While Dreeke by far was the most important of the witnesses, but he wasn't the last. There weren't that many – Vegeta had never been exactly sloppy when it came to doing his work – but each one was very poignant in their tales. As the minutes slipped into hours, Vegeta started to lose track, the accusations all blurring together in into a giant outcry. He hated it. He almost wished they could just take his head and be done with it rather than having to sit through this debacle. He could feel thousands of eyes on him, Nevrrest's every word making them scream for blood.
As yet another witness left the platform, Vegeta looked accusingly at his fellow Saiyan. "What are you planning, Kakarot?"
To his frustration, Goku just smiled and giggled. "Oh you'll see. It's going to be great."
Misado's leaves rustled and stirred. "Ready yourselves. Our time approaches."
Goku sat up, watching as Nevrrest headed back toward her seat. "All right," he enthused, "I'm ready, Misado."
Vegeta eyed the two of them silently.
Up on her podium, Nettelish pressed her fingertips together, looking down at the platform before her with consideration. "Justiciar Nevrrest, please re-summon your witnesses."
A loud murmur went through the assembly and Nevrrest froze, looking back over her shoulder. "What?"
"I am calling for a review of the prosecution," Nettelish answered, "Please call your witnesses forth and be seated."
More murmurs rang.
"A review?" Goku blinked.
"What the hell is this?" Vegeta snarled, scowling up at the judge.
Nevrrest stared, her jaw hanging. "I…yes…" What are you doing, Nettelish?! What is the point of this?
Oom'Bagu rumbled – almost growled – as Vegeta was made to stand. He eyed the black-garbed monk. Sometimes a judicial review was called if the judge felt a witness's testimony needed clarifying, but telling Nevrrest to recall all her witnesses? It seemed like a waste of time. He scratched at his furry chin as Laswe squawked irritably and mild-mannered Horkion tried to soothe him. Carefully, he looked up at his fellow justiciar, his dark eyes taking on a mauve hue. He grimaced. Nettelish had never been easy to read. But he sensed calm, confidence, and…excitement. Was she trying to turn the trial in Nevrrest's favor by delaying the defense? It seemed pointless…
Despite anyone's misgivings, each of Nevrrest's witnesses were brought forth and re-questioned by Nettelish. Most the witnesses seemed as confused as everyone else as minor details of their testimonies were prodded at, adding up in the end to nothing. It dragged on and on like this for an unbearably long time.
"Uh…oh boy, is there gonna be a break for lunch?" Goku asked Misado pitifully, "I would have eaten a bigger breakfast if I'd known it was going to go on for this long!"
"This is highly unusual…and confuses us," Misado replied, "But it is Nettelish's prerogative as judge to do as she feels is right. But…" The whispery voice stopped.
"What is it?" Goku pressed.
"…We are not sure…"
Before the planet spirit could continue, Nevrrest's last witness was finally dismissed from the review. Nettelish nodded to herself several times, her glowing eyes wandering over to Misado. "The Defense may now call forth witnesses for examination."
"Alright!" Goku cheered.
Again, Vegeta eyed him curiously.
Goku flashed the plant mass a determined smile. "Let's do this, Misado." Stooping down, he reached under the table, pulling out a giant basin filled with water. The entire assembly – including the justiciars – leaned forward with curiosity as Goku carried the basin to the center of the platform and sat it down, returning to his seat.
"What the hell?" Vegeta wondered aloud, "What is this? Some kind of object lesson?"
Similar murmurs echoed through the chamber as Misado stretched out its form over the basin, a giant seedpod emerging from its midst. The pod opened, revealing dozens of plump, shimmering seedlings. One of Misado's vines delicately grasped one of the seedlings and dropped it into the basin with a soft plunk. The assembly's interest grew. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, the water began to glow with blue energy. A sprout shot up out of the water at incredibly speed, stretching out and condensing with a flash of light. They all shielded their eyes and when the light faded there crouched a green-tinted man.
Goku was beaming.
Misado retracted and waved. "Identify yourself to the court."
Vegeta's face trembled with shock as the man's hands braced the sides of the basin. Despite the green shade of his entire form, those clothes…that hair…those pointed ears…could it really be…?
The figure stepped out of the basin, raising his eyes intently to the platform above. "I am the avatar of the Supreme Kai."
"It is!" Vegeta cried, jaw gaping, his shock echoed by the cries of the assembly.
"Sprrrllllrrr!" Laswe gurgled as he spewed webbing all over the counter before him. He immediately slapped a hand over his mouth, his translucent face turning a shade pink. "Oh my God, that was embarrassing," he squeaked, trying to sweep the webs away.
Horkion looked at Laswe and Oom'Bagu with disbelief. "I…but I thought the kais weren't real! Just a fairy tale."
Laswe gave him a look. "You dunderhead! You're telling me you believed in the Legendary Super Saiyan, but not the kais?"
Horkion looked away sheepishly. "Lots of people don't…didn't believe they existed."
"So…" rumbled Oom'Bagu, his brow lowered thoughtfully, "Misado brings forth one of its makers as a witness…very curious."
"Makers?" blinked Horkion.
"Yeah, you didn't know?" Laswe snarked, "Planet Misado was formed by the magic of the ancient kais."
Horkion rubbed at his head. "This is just getting strange…"
Goku giggled and grinned wildly as Nettelish began to quiet the courtroom. "Hey Kibito," he greeted the green kai, "Good to see you again!" His expression lowered into seriousness. "I'm glad you could make it. We really need your help."
The green figure turned, glancing at him a soft smile. "I would say it is good to see you as well, Goku," he replied, "But I am not Kibito Kai. I am only his avatar – the embodiment of his spirit and will."
Vegeta was speechless, his jaw continuing to hang and his eyes grow ever wider and twitch.
"Right," Goku nodded, "Well I'm glad he sent you."
Nevrrest, who's face had been a mirror of Vegeta's for the entire stretch, at last stood. "Grand Judge!" she called out, "This…this is…"
"Unprecedented, but condoned by me," Nettelish smoothly answered, "Misado, please proceed with your examination."
"But this isn't even a real witness!" Nevrrest protested.
"I said!" Nettelish's voice boomed and then quieted, "It has been approved. Misado… proceed."
Vegeta's jaw finally closed as Misado left its place next to Goku and Nevrrest shakily sat back down. He looked between Goku and the seedpod as it retracted behind the veil of leaves. So that's it! he internally marveled, No wonder Kakarot's been so cocky. He somehow got that plant creature to create replicas of… He considered the dozens of seedlings he saw in the pod. How many people is it going to recreate? And how?
"It's magic," Goku stated, seeming to read Vegeta's mind, "Misado's got a lot of it. He used it to reach just about everyone we know." He smiled. "And they're all gonna fight alongside you, Vegeta."
"Ah…" Vegeta stuttered, not knowing what to say. He watched Misado and the green Supreme Kai.
In the days of preparation, Goku and Misado had put a lot of thought into who their first witness should be. While Kibito didn't know Vegeta the best of the lot, he would be a ground breaker for the other, explaining to an unwitting universe the story of Majiin Buu.
And the dragon balls.
"It's true," stated the avatar of Supreme Kai, "When I first encountered Vegeta, I did not have a high opinion of him. I could sense the darkness inside him that even he didn't know existed…"
No doubt about it, Kibito was the best equipped for this. Babidi. Majiin Vegeta. There was no one else who could really clarify what happened during that World Martial Arts Tournament. The audience was silent, engrossed on every word.
"While his sacrifice did not stop Majiin Buu, it was the first step on a path that would lead him to playing a pivotal role in not only defeating Buu, but saving countless lives of unfathomable measure…"
Dragon balls. Other World. A monster named Buu. It all sounded like something out of an ancient myth, not the life of a criminal on trial. Of course, it hadn't been the efforts of Vegeta alone who had saved the universe, but Kibito kept his story focused on him. Despite the mysticism of it all, this was still his trial.
"In short…" Kibito stated, his voice ringing strong and clear, "In my own humble opinion, if it weren't for the actions of Prince Vegeta, none of us would be here today." He looked up at the justiciars and bowed. "I hope you will take this into consideration in making your judgment."
Nevrrest was shaking as the avatar knelt down and folded itself into a pod the size of a sport's ball, closed together like a flower bud. Misado took this bud aside, Nevrrest hissing as her eyes followed the movement. Vegeta…saving others? Sacrificing his life? Conquering his own evil? RIDICULOUS! The table under her hands started to crack. This is lies…all of it! It has to be!
Misado stretched and rose, growing across the platform. "The Defense calls Son Goku forth for examination."
"That's me," Goku smiled, getting up from his chair and stretching a bit.
Nevrrest's eyes immediately shot to him, her magenta irises shrinking to dots. You…Kakarot Son Goku! You are responsible for this…this madness! These lies! What have you done to Misado?! The cracks spread under her claws. I don't care what you say…I don't care what you do…I refuse to accept your claims! Vegeta is unforgivable and he will die! Her teeth shone under her beak. And perhaps you may have to as well…
As Goku crossed the platform, he suddenly froze, his heart skipping a beat. That energy… He looked at Nevrrest. It's happening again…her energy is turning dark…starting to feel…evil. Though he looked right at her eyes, she didn't seem to see him, the whites of her eyes large and filled with veins. This isn't good…I hadn't thought of this…what will she do if Vegeta's cleared? He looked down and his brow lowered. It doesn't matter. I made a promise and I'm going to keep it! He started forward again. I will speak for Vegeta! Nevrrest…I'll just have to figure you out later.
Goku took his place on the platform as the light focused on him. "I'm ready, Misado," he assured.
He and Misado had spent so many hours preparing for this. Apparently, battles in a courtroom were just as intense and precise as physical ones. The avatar had tested and instructed him again and again – what to say, what not to say, how to present himself, what details were the most important to focus on, words to avoid using; it was honestly difficult to remember it all. But Goku had refused to let up, nights spent in meditation on Misado's every instruction. If he was going to get Vegeta back home in time to see his baby, he had to be the best witness he could be.
And now it was time to put that training into practice. Misado gently moved and weaved before him. "How long have you known Prince Vegeta?"
"Ten years about," Goku answered. Of course, he'd been away in Other World for seven of those ten years, but Misado had instructed to leave that detail out – said it would make him sound unsure of his testimony.
"Please tell the court how you first encountered him…"
Misado said it was best not to hide the truth. Their goal wasn't to clear him on his guilt, but prove that he had earned forgiveness and mercy. Both the judicial panel and the galaxy as a whole would be more willing to believe Goku and his friends if Goku could first establish that they were well aware of what sort of person Vegeta once was. So he told them the story of how Vegeta came to Earth.
"By the time I got there, everyone but Krillin, Piccolo, and my son Gohan were dead. And Piccolo soon died protecting Gohan, which meant the dragon balls were useless…" Goku's eyes shifted a little. "That's important later," he assured, "My plan was to injure Nappa enough that Vegeta would be forced to retreat to take care of him…but instead, he just finished him off and stepped up to fight himself…"
No sugar coating. No lies. Only truth. By acknowledging the Prosecution's arguments, they'd strengthen their own. So Goku gave it everything he got. He shared every vicious detail of Vegeta's offense and all the desperate measures it took to defeat him.
"I gotta admit," Goku stated, glancing at Nevrrest, "Dreeke was right about Vegeta being punishing back then. The harder I fought, the angrier Vegeta got. He was so incredibly strong compared to me, I had to use every technique I knew just to keep up with him. And he made me pay for it. Hurt me. Hurt my son. I don't think there was an unbroken bone in my body left by the end of it…"
There were several crucial key points Goku had to make in his testimony. The first was the conclusion of the conflict with Vegeta on Earth and Goku's plea to spare Vegeta's life. He knew it wasn't something Vegeta would normally want talked about – most of the stuff he would have to testify about Vegeta would want left unspoken. But though Goku respected Vegeta's pride, he wasn't about to sacrifice his friend's life to save it.
"Why?" Misado asked, its whispery voice clearer than usual, "Why did you ask your friend to let Vegeta go? Despite all the harm he'd caused?"
Goku glanced at Vegeta. "I know it's not something everyone would agree with…but I've always believed in the good in people. And there's always a chance they might change for the better – and I've seen a lot of people do so. Vegeta's one of the most talented fighters I've ever met – was back then and still is today. I knew he deserved to die, but…all I could think was what a waste it would be for such an incredible person to die like that. And I was determined that if he didn't change, that I would keep fighting him until he did." He smiled a little. "It didn't happen all at once…it was slow and sometimes hard to see. But it did."
"When was the next time you saw Prince Vegeta?"
"On Namek. My friends Bulma and Krillin and my son Gohan had gone there in hopes of finding more dragon balls so we could bring our friends back to life. I wasn't able to follow after them till later since I was still recovering my injuries after fighting Vegeta. When I got there, things had gotten a lot messier than any of us had imagined…"
Like Kibito, Goku had the important job of laying down the ground work for the rest of the witnesses. Their stories wouldn't make much sense, after all, if the galaxy didn't have a general idea of all that had happened. While telling this story, Goku also did his best to fit his personal experiences with Vegeta in.
"He'd only teamed up with us cause he didn't want to die anymore than the rest of us did, but that was fine with me. I'd already seen how a team-up had changed Piccolo before him, so I knew there was an opportunity there. In the end, it worked out, but not without a cost…"
Frieza. Goku and Misado had spent a lot of time mulling over that one. On one hand, it was absolutely pivotal to Vegeta's life in those ten years. But on the other hand, depending on the way Goku told it, he could risk derailing his testimony by taking the focus off Vegeta and putting it on the wicked overlord and himself. So, Goku decided it was best to talk about the battle with Frieza as little as possible and instead focus on Vegeta's final reward as a minion of Frieza.
And there was another issue as well.
A hush filled the courtroom as Goku looked remorsefully at Vegeta. "I'm sorry, my friend," he told him, "I know this is personal for you…I know you'll probably be angry with me for telling everyone…" He lifted his gave from Vegeta and looked severely at the assembly. "But I want everyone listening to know that Vegeta doesn't need to die for what he's done! Cause he already did."
This caused murmurs. They had already heard of from the Supreme Kai's avatar how Vegeta had died fighting Majiin Buu. But there was another death before that? Even Nevrrest was curious.
So he told them. He told them of Vegeta's attempt to destroy Frieza and how it had broken him. He described how he had found Vegeta dangling in Frieza's grip, on the verge of being put down…and how in his last attempt at defiance the Prince of All Saiyans was murdered.
Nevrrest was shaking again, suddenly filled with a twinge of something like terror as Goku's black eyes fell right on her, his voice carrying in her direction. "He blew a hole in Vegeta's chest…"
The moment flashed in Goku's mind, the look of horror in Vegeta's eyes as the beam split through his major organs and death began to creep across his flesh, hot blood spilling out from under his shoulders as Frieza looked on in annoyance and disinterest.
The moment flashed in Nevrrest's mind, the feel of pain and her insides turning cold as the beam split open her chest cavity, falling, Vegeta's tiny boot poking at the side of her head and walking away.
"…I didn't see it coming. I hadn't imagined he could be cruel enough to kill someone who wasn't a threat to him – who couldn't even defend himself." Goku's brow lowered. "But even then Vegeta didn't give in easily. He held onto life as long as he could and he…" He looked at his friend. Vegeta's brow was lowered and his visage dark. But he could see in his gaze that even he admitted it was time for the story to be told. "…He begged me to destroy Frieza. And he cried…and I could see it was the first time in his life he ever had. Had ever allowed himself to.
"At first, I thought it was because he was dying. But then…he told me that his entire life had been made by Frieza. Everything he was was because of him. And I realized he wasn't crying because he couldn't beat Frieza or because Frieza had destroyed our race – or even because he was dying. He was crying because he'd never once had a chance to be anything other than what Frieza had wanted him to be. And he died, having never once been in control of his own destiny."
Vegeta's eyes fell into his lap. Goku watched him. Hang in there, Vegeta. It's going to be all right. I know it hurts, but it's for the best. We're gonna win this. I promise.
Future Trunks. The androids. Cell. None of that was an easy area to cover either. Goku had actually considered trying to leave Trunks out completely, but Misado had decided it was too important to the gradual changes in Vegeta's heart to leave out. He could tell the assembly was far more interested in the battle with Frieza, but that was no longer important – not for saving Vegeta. He didn't even mention Frieza coming to Earth. That would be a particularly distracting detail.
"I'll be honest, I don't think I'm the best person to be asking about those events as far as Vegeta goes," Goku explained, "But I will say this: Vegeta was very conflicted during that time. His life under Frieza had taught him that being the strongest was all that mattered. But again and again, he'd face someone who was stronger than him. It may not sound like much, but it broke him deep inside. I think it's what needed to happen, though. There's no questioning it, Vegeta had done more wrong in his life than any of us ever imagined. Knowing that now, it makes sense he had to go through all that. Do bad things and it will eventually catch up with you. I've always believed that."
Future Trunks…the one witness that Misado's magic hadn't been able to reach. As powerful as Misado was, its seedlings hadn't been able to cross the barrier of time. If anyone had seen how Vegeta had changed during the time of Cell, it had been him. Goku knew Trunks would want to be there to defend his father if he could. But instead, he'd have to trust the others to tell the story as best they could for Trunks.
"After Cell, I didn't see Vegeta for a long time. So I'll let others tell what happened over the next few years." Goku glanced over at Misado. "So I'll pick up on what the Supreme Kai said…"
Majiin Vegeta – another dark spot they weren't going to hide. Despite the horrible things Vegeta had done while under the majiin influence, it was counteracted by what came after. They already knew the basic story. Goku went into the details, explaining their battle and how he had defied Vegeta's claims to not care about his family anymore. That was important, yes, but other witnesses could say more on it. What Goku knew was what came after it.
"…The next time I saw Vegeta…he was in Hell."
"By Hell, you mean the literal place?" Misado asked for clarity.
Goku nodded. "Vegeta had changed but…well like I keep saying and everyone here knows, he'd done a lot of bad in his life. And despite sacrificing his life, it wasn't enough to undo that bad." He smiled a little. "Not yet anyways." His face fell again. "But the important thing is what I saw of him there. He was lost and broken. In agony, really – that's what Hell does to you…it was also one of the rare times I've seen him cry." He looked sternly at the assembly. "I know you all believe that people who do bad things should suffer for it. If suffering's what you want for Vegeta, then let me tell you right now any punishment he deserved already happened to him in Hell."
This again drew a quiet stir from the assembly. Misado waited for it to pass. "And what about after Vegeta was summoned from the depths of Hell to fight alongside you?"
Goku got a coy little smile. "After that? After that comes the best part…"
Goku had run this portion of his testimony over in his head so many times. Even though Kibito had already thoroughly cover it, he was eager to share his memories of it. He enthusiastically explained how Vegeta's wit and determination had carried them through the battles even when Goku's spirit was breaking. Vegeta's fight against Kid Buu. The dragon balls. The Spirit Bomb. And the best part…
"…and just as I turned to tell him I noticed his halo was gone," Goku grinned, "I think Vegeta was even more shocked than I was! The wish only brought good people back to life. Vegeta had made that wish, not intending it to include him. But I think, by making that wish, combined with risking his very soul against Buu, the Universe recognized him as a good person." Goku held up his hands. "Like I said before, it was a long journey, but Vegeta made it. Not only has he changed for the better, but his plan to stop Buu worked and saved far more lives than he'd ever taken. If it hadn't been for that, I'd probably agree that the Justice should punish him at least a little bit. But at this point?" He shook his head. "It'd just be causing more needless harm."
Misado grew around him. "Thank you, Son Goku. Examination of witness closed."
Goku released a heavy breath as he returned to his seat, hoping he'd done well. Vegeta's eyes followed him the whole way back. Goku swallowed a little, itching at his neck and rubbing his mess of hair. He wondered how bad he was going to get it from Vegeta for exposing so much of his past like that? Not eager to find out, he took his seat next to his fellow Saiyan and eyed him shyly.
Vegeta didn't look at him. He was still staring into his lap, as he had been for a while now, silent but for the occasional grunt. At last, he silenced completely and ceased all motion. "Kakarot."
"Yeah?" Goku hesitantly asked.
"…Thank you…"
"Huh?!" Goku blinked with surprise.
"I don't thank you for the humiliation and shame you've caused me," he growled, "But…you did what had to be done and said what I could not. For that…I thank you."
Goku lifted a corner of his mouth and placed a hand firmly on Vegeta's shoulder. "You're welcome, Vegeta…and don't worry, I'll make it up to you somehow."
Vegeta snorted. "Don't be ridiculous," he replied, eyeing him at last and lifting a corner of his own mouth, "I'm not so weak that I need you to piece together my pride. I've been through worse than this." He chuckled. "I think I'll survive somehow."
"Good to hear it," Goku agreed.
Vegeta's mouth flattened and he looked ahead again. "So, what happens now? You mentioned before about me answering questions."
"Hmm?" Goku stared for a moment. "Oh! Haha, well the funny part about that is all we were going to do is give you a chance to speak for yourself if you wanted to. And you already did that."
Vegeta grunted.
Nevrrest's eyes shifted away from the conversing Saiyans onto her fellow justiciar and opponent. So, is that it then? A magic show and a bunch of fairy tales? Pathetic. I'm still going to win this… Her eyes widened as abruptly the vine nearest her suddenly sprouted thorns. A second later it was retracted into the plant mass, leaves parting to reveal the large seed pod once again. Nevrrest's brow lowered and the assembly grew quiet.
"Ooh, looks like it's time for the others to step up," Goku smiled.
Vegeta gave him a critical look. "How many exactly—"
There was an explosion of brilliant light as Misado emptied the entire seedpod into the basin, the blinding light filling every corner of the courtroom. When the light faded, the basin was simply boiling with ki energy. Then it happened. A sprout shot up out of the water, twisting and condensing into a green-tinted being. Of course, this being would be mostly green to begin with.
"The Namek?" Vegeta frowned as Piccolo climbed out of the basin.
Goku giggled. "I told you! Just about everyone we know is coming to help you."
Vegeta growled a little at the notion of being 'helped', watching as yet another form rose from the glowing water. The puny human: Krillin. The two avatars stepped aside as another sprout began to grow. From there it turned into a full-on procession of green beings, each a replica of someone they knew. It didn't take Vegeta long to figure out this portion of the defense really was an object lesson. By summoning all the witnesses at once, it allowed the entire courtroom to see just how many there were. And it was an impressive number. Some of the faces Vegeta didn't even recognize and had to be reminded by Goku who they were. King Kai. Grand Elder Moori. Master Korin. The assembly murmured as the witnesses began to fill the entire platform.
Nevrrest rattled at the sight, her beak clenched and hissing. No…nooo! This isn't happening, this is impossible!
"They seriously all agreed to this?" Vegeta marveled at the collection of green figures.
"Yep!" Goku grinned, "Every one of them."
Vegeta's eyes wandered over them, suddenly freezing on a pair of faces standing close together. "Wait a minute…" he snarled, "Is that Bulma and Trunks over there?"
"Sure is," Goku smiled.
"You idiot!" Vegeta snapped, getting out of his seat a little, "How dare you involve them in this?! The last thing I wanted was my family anywhere near this place!"
"Vegeta, calm down! It's not like that!" Goku protested, leaning back and away from the prince's gritted teeth, "It's not really them! It's just their avatars!" He pointed. "See, look! If it was really Bulma, she'd be pregnant!"
Vegeta's mouth flattened and he turned his head, studying the visage of his wife once more. "…You're right." He eyed him intensely. "But if it isn't them, then what are they?"
"I told you, they're avatars," Goku explained, relaxing again, "Think of it like…" He touched his chin, thinking for a moment. "Hmm…think of it like…like a recording that can answer questions! They may look like them and act like them and talk like them, but that's only because they're made up of their memories and wishes. So you don't have to worry about anything. Anything that happens to the avatars won't get back to Earth."
"Hm," Vegeta grunted, sitting again, "All right. I'll consider that acceptable."
Up on the judicial platform, Horkion watched the gathering witnesses with shock and excitement. So what Goku had been saying from the beginning was true! Even without hearing the rest of the testimonies he was convinced of that. There was no way that many people would agree to speak for a murderer if there hadn't been a serious change in his character. He turned to remark on this to the others when he noticed something. Oom'Bagu and Laswe weren't looking at the witnesses. They were looking at Nevrrest.
"That can't be right…" Laswe murmured.
"Laswe?" Horkion blinked, "Oom'Bagu?"
Oom'Bagu sighed heavily and shook his head. "Her rage is terrible…but it will pass."
"I'm no empath, Oom'Bagu," Laswe stated, his eyes shifting to eye him seriously, "I can't sense rage. But I can sense…" His eyes narrowed down at Nevrrest.
"What?" Horkion anxiously asked.
Laswe remained silent, then suddenly sat back, shaking his head. "Nothing. It's nothing. This courtroom must be getting to my head, that's all."
The trial continued with great promise for the defense. One by one, the witnesses were called, each testimony making Goku beam more than the last. Some testimonies, like Mr. Po-Po's, were short and simple. Others, like Piccolo's, were longer. Then, there were ones that were purely powerful – Bulma's, Gohan's, Krillin's. Goku could swear the hope in the air was tangible, like the gathering energy of a Spirit Bomb. But despite all the joy it brought him, a dark sting nagged at him, resonating from Nevrrest.
Goku nudged at his friend. "Vegeta," he whispered, "Nevrrest…can you feel that?"
Vegeta growled a little, glancing his way. "Kakarot…with these…damn shackles on me I can't sense anything…"
"But," said Goku with a frown, "You sensed her that one time."
"Yes…and a nearly blind man can still see a wall just before he walks into it. Her power was impossible to miss that time."
"Ooh," he replied with understanding, "Well, if you could feel her right now, you'd feel her ki getting darker by the second." Goku eyed her warily. "I'd stay away from her after this, Vegeta. There's no telling what she might do."
Vegeta laughed scornfully. "As if I have a choice."
"Then I'll stay with you."
"Please," he snorted, "I don't need your protection. Nor do I want it."
Goku sighed helplessly. "If you say so…"
The defense continued, but it was drawing to a close. After hours upon hours of proceedings, there wasn't a soul in that courtroom who wasn't eager for the trial to end. Even Vegeta was counting the minutes, ready to face anything but more stretches of this. At long last, Misado's final witness was dismissed, the avatars folding into pods. Murmurs filled the air as the plant mass began to gather the pods.
"Misado." The courtroom turned silent. Nettelish folded her hands. "Don't go just yet. Re-summon your witnesses. I'm calling for a review of the Defense."
"What?!" Vegeta cried, nearly shooting up in his seat.
"Pfffbllrrll!" Laswe spewed webs all over the judicial table, "Aw, damn it! Damn it!"
"Aaaah…" Oom'Bagu gave the heaviest sigh, planting his face into his palm.
"No way…!" Goku whined, his eyes wide and helpless, "But…but I haven't eaten since breakfast!"
"Enough about your stomach, Kakarot!" Vegeta snapped. His eyes narrowed. "Something is seriously wrong about all this."
Nettelish sent out a pulse of light, silencing the courtroom. Misado was still for a moment, then slowly reached out and touched one of the pods. It unraveled and the Supreme Kai emerged.
Nettelish leaned forward. "Now…from the beginning…"
The review of the defense was even more agonizing than the one of the prosecution. Like before, one by one each and every witness was recalled and questioned, every detail of their testimonies prodded at. The air of the courtroom moved from that of anxiety to exhaustion, the assembly stirring and waiting wearily. There were even touches of anger as those in the assembly waited irritably to be dismissed.
Nevrrest folded her arms and leaned back in her seat. What the hell is the point of this? It's like she's just delaying! I was certain that Nettelish was on my side in this, but after the events of today… She eyed the dark garbed monk. Who's side are you on, Nettelish?
Vegeta sat with his eyes closed and head bowed, growling occasionally as he waited. This is just a mockery, he thought, Every bit of it. How much more must I suffer?
"Thank you," Nettelish's voice rang out, "Review of the Defense closed." The deepest sigh rumbled through the courtroom as Nettelish stood. "Justiciar Misado. Justiciar Nevrrest. You will adjourn with me and bargain for Prince Vegeta's sentencing."
Goku and Vegeta both sat up as Nevrrest and Misado left the central platform, heading for a door behind Nettelish's podium. Nevrrest stopped momentarily to caste a vicious glare the Saiyans' way, her thick brow lowered before disappearing with Misado. The atmosphere around the courtroom relaxed slightly as quiet conversations broke out.
"What now?" asked Vegeta.
Goku let out a long breath. "Well…now those three are going to decide what the other three will be voting on. Then all six of them are supposed to get together and debate about it and decide what happens to you."
"So that's it then," Vegeta determined, brow lowered, "We've done everything we can."
"Pretty much," Goku sighed again, "It's been a long run but…I know it's going work."
Vegeta snorted. "You don't know anything," he stated in a lowered voice.
"Maybe not," Goku admitted, looking up at that door, "But I trust the Justiciars. They're good people. They'll do the right thing."