Justice Denied but Not Forgotten

Suffering makes a man strong. It forces him to face his past mistakes.
But if the suffering never ends… what’s the point of strength at all?

After all that chaos, the neighbors finally came. Of course, they had to come — after everything was over.
They couldn’t be there when it mattered.
What were they even doing before?
What was the point of showing up once the damage was done?

I don’t remember much after I collapsed on the ground.
When I woke up, I was in a hospital bed. Both my hands were wrapped in thick bandages — every bone in them shattered.
Back then, I couldn’t feel a thing.
But now… I felt everything.

My memories were fogged… twisted… not lining up right. For a moment, I couldn’t even figure out why I was in a hospital.
Then it hit me—mom’s hanging picture… her getting violated… all of it smashed into my mind at once and nearly knocked the air out of me. It was like a jump scare, but worse—because it was real. I tried to sit up in shock, but my body had nothing. No strength at all.

My breathing started tightening, my chest squeezing harder with every memory clawing back. My heart kept pounding in a weird, uneven rhythm, like it couldn’t decide whether to keep going or just stop.

And then, suddenly… black. My brain probably just shut me off to keep me from breaking.

When I woke up again, I was calm. Too calm. But my face was wet, silent tears sliding from my eyes down to my cheeks without me even noticing.

I turned my head and saw Sora—sleeping. Her head resting on the edge of my bed, her chair pulled right up to me.
Has she been like that for a while now?

I forced whatever strength I could into my shoulders and pushed the bed’s headrest up so I could sit. It was slow, heavy, but I managed.

I wanted to wake Sora up. But I couldn’t. Didn’t know what words would even come out, or how to start. I looked at her and saw the faint traces of dried tears on her cheeks. She might have cried more, felt more devastated than me… after all, it was her real mother.

I just remained sitting there in silence, my eyes on Sora, lost in deep thought. I don’t remember for how long I stayed like that. Time didn’t matter. The clock on the desk beside the bed might as well not have existed.

Then, suddenly, Sora woke. Her eyes locked on me, and without warning, she grabbed me. Tight. She instantly hugged me, her arms wrapping around my shoulders as she buried her face in me, crying like I was the only thing left.

“You… you’re finally awake, onii-chan…” Her voice cracked, trembling with every word. “I thought you’d never wake… y-you… you were in a coma… a week.”

She seemed more worried about me than mom in that moment. I gently patted her head and said, “It’s okay now. I’m here with you.”

But she didn’t stop sobbing. She just held me tighter than before, crying like she was trying to pour everything out through those tears.

After a while, when she finally stopped, I asked softly,
“What happened, Sora? Tell me everything you know while I was unconscious.”
I kept my hand on her head, trying to calm her.

She wiped her tears with her hand and began,
“When I got home last night, I saw police cars and a crowd gathered outside our house. I rushed to the door, but the entire place was surrounded with barricade tape. They didn’t let me in.”

Her voice shook more and more with every word.

“I begged them to tell me what happened. They said… there’d been a murder and a suicide inside.”

I saw fear flash across her face as she continued.
“I thought you and Mom were both… dead. I completely lost it. I tried to force my way in, but they held me back. They kept saying the bodies were already being taken care of. I was losing it when Aiko-aunty came…

‘Oh Sora, you finally came,’ she said, running toward me and hugging me tight.
‘It’s okay now. I’ll take care of you and your brother from now on. Don’t worry.’ She was crying too.

‘Onii-chan is alive?’ I asked her, desperate, clinging to any shred of hope.

She wiped her eyes and looked away for a second.
‘Didn’t they tell you what happened?’
I shook my head.

‘Your mother… she hung herself. And there was a man—he was murdered. Brutally. But the police don’t know who did it. They found your brother there, barely conscious. His hands… they were shattered. It looked like someone had crushed them with something heavy… over and over again.’

‘But… but Onii-chan’s okay now, right?!’ I asked, my voice trembling, tears still pouring.

Aiko-aunty didn’t answer. She just stayed silent.

‘Aunty? Why aren’t you saying anything? Why won’t you answer?!’ I nearly screamed.

‘He’s alive. But he’s in the hospital now… He lost too much blood.’

I was devastated when I heard that. I couldn’t wait — I came to the hospital immediately. But you were in the ICU, and they said you were alive but had suffered extreme shock and trauma, along with significant blood loss. They warned you might not wake up...”

She began crying again as she spoke those words.

“I’m so glad you woke up... I don’t know what I would have done if you didn’t wake up…”

I looked into her eyes and said, “Hey, hey. Look at me. Look into my eyes. I’m alive now, right?”

She nodded slowly.

“Yeah… it’s okay. I’m not going anywhere.”

Then I asked, “Tell me about Mom.”

Her face immediately darkened — as if I was never meant to bring that up.

She didn’t speak.

She just stayed silent.

The sudden shift in atmosphere felt painfully heavy, almost suffocating.

I asked again, “Sora, what happened to that man? Did the police figure out his identity?”

She didn’t answer.
She just pulled away from me, reached into her bag, and placed an envelope in my hand.

I stared at it. “What is this?”

Still no reply.

The paper felt heavier than it should have, as if it carried something more than words. My chest tightened.
I slid my finger under the flap and tore it open.

Inside was a single folded document.
Police letterhead. My name printed in bold.
The rest blurred for a moment — I had to blink twice before the letters would stand still.

And then… I read:

[EASTSIDE DISTRICT POLICE DEPARTMENT]
Case Number: 2025-AC-0927
Date Issued: 25 August, 2025

To: Ruu Akaru, Male, 14 years old
From: Eastside District Prosecutor’s Office

OFFICIAL NOTICE OF CRIMINAL CHARGES

You are hereby formally charged with the following offenses regarding the deaths of your stepmother, Sarah Yuki, and Yamamoto Ichiro:

• Sexual Assault (Penal Code §218):
Accused of committing non-consensual sexual acts on Sarah Yuki during the period leading to her death.

• Incest (Penal Code §309):
Accused of engaging in sexual acts with your stepmother, a prohibited relation under the law.

• First-Degree Murder (Penal Code §187):
Accused of intentionally causing the death of Yamamoto Ichiro.

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

• Forensic examination indicates evidence of sexual contact between you and Sarah Yuki.

• Witness statements place you at the residence during critical times.

• Cause of death of Sarah Yuki ruled as suicide by toxicological analysis and the circumstances surrounding her distress.

• Evidence shows a violent altercation between you and Yamamoto Ichiro, who died from blunt force trauma after sustaining severe genital injuries.

• You are considered the principal suspect in the homicide of Yamamoto Ichiro.

LEGAL NOTICE
You are requested to appear before the Eastside District Court on 2 September, 2025 to respond to these charges.
Failure to appear will result in an arrest warrant issued under Penal Code §305.

I read it once. Then again.
And again.

Each word was like a nail hammered into my skull.
My mind refused to process it. I couldn’t even feel sorrow anymore.

Instead… a strange sound came out of me.
A small, cracked chuckle. Then louder.
Until all that remained was my own laughter, echoing in the sterile hospital room, refusing to stop.

Then suddenly, Sora grabbed my shoulder and said, “Onii-chan… I know you would never do something horrible. They’re trying to frame you. I know it.”

For a moment, I felt relief flood me. At least she didn’t believe those foul accusations.
“…Yeah… But I did kill the man, actually…”

Sora froze, eyes fixed on mine. I told her everything that happened that evening, every detail.
“But Sora, whether you believe me or not, with the charges they’ve put on me… there’s no escaping a death sentence.”

She gripped my hand tighter, looking straight into my eyes. “Onii-chan, I will make sure… no matter what… that never happens.”

I didn’t know whether to be surprised or strangely happy to hear that.
“But Sora, you can’t do anything. You’re just thirteen…”

She pulled away, snatched up her bag. “Wait here. I’ll be right back.” Then she left the room. I had no idea what she was planning.

Not long after, two men I had never seen before walked in.
“Mr. Akaru, right?” one of them said.

I was startled that they knew my name. “…Yes. But who are you? Do I know you by any chance?”

One of them dragged a chair over, sat down casually. “No, Mr. Akaru. You don’t know me. But I know you — at least for these past couple of days.”

I didn’t understand what he meant.

“I’m Detective Kazuma, and this is my assistant, Wales. We’re here to ask you some questions regarding the crimes you’re charged with. I assume you’ve already been informed of the charges.”

I stayed silent.

“Anyway…” Kazuma’s voice hardened. “The man you killed was the mayor’s eldest son. You murdered him brutally — and you also committed those disgusting acts with your own mother. I just can’t believe a fourteen-year-old could be so twisted. Even as a minor, there’s no saving you from a death sentence. The mayor will make sure you don’t escape.”

I didn’t react. But one thing became crystal clear — I was being framed because I killed the mayor’s son. And the mayor, with all his power, would crush me completely.

“Do you have anything to say, Mr. Ruu?”

“No. I don’t.”

Kazuma smirked. “Good. That makes our job easier. I thought you might throw out some fake sob story, but it seems you understand exactly where you stand.”

He rose from the chair, leaned in close, and whispered into my ear, “Don’t try anything stupid. The hospital is surrounded by guards. There’s no saving you — no matter what actually happened. You shouldn’t have killed him.”

He straightened up, gave me a final look, and walked out with his partner. I just stared ahead, frozen.

The world… the people… they aren’t as bad as I used to think.
They’re worse.

To think they would charge me with raping my own mother… Oh God… What is this? What does “pain” even mean anymore? I used to think suffering makes you stronger than your previous self… But if it never stops… then what?

Tears slid down my cheeks as I kept thinking.

Suddenly, the door opened — Sora walked in. I quickly wiped my eyes.
“Sora… you came? Where did you go?”

She didn’t answer. Instead, a man followed her into the room.
“Who’s that?” I asked.

“You probably don’t know him. He’s my uncle — Ishihara.”

The man stepped forward, a calm but firm presence in his voice.
“Hello, Akaru. I’m Ishihara Yosuke. Sora’s uncle… and a lawyer.”

“A lawyer?”

So that’s what she meant when she said she would save me…

“I’m not really in the mood for exchanging greetings. I hope you’ll pardon me.”

“Yes, Akaru,” he said, “I know what you’re going through. But I’m here to help you.”

“Help me?” I let out a small laugh — bitter, disappointed.
“What can you do against the mayor? I killed his son. He’ll do anything to get me executed. He even forged fake tests and reports… You’re just a lawyer. You’re powerless against him…”

Then he came closer, locking eyes with me. “Oh, believe me, I’m a very experienced individual. I’ve heard everything from Sora, and I believe I can get you out of this situation.”

That caught me off guard. “But… how?” I asked, still a little shocked.

“We’ll have to battle fake with fake,” he said, pulling a chair over and sitting down.

I frowned, trying to make sense of his words. “What do you mean by that?”

“First of all, you have to accept that you actually did those horrible things.”

“No! Why would I accept that? I didn’t do it! Yes, I killed that man, but did those things to my mom? Are you crazy?” I shouted.

“Calm down, calm down, Akaru. I know you didn’t do it. You just have to pretend to admit it.” He said, widening his eyes.

“But what good will that do? How does it help?” I asked, still confused.

He smirked. “You don’t need to worry about that. Just agree with everything I say in court while I defend you.”

“But what exactly are you going to do?”

“It’s better if I don’t tell you now. It’ll work better that way.”

“This is serious! I have to know your plan!” I shouted, growing angry.

“Hey, listen—do you want to rot in jail for life or get executed? Don’t you have a sister to take care of? Then stop asking so many questions. Just remember—sometimes the only way to beat a fraud is by playing an even bigger fraud.”

Then he got up and left the room.

Sora came over and said, “Onii-chan, don’t worry. Uncle has won a lot of cases like this. He’s a really well-known lawyer with a strong winning streak. You can trust him—he’s the one who saved us from Dad’s false accusations against Mom.”

I patted her head and said, “Okay, if you say so.”

But inside, my heart felt heavy. Even though I was supposed to pretend to admit to all those accusations, I just couldn’t calm myself enough to accept those heinous lies.

September 2, 2025

The day I had to face the court. My hands were still wrapped in bandages—nowhere near healed. But I could walk. I had no choice.
I put my trust in a man I barely knew. My trust in people had long died. But for Sora, I took the risk anyway.

Eastside District Court – Criminal Division

The air was heavy. The Judge’s gaze was fixed on me, unreadable.
“Mr. Akaru, you have admitted to the acts committed against your stepmother and to the death of Yamamoto Ichiro. Given this admission, the matter before the court is to determine the appropriate sentence.”

The Prosecutor stood, voice sharp as steel.
“Your Honor, the DNA evidence, forensic tests, and witness statements fully support the defendant’s admission. The brutality of these acts cannot be overlooked.”

I stared at the floor. There was no way out. I had admitted to crimes I didn’t commit. They had forged proof. My life was over… until—

Sora’s uncle, Mr. Ishihara, rose from his seat.
“Your Honor, while my client accepts responsibility, it is critical to understand the psychological state behind these actions. Mr. Akaru has endured severe trauma—losing his biological mother to cancer, then his father to a car accident. His mental health has been shattered.”

That caught me off guard. But I stayed silent, nodding as he told me to.

He slid a set of documents across the table.
“Psychiatric evaluations confirm Mr. Akaru suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and dissociative identity disorder, severely aggravated over the past six months. These reports are from one of the nation’s foremost psychiatrists, with no ties to any criminal influence.”

“These disorders distort reality. Fear, trauma, and imagination merged until he could no longer separate truth from illusion. On the night in question, his stepmother was asleep. In a dissociative state, he acted without full awareness. Later, believing the mayor’s son—present without his knowledge—was the true aggressor, he retaliated violently.”

The Prosecutor cut in, “These psychiatric claims rest on questionable experts, and multiple witnesses have described dangerous, uncontrolled behavior.”

Mr. Ishihara’s tone didn’t waver.
“Those behaviors are symptoms of illness, not malice. The question is whether this fourteen-year-old boy should be punished as a criminal—or treated as a patient.”

My heart was pounding so hard I could hear it in my ears. The air felt thick, pressing against my chest. Every breath was heavy, like the whole room was waiting to crush me.

The Judge leaned forward, voice steady.
“It is true the DNA and forensic tests—though connected to the mayor’s influence—are legally admissible. Yet, the psychiatric evidence is equally credible. Given the defendant’s age, psychological state, and the nature of this case… the court finds that incarceration is not appropriate.”

He raised the gavel.
“Mr. Akaru is hereby sentenced to three years in a state mental rehabilitation facility, with mandatory psychiatric treatment. Case dismissed.”

The gavel struck. The sound echoed in my head.

Then I finally understood what Sora’s uncle meant by beating fraud with a bigger fraud.
Every single thing he said about me in court was a lie—fabricated trauma, fake diagnoses from a world-class doctor—but somehow, he convinced the judge.
He wasn’t bluffing about his skill.

I escaped the death sentence… but there was no peace in it.
From now on, I’d live branded as the man who violated his own mother.
To the world, I was just a lunatic—a dangerous psycho with no soul.

The guards cuffed my wrists and led me down from the court’s platform toward my new cage: the state mental rehabilitation facility, where I’d spend the next three years “treating” an illness I never had.

A weight pressed on my chest. Even if my life was spared, I couldn’t accept admitting to those crimes against my mom.

Was this really the only way?

At a distance, I saw Sora standing with Aunt Aiko.
Their mouths moved, maybe they were saying goodbye.
But my mind was too clouded to catch a single word.

I had been convicted of crimes I didn’t commit, forced to fake my mental health, and twist my past into something even uglier.
It didn’t clear my name.
It buried it deeper.

I looked up at the sky, cast in a somber hue, as if mourning the injustice.
I closed my eyes and whispered a silent prayer—for redemption, and for justice denied but not forgotten.