Prelude
Accused
A dark, cloaked figure stood in the shadow cast
by a single light source that illuminated a terraced panel of judges. One
in the middle of the bottom row stood up and cleared his throat.
"Ahem,
defendant… you have been found guilty by the High Council of Judges of high
treason, corruption of the government, and speaking out against the supreme
ruler. The minimum punishment for such crimes is death." The figure
hung his head, knowing nothing would help him now.
"However, a
councilmember has taken a liking to you. They have advocated for you and
your sentence shall be," he paused for a moment, which felt like an eternity to
the figure then said, "you are hereby banished from Azarath, effective two days
from now. You have a day to gather you possessions and find transportation
off the planet." The figure heaved a sigh of relief and bowed
slightly. "May Heilos go with you…"
Two days later there was a great commotion at the space center as the
figure prepared to leave the only home he ever knew. Reporters were
swarming around him next to the small spaceship he was able to
obtain.
"… care to make a statement while you're still an Azarathan
citizen?" one pressed.
"Yeah, I would actually," he said as he turned
to face the wall of people and cameras. "This," he stated sticking his
middle finger up in front of the media, "Is for the powers that be. From
the Supreme Ruler, to the High Council of Judges, and even the Convention of
Legislators. This for all you who I stand against, just because you want
to kill an innocent girl. If you remember anything about me, let it be
this simple gesture. That's all." He turned his back on the shocked
media and walked up to a person standing by the ship. They hugged him
tightly with a tear coming out of the shadows around their eyes.
"Goodbye… You've been like a brother to me."
"Thanks, you
too."
"May Heilos always shine softly on you by day, and may Reilos
light you path at night."
"My thanks to you, for
everything."
"If you're looking for a planet to go to, I would suggest
Terra. They'll receive you warmly, and I've heard a rumor that's where she
is in exile."
"That's it. Maybe I should stop protecting her from
afar. Goodbye old friend." The figure stepped into the cockpit and
sat in the pilot seat. After programming the coordinates he sat back and
engaged the engines. The ship lifted off with a roar and shot into the
sky.
