The Court Case
Disclaimer: I do not own ToS. Nope. Or Tales of Phantasia (you'll see a mention of this later). Or Commander in Chief (I sort of stole a line from there in here, but it's not with government presidents and such.)
A/N: We're finally at The Court Case! The thing that was supposed to be nine chapters is on its thirty-fourth! Happy! Wow, so many people made it in. Scorch and Embre were supposed to be a reference, and Singe wasn't supposed to be a LaHeart. Also, Scorch was never supposed to develop a relationship with Saphfyre; originally, they were supposed to have a little talk to show interaction between characters. Oh well, things turn out good this way. And the other side of Crimsonia, don't even get me started. She definitely felt like going off the notch. She used apostrophes! Also, Lapisa wasn't supposed to sing, or get her current role now. Same with Rubyi and Crimsonia. And Rubyi! Man! She was supposed to be a thief! Tsk, tsk, characters! What else, what else…oh yeah, Astra. That Plains of Hope thing was supposed to be for the Summon Spirit Diary, which by the way, I will try to work on soon. I don't know, the Plains of Hope fit for that scene. And originally--this could have killed off more than half the story--the Secluded Lands? Never were supposed to exist. I need to stop using supposed. But anyway! They really randomly came into view when I had to make up where Crimsonia came from, and so the Lands were born. And Cali Flion was also supposed to be a mention, but I knew she'd probably come in. And boy, her scenes were fun to write, even if she is a horrid person. And Singe wasn't supposed to be a writer. Cresenta and Flaren? Not supposed to be an item? LaHearts Weapons? Came along. Raphel, the old swordsmith? Not very important, but he wasn't supposed to be there either. Raise? Wasn't supposed to be there. She came along nicely, though. And Universa's relationship with her? Shouldn't have been there. Also, Embre becoming their sort of "child" fitted in nicely, so that became good. There's a lot of other things too, like weapon riding, which was really not supposed to be there, but I needed a way that wasn't a Rheiard fro Crimsonia to travel. It helped on later, like for Lapisa and such. Speaking of Crimsonia, she crosses over with Raine: Tales of Healing Left Undone. She must have not wanted to reveal her secret--that she was a human who used magic and other such things about the Secluded Lands--but they were figured out soon enough. And Singe having the child? Well, it didn't fit Crimsonia, and I think it's beautiful for the general to go through everything she's done (the Guard doesn't seem that good when you're in there. There might be details later, but it'd probably be gruesome…) she found love in the end. What else is there? Oh yeah, Efil. I knew he'd appear, but his name was from another sort of summoned creature (still called Summon Spirits, though) that I was writing about in some other story. It's a nice name--I got it from spelling "Life" backwards. The past thing with Raise and all them was meant to be, though, once they all came together. I knew there's be a fight between them all. There's probably more, but I will go over some things that were good, too…
Even though this was originally supposed to be nine chapters, maybe one more or less, give or take, but it really began to flourish as more people came into view. The Secluded Lands were amazingly fun to write, and they turned out beautifully. The whole shadow of Zelos' death and the other shadow that is love really worked out well for this. And Universa's relationship was really going good; even some scenes with Cali were fun to write. I love seeing her keep calm while Saphfyre practically kills her. I'm thinking she'll appear at the case. I think I will make everyone mentioned so far in the story appear. Besides the Dilvin Elder, because he has all his crap and needs to do a bad job on it because he can't do anything right. But Goldes was very nice to write about. Though, the whole light thing was meant to be. But I really wanted it to be all casino-like and off the hook, but that didn't really work. So it was just very lively, but there were casinos! So Flaren got the money she adored and a refueled addiction to slots and other gambling things. So much spread through my mind when writing Lapisa's journey to find herself. Those places--the Manauille River, The Lake of Crystal Dreams, and the Sea of Light--they came out much more gorgeous than I expected. That diary Lapisa read was also good to have in. Okay, this Zeal music is getting annoying. I think I'll change it to the Piano Remix. (Zeal from Chrono Trigger, by the way. Jeez, this A/N sure is long.) Okay, Piano Remix on now. So, anyway, I really enjoyed the scenes with Scorch and Saphfyre, and adding the humor of Rubyi overhearing something and getting hurt because of shock. Hmm…their scenes compare to Lloyd and Dialmond's, although I think Scorch is a bit smarter, but still like Lloyd's intelligence. Although, with Lloyd and Dialmond, it's much more…passionate, that fit's a bit. But also "forbidden"…that's a word I'd use. Lloyd really needs to stop wasting my time and make a decision. I think he's leaning towards Dialmond; he needs to quit being dirty, because Colette will find out soon enough. Though those scenes really show the inner Lloyd and a much more inner Dialmond. She's usually not the kind of person to thwack a person older than her and wiser than her over the head. Poor Kratos. Maybe Raine will give you a hug. At least she's not here to hear that. Here to hear? Wow. Bad wording! But anyways, Dialmond also usually doesn't beat the tar out of someone then pay for a stolen sword. Though I guess that's not really stealing, I guess. It seems like her guard is down whenever Lloyd is around. Speaking of which, he needs different ways of wording things! Like when he first saw Dialmond and spoke with her, everyone though he was talking about something else! Though now they'd be almost right. Wow…a lot of my characters have gotten close to…well, that but have never gone through with it. That's good. I'm not making this M. Unless it raises to that, but hopefully it won't .At least they can wait. I'm proud of Scorch, with Cali's demands and all that. And I'm glad Lloyd hasn't struck the candle on that mater, too. They're all good people. Okay, maybe I should stop writing this very long A/N now. Oh crap…I typed more than 1,000 words on this! Okay, story now!
Chapter 34: The Court Case
Dialmond got up out of her bed and looked out her clean, polished window, "Morning…"
"Good morning!" Lloyd said energetically next to her on the mattress.
"Ahhhhhhh! What are you doing here!" was the girl's shocked reply.
"Well, we got into talking when we were both sitting on the bed and I kind of…fell asleep?"
"Ugh. Um…Uh…Well…just get out!" She pushed the man out, causing his loosened pants to go down with him. Than Martel he was wearing boxers.
"Um…" Lloyd hoisted up the fallen garments and tightened them.
"Is there something you're not telling me?"
"What?"
"I am just saying, is there something you do not want me to know, something about last night?"
"Uh…no."
Relief! Dialmond knew Lloyd never had the effort to do anything in the morning, much less lie! She breathed a sigh of relief and saw him taking off his pants--which he had just gotten back on--shirt, and everything else he was about to lower his last garment, which covered something Dialmond did NOT want to see in the morning, when the girl stopped him.
"Just what do you think you are doing!"
"I'm taking my clothes off. I'm going to get in the shower, so we can go to the case. I just though I'd change here!"
Oh Martel, the case! Dialmond knew she'd have to get ready, but threw that aside for the moment, and yelled at him, "Do you think you can take…take…take THAT off while I am right here? Go to the shower and do that!"
And so Lloyd did, after a shoe, a picture with it frame, and other random objects--some blunt, some not--careened towards Lloyd after Dialmond threw them. The girl sighed and was glad she had showered last night; now all she had to do was change into some extra--
"Oh no! I have no other clothes! What am I going to do! Oh no! Not now, out of all times!" Dialmond stopped herself and looked at the door. The door, now shut, had a nice dark maroon dress with a note on it that said, "To wear. Love Lloyd." Dialmond took out the picture frame she had thrown in it; thank Martel it hadn't ripped, as Dialmond was a strong pitcher. She smiled and loosened it from the door. The case was soon to come…
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"Please, Martel, let this work out for the best. Please forgive everyone, and I know Miss Seles would not like it…but please let Sheena be al--" Lapisa's prayer was interrupted by the very awake Sardnyox, already dressed in what she was wearing to the case.
"What are you doing?" she asked the silver-haired dual swordswoman.
"N-Nothing!" Lapisa blushed, "I was praying to Martel…"
"About what?" Sardnyox asked, a hint of touchiness in her voice.
"About the case. I was praying that--" Lapisa was cut off by her sister.
"That'd we'd win, right?" Sardnyox gave a scolding look at her sister, "Sheena's nice, but we're trying to win this. So, you know…"
"Oh, yes. I was praying that we would win. Of course." Lapisa crossed her fingers behind her back.
"Okay, then good." Sardnyox began to walk away.
"Actually, Sardnyox…" Lapisa stood up.
"Hm?" the purple-haired woman turned.
"Why do you not shut up sometimes? I can pray for what I want? I was praying for Sheena to be all right! We do not need people to suffer over an accident!"
"Do you really believe it was one?" Sardnyox suddenly retorted, "Sheena didn't seem too fond of Zelos the way Seles described!"
"I do not care! That Sheena…she has kind eyes! She would not kill anyone on purpose unless she needed to!"
"You think eyes will set a person free from their sins?"
"You think that based on tings you heard someone deserves to die?"
"Shut up all of you." Flaren walked out, also in her court garb. Using one of her high-heels, she delivered a swift blow between the two fighting siblings, causing them to move back a bit. Flaren was in a dark red dress, and she pointed at Sardnyox, who flattened out part of her sardonic purple dress, which was a very light white at the top. Flaren continued to make peace, "Fighting will not solve anything. Or has war not taught anyone anything? Jeez…you both calm down! And say you're sorry, too."
"Fine. I apologize." Sardnyox gave a stony look to Lapisa…
…who returned it, with her apology as, "I am sorry. But--" she was cut off by Flaren again.
"No 'but's'. I don't care what happens today. We have a case to get to soon. And I'm in jury! I'm surprised Singe is there, too, with how she describes the Guard and all…"
"You're on jury! That's no fair!" Rubyi burst in, her dress imprinted with a sun at the center. This part of the dress was pink, but as it reached the outer extents of the cloth, it turned to a dark rose. The doctor/thief/knife wielder/Divine Light continued, "You'll just say Sheena was not guilty! I mean, I'm not all for her death but…"
"Actually, me and Singe discussed this." Flaren said, brushing some hair away from her eyes, "We were going to vote for Sheena, but after a while, we'll see which side actually has the better points and such. Raphel even came, too. He's doing the same thing."
"That old guy?" Rubyi asked, "He's on jury?"
"For your information, 'that old guy' could kick your--" Flaren began but was cut off.
"Do you think I look okay? I usually don't care but…" Emereld walked into the room, blushing. She was wearing a light green dress, which at the top-right was a nice emerald colour, that slowly changed to white as it traveled to the bottom-left of the garment. The green-haired woman also wore a sparkling emerald necklace, which tinkled lightly as she moved. Everyone was pretty much stunned. The shoes were nice as well; a light green with white ribbons on the top of the toe.
"You look fine." Sardnyox said.
"Oh, were you in the middle of something?" Emereld asked, "I don't want to interrupt…"
"No, nothing major." Flaren smiled at Rubyi, and the red-haired woman smiled back.
"Look at me!" Saphfyre jumped in the room, through a glass window, which, thankfully, was open. The leader of the Redjewels wore a nice lavender dress, her hair a bit light for the occasion. She wore a necklace with white jewels (with just a hint of purple in them) in that were embedded in metal star frames. But the alloy wasn't a dull silver, it was a nice sparkling white. The dress Saphfyre wore was also lightly printed with star outlines, as well. The woman also wore some lilacs in her hair because of the occasion, a suggestion Scorch had while talking. And to top it off, Saphfyre still had her scythe, although apparently she had painted its holder the same color as the star frames: a nice white, hint of purple here, and there too…There were also some sparkling borders of stars on the sheath, making it look even more beautiful. The woman was gorgeous, and everyone pondered the reason.
"Why the reason?" Sardnyox then asked.
"I just felt like lighting up my character. I play a fairly big role in this."
"…Or just a featurette." Rubyi suddenly said, giving her a sideways glance.
"I think I look nice, anyway." Saphfyre scoffed at her sister, smirking just a bit.
"You look beautiful." Scorch said as he walked in through the window, which looked odd, but it was better than a screaming banshee that was formally dressed up with a scythe on her back going through it. The male LaHeart kissed her ear as she laughed.
"And I ask, when's the wedding?" Rubyi held up her hands.
"Oh, shut up." Saphfyre gave her a teasing-nyaa-nyaa look as she returned Scorch's flirting.
Rubyi then returned with a well-I'm-still-better-than-you look and stretched.
"You two seem happy." Topaz commented. It seemed like there was something going on in the room, so the girl was curious.
"Yes, you do." Dialmond said the same as she walked in, "We heard some crazy woman screaming in here, so I thought it might have been Rubyi doing something strange. But, what's going on here?" The crowd took a bit t look at both girls. Topazen was dressed in a gold, flowing robe, with silver streaks here and there. Ribbons flowed down from the shoulders of it, also of golden color, but a bit lighter. Dialmond wore a dress as well, silver with a strange imprint of gold on the lower left. She wore two bracelets, one on each wrist, whose gems were clear and shimmering. The sword was still there, adorning a silver sheath instead of its original dull wood one. Both girls wore heels matching to their color of dress, and they both look quite elegant.
"Someone's at the door for you, Scorch." Topazen said, "I just remembered to tell you."
"Oh, I wonder who." Scorch said as he walked off.
"Dialmond!" Rubyi tackled her sister, "How'd you get here!"
"Lloyd took me." Dialmond explained, "He is going to the case, as well, you know."
"So?" the red-haired woman elbowed Dialmond, "Are you two an item now? Huh? I see the way you to look at each other…"
"N-No!" Dialmond denied everything, "Although, Lloyd did make me two dresses. One was a nice maroon, but he said to look behind it and I had this. He even got this rose for me, too. It is amazing! It is a very nice silver…" Dialmond slid it under her neck, "He is a very nice person…" she stumbled for a bit; the leg still needed to heal.
"Why are you limping?" Sardnyox interrogated, "You and Lloyd didn't have too much fun…? What were you doing, were you being rough in a house? Or can I just be blunt and use the term 'roughhousing' and be done with it? Well?"
"NO!" Dialmond screamed, "I-I fell down the stairs. It was not fun." She then mumbled under her breath, "But it was handsome enough."
"What was that?" Topazen asked.
"Nothing!" Dialmond replied, "Just clearing my throat. Ahem and such!"
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Scorch opened the door with a smile on his face. He expected to see a family or friend but was greeted by…
"Well, hello, Scorch."
"Cali? Why are you here?"
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Crimsonia finished stacking some papers, "There. All finished! Sheena, I am done!"
Astra moved out of the way, in a dark black dress, with the same color ribbon trailing from the back. Sheena came through, a sight to see. Dressed in a lavender dress, with two ribbons flowing from the wrist, and just the right amount of collar furred with a nice light purple sheen, the "female ninja" title wouldn't fit someone so glamorous. The garment she was wearing shined and glowed as she walked, like a summer violet in wind. The same type of fur the collar was covered by also adorned the shoulders, except much lighter in weight and thinner in material. She blushed as she saw the amazed looks of Astra, Crimsonia and Sola. The red-haired woman blushed, she didn't seem to be wearing anything special compared to Sheena, but that just wasn't the case. Dressed in a sky kimono, with clouds sinking into the center, Crimsonia looked very elegant. She also had some sapphire-blue shoes as well, and a necklace with a single jewel at the center. Sola smiled, shifting his tuxedo a little bit as he came closer to her. It was fairly normal, except for the gold (and blue, as Crimsonia requested) on the borders of it and the azure-gold flower with rested on the top right, below the said side's shoulder.
"I think we should talk with the Redjewels and such. Just so we are on even ground." Crimsonia blushed and looked at the floor, sure that Sheena would decline.
"Okay."
Crimsonia smiled as they headed to Zelos' mansion.
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"Why are you here?" scorch asked, sitting on a bench with his former love.
"I snuck myself into jury. Don't worry, I'll judge fairly, even if that girl is on one side." Cali loosened herself a bit, the dress she wore sparkling a bit as she moved. Scorch had to admit, she didn't look half bad; the dress seemed to hide how horrid of a girl she was. Cali's clothing was blue and it seemed to rippled in the wind, like a calm pristine lake or something of the sort. Her platinum hair seemed more thick, yet more smooth as well. She had tiny azure-colored earrings that dangled a bit, as though a rival to Saphfyre's amazing ones (which were the same color as the gems on the necklace she wore). Cali also wore heels identical to that of her dress, except they were adorned with a thick gems to cover the foot instead of a regular material. She explained if she needed to "kick ass" she would. Literally.
"Why, though?" Scorch asked, taking his eyes off her.
"I know this is a big part for everyone, and I wanted to get involved." Cali did her classic run-hand-through-hair routine.
"That's all?"
"I'm sure you're not that dense, Scorch. I'm interested in you, but I've met someone else, too. Powerful. And nice long, black hair. He even rivals me in spells."
"What's his name?" Scorch said, as a familiar feeling seemed to cross him.
"He said I shouldn't get involved with you, so I'm not telling. Don't worry, I'm still free." She put a hand on his upper leg.
"Cali. Don't."
"Come on. I want you back. And I know you still want me. I want to make you moan." She moved her hand closer…Scorch took it off.
"No. I don't and you won't. Leave me alone."
"So are you married now? Or is that tux for the case? You look--" Scorch mentally blocked out Cali's seduction and returned to his house.
"Ugh. I can't stand her."
"Fine. I'll play with you later. Oshitm, we'll get this world again soon. It's gotta be ruled by something, and everyone knows I'm fit to rule. Heh…"
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"Hmm…" Universa went to the mirror, trying to fix his tie. He wore a a sort of cold-blue suit, but the tie wasn't working.
"Well, hey, you." Raise gave him a look. She was dressed in a elegant, ribbon-filled dress.
"Raise…why are you here?"
"I was just getting ready to leave. Sheena and the others have already departed to Seles' home."
"You're using apostrophes!"
"And you just did." Raise shifted some of her hair, coming closer and also looking at the mirror, "I decided to go for a change."
"Why are you here, now, though?" Universa asked.
"I still miss you. And I don't want Embre to go through another heartbreak. Se told me a bit about it…she trusts us. I know you may love Sheena, but I will still love you. That's they way…that' is the way I shall always feel." Raise put a dark flower black flower in her hair and left the man to think. You know, she really didn't get him. He seems jealous of Efil, but now e loves Sheena. What is that about? Will love turn out right…
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Astra, Sheena, Sola, and Crimsonia arrived at Seles' house where many people were still gathered. The Mistress of Stars was caught off when she saw Saphfyre, who looked astoundingly like a young Astra. Everything was perfect, except…
Astra slid the lilac from the Plains of Hope in Saphfyre's beautiful, well-combed, smooth hair. The Mistress of Stars slid it in gently and said, "Now it looks perfect."
"Astra…" Saphfyre looked at the Star Summon Spirit lovingly, "It really does. Thank you." Scorch surprised the girl by then picking her up.
"We can't have the beauty get dirty from the floor." He said, as Saphfyre positioned herself into a more comfortable pose.
"Hey!" Rubyi then yelled, "I cleaned this place very well, thank you!"
This was followed by a nice bit of laughter, and Astra just smiled at Saphfyre, memories still coming to her. Although, one thing was different. Saphfyre had found love. But she, Astra, had not. Efil…needed to come back. Out of all things, he needed to come back. And soon. Singe came in, dressed in black, and brushing some hair out of her eyes. A white rose was on a part of the dress, and some opal-colored ribbon flowed down from it. The general had a notebook in hand, and was, again, scribbling insanely on the new notebook she had been given. She looked up and gave a greeting, and then shut the book, beginning to strike up some conversation.
"Today is the day." The writer said, "The Court Case…"
"Yes." Flaren looked at the ground, shifting her dress a bit.
"Yes, but…we shouldn't be acting all depressed!" Rubyi suddenly broke the sad mood, jumping around. Singe took this distraction to draw Sheena away from the crowd, into a separate room.
"What do you want?" Sheena asked.
"This case…" Singe looked at the floor.
"Yeah, what about it?" Sheena questioned again. Singe was acting strange.
"Today could very well be your last day. Aren't you worried?"
"I've been thinking about that ever since this whole thing began." Sheena replied, suddenly turning to the big glass window in the room, "But, yeah, I am sort of worried."
"Only sort of?" the general asked, a bit confused.
"Well, yes." the female ninja replied, trying to hold back tears, "Ever since Kuchinawa…" she paused for a minute. She hadn't used his name in such a long time…she continued, "…Ever since Kuchinawa killed Zelos, I kind of wanted to die. To be with him. But I can't yet. Too many people are counting on me."
"That's your…only reason for living?" Singe asked.
"Yeah…I can't have my burdens being let on other people. I'll die when everything is alright."
"Sheena…"
The female ninja cut the general off, "Singe, why did you ask me this?"
"Because. I know a bit of what you might be going through. You need to live. Even if you can only ove once, cling to them. There is a way. Live for them, Sheena. For Zelos…"
"Singe…"
"We better be getting back now." the general blushed, "Let's hurry it up." Singe usually wasn't the person to get emotional, but she remembered when Crimsonia almost died trying to save her…Sheena couldn't die.
The two went back in the room, finding out Dialmond had left.
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"Lloyd…" Dialmond said to the man, in her own now-built room.
"Yeah, Dialmond?" Lloyd stretched a bit, close to the girl.
"Do you think Sheena will be alright? She…today may be her last day. They are giving her the death penalty."
"Yeah, but it's Sheena. Even if they try to kill her, we'll just bust her out!"
"That is not right and you know it. They would try to kill you, too. And if they did, I…I would be gone soon as well…"
"What so you mean. Like, gone from Meltokio or what?" Lloyd gave her a confused look.
"From this world. From life, Lloyd. If you were dead, I…I could not make it."
"You do something like that just to be with me…?" Lloyd gave her a shocked look.
"My life is in your hands. I do not wish to be with anyone else. I do not need to be with anyone else. I NEED to be with you!" She embraced him, and he returned. He began to kiss her neck, and she stopped him.
"Why?" Lloyd asked.
"And this…this is killing me, too!" was Dialmond's reply, "You need to make a choice, Lloyd! Please!"
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"YO!" Lanztblu suddenly jumped through the--thank Martel!--still-open window, giving a greeting.
"Lanztblu!" Crimsonia yelled in awe, "How did you get here!"
"I'm sort of skilled in weapon riding, and I'm great with water magic, so it was easy! I'm just here to watch, but I decided I should come! Don't worry; Oshitm hasn't come or anything. It's okay."
"That is good to hear." the red-haired fencer returned, "So? How is the dojo?"
"It's fine, but it's much more fun when a good teacher is there. You're the best, Crimsonia!"
"Now, now. The other teachers are good too, Lanztblu." Crimsonia shook her head, denying what was true.
"But I beat them all the time! I'm already signing up to be a teacher there."
"That should be…" Rubyi started.
"Interesting." Sardnyox finished.
"What do ya mean by that?" the hyper blue-haired student asked.
"Oh, nothing." Rubyi rolled her eyes and laughed.
"Anyways, when is the case?" Lanztblu asked, her attention shifting back to her former teacher.
"It should start in a couple of hours. I am sort of nervous. After all, I am a lawyer, so I have to speak in front of many people..." Crimsonia blushed a bit after saying this.
"You'll do fine." Rubyi shook her head.
"After all, we're all lawyers, too." Saphfyre suddenly said, getting down from her human perch also known as Scorch.
"It'll turn out alright. Everything usually does…" Lanztblu tried to ease her teacher.
"Yes. I hope…" Crimsonia looked to the sky, and smiled faintly.
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Embre was bored. And annoyed, too. Raise kept fixing her up so she looked better, but due to the girl's energy, Embre was forced to be stopped by Raise and be repaired to formal looks. As the Summon Spirit of the Skies was fixing her hair, Embre asked a question.
"I'm sorry if you don't want to talk about it, but--"
"Universa?" Raise cut her off.
"Yeah. I'm sorry." Embre sighed.
"No, it's not your fault. He's…"
"You used an apostrophe! Wow!" Embre suddenly burst out, screwing up her hair.
"You really mustn't fidget so much. I might put a hair clip in your ear if you keep doing so. But anyways…we're trying to work something out. I'm sure it will be for the best."
"When people say that, it's usually not. You've got to keep him Raise. It's not like I don't like Sheena, but she'll hurt him badly if this keeps up."
"I know. But he won't listen…"
"Yeah, he won't if you slap him and push him away. It's not his fault he loves someone. But it will be yours if you don't try to get him."
"I will try. Thank you Embre."
"Aww, you're welcome!" Embre hugged Raise, who blushed. The youngest LaHeart settled back into her chair.
"Now sit still, your whole head is messed up!"
"Ahahahah!"
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Flaren and Cresenta had also left the room, where they walked the streets, recalling upon old memories.
"I still don't get why you went away." the girl shrugged, "You left without even saying goodbye."
"I know, and I am sorry for that." Cresenta looked at the ground, ashamed.
"It's fine. I knew you might leave soon, but I never told you how I felt, did I?"
"No, you did not."
"Heh. But…you left because your family did, right?"
"Yes. It was what your people would call a 'vacation', I think."
"And what would you call it?" Flaren asked, laughing.
"A 'trip', yes, a trip."
"But aren't they remotely the same thing."
'You could put it that way, but you are more relaxed on a vacation."
"So then why'd you say I'd call it one."
"We were relaxed, but not as much as normal humans would be."
"Ohhhhhhhh, okay. I get it."
"Once I came back, I immediately recognized you. You had become much more beautiful. And more likea leader as well."
"What so you mean?"
"When I saw you with your siblings, you were the one who ordered commands, and decided what to do. I also heard that if anyone insulted anyone in your family, you were the first to bash their head in."
"That's very strange dialogue, coming from you."
"I picked it up from a very lovely, active girl. Although, many people would use hyper to describe it."
"Hey don't be mean!" Flaren hit him over the head playfully.
"Hah!" Cresenta let out a laugh, and continued to walk with the girl.
"But I guess I became that way, because I was starting to adapt." Flaren suddenly said, becoming serious.
"Hm?"
"I mean when Singe left. I had to become the leader. I saw how hard she had it. I still don't get the full reason why she left. She has a dark path with Kahlijdima and Tahjra, and it also doesn't help that they used to war."
"Oh, yes. I recall seeing that some time ago."
"I really hate it, war. Nothing good ever comes out of it in the long run."
"It is because of differences. People cannot seem to accept each other."
"Yeah, but that's not fair."
"I know."
"Promise me."
"Hm?"
"Promise me…" the girl held his hand, "That we'll end this. All these wars and such. And Oshitm. And everything bad. Promise me we'll try our hardest."
"Of course." he brought up the hand that was holding his own and kissed it.
"Thank you…"
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Lapisa had also left by now, the room's occupancy getting smaller and smaller. Perched on the top of a house's roof, she unleashed her wings. Smiling, she said to herself, "And such a hassle it was to find my true self…However, I think Mother would be proud. And my ancestor, Lapise Redjuwel, if she is my ancestor…hopefully she is proud of me, as well."
Sitting back and recalling the woman's words, Lapisa recollected herself…the words flowed back…
Flashback
"I will dead in a few hours. I have no food, and I can't live on water. I will try to swim using my will. Through that stupid lake, I am not deemed of even living anymore, lest calling myself an explorer…But I want the reader of this diary to know something: Leave while you can. If you are still sane, and probably young, live out your dreams. Do not try to cross, I beg of you. There may be more than you expected, and since the coast is above that one part of the cave, you probably won't have the strength to get out there anyway. I am not saying to give up your dreams, if you are an explorer, or trying to get to the coast, but I am saying…don't do anything stupid. And don't leave your family like I did."
"Diary of Lapise Redjuwel"
"End"
End Flashback
And the words Lapisa herself said afterwards…
Flashback
"What!" Lapisa screamed, throwing the book against the stone wall, "This cannot be! How could that woman, a figment of me, not make it! Ahhhhhhh!"
Slamming her fist into a wall, Lapisa's tears freely made an artificial waterfall out of her face. Being told to give up--but oh, not really!-- was one of the few things that sent her off the deep end. Kicking the wall evem more, cracks began to form.
"It is foolish to tell me to give up in a disguised form. I will go on. I will continue, and I will find what I must!"
End Flashback
"In the end…she was not telling me not to give up, but to live…and I foolishly rejected to. But now I see the truth behind her words. Living…is not such a bad thing,"
Smiling and putting a hand on her head, the woman let the wind loosen some feathers and make her hair whip around aimlessly. She looked down to see a man in red and her sister, Dialmond conversing on a bench. Strange, Meltokio didn't use to have a park area…never mind, it was just a bench shaded by some trees, which by the way were in much more quantity than before. Anyway, Lapisa left, a few feathers dropping down as she departed, leaving the two to be alone undisturbed…
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"How long has it been?" Dialmond turned to the man she loved.
"Hm?" was Lloyd's reply.
"I mean…" the woman shifted uncomfortably, "How long has it been since we first met, but how long had you thought about me after?"
"Well…I didn't think much at first. But whenever I was at that beach, or alone, or anywhere, I began to think of you. I didn't even know why I did sometimes, I even thought of kissing you a lot. And that felt wrong. Especially when I was with Colette."
"She did find you first, you know. You should just go to her. I mean, if you love her, I am not really worth that much to you…"
"Lloyd suddenly swooped to her, holding her in a loving position, very close to him, "No, that's not true…"
"You have to make a choice. Dialmond sat down on the bench normally again, "I need to know already. Please, I will not be mad at you either way…"
Lloyd just looked at her. He did love Dialmond, and Colette had gotten worse with everything that was going on. And plus, Lloyd and Colette were never really going out in the first place. They hadn't even kissed, but Colette had mentioned it a couple of times. But that didn't make them a couple. His head began to hurt, and he held it.
"I am sorry, I did not mean for you to go through any pain…" Dialmond reached a hand out to him.
Lloyd looked to her. She looked extremely worried, even if it was only a headache.
"Why are you so tense? It's not killing me or anything."
"I never want to see you hurt. I'd sacrifice my life to spare you any pain…any at all."
"Dialmond…"
"Lloyd…"
Should we even have really met that day?
Was it a fluke, a mistake that we were both there, that same day?
You told me of your quest, only the parts that you were secure telling me about.
I wished you safety, I wished you peace.
And for a moment, all time seemed to stop.
We looked at each other, our faces got closer. It seemed as if everyone had left.
She came.
I moved away, blushing. You had to leave soon, and all we had was something called a "photograph", which I kept forever.
The next day, I found you were gone, and I cried into my bed, pretending to be asleep if anyone came in.
There were so many things I wished to tell you, as I waited for the chance to see you again.
And for a long while, you were not there.
But then…
I saw you, and you saw me. Something fueled a forbidden bond, that even still, grows stronger.
I need you, and I always will.
…Please…
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Sheena stretched as she some familiar faces enter the room. First was a woman with long beautiful hair, but for today it was spun into a very complex bun, and some sparkling jewels were in it, accenting the white dress she wore. The woman tripped over her own feet, but regained composure quickly. Her dual swordsman friend had changed out of his formal clothes and went to go chat with an old friend, or so she explained. Followed by this woman was another, beautiful (and usually a little messy) opal hair sorted and parted for such an occasion. She was dressed in a sparkling blue dress, which shimmered and rippled as she walked, looking like a human ocean. Strange for a hydrophobic to wear. Holding her hand softly was a man, whose costume was bordered with a light purple, a signature of his mercenary skills. His usually uncontrolled hair was combed out a bit more, and less hid the brown eyes that were so often hidden by the now-sorted cover. He gave a…was that a loving look to the woman adorned in azure? The female ninja shook her head and averted her attention to the person who had just entered. A small kid, whose hair (also messy, like his sister's) was flattened and sorted out as much as it could be, walked in. He was wearing a blue suit, a tie (in a lighter shade of blue, and somewhat the shade of the purple the mercenary had), and some nice shoes. His sisters beat him there, though, as they were a very shiny azure that were covered in small blue gems. The child was fine with them anyway, and blushed as the next entrant walked in. The girl, usually a bit somber, did not seem so as she came in. Her pink hair was down and long, flowing down as a rose-colored cascade. The dress she wore had pink ribbons here and there, but was mostly black, yet it had a nice shine to it. Behind her walked a blue-haired man, his tuxedo fine as day. Bordered gold, with a nice tie orderly fashioned in the center, the man looked great extraordinary as he entered the room. As did everyone else, smiling and offering their support. Yet, someone was missing…
No. He was dead. And he couldn't be here now. He couldn't--Sheena interrupted her thoughts and moved them aside with surprise, "Everyone! You're all here!"
"Except Lloyd." Kratos said.
"That idiot…" Raine muttered, "He can save a world, but can't manage to get on time. Ironic."
Kratos laughed a bit at this. Which was a surprise to the female ninja. Were Kratos and Raine…
"Anyways, the case is in a few hours, right? Do you think you can make it? I mean, do you think you can win this?"
This was followed by a slap from Raine and another laugh from Kratos, accompanied by Sheena, who gave each other a strange look before the female ninja replied, "Yeah, I hope I can…"
"We could be your lawyers, if you need us." Presea suddenly said.
"No, it's fine. Plus we already have a plan, so…"
"Then you'd best work with that. Trying to quickly change back will make a business fail easily." Regal interrupted, nodding his head.
"Oh, okay…" Sheena scratched the back of her head, before Raine whispered to her, "I need to talk to you…"
"Okay…"
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Raine seemed exasperated. Sheena watched as the calm and collected Professor was now panicking to herself.
"Are you okay, Raine?"
"Yes, it's jus that…"
"What?''
"Universa had something very personal that he wanted to tell you. Did he?"
"He told me…he told me he loved me, if that's what you meant."
"And you replied with?"
"I rejected him. I still love Zelos, even if he is dead."
"I know I shouldn't try to change your mind, and I'm not trying to but…Summon Spirits don't usually love, and even if they do, it is more normal to them. Also, they usually don't love someone so deeply, and they usually don't tell them, especially if it is a human. Universa told me that he loved you one day. We were talking, I was amazed at the history, and we somehow got into that. There was also something else, which I can tell he hasn't told you yet. And I will not tell you yet, either, he will once everything is finished. So…what I'm saying is…wait for him."
"What?"
"You may not want him to love you, but there is something EXTREMELY important that he knows, and that you need to know. So…wait for him."
"Okay…I trust you. So I'll wait."
"Thank you. Now it's time to get back."
"Okay."
"Sheena."
"Yeah?"
Nobody else knows this, not even Kratos." At this moment Raine turned a bit scarlet, which Sheena noted. The Professor continued, "Please, don't tell anyone else this. It is something that could change man things, and nobody is going through a perfect time now. The war to kill Mithos is over, but that doesn't mean we have it easy yet. There is still much to be done."
"Okay, Raine. I get it."
"Thank you. Let's go now."
Raine and Sheena nodded and left to the house.
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"That sure took long!" a new voice said. Lloyd, dressed in his formal outfit flashed Sheena a smile. Dialmond was looking at him, and she was sad, yet it wouldn't have looked like it if someone was looking at her. She was staring at points she really shouldn't be, and forced herself to turn away and get another Palmacoasta White. The swordswoman fooled around with the sword a little bit, slicing some chesse for herself and putting it on a plate. Seles had outdone herself; a dinner for her friends and enemies with great food and divine drinks. Speaking of which, the woman was nowhere to be seen. After Rubyi said to Dialmond, "That better be clean." and the woman reply of, "Of course! I always clean my weapons, unlike some people." somebody in a pink dress emerged from the stairs. Seles, hair down in a fancy ponytail, walked down the stairs, dressed in rose and surrounded by pink gems. A silk, transparent shawl adorned with the same pink gems rested on her shoulder, and these same pieces of jewel decorated a necklace that rested on her neck. The same thing also was splattered on the dress, especially on the bottom. They made sort of a streak from the bottom-right to the top-left. Seles shrugged as all eyes were glued on her, but Lloyd's were fixated on Dialmond, who looked just as stellar now that the sunlight shined upon her. He couldn't resist. He walked over as Seles walked down the stairs, all the eyes--save Lloyd and Dialmond's--glued onto the pink haired woman. Lloyd approached her, Dialmond shook her head, but moving made her more radiant. He pulled her to him and began. He slid his lips onto her neck, and she returned. Amazingly, Nobody noticed. Thank Martel for Seles' overdoing of clothes. Lloyd was licking her neck, and her hand grabbed his upper chest hardly. Invigorated by the passion, the two began even more. They struck a climax, and stopped. Seles, who saw this, pretended to drop a gem from her hair, which fell pass the pink gems and onto the floor. This drew everyone's attention as the two stopped, and pretended nothing happened. Dialmond was stepping on his foot, though. Hard. This would also be the word used to describe something else, but Dialmond didn't even want to think about that. How could have she been so dirty? Thank Martel Seles interfered; if not, so many things could have happened. The Pink Haired Demoness looked to the woman as she picked up the jewel. Dialmond mouthed thanks and Seles just smiled. Everyone soon began to act normal again and began to converse with each other and the newcomer. Sheena laughed with Crimsonia, Sola, Cresenta, and Flaren and a little of Lanztblu, too. While Singe and Raine reviewed some past works of famous writers. Saphfyre and Astra were also talking, the Mistress of Stars quite pleased with Saphfyre's look. Rubyi and her fellow sisters were chatting and Lloyd, Colette and Dialmond were having a conversation, awkwardness flowing freely through the air. Regal and Kratos were chatting, and once again a blushing Genis had trouble speaking with an oblivious Presea. Seles joined Rubyi, and Raise and Universa were in a corner, whispering to each other. Scorch went over to his love, and Embre went to Universa and Raise. Everyone spoke with each other, and time slowed down a bit. Drinks were served, Rubyi's hyperness was maximized for a few moments, and a Ruin-Mode was also encountered. It soon became time for the case. Sheena, her friends, her enemies, and everyone else walked together down to the court.
When they entered, they were greeted with what seemed a million faces. Some smiling, some sad, some hatful, some hopeful. Some were from Meltokio, others from Sybak, or even Mizuho, and even people Heimdall made an appearance, much to the annoyance of a certain Professor. Even people from Sylvarant were in the massive room, from Luin, and Palmacoasta , Iselia, and even Katz Village had made an appearance for a trial that was of two heroes. Sheena went to her place in the room, followed by the Summon Spirits and Crimsonia. Flaren and Singe wished the two teams luck and went to their seats in the jury. Seles went to the opposite side of Sheena, followed by her maids. They began to pull out a number of things, as did Sheena's team. The rest of the people sat down where seats were available. Dialmond shot a look at Lloyd. She looked…sad. The dual swordsman saw this, and smiled at her reassuringly. The woman smiled back, comforted, and turned around. The judge, in a long black robe, banger his hammer and a round piece of wood. The Court Case was about to begin…
"You, Miss Sheena Fujibayashi, are being charged with the murder of Zelos Wilder, by prosecutor, Miss Seles Wilder. You are arguing for life…and nothing?"
"I don't want any money." Sheena shook her head, "Seles has already experienced enough." This gained some sympathy and even Sardnyox was a bit touched.
"And you…Miss Seles Wilder, are charging the defendant, Miss Suzu--Sheena, excuse me. There was a typo here…--Miss Sheena Fujibayashi for murdering Zelos Wilder. You want her dead if she is guilty? Correct?"
"Yes. This girl took my half-brother away from me. And even half a sibling is still important to me. He was the only person I could depend on, and this girl took him from me."
This caused the female ninja to get some disgusted looks from the crowd and someone almost threw something at her. The judge silenced everyone and spoke.
"And Miss Sheena, where is your evidence?"
"I'd like to call a Summon Spirit who witnessed those events at Derris-Kharlan with me, Gnome, the Summon Spirit of the Earth!"
On cue, the mole with a hammer teleported to a chair next to the judge.
"Heya Sheena. What can I do you for?" Classy as ever.
"Gnome, did I kill Zelos up at Derris-Kharlan?" Sheena ignored a crappy greeting and interrogated.
"No, you got three new Summon Spirits and fought Kuchinawa, who killed Zelos."
This gave a shock to the crowd. Stunned a bit, the judge whacked his hammer again.
"This Kuchinawa. Sir Gnome, is he alive?"
"Nope. He's dead. Sheena killed him for revenge of Zelos' death."
"Objection!" Saphfyre slammed her hand down, "How do we know that Sheena wasn't in cahoots with the Kuchi-whatever guy? Maybe he's still alive!"
Sheena was about to say something when Universa stopped her, "She is playing her role. This isn't personal between you or the Redjewels, just you and Seles. Remember that."
"Well?" Saphfyre tilted her head cockily.
"What would be the purpose of killing Zelos?" Cresenta suddenly pointed at the accuser, "He had not yet drawn up his will; there was no money--nor anything!--that Sheena could have gained. She loved him. People usually don't kill the ones they care about."
"Uhhhhhhh…" Saphfyre thought for a minute.
Rubyi cleared her throat, "It doesn't mean she didn't kill him for unbeneficial reasons. Zelos was a rich man; she could have easily inherited money, or stolen it. Really, how would he get it, anyway?" At this point she shrugged her shoulders, "He's just a corpse anyway."
Sheena silently gasped. The Redjewels were entirely different people in court.
"Excuse me, but does Sheena Fujibayashi seem any richer to you? Does she have gold all over Mizuho, or more land, or improvements to anywhere else? No! The clothes she received right now she bought long ago and the weapon she has is a gif from the Summon Spirits!" Crimsonia yelled, standing up, "How dare you say that?"
"Then what about pride?" Sardnyox said, amazingly calm, "Without the Chosen, a governmental gap is made. Sheena could have tried to fill this, which would purposely make Mizuho prosper. Also, she may have been moved up over the years, and be able to rule the world. She may have made a big step for world domination."
"That's a bit more than played out if you ask me." Raise suddenly spat, "Why would she go through hall the trouble of going up to Derris-Kharlan instead of going to a remotely isolated area, such as Ymir Forest, the sea, or even the Fooji Mountains? It wouldn't add up. And if you're not a Summoner, not much is to be gained from going to Derris-Kharlan now. Besides, there are few people who can be transported there now!"
"Even so!" Dialmond cried, "It makes an all-the-better alibi! Going to a place no one else can, for a so-called "quest"…seems a bit suspicious, if you ask me."
"You're missing the point!" Raise argued back, "She could also have gone to one of the said places to do the same thing! My client did not kill Zelos! I know that for a fact!"
"Oh, do you?" Emereld asked, "Because Sheena got you after the whole thing subsided, so how could you have known?"
"Astra told me the whole story, of how Sheena almost died and such. Also…"
"This may explain it clearly." the Sylph came in, flying with a projector, which Raine fawned at for a bit and then watched what was on screen. A footage of Sheena's journey was shown, much of it besides any intimate parts."
"How do we know what we see here is true?" Seles asked.
"Would it make sense otherwise?" Luna asked, "All the pieces fit well into place here. Everything is explained, and true as well. So you cannot say that it is not, because it all adds up perfectly."
"No! You could have altered it! People change identities all the time, to get out of things, and to escape from things! Sheena could have done the same, we don't even know if this is her!"
A very loud STOMP was heard from the jury; Singe had pounded a hole in the floor with her foot.
"It slipped." the general fixed her hair. A scoff from Cali and Flaren was heard. The sister of Singe looked over to the blonde, who turned away and pretended she didn't see Flaren.
"Anyways…" Sardnyox rolled her eyes, "Yeah. Even if this tape is true, that may not be Sheena. Prove that it is."
"…We obtained a sample of DNA from Kuchinawa's robe." Universa muttered.
"You'll have to speak louder, sir." the judge said bluntly. That wasn't rude, but it wasn't exactly polite…
"We obtained a sample of DNA from Kuchinawa's robe, covered a bit with his blood! It's one of Sheena's hairs. It was retrieved from the lower--"
He was cut off by a very shocked Sheena who squeezed his hand. Universa was screaming. He obviously didn't want to talk about this. He looked at her. She was a it wide-eyed, and stared at him, motioning him to calm down.
"…Please." She whispered to him, which was very hidden and very sly. After all, she was a ninja.
"…It was retrieved from the lower aortal artery. In other words, the heart." Universa looked at the ground.
Rubyi, who tried to regain some composure after Universa's outburst, scoffed at such a crudely described way of the heart. She herself could have described it much better. But a look from Universa shut her up.
"How can you prove this?" the judge gave a questionable look to the Summon Spirit of the Universes.
"Look at this." Universa whipped Sheena's Katana of the Frozen Moon from her sheathe. The female ninja hadn't even noticed until she saw it out. Amazed, she looked at the blade.
Universa whipped his finger at a certain point at the blade, "No matter what Miss Fujibayashi has tried to do, this blood would never come off, not even if cleaned by Undine's water. It was mixed with mana, and this is defiantly from the heart, because the blood from the heart, when flowing in, is always darker before it comes out…"
"Due to lack of oxygen." Crimsonia and Astra said in unison.
"Exactly. Nobody would be foolish enough to take a blow to the heart to fake a death. Kuchinawa is dead."
"We can't even be sure those are the same bloodstains!" Flaren yelled.
"But! It is darker!" Singe pointed back at her, "Just as it is on the robe!"
"Clam it, you two!" the judge roared, which shocked everyone. Apparently, the two LaHearts were bringing up important arguments that other people weren't taking into account. The judge continued, "Is there a doctor or surgeon skilled enough to tell whether these are the same?"
At this point, Rubyi and Raine both stood up. However, this wouldn't work. They were both on different sides.
"Of course there is." A new voice came to be heard. A man revealed himself from some seats in the back. Throwing a charming look at Raine (which was followed by a nasty look from Kratos in the figure's direction), the man stood in a prideful position, "Reef Coral, at your service." Speedily, he went up and examined the piece of the robe and the sword. After about three minutes, he had made his decision.
"Well?"
"…These two samples of blood…"
He stood up completely, putting the two pieces of evidence aside.
"…Are exactly the same!…"
This was followed by a hush and then much talk among the crowd. Rubyi yelled, "You're lying! You're lying!" and Saphfyre smacked her on the head to calm her down. However, Reef was best to do this--he was neutral, and had no gain if either side won. The judge angrily smashed his hammer against the wood.
"Silence! We will have a brief recess of ten minutes. I will not have people being late in my courthouse!"
Everyone soon left, and Universa hastily exited. Sheena followed. Astra and Universa's other siblings looked quite worried as the two left. Saphfyre adjusted some jewelry, and left with her sisters. Seles gave a look to where Sheena was headed, but decided not to pursue the female ninja. (However, this decision could have been motivated by Astra's sudden need to polish her extra-sharp scythe.)
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Outside, behind the court house, in a garden isolated by trees, Sheena grabbed Universa's hand.
"Universa…" Sheena looked at the ground nervously.
"I'm sorry, Sheena. I usually don't…"
"You can talk whatever way you want. You don't have to use apostrophes."
"But--"
"No, it's fine. Really."
"Does it…does it make me sound stupid? And uneducated?" Universa reverted to his normal tongue.
"No, not at all!" Sheena shook her head, "Take Astra for example--she's never used and apostrophe in her life and she sounds…she sounds overpowering! I don't think you sound stupid."
"That is all I needed to hear. It's--it is becoming more of a habit, though. I don't know why. It started this morning…"
"You don't have to talk like that if you don't want to. But anyways, you really…"
"I am sorry. I never meant for an outburst like that to happen. I am so ashamed."
"No, it's just that…"
"Yes?"
"For the first time ever, I…"
"What is it?"
"For the first time, I was…scared of you."
"What?"
"I was scared of you. For you, near you…I didn't know what you were going to do next. Really don't know way. You're usually so calm. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said anything…"
"No. I never meant to scare anyone, especially you. I am truly sorry. I will never do that again. I promise to try my best."
"It's fine. Time is almost up. Let's go."
"Yes…"
The two left, back to the courtroom, back to the trial of decision and the trial of life or death.
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"…Although we have received some very convincing evidence…" the judge began, "This trial is far from over. There is still much to be covered here. Now, if anyone wants to leave, then you should do so now, before I resume this case."
At this moment, three people got up and left, which was followed by a demonic look from all the Redjewel, a disgusted look from Astra, a scoff from Sola and Cresenta, a throw of…something from Lanztblu, and an eye-roll from Universa. The people in the "audience" of the room weren't too admirable of the people leaving either.
"Anyways…?" Crimsonia put out a hand, waiting for the judge to continue.
"Yes, anyways…" the judge seemed a bit flustered--he most likely didn't expect anyone to leave. He was a person of quick recompose, and did so swiftly. Going from where he left off, the judge spoke, "There is still matter of a cause. Miss Seles, what reason do you think Sheena had for supposedly 'killing' Sir Zelos Wilder?"
Seles was a bit nervous. Judging by his way of asking the question and the tone he was asking it in, it dawned upon her that he was hinting of the obvious truth that he believed Sheena as of right now. No. Dammit. She knew a good reason why though, so…
"Money!"
"What? There was no will drawn up--"
"Don't you think there was a secret storage of Gald somewhere, where Zelos could have been hiding it? Don't you think he would have mentioned it with his closet friends--including Sheena--about it, in case they ever needed it. It was at this time that Zelos was working for Cruxis, which I happened to learn from Miss Seles…" the Swift Red Dagger paused a minute, "So even if Zelos did help save the world, these people could have sent out a skilled killer to get the money without any restraint from Zelos! In other words, Sheena!"
"That is preposterous!" Crimsonia yelled, "What gain would these people have from money! Monsters are still around, yes, but I doubt they would spend it all on gels or weapons!"
"Oh, sure! They would spend it on things that were very old but very expensive, pieces of ruin for example. Who knows, they might even buy a few prices dual sword sets if they wanted!" It was at this point Dialmond gave Rubyi's hand a hard squeeze from under the desks. Rubyi glanced quickly at her sister; what would make her do something like that? She gave a look to Lloyd and Rubyi declined it. Continuing, she spoke once again, "They could have bought some dresses, too. Or even dirty things!" She shook her index finger back and forth when she said this, as if scolding someone, "We don't know how sick these 'heroes' may really be!"
"Now you shut up and you shut up NOW!" Crimsonia threw Gilmia across the room so it stabbed into the wall right next to the red-haired lawyer's head. Retrieving the sword in an instant, she stayed right in Rubyi's face, "These people saved your world, and what the HELL do you accuse them of! Dirty things! Dirty things! You don't get to call the saviors of our world dirty!" Rare apostrophe moment from Crimsonia, who by the way was simply not backing down and could have easily spit in Rubyi's face if she so deemed it, "If anyone is dirty in the courtroom, it is YOU. You think that because of an accident that this girl is a murderer!" The red-haired fencer turned to the audience, "You can simply not blast decisions out your--" a pant from Rubyi--who had held in her breath, for an astounding number of minutes--blocked one of Crimsonia's words. But everybody got the message as the usually calm woman continued, "--And say that they are right! That is not society! That is not right! If you think that…well, if you think that, then you've got problems!"
The audience held their resistance to clap as Crimsonia sheathed her sword. The judge swiftly smacked the mallet against the cedar, "Miss Crimsonia, sit down! You will not prove your point by attempting to do the same thing your client is charged as!"
Surprisingly, Lanztblu got what this meant and laughed a bit. However, she seemed to be the only one (besides the Sage siblings and Kratos) laughing, so she immediately stopped. Saphfyre now spoke.
"Can you really prove that?" she fiercely pointed at her adversary, "There are some things these people would want with money…"
"Exactly." Sardnyox chained off of her sister, "Mizuho could expand…"
"…And money could easily go into conferences for half-elfs." Topazen also brought up.
"Seeing as how rich Zelos was…" Dialmond spoke the truth.
"…These people could be looking to conquer the world." Lapisa finished, ending a point that refused not to be heard.
A laugh was heard from the jury. The two LaHearts gave an annoyed look to Cali Flion, who in turn laughed again.
'Idiots.' she thought to herself, 'Oshitm and I will rule this world. Not people like you. These people? Give me a break!'
"Don't be annoying." Flaren said to her enemy.
"Yes. Shut up once in a while." Singe helped her sister out.
Cali then mumbled something inaudible to everyone else but insulting enough for a punch in the face by Flaren. Sola saw this, but continued anyways.
Clearing his throat, he spoke, "That is a stupid idea, miss. Conquering a world we just saved? Preposterous!"
"It doesn't make enough sense., anyway." Celsius appeared out of nowhere, "If we did try to conquer the world, that Tree would probably die. It's still growing. Nobody is stupid enough to do that now, or they'll be killing a world they want to control."
"Right." Astra said, holding her hands deep to her chest. She put on out in front of her, as though trying to grab a feather caught in the wind, "It is a vie for power. But people are smart enough to wait. Conquering this world has no gain right now, you may control life, but as this Tree develops, so will the population. People would make their move then, and not now."
"So you're planning on conquering our world, is that it?" Rubyi asked suspiciously.
"Haven't we already covered this?" Raise asked the Swift Red Dagger, looking at the girl right in the eye, "Why would we save a world, when we could have easily joined up and conquered it as well? We could have easily killed off Mithos; we already have before. You're being stupid, and you're not thinking things through enough to make a good point. You'll have to try harder than that to get something done."
Rubyi then crossed her arms and looked away. Saphfyre took over for the girl.
"There is still the fact that Zelos' death could have done something. He is the Chosen, after all. I've read that if a Chosen of one world dies, they are replaced. But the world--right now--doesn't need a Chosen. Are you trying to get the Tethe'allan part of the world destroyed?"
"What are you saying, that's stupid!" Celsius' voice rang out like church bells, "Sheena is from Tethe'alla; Raise is right, you're not making sense at all!"
"Now you listen to me!" Lapisa yelled, silencing everyone, "This case is about the murder of Zelos Wilder, and we are trying to look a all the reasons why! Now, tell me! Did you kill him because--"
"Sheena Fujibayashi did not kill him." Eefreet suddenly appeared. He pointed at Lapisa, "Ask your reason, make it good."
"Was your reason for killing Zelos for your own sake? Do you have…mental problems…?" the dual swordswoman actually meant this. Sure, others could be true, but this seemed more…meaningful.
"What? No, I'm not insane or anything like that?" Sheena declined.
"Are you sure?" Lapisa was now not persecuting her enemy, but asking them something meaningful, as a friend, "Because whenever we have talked of Zelos, never have I seen you shed a single tear. I do not know why that is, but I…"
"No." a voice suddenly said.
"What?" Lapisa looked around for the origin of sound, but could not find them. Damn! She always knew a person's voice. But now…she hesitated. Continuing, she spoke, "I want to know if you truly are…"
"No." Universa put his hand calmly down on the table. He gave Lapisa a calm but sardonic stare that could even match Sardnyox's. He began to reveal a little truth.
"You have not been there every moment with Sheena. She has cried. Do you know the pain of losing someone you love? No? It is something that is much pain, but you will not want to show it. It is something that hurts to the very bone--" his volume began to rise, "YOU DO NOT GET TO SAY SHEENA HAS NOT CRIED." He paused a bit, "I am sorry. But I have been with her, and she has shed tears. You do not get to go into that matter anymore, here, there, or anywhere. Not unless Sheena deems it so. We are going to move on from that subject. And we are going to do so now."
It scared Lapisa a bit and Rubyi broke off part of the wood she was gripping because she held it so tight. Saphfyre cleared her throat, "Moving on…Sheena's reason to kill Zelos was probably money. I know we already have discussed this, but even so…"
"Yes?" Raise gave her a sideways look.
"Even so." Saphfyre dusted her clothes off, causing her jewelry to tinkle and gleam, "you see, Seles and I have talked about this. If Zelos ever died, he did say some things that he would put in a will, if he ever got around to writing one."
'Typical Zelos.' Sheena thought to herself, a bit saddened but a bit happy at the same time. Lapisa put this into note. Thank heavens. Sheena was sane.
"he said he'd give his money to Sheena. His house to his "Bud", or Lloyd Irving. Some business tips to the Lezareno Company master that even he didn't know, some of his most prized jewels to Colette Brunel, a set of ancient books to the two Sage siblings, and his shield to Kratos Aurion. He said he'd get around to it someday, but it appears that he…"
"…Didn't." Topazen finished. She hadn't spoken in a while, and found that she should now. She let herself continue, "In turn, selling these possessions would generate more money, resolving in a huge amount of income, that could lead them living life of luxury for the rest of their lives, and--"
"I would never do that to his money! It's dishonorable, ad stupid!" Sheena was on the verge of tears, and now Lapisa felt horrible for saying anything. Origin and Maxwell both appeared and began to help their Summoner out.
"This girl is innocent." Maxwell said, "I may be old, but I still have a memory, damn it! Sheena Fujibayashi did not kill him, that robe DNA proves it! You cannot see this, than you cannot see truth!"
"Indeed." Origin nodded, "It is unfair to judge someone so young, to take their life away for loving someone. It is too cruel for love to be persecuted in such a way. It is hopeless to try to not fight for something your passion is aflame for. Nobody can stop--"
Astra cut him off, "No one can sop those feelings. But just because you love that person doesn't mean others will try to take him away. Even if that person is a sibling, a brother--or in this case, sister--they may not be willing to let their person go. It may be the wrong person, the person may not be right for them. But love, it's strange, you can't--"
"You can't run from them. You can love them, and they can love you. Work for it. No matter who they are, what race, what gender--what anything!--it doesn't matter!" Celsius shouted, proving a point, "Love is unstoppable, people can even die because of this! Is that what you want? A person dead because of their love? It is a horrible thing to even say--doing it? A whole 'nother thing."
"Exactly." Cresenta, finally speaking since the case began, "Love is unpredictable--it knows no bounds. This love was slain, not by Sheena, but by a man too invoked within his own sin of being unable to forgive and forcing sin upon himself--this was not Sheena's fault. Not at all. What is on trial here is sin itself."
"True." Crimsonia gave a loving look to Cresenta, "Sin is the main exponent of this case, utterly, and bluntly. It is not murder, nor death, but sin is something we humans evoke upon ourselves. By falling into sin, we may betray others or even ourselves. Even if a sin is not our, we may let it open on us, weakening us to a state of disbelief and a state of near-insanity. Everybody has different views of sin, but this all makes us one life--and by trying to take Sheena's, we are taking the world's. Reconsider."
The ending argument concluded well and Seles brought up hers as well.
"Life, death. When it comes down to it…" the Pink Haired Demoness shifted some strands of hair out of the way, "When it comes down to it…they all mean one thing. Live or die. Win or lose. Risk it all. Zelos did so, and I may believe Sheena killed him, but that doesn't make him any less of a great man. Punishment must be served and dealt. I don't believe a crime should go unpunished."
"Indeed. People have died to falsehood crimes, but many have been served justice. Jail and death are not even at all. Killing someone, their dreams, their hopes--their life!--people need to feel that. This is a way…" Saphfyre unsheathed her scythe, "It's a way for punishment. Right now, this scythe cloud kill somebody if I so deemed it. But I do not strike down. Why, you ask? No crime here has been committed. Except for the death of Zelos Wilder, a man to remember."
"Lying is…" Rubyi flipped around a scalpel in her right hand, "It's something downright unforgivable. If this case has been a lie, a sham, a great disservice will be paid to everyone here. But if truth is actually in play, that's just great! Even if Sheena isn't killed, I believe truth is the best thing! So tell me if truth is here or not, and I will have the answer. I…everyone here will know that truth's light and the power of justice prevails in the end--sounds corny, yes, but it's true. So these lights--justice and truth--both need to make their decision. Without one or the other, hey can't move on. And right now, we can't stop going. We have to move on." The Swift Red Dagger threw the medical knife back in her pack and took out her new knife, Healera. She flashed the peace symbol and let the next contender speak.
Emereld cleared her throat, "It's ironic. Things seem to go great only to end in despair. I know. You know. But we need hope for the future. Hope for the past, and hope for the present, even if these times pass in the blink of an eye. You can choose to believe what you have heard from our side to let this time become a fragment of the past, to be remembered, to know if justice was served. You can also choose to let Sheena live, either way, this will become a moment in the past to be remembered. The one thing is that you have time, use it to make the right choice."
Lance in hand, and standing tall, the woman known as Sardnyox spoke, "People like me have an iron will. Something that will not bend, will not break. This is something that defines me, and death can be something that defines a person very well. We won't know what you choose unless you speak now. People have to make hard choices--it's a part of life. But not making a choice? That's even weaker than choosing a side, even if you are still unsure. A life is at stake here--I am asking you people to make the decision that is right to you. Martel gave us life in this world--she also gave us the right of free will. I ask you not as the jury of this court, but as the people of this world, to make this decision. Choose."
"It is usually not the case where a life is decided by people of the court. Usually they are sentenced to jail, or are killed without a trial. Now, this person may be innocent…" Dialmond closed her eyes and swooped up from the position she was in, all the while her sisters and Seles giving her strange looks. Was she supposed to say something like this. Seles just said to say what closing argument sounded best…Dialmond continued, "…But this person may also be guilty. It is up to you to decide what the decision is. A life…a life that has lived for nineteen years…that is what you are deciding today. In this court, we have the power to let a person live or die. Is this really our choice? Is it right for us to decide this? You people are here today to choose--so please…make your decision. You may strike down a killer, or you may let them live. Nobody except Sheena and her Summon Spirits, and Zelos--rest his heart--knows what happened in Derris-Kharlan. But please…make your decision, and please make sure you are certain of what you are saying."
Topazen flew a hand through her blonde hair. At this moment Scorch thought of Cali, who looked at him, and smirked. He felt something. Damn it. No! He was going to stay with Saph--Topazen began to speak, "Right now, we're in a court room. Right now, you people are deciding on a life. Right now, my nose itches. So you see what I am getting at. What matters is right now--what matters is the future and what matters is the choice you'll make! You may punish a killer or free an innocent person--only you, the jury will be able to make this decision. So right here, right now--it is your choice that matters! Tell me! How long can this trial go on? How long must people be in wait! People, make your decision, here and now! You must!"
"Everything I once knew had changed after I met Seles. Someone took me in--I was once a poor girl, dirty and worthless. This woman took me in--I never question her move. I do not dare object when she threatens this girl's life, even. Now, tell me, would this woman--my mistress, Miss Seles--prosecute Miss Sheena Fujibayashi for no reason! At all! I think not! We are choosing who wins or who loses, a life may escape death or continue to live! Think of what life means to you, seize the day, tell someone your love for them, find the words!…Find the ray of hope to live. Find the will to go on. You must make you decision, and once again, I will not question. But one thing I will ponder about is that…what truly happened in Derris-Kharlan? Can I ask you?" Lapisa pointed at a person in the audience, then to another, "Or you? What about you, blue hair, very active-slash-hyper woman in the back? None of you…none of you can tell me! The only person I could hear the truth from is Sheena and her companions, and we do not know if they are telling the truth. Truth…truth is what keeps the world spinning. If everyone lied, there would be chaos. Can we stop this madness! Truth must stay, and lies must go! Tell me, people of the jury…what do you think is the truth. I would like to know."
The audience buzzed with conversation as Rubyi sighed and sat down, Saphfyre sheathed her scythe, and Lapisa took in a breath--hey, anyone would after that long a speech. Astra looked hopeful for the future, and Crimsonia wondered if she did a good job. Universa looked at Sheena, would he be able to tell her what he needed to? The female ninja was worried, and Lanztblu blushed that Lapisa mentioned her in her speech. Seles gave a defiant look towards Sheena, who looked back with dim eyes. A decision was about to be made. Life…death…these things were about to be decided in a case. A court room. A trial. Points were made, and points were disproven. What would be the decision? What would be the answer to end this whole slew of events, a book that was still being filled, a piece of work yet to be finished? What--
The judge banged on his hammer, "The jury has made its decision. Sheena Fujibayashi, you are…"
The Court Case
A/N: And next, we find out everything. What will the decision be? Why was this chapter so painfully long? Find out in The Court Case!