Missing Piece

Chapter 13

"Only someone who can easily move in the dead of night could have stolen the Remedial Core. While these four idiots gave no regards to Working Hours, I was able to catch them trying to escape because they could not see through the night either."

Charlotte's gaze drifted from the said four Heart Pirates slumped in their chairs at the defendant table towards the masked male speaking in the middle of the court room. Her lips pulled into a thin line as the male continued to speak. "Plus, all of them have been infected and are dying. If they had the core, then they would have used it to cure themselves by now."

Murmurs erupted around the courtroom, with many pushing to the further corners of the room, trying to put distance between themselves and those diseased.

"Quick, someone get the Remedial Core before they die!"

"We don't have the Remedial Core!"

"What do we do? The Change is here!"

"Find the thief and get them to return the Remedial Core!"

"We had one more captured—a female. She was the only one who managed to escape." The man continued and the audience quickly shushed for the male's deduction. "Seeing as how she was able to get out easily during the night. We believe that she used a similar tactic to steal the Remedial Core from the outdoor fountain a few nights ago while transport was paused due to Working Hours ending earlier that day." The boy continued, voice raising with emphasis. "What's more is we believe that these four were actual heroes who caught her originally. Her arms were in cuffs when we found her."

Charlotte cursed Law under her breath. This was all his fault! I told him that these cuffs would bring trouble!

"Isn't that right, Thief?" The masked man questioned calmly, eyes daring as he glanced back over his shoulder toward the huntress holding him hostage and at knifepoint.

Charlotte glare at the haughty kid and yanked his arms higher along his back, keeping him still and his chest puffed out. She scanned her surroundings again, platinum eyes jumping from gun barrel to gun barrel. "Don't forget that I have your leader!" Charlotte shouted to the rest of the local police force. The karambit reflected the morning night threateningly.

She muttered another curse under her breath. Her words doing nothing to help her case. Even if it did buy them a bit more time. The courtroom was still once again. Though the look on their faces as they glared at her spoke volumes. A message that the Judge gracefully conveyed on their behalf.

Charlotte turned towards the tiny, three-feet tall and completely skin and bone judge as he lifted the gavel that she had so adamantly belief to be too heavy for him. Goddmanit Target! She cursed again as the hammer rang loudly through the courtroom, and her sentence was announced.

"Charlotte, you are guilty of the crime of stealing the town's treasure: the Remedial Core!"

16 hours prior.

"Charlotte! Charlotte!" The calls continued and the huntress quickened her pace. Her cuffed hands balled into fists and her eyes burning. "Captain's calling for y—"

The cool metal hallways disappeared replaced by open air and a land she wasn't familiar with. The heavy sun burned against her skin instantly and air around her looked distorted from the heat. Yet the sudden change in surroundings didn't seem to surprise the huntress.

"Thank you for joining us, Hunter-ya." At the voice, Charlotte twisted on her heels immediately, making another beeline for the metal door of the submarine. She heard a sigh and her eyes darted up to see the blue circle still activated. She was still in his room.