Zitina

Zitina took a deep breath. It was a silent gesture that was unseen by those
around her. She looked up at the dragon before her. He was a Nocturne-black as the night and invisible against a dark sky. By all means, he was the perfect suspect. He had been there when the crime was committed, and his alibi seemed to fall apart under harsh scrutiny. However, Zitina wasn’t convinced that he had done it. He was far too young to have thought out such a brilliant and complex plan. She had taken the case with the young Nocturne as her defendant in order to test her skills in law, as well as clear the young dragon’s name. She gave a quick glance around the courtroom. An older, male, Nocturne was standing in the shadows. He was silent, but his eyes were focused on the defendant. It was odd...he would lift his head slightly every so often...it corresponded with the questions the prosecutor was asking. The older dragon was coaching the defendant!
”Defensive, will you cross examine?” Mourn’s voice suddenly cut through the cloud that
was on her mind. Zitina stood.
”Yes, Your Honor.” She approached the center of the courtroom. “I have a few more
questions for you, Mr. Ayon.” Ayon nodded shyly, eyes flickering around the room. She hadn’t told him she planned to cross examine him for this very reason-she wanted each of his answers to be raw and honest. “Mr. Ayon, eyes on me, if you please.” He slowly looked at her. “Mr. Ayon, you have sworn to tell the truth, and nothing but the truth, on the book of the deities. Do you remember that?” Ayon nodded slowly.
”’Y-yes…” His voice quaked with the word. Zitina hummed and moved from her spot in
the middle of the courtroom to block the view of male Nocturne that was coaching Ayon, effectively cutting off the communication between the two.
”Now, I do believe that you have been telling the truth, but I do not believe it is your
truth Someone has been coaching you throughout this trial, correct?” Ayon nodded slowly.
”Y-yes…” As Ayon realized that the other dragon could no longer see him-and therefore,
could not control him-he began to gain confidence. He sat up a little straighter. Zitina gave a sharp grin.
”Tell me about who has been coaching you, Ayon.” Ayon took a breath.
”A-an older Nocturne that I have known since I was hatched has been nodding when I
should say yes to a question and keeping his head still when I should say no. He also told me what to say when you, Ms. Zitina, were asking me questions. He threatened to hurt me if I didn’t take the blame…” Zitina hummed softly.
”Now, tell me Ayon, why did he decide to do this to you? Do you owe him something? Or,
perhaps, you were at the wrong place at the wrong time…?” Ayon nodded.
”I saw him cleaning up the scene of the crime….he told me I’d take the fall and then
pushed me into the soldiers. I didn’t have a trusted alibi, because I was just wandering along when I saw him...he’s in the courtroom. Right there.” Ayon pointed to the older dragon, who was attempting to make a get away. A dragon at the door caught his arm and tugged him back into the room. Zitina grinned.
”If you check that dragon’s bag, I am sure you will find the stolen jewelry. While my
defendant was being crossed, I noticed that Nocturne was nodding every so often, in tune with the prosecutor’s questions. A closer look allowed me to notice the jewels that were decorating him. Those are the stolen jewels. With this evidence, it is clear that my client, Ayon, is not guilty.” The crowd around her was stunned into silence. Even Mourn seemed shocked. He suddenly shook his head and cleared his throat.
”In light of this new evidence, I declare the defendant-the Nocturne, Ayon- not guilty of
the crimes he is accused of. Court dismissed. Make sure that Nocturne is put into a secure cell. An attorney will talk to him at a later time.” The court began to file out, the criminal being dragged to the interrogation rooms. Ayon threw himself at Zitina, hugging her tightly.
”Thank you, thank you, thank you! Thank you for helping me, Ms. Zitina!” Ayon was close
to tears, the young dragon having been terrified of what would happen to him throughout the case. Zitina smiled and gently rubbed his back.
”No problem. I’m just doing my job. Go have fun.” Ayon nodded and ran out, a big grin
gracing his features. Mourn approached Zitina.
’You have a knack for this kind of work. How would you feel about being my partner?”
He handed her a card. “If you don’t know, feel free to think it over and come talk to me later. Those are directions on how to get to my office and home. Feel free to drop by.” He started to walk off. “You have an amazing talent for this. I think we would make a great team.” He gave a smile once more, and then he was gone. Zitina stared at the card in her hand, starstruck.
”M-Mourn...THE Mourn...just told me he wants to be my partner?!?! He wants me to
be a JUDGE?!” She let out a laugh and a big grin spread over her face. “This is a dream come true!” She looked at the card, then back up to gaze in the direction in which Mourn had left. She grinned and flew the same way. “Mourn, wait up! I want to talk to you about it!” She let out a quiet shout of glee as she rushed after the dragon who was going to make her dreams come true.

Written by StarlightWinterUser#491473