Turnabout Rivals

Franziska Von Karma's Investigation Day 2

FEBURARY 14, 12:31 PM
HAZAKURA TEMPLE
MAIN HALL

Nicolas and I made our way to the temple where Sister Bikini was cooking Curry. I must say, she makes very good Curry for a nun living in the wilderness. Then again, I have learned in life that those talented in cooking don't always learn though schooling or tutoring from an experienced chef. I will never find any cooking that would surpass Martha's and she had taught herself through simply reading directions. To this day, that still amazes me.

Since Dahlia was on trial at the moment, Sister Iris was not here, but her mother and aunt were. It seems that Morgan has calmed down since earlier this morning. I could see there was still a bit of tension between her and Nicolas. She did burst out the last they had met. Nicolas didn't seem to know what to do or how to respond. After all, he could not remember any of the events that happened when Maya was murdered. I can't help, but feel bad for him. I know him and Miles are in very similar situations with dealing with memory loss of one period of time or a whole lifetime.

"Mom... please forgive me," Nicolas finally said as Morgan looked at him. It was clear that she was still very upset of the situation, but her eyes still held some bit of softness.

"I will consider it. It is possible that what had happened to Dear Maya was out of your control, considering who it is that was the most involved," Morgan said, sipping her tea as Nicolas nodded. "Make no mistake, if I find that you had hurt my girls in any way, I will not show mercy." (1)

"Yes, Mom."

"I do not believe that is the case. Considering my findings so far, it seems more that whoever had threatened Miles' life is responsible for the two murders that have happened. I also discovered yesterday that Nicolas was with your daughter, the accused, when she had retrieved herself from the river. I have no doubt Nicolas was protecting her during the time."

"... I suppose we shall see when the truth comes out. Make no mistake, I do not believe for a second that Nicolas would murder anyone. He's not that kind of man. That being said, there's a reason Dahlia is turning herself in. It's clear she's protecting someone and the person she is likely protecting is Nicolas. He means a lot to my two girls. It's why I have offered either one to be his bride. Though, my gift comes with responsibility that should not be taken for granted. I will consider that he is innocent until proven guilty, but I still want to know what it is Dahlia is protecting him from."

"Of course and the truth shall come out, make no mistake," I promised, my smirk full of pride.

"One thing that is bothering me is that Terry fellow. Why is he here?" Misty wondered.

"That is my fault. I brought him over, so we could explain things to him," Nicolas confessed.

"You brought that man over here!?" Morgan glared angrily.

"Listen, I know you hate him and have every right to, but there are two sides to the story! He was just as much of a victim to this whole mess as Dahlia! Your ex husband had manipulated him! He didn't even know Dahlia was 14!"

"I don't believe it! Do you expect me to believe that pedophile was so stupid as to believe that my little girl was the perfect age for him, who was in college!?" (2)

"A-As I said, there's two sides to the story. I wanted to straighten things out. After Dahlia disappeared, he was led to believe she was kidnapped, being tortured and raped."