=========================================================================
ANNOUNCEMENT: Decisions being as they are, I made this chapter a long one, mostly because it is the complete trial. [Just wanted to get it over with, eh?] Enjoy... or whatever...
savggrl - yeah, someone had to suffer... this IS me, happily ever after? Can this be a fairy tale?
Perfect Soldier 01 - Yes, I wanted it to be a shock for them, seeing their enemy so broken and damaged, thought it would help in the idea that the main enemy in the story is circumstance... and an evil manipulative sorceress. Yes, try and get the song Farewell and I Run, they're good ones.
=========================================================================
'Is this why we need a saviour? Is this why those that fail are caught in such a web they end up walking in a self-imposed exile? Is this why the greatest stories have someone sacrificing themselves!? For glory? For honour? For love. For the bonds of friendship, comraderie, because every moment of pleasure in this world has an equal amount of suffering, and it creates shadows of men. This is why the earth needs a saviour, a blameless person to pay the price. The Man and his Lover walk down the streets, coming to a place they know too well. What of it? What makes it so cold there? So hard to go back? He failed, a friend fell, and damage was done to the world, so the Beggar atones by standing on the street corner, preaching to the wise, and listening, hoping that he can change one life. He has. As they walk the Lover remembers and a smile coaxes the corners of her face, this is it, can they go home now? Yes.'
- Nobus Ordo Saeclorum
Fujin lazed over a chaise, one leg resting over the arm, the other stretched fully on its length, her arm was supporting her head, the other playing with the ring Seifer had given her on their "shopping trip" in Esthar. Laguna's PR thought it would do the world good to see the two not being imprisoned, plus, Galbadia still wanted Seifer back, they even offered the government if Seifer came back, of course General Caraway didn't offer anything, but it was either him or the General for leadership. The ring was silver, like her hair and had a cross embedded on it in blue/green crystal that shone and sparkled like a diamond. She hated being so public about it, but the Estharian military was having a hard enough time with the shattered Galbadia, they even hired Garden SeeDs to take care of the situation, but there was only so much that could be done. Today was the trial, and before they left for the court house, Fujin had taken a nap, her body was still weak and compensating for the stress and damage from losing the child. Seifer had gone on, since seeing Rajin's condition had taken the legal council and supervised, helping in any way he could to get Rajin out, get an aquittal, and it was looking good, somewhat, okay so the Procecution had a good case, they could still do something. One thing they were worried about was that the Prosecution would ask Seifer and Fujin to testify, and they could do nothing but tell the truth.
The door opened, sending the sounds of the press and the SeeDs Laguna charged to protect the Posse: Selphie and Quistis stood in the doorway,
"Time to go, Fujin." Quistis said, leading her hand to the walkway. Fujin stood, took her coat, shrugging on the soft blue suede, ready to get this over with. Outside the door, she was shocked to see reporters and other people flocking the outside fo the building.
"Come on, Fujin! You can do this" Selphie said, coaxing the slightly taller woman on. Fujin froze.
"NEGATIVE"
"We don't have all day, the trial starts shortly, come on Fujin that's an order" Quistis said, trying to get the woman to move. Irvine came running in, slightly out of breath,
"Guys, Ah got the car waitin', we can go straight in. The crowds are bein' cleared, Estharian Police've got a perimeter. Hey, Seifer's waitin'"
Fujin nodded, clutching her hands together, smoothing out the front of her coat and dress as she walked, quickly spooked as several flashes assaulted her eyes. Quickly, Irvine flung his leather duster between Fujin and the photographers,
"Can't ya see she's havin' a hard enough time as it is? Git!"
"Fujin! Fujin, can you tell us, what condition is Rajin in?"
"When are you and Seifer getting married?"
"Will the Sorceress attend the ceremony?"
"Do you have any plans to go back to Galbadia?" the reporters berated her with questions as Selphie and Irvine flanked the silver haired woman, pushing cameras and microphones out of her face as the Police presence tried to keep a smooth walkway.
"Go away!" Selphie shouted, to one particularly nosy reporter.
"Don't say anything" Selphie whispered to Fujin, putting a hand on her shoulder, then remembering that Fujin NOT saying anything is all too normal.
"Quistis, do you have a statement?" the nosy reporter asked,
"Yes, I do." Quistis said, catching the media's attention so Fujin could get scooted into the awaiting car,
"All statements will be given after the trial is concluded. We're all victims in this"
With that, Quistis took her seat beside Fujin, as Irvine got in and drove off.
"GRATITUDE" Fujin said, looking at each of the people in the car.
"No problem! We're just doing our duty. Everything will work out, I promise"
--------------------------------------------------------
Eventually making it through the throng of Police and media, Fujin got into the court house, met Seifer and threw up in the washroom with Selphie holding her hair as the stress of the whole business got to her, washing her mouth out and going back out into Seifer's waiting embrace. As everyone sat in the courtroom, the media in place, Rajin was brought in, and everyone let out an audible gasp as photographers took pictures and he slunk away from the cameras, leaning into Ward as he brought him and sat him in the defendant's box. Three hours into the proceedings, the Prosecution called Fujin to the stand:
"Name?"
"Fujin"
Fujin looked to Seifer, who smiled affirmatively, leading her on. The prosecution saw this,
"Do you have to look to Mr. Almasy for everything?"
"NEGATIVE"
"Then why did you look at him?"
"WHAT?" Fujin said, beginning to panic, she didn't like this 20 questions.
"Answer the question, yes or no!"
"Objection, your Honours! Relevance?" one of the defence lawyers said, the head judge hitting his gavel and silencing the court.
"Sustained, proceed with relevant questions, please"
"Fujin, were you at anytime put in a position of leadership in the Galbadian Army?"
"AFFIRMATIVE"
"What rank?"
"COMMANDER"
"So, you were a rank above Rajin?"
"AFFIRMATIVE"
"How long did you hold the rank of Commander?"
"BALAMB"
"You havn't been discharged, have you?"
"Objection Speculation, your honour, don't you call being tortured discharge enough?"
"Sustained, but Councellor, don't add to your objections."
"Yessir"
"Back to the trial then, Fujin, did you at any point admit loyalty to Sorceress Edea?"
"NEGATIVE"
"Negative?"
"CORRECT"
"Councellor, I think we have established that the answer is 'negative'. Continue or step down"
"Who gave you the rank of Commander?"
"SORCERESS"
"Who gave Rajin his rank?"
"SORCERESS"
"Who gave Seifer his rank?"
"SORCERESS"
"Where did your loyalties lie?"
"SEIFER"
"Not the Sorceress?"
"NEGATIVE. SEIFER." Convinced he was not going to get her by shooting questions left right and center, the Prosecutor leaned in near to the woman, so close she backed up until she hit the wall. Seifer cringed.
"Who did you take orders from?"
"SORCERESS"
"Which one?"
"EDEA"
"Where is she?"
Fujin pointed to where Edea sat next to Rajin in the accused box.
"Thank you. Defence, your witness"
"Thank you, Fujin, did you at any time witness war councils or planning sessions?"
"NEGATIVE"
"Did Rajin?"
"NEGATIVE"
"Who was the Lieutenant?" Fujin cringed, fear penetrating her gaze as Seifer bent over to stand up.
"Take your time," the Defence Councellor said, as Fujin moved her mouth and began breathing heavily, panic taking her as tears of fear welled up in her eyes.
"Your Honours, I move that since this is a delecate subject you allow Seifer to appear on the stand with her for support?"
The Judges spoke amongst themselves before the head judge looked to the prosecution,
"Any objections?"
"None, your honour" the Prosecution said, after getting a sharp glare from Laguna.
Seifer stood, practically running to the stand where Fujin sat, jumping over the rail and throwing his arms around her as she threw her arms around him with equal force. Rajin could be seen standing worriedly, leaning over to get a better view of Fujin. It made one hell of a photo opportunity for the media members allowed in the court room.
"Fujin? Can we continue?"
"Affirmative" Fujin sent out, barely making an impact on the ears of those in sound of it.
"Who was the Lieutenant?"
"TORTURER"
"What did he do to you?"
Fujin gasped again, sinking her head into Seifer's chest, holding onto him until he was sure the strength of her hold would leave a bruise. Seifer stroked her hair, kissing her forehead whispering something into her ear as she stood, holding firmly to Seifer's hands.
"HE..." Fujin cleared her throat, breathing in a heavy breath, "He knocked me out, when I woke up, he had me chained spread eagle to a wall in lunatic Pandora. He was... CUTTING, LICKING BLOOD," Seifer stood, massaging her shoulders gently, aiding her breathing so she could carry on.
"He whipped me, told me I was going to die, that he had always wanted to know what bleeding to death felt like, and that I would have to do. He would thrash me in the stomach, he punched me repeatedly all over, especially in the abdomen with metal knuckles. He told me the Sorceress had ordered that if any of the three of us disobeyed, or stopped following orders, this was the punishment, and since Rajin and I had defected, I was the first to die. That it was the reason Seifer did what the Sorceress said, because she had used me to blackmail him, he didn't want to do anything, Rajin was only trying to protect me!"
"Thank you, Fujin. What was the extent of the damage you sustained in his torturing?"
"I... lost a lot of blood, internal bleeding, kidney transplant... he... I was PREGNANT!! He knew! He said the SORCERESS TOLD HIM, SEIFER FATHER, CHILD GONE! RAGE! NO! ALONE!" Fujin broke into a thunder of sobs, falling back into Seifer's strong arms, him cradling her as if she were a child. Rajin could be heard shouting,
"Lemme go! Lemme see Fuu! Lemme help Fuu!" order in the courtroom broke as the media turned into a mob, taking pictures, and shouting amongst themselves, the head Judge sent his gavel smashing to the pound, calling Order! Order! as the Defence Council called for a Recess, and the Judges agreed. Emptying the courtroom, as Laguna ordered the guards to let Rajin go to Fujin and Seifer, Kiros, Ward and the Sorceress Six took control of the court, protecting all entrance points while Laguna went out to give an update to the press, the door was left open.
"Fuj.. I'm sorry ya know" Rajin said, both his shackled hands covering one of hers. She nodded, still holding onto Seifer for all she was worth,
"Alright, Fuu, okay, this is one big mess. I'm so sorry, Fujin Shh.. shhh, Fujin, sshh, it's over for now, they're gone, it's over. No more questions. sshh"
Outside the press fell silent as they watched the Posse from the place they were being blocked off but could still see inside. They could see Fujin try and rise, then collapse into Seifer again, Rajin kneeling beside them, his fingers barely touching the edge of the box from the shackles on him. One reporter could be heard speaking into his microphone,
"Today we have seen what war and evil can really do. Will we let three more lives be destroyed because they tried to do what they could? This is Barnes, signing off, and praying that the Posse will be alright"
Another reporter called to Laguna,
"Mr. President, will the Posse get help?"
"Yes, already medical staff in Esthar did all they could to save Fujin and her child, but the child was too far gone. We're doing all we can to help them."
-------- Two days later -------
The trial had continued, with Squall, Selphie, Seifer, Rajin, Ellone and finally Edea on the stand. Now, Laguna was being questioned,
"Mr. President, when you saw the advent of the Sorceress, what did you do?"
"I personally knew that Edea had to have been controlled, I sent word to Garden, and mobilized Esthar's troops, I wasn't about to let another Sorceress War kill everything"
"When you said you knew it wasn't Edea in control, why? How did you know?"
"Edea Kramer was the sister of my wife, Hyne rest her soul, I knew her from a few trips I took Raine and Ellone on, and the trips Edea and her husband Cid, Headmaster of Balamb Garden, made to Winhill"
"Very well, when you apprehended Fujin and Rajin, they broke free but you ordered Selphie Tilmitt, SeeD, not to follow, why?"
"I remembered what it had felt like to lose my wife, and I knew the Posse would do no more harm to anyone"
"How did your wife die?"
"Giving birth to our son"
"Is this son still living?"
Laguna sighed, he didn't think Squall was going to like this, "Yes"
"Who is he?"
"Squall Leonheart" the court room errupted in murmers as Squall locked eyes with Laguna, questioning whether it was wise to announce such a famous fatherhood.
"Why did you have Squall and Ellone sent to Centra to be taken care of by Edea Kramer, whom you knew was a Sorceress?"
"Esthar was a war zone, I had just been elected President, and told of my wife's death. I didn't even know she was pregnant. I was in no position of getting Esthar under control and taking care of an infant son and small girl. Esthar was dangerous, I knew Edea would keep them safe."
"And did she?"
"To the best of her ability. Everything depended on keeping Ellone safe. If another Sorceress came on the scene, well, let's just say this is the result, and it could have been much worse."
"Is this why SeeD came about?"
"Yes."
"When you found Rajin alone in Lunatic Pandora, what did you do?"
"I went with Kiros and Seifer to get Fujin back before... we were a little late"
"What was the deal you cut with Rajin?"
"He claimed all guilt of the Posse's actions in exchange for Fujin getting the medical attention she needed, and that Seifer and Fujin could remain together."
"This was satisfactory?"
"Yes, otherwise... Rajin and Fujin had defected, the Galbadian troops had fallen out of Seifer's control and into the Lieutenant's, as the Sorceress had ordered. Seifer was never responcible for Galbadia's actions."
All questioning and evidence attended to, the judges went into seclusion to see to the verdict and sentencing and the entire room fell quiet waiting. After three long hours, the judges re-entered,
"We the Judges presiding over this Tribunal have reached a verdict concerning Mrs. Edea Kramer, and Rajin, will the defendants please stand?" Edea and Rajin stood as the court room fell into a veil of awkward, anticipatory silence,
"Edea Kramer, we give the verdict of not-guilty under the defence of possession. Rajin we give the verdict of not-guilty on all counts under self-defence and attempts to thwart the Sorceress' plans."
Audible sighs, gasps and exclaimations came from around the courtroom as several people stood,
"Furthermore, we pass that the Posse get full retribution for the harm done, including psychiatric help and that for the next five years Rajin, Fujin and Seifer become wards of the state of Esthar and it's President Laguna Loire, to live in complete freedom, and have an annual allowance each of pay equal to a level 20 SeeD to be provided by the Estharian and Galbadian governments. This money is to be put into a Trust Fund until the Posse reaches 19, and continue to be paid for the next 10 years. A separate bank account for each will include enough to clear all expenses through President Loire, plus allowances. Our suggestion is that you live low for the assigned five years, travel, relax, don't work or stress yourselves. One condition: do not go back to Galbadia, and do not join or become part of any paramilitary organization during the allotted five years. Understood?"
More than excited, Rajin nodded until people thought his head would bounce off, as Kiros unlocked the shackles and threw them off, letting him go, as he walked slowly over to where Seifer and Fujin were hugging, not wanting to disturb them, he turned, in time to feel a hand rest on his shoulder.
"Rajin? Thanks" Seifer said as the larger man turned around to get an uncharacteristic hug and slap on the back from the smaller blonde man.
"FAMILY" Fujin said, throwing both the men into another hug, practically toppling them over down to her level. Behind them, Kiros cleared his throat, causing all three Posse members to jerk their heads towards him, Rajin flinching and massaging his temple from the action,
"I am sorry to disturb, but the Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press are waiting for a statement"
So the Press release begun, and all three fielded many different questions, Fujin giving her patent one word responses, Rajin shakily explaining when he wanted to, otherwise, Seifer took over.
"Rajin, what will you do now?"
"Ah... I... dunno... uhm..."
"He's going to come with us. We've stayed together this far, and the Posse can't exist for long without him" Seifer said, as it appeared a load fell off of Rajin's back and he stood a little taller. Maybe the sacrifice had already been made.
ANNOUNCEMENT: Decisions being as they are, I made this chapter a long one, mostly because it is the complete trial. [Just wanted to get it over with, eh?] Enjoy... or whatever...
savggrl - yeah, someone had to suffer... this IS me, happily ever after? Can this be a fairy tale?
Perfect Soldier 01 - Yes, I wanted it to be a shock for them, seeing their enemy so broken and damaged, thought it would help in the idea that the main enemy in the story is circumstance... and an evil manipulative sorceress. Yes, try and get the song Farewell and I Run, they're good ones.
=========================================================================
'Is this why we need a saviour? Is this why those that fail are caught in such a web they end up walking in a self-imposed exile? Is this why the greatest stories have someone sacrificing themselves!? For glory? For honour? For love. For the bonds of friendship, comraderie, because every moment of pleasure in this world has an equal amount of suffering, and it creates shadows of men. This is why the earth needs a saviour, a blameless person to pay the price. The Man and his Lover walk down the streets, coming to a place they know too well. What of it? What makes it so cold there? So hard to go back? He failed, a friend fell, and damage was done to the world, so the Beggar atones by standing on the street corner, preaching to the wise, and listening, hoping that he can change one life. He has. As they walk the Lover remembers and a smile coaxes the corners of her face, this is it, can they go home now? Yes.'
- Nobus Ordo Saeclorum
Fujin lazed over a chaise, one leg resting over the arm, the other stretched fully on its length, her arm was supporting her head, the other playing with the ring Seifer had given her on their "shopping trip" in Esthar. Laguna's PR thought it would do the world good to see the two not being imprisoned, plus, Galbadia still wanted Seifer back, they even offered the government if Seifer came back, of course General Caraway didn't offer anything, but it was either him or the General for leadership. The ring was silver, like her hair and had a cross embedded on it in blue/green crystal that shone and sparkled like a diamond. She hated being so public about it, but the Estharian military was having a hard enough time with the shattered Galbadia, they even hired Garden SeeDs to take care of the situation, but there was only so much that could be done. Today was the trial, and before they left for the court house, Fujin had taken a nap, her body was still weak and compensating for the stress and damage from losing the child. Seifer had gone on, since seeing Rajin's condition had taken the legal council and supervised, helping in any way he could to get Rajin out, get an aquittal, and it was looking good, somewhat, okay so the Procecution had a good case, they could still do something. One thing they were worried about was that the Prosecution would ask Seifer and Fujin to testify, and they could do nothing but tell the truth.
The door opened, sending the sounds of the press and the SeeDs Laguna charged to protect the Posse: Selphie and Quistis stood in the doorway,
"Time to go, Fujin." Quistis said, leading her hand to the walkway. Fujin stood, took her coat, shrugging on the soft blue suede, ready to get this over with. Outside the door, she was shocked to see reporters and other people flocking the outside fo the building.
"Come on, Fujin! You can do this" Selphie said, coaxing the slightly taller woman on. Fujin froze.
"NEGATIVE"
"We don't have all day, the trial starts shortly, come on Fujin that's an order" Quistis said, trying to get the woman to move. Irvine came running in, slightly out of breath,
"Guys, Ah got the car waitin', we can go straight in. The crowds are bein' cleared, Estharian Police've got a perimeter. Hey, Seifer's waitin'"
Fujin nodded, clutching her hands together, smoothing out the front of her coat and dress as she walked, quickly spooked as several flashes assaulted her eyes. Quickly, Irvine flung his leather duster between Fujin and the photographers,
"Can't ya see she's havin' a hard enough time as it is? Git!"
"Fujin! Fujin, can you tell us, what condition is Rajin in?"
"When are you and Seifer getting married?"
"Will the Sorceress attend the ceremony?"
"Do you have any plans to go back to Galbadia?" the reporters berated her with questions as Selphie and Irvine flanked the silver haired woman, pushing cameras and microphones out of her face as the Police presence tried to keep a smooth walkway.
"Go away!" Selphie shouted, to one particularly nosy reporter.
"Don't say anything" Selphie whispered to Fujin, putting a hand on her shoulder, then remembering that Fujin NOT saying anything is all too normal.
"Quistis, do you have a statement?" the nosy reporter asked,
"Yes, I do." Quistis said, catching the media's attention so Fujin could get scooted into the awaiting car,
"All statements will be given after the trial is concluded. We're all victims in this"
With that, Quistis took her seat beside Fujin, as Irvine got in and drove off.
"GRATITUDE" Fujin said, looking at each of the people in the car.
"No problem! We're just doing our duty. Everything will work out, I promise"
--------------------------------------------------------
Eventually making it through the throng of Police and media, Fujin got into the court house, met Seifer and threw up in the washroom with Selphie holding her hair as the stress of the whole business got to her, washing her mouth out and going back out into Seifer's waiting embrace. As everyone sat in the courtroom, the media in place, Rajin was brought in, and everyone let out an audible gasp as photographers took pictures and he slunk away from the cameras, leaning into Ward as he brought him and sat him in the defendant's box. Three hours into the proceedings, the Prosecution called Fujin to the stand:
"Name?"
"Fujin"
Fujin looked to Seifer, who smiled affirmatively, leading her on. The prosecution saw this,
"Do you have to look to Mr. Almasy for everything?"
"NEGATIVE"
"Then why did you look at him?"
"WHAT?" Fujin said, beginning to panic, she didn't like this 20 questions.
"Answer the question, yes or no!"
"Objection, your Honours! Relevance?" one of the defence lawyers said, the head judge hitting his gavel and silencing the court.
"Sustained, proceed with relevant questions, please"
"Fujin, were you at anytime put in a position of leadership in the Galbadian Army?"
"AFFIRMATIVE"
"What rank?"
"COMMANDER"
"So, you were a rank above Rajin?"
"AFFIRMATIVE"
"How long did you hold the rank of Commander?"
"BALAMB"
"You havn't been discharged, have you?"
"Objection Speculation, your honour, don't you call being tortured discharge enough?"
"Sustained, but Councellor, don't add to your objections."
"Yessir"
"Back to the trial then, Fujin, did you at any point admit loyalty to Sorceress Edea?"
"NEGATIVE"
"Negative?"
"CORRECT"
"Councellor, I think we have established that the answer is 'negative'. Continue or step down"
"Who gave you the rank of Commander?"
"SORCERESS"
"Who gave Rajin his rank?"
"SORCERESS"
"Who gave Seifer his rank?"
"SORCERESS"
"Where did your loyalties lie?"
"SEIFER"
"Not the Sorceress?"
"NEGATIVE. SEIFER." Convinced he was not going to get her by shooting questions left right and center, the Prosecutor leaned in near to the woman, so close she backed up until she hit the wall. Seifer cringed.
"Who did you take orders from?"
"SORCERESS"
"Which one?"
"EDEA"
"Where is she?"
Fujin pointed to where Edea sat next to Rajin in the accused box.
"Thank you. Defence, your witness"
"Thank you, Fujin, did you at any time witness war councils or planning sessions?"
"NEGATIVE"
"Did Rajin?"
"NEGATIVE"
"Who was the Lieutenant?" Fujin cringed, fear penetrating her gaze as Seifer bent over to stand up.
"Take your time," the Defence Councellor said, as Fujin moved her mouth and began breathing heavily, panic taking her as tears of fear welled up in her eyes.
"Your Honours, I move that since this is a delecate subject you allow Seifer to appear on the stand with her for support?"
The Judges spoke amongst themselves before the head judge looked to the prosecution,
"Any objections?"
"None, your honour" the Prosecution said, after getting a sharp glare from Laguna.
Seifer stood, practically running to the stand where Fujin sat, jumping over the rail and throwing his arms around her as she threw her arms around him with equal force. Rajin could be seen standing worriedly, leaning over to get a better view of Fujin. It made one hell of a photo opportunity for the media members allowed in the court room.
"Fujin? Can we continue?"
"Affirmative" Fujin sent out, barely making an impact on the ears of those in sound of it.
"Who was the Lieutenant?"
"TORTURER"
"What did he do to you?"
Fujin gasped again, sinking her head into Seifer's chest, holding onto him until he was sure the strength of her hold would leave a bruise. Seifer stroked her hair, kissing her forehead whispering something into her ear as she stood, holding firmly to Seifer's hands.
"HE..." Fujin cleared her throat, breathing in a heavy breath, "He knocked me out, when I woke up, he had me chained spread eagle to a wall in lunatic Pandora. He was... CUTTING, LICKING BLOOD," Seifer stood, massaging her shoulders gently, aiding her breathing so she could carry on.
"He whipped me, told me I was going to die, that he had always wanted to know what bleeding to death felt like, and that I would have to do. He would thrash me in the stomach, he punched me repeatedly all over, especially in the abdomen with metal knuckles. He told me the Sorceress had ordered that if any of the three of us disobeyed, or stopped following orders, this was the punishment, and since Rajin and I had defected, I was the first to die. That it was the reason Seifer did what the Sorceress said, because she had used me to blackmail him, he didn't want to do anything, Rajin was only trying to protect me!"
"Thank you, Fujin. What was the extent of the damage you sustained in his torturing?"
"I... lost a lot of blood, internal bleeding, kidney transplant... he... I was PREGNANT!! He knew! He said the SORCERESS TOLD HIM, SEIFER FATHER, CHILD GONE! RAGE! NO! ALONE!" Fujin broke into a thunder of sobs, falling back into Seifer's strong arms, him cradling her as if she were a child. Rajin could be heard shouting,
"Lemme go! Lemme see Fuu! Lemme help Fuu!" order in the courtroom broke as the media turned into a mob, taking pictures, and shouting amongst themselves, the head Judge sent his gavel smashing to the pound, calling Order! Order! as the Defence Council called for a Recess, and the Judges agreed. Emptying the courtroom, as Laguna ordered the guards to let Rajin go to Fujin and Seifer, Kiros, Ward and the Sorceress Six took control of the court, protecting all entrance points while Laguna went out to give an update to the press, the door was left open.
"Fuj.. I'm sorry ya know" Rajin said, both his shackled hands covering one of hers. She nodded, still holding onto Seifer for all she was worth,
"Alright, Fuu, okay, this is one big mess. I'm so sorry, Fujin Shh.. shhh, Fujin, sshh, it's over for now, they're gone, it's over. No more questions. sshh"
Outside the press fell silent as they watched the Posse from the place they were being blocked off but could still see inside. They could see Fujin try and rise, then collapse into Seifer again, Rajin kneeling beside them, his fingers barely touching the edge of the box from the shackles on him. One reporter could be heard speaking into his microphone,
"Today we have seen what war and evil can really do. Will we let three more lives be destroyed because they tried to do what they could? This is Barnes, signing off, and praying that the Posse will be alright"
Another reporter called to Laguna,
"Mr. President, will the Posse get help?"
"Yes, already medical staff in Esthar did all they could to save Fujin and her child, but the child was too far gone. We're doing all we can to help them."
-------- Two days later -------
The trial had continued, with Squall, Selphie, Seifer, Rajin, Ellone and finally Edea on the stand. Now, Laguna was being questioned,
"Mr. President, when you saw the advent of the Sorceress, what did you do?"
"I personally knew that Edea had to have been controlled, I sent word to Garden, and mobilized Esthar's troops, I wasn't about to let another Sorceress War kill everything"
"When you said you knew it wasn't Edea in control, why? How did you know?"
"Edea Kramer was the sister of my wife, Hyne rest her soul, I knew her from a few trips I took Raine and Ellone on, and the trips Edea and her husband Cid, Headmaster of Balamb Garden, made to Winhill"
"Very well, when you apprehended Fujin and Rajin, they broke free but you ordered Selphie Tilmitt, SeeD, not to follow, why?"
"I remembered what it had felt like to lose my wife, and I knew the Posse would do no more harm to anyone"
"How did your wife die?"
"Giving birth to our son"
"Is this son still living?"
Laguna sighed, he didn't think Squall was going to like this, "Yes"
"Who is he?"
"Squall Leonheart" the court room errupted in murmers as Squall locked eyes with Laguna, questioning whether it was wise to announce such a famous fatherhood.
"Why did you have Squall and Ellone sent to Centra to be taken care of by Edea Kramer, whom you knew was a Sorceress?"
"Esthar was a war zone, I had just been elected President, and told of my wife's death. I didn't even know she was pregnant. I was in no position of getting Esthar under control and taking care of an infant son and small girl. Esthar was dangerous, I knew Edea would keep them safe."
"And did she?"
"To the best of her ability. Everything depended on keeping Ellone safe. If another Sorceress came on the scene, well, let's just say this is the result, and it could have been much worse."
"Is this why SeeD came about?"
"Yes."
"When you found Rajin alone in Lunatic Pandora, what did you do?"
"I went with Kiros and Seifer to get Fujin back before... we were a little late"
"What was the deal you cut with Rajin?"
"He claimed all guilt of the Posse's actions in exchange for Fujin getting the medical attention she needed, and that Seifer and Fujin could remain together."
"This was satisfactory?"
"Yes, otherwise... Rajin and Fujin had defected, the Galbadian troops had fallen out of Seifer's control and into the Lieutenant's, as the Sorceress had ordered. Seifer was never responcible for Galbadia's actions."
All questioning and evidence attended to, the judges went into seclusion to see to the verdict and sentencing and the entire room fell quiet waiting. After three long hours, the judges re-entered,
"We the Judges presiding over this Tribunal have reached a verdict concerning Mrs. Edea Kramer, and Rajin, will the defendants please stand?" Edea and Rajin stood as the court room fell into a veil of awkward, anticipatory silence,
"Edea Kramer, we give the verdict of not-guilty under the defence of possession. Rajin we give the verdict of not-guilty on all counts under self-defence and attempts to thwart the Sorceress' plans."
Audible sighs, gasps and exclaimations came from around the courtroom as several people stood,
"Furthermore, we pass that the Posse get full retribution for the harm done, including psychiatric help and that for the next five years Rajin, Fujin and Seifer become wards of the state of Esthar and it's President Laguna Loire, to live in complete freedom, and have an annual allowance each of pay equal to a level 20 SeeD to be provided by the Estharian and Galbadian governments. This money is to be put into a Trust Fund until the Posse reaches 19, and continue to be paid for the next 10 years. A separate bank account for each will include enough to clear all expenses through President Loire, plus allowances. Our suggestion is that you live low for the assigned five years, travel, relax, don't work or stress yourselves. One condition: do not go back to Galbadia, and do not join or become part of any paramilitary organization during the allotted five years. Understood?"
More than excited, Rajin nodded until people thought his head would bounce off, as Kiros unlocked the shackles and threw them off, letting him go, as he walked slowly over to where Seifer and Fujin were hugging, not wanting to disturb them, he turned, in time to feel a hand rest on his shoulder.
"Rajin? Thanks" Seifer said as the larger man turned around to get an uncharacteristic hug and slap on the back from the smaller blonde man.
"FAMILY" Fujin said, throwing both the men into another hug, practically toppling them over down to her level. Behind them, Kiros cleared his throat, causing all three Posse members to jerk their heads towards him, Rajin flinching and massaging his temple from the action,
"I am sorry to disturb, but the Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press are waiting for a statement"
So the Press release begun, and all three fielded many different questions, Fujin giving her patent one word responses, Rajin shakily explaining when he wanted to, otherwise, Seifer took over.
"Rajin, what will you do now?"
"Ah... I... dunno... uhm..."
"He's going to come with us. We've stayed together this far, and the Posse can't exist for long without him" Seifer said, as it appeared a load fell off of Rajin's back and he stood a little taller. Maybe the sacrifice had already been made.