ask that you wear it for the duration of our relationship."

[Diachronos]

Selene places a finger on top of the ring, but she doesn't pick it up. "You want me to wear your signet ring... why, exactly?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"It will mark you as protected by this house. It should dissuade some of the less bold members of the Wolf's thugs from bothering you. And if you are at a party it will...make sure that no one is too friendly toward you," he says, delicately.

[Diachronos]

Selene nods and puts the ring on.

[NeoSeraphi]

Mikael smiles. "So, how have things been going for you here in the city? Are you enjoying your time at the Guild?"

[Diachronos]

"They've been alright. I'm still getting used to the guild but they seem like a friendly bunch."

[NeoSeraphi]

Mikael nods. "I'm glad. ...Selene, if I don't see you again, I want you to know that I always cared about you. I never stopped."

He sounds serious, and resigned, like a man going to die.

[Diachronos]

Selene gives him a serious look. "Don't talk like that, Mikael. Don't talk like... like you're going to disappear on me."

[NeoSeraphi]

Mikael shakes his head. "Now that you're back, I can't lose you. Not again. So I'm going to go after Logan, and I'm going to finish this. I'll put him away before he gets me. Or worse, you."

[Diachronos]

Selene blinks. "You can't be serious. You're going to try to face him in your condition? Alone?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Mikael nods. "That's right. And if I fall, well, at least he won't have a reason to target you anymore."

[Diachronos]

"Mikael, why does Logan even want you dead? What kind of grudge do you two have with each other that would make him assault you like that?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Mikael trails off. "The man that is disguising himself and calling himself Logan Thrune is actually a professional gambler by the name of Malcolm Sheppard. Two years ago, while you and I were in Minkai and you were off doing Sanguine things, I received a request from a local casino. The request was for I, Mikael Sorense, the psychiatrist, to come to a high stakes blackjack tournament and observe the players. The head of the casino wanted to make sure no one was cheating. I watched, and I waited, and after the third hand it was obvious. I pointed out that Sheppard was counting cards, and he was disqualified. He lost his ten thousand gp entrance fee and was barred from participating in future tournaments for the rest of his life."

[Diachronos]

Selene blinks. "... That's it? He's gone to all this trouble of tracking me down, asking me to make ritual sacrifices and commit murders for him, trying to get me to turn against you... all because you caught him cheating in a card game?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"Because I ruined his livelihood, his reputation, and cost him hundreds of thousands of gp in prize money. Yes."

[Diachronos]

"...I'm not letting you deal with this alone, Mikael."

[NeoSeraphi]

Mikael blinks. "This is my problem, Selene. What makes you think you have any business 'letting' me do anything?"