Chapter 14 – The Trial

[Hello again everyone, how has this New Year been treating you? I'm sorry that I have been so behind on uploading again, I feel terrible about it because I know that you guys love reading this story. I have been like crazy supercalofragolisticespealodocious busy! (I don't know if I spelt that correctly...meh!) I have been busy with Photoshoots, travelling to newcastle for work and being in TV shows/commericals(I have also begun doing daily vlogs on my YouTube channel! (Whoop whoop!) - Anyway! On with the story! Please remember that I do not own Shugo Chara! nor any of the characters, but I DO own this story line :3 – ENJOY!]

Amu's POV

I sat in the silent room refusing to glance over at the EASTER employees, my once employers that made my life a living hell. I took a deep breath as the judge made his way to his seat, we all rose from our seats in respect and sat as he did. When his gaze met mine I saw his face soften as he bowed his head respectively to me, out of instinct I bowed back to him.

I felt my body begin to slowly relax as the judge hit his gavel twice and cleared his throat. 'This court is now in session. Miss Hinamori, thank you very much for coming in today, I understand you have been released from hospital today.' I sat up slightly as I heard the clicking of cameras erupt with flashes of light highlighting my shadow. 'I was released this morning...I just wanted to get my testimony out of the way...' I felt my shy exterior begin to take over as I looked down slightly before feeling Utau and Kukai tighten their grip on my hands for moral support.

'Once again thank you very much for joining us Miss Hinamori. Now would you mind coming to the stand to explain to the court what happened to you to cause the unfortunate circumstances in which caused you to be hospitalised.' I felt a small bead of sweat fall from my brow and my body freeze slightly before standing. Ikuto reached his hand out to me and made his way with me to the stand before returning to his seat, he kept his gaze on me at all times.

A guard with a bible appeared by my side. 'Do you swear to say the whole truth and nothing but the truth?' I took a deep breath before placing my hand gently on the bible and nodding slightly. 'I swear...' the guard smiled up at me slightly before moving away. I took my seat and looked out to the crowd, I felt anxiety begin to take over as my breathing increased, Ikuto's face began to break out in worry before I took another deep breath.

'Could you state to the court the incident that occurred on 23rd August 2013?' I looked up at the judge who had a stern but caring eye on me, I nodded slightly before returning my gaze to the court. 'That was the date I began recording the second part of my first mock album...' there was a small lady dressed in a pale red suit sitting in front of the judge logging everything that I was saying. 'What happened on that day Miss Hinamori?' I felt the judge pressing the question as I gulped nervously once I finally got a look at the employers that I was about to bring down.

'I had just finished recording a song for the fifth time...and it wasn't to the producers standards...I was feeling emotional that day and the last song I had been asked to record affected my emotions...I broke down crying.' I looked down as I hugged my arms. I could hear complaints coming from the Easter employees before I looked out to the court. 'What happened when you started to cry Miss Hinamori?' I took a deep breath.

'They removed me from the recording studio with force and...' I looked at the employees with tears in my eyes. 'They beat me...for not getting it right the first time...' I was handed a tissue which I used to wipe my tears away. I heard a chair screech along the floor and looked up to see the record producer staring at me with wild eyes. 'You lying little cow! We never beat you, you were just a shit singer and now want to make false allegations against us out of spite!' I winced at the power of his voice as a security guard who was stationed beside me pushed him back into his seat.

'We have video evidence that Miss Hinamori was telling us the truth.' I looked down not wanting to watch the video. 'Miss Hinamori do I have permission to show this evidence to the court?' I looked up at the kind judges' face and took a slow deep breath as I nodded slowly.

A video began to play on the small TV which was wheeled in by me. I looked down once more as my screams and cries filled the court room and my tears began over flowing from my eyes.

'Why can't you just get your voice in check you stupid little bitch!? How many more times must I teach you!?' the producers voice was heard from the video followed by a slap as my screams stopped but my cries continued to ring out. 'Oh stop being such a spoilt little brat! Grow up and take your lesson seriously!' my managers' voice rang out from the video. 'No please stop! I can't take this anymore! Please stop!' I screamed out on the video before several loud thuds were heard in time with my screams. The crowd broke out into waves of small whispers as my tears in the court room became louder, I put the tissue to my eyes.

'Stop the video please...we've seen enough...' I heard the judge say as my cries continued, the video was instantly stopped. 'Miss Hinamori, I'm sorry to keep pushing but you had no idea that video was being filmed did you?' I shook my head slightly as a box of tissues was placed in front of me. I took a few more to blow my nose and wipe the rest of my tears away. 'I wasn't informed about some of the performers standing up against Easter until it came out in the news...by that time I was completely lost in my depression. I hadn't gone into the office in a couple of weeks as my physical condition had taken a turn for the worse. I lost a lot of weight, I wasn't eating and I had broken all connection with my friends and colleagues.' I spoke cautiously as I remembered some of the minor details.

'Do you remember anything else that you would like to tell us?' I looked up at the judge before looking at Utau and Kukai. 'The last thing I remember was finding the first article regarding my friends speaking up against Easter and taking them down from the inside...Everything after that is somewhat of a blur.' I watched my friends both look down as if feeling guilty. 'I'm happy that they did what they did to make this happen though...it means that no more young people will be dragged in by the lies that Easter feed us...' my friends looked up at me with small tears in their eyes.

'Thank you for being so brave Miss Hinamori, would the defence like to add anything?' I felt my body freeze up as I saw the lawyer for Easter stand and make his way towards me. 'Yes we would your honour...Miss Hinamori. What is your relationship with Mr. Tsukiyomi Ikuto?' My eyes widened in disbelief. 'What type of question is that?!' I heard Ikuto shout out. I looked up at the judge who looked down at the lawyer. 'What does this have to do with investigation going against your client?' the judge asked with an irritated tone in his voice.

'It could have quite a lot to do with this whole fiasco your honour. Miss Hinamori, we believe that Mr. Tsukiyomi was seen entering your house on numerous occasions leading up to you signing your trail contract with my client. Why is that?' I couldn't believe what I was hearing...Easter must've been spying on me. I decided to answer as truthfully as possible. 'That's simple, he was tutoring me. Mr. Tsukiyomi is my form tutor and dance teacher from school. I was doing badly in English and maths, so he took the responsibility on to help me pass.' I explained keeping my cool, the lawyer sighed not expecting my answer. 'And what about him dropping you home late in the evening after your work at the cabaret club?' I sighed slightly.

'There was an agreement arranged between my mother and Mr. Tsukiyomi to take me home in the evenings as my parents trusted in him.' I explained but felt increasingly agitated at the allegations against Ikuto. 'Do you love him Miss Hinamori?' my eyes widened as shouts broke out from behind him. I looked up at the judge and then back at the lawyer. 'You must be absurd. He is my teacher, regardless of the fact that we may spend more time than many students spend with their teachers it is just by coincidence and certain circumstances.' The lawyer stared at me with an evil glare before taking his seat.

I looked toward Ikuto who was glaring at the Easter employees who smirked evilly in his direction, our lawyer rose from his seat before the judge could even ask if he had any questions. It was my first time meeting him, he smiled kindly at me. 'Miss Hinamori, were you aware whilst you were working at Easter that Mr. Tsukiyomi's father had previously worked for Easter?' I nodded slowly. 'Mr. Tsukiyomi mentioned it to me when I told him I had been offered the contract.' He started pacing in front of me. 'And what was your reaction?'

'I was shocked to find out that it was his father...I had heard the stories while I was growing up but had no idea that it had been Mr. Tsukiyomi's father...he warned me to be careful at Easter. That was the last time I spoke to him or saw him for almost 4-5 months...' My heart hurt thinking back to that horrific moment. 'Why was that Miss Hinamori?' I looked up at the lawyer and responded with all the honesty I could relating the matter. 'He told me to stay away from him. We were supposed to continue my tutoring over the summer but he didn't want Easter to hurt me to get to him. He was afraid that they would read more into our relationship than what was there. He was simply trying to keep me safe after what had happened to his father and sister.'

'That was when he began his work to take down Easter, wasn't it?' I nodded firmly. 'I believe it was, yes. I believe that one of his students being taken on by Easter finally pushed him to take them down.' I looked at Ikuto and could see him looking down at the ground after his father being mentioned. 'That will be all, thank you Miss Hinamori.' I bowed to my lawyer before looking up at the judge. 'Thank you for your time Miss Hinamori. You may now take your seat.' I stood slowly as Ikuto jumped up from his seat to help me back to my seat, I bowed in respect to both him and the judge.

Ikuto's POV

We all sat in silence as we knew the trial was finally coming to its end. All of us watched the judge with curious eyes. He looked over his papers one last time before looking to the jury. 'I think we have heard all that we need to...what is the jury's verdict.' The court went silence as the representative for the jury stood and smiled toward Amu who was holding Utau and Kukai's hands tightly with anticipation. 'We find the defence Guilty.' We all breathed in relief as the judge coughed. 'With that being said I sentence all of the Easter Employees involved to 15 years imprisonment and permanent ban from working with young people or within the entertainment industry. Dismissed!' he hammered the gavel as Amu broke out into tears of relief, Utau and Kukai hugged her tightly. The court began to buzz as the verdict was reached, congratulations were coming to me from every direction, and I thanked them all but that wasn't what I was interested in at that current moment. I watched the employees be put into handcuffs and led away to their cells for pick up.

Amu's parents joined my side, we all looked down at Amu. She was still in her friends arms as the rest of the court was buzzing with sound, her cries still heard through the chaos of celebration. Our justice had been served, I thought back to my father and felt that I had done him justice. I hadn't heard from him in 10 years and it killed me inside to think that he had passed away. 'Thank you...for everything you done.' I looked at Amu's mother, she had been crying. 'It was my duty...not only to Amu, but to my family and countless others.'

'We didn't know about your father...I'm sorry for snapping at you before...this was as personal for you as it was for us...I shouldn't have been so insensitive...' I bowed my head to her father in respect to his words. 'I have put that in the past now. I will leave you to tend to Amu...' I bowed to them both once more before making my way to the exit.

I had accomplished so much, although we had won victory and been battling for so long I still hadn't heard from my father. In that respect I still felt at a loss, I became a teacher to stop reminding myself of the pain of losing him. Amu was the one person that took away that pain and made everything seem ok once again. I sighed as I made my way through the crowd to take a seat just outside of the court room, I was ignoring everyone around me now as my thoughts consumed me.

'Well done on your victory Ikuto...' I was brought back to reality by the sound of a familiar kind voice, I looked up to see my mother standing above me smiling. 'Mother... What are you doing here?' I asked her cautiously as I rose from my seat to share a short embrace. 'I've been following the story on the news, I knew that today was when the girl was going to testify, I had a feeling that the verdict would be met today so I decided to come down and see it for myself.' She smiled at me as I moved up on the bench I had been sat on to give her room.

'I'm glad you could be here today. Have you heard from father at all?' I was pretty sure what the answer would be but needed to ask anyway. 'I can't say I have Ikuto.' I sighed out in frustration. 'I knew it...why would he care that we finally brought them back to justice...' I felt anger towards my father, I felt abandoned after he left and he didn't have the decency to thank me now that they had been taken down. 'You care for the girl don't you Ikuto?' I glanced over at my mother before sighing and sitting back on the bench. 'She has a name mother.' I hadn't heard from her in about 2 years, Utau was the one to talk to her, we had a bit of a falling out when I decided to move out, I didn't understand why she suddenly had an interest in my life.

'Ikuto?' I looked up to see her, she had tear stained cheeks, she looked at me cautiously before glancing at my mother, I followed her gaze before looking back at her and standing from the bench. Her parents were following her along with Utau and Kukai, Amu began running to me and I embraced her tightly. I could feel everyone's glare on us but at that moment I didn't care, I was just happy that it was all over.

'And here she is...' I could hear the curiosity in my mother's voice as I released Amu from my arms. I turned on my heel to look at her. 'Mother...this is Amu. Amu, this is my mother.' I stood by Amu's side as she gripped onto my shirt slightly. 'Pleased to meet you Mrs. Tsukiyomi...' Amu bowed in respect before my mother broke out into a quiet laughter, Amu looked up my mother before looking at me. 'She has the same last name as Utau...I call her mother but she isn't my blood mother.' I explained to her as Amu looked back towards my mother.

'I see...so you told her about your father but not me?' my mother purred, I sighed. 'You weren't relevant to the conversation. Besides we haven't spoken in just over 2 years. Or did you forget that you hated the fact I wanted to become a teacher?' I clenched my hand into a fist as I tried to hold back my anger.

'Oh I do remember that very well, that was the day you decided to move out.' She retorted as I gritted my teeth together. 'Mother, if you don't mind I think we will be leaving now.' I began leading Amu to the exit when my mother grabbed my arm. 'We need to have a talk now Ikuto. Amu, do you mind if I borrow my son for a while?' I felt my anger boiling again but Amu nodded slowly. 'We'll wait for you outside Mr. Tsukiyomi.' Amu left with everyone else as my mother took me to the side.

Once we were in a room where no other ears could hear us she let my arm go. 'Ikuto, this is why I didn't want you becoming a teacher.' As she spoke she was looking out the window. I could tell she was looking at and referring to Amu.

'What do you mean mother?' I leaned against the wall with a deep sigh, I pinched the bridge of my nose as she turned back to face me. 'You know very well what I mean!' her voice was laced with frustration as I looked over at her with an emotionless expression. 'You've fallen for a student! I knew it was going to happen and although I tried to warn you, you didn't listen to me!' I stood up and looked at my mother with a stern gaze. 'My life has nothing to do with you anymore mother! You may be my mother on paper but that doesn't mean I like it! You have no right to have any say in my life and what I chose to do with it! Do you understand me!?' I yelled back at her. Her eyes were wide with shock. I had been holding back my anger for so long that I had to let it out, I hadn't planned on letting it out on her but she had pushed me too far this time.

'Ok...ok Ikuto...I'm sorry...' I looked away from her feeling guilty. 'I only snapped because I am sick of people telling me what to do, I am an adult now which means I can make my own mind up.' I explained as I made my way towards the door. 'It means that I can make mistakes as well...but something you may not realise is that this isn't a mistake.' With that I left the room, shutting the door behind me and exiting the building.

Amu's POV

I waited outside the building patiently knowing very well that Ikuto didn't talk about his mother for a reason. I looked between my group of friends and colleagues to my parents. I was beginning to panic and turned to make my way back inside the building when the press noticed me.

'Miss Hinamori! Can we ask you a few questions!?' They started towards me as I took a step back down the steps before feeling someone behind me. I was hoping it was my saviour Ikuto, but as I looked up I saw Kukai and Utau.

'The trial is officially over, give Amu some space. I think she's earned that much, don't you?!' Utau shouted out towards the group journalists and photographers, I put a hand up to stop Utau and took a step forward to the group before me, Kukai stood proudly by my side as if he was my personal body guard, I smiled slightly before taking a deep breath.

'What did you want to ask me? I have enough time for a few questions before I have to leave.' I smiled at them all with baited breath as I waited for the wave of questions.

'How does it feel to know that you got true justice from this verdict?' I looked towards the journalist that asked the question and smiled lightly. 'I wouldn't say it was true justice but I am happy to know that my tormentors are now behind bars and unable to hurt anybody else.' I felt uneasy as the group moved in closer.

'What is going to happen about your future music career? Do you feel that you can trust any other record companies or agents?' Another journalist asked me and I looked back at Nagihiko and Nadeshiko before looking back to the journalists smiling. 'I'm not giving up on my dream. I have already got some plans in place to join up with a new agent and recording company. My career won't really take off until after my studies are completed though. I believe that I can trust another agent or recording company though, just because Easter turned out to be a bad place, that doesn't mean I won't find somewhere else that will really take care of me and help me grow as a singer.' The journalist bowed to me with a small smile as I done the same.

'Miss Hinamori, will Kukai and Utau be working with you in the future? Have any of you thought of collaborating?' Utau and Kukai took as step forward and held both of my hands. 'We will be working at the same place once again yes.' Utau began to say before looking over at Kukai. 'But as far as collaborations go, we aren't at the pinnacle of our careers and so haven't thought about that as of yet.' She finished off with a small squeeze of my hand. 'Well I'd buy an album if you all collaborated. I've heard work from all of you, and it's obvious you are all very close friends.' We all looked at each other before Kukai looked back towards them. 'Just because it's not in the works now, doesn't mean that we won't do it eventually.'

The group before us began chattering between them before one of them took a small step forward from the others, causing them all to become quiet. 'I have one more question...I'm pretty sure it is playing on most peoples' minds.' It was the journalist that asked me the first question, he looked straight at me as I began to feel uneasy once more. 'Why did the opposing lawyer ask about your relationship with your teacher, Miss Hinamori?' I felt a lump rise up to my throat as I saw over the journalists shoulder to see Ikuto coming our way. 'Mr. Tsukiyomi is my form tutor. It's just as it was explained in the courtroom, he was coming over to my house on some week night evenings to help with tutoring me, he also dropped me home from the club where I worked because he was a customer and my parents were unable to make it on the evenings I worked due to work. It was a mutual agreement between my parents and Mr. Tsukiyomi.' I explained as Ikuto stood behind the group of journalists.

'What's going on here? Can't you people give the girl some space!?' He grunted before making his way through the crowd towards me. 'She got out of hospital today and had to testify, is that not enough for you all?!' Ikuto snapped back at them before leading me down the stairs. 'Mr. Tsukiyomi, what's wrong? I didn't mind answering some questions while waiting for you.' I looked up at him and could see anger in his eyes, I dared not take his hand while in public like this once we all gathered with my friends and family.

'Can we just make our way to the venue please?' Ikuto was pinching the bridge of his nose and I felt my heart drop as he sounded frustrated, I assumed I had done something wrong and nodded silently. 'Sure, the arrangements were made to have it fully secured and set up.' Tadase responded as he began leading us all down the road.

Ikuto stuck closely to my side as we walked down the road, but didn't dare to look at me, I looked up at him hoping he would realise, he only looked back towards the courthouse and that was when I realised that his mother hadn't followed him out. 'Mr. Tsukiyomi, is your mother not joining us?' I asked him cautiously, I immediately regretted asking when I saw him purse his lips and his hand began to form a fist. I looked at my parents who were busy chatting with Mr. Nikaidou, I took the opportunity to brush my hand gently against his as I put my hand up to brush my hair behind my ear.

'She won't be bothering us again...' I felt my body go cold by his harsh words, I glanced back towards the now distant courthouse before looking back at him. 'What do you mean by that?' I was still very cautious with my words as he finally looked down at me. 'I'll explain later, let's just enjoy our victory for now.' I finally saw a small smile appear on his face and I breathed out a sigh of relief and smiled back up at him.

Ikuto's POV

We finally arrived at the club where Amu worked, her face looked apprehensive about entering but nodded up at me as I opened the door for her. I was adamant on not allowing my mother's words to ruin this evening. She was conniving and cunning like a fox and I could tell that she was going to try to get me to quit and come back home. She'd been waiting for a reason and Amu was that reason, I sighed mentally as I followed Amu inside.

The place was decorated with pink and red balloons, I looked around the room and noticed that there were even some large black crosses placed on some of the walls. It really reflected Amu and honestly, it felt good to be back in here with her after so many months, even though she wasn't going to be working today. I noticed that most of her fans were waiting inside for us, as soon as they all saw Amu they let off some party poppers. I stood next to Amu and saw her face light up as she realised what was happening.

'Hey, I thought this was meant to be a celebration for winning the court case!' she smiled up at me. I gripped her shoulder gently. 'I did say that, didn't I?' I smirked down at her. 'This is more a celebration of you coming home Amu. We all missed you very much.' She was looking around the room as I bent down to her ear. 'Some of us more than others though.' I smirked once again as I saw her begin to blush wildly. I stood up straight once more as we made our way over to my regular booth.

I was happy to see Amu smiling like her old self again, but it just made me think about what my mother had said even more. I was now legitimately afraid of what lengths she was prepared to go to get me fired from my job. Would she go so far to stalk us and post images to the press or the school? What about just straight up telling Amu's parents? My mind was swirling with madness. Amu must have realised as she looked over at me trying to understand what was wrong with me.

'I need some air. Stay here.' I excused myself and rushed out of the club and into the car park around the back. I gripped onto the sides of my head, I knew my mother was trying to play my own mind against me and I hated to admit to myself that she had pretty much succeeded with that. I took a deep sigh as I sat on the wall I always sat on when I waited for Amu. I honestly couldn't imagine what I would do if I lost her to the stupid ideas of my own mother.

'Ikuto?' I looked up to see Amu standing just in front of me. She looked extremely worried, I couldn't stand seeing her like that. 'What's wrong? You look troubled.' I looked down at the floor before I could feel her warmth next to me and her arms wrapped around me.

'It's my mother Amu, I think she intends on causing me to go back home with her.' I sighed as I felt Amu stiffen up next to me. 'I think she wants me to lose my job so I will have no choice but to go home with her.'

'But why would she make you do that Ikuto?' She retracted her arms from around me and I could feel her eyes burying into me. 'Because she doesn't like the fact that I love you.' I responded simply. 'But why should that be a problem to her?' I looked up at her and smiled weakly.

'My father was a violin instructor. His first lover, my mother, was one of his students. I look a lot like my father, I suppose she feels the need to keep me with her as I remind her of my father. My real mother died when I was only 2, father remarried a year and a half later when she became pregnant with Utau. I have never liked her and felt betrayed by my father after he joined Easter. I knew that there wasn't much chance of me seeing him all that often and I was left alone with that woman for years. That was before the incident happened with him, after that I studied hard to become a great teacher. I just wanted to keep something that reminded me of my father.'

'So she kind of wants you at the house because your father is still missing?' I nodded slowly as I watched her closely. 'It's weird how you said at the beginning of working at my school that you would never fraternise with your students. But you've completely gone back on that.' She smiled at me, I felt my heart begin to pound. I still couldn't believe that this girl loved me.

'I know, but being honest. I knew I had feelings for you since I first saw you.' She stared at me. 'What when I was squished against the gate thanks to those crazy women?' I laughed and nodded. 'I actually saw what was happening from the teachers' lounge. I was in the middle of a meeting when I came running out to help you.' She blushed slightly. 'I bet you got into a lot of trouble when you got back.' I shrugged. 'I just told them that I was annoyed by the women outside. They seemed to accept that. I just remember being so relieved when you fell into my arms. After I saw you up close and saw those gorgeous hazel eyes of yours I was lost. But I'm glad that I got to see you like that.'

Amu's POV

I felt so lucky to know that this was the man that I had fallen in love with. I just still felt apprehensive about what was going to happen between us, I was filled in on how Utau and Kukai were an official couple and was extremely happy for them, but it made me feel so jealous. I wanted to be with Ikuto but I honestly didn't know how that was going to work. I still needed him to prove that he wasn't going to bail on me again if things got to difficult again.

I took a hold of his hands and squeezed them gently. 'Can you just answer me one thing.' I felt my heart strings tugging as his eyes flashed straight to mine. 'You can ask me anything Amu.' I took a deep breath. 'How would you prove to me that you wouldn't leave me again? I need to know that I can count on you 200%.' I could see his eyes widen ever so slightly. 'What brought that on all of a sudden, Amu?' I looked away slightly. 'Well, I was prepared to do whatever it took to be with you before this situation and although I know I won't be the same for a while I need to know I can count on you so that when I am ready again I won't be worrying that you are going to bail on me again.' I explained simply to him before looking at him once again.

'I would do anything for you Amu. I would even admit to your parents that I want to be your husband. I expect to marry you someday Amu.' I felt my cheeks grow hot with that one sentence. I looked away as I felt somewhat embarrassed. 'I meant it Amu. I'm not going anywhere because I will marry you someday. I will make sure that you will never be hurt again and that you will forever be mine.'

I looked back at him and saw the seriousness on his face. 'So you would never fall for another student? Not even if they were able to offer everything to you that I can't right now?' he sighed deeply and pinched the bridge of his nose. 'I would never do that. I am infatuated by you Amu. The only way that something would happen between me and someone else would be if I was knocked out, drugged or forced to because you were in mortal peril. I love you Amu. Nothing is ever going to change that.' I blushed as I stroked one of his fingers gently. 'I believe you.' I smiled as I saw his other hand drop back onto his lap.

'I will still need some time to get back to my old self though. But I know that with you at my side I will be back there in no time at all.' I smiled at him as I kissed his cheek gently. 'Shall we head back inside?' I asked him as he grinned at me. 'Yeah Amu. Let's go.'

[Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! Once again I am so super-duper sorry for being soooooooooo late with the uploads. I have been busy with modelling/acting and getting the money to buy a new laptop (Which I am finally pleased to say I have accomplished!) 3 please don't forget to Review, Fave and Follow! And if you like it then please feel free to send this story on to your friends :3 thankiessss! Peace out ;) xxx]