Trail I: Court Begins

Alian Dubous was seated in the chair assigned to the head judge, which made sense seeing that he was indeed the head judge of this case. He was larger than life, 181cm tall. Maybe it was just because he was seated in the seat he occupied that he appeared taller than described, but you could feel that he could reach the ceiling of the room. He was 43-years-old with salt-and-pepper hair, blue glasses, exquisitely tailored judicial robes, however, the outfit was not a Gabriel Agreste.

Below Alian's left hand was Isabelle Leroy; she was one of the two associate judges. She was 166cm tall, 45-years-old, and she smelt lovely; her scent permeated the entire courtroom, and it brought a smile to all in attendance except for François Moreau, he was straight-faced as always. She had a white silicone headband with three pink flowers attached to it; the flowers themselves were fake. She had an amber tie instead of the standard black that is usually worn with judge robes.

The other associate judge was Luc Boucher. He was only 23, fresh to his job, and he sure did look the part. He had sharp blue eyes, bronze hair, a small mustache, and he was 174cm tall. Beyond that, there was nothing really that intriguing about him.

The prosecutor, François Moreau, exuded an aura of authority and intensity. His visage resembled a storm cloud, framed by black glasses, with a hint of age evident in his 41 years. More grey than black, his hair follicles spoke of experience and wisdom. Adorned in a distinguished burgundy suit with gold buttons, complemented by a matching tie, he wore a diamond ring on his finger and a silver pendant necklace around his neck, subtle reflections of his status and taste. Standing tall at 179cm, his commanding presence filled the courtroom, palpable even to those in the farthest reaches who might perceive him as a towering figure despite his physical stature seeming only 30cm to them.

The final addition to our cast was none other than the defense herself – Sophie Durand. Standing at 167cm, she possessed an air of quiet confidence, her peach-blonde locks cascading elegantly around her fair-skinned face. Sophie eschewed makeup; at 31 years old, her natural beauty needed no enhancement. Clad in a tailored sky-blue suit, adorned with sleek diamond-shaped black buttons and a shimmering silver tie, she exuded a sense of professional poise. Despite her modest frame, her presence commanded attention, hinting at the depth of determination burning within her. Ready to tackle the case head-on, Sophie's unwavering resolve was palpable to all who encountered her.

The clock's hands reached 10:00, marking the start of proceedings. Though Parisian clocks may have chimed, their echoes didn't penetrate the courtroom's walls. Alain cleared his throat, commanding attention.

"Before we call the court to order, let's ensure everyone is present," Alain announced with clarity and authority. "Though age may have its toll, my counting skills remain sharp, akin to when I was a mere three-year-old, counting only to twenty. We have six jurors, three judges, a prosecutor, and a defense. Are all parties ready?"

"Your Honor, if I weren't ready, I'd have called in sick," François declared boldly.

"We, the jury, are ready," affirmed Juror 4 with unwavering resolve.

"I too am prepared to face whatever may come," Sophie stated elegantly, radiating confidence.

"Prepared!" Luc chimed in, his voice sharp and resolute as always.

"As am I," Isabelle added, pausing to take a sip from a glass before her. The water inside was pure, clear, and refreshing, mirroring her composed demeanor.

"We are here to determine if the record provided by Pierre Lefevre is enough to convict Ladybug of the crime for which is being accused. The crime in question is murder. Are there any objections to this?" Alain proclaimed.

"I object!" Sophie announced. "The record shows that the true identity of Ladybug is none other than Marinette Dupain-Cheng, a 15 year old, this case should be thrown out because this court is too high for this case!"

There were some mumors from the crowd. Some wondered if what she said was true, but the doubters shrugged, she knew the law better than them anyway.

"Objection!" François countered sharply. "Let the court be aware that at the time of the crime, the perpetrator's identity was unknown to the public. It wasn't until later that Marinette Dupain-Cheng's connection to Ladybug was revealed. Even I was taken aback by this revelation. However, it's undeniable that Ladybug's actions have impacted all of Paris, showcasing her competence and heroism. Therefore, she should be held accountable as an adult."

"Didn't we already determine that it's impossible to convict a 15-year-old via Cour D'assisses?" Isabelle asked.

"Isabelle, a deal was made, remember?" Luc relayed, using as few words as possible as always.

"That is correct," Alain affirmed. "Let's now make it public knowledge. Any objections, Sophie?"

Sophie remained silent, recognizing the validity of the arrangement and seeing no grounds for objection.

"Since there are no objections from the defense, allow me to elucidate the agreement reached between the court, defense, and prosecution," Alain continued. "Although Ladybug and Marinette Dupain-Cheng are one and the same, we have reached an understanding to treat them as distinct entities. Given that individuals of any age can wield the jewels of the heroes and must accept the adult responsibility of combating evildoers, we have concluded that it is the persona assumed and not the individual themselves that should be treated as an adult. In essence, thanks to this agreement, Ladybug can be tried in the Cour D'assises. If it can be proven that Ladybug is guilty, then we will proceed with processing Marinette Dupain-Cheng through juvenile court, in accordance with her rights."

"What an odd decision." Interjected juror 5, a kind old lady.

"That's what we all agreed to," Luc added, his voice firm.

"It's true that a fifteen-year-old should typically be tried in juvenile court, according to French law. However, there are currently no existing laws regarding miraculous wielders in any state or country. There's no better time to establish such regulations than now," Isabelle elaborated, her tone thoughtful.

"Oh, I had no idea," Juror 5 responded, her surprise evident.

"Now, before we proceed, is the defendant in the courtroom?" Alain inquired.

Marinette stepped forward, clad in the costume from Nightingale's failed music video dress rehearsal. "I am here."

"Ladybug? I thought your miraculous were in the hands of another," Alain remarked, his surprise breaking through his previously composed demeanor.

"They are, your honor. These are fakes made by a designer working with Clara Nightingale." Marinette added pointing to her earrings.

Alain nodded. "How resourceful of you, to have a backup plan ready and from something already in existence. Do you understand the charges against you?"

Marinette nodded. "Yes, your honor, I have been charged with murder and videos show what I did, but I didn't do it!"

"Objection!" François interjected. "The defendant should let her lawyer speak for her!"

"Prosecutor Moreau, please remain calm. We are simply establishing the defendant's awareness. This is not the time for rebuttal," Alian asserted.

"Commentary is permitted," Luc chimed in.

"I'm not entirely certain, but I'll allow the defendant's statement to be entered into the record, and you can contest it later, Monsieur Moreau," Isabelle added.

"Well, Prosecutor Moreau, are you satisfied?" Alian inquired. "Both associate judges have concurred that Marinette's statement will stand. Do you have any objections to that?"

François grumbled in defeat.

"Let the record show that Ladybug is aware of the charges against her." Alain announced. "I have one last question for the defendant before we look at the record and begin the cross-examination. Defendant, do you agree to the deal that is in place?"

"I have nothing to lose, I did some research myself, not enough to be a lawyer like Madame Durand, but I am aware that juvenile court is more about rehabilitation than punishment and I don't need rehabilitation anyway because I'm a good kid." Marinette added.

"Seeing what you did for Adrien Agreste, I must agree with that." Alian added.

"A perfect derby." Luc remarked. A short phrase yet again, this time it was praising the hat Marinette made.

"Yes, I hope it gets in vogue so I can buy one." Isabelle added.

"Can we stop talking about hats and get to the trial?" François interjected.

Alain nodded. "Very well. Will the defendant return to her seat?"

Marinette bowed and then went to her seat.

"Now, prosecutor, your opening statement." Alain requested.

"It would be my honor, Your Honor. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, esteemed judges, we've rarely encountered such a clear-cut case without a confession such as this. The entire incident was captured by multiple cameras, with numerous witnesses attesting to Ladybug's involvement in the crime. Furthermore, with the revelation that Marinette is Ladybug, we've been able to corroborate the allegations depicted in the footage.Lila Rossi, the victim, was renowned for her deceitful nature, and Marinette was among those most adversely affected by her manipulations. Marinette had ample motive to harm Mademoiselle Rossi, as she sought to prevent her from inflicting further harm. Her decision to carry out the act as Ladybug was calculated; the murder weapon was a lucky charm summoned through the power of creation, which could easily vanish at Ladybug's discretion. Given that the lucky charm disappeared in the footage, it's evident that she did indeed will it to vanish.Moreover, thanks to Marinette's cooperation, we have obtained a grimoire containing comprehensive information regarding the magic jewels and the entities known as 'kwamis' associated with them. This book details the mechanics of a lucky charm's disappearance, aligning precisely with what was observed on camera. There is no reason to doubt the veracity of the evidence presented, and to entertain any skepticism would be ludicrous," François expounded with suavity.

"Let's reserve judgment until we've heard all sides," Luc added. Despite his penchant for brevity, he acknowledged the importance of thorough consideration."Yes, let's hear what Madame Durand has to say. Sophie, your opening statement, if you will?" Isabelle requested.

"Thank you, Your Honor. As always, the court serves as a platform for discourse. While I acknowledge the compelling nature of the evidence presented, is it truly the whole truth? Could there be alternative explanations for the events in question? This is why deliberation is crucial—to ensure that every detail is thoroughly examined. I am committed to advocating for Ladybug's defense, and I will uncover the truth, no matter what it takes," Sophie declared, her unwavering resolve palpable.

François emitted a dissatisfied noise, the sound echoing faintly in the hushed courtroom. "And, pray tell, what would you do if the truth is that Ladybug is guilty?"

"Don't tell me you're one of those who believe a guilty person isn't entitled to a vigorous defense?" Sophie's retort was sharp, her gaze unwavering as she locked eyes with François. "She's already asserted her innocence, so it's too late for me to plead not guilty. Besides, Marinette seems like the type to have struck a deal with you or another prosecutor."

"Seems like? A baby-faced man once robbed a convenience store a few cities over; he seemed innocent and pleaded the same, yet he was found guilty," François recalled, his voice tinged with frustration.

"Enough!" Luc's voice sliced through the tension like a knife, commanding attention and bringing silence save for the faint hum of the courtroom's atmosphere adjustment system.

"I concur with Luc," Alian interjected, his tone firm and authoritative. "We haven't even begun to review the evidence, and you two are already at each other's throats like hungry hyenas. I expect better conduct from those participating in the Cour D'assises!"

François appeared visibly flustered as he retrieved a pink handkerchief from an inner pocket of his gold-buttoned maroon suit, wiping beads of sweat that had gathered on his brow. "Sorry, Your Honor," he reluctantly conceded, his voice carrying a hint of contrition.

"I won't apologize," Sophie interjected, her voice calm but resolute. "Everyone deserves a fair trial, even the guilty."

"Madame, have you by any chance studied in America?" Isabelle inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"Yes, Your Honor," Sophie confirmed, her expression composed yet confident.

"Well, then, this court will respect your sentiment, as long as you adhere to the laws of our country and not those of any other," Isabelle reassured Sophie sweetly, her words imbued with warmth and understanding.

"Very well, Your Honor," Sophie concluded, her tone conveying determination and readiness for the task ahead.

As tension lingered in the courtroom, the atmosphere was palpably thick with anticipation, each moment pregnant with the weight of the impending trial.