The shock factor was intense. The moment Emilia opened the door and walked in with Cloud at her heels, the whole courtroom gasped simultaneously. As instructed Cloud matched her energy and pace. Seconds into their walk flashes of cameras blinded him from all sides.
He was grateful for the practice runs. His eyes focused on her while he carried himself like someone important. For a split second his eyes drifted to the opposing group. Brandt was furious. The attorney tenses but otherwise held himself together. Cloud felt a sense of pride in the horror on Garrett's face.
Forcing himself not to smirk Cloud focused on the intricate braids of his attorney. She really outdid herself today. Her hair was done in the shape of a complicated rose encircled by two braids to allow the rest fall in a curtain. She wore her best suit that gave off her power while also embracing her beauty.
As they stood side by side at their assigned seats the crowd murmured. Whispers everywhere. With his mako enhanced hearing he made out Emilia Phoenix, or Fire Queen, combined with questions. Cloud focused forward at the judge. An old man with graying hair and a fanciful shaped beard. His dark eyes studied the pair, not giving any indication to his thoughts.
Cloud understood what she meant that her presence alone changed the dynamic of the courtroom. Even so he knew that he would have to put all of his effort in as well. He had to. She bent her own rules for him. From the corner of his eye he noticed Brandt whispering with his attorney.
"Permission to speak with the judge." The young man cleared his throat.
"Phoenix, Larson, a word please." The judge granted it.
Both attorneys moved closer. They stood a few feet away from the judge's desk. The whispers went quiet as they all tried to listen in. Cloud focused on Emilia, never giving Brandt or Garrett attention even though one of them was fidgeting out of fear or anger.
"Your Honor, there's clearly an outside influence that's pulling strings. She shouldn't be here." Larson hissed, giving Emilia a harsh look.
"Phoenix, explain yourself."
"I am here of my own accord, Your Honor. I caught wind of this trial and sought my client without any suggestions or influence." Emilia stood firm.
"But what of your payments? He can't afford you at Third Class salary." Larson points out.
"Here is my contact stating that once my client has reached First Class he is then to uphold his end of the bargain and pay what is owed." She produced a document that stated the contract in greater detail and held both of their signatures.
Cloud had to hand it to Tseng for coming up with that detail the previous week. He had mulled over any possible solutions to cover Rufus Shinra's tracks. Luckily he came up with the idea before Rufus even started any payments.
"Surely this is pure speculation that he can even go that far in the SOLDIER program." Larson glanced at Cloud, taking in his appearance.
Cloud met his gaze and his stubborn side showed itself. He refused to break eye contact or flinch. Larson shifted his weight ever so slightly, but otherwise held his ground until the judge spoke.
"Do you intend to reach First Class, Strife?" The judge looked up from from paper to the blond.
"Yes, Your Honor."
"And what makes you think you can achieve First Class?" Brandt couldn't hold himself back. And suddenly the whole courtroom is in murmurs as they all looked at Cloud.
For the first time the blond slowly turned to address his abuser. Brandt visibly scowls at how Cloud was unbothered by him at all. Did he expect to see the shy boy he broke, cowering at the sight of him?
"I know I can become First Class." Cloud answers with confidence.
He felt that familiar ghostly hand on his shoulder. For the first time it wasn't for support. The gesture was one that held a sense of pride.
The whispers grew louder. Cloud felt a tug on the corners of his mouth. He stubbornly refused to look away first. As the talking got louder Brandt was overwhelmed and turned to whisper to Garrett, who was white as a sheet. Cloud returned his gaze at the judge.
"Your Honor I also have two more documents. Both of them are reports from Directer Lazard, the head of the SOLDIER program, and Professor Hojo, who oversees my client's physical progression. They state that my client has the potential to reach First Class under their careful guidance." Emilia had come up with this idea. She asked them herself to produce their opinions on whether Cloud could become First Class. She even asked them to be honest.
Cloud already knew what they said. Director Lazard was extremely hopeful. He mentioned that with Zack Fair as his mentor Cloud can go far. He also noted that on occasion Genesis or Sephiroth have stepped in on their own accord to cover anything Zack had no experience with. This of course indicates that two of the big three took an interest in Cloud.
Professor Hojo's report was not so fanciful. He stated that while there were initial hiccups to his body becoming adjusted to mako, there has since been no more incidents. Therefore he believes that it could very well be possible for Cloud to reach First Class under proper care and guidance. What that entailed the professor left it up to the imagination.
The judge read them both very carefully. The man took one last look at Cloud, possibly taking into the consideration that he had certain people under his belt. If anything it showed that Cloud was resourceful and determined. After a moment longer of much consideration the judge nods.
"I will allow it. Emilia Phoenix stays for as long as she sees fit to represent Cloud Strife."
The whole courtroom bursts then. The energy was filled with a mix of excitement, horror and confusion. Emilia turns and confidently takes her place at Cloud's side. Cameras flashed with greater insistence. Larson hung back, unsure whether to fight the decision or not.
Before the judge could comment on it Larson swiftly walked back to his spot. Brandt angrily whispered, but Larson wouldn't have it. There was no point. The judge had the final say and he made his decision.
The whole courtroom was in an uproar. For the first time Cloud glanced at Emilia. She had a glint in her eyes that she enjoyed this. He looked away as he was close to smiling. Cloud knew she was, too.
The judge ordered for everyone to calm down. It was too late then. Everyone was worked up into a storm. Cloud suddenly grew concerned that there would be a riot.
Eventually the judge didn't have a choice but to dismiss the room. A date was set another month away to begin the real trial. Cloud followed Emilia out of the room as they were swarmed with the press. It didn't go by unnoticed that they all ignored Brandt and Garrett.
"Cloud! Cloud, do you have time to answer a few questions?"
"Are you sure you will make it to First Class?"
"Emilia, what drew you to this case?"
"Is Rufus Shinra involved at all?"
"What about General Sephiroth?"
Cloud almost flinched at the mention of his lover. As if sensing his emotions Emilia finally addressed them.
"My client and I won't be answering any questions." She said flatly as they continued their way out of the courthouse. She briefly pulled out her phone to make a call.
"That was quick." Tseng answered.
"You out front?" Emilia guided Cloud along as the press harassed them with more questions.
"Pulling up this minute."
She hung up. Cloud began to feel dizzy from all the nonstop questions. All the while cameras snapped away. One or two television reporters with cameramen raced to keep up with them.
Finally they reached the glass doors to the outside. Of course they were still followed even as Tseng pulled up in a black car. Emilia opened the door for him and Cloud promptly climbed in and scooted over for her. She shut the door in their faces.
"How was it?" Tseng asked as he began to drive.
"I'm staying for the trial. Of course, there was an uproar about it." Emilia laughed with a mix of relief and excitement.
"Looks like our ideas worked. It will seem you're definitely famous now, Cloud." The Turk comments.
"Just great." Cloud scowls.
"You should smile more. You have that winner face to attract everyone. I bet you could kill with just a smile." Emilia advised.
"Still shaking off that courtroom." Cloud looked out the tinted window.
"How did the two handle it?" Tseng didn't have to clarify who he meant.
"Brandt was furious. The other one looked like he wanted to die."
"We might be able to drive a wedge between them. But we will have to wait and see." Emilia didn't want to get their hopes up.
"One can hope."
"What is our next plan of action?"
"We convince them your side of the story is the truth. There is one concern I just thought of." She turned to the blond with a serious look in her face. "Will any of your friends be easily persuaded by the press to talk about you?"
"...Maybe my mentor." Cloud felt his stomach sink. He knew Zack wanted to be there when his schedule allowed it to offer his support. He was the only one allowed when the big three were told to keep an arms length away.
"Let's call him." Emilia insisted.
Cloud pulled out his phone to call Zack and put it on speaker. He answered on the third ring.
"Hey Spike! How's court going? I bet it's better than being in this swamp out in the middle of nowhere. Holy shit that's a huge mosquito!" Zack smacks it away before clearing his throat. "Sorry, it's a bit wild over here."
"Hello! You must be Zack Fair, I've heard so much about you." Emilia greeted with enthusiasm. The previous week Cloud spoke of his mentor while they had a lunch break in court simulation.
"And you must be the lovely Emilia Phoenix. Is Cloud okay?"
"I'm fine, Zack. You're on speaker." Cloud assured.
"How is everything? I'm sure there's a reason for this call?"
"I believe Cloud's popularity has skyrocketed. If he didn't have fans, there definitely will be a cult following after today."
"Oh so he gonna be big famous. Is there anything I can do?"
"Yes, as his mentor you will be the next target for the press since I forbid Cloud to talk to them."
"You want me to stay hush hush?" Zack guessed.
"When it comes down to the trial, yes. But if you wanted to brag about your star pupil then go for it. In fact, go all out. Don't make it too outlandish, though. Just give them all the good stuff that will make everyone fall in love with him." Emilia smiled at Cloud's horror.
"Don't make it embarrassing!" The blond panicked, making his mentor laugh.
"Aww, but those are the best stories! All right I won't go too crazy with embarrasing you. So uh, what do I say if they ask about Seph and Genesis?" Of course he knew of Lazard's report.
"Keep it simple. Only indicate they had their own advice with Cloud."
"So keep it as they see the potential in him making it to First Class?"
"Exactly. With those simple words it will increase the chances that Cloud is destined for greatness."
"That won't be so hard. Yeah, I can do that. Is there anything else?"
"Actually, now that you mention it." Tseng piped up from the driver's seat. "Since you will be the only one to speak about Cloud, the press will stop at nothing to follow you around for any scandals. Anything they reflect upon you will cast a shadow on Cloud since he won't be speaking for himself."
Cloud caught onto the underlying suggestion. Soon as the world sees Zack meet with Aerith, she will be caught up in this mess, too. And being under the Turk's protection that puts her in jeopardy. Zack inhaled sharply.
"Yeah. I read you, Tseng. Just uh, pass along a message for me?"
"You know I will. We will speak more of this upon your return."
"Thanks, man. Oh, and Emilia?"
"Yes?" She was surprised he would directly address her by name.
"Take care of Cloud for me. Not all battles require swords to protect what I cherish most. This isn't just coming from me. I'm speaking for someone who can't contact you directly."
Cloud was moved. And he knew who he was speaking for. He was grateful Zack was out in the field instead of being in the building. That was the closest he came to implicating the rumors were true. Emilia glanced at him, catching the starry far off look in his eyes.
"I took this job to do what is right. I will go above and beyond to make sure Cloud gets the justice he deserves."
"Thank you. I feel better knowing that. Anyway, I gotta go. Some poor recruit is stuck in the mud. Time to make a rescue. Zack out!" And the First Class hung up.
"Oh the public is going to love him." Emilia comments with a giggle.
"I don't know if I should be proud or concerned." Tseng adds.
"Hey, he deserves the spotlight." Cloud snickered.
