Chapter 22: The Oni's Trial

As Kyouya slowly opened his eyes, he was greeted by the gentle caress of sunlight that entered through the curtains. He found himself face to face with the most enchanting sight.

Furina, fresh from the shower, stood before him in her white bathrobe, a sight of ethereal beauty. Droplets of water still clung to her fair skin, reflecting the sunlight like shimmering pearls.

Her wet grayish-white hair, ending in a curl with blue streaks, cascaded gracefully down her shoulders. As she sat beside him, gently running her fingers through his hair, the loving caress sending a shiver of warmth through him.

"You're awake…" she spoke softly.

"Y-yeah."

"Get ready or else you'll be late for work."

"Oh crap, thanks," Kyouya said as he jumped off the bed.

With a gentle smile, he excused himself to take a shower. As he stood up, Furina's hand lingered on his shoulder.

"Don't take too long now," she smiled.

Stepping into the shower, Kyouya let the warm water flow over him, washing away his fatigue. Thoughts of the night spent with Furina filled his mind.

After a while, he stepped out of the shower, feeling refreshed. He towel-dried his hair and swiftly donned his uniform. Upon returning to the bedroom, he noticed Furina already dressed in her usual striking blue suit-like outfit.

Kyouya couldn't suppress his smile as he saw her. He had seen her like this countless times but it still made his heart flutter. She turned to him, her lips curving into a playful grin. Knowing the effect she had on him, she reveled in the power of their connection.

"You look stunning, Furina."

"And you're looking dashing as always, Captain."

"Thanks…"

"Anyways, that Oni.. what was his name again.. Itto, right? His trial is in a few hours. Will you be attending?" she asked.

"Huh? That soon? Well, yeah I might as well. Will you be there too, Furina?"

"Of course! It's an Oni after all. There's no way I'm missing such an interesting trial."

"Furina, I don't think you understand. This guy is like a child in an oni's body."

"We'll see about that. We need to go to the Fortress of Meropide first though," she said, reaching out her hand.

Kyouya took her hand and they both headed out of Furina's quarters.

As they traversed through the bustling streets, the crowd around them seemed to part like a gentle wave, creating a path for the duo.

They were a striking pair, their mere presence commanding attention from all. They walked through the pathways of the Opera Epiclese before boarding the elevator. After a few minutes, they finally descended and reached the Fortress of Meropide. Kyouya stood still, gazing into the distance. Furina turned her gaze towards him.

"What's the matter?" she asked.

"I'd like to go meet Childe first."

"Ah, the Harbinger? I see. I'll join you then."

They made their way through the corridor together. The prison warden walked up to them.

A handsome man with spiky hair, tall and well-built. He wore a black coat and a striking red tie, exuding charm and authority within the walls of the correctional facility.

It was none other than Wriothesley himself. Kyouya looked him in the eyes and recalled his days as a prisoner in this very facility.

"Hello, Captain. I believe this is the first time we met since…"

"Since I was behind bars… yeah"

"Exactly! You were criminal scum, but look at you now! One of Fontaine's finest. Not just part of the force, but you're even a Captain! How does one make a jump like that in life?" Wriothesley chuckled.

Kyouya sighed at his words.

"Ah, I see Lady Furina is here as well. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"We're here to see the Harbinger," she replied.

"Right. The same one that this man here defeated, all by himself if! You are certainly as strong as you look, Captain. We should spar. How about giving me a round in the ring right now?" Wriothesley chuckled.

"As much as I'd love to, we're kind of short on time today. Could you take us there already?"

"Of course, right this way."

As the trio made their way towards the exit, a young girl emerged, gracefully carrying a tray of beverages. The girl seemed to possess a curious blend of features.

While her physical characteristics bore a striking resemblance to the mythical Melusines, Kyouya couldn't help but wonder about her true nature.

Her ethereal qualities intertwined seamlessly with more human-like aspects.

Wriothesley patted her on the head as he took a drink from the tray.

"Who's this?" Kyouya asked, tilting his head.

"Oh, Captain, you two haven't met yet. This is Sigewinne. She works as a nurse in the Fortress of Meropide. Sigewinne, this is the renowned Captain Kyouya you keep seeing in the papers."

"Now that I'm taking a closer look, I've realized, it is you! It's an honor to meet you in person, Captain!"

"It's nice to meet you too, Sigewinne."

She smiled, reaching out her hand to him. Kyouya shook her hand, charmed by the cuteness of the little girl. Furina silently observed their exchange.

"Lady Furina! You're here too, what's the occasion?"

"Nothing special, Sigewinne. Keep up the good work."

"Yes, of course! Both of you, please have a drink."

Kyouya and Furina helped themselves to a drink as well before the trio finally left for the exit.

The facility loomed before them, an imposing structure of thick concrete walls and fortified metal doors. The sound of distant footsteps and clinking chains added to the eerie atmosphere.

As they approached Childe's cell, Kyouya's heart tightened thinking back to the brutal fight where he almost lost control.

Furina noticed his sudden change in behavior.

"Do you need a moment?"

"N-no I'm good."

They arrived in front of the cell. The man before him was a Harbinger he had clashed with fiercely in the past. Yet, he felt a bit sad upon seeing him restrained.

Wriothesley decided to give them some privacy and left the area.

Childe looked up to see them, his eyes narrowing as he recognized Kyouya. The chains that bound him rattled with the slightest movement.

"Oh, you finally decided to come visit me, comrade?" Childe greeted them, his voice tinged with bitterness.

"Just wanted to see how you're doing," Kyouya replied.

Furina, standing beside him, observed Childe curiously.

"So this is the infamous Childe? You were really out to kill me weren't you?"

"Nothing personal, girlie. I was just following orders."

"Don't "girlie" me again or I'll have you executed on the spot. Do you have any idea who you're talking to right now?"

"Woops! Sorry, your honor. Hey… maybe we can let bygones be bygones, comrade?" he chuckled.

"There's no way you're asking for forgiveness now," Kyouya sighed.

"Hold on, let's hear him out," Furina asserted.

"Huh? You're not actually thinking of pardoning him are you?"

"Look at him. He's utterly defeated. If he has any pride left then he won't resist any more."

…

…

"It's true, comrade. I only work for whoever I think is the strongest. And right now… it's you."

"What the fuck are you saying?" Kyouya shouted.

"I'm saying that I'm willing to work alongside you guys. Comrade, you'll probably need my help once the Fatui sends their forces again."

"And why should we trust you?" Furina inquired.

"Because… I lost. The Fatui has probably disowned me by now anyways."

"Well… I suppose there's no arguing with that logic," she sighed.

"So we're just letting him go?"

"No, Kyouya. I'll essentially give him the same deal as you. But, to be honest, too many people recognize your face, Childe. So you can't be an officer. Instead you'll work as a private mercenary for us."

"That's fine with me. I look forward to working with you, comrade."

"I can't believe you're actually considering this, Furina."

"Relax, Kyouya. I think he'll be quite the useful ally… especially for you."

In that dimly lit cell, a unique connection formed between the trio.

"So when do I start?" Childe chuckled.

"Some Gardes will be here to escort you later today. You'll be briefed on your assignments. Keep in mind that you will be placed under strict surveillance at all times so don't even think of trying to make a run for it. Understood?" Furina spoke in a threatening tone.

"Come on, I'm not going anywhere!"

They both blankly stared at Childe.

"Alright, alright. I guess I need to earn your trust first, comrade."

"Be a good boy and maybe you'll earn your freedom back," Furina let out a sinister laugh as she left the room.

"You sure know how to pick em, comrade. She's quite the feisty woman."

"I'd watch my tone if I were you. Anyways, I'll see you around, Childe. I get the feeling that we'll be meeting again very soon," Kyouya sighed, following her.

They both walked out of the facility and stopped at the entrance.

"I guess I'll see you in court," she smiled, leaning in to give him a quick kiss on the cheek.

Kyouya stood there, watching her graceful departure. He touched the spot on his cheek where she kissed him, savoring the warmth it left behind.

Suddenly, he felt an arm on his shoulder and turned around to see Navia standing behind him.

"Hello, Captain! Daydreaming on duty, are ya?" she teased.

"No… I was just uhh heading out."

"Nuh uh! I'm not letting you ditch me again today."

"I'm serious, I really have work to do, Navia."

"Okay, what are you up to?"

"You've probably heard of the Oni going on trial today. I have to escort him to the courtroom."

"Wow, really? I have never seen an Oni in person before. You have got to let me tag along!"

"Navia.. this is official police business."

"I don't care. I'm coming with you. I can make a few calls if needed."

"N-no. That won't be necessary. Just come along. You can stay as long as you're not a hindrance."

"Yay! Thank you, Captain!" she giggled, putting her arms around his.

"Hey, don't get too clingy now."

"Wow, your arms are so toned. Just how long did you train to get a body like this?"

"That's a topic for another day."

"You know… one day you're gonna sit down with me for a cup of coffee and tell me all about yourself. I hardly know anything about you! I'm tired of how secretive you are, Kyouya."

"Sure. Can we focus on the task at hand for now?"

"I'll be holding you to that promise."

Navia was like a clingy little sister to him. Despite not showing it outwardly, he actually enjoyed her company a lot.

After all, she was like a ray of sunshine wherever she went. Perhaps, this is why she was so popular in Fontaine.

Taking a deep breath, Kyouya walked towards Itto's cell.

Arriving at the cell, he found Itto walking around silently. The Oni stopped upon noticing him.

"Well, well, look who's back for another visit," Itto said, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips.

"It's time for your trial."

"W-what? So soon? Is Kuki here yet?" he stammered.

"I do not know who that is. Come on now, let's not waste any more time."

"Eh? This is the Oni? I don't know… I expected him to be more… menacing?"

Navia looked disappointed as she sized up Itto.

"Hey, lady! I'm pretty tough even though I may not seem like it!" Itto growled.

"Oooh scary!" she teased him.

"Hey, stop taunting him. We agreed on you quietly observing the situation. Instead, you're here being a headache for me," Kyouya sighed.

"Sorry! I'll let you do your thing now, Captain," she said, jokingly saluting him.

As Kyouya released Itto from his cell, he securely placed the cuffs around the Oni's wrists and escorted him through the facility's corridors.

"Hey bro, come on, you're a Captain. Can't you like let me off the hook or something?"

"I'm sorry. That's not happening, pal. Keep moving."

"You're quite the funny guy, Itto!" Navia laughed.

As they walked through the silent corridor, the occasional sound of clinking of the cuffs filled the air.

They finally reached the entrance of the grand courtroom.

"This is as far as you go, Navia. You've interrupted court proceedings too many times so the Chief Justice has instructed us to keep you out for now."

"Aww… I wanted to see the trial. Sounds like it would be interesting!"

"You can read all about it in the paper tomorrow!" Charlotte spoke from behind her.

"Ahh, Charlotte! You startled me," Navia sighed.

"Don't worry. I won't miss out on a single detail," she laughed.

"Well, I'll be counting on you then, Charlotte."

With that being said, Navia waved them goodbye and left the corridor.

"I can't wait to see this case unfold," Charlotte said excitedly.

Normal journalists weren't allowed entry into the courtroom but Furina really liked Charlotte's articles from the Steambird. This is why she gave her a special pass to enter whenever.

"Favoritism much?" Kyouya sighed.

The three of them entered the courtroom and Charlotte settled onto one of the seats nearby.

Itto looked around in awe. He had never seen such an amazing courtroom before. The jury also stared at him. It was their first time witnessing an Oni up close.

"Hey.. this doesn't seem like a real courtroom. It looks more like a theater. Oh I get it! You guys want me to do stand up comedy or something on the stage, right? There's no way I'm actually facing trial!"

"Itto, this is the Nation of Justice. Right now, you're standing in the Opera Epiclese, the most extravagant courtroom known to man. Our Archon loves the spectacle of the courtroom so it's designed like a drama theater."

"Oh come on, bro! I just tried to watch a magic show!"

"Don't ask me the details. I do not handle the legal side of these cases."

"Well at least tell me if Kuki's here yet!"

"I do not know about this cookie you speak of. Really? You're about to face trial and all you can think of is dessert?"

"No! Not cookies! Her name is Kuki! Kuki Shinobu! She's my deputy… I mean my lawyer" Itto whined.

"Whoever you're speaking of has not shown up yet. Let's go."

Feeling annoyed, Kyouya grabbed him by the collar, dragging him through the courtroom.

Furina, seated on her throne in the VIP section, couldn't hold back her laughter.

"Oh, my! I just know this will be quite the fun trial!" she chuckled.

Itto was placed in his designated spot in the courtroom. It was time to face judgement.

Chief Justice Neuvillette cast a curious glance over to Itto. The helpless Oni felt like the man was staring into his soul.

Kyouya simply leaned against the wall, observing the spectacle.