Chapter 16
A Blue car pulled up in front of The Green Castle Resort. It waited patiently for about 10 mins before a woman came out. She was tall with a good figure, brown hair flowing down to the middle of her back and emerald green eyes. She wore a gray business suit with a dark green blouse. She hopped into the car where a woman was waiting.
"Let's roll, Ami," Makoto said to her friend.
A woman with short blue hair and blue eyes started the engine and they were soon on their way. She wore a light blue skirt suit with a white blouse.
After driving for about 15 mins, Makoto became impatient.
"I thought you said this would be a short drive? How far is the court house?"
"It's an hour's drive to the court house, Makoto," Ami said to her. "Relax, we'll be there soon." Makoto took her advice.
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They pulled up to the court house with an hour to spare. When they walked in they saw some of the last people they wanted to see.
"Mamoru," Makoto said in a low menacing voice. He didn't pay them any attention and continued his talk with his lawyer. Next to him were Minako and Rei with their kids and a little pink haired girl that they never thought they would see.
"Ami is that………" Makoto said letting her words trial off. Ami looked at the little girl and then nodded.
"But she looks different. Her eyes aren't red, but blue," Ami said observantly. There was no mistaking it, that was Chibi Usa. She looked
like her mother. While they were talking another group of people arrived.
Ami heard her name being called and saw Bulma just coming in with some of her friends.
"Good morning Mrs. Briefs," Ami said politely.
Now Ami, what did I tell you. Call me Bulma," Bulma said smiling.
"Alright, Bulma. This is my friend, Kino Makoto," Ami said introducing them. Makoto shook hands with her.
"It's an honor to meet you, Mrs. Briefs," Makoto said.
"Call me Bulma. And these are my friends," she said gesturing to the other women around her. "Ami you know Videl and Gohan already. This is Chichi and that is Juuachi. You know Chibi Trunks and Goten and Annie. That's Pan and Marron."
"It's a pleasure to meet all of you," Ami said.
"Nice to meet you," Makoto said.
"Hm," Bulma said looking around. "I don't see Usagi or the others anywhere."
"They still have time Bulma. There is about ½ an hour before the trial starts," Gohan said.
"Oh, well we will just sit here then," she said. They all sat down and were soon talking. Annie and Pan went to meet Chibi Usa and the other kids and they too started their own conversation
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About ten minutes before they were to enter the court room, the door opened again. Everyone turned to see who it was. In walked Haruka in a tan suit with a white dress shirt. She had on a pair of black sunglasses, which she let fall to the tip of her nose before pushing them back up when she was done surveying the occupants of the room.
Next was Michiru in a long aqua skirt and white blouse. She wore a long string of pearls around her neck.
Then Setsuna came in with Hotaru. Setsuna had on a black skirt suit and dark green blouse. Her hair and jewelry remained the same. She held a briefcase. Hotaru had on a plain black dress on.
Lastly came Usagi and Trunks. Usagi wore a long black pants and silver sleeveless turtleneck with a black jacket. Her hair was tied back with a black ribbon and braided.
Trunks had on a white dress shirt and black pants. He had his jacket on one arm and a briefcase in the other.
"Mommy!" Chibi Usa cried when Usagi came in. She hopped off the chair and rushed to see her.
Usagi was overjoyed to see her daughter. She bent down and picked her up; hugging her like she hadn't seen her in years.
"Oh, Chibi Usa, I missed you," Usagi said holding her close to her.
"Me too," she said, hugging her mother just as close. Usagi felt like crying but held it in. Now wasn't the time to show any weakness.
"Have they been treating you well?" Usagi asked looking at her in the eye.
She nodded. Usagi kissed her on the cheek. "Good," she said.
"Trunks!" Chibi Usa said reaching out for him. Usagi leaned over to let him take her.
Trunks took her from Usagi. "Hey, how are you," he asked.
"Fine!" she chirped giving him a hug. "I missed you."
"We I missed you as well."
"You know, I really feel left out. Here I thought that she liked us," Haruka said to Michiru.
"I know. She is ignoring us," Michiru agreed.
Chibi Usa pouted. "Am not!" she said as Trunks let her down. She ran up to the others and hugged them each in turn. She gave her best friend Hotaru an extra long one and brought her over to join the other children.
Usagi finally took a look at the other occupants of the room. She saw Bulma and the other women and Chibi Usa and her group. She spotted Mamoru and Rei and Minako and her gaze went cold. Then she spotted the other occupants of the room. She just looked at them, emotionlessly. When Setsuna and the others saw this, they looked in that direction and saw them as well.
"Ugh, more of them?!" Haruka said exasperated. "Just what are you doing here? Haven't all of you caused enough trouble?! Just w………"
"Haruka please." Usagi said holding up her hand. Haruka was about to say more when the bailiff came in.
"Are the parties of Chiba and Tsukino here?" he asked.
"Yes we are," Setsuna spoke up.
"Good. Come with me," he said. Everyone got up and followed him into the court room.
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Everyone took their seats while the plaintiff and the defendant took their positions. Setsuna represented the defense and Trunks acted as her assistant.
On the plaintiff side, Mamoru sat with his lawyer, Donald Haynes and his small team of lawyers. The bailiff went into a door and came out 5 mins later.
"All rise. The honorable Judge Thomas Stewart presiding," he said as a short man emerged from his chambers. When he was seated the bailiff spoke again.
"Please be seated," he said. They all sat down. Usagi was a bundle of nerves. She looked calm and cold on the outside, but was ready to faint on the inside. She knew everything rested on this trial and she needed to in it. She closed her eyes and composed herself. She felt something warm hold her hand and looked down to realize that it was Trunks hand holding hers. She squeezed it in a silent 'thank you'.
~~~~~~~~~
Mamoru looked over at the defendant table and saw the exchange. To say he was jealous was an understatement. How dare that man be so intimate with his woman? Granted she wasn't his anymore, but if he won she would be. His methods maybe unorthodox but it would get the job done. (he is one crazy man ^_^)
His lawyer finally caught his attention. "You can't be distracted Mr. Chiba. This case needs you to be focused."
"I know that," Mamoru snapped.
"Well get it together then!" Mr. Haynes whispered loudly.
"Sure," he said passively.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"You may begin you're opening arguments," he said motioning towards the plaintiffs.
"Thank you your honor," Mr. Haynes said, standing up and moving towards the small podium before the judge.
"Today you're honor; I am here to plead my client's case," he began. "He is a man who was denied his right as a parent by the defendant, Miss Tsukino. All my client wants is to get to know his daughter better, and to take care of her. I will prove to the court that Miss Tsukino is an immature, heartless and selfish woman who is incapable of raising a child and is only out to hurt my client and use their daughter against him. I will also show that my client is more capable of raising the child than Miss Tsukino and that she would be better off with her father.
I would also like to bring up a claim against Miss Tsukino suing her for 100 000 dollars for all his pain and suffering." He concluded going back to his seat.
Everyone was shocked to say the least. Usagi was more so than the rest. Haruka was almost livid. 'The nerve of that bastard! Suing Usagi for pain and suffering! She should be suing him for pain and suffering!' she thought. She clenched her hands tightly.
Michiru was thinking the same thing. 'He should be ashamed of his self! He gives a new meaning to the word low.'
Trunks was the only one who realized why he was suing Usagi for that amount. 'He wants Usagi to pay for his other lawsuit.' He thought looking at the sneaky bastard. He just shook his head, appalled at how low he was willing to go.
He felt Usagi squeeze his hand tightly and he was put off by her strength. It was almost to the point of pain for him, something that he never experienced with any other human, not even when his ex-wife had done that to him during childbirth. She let go and he sat there looking at his hand for a minute. There was defiantly something different about her. (^_~) He was snapped out of his thoughts when Setsuna got up and went towards the podium.
"Your honor, I am here on behalf of my client, Miss Tsukino. The plaintiff has disrupted her life and the life of her family. The plaintiff is a vindictive man who is out to destroy my client's family. He is very selfish, sick and very slick. I will prove to the court that the only reason he wants his daughter is to hurt my client not because he cares. I will also prove that my client is a more than capable mother and takes care of her daughter very well. She is a good provider and person. She works hard to make her daughter and her life easier.
I will show the court just what kind of man Mr. Chiba really is. And when I do you will see that my client is the one best choice for custody of her daughter." Setsuna said sitting back down.
"Very well then, Mr. Haynes, call you're first witness," Judge Stewart said.
Mr. Haynes nodded. Rising from his seat he spoke. "The defense would like to call Dr Smith to then stand."
A good looking man in his forties came up to the witness box. The bailiff stepped up to him.
"Raise your right hand and repeat after me," he said to Dr. Smith. "Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you god?"
"I do," he said.
"Be seated," the bailiff said going back to his spot.
"Proceed," the judge said.
"Thank you your honor." Mr. Haynes said going over to the witness.
"Dr Smith, How do you know my client?"
"Dr Chiba and I work in the same hospital together. We are both surgeons, although Dr Chiba helps out with the patients."
"Are you two friends?"
"I would say that."
"And what type of person is Dr Chiba?"
"He is a kind man, very family oriented. He also likes to help out in when the hospital is short on staff."
"Would you say he is responsible?"
"Oh yes, definitely. He has only lost two patients in his career."
"In your opinion, how is he with his family?"
"He loves his children and takes good care of them. Some people think he spoils them but he doesn't."
"Thank you, no further questions, your honor," Mr. Haynes said going back to his seat.
"Your witness Miss Meiou," the judge said.
While the questioning had been going on, Setsuna had been studying the witness. All her years as the time guardian had paid off as she was able to read him like a book. His actions spoke volumes and she realized that he would be of no help to them. He was loyal to Mamoru and wouldn't answer any questions truthfully.
"No Questions you're honor," Setsuna said. He nodded.
The prosecution brought out a number of witnesses. They all were Mamoru's friends and they all sang Mamoru's praises (-_-;). Setsuna kept on refusing to question them. Then they were let out for a lunch break.
Alright I'm done for now! ^^ tell me what you think!
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Sees very angry reviewers looking at her with gleams in their eyes. Heh
heh heh heh ^_^; I'll continue. Besides you guys had a long enough wait.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mamoru and his lawyer team went into chambers to prepare for the second half of the trial, while the rest of them filed out into the waiting room.
There was a tense silence as the inners and the outers had a wordless face off.
Neither party was willing to give in. for those who didn't know what was going on, it was a bit scary as all but 1 outer had revenge written in their eyes. While the inners were divided, they still stood together against a common enemy. Finally it took Chibi Usa to break the silence.
"Mommy," she said tugging on her mother's hand. Usagi looked down at her. "I'm hungry!" she said pouting.
Usagi looked at her incredulously before unexpectedly starting to laugh at her expression. The others soon followed suit with some shaking their heads.
"We'll go and get something," she said shaking her head. She looked at the inners. "Why don't all of you come with us? I'm sure that you are hungry and it seems that Chibi Usa has grown fond of you," she said.
"Oh what the hell, why not?" Minako said.
"We'll stay here Usagi," Setsuna said. "Trunks and I still have some things to complete as well as Haruka and Michiru. Take Hotaru with you."
"We'll take these from you," Bulma said motioning to Hotaru and Chibi Usa.
"They all want to eat together and well we can't stick you with the bill that they will most likely create. You know how they can eat," Bulma said.
"Alright then," Usagi said she and the others left to go to lunch.
"Setsuna, do you think that was wise?" Michiru asked.
"I think that it was for the best. They need to get reacquainted with each other. I sense a change in them," she said.
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They walked out of the court house together in silence. They followed Usagi across the street to her car. The car was very expensive looking. It was silver. The girls looked at it appreciatively. Usagi opened it and they got in.
The drive was silent with Usagi's total focus on the road ahead of her. The atmosphere was uncomfortable, the silence punctuated by the purr of the engine.
They drove to a coffee shop about 10 blocks from the courthouse.
~~~~~~~~~
They sat silently while their order was being filled. Ami had ordered a small salad and some iced tea, Rei had some sweet rolls and tea, Minako had a sandwich and some coke, Makoto had a sandwich and some iced tea as well. Usagi had some coffee, partly to keep alert and partly because she didn't trust her stomach with anything else.
After their orders came, Minako broke the silence. It was beginning to get to them all but Minako cracked first.
"Well, Ami, Makoto and Usagi, it's nice to see you again," she said.
Usagi simply raised an eyebrow while Ami and Makoto returned the greeting. Finding out that it would be easier to talk to those two than Usagi, Minako continued.
"How's you're life been?"
"Good. I'm married to Kazurihito Hiroshi."
"The famous owner of those jewellery stores?" Minako asked. Ami nodded.
"I am engaged to Toriyuki Yasuo, the owner of the Green Castle Resorts, hotel chain." Makoto said.
"Wow, so you guys have done good for yourselves,"
"Yes, Kumiko, my daughter goes to school with Akina, Ami's daughter." Makoto said.
"Well that's good. So are you guys happy?" Minako asked.
"Of course. My husband takes good care of my daughter." Ami said.
"As does Yasuo. He treats Kumiko well," Makoto said.
"That's so good to hear! Say has…"
"Minako shut up!" Rei snapped.
Minako stopped abruptly. Makoto got angry. "Well damnit Rei! What gives you the right to talk to her like that?! At least she's trying to have a conversation unlike you who has just sat there and warmed the seat! I want to…"
Usagi had had enough. They reminded her of their fights that they had years ago and she couldn't help but laugh at them. So she did.
They all looked at her, laughing away. Well as they say, laughter is infectious and pretty soon they joined her. They finally quieted down to giggles.
"I haven't laughed like that in ages," Usagi said shaking her head, trying to compose herself.
"Oh, I know what you mean. I haven't either," Rei said.
"Gosh that felt good," Minako said.
"Yeah," Makoto said with a small giggle.
"Usagi, I'm sorry," Ami said abruptly. Usagi looked at her. "All those years ago, I should have respected you more than what I did. You were the first person who talked to me when I transferred to you're school and my first real friend. What I did is inexcusable. I knew you loved Mamoru and I should have never let myself get caught up in his charm. I betrayed my best friend for a man and I never understood why. I know that it will be hard for you to trust me again but if you do find it in you're heart to forgive me, then I promise I will do everything I can to make it up to you," Ami said sincerely.
"That goes for me as well, Usagi, for all of us. Minako and I have been thinking about the past a lot, especially these past few days and we realize that we were in the wrong. You were our best friend, the one thing that held us together. After you left we realized how much we needed you and missed you. We know this is asking a lot and we aren't trying to make you forgive us, but we do want you to know that we're sorry," Rei said.
"And we'll make it up to you if you forgive us," Makoto said.
Usagi closed her eyes for a minute. She was still upset at them for all the pain they had caused. 'I know that they hurt me deeply and betrayed me and I want to forgive them but I don't want to be hurt again. On the other hand, if there is anything I've learned it's that you can't let you're anger consume you. It will be difficult but I have to let go of the past.' Usagi spoke out loud. "You guys hurt me very badly, you know. I trusted you with all my heart and the only thing you did was break it. You guys taught me that the only one I can trust is myself. The outers had to teach me to trust all over again, and Trunks taught me the real meaning of love. He loves me not for what I am, but for who I am. That means a lot to me. I left my family partly because of you guys. They don't even remember I
existed. And that hurts me in ways you wouldn't believe."
The other girls felt even guiltier. They had all chosen to forget that part of it. All except Rei. She never allowed herself to forget the look on Usagi's face when she came in that day. Or the emotions in her voice. Her eyes were what haunted her the most, and the accusations they held in them. No, she hadn't let herself forget.
"But in the years I've been gone, I've learned many lessons, and the most important lessons my instructors gave me was never to harbor any anger and resentment. That I one thing that will change a lunarian for the worse. It will eat at their soul and consume them. And I think that's what is happening to me. But it will all be over soon, and when it is I want everything to be over. So I will forgive you. Not forget but forgive. It will take me some time to trust you guys again, but don't expect the others to do so, so willingly."
"Thank you," Rei said. "I promise that I will try to make everything right."
"Thank you for the second chance Usagi," Minako said hugging the life out of her.
"Um, Minako, sweetie?" Usagi strained to get out. "I can't breathe!"
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A Blue car pulled up in front of The Green Castle Resort. It waited patiently for about 10 mins before a woman came out. She was tall with a good figure, brown hair flowing down to the middle of her back and emerald green eyes. She wore a gray business suit with a dark green blouse. She hopped into the car where a woman was waiting.
"Let's roll, Ami," Makoto said to her friend.
A woman with short blue hair and blue eyes started the engine and they were soon on their way. She wore a light blue skirt suit with a white blouse.
After driving for about 15 mins, Makoto became impatient.
"I thought you said this would be a short drive? How far is the court house?"
"It's an hour's drive to the court house, Makoto," Ami said to her. "Relax, we'll be there soon." Makoto took her advice.
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They pulled up to the court house with an hour to spare. When they walked in they saw some of the last people they wanted to see.
"Mamoru," Makoto said in a low menacing voice. He didn't pay them any attention and continued his talk with his lawyer. Next to him were Minako and Rei with their kids and a little pink haired girl that they never thought they would see.
"Ami is that………" Makoto said letting her words trial off. Ami looked at the little girl and then nodded.
"But she looks different. Her eyes aren't red, but blue," Ami said observantly. There was no mistaking it, that was Chibi Usa. She looked
like her mother. While they were talking another group of people arrived.
Ami heard her name being called and saw Bulma just coming in with some of her friends.
"Good morning Mrs. Briefs," Ami said politely.
Now Ami, what did I tell you. Call me Bulma," Bulma said smiling.
"Alright, Bulma. This is my friend, Kino Makoto," Ami said introducing them. Makoto shook hands with her.
"It's an honor to meet you, Mrs. Briefs," Makoto said.
"Call me Bulma. And these are my friends," she said gesturing to the other women around her. "Ami you know Videl and Gohan already. This is Chichi and that is Juuachi. You know Chibi Trunks and Goten and Annie. That's Pan and Marron."
"It's a pleasure to meet all of you," Ami said.
"Nice to meet you," Makoto said.
"Hm," Bulma said looking around. "I don't see Usagi or the others anywhere."
"They still have time Bulma. There is about ½ an hour before the trial starts," Gohan said.
"Oh, well we will just sit here then," she said. They all sat down and were soon talking. Annie and Pan went to meet Chibi Usa and the other kids and they too started their own conversation
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About ten minutes before they were to enter the court room, the door opened again. Everyone turned to see who it was. In walked Haruka in a tan suit with a white dress shirt. She had on a pair of black sunglasses, which she let fall to the tip of her nose before pushing them back up when she was done surveying the occupants of the room.
Next was Michiru in a long aqua skirt and white blouse. She wore a long string of pearls around her neck.
Then Setsuna came in with Hotaru. Setsuna had on a black skirt suit and dark green blouse. Her hair and jewelry remained the same. She held a briefcase. Hotaru had on a plain black dress on.
Lastly came Usagi and Trunks. Usagi wore a long black pants and silver sleeveless turtleneck with a black jacket. Her hair was tied back with a black ribbon and braided.
Trunks had on a white dress shirt and black pants. He had his jacket on one arm and a briefcase in the other.
"Mommy!" Chibi Usa cried when Usagi came in. She hopped off the chair and rushed to see her.
Usagi was overjoyed to see her daughter. She bent down and picked her up; hugging her like she hadn't seen her in years.
"Oh, Chibi Usa, I missed you," Usagi said holding her close to her.
"Me too," she said, hugging her mother just as close. Usagi felt like crying but held it in. Now wasn't the time to show any weakness.
"Have they been treating you well?" Usagi asked looking at her in the eye.
She nodded. Usagi kissed her on the cheek. "Good," she said.
"Trunks!" Chibi Usa said reaching out for him. Usagi leaned over to let him take her.
Trunks took her from Usagi. "Hey, how are you," he asked.
"Fine!" she chirped giving him a hug. "I missed you."
"We I missed you as well."
"You know, I really feel left out. Here I thought that she liked us," Haruka said to Michiru.
"I know. She is ignoring us," Michiru agreed.
Chibi Usa pouted. "Am not!" she said as Trunks let her down. She ran up to the others and hugged them each in turn. She gave her best friend Hotaru an extra long one and brought her over to join the other children.
Usagi finally took a look at the other occupants of the room. She saw Bulma and the other women and Chibi Usa and her group. She spotted Mamoru and Rei and Minako and her gaze went cold. Then she spotted the other occupants of the room. She just looked at them, emotionlessly. When Setsuna and the others saw this, they looked in that direction and saw them as well.
"Ugh, more of them?!" Haruka said exasperated. "Just what are you doing here? Haven't all of you caused enough trouble?! Just w………"
"Haruka please." Usagi said holding up her hand. Haruka was about to say more when the bailiff came in.
"Are the parties of Chiba and Tsukino here?" he asked.
"Yes we are," Setsuna spoke up.
"Good. Come with me," he said. Everyone got up and followed him into the court room.
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Everyone took their seats while the plaintiff and the defendant took their positions. Setsuna represented the defense and Trunks acted as her assistant.
On the plaintiff side, Mamoru sat with his lawyer, Donald Haynes and his small team of lawyers. The bailiff went into a door and came out 5 mins later.
"All rise. The honorable Judge Thomas Stewart presiding," he said as a short man emerged from his chambers. When he was seated the bailiff spoke again.
"Please be seated," he said. They all sat down. Usagi was a bundle of nerves. She looked calm and cold on the outside, but was ready to faint on the inside. She knew everything rested on this trial and she needed to in it. She closed her eyes and composed herself. She felt something warm hold her hand and looked down to realize that it was Trunks hand holding hers. She squeezed it in a silent 'thank you'.
~~~~~~~~~
Mamoru looked over at the defendant table and saw the exchange. To say he was jealous was an understatement. How dare that man be so intimate with his woman? Granted she wasn't his anymore, but if he won she would be. His methods maybe unorthodox but it would get the job done. (he is one crazy man ^_^)
His lawyer finally caught his attention. "You can't be distracted Mr. Chiba. This case needs you to be focused."
"I know that," Mamoru snapped.
"Well get it together then!" Mr. Haynes whispered loudly.
"Sure," he said passively.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"You may begin you're opening arguments," he said motioning towards the plaintiffs.
"Thank you your honor," Mr. Haynes said, standing up and moving towards the small podium before the judge.
"Today you're honor; I am here to plead my client's case," he began. "He is a man who was denied his right as a parent by the defendant, Miss Tsukino. All my client wants is to get to know his daughter better, and to take care of her. I will prove to the court that Miss Tsukino is an immature, heartless and selfish woman who is incapable of raising a child and is only out to hurt my client and use their daughter against him. I will also show that my client is more capable of raising the child than Miss Tsukino and that she would be better off with her father.
I would also like to bring up a claim against Miss Tsukino suing her for 100 000 dollars for all his pain and suffering." He concluded going back to his seat.
Everyone was shocked to say the least. Usagi was more so than the rest. Haruka was almost livid. 'The nerve of that bastard! Suing Usagi for pain and suffering! She should be suing him for pain and suffering!' she thought. She clenched her hands tightly.
Michiru was thinking the same thing. 'He should be ashamed of his self! He gives a new meaning to the word low.'
Trunks was the only one who realized why he was suing Usagi for that amount. 'He wants Usagi to pay for his other lawsuit.' He thought looking at the sneaky bastard. He just shook his head, appalled at how low he was willing to go.
He felt Usagi squeeze his hand tightly and he was put off by her strength. It was almost to the point of pain for him, something that he never experienced with any other human, not even when his ex-wife had done that to him during childbirth. She let go and he sat there looking at his hand for a minute. There was defiantly something different about her. (^_~) He was snapped out of his thoughts when Setsuna got up and went towards the podium.
"Your honor, I am here on behalf of my client, Miss Tsukino. The plaintiff has disrupted her life and the life of her family. The plaintiff is a vindictive man who is out to destroy my client's family. He is very selfish, sick and very slick. I will prove to the court that the only reason he wants his daughter is to hurt my client not because he cares. I will also prove that my client is a more than capable mother and takes care of her daughter very well. She is a good provider and person. She works hard to make her daughter and her life easier.
I will show the court just what kind of man Mr. Chiba really is. And when I do you will see that my client is the one best choice for custody of her daughter." Setsuna said sitting back down.
"Very well then, Mr. Haynes, call you're first witness," Judge Stewart said.
Mr. Haynes nodded. Rising from his seat he spoke. "The defense would like to call Dr Smith to then stand."
A good looking man in his forties came up to the witness box. The bailiff stepped up to him.
"Raise your right hand and repeat after me," he said to Dr. Smith. "Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you god?"
"I do," he said.
"Be seated," the bailiff said going back to his spot.
"Proceed," the judge said.
"Thank you your honor." Mr. Haynes said going over to the witness.
"Dr Smith, How do you know my client?"
"Dr Chiba and I work in the same hospital together. We are both surgeons, although Dr Chiba helps out with the patients."
"Are you two friends?"
"I would say that."
"And what type of person is Dr Chiba?"
"He is a kind man, very family oriented. He also likes to help out in when the hospital is short on staff."
"Would you say he is responsible?"
"Oh yes, definitely. He has only lost two patients in his career."
"In your opinion, how is he with his family?"
"He loves his children and takes good care of them. Some people think he spoils them but he doesn't."
"Thank you, no further questions, your honor," Mr. Haynes said going back to his seat.
"Your witness Miss Meiou," the judge said.
While the questioning had been going on, Setsuna had been studying the witness. All her years as the time guardian had paid off as she was able to read him like a book. His actions spoke volumes and she realized that he would be of no help to them. He was loyal to Mamoru and wouldn't answer any questions truthfully.
"No Questions you're honor," Setsuna said. He nodded.
The prosecution brought out a number of witnesses. They all were Mamoru's friends and they all sang Mamoru's praises (-_-;). Setsuna kept on refusing to question them. Then they were let out for a lunch break.
Alright I'm done for now! ^^ tell me what you think!
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Sees very angry reviewers looking at her with gleams in their eyes. Heh
heh heh heh ^_^; I'll continue. Besides you guys had a long enough wait.
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Mamoru and his lawyer team went into chambers to prepare for the second half of the trial, while the rest of them filed out into the waiting room.
There was a tense silence as the inners and the outers had a wordless face off.
Neither party was willing to give in. for those who didn't know what was going on, it was a bit scary as all but 1 outer had revenge written in their eyes. While the inners were divided, they still stood together against a common enemy. Finally it took Chibi Usa to break the silence.
"Mommy," she said tugging on her mother's hand. Usagi looked down at her. "I'm hungry!" she said pouting.
Usagi looked at her incredulously before unexpectedly starting to laugh at her expression. The others soon followed suit with some shaking their heads.
"We'll go and get something," she said shaking her head. She looked at the inners. "Why don't all of you come with us? I'm sure that you are hungry and it seems that Chibi Usa has grown fond of you," she said.
"Oh what the hell, why not?" Minako said.
"We'll stay here Usagi," Setsuna said. "Trunks and I still have some things to complete as well as Haruka and Michiru. Take Hotaru with you."
"We'll take these from you," Bulma said motioning to Hotaru and Chibi Usa.
"They all want to eat together and well we can't stick you with the bill that they will most likely create. You know how they can eat," Bulma said.
"Alright then," Usagi said she and the others left to go to lunch.
"Setsuna, do you think that was wise?" Michiru asked.
"I think that it was for the best. They need to get reacquainted with each other. I sense a change in them," she said.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
They walked out of the court house together in silence. They followed Usagi across the street to her car. The car was very expensive looking. It was silver. The girls looked at it appreciatively. Usagi opened it and they got in.
The drive was silent with Usagi's total focus on the road ahead of her. The atmosphere was uncomfortable, the silence punctuated by the purr of the engine.
They drove to a coffee shop about 10 blocks from the courthouse.
~~~~~~~~~
They sat silently while their order was being filled. Ami had ordered a small salad and some iced tea, Rei had some sweet rolls and tea, Minako had a sandwich and some coke, Makoto had a sandwich and some iced tea as well. Usagi had some coffee, partly to keep alert and partly because she didn't trust her stomach with anything else.
After their orders came, Minako broke the silence. It was beginning to get to them all but Minako cracked first.
"Well, Ami, Makoto and Usagi, it's nice to see you again," she said.
Usagi simply raised an eyebrow while Ami and Makoto returned the greeting. Finding out that it would be easier to talk to those two than Usagi, Minako continued.
"How's you're life been?"
"Good. I'm married to Kazurihito Hiroshi."
"The famous owner of those jewellery stores?" Minako asked. Ami nodded.
"I am engaged to Toriyuki Yasuo, the owner of the Green Castle Resorts, hotel chain." Makoto said.
"Wow, so you guys have done good for yourselves,"
"Yes, Kumiko, my daughter goes to school with Akina, Ami's daughter." Makoto said.
"Well that's good. So are you guys happy?" Minako asked.
"Of course. My husband takes good care of my daughter." Ami said.
"As does Yasuo. He treats Kumiko well," Makoto said.
"That's so good to hear! Say has…"
"Minako shut up!" Rei snapped.
Minako stopped abruptly. Makoto got angry. "Well damnit Rei! What gives you the right to talk to her like that?! At least she's trying to have a conversation unlike you who has just sat there and warmed the seat! I want to…"
Usagi had had enough. They reminded her of their fights that they had years ago and she couldn't help but laugh at them. So she did.
They all looked at her, laughing away. Well as they say, laughter is infectious and pretty soon they joined her. They finally quieted down to giggles.
"I haven't laughed like that in ages," Usagi said shaking her head, trying to compose herself.
"Oh, I know what you mean. I haven't either," Rei said.
"Gosh that felt good," Minako said.
"Yeah," Makoto said with a small giggle.
"Usagi, I'm sorry," Ami said abruptly. Usagi looked at her. "All those years ago, I should have respected you more than what I did. You were the first person who talked to me when I transferred to you're school and my first real friend. What I did is inexcusable. I knew you loved Mamoru and I should have never let myself get caught up in his charm. I betrayed my best friend for a man and I never understood why. I know that it will be hard for you to trust me again but if you do find it in you're heart to forgive me, then I promise I will do everything I can to make it up to you," Ami said sincerely.
"That goes for me as well, Usagi, for all of us. Minako and I have been thinking about the past a lot, especially these past few days and we realize that we were in the wrong. You were our best friend, the one thing that held us together. After you left we realized how much we needed you and missed you. We know this is asking a lot and we aren't trying to make you forgive us, but we do want you to know that we're sorry," Rei said.
"And we'll make it up to you if you forgive us," Makoto said.
Usagi closed her eyes for a minute. She was still upset at them for all the pain they had caused. 'I know that they hurt me deeply and betrayed me and I want to forgive them but I don't want to be hurt again. On the other hand, if there is anything I've learned it's that you can't let you're anger consume you. It will be difficult but I have to let go of the past.' Usagi spoke out loud. "You guys hurt me very badly, you know. I trusted you with all my heart and the only thing you did was break it. You guys taught me that the only one I can trust is myself. The outers had to teach me to trust all over again, and Trunks taught me the real meaning of love. He loves me not for what I am, but for who I am. That means a lot to me. I left my family partly because of you guys. They don't even remember I
existed. And that hurts me in ways you wouldn't believe."
The other girls felt even guiltier. They had all chosen to forget that part of it. All except Rei. She never allowed herself to forget the look on Usagi's face when she came in that day. Or the emotions in her voice. Her eyes were what haunted her the most, and the accusations they held in them. No, she hadn't let herself forget.
"But in the years I've been gone, I've learned many lessons, and the most important lessons my instructors gave me was never to harbor any anger and resentment. That I one thing that will change a lunarian for the worse. It will eat at their soul and consume them. And I think that's what is happening to me. But it will all be over soon, and when it is I want everything to be over. So I will forgive you. Not forget but forgive. It will take me some time to trust you guys again, but don't expect the others to do so, so willingly."
"Thank you," Rei said. "I promise that I will try to make everything right."
"Thank you for the second chance Usagi," Minako said hugging the life out of her.
"Um, Minako, sweetie?" Usagi strained to get out. "I can't breathe!"
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