Arc III

Chapter 5

Effects of Victory


The sight on screen was way too horrifying to describe with actual words. Those watching could feel the pounding of blood and adrenaline pumping loudly, powerfully as the experience seemed horrifyingly realistic. Had it been the task of a rational minded individual, they would had given up and left the responsibility to the professionals.

Sedrick, however, did not have a choice in the matter but to approach his own son as he was cornered liked a caged animal at the side of the building. Edging closer towards the boy, Sedrick could literally hear the ragged breath and feel the pounding heartbeat of his monstrous form; his bestial claws even dug into the side of the building as he tried to escape from the familiar man—feeling anxious for his safety and what dangers he could possibly be subjected to if he stepped any closer.

"Mauricio, listen to me. It'll be okay, but this isn't safe for anyone. Let me help you."

Feeling that some sort of enemy was tailing them and was placing his father at the risk of critical injury, the boy immediately lunged forward with open arms, roaring deeply in a bellow which was akin to that of a werewolf depicted in films. With little reaction time that Sedrick had at that moment, the device which had been used to display the personal account of that memory was overwhelmed, causing the image to shake and cut to black—leaving the audience (consisting of all the regular AN members and a few individuals of interest) with little to the imagination of what they needed to piece together what had happened.

This was the visual and auditory aides which Sagratia's greatest teen prodigy was able to provide, but backfired devastatingly as it made those favoring the accusation's case seem either correct or downright inhumane for having pushed the boy to such an extreme. Eventually, they had to be placed into court recess as the president of the current Allied Nations Council was having trouble in the case as the rest of the accusing party was riling up their side of the story, insisting on crafting Taritsu's image as that of a dangerous threat to all of humanity.

"Twenty minutes. Then we'll finish the hearings on the Defendant's side of the case." Reminded Judge Mauritis of the AN Dispute Tribunal. Those present in the room mentally noted the statement, then left as soon as it became rather apparent to them that the bane of their safety was on the move. Avoiding the boy like a plague was a rather natural response, one which he was rather familiar with since childhood; they either avoided/ignored him, found him ridiculously overbearing, or downright liked to cause problems to Taritsu, just so that he'd get what was coming to him.

'Piss off!' Vejita glared at the more intentionally straying members of the group that walked by, knowing full well that they were going to try something drastic while his oldest known friend headed over to assist his father in taking off the equipment that was part of Adrian's technology. He gave both father and son a quick once over, softly sighed as if he understood that what was their troubles, and decided to be considerate by giving them their privacy in addition to announcing that they needn't bother worry about those who were outside the room, leaving the two to freely consider what to do next at their leisure.

Part of the reason they were leaving last was due part to the unnaturally large flock of paparazzi that had tried to gain access to the trial, and while they had been a nuisance that Kairne didn't have to deal with on a daily basis with their own media coverages, it seemed to the Kairnese males that Sagratia really had problems with media biases.

"Victor D. Richards, what are your thoughts on the outcome of this trial? Will the Rutabaskis get what they deserve..."

It angered the men to hear what they dared to say around their friends—How could people be so shameless as to raise questions as controversial as these individuals had, on people who hadn't in the slightest yield ill-will against anyone?

"Baddack, Sedrick, Vasilis. Padrone Rutabaski, I know you all are concerned of how we're going to manage with them going first, but I assure you it's necessary that you trust me with these matters. I know a man who can turn this around with ease—just allow him to speak and the Sagratians won't know what hit~."

"That's enough out of you. Back in the designation area with you," Spat the guard as he waved the nightstick around, as to emphasize the seriousness of his actions. Seeing how quickly out of hand the situation was going, Baddack found himself intervening for the sake of keeping the peace, which embarrassingly caused him to bring others into paying attention to what Jack Chandler was speaking.

"Oi, that's not exactly something we can overlook." Johannes immediately spoke up in order to divert all of the new audience who found Jack interesting away from what he was stating. Vasilis could had almost killed Baddack for that simple blunder, but he noticed that both of the boys were busy speaking of matters that were... more calming than usual.

'They've never really had been this quiet.' He noted how the boys were finding each other's company refreshing—or rather Vejita was offering it selflessly, while his younger counterpart was quietly reading documents provided, courtesy of his mother. 'Taritsu's most likely been traumatized. I wouldn't be so surprised, but Vejita...' Vasilis was rather disappointed with his son; it was more than likely true that the young adult knew something that they didn't, and although he was being a good friend for keeping the kid's secrets—doing so now, especially with trauma—was counterproductive for their defense topics.

"Don't let me catch you doing something inconsiderate of these people again, you hear?"

The security guard nodded in fear, whilst Johannes was thanked thoroughly for having defended the unlucky reporter. Though he was rather used to these sort of things when he was younger, Johannes couldn't deny feeling a bit sheepish after having been away from the limelight for so long. He quickly told the young reporter to not worry about it, and returned to the others who had just finished hearing Jack's description of the so called miracle worker of a legal attorney. "Men, I'd like to introduce to you all to Anthonio Zeferi."

Johannes immediate found himself unable to contain his feelings. Though he knew that it was not quite possible, the chances of him being able to cross paths with a person with that surname was slim. He looked like an ordinary male—with light brown hair and eyes—but the style in which his hair was slicked back with a single bang hanging in the front indicated who he really was. "Ryuichi Naruhodou?"

"Padrone Rutabaski, you already met?" Jack exclaimed in pure disbelief.

Casting his gaze away from the elder whom he knew much about through tales, but never of actually having had a full and proper conversation with the man, Anthonio Zeferi paid his respects to the friend of his wife's late father. 'Kasuga's family was strict on these matters; they wanted an heir, and Seiko was the only child she had.'

"While it isn't official, my wife told me that her mother's family had taken her away from Kairne; she told me a lot about her father's life, how he was friends with one of their own, and practically the whole history as of how they're essentially related as two halves of one family." Anthonio stated, utilizing a "matter of fact tone" as he held up a copy of his father-in-law's memoir.

"It's all true, Mr. Chandler. However, I'm not really familiar with Naruhodou on the personal level; news of his cases has been going around in the past, and I'm certain that having successfully completed over 70 cases—40 of which he found the criminal himself—and that he deliberately chosen knowing that the cases were hopeless as these cases were usually biased." Johannes spoke, admiring the man for his righteous sense. Daisuke had told him of the man years ago, especially since he considered hiring him as an insider for in case they needed to bail themselves out from a corner in the future. He rejected it, and stood by the decision even after Sedrick had been framed for intentional homicide. "You were a legend, Naruhodou, but like modern legends—you disappeared as quickly as you had made yourself a name. I take it that you took up the surname of Cesare's daughter to lay low, correct?"

Anthonio nodded, finding the man's friendly demeanor actually calming. "I was needed at home, and raising a son while completing these cases weren't going to do me well with him as a target for anyone wanting vengeance. Anyway, I'm here to bust out your grandson from the charges, so don't you worry Signore Rutabaski." 'I'll just inform Seiko that it's a go.' He scolded himself for having doubted her reasoning, then found himself laughing at the ridiculous notion of being turned down by the Rutabaskis. 'Seiko has always been right about these matters; even if I find myself deplorable by taking a stance I'm not fond of... she always puts me at ease.'

Had only their son been blessed by her passive serenity, instead of Anthonio's neurotic tendencies.

"Hey, Sed..." Baddack wanted to ask the man a few things but found him terribly busy along with his father. Instead, he noticed the weird distribution of people standing in about a radius of five meters away from Taritsu. Naturally, his anger was swelling, but remembered that it was best for the boy to feel comfortable rather than accepted into a mass of mindless individuals; it was his curious nature which brought joy and happiness towards his wife when she was alive and well to see first hand how he was getting along with the children.

'So maybe I was a bit harsh on letting him be with Euphemia. I still don't approve it, especially since there are problems that are arising, but I do see what Jack meant by wanting to get the two acquainted. It seems his attitude has been maturing into something I can live with.'

It wasn't so bad for Taritsu though; from what he knew of the boy, silence was perfectly refreshing for him. In fact, it was more than likely that the boy was currently coming up with his own rebuttal against the accusations, so there really wasn't much for them to worry about. Except... how could he think calmly when the fact that the accusation was willing to use their memories against them was the chilling reality? He understood the likelihood of underlying issues arising if they went ahead and extracted his memories for them to observe... had he any of his own to reflect on.

'The only thing I have is "A Priori" intelligence. I don't really have anything of my own to call my own, and they'd likely switch their tactics to better serve them.' Indeed, he knew how Sagratia was serious about their position as a hegemon. In fact, just a few years ago, they entered Serbian territories to restore order after it became public knowledge that the regime seizing control there had ruined their trading schedule—which was pretty much what neighboring countries accused the nation of having interfered in the first place for. If they knew that he had nothing to claim of his own, nothing to prove that his identity was Taritsu Maurice Kyousuke Rutabaski... then it may have been possible that the officials might appeal for the order of his servitude for the public's benefit.

Fortunately, though it was never spoken between them, Sedrick had volunteered his memories first, allowing his son to utilize what valuable time he had left to come up with a fool-proof plan. 'Damn these memories. Each time one restores itself, several more come flooding back in.' He cursed the fact that he was being bombarded with the memories that he had of himself. It only spanned the time of his last two years of age, serving to confirm what horrors he really was burdened with in life, whilst also revealing to him that there was a serious issue within him. 'These missing periods of time that I have... there's nothing to confirm what I did with it, but someone is looking after me.' He recalled the notes and messages left for him, but after trying to contact it now when he needed assistance the most—he serious began to doubt its existence.

Feeling the vibrational shift and the auditory indication of footsteps heading his way, Taritsu honestly believed that it was someone he was rather familiar with; as if his mind were able to identify an old friend—some person who he knew way before his love of science became clear and justified in the specifics he was educated in. With the knowledge he had, Taritsu had identified an 18 year old female walking just 14 feet away from him, then 5 feet, and finally, he came to see Adrian de Folli facing him only about a meter away. Exactly whatever the guy wanted, Taritsu had little interest; especially since he considered him—the adolescent wearing a red waistcoat, scarf, and strangely enough, had a noticeable large twisting noodle of hair compared to the rest of his [shorten and well-kempt] fringes—as part of the cause that wanted to bring despair and hopelessness to his family.

"May I speak with you in private, Rutabaski Taritsu?"

At first, seeing Adrian's attentive expression and expectant, smug face made the adolescent feel as if he were trying to mock Vejita. How he'd teach him a lesson by knocking his fist into the guy's face with a single stroke. Yet noticing how his father had swiftly reacted in time before him to assure his son that it was alright to give Adrian a chance... he noticed the tactic which his father was likely hoping for him to enact upon. 'Fine. So long as it's going to bug the Westerner officials and their credibility. I'd better remain alert and keep myself from being conned too... though I oddly don't feel any ulterior motives coming from him.'

Stepping away from everyone else, he saw as Adrian went for something inside his waistcoat, causing him to instantly become tense from his more... laid back and reserved attitude. However, the adolescent was instead met with a mere chuckle and handed a pencil and note card. Looking around in a manner as to not seem suspicious as well, he began instructing the boy a few things that were crucial, but to not worry about until after the trial.

"That's essentially what they want me to do. I can't condone such manipulative behavior. Just understand that by also trying to make peace with you and your family—I'll be drawing the line if things go too far, understand?"

He curtly nodded, but then began inquiring something about Adrian's memory display device. Was it possible that it could retrieve something that was lost... maybe even stimulate it back into his mind? Honestly, there was a lot science wasn't certain for sure on, and although neurons were proven to have been involved with a person's memories, he wondered if this extraordinary memory loss was tied in with something.

"That's not possible with our current technology. Why? Did you happen to need a favor... or is there something you fear of everyone else seeing that's putting you on edge?"

Seeing his expression change for once to a genuine look of fear, Adrian began chuckling once more, bumping the younger male with his elbow. "You really shouldn't worry so much. I'm not going to use it on you, and I'm sure as hell not going to advocate my nation of origin bullying someone like you. You're pretty extraordinary, but... people underappreciate you too often."

'Huh. This really feels like I've heard it from someone before.' The Rutabaski primogeniture, however, didn't think too deeply on the subject though. Instead, he was reminded of his mother, and her own struggles coming to terms with herself. Exactly whatever she dealt with was rather unknown to him, but if she was anything the clues he had of her could piece together... then she was really a special breed of person.


Frantically recovering the articles which the siblings had spread around carelessly as she had assisted their mother, Paula stopped once she noticed how Yanagi's melancholic state had been... troublesome for the Suocera: Catalina Rutabaski, and briefly whispered over to Charlotte that she'd be back to assist her with their current task of looking after the twins.

She knew that Yanagi Rutabaski was a loving parent, undoubtedly wise, and held values that one needn't question to understand; they were for the good of others. However, Paula also realized that due to the seriousness of her cautious nature for her offspring [that she had greatly tended for many, sufferable years] and had to ensure herself on part of her adopted brother's request that the young mother wouldn't find herself wringing the neck of some unfortunate fool who triggered her nerves.

'Kind of scary that he told me her faults. I really don't want to confirm it myself, especially since he's currently defending himself in a life-changing trial.' She never really understood what the deal was with these policy makers having to make such a scandal over the one thing that constantly dealt him pain and anger. Paula understood a lot for her age, having been the byproducts of living on the run and constantly being reminded by her biological brother that she wasn't to seek out others for a mutual relationship.

"They'd betray you," Brolli would tell her the line, over and over as it slowly became fact. The words would be reinforced by how terrible people would treat one another—especially around the more, "unregulated" territories of the continent. She never once despised her father or brother, neither did she blame her mother for having tolerated his abuse over all those years; the woman's exemplary display of forgiveness and patience were lessons she took to heart, and came to appreciate the values that she, her biological mother, held close to heart. "You can't trust strangers, so get used to the fact that they'd toss you aside whenever they find you inconvenient."

"Had you been able to do-over a specific event in your life... what would it be?"

Yanagi's sudden question pierced through her train of thought, bringing up very sensitive issues as she had quickly made the logical conclusion that the question was based on her guardian's regrets. Knowing that it would be impolite, she shied her eyes from the woman, cleared her throat as quietly as possible, and tapped her shoes together before providing her the answer which she had accepted since the very day she made up her mind in running off to Jakarta in 2003. "I really don't regret much, Madonna Rutabaski. There really isn't much I can control, and those which I have decided to take action—I guess I really didn't know any better to have taken the other route."

She soon noticed Yanagi nod in mutual understanding of her situation. It wasn't much for the two to bond, but when she was younger—she was ridiculously rebellious and fiery spirited—almost elusive, as her father-in-law described it. However, what had made the mother so worked up as a young girl was her morbid fear of mortality and solipsism; having a doubtful sense of existence and worth in the world which seemed highly unfair, and she never spoke of it to anyone, not even her closest friends—or husband. That would soon change with the mutual solace she felt around the girl who shared her son's birth date.

"When I was a girl around the age of six... I didn't trust many people, and disliked how my father would acquaint himself with people who would most likely take advantage of him. I guess I can say I was like a polar opposite of your own character."

Yanagi then sat down, causing her adopted daughter to jump at the slightest indication of her indignation flaring up from memories that she may have held onto. That was what the woman thought was the case but the reality was that Paula was surprised to have seen Charlotte listening in from the hallway. At the sight or her distracted expression, Yanagi turned around to see what was exactly wrong, but found nothing there, which caused her to ignore it and focus on her troubled past.

'Just what is she up to?'

They were possibly all memories which she deeply regretted and wanted them atoned, or at least forgiven for having doubted her path. Either way, it was still enough to cause Paula enough worries and realize that her adopted mother was not yet aware of her own problems that had been entrapping Paula in.

"I continued living like this, even becoming friends with an older girl who also realized the same truths which I determined reality had. Yet still, I was wondering whether or not Sedrick knew anything other than his bed of roses that he happened to compliment life to have." She chuckled in the moment the memories of her behavior with Sedrick became clearer; how she'd ever forgive herself for all the troubles she caused him. "I still can't believe that he remained so strong..." She quietly muttered.

Paula, now intrigued by the woman's views, decided in listening more of her tale, but realized that distracting them both from the current issue was a fatal insult towards their loved ones. They needed their support, even if they couldn't really express it as openly as it would be when they'd be around to actually hear them.

"You're right about that, Paula. You're a good girl, never having been corrupted and never giving in to anything that would cultivate these dark, depressing thoughts like I had. It took me a few of Sedrick's sacrifices to realize what I really should had focused on, and I wish I could had changed that. Unfortunately, it seems my stubbornness was inherited by my son... and although he's trying to hide it, I know he suffers. Yet oddly enough, he's answered me in much the same way as you had."


"Do you solemnly swear to speak the truth, and nothing but the truth?"

"...Yes."

That pause brought the men to wonder exactly what was going through the kid's mind, but oddly enough, it appeared that the attorney handling the boy's defense seemed to notice it's secondary effects as well.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the Jury. I would like to remind you that my client has grievances of his own that he needs to keep under wraps as to not affect his thinking process. It may seem as if he's keeping us from knowing the entirety of the truth, but understand that the constant barrage of accusations, negative reputations, and outright obscenities that he's been dealing with had taken a toll on his mind."

"Alright, Taritsu. I'm going to ask you a few questions to start you off, so answer them to the best of your ability... and don't skip out on any of them, you got that?"

Nodding, the boy understood what the Anthonio wanted of him. He briefly looked over the crowd, allowing him to notice the screen of the polygraph recording his vitals—ensuring that they'd obtain a baseline of his before actually starting with the more serious questions. Honestly, this was a dirty trick on the Sagratian's part, but he was fortunate to have been told by Adrian that he shouldn't have to worry about his own attorney seeming to be against him; it was just an act of misdirection he needed to realize.

'I better control my breathing. Thanks Gramps. All those exercises you forced on me with holding my breath underwater should pay off today.'

"You graduated university at the age of twelve, correct?"

"No."

"Have you ever committed a crime, and if so: describe it."

'I do not know how I can answer that.' He realized that it was loaded and highly dangerous for him to avoid it. It would be difficult to tell them what he had done, but he knew he had a responsibility. 'Chill. I think I vaguely remember it.' "Yes," He calmly stated. Almost proudly.

Bringing his hand to his neck, Vasilis nervously adjusted his collar, realizing what the kid had done. Fortunately though, the tribunal was quick to settle down the audience before they had the power to influence the outcome.

"I had entered a nature reserve, having requested permission to do so, and after an escalation of events... ended up having to kill a few wolves."

Several people began whispering once they heard his response, but all was going according to how Anthonio saw it should be. It was ingenious, really. Simply stating that Taritsu was a moral person because he was raised to be moral was not enough of a valid reason to convince the naysayers. They'd need to hear the argument which Anthonio was engineering for him, then they wouldn't stand a good chance against him with their bias stance on the matter.

"Thanks for the honesty Rutabaski. Now, it was stated that you were imprisoned indeed for having killed said protected wolves. Of course, you were pardoned on the case that you protected the daughters of Tepelny, and was even offered one of their hands in marriage." He placed emphasis on that as well. "So tell me: Why did you reject that offer back then, but accepted it now? Could it be that you're only after the benefit of their political defense: the technicality of the Holaska treaty was what you were after, Rutabaski?" Anthonio boomed indiscriminately.

He had little clue as to how to completely give the man the truth, but a compulsion he felt in knowing that feeling, the philosopher's argument which he learned as a child, was more than enough to aid him in defending himself. He also knew that being objective an unbiased—along with considering others—was favorable. That much he knew from learning from Euphemia's sister the other day on these matters.

"Had I agreed in the first place, I would had been thinking selfishly. That offer was given to me as a means to escape my imprisonment, and would had been completed on the grounds that I was looking after myself. I did not want to use someone as a means only, however, if my reasoning strikes you odd that I rejected the offer back then, and contradicted it recently... I'd find it abhorrent that this is how you'd categorize me by. If I could state one thing, and have it stick to your minds, then it would be that I do not see others... disposable. Everything, and I mean this since I was a child, had to have some meaning. Sure, you could argue that I'd drill in the lectures into my mind and learn information like a mere drone, but there was a higher meaning to it all."

'Where the hell is this coming from? II...' He found it frightening how accurate it sound to him, to have stated something familiar to his own history. He could blame it, or credit it to his own upbringing—which he continued to remember—but there really wasn't anything he could confirm it in comparison to his own character. 'Perhaps my memories returning subconsciously made me aware of a residual knowledge. Posteriori information, that which I know is from my "missing time", aren't readily accessible to me... and yet I'm speaking about things as they flow naturally into my argument.'

It was creepy having come to that conclusion. No one else knew of it, and he couldn't confirm it, but several passages of information remained as he continued speaking his supportive reasoning as to why he agreed to the engagement with Karalynne now. 'Am I really the original self, or is that missing time experience of the real Taritsu... who created me to keep everyone else from despairing over his absence?'

"Thank you, Rutabaski." Anthonio stated after the boy finished revealing what he was intending to do. "But before we continue with the rest of the questions, I'd like to confirm this of what you said with an unaffiliated third-party."

At that moment, stepping into the court was the person with slightly disheveled white, pale locks (honestly one would think they were bleached, but it would be surprising to learn that her hair was naturally colored that way). In addition to having that exotic look, one could see the matching eye color that stood out with her hair—coincidentally similar to how Nora's hair and eye color were matching as well. Yet what stood out most to those who were paying attention was her military coat, complimented by the vacant expression and attitude she wielded being in the room. Almost as if she were an indication that they were acting intentionally unfamiliar with one another, but that fortunately wasn't the case with Anthonio's clever scene construction.

"I myself don't see the attraction of spending my time here at a trial as pointless as this, but nonetheless, my duty to my country comes first." She started, although it was an awful exposition. "What Taritsu Rutabaski speaks of is indeed true: Originally, Ambassador Tepelny was planning on handing his daughter's hand in marriage, but he wasn't certain with how the modern world's condition was."

For reasons unknown to Sedrick, he seemed to have began seeing someone else as he paid attention to the representative speaking at that moment. However, while he could have sworn seeing the younger sister of Karalynne, he was certain that Tepelny was not as foolish as to allow that to happen. 'He may be taken by surprise, but I know as a father, he's highly involved with his daughters.' Irregardless, he continued listening to this... "Aila Kimse" as she was referred by.

"...so it really is an act of moral duty which Rutabaski is doing for Tepelny's daughter. By accepting the "engagement... the chances of individuals seeking to take her for the sole purpose of controlling the population [or for her genetics] is massively diminished to levels in which such an event would rarely happen."

"Objection!" Spat out one of the accusing party's members. Even now, the Sagratians still wouldn't believe the explanations given for Taritsu's alleged change of heart—as they so called it. "Who's to say that he wouldn't raise an army?!"

That exclaim was met by the banging of the gavel, and several murmurings that had agreed with the view. Additionally, since she was irritated by the lack of attention, Kimse took a great deal of self-control to calm herself, letting out a deep sigh before referring back to what she was saying earlier. "Rutabaski is temporarily engaged, and that is the status until a proper candidate can be filtered out from the number of corrupted youths working for a malevolent cause. As you may have noticed, the World Union Supremacy Society has intended in world domination, with each attempt being much more extravagant or remote than the last. Our borders have recently closed, making certain that none would escape the mandatory identity check, and so far... we're hoping that these violators won't escape. In fact, just the very news that Rutabaski and Karalynne Tepelny are engaged alone should be enough to discourage—perhaps even encourage a courageous, patriotic fool—into encountering him for the purpose of extracting their genetics. They are documented as having high potentials of power."

Once she had finished speaking, Kimse began walking away from the court center and took to the safety of being seated next to her fellow associates. Her responsibilities done and over with, the group was quietly observing how the courtroom had been affected and seemed satisfied that her rebuttal was capable of silencing the rabid Sagratian dogs that were threatening the safety of their population. However, the trial was not yet over; Anthonio Zeferi still needed to finish up with his cross-examination first before the tribunal were able to make a decision.

"That was good, Kimse. Impressive work."

Taking back to his position in front of Taritsu, Anthonio returned to finishing his duties, deciding to make a strong finish now—rather than later—as the information the adolescent had spoken of was still fresh in their minds. "That being said and done, let's answer the question most of us are dying to hear the answer to: Exactly why were you in the area near Spark's convention?"

Taritsu quickly evaluated his mind of what knowledge he had on what was stated, but found himself struggling to find a useful answer that didn't contradict. 'Crap, if I tell them the truth, then I'll put Anthony at risk. But if I lie, then I'm going to set off the polygraph.' Time seemingly dilating as he struggled, his vision seemed to have... blurred...

Everyone looked on intently as they tried to make out what was going on with the boy. Some were skeptical that he was actually petty enough to have done something like this, while others were clearly alarmed that they had crossed a certain line with the kid weeping silently like that in what was an interrogation. Hell, they didn't even dare to look over at the boy's grandfather, who no doubt was probably pissed off at this development.

Getting up from his seat and politely excusing himself by asking the judges for permission to answer it in his own manner... Taritsu quickly told his attorney to take a seat. Clearing his throat, he softly began explaining his endeavor by speaking to the Sagratian officials.

"Senator Richards, your constituents believe in the concept of freedom, yes?"

"No doubt, boy... but what are you getting at here?"

"Freedom. A concept highly valued by your society, and its what makes up most of the belief system that no matter what happens, Sagratia can make up for it, right? I am accused as being a monster—which may be the case here—but it isn't what I'm concerned of. What I am much more worried of—is how quick to blame, how quick to deny me of human rights. You all are quick to say that I'm a demon, a devil-spawn child, and many other obscenities which correlate with the evils which you accused my father of having done fifteen years ago."

They cast their heads down, ashamed by having brought that up again. The kid was right on that matter, and although it wasn't quite popular and well known to the mass public, it was known to the educated that simply because one was of a high society—didn't mean they were exempt from the consequences of committing crimes.

"If I'm a monster, then determinism is what made me this way, for my father was evil—and I very much follow his examples. If determinism made me this way, then I cannot be held accountable for any actions, thus, one cannot be held accountable for their actions. What then, would be the point to having a justice system? Or life's values? I'll tell you why it exists, and that is because no one intentionally wants to commit evil acts because it is in their nature. However, as a group, anarchy seems to be what you all crave, and it sure as hell looks like you all act uncivilized. Like beasts rather than rational beings. I must admit, and must apologize for my locutions, but just as I'd made you all realize that such a viewpoint is too dark and grim to be a reality we live in—it is the one which you all seem to find popular and delve me into seeing each and every waking moment. I also apologize for my nation of having taken less responsibilities since my grandfather took the mantle after his father, but we're aware of how delicate these issues are—and we do not want to ignite another World War. That said... I tolerate the misery you have dealt me with—but never will you find me tolerating the suffering my family is subjected to with me being at constant danger. Which is why... if you really, truly believe that I am a monster and commit evil intentionally... then I offer you an ultimatum: Grant me two years time to solve the problem of WUSS and all which the world has been concerned of tension wise, and once that is over, I shall bring an end to my life in order to prove to you naysayers that I am someone with freewill, that I do wield the capacity to these natural rights as I can remain in self-control."

"Stop degrading yourself!" The interjection surprised all as they found out it came from the one person they hadn't expect: Adrian.

"I'm sorry to interrupt you, Rutabaski, but what you are saying is that essentially you're surrendering this case. I'm not saying that what you said isn't wrong, but this cessation of motivation is wrongful; you are not a monster... but you're correct on the fact that as a whole, the global community has crossed you. My sincerest apologies." Adrian cut in, saving the boy from having to deal with his troubles.

'That's twice he's helped me. I have to hand it to this guy, for if he hadn't spoken to me earlier, I wouldn't have been able to make my defense as strong as it is now. How's this guy considered an adversary?'

It wasn't visible for anyone else to have seen it, but the boy's vision had caught the scowl that Senator Richards had in response to Adrian's assistance to the Defendant. Officials like him did not want to lose their case, and especially didn't want to let the Kairnese slide away scott-free and without restrictions on a matter that was highly controversial if revealed of their true intentions. However, Taritsu was intelligent enough to know that he had a motive, and that by stating those words, he led them all on to choose whether or not the boy was to be condemned or released. Yet, with a quick iteration of what was spoken earlier, he yelled out what needed to be said: Taritsu was indeed a danger, as it was confirmed by the World Health Organization's interpretation of Taritsu's health personal records. 'The T-101 does not lie.'

"I have more than enough proof to prove that such a claim is outdated, Senator Richards."

The audience turned to see the son of Amadeus Quinn, along with a couple groups of agents and scientists provided by BALM. Due to the unannounced entry, the AN tribunal were forced to demand order in the court, settling everyone's baffled minds from shouting obscenities and postponing the scheduled end of the trial.

"Again with limiting their knowledge, Richards. Persuading people through fear is a form of terrorism you know, and contradicting national policies just to ensure that you can keep someone from challenging your credibility... that's just sickening." Spat the man whom Sedrick and Baddack discovered to be none other than Phillip K. Quinn. Looking over at the memory retrieval device, he sighed at the unfairness and then held up a portfolio. "Since you are insistent on condemning the boy, please allow the council to hear this final detail."

With a quick clearance of his throat as the man settled down at the reasonable request, Phillip began aloud.

"As tested since November 30th, all suspected victims of Rutabaski Taritsu had been known to have—either by personal or family health histories—a chronic illness. These weren't drastically incurable, but the resources needed to attend them weren't available with the technology and time Sagratia's health centers could provide. Additionally, it seems that the adolescent has, by means still unknown to us, a sort of immunity that all should be envious of: his physique is blessed by a high count of lymphocytes, and it is likely that the form he had taken was not the same as the forms in previous accounts of destructive beasts. In short, the proof given to categorize Taritsu Rutabaski as a danger... is falsely classified, and as such, must be made known to all that this misconception be cleared. For if one thing is clear of the benefits he has been for these individuals—it is that he has given them a remedy."

Everyone began muttering in curiousness as they saw the images on screen as the BALM scientists compared Taritsu's form with the form of others as Quinn had alluded in the report. A giant, monkey-like creature with brown fur and red eyes—along as several times larger than Taritsu's size as they had seen him not much larger than his father.

"We've had these results replicated in forty different experiments, just in case you doubt. Nothing is forged, but I wouldn't appreciate the fact that an innocent person is being punished for something that is discriminated out of fear. May I remind you that these beasts that you insist the boy being apart of are destructive and berserk, losing all capacity to reason; it is said that those who can transform into these beasts—known by the ancients as Oozaru—can learn to retain a sense of friend and foe... yet that was not the case for Taritsu; this boy had not murdered anyone, nor did he bring calamity as most have warned since his existence. In fact, I urge you to understand that he even refrained from harming civilians who had crossed his path. You're basing the crimes on the perception of others before him, insisting that he's a monster... when really the kid has shown that he is far more civilized—be it as a human or Oozaru."

The entire room was silenced once Quinn had finished the statement—finally realizing that what he stated was all true; they couldn't deny it anymore, and they didn't want to convict the boy for something just because of a warning that he resembled those fabled beasts. In fact, those who were more cynical of these matters were able to realize that they were being played for fools. Perhaps the entirety of men like Senator Richards and O'brien were to ensure that they wouldn't lose credibility if the knowledge of the boy being able to cure things and had true liberty—was indeed true. Never mind also being able to provide defense for people far more efficiently than their armies could.

The gavel resounded throughout the room, bringing all to the attention of the judges as they had finished making their decisions. "Before we're to reach a conclusion, would any like to voice a rebuttal? This trial has been rather... unorthodox, but it remains interesting with the viewpoints provided."

While no one said anything as they couldn't see any means to combat what the Defendants had provided to deconstruct the accusations against them, Taritsu found himself facing a moral dilemma. Unbeknownst to all whom were intrigued by the trial and explanations, he had figured a cryptic message by replaying the words that Phillip Quinn stated, figuring out that those were words, not of a professional security organization, but of someone who had insider's knowledge of how to appeal to the Sagratians and the rest of the representatives. Since Quinn was spending his time with his father before coming to the trial... it logically could only be one person that Taritsu knew: Anthony Sparks. 'I'm disappointed that he interfered, but if the Director asked him to do this, then I can't really blame him.'

"Actually I do have one last tidbit of information, your honor: Taritsu Rutabaski has already an assigned responsibility to the world, having chosen to work on an ecological project that would solve environmental issues. Of course, BALM would have enjoyed that he'd work alongside policing the global community—but doing so at the expense of degrading himself, establishing himself as disposable to others, is sickening as he has said earlier before." Quinn ended, just as the scientists who had joined him had finished passing out the pamphlets on Taritsu's genetic engineering program.

"Very well. By order of the Allied Nations on December 7th, 2005, the case has been decided on a ruling in favor of fourteen year old Taritsu Rutabaski as: NOT GUILTY. It is decided that what Sagratia has proposed days earlier of Adrian de Folli having to supervise Taritsu Rutabaski as a breach of his personal privacy, and the transfer that was appointed for after this trial is now considered void." As the gavel was about to sound the typical bang that would hand concluded him as innocent, gratitude and concern made Taritsu reevaluate how Adrian would be affected by that decree. If he stayed quiet, there was no doubt that Adrian would suffer a punishment for assisting him.

So doing his best to appeal one last time, he asked the tribunal for a small favor.

"The project that I'm working on... I would require a team of professionals that could assist me in completing it."

May Adrian be an assistant of mine?