Selphie Kinneas
Roses
The Fugitive's Rose
Chapter Ten- Kinneas's Trial
Selphie blinked to the morning rays which poured through the window.
"Uhhhh, my head." She groaned.
"You've awaked! No doubt you'll be nauseous though. Come now, how do you feel?"
Selphie too tired to turn her head to the direction of the voice recognized it to be Dr. Kadowaski. "Horrible…" she mumbled.
"I'm not surprised, You drank a fatal amount of sleepy juice awoke from a permanent coma and is still alive to tell the tale." Dr. Kadowaski snapped as though it were Selphie's fault.
Selphie rolled over accounting everything she knew. The Esther soldiers betrayed her, she was hurt and given something to drink, most likely sleepy juice since she drank over three gulps of the acrid liquid. Irvine had left, but was he safe? She dare not ask Dr. Kadowaski; she never meddled in other matters apart from injured or ill people.
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"You're not serious." Squall convinced himself.
"What's so stupid about it? We have the freedom! And I have you," Rinoa objected.
"Let's recall your plan shall we? Go to Esther and speak with THE PRESIDENT…"
"Hold up Squall, you neglect to mention your FATHER IS THE PRESIDENT!"
"Not the point Rinoa, he's still not gonna listen to something as stupid as releasing Irvine on the ground of unjust capture."
Rinoa hopelessly threw herself into a chair, "It's worth a try… isn't it?" Squall glanced pityingly into Rinoa's eyes. He sighed deeply,
"I guess… not much of a try. But we have some advantages." Rinoa's heart jumped as she threw her arms around Squall's neck and planted kiss on his lips.
"When are we going?"
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"Any news on Mary?"
"No sir, we dispatched a small group to find her and a spy to Esther to see if they captured her."
"And…?"
"She hasn't been found anywhere, but the group said they found a dead body. The corpse is already a week old and too fragile for them to return with it. They are inspecting it now, it isn't sure yet but they believe it's Adervachen. They already know her bones have entirely been crushed and she has bruises and scars. He suspect the body went through a fight with a monster then either jumped or fell of the edge of the ruins."
The adolescent male stood before the gruff bulky superior as he inhaled apprehensively. "Any more news?" The boss rasped wryly.
"Y-yes sir, Irvine Kinneas has not been killed."
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The next day
It was a warm Saturday morning as Rinoa and Squall prepared their very short trip to Esther. Selphie had been taken to her dorm for she in a normal-state. Rinoa told Selphie thoroughly what information had been found. Selphie wished her luck and begged on her knees to allow her to come along.
"Selphie, you just woke up from the sleepy juice. You won't even be able to concentrate on the simplest subjects without straining your mind. For your own sake, as well as Irvine's, stay here and let us handle it." Rinoa explained sympathetically. Selphie argued no more as Rinoa and Squall set off.
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"I WANT ALL THE INFORMATION ON ESTHER PRONTO!"
G-Aero members scurried along the corridors carrying whatever researching tool of Esther they could find. The boss angrily turned his head to the main reports he had seen. Irvine Kinneas was alive, and in the hands of Esther. It would have disturbed if Irvine were still a member, but knowing now Irvine had turned his back made him even more nervous.
The corpse found by the Centra Ruin had been officially clarified as Mary Adervachen. Being as crude as they usually were, the boss gave no intention to Mary's death and couldn't have cared less if she was a brutally abused before dieing. Only one matter lingered in his mind, is Irvine going to rat him out? He needed to break Irvine out of prison, and kill him. Was drowning not enough these days?
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Five Hours later
Rinoa followed Squall through the shiny silver gates to the Presidential Palace. Squall went through a light inspection while Rinoa went through a full throttle. After half an hour of invasion on privacy, Squall took his control and went to the personal quarters of the Palace.
"Squall, we only have two days! We need to get an appointment with your dad!" Rinoa hissed as Squall unloaded his belongings in a large chamber.
"Rinoa, please… calm down. His advisors just told him we came. I won't even be able to see him till tomorrow. Might as well make the best of it. First off, I need to go see my mom. She might push my dad into calling us in sooner." With that Squall leaned and kissed Rinoa lightly on the cheek and left the room.
(I wrote the next part, which is just Squall and Rinoa in the palace… BORING! Save you the boredom and we're right at the part where Laguna summons the two. Sorry.)
???? Later
Rinoa gulped as the soldiers moved aside from the lustrous blue doors. Squall stiffly entered as the doors opened slowly. Inside was a glamorous office with a beautiful view of Esther. Laguna sat lively behind his desk very fixed as his son approached him.
"Squall, Rinoa, how nice of you two to arrive. Pretty sudden, don't you think?" He greeted as the two stood straight before him.
"We didn't come for pleasure." Squall said in a political tone. Rinoa's lip curled in anger as she controlled herself from an outburst.
"Yes, I know. Anyways. Sit, I haven't seen you guys in awhile. Especially you Rinoa." Laguna paused shortly viewing the expression on Rinoa's pale face, "Is something wrong?" He asked frankly. He rubbed the back of his head. "Well, I guess state your suggestion."
"Irvine Kinneas deserves release!" Rinoa bust. Laguna eyed Rinoa curiously.
"Released? He's only been in jail for a week." He countered.
"He had an unfair capture that almost resulted a girl's life! What worse all the SeeDs who were exposed to your Sleeps were all ill! Almost fatal each and everyone! Selphie is in special care at this very moment. She nearly went into a permanent coma!"
"Rinoa, a thanks for all the information but this all hasn't anything to do with Irvine. I'll have to pay my apologies to Balamb for injuring their SeeDs." Laguna interrupted.
"No, I just found out TPC's are now illegal! They were used to find Irvine." Squall argued.
"Correction, to find Selphie."
Frustrated Rinoa looked to Squall, all that was left to argue truly with was moral rights which law had no power over. Squall concerned deeply opened his mouth,
"By law of Esther, every man arrested is to be given a fair trial before sentence."
Laguna smiled and applauded to the couple. "Well done, lawfully I'd have to grant this. But please reconsider; Irvine Kinneas is a wanted man all over the world. I'm not the only one to decide this. I have to most say since Esther did capture him, but since you clearly made valid points I will agree in Irvine's trial. I'll need to speak with Vinzer Deiling and General Caraway for Galbadia. After that, Mayor Dobe of Fisherman's Horizon. Let's see…" Laguna read off a list of current authorities in mostly every country accounted for.
"I can't do anything else. I'll provide a ride so you two can go home today. All I can say is you'll be notified if Irvine's trial is received or not. If so, you may enroll yourselves as his defenses and may even be called to the court to defend. All I can say is, good luck and I will only do what I can."
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Selphie rubbed her eyes. Something furry and small sat on her chest. It had black beady eyes, large rabbit feet, small mice like arms, a raccoon tail, and a large ruby covering the majority of its forehead.
"Carbuncle?" She whispered awkwardly. The creature slowly nodded it head and smiled as it cuddled near Selphie.
This is the only one… you mustn't ever free. He was born in the mind of mortal, therefore too weak to survive on his own. I, on the other hand am still waiting for my release.
Please Siren, have some MERCY! I feel too ill to go release you. It takes too much out of a person to summon a G.F.
Lie! It takes nothing from humans!
It does when you're sick!
Very well… but I didn't send the younger to you. You called him in your sleep.
He can stay… you leave me alone.
Selphie carefully lifted her body off the mattress and sat upright. Carbuncle sat happily on her lap. She neglected her G.F. horribly… but still paid the price of their strength. Details of her childhood slowly were eaten away. She rejuvenated what she could in diaries and pictures. But mementoes only did so much. She patted the green fur on Carbuncle softly.
"I wonder… how Rinoa and Squall are. They should've come back already. It's Monday…………………….. IT'S MONDAY!" Selphie collapsed on her sheets. "Oh… I can't go to class, I'm a wreck." She put an arm around Carbuncle and slowly went back to sleep.
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"STAND STRAIGHT KINNEAS!"
An ice-cold splatter of water devoured Irvine. He woke with a start. "Well at least ya got a bath. You stink!" The warden shouted coldly. Irvine slowly came to his feet carrying the heavy iron clad chains. The bars before him slowly opened.
"GET OUT!" The warden reached an arm and threw Irvine out of the tiny cell. The surrounding soldiers aimed their guns at him. "NO FUNNY BUSINESS!" The warden punched Irvine roughly in the back knocking to the ground. It was difficult to gain coordination under the thick layer of chain mail.
"Why am I getting out…" Irvine thought aloud.
"NO ASKING QUESTIONS!" The warden kicked Irvine again around the ribs. "For you're your information, your havin' a mini trial." The warden grasped Irvine's collar and dragged him out of the extremely dim chamber.
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Thenext day
"Failure…" Rinoa moaned.
"Not Failure, Rin." Zell said encouragingly. Quistis leaned forward across the lunch table.
"He has a point Rinoa. You and Squall convinced President Laguna Loire."
"ONLY CAUSE OF SQUALL! I didn't do anything right!"
"Well if that's the case, you're right. But… I still got a question." Quistis pondered for a moment, "Why would the President put someone as keen as his own son on the team using illegal actions?"
"Squall revealed Irvine the first time. The Mr. P probably reckoned he'd feel all for it the next time. Like they even know each other!" Zell said.
"Just because he's a president, it doesn't mean he doesn't know his own son Zell. But, you have a point."
"EXTRA EXTRA READ ALLLL ABOUT IT!" Lindsay Agraw of the Balamb newspaper rushed table-to-table dropping newspaper onto each one.
Rinoa quickly snatched the paper that landed on their table and read it aloud. "During the week of Irvine Kinneas' arrest, government officials worldly have gathered to see his fate. Majority of the officers believe he should have immediate death sentence, others say life sentence. President Laguna whom wished Kinneas to be in chains for the remainder of his life suddenly claimed to give Kinneas a trial. No officials agreed with him but Irvine Kinneas was given a small trial before his jailer, President Laguna, and a few opposing officials. Results are yet to be said on what exactly happened but the aftermath is all the same. Irvine Kinneas will be given a trial this weekend to prove his innocence!"
Rinoa squealed in joy as the rest of the table rejoiced. (They probably were the only one.) Squall entered just in time to observe the three's excitement.
"What happened?" He asked confused.
"Irvine! He's getting his trial!"
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Selphie trudged slowly down the road. She met entrances with Balamb and crossed streets and arrived to the Balamb beach. She collapsed on the sand and said her summoning words for the final time.
"Silent voice! Hell fire!" The two G.F's arrived in their mystifying form.
"All is well," Siren smiled, "I have seen what has happened. Come this weekend you'll be in the most joyful emotion possible." With that, Siren bowed and flew toward the sinking sun.
Selphie turned her head to Irfrit. "I'll miss both of you." Ifrit chuckled his mighty laugh then produced a small fire beside her.
"When the fire dies, you won't miss G.Fs like us anymore. Goodbye Selphie." With one swift jump he arrived into the sky. I wonder where they'll go.
Selphie stood and watched the fire die. There in the ashes, were two cards. One of Siren, the other Ifrit. She laughed as he leaned over to fetch them. I miss you Irvy, you were so horrible at cards… hehehe. She made her way back to Garden.
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Selphie was eager for the weekend. For the next day, Rinoa had told of the news for Irvine's trial. Rinoa and Squall, as promised received a letter and a few train tickets to be called as Irvine's defendants. They gave Selphie the last ticket.
Selphie joined happily to Esther.
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"It's amazing June. Officials all over the world have gathered here in Esther for Irvine Kinneas' trial." A news reporter called brightly through his microphone.
"So Smith, what do you think the results of this trial will be?" A lady's voice came through his earpiece.
"I'm almost positive Kinneas will be brought to justice. A death sentence will do him."
"Is there anyone there to defend Mr. Kinneas?"
"Highly doubtful…"
Selphie walked steadily behind Squall. She felt safe behind Rinoa and him. They sat on long wooden benches painted silver. The courtroom was the biggest she'd ever seen. Squall looked back at Selphie's pale face. What were they really trying to accomplish? How would they make it?
"Unbelievable June! There is someone here! Or I infer, Selphie Tilmitt!"
Selphie's turned toward the voice, the new reporter came near. Rinoa stood before Selphie. "Sir, if your own sake, you better sit. The trial will be starting soon." Rinoa said coldly.
Selphie sighed in relief as the reporter and his cameraman slowly turned backward. "Thanks Rin." Selphie whispered gratefully. The room was bustled and filled to the max with officials and media. The front of the room had a large stand able to hold up to three people, in front of it was a caged stand.
A thin lead of Esther soldiers surrounded President Laguna as he entered. The room exploded with media asking questions. Laguna ignored them and came to the middle of the three seats in the stand. The jury's box was field with the remaining officials. Neighboring Laguna was President Vinzer and the President of Trabia.
A large bang came at the entrance doors as Irvine Kinneas, with wrist tightly clad in iron chain walked slowly behind three soldiers who led him to the woodened cage stand. Irvine stood in his appointed position and kept his eyes downward.
"KINNEAS! DO YOU THINK YOU'LL GAIN ANYTHING FROM THIS?"
"MR. KINNEAS! IS IT TRUE YOU FOOLED THOUSANDS BY THROWING YOUR OWN GUN DOWN THE OCEAN?"
"IRVINE KINNEAS! DO YOU BELIEVE ANYONE WILL DEFEND YOU!?"
Irvine remained silent, he didn't even turn to Selphie whose face was stricken with shock. Irvine was sickly thin and white. He looked weak enough for a twig to be too heavy. He was barely standing.
His hair was cut again and his clothes were worn out black and white striped rags.
Selphie fell back in her seat staring at Laguna. They… were torturing him? Another bang echoed throughout the room. It became silent as a mute.
The only sound that was to be heard were the clicking of cameras. Laguna tapped a microphone that was connected to his stand. "Attention…" He boomed.
The room was entirely too quiet, for so many people. A man came to Irvine, and the swearing of truth was said.
President Deling was first, he leaned to the mike, and spoke clearly. "Irvine Kinneas… during your earlier missions… one of the first missions that claimed your notoriety, did you assassinate a delegate by the name of Victoria Andert?"
Irvine took a deep breath and replied, "Yes, nearly five years ago." Gasps and mutters filled amongst the room.
"Is it also true you murdered an innocent at that appointed time?"
"… it may be possible but not intentional." Irvine muttered quietly.
An official from Trabia stood from the stand. "The proof your honors, Miss Vinassa Tilmitt was shot at the same area where two of Ms. Andert's bodyguards had been murdered."
Selphie's heart stopped… it couldn't be true… no!
"Very well, the jury rests for now." The official returned to his seat. Rinoa and Squall sat not noticing the coincidence of the "Tilmitt". Selphie looked to Irvine.
Five years ago?! Irvine must've only been 14 then! He… did this?
The trial continued, Rinoa and Squall objected occasionally but Irvine refused to turn and see who sat behind them. Hours passed and the largest summary of crimes had been said.
"Is there anything else?" Laguna asked deciding in his mind already what the sentence was.
"Yes, your honor." Selphie stood.
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"COME ON SELPHIE!" Zell shouted at the television screen.
"Get out of the way chicken wuss," Seifer snapped.
Quistis gripped Seifer's hand in worry straining her concentration on the trial.
"Selphie!" She whispered sadly.
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"Proceed." President Deling said. Laguna nodded in agreement.
Selphie stood carefully, she inhaled deeply and spoke. "Irvine Kinneas… was taken into the G-Aero by force, either it was his life or orders. By all means everyone would choose to save their own life. Legally this isn't a necessity of any sort. But, Irvine Kinneas is no longer apart of the G-Aero."
The room literally gasped in enthrallment.
"Can you prove this, Ms. Tilmitt?" The president of Trabia asked.
"No, but I can give all the evidence. Irvine Kinneas' sentence for resigning of the G-Aero was death, the reason his own Exeter was found in the reefs. He made a miraculous escape, but can no longer return to the safe whereabouts of the G-Aero. But he does know where every hideout is."
More murmurs followed. Irvine turned his head up in awe.
"That is all your honor." Selphie resumed to her seat.
Laguna and the other two Presidents spoke among each other. Nearly ten minutes later, Laguna turned his mike back on.
"There is no guarantee on the decision we've come to, but we've decided that Irvine Kinneas is ……………………"
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A burst of excitement exited the small dorm. Quistis kissed Seifer and Zell hopped up and down.
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SORRY FOR THE WAIT!!!!!!!!!! Groundments over and updating shall continue. Anyways, we have made It out of another section. This isn't as sweet of an ending as the last cause I had to make a logical legal case. But… since I taken so long I shall give you all the intro for the next section.
READ AND REVIEW! (OR ELSE!)