Chapter 8 - "Presumed Innocence"
Play the Trial Theme
New Cast Appearing:
Storen/Criz as TheStoryteller, Kashier Ausa, Various NPCs
DNW as the Crowd & Eidel Hans,
Pana as Mr. Saloni
Session Start: Sun Aug 01 21:51:59 1999
<TheStoryteller> After fighting off's Sinel's plans in the Illusion woods, you nonetheless failed to stop him from taking the sample from Elrika that he so desperately needed. A mysterious man soon appeared, presenting you an official subpoena to appear before the High Court of Vane for your crimes. You all were taken captive against your wills, but not before Emili put up an interesting struggle.
Magic City of Vane, Dungeons
<TheStoryteller> It seems like you've been asleep for hours... when you finally awake, you're in something very familiar. A prison cell. Jack doesn't seem to be with you.
* Tahn sits up and shakes the cobwebs out of his head.
* Scott is now sitting there meditating, trying his best to keep DarkStar from coming out again...but he's also looking at a picture that he pulled out of his pocket.
<Tahn> Ugh..
* Elrika yawns.
<Tahn> Bitch.
* Bree blinks awake and stares out into space blankly.
* Leon pulls himself up.
* Elrika looks around.
* Haylee murmers something softly, curled up on a makeshift straw bed...
<Tahn> Son of a bitch. I had a chance for a decent revenge, but noooo.
* Johnathan slowly opens his eyes, raising his head and looking around.
<Tahn> Goddess damn it.
<Leon> Where are we?
<Tahn> In a cell.
* Johnathan lowers his head back down to the floor, and closing his eyes and sighing. "Again."
<TheStoryteller> There doesn't seem to be anything around other than thick stone walls, one of which has the insignia of the Magic Guild upon it.
<Scott> ......
* Emili sighs pulling her legs to her chest and wraping her wings around them.
<Haylee> M..mama...?
<Haylee> Ugh...my head....
<Tahn> Ma....GODDESS DAMN IT!
<Emili> Stupid meanie....
* Bree closes her eyes again. "Just wake me when we're dead..."
<Tahn> Why here?!
<Scott> Calm down, Tahn.
* Tahn slumps against a wall.
<Tahn> Vane.
<Johnathan> Of course Vane.
<Tahn> We're in the dungeon of the Guild.
* Leon eyes Bree. "Why would you say such a thing?"
* Elrika sits down.
<Scott> We all have places we'd rather be.
* Scott glances at the picture in his hands again.
<Emili> Now we have to get put up on trial....
<Emili> Ummm....
* Ishtar slowly stirs.
<Emili> Whatever that is....
* Bree speaks, eyes closed. "Because.. you can't wake me when we're dead.. so either way.. I sleep forever.. right?"
<Tahn> I have ALL places I'd rather be, Scott.
<Ishtar> My head.. where are we?
<Scott> In a cell in Vane, Ishtar.
<Tahn> Hell.
<Elrika> Trial for what may I ask?
<Tahn> We're in Hell.
* Johnathan still doesn't bother getting up, but begins chuckling. "To think that I got out of this city JUST to avoid winding up in here..."
* Haylee mumbles something about a 'daddy' and to stop the ride because she wants to get off.
<Leon> You're not gonna die as long as I have something to say about it...
<Tahn> I know the feeling, Johnathan.
<Bree> Feh... I really dont see how you can shoot our way out of here...
<Leon> I believe my weapons have been taken.
<Leon> Or I would.
<TheStoryteller> You hear some voices outside the cell coming closer.
* Haylee is still sleeping.
<Tahn> I don't care. I'd rather die.
<Johnathan> And you might as well forget about magically blasting our way out of here.
* Emili mutters and grumbles.
<Bree> See what I mean? *gets more comfortable* Sounds like we've got company...
* Scott maintains his meditation and composure.
<TheStoryteller> [Guard 1] Yeah.. is it almost time? I'm tired of watching these prisoners..
* Elrika stands.
* Leon stands up. "Well let them come in..." He cracks his knuckles.
<TheStoryteller> [Guard 2] I don't even know why we have to watch them.. they should just get this over with and be done with it.
<Tahn> .oO(Althena, if you still protect us of Lunar... we could sure use your protection right now..)
* Haylee mumbles something to the like of "go away".
* Leon examines the door of the cell.
<Leon> It was said we are in Vane?
<Johnathan> Yep.
* Haylee rolls off the bed! O_o
* Johnathan slowly sits up, opening his eyes again.
<Leon> Hmm...I don't know much about the cells here...
<TheStoryteller> [Guard 1] Don't be so quick.. Kash always is fair in everything. That's the law after all.
* Scott takes a pad out of his pocket and his pen and starts to write.
<Haylee> Ack Sh-(BOOM!)
<Johnathan> Magically reinforced, Leon. I can tell you that..
* Emili looks at Haylee.
* Haylee sits up and cracks her back. "Oh damn damn damn..."
* Bree laughs. "Fair they say... feh..."
<Tahn> Thank Althena..
<Emili> Hi Haylee!
<TheStoryteller> Leon sees it's a strong steel lock.
<Haylee> ...Hey Emmy...where are we?
<Scott> Maybe they'll at least deliver this letter to the Aoiya, and......
* Scott shuts up.
<Tahn> Kash is watching over this trial..
* Leon grabs the bars to attempt bending them.
<Emili> Had a nice nap?
* Johnathan looks over at Haylee. "Welcome to the land of the awake... not like any of us want to be here."
<Emili> We's in these stupid thing called a cage..
<Tahn> Let's hope he didn't side with Virtue like the rest of them.
<Haylee> Not really...
<Emili> I hate these things.
* Elrika looks at Leon.
* Haylee nods to John. "I remember..Gregory, right?"
<Emili> I was in one once, and I didn't like it at all!
* Johnathan nods.
<Elrika> Leon don't bother. They won't bend.
<Tahn> Yes. The little Grog fucker.
<TheStoryteller> Leon trys with all of his might, but can't budge them more than a millimeter or three.
<Leon> Damn.
* Leon looks closer at the lock.
<Emili> What's a Grog Fucker?
<Haylee> Ix-nay on the wear-say, Tahn! ^^;
<Scott> ......
<TheStoryteller> [Guard 2] Bah.. no sense arguing.. let's take them to the waiting area.
<Haylee> Um...It's something bad Emmy. Something ladies don't say.
<Tahn> It's better treatment than Gregory deserves, Hay.
<Leon> They are coming to get us..
<Leon> This is our chance...
* Bree opens her eyes and sits up. "Sounds like we won't have to worry about how to exit the cell... they're going to open it up..."
<Emili> What's a lady?
<Tahn> Don't.
<Tahn> Don't you two.
<Leon> I'll distract them...you all get away.
<Haylee> It's not Gregory I'm thinking about. At this rate.. *whispers
* Emili will grow up to be a hooker. -_-
<Tahn> NO.
* Scott stands, and puts his pad and pen back in his pocket.
<Scott> If one of us goes, Leon, we all go. That's the bottom line.
<Leon> Bullshit. None of you like me anyway. Listen to me for once in your life.
<TheStoryteller> Footsteps come closer. In the dim light, two officers of the Vane Magic Guard appear.
* Bree smirks. "Hate to tell you.. but if I can get out, I'm not looking back.."
<Tahn> We follow them. If we try to escape, we'll just get in more trouble. There's no escaping the Guild's dungeon without notice.
<Johnathan> Go? And miss the chance to stand trial for our lives?
<Emili> Haylee?
<Emili> What's a lady?
<Haylee> A lady is a woman with great dignatiy and poise. A lady is someone who isn't rude or crude. ^_^
* Scott stands there at the forefront of the group, his magic guard insignia showing on his uniform.
<Emili> Ummm.... okay.....
<Haylee> And if you have any questions on that...I'll answer them later.
<Johnathan> Besides.. Tahn's right.. we escape.. and we get to throw ourselves off Vane. It'd be the only way out, ultimately.
<Emili> All right!
<Emili> ^_^
<Leon> ..everyone get behind me...
<TheStoryteller> [Guard 1] Alright you people.. no funny stuff, understand? We're taking you to the Courthouse.
<Tahn> No problem with me.
<Haylee> I don't know if this is such a good idea....there's got to be guards everywhere...
* Leon snarls.
<Elrika> Um ok.
<Tahn> You might watch out for the psycho over there.
* Tahn indicates Leon.
<Leon> If you open that door, you'd better be prepared to deal with me.
<Bree> You'll have to carry me out...
* Bree folds her arms.
<Tahn> Might wanna keep him in the cell.
<Scott> Whatever..but I do wish for a chance to speak to Kash.
<Haylee> ...with sedation. (smiles at Tahn)
<TheStoryteller> [Guard 2] Pull anything, and the whole Corps will breathe down your necks faster than you can blink.
* Johnathan stands up.
<Tahn> The rest of us will come peacefully.
<Leon> I'll gladly take on the Corps or whoever they are.
* Haylee nods, and helps Jon up.
<Tahn> Please, Leon.. stay sensible.
<TheStoryteller> Guard 1 goes to open the door to the cell, sword ready.
* Leon snorts.
* Johnathan mutters. "Why not? The worst they can do is sentence me to death again.."
* Leon stands right by the door.
<Haylee> They won't kill you Jon, not while I breathe, anyway.
* Tahn stays in the back of the cell and watches to see if Leon is gonna get himself killed.. :P
<Scott> No one is dying on my watch, Haylee.
<Johnathan> That's rather what I'm worried about. We're all in deep, Haylee.
* Elrika looks at everyone.
* Emili leaps up, unfolding her wings and flaping them a little.
* Leon glares a hole right through the guard.
<Haylee> I know...
<TheStoryteller> [Guard 1] Outside.. nice and easy.. keep your hands where I can see them.
* Tahn looks at Haylee. "They'll take that as a volunteer to go first."
* Scott marches out at full attention....
* Bree sits, still watching. "Like I said, you'll have to carry me out..."
* Tahn walks out, with his hands where they can see them.
<Tahn> BREE!
<Tahn> God!
<Leon> Bree..come on..go.
<Haylee> I have little hope of getting out of here without a fight...
* Leon motions to Tahn. "Go, I'll deal with her."
* Johnathan starts out, hands resting at his sides.
* Bree eyes Tahn. "Don't yell at me..."
<Tahn> Fine.
* Tahn follows Johnny.
* Leon walks up to Bree. "Come on...let's go."
* Haylee has her hands behind her head, and walks out.
* Elrika puts hands where the guards can see them.
* Emili waves her arms at the guard as she walks by, but, just before she moves away from the guard she kicks him in the groin and takes his sword.
* Bree stands up, displeased. "Fine fine... I'll go..."
<Tahn> No! Goddess damnit!
* Elrika walks behind Haylee.
<Leon> No wait..
* Haylee stops and looks at Emili. O_o
<TheStoryteller> The Guard isn't effected.. his plate mail blocks the hit.
<Leon> ...no..
* Tahn rushes out of the room before he gets into deep shit without the rest of the party.
<TheStoryteller> [Guard 1] Gregory wanted you in one piece.. but you're not making it easy!
* Emili winces as her foot hits the armor and yelps in pain!
<Emili> Ow ow ow ow!
* Haylee sighs loudly and continues onward...
* Leon grabs the Guard by the throat. "Shut up."
<TheStoryteller> A third Guard appears and grabs Emili.
<Scott> (w)Gregory...I'd like to introduce him to a friend of mine...or should I say a spiritual friend of mine.
<Haylee> You release DarkStar and I'll whap you silly, Scott.
<Haylee> I mean it.
<Tahn> I'm with Haylee.
<Leon> Now...how would you like me to twist off your shiny little head?
<Haylee> It was hell sealing him up.
* Bree giggles and walks along with the rest, peaceably. "Come on Leon.. breaking his neck won't solve anything.."
* Emili struggles, flapping her wings and growling and moving around. "Let me go!"
<Tahn> LEON!
<Scott> If it happens, it'll be because someone breaks the seal, not because I want it to, Haylee.
<Tahn> GET MOVING! DON'T FIGHT DESTINY!
* Haylee nods. "Okay...let's hope it doesn't."
<TheStoryteller> [Guard 1] I dare you... kill me and there's no chance in hell you'll get off scott free.
<Tahn> (m) You'll just get yourself killed...
<Johnathan> Destiny, Tahn? There's no such thing.
* Elrika walks. "People, come on."
* Leon glares at him. "I don't wanna get off scott free! I don't even know why I'm here!"
* Johnathan is still walking.
<Tahn> I don't care, John.
<Haylee> ..should I mentally make Leon a walking zombie or something? He's gonna fuck us all up. -_-
* Bree grumbles. "Leon.. I listened to you.. now come on... let the guard go.."
<Scott> Do it, Haylee.
<TheStoryteller> [Guard 1] You're here because of what you pulled at the Festival. Don't play dumb.
* Leon tosses the guard into the wall, rather forcefully. "Fine...I'll listen to you Bree..."
* Elrika grabs Leon and pulls him.
<Tahn> God.
<TheStoryteller> The guardsmen lead you outside into the city...
Magic City of Vane
<Haylee> Bout time...
<Tahn> Again, it's all Leon's fault we're in deep shit.
* Elrika lets Leon go.
<Tahn> You had to fire at her, didn't you?!
<Haylee> Yeah...I don't even know why they want me now...What happened at the festival...?
* Emili gets dragged along by one of the guards, not willingly.
* Leon looks at Elrika. "Are you looking to get killed?"
* Scott looks around and spots his home, his parents watching as he is lead by. Scott bows his head as he walks by.
* Elrika looks at leon and laughs.
* Johnathan looks intensely amused, keeping his voice low. "Someone shot at Virtue, Haylee."
<Leon> Don't ever touch me again, girl.
<Tahn> (w, to Haylee) Leon was an idiot and an asshole and shot at Virtue.
<Haylee> O_o He did WHAT?
<TheStoryteller> The light outside is glaring after being in the dark.. all around wizards stare at you as you pass them on the way to the Guild Mansion.
<Haylee> How STUPID is that?
* Bree rubs her forehead, like she's got a headache. "Can we just get this overwith?"
<Elrika> Would you prefer a man to grab you, Leon?
* Tahn winces as he sees some rather familiar faces..
<Leon> No one touches me.
* Leon glares.
<Elrika> Ok, then I won't touch you again.
<TheStoryteller> It seems all of Lunar is inside the city.. it is very crowded with all sorts of people..
<Leon> See that you don't.
* Bree grins and walks up and pats Leon on the back, and keeps grinning.
* Haylee looks around. "And I always wanted to visit Vane too...just not like this..."
* Emili continues forcefully to free her wings and bat them against the guard.
* Johnathan casually waves at someone he sort-of knew, his face a mix of amusement and bitterness.
* Leon gets a sweatdrop.
* Scott does nothing as he walks by the endless sea of people.
* Elrika walks behind Scott.
* Leon grumbles.
<Crowd> These are the people who attacked Virtue? What a buncha loons!
* Leon looks at the Crowd. "Shut up."
<Tahn> Thanks for the compliments, people! I mean it!
<Crowd> Filthy heathens! Fall down upon your knees and beg for the mercy you do not deserve!
<Tahn> .oO(Better than Gregory.)
<Haylee> Oh shut up...
<Scott> I've got 2 words for all of you...SUCK IT!
<Crowd> I say we hang em!
* Bree fights the urge to flip off the crowd.
<Tahn> I say you hang yourselves!
<Leon> ...
* Elrika looks at the crowd. "I didn't do a thing! And who is this virtue you speak of?"
<Haylee> Not till we're proven innocent! Which we will be!
<Johnathan> Don't you just love organized religion? It makes people so.... cheerful.
<Haylee> Oh yeah...next thing you know...they'll want money. :p
* Emili is too busy trying to get free of the guard's grasp to listen.
<Scott> There's more to this than meets the eyes, John.
<Tahn> Yeah. Death, prejudice, jihad, extortion, just lovely.
<TheStoryteller> [Guard 1] Who's Virtue? hah.. you people really do try...
<Emili> Hey! That hurts! Lemme go you big smelly.... pussy head!
<Elrika> Hang me for what?
<Bree> Yeah.. maybe we can buy our way out of it, eh?
<Leon> Pussy head...?
<Scott> O_o;
<TheStoryteller> After a few moments of having swords (and insults) jabbed into your backs to keep moving, the mansion looms large.
<Haylee> God...Leon...
* Bree sweatdrops "Up.. that's a nasty picture Emili...."
<Haylee> The time you called Tahn a p...gaawd!
<Leon> ...someone tell me she's not picking up her vocabulary from me...
* Haylee smacks a hand over her forehead.
<Haylee> Oh she is, you moron!
<Johnathan> Sorry, Leon.
<Johnathan> ..I think she is.
<Scott> She is, Leo.
* Bree smiles. "I would tell you that.. but.. I'd be lying.."
<Tahn> She's not picking up her vocabulary from you. She's blatantly stealing it from you.
* Leon glares at Haylee. "How would you like me to send you into an early retirement?"
* Haylee winks at Leon. "Concentrate on saving your ass now, kay?"
<Scott> If I had my sword, several guards will be sent into early retirement.
<TheStoryteller> The doors to the public are wide open, but you go through a side entrance near the Silver Spire.
Magic City of Vane, Guild Mansion
<Elrika> Why are you so mean, Leon?
<Johnathan> Before the others cut you down like a dog..
<Leon> I don't care about my ass, or my life. *glares* I'm prepared to die.
<Scott> But are you prepared to live, Leon. That's the real question.
<Haylee> Lovely. But I'm not. And you better not fuck US over because you have a death wish.
* Bree mumbles to herself, "Even with my weapons.. I wouldn't even have hope of getting out..."
<Leon> That's none of your business, Scott.
<Johnathan> Oh, I'm not worried about getting out of here. That's easy.
<Johnathan> It's the whole 'alive' part that's tough.
* Haylee snickers at bit. ^_^
* Leon turns to Elrika, of course, looking quite pissed. "And what did YOU want?"
<Tahn> Thanks, mister ray of sunshine.
<Bree> Oi.. and here I thought you had a plan that didn't envolve pine boxes...
* Emili grumbles. "Someone help me! This meanie won't let me go!"
<TheStoryteller> The Guards push you through a few more corridors, and finally throw you into a small room. It's fairly empty except for a few chairs strewn about.
Magic City of Vane, Guild Mansion Waiting Room
<Tahn> EMILI!
* Tahn smacks Emili. "WILL YOU SHUT UP FOR ONCE?!"
* Elrika screams at Leon. "Do you want me to pull that bug out of your ass?"
<Johnathan> I'd prefer oak, actually.
<Haylee> Everyone! Calm!
* Bree grabs at Tahn's clothing. "Never.. hit a woman..." She glares at him half-sane.
* Haylee whistles for everyone to shut up!
* Leon looks down at Elrika, dumbfounded. "D..Do you have some sort of death wish?!"
* Emili meeps and shuts up.
* Elrika pays no mind to Leon.
* Tahn glares at Bree silently.
<Leon> ..stupid girl...
* Scott is very much calm, as his meditation hasn't stopped since they were brought back to Vane.
* Leon turns to the courtroom. "I'll get you all off of this charge."
<Haylee> Only by working together are we gonna get out of this alive. There's not time to bicker or qurarrel. We've got to work as a team.
* Johnathan sits down heavily.
* Scott nods to Haylee.
* Bree lets him go. "Next time.. cover her mouth... never hit..." She goes over and takes a seat.
* Scott takes his seat.
<TheStoryteller> [Guard 1] Now stay in here until you're called.
<Tahn> Tell me the difference.
* Haylee takes a seat in the front.
<Elrika> <w> Some one needs to beat him down.
<Leon> ...I am going to take the wrap for this one.
<TheStoryteller> The second guardsmen whispers something to Scott..
* Bree looks around examining the room, ignoring Tahn for the time being.
* Elrika pets Xavier.
<Scott> Hmmm?
<Leon> And I'll let you all go.
<Leon> Because I acted alone.
<Johnathan> Can't do that, Leon. Not for all of us, anyway.
<Haylee> I don't understand the charges against me though...
<Haylee> I wasn't there...why would they want me?
<Johnathan> I wasn't even at the festival, after all.
<Bree> Not like they'd accept a single person's confession...
<Tahn> Haylee, probably because of the Sinel incident.
<Johnathan> Yeah.. I'm not sure what they're going to hit Haylee with..
* Scott stands. "Maybe I can get us out of it. I'll be back."
<Haylee> Tahn's probably right...
<Xavier> Both of you need to growup and stop fighting like babies.
<Tahn> Same with you, Elrika.
* Emili is forced to sit in a seat by the guard holding her.
* Scott starts to the Chancellor's office. "Please listen to me, Sempai."
* Bree checks to see what the chairs are made of.
* Emili grumbles and stretches her wings a little.
* Leon leans up against the wall.
<Haylee> What is Scott trying to do...?
<TheStoryteller> The guards lead Scott outside, and the door closes firmly behind them.
Magic City of Vane, Kashier Ausa's Chambers
<TheStoryteller> Scott follows the guardsmen into a well furnished wooden room. A man all in black, with streaks of white running through his hair, is standing with his back to you, looking otuside at the crowd below.
<Scott> Chancellor Ausa.
<TheStoryteller> Kashier Ausa turns around to face Scott, and dismisses the guard.
* Scott comes to full attention.
<Kashier> At ease, Scott.
* Scott stands at ease, and approaches the Chancellor.
<Scott> It's good to see you too, Sempai.
<Kashier> Yes it is. A shame it isn't under better circumstances.
<Scott> I wish it could have been. Unfortunately, I'm about to go on trial for treason here.
<Kashier> Yes. And I have the honor of being your judge.
<Scott> Talk about your ironies. But I do wish that you'd hear me out.
<Kashier> Do you realize all of Lunar wants you to be executed?
<Scott> Right now, I wouldn't doubt it.
<Kashier> Be frank with me Scott. Why did you involve yourself in this?
<Scott> You read the report I sent when I returned here. At the announcement, I heard a scream coming from a side room. When I tried to investigate, the guard would not let me by.
* Kashier nods.
<Kashier> I did read the report.. you were noble to take it upon yourself like that. However...
<Scott> The rest of the group, minus Haylee, John, and Elrika, followed me and somehow chaos ensued. In the confusion, and unbeknownst to me, Leon Blackfire did take a potshot at Virtue, I didn't know about the shot till we were attacked by the guards, then by Zlyk himself.
<Kashier> I know all of that... Zlyk might even testify.
<Kashier> But why did you remain with them all this time knowing what had transpired? You could have returned.
<Scott> There was no turning back that I could see at that point in time, Chancellor. Besides, I felt it best to do a little investigating of what that scream was on my own. And well...nothing came to me.
<Scott> Chancellor, you know I would never do anything rash or reckless. I did what I felt had to be done at that point in time, given the current situation.
<Kashier> I trust your judgement Scott. I always have. That is why this is painful for me.
<Kashier> As much as I'd like to do so, this decision is out of my hands. You will be tried by the people.. not just by me.
<Scott> As it is for me, Chancellor. You, after all, taught me all there is to know about mastering my mysical gifts. But...if trusting my own instincts makes me a heretic, then that's the hand fate's dealt me.
<Scott> Then allow me one small favor, chancellor.
<Kashier> Name it.
* Scott hands Kashier a letter from his pocket. "If it is our fate to be executed, then deliver this letter to the Aoiya restaraunt in Horam, my grandfather and sister live there."
* Kashier extends a hand from his robe to accept the letter. His age is painfully obvious by the wrinkled skin upon it.
<Kashier> I will do so. I am a man of my word.
<Scott> And please, don't let Gregory be in on this. Goddess knows he's probably behind my possession and if he's there, he could probably breaks the seal around DarkStar.
* Scott bows to Kashier. "It pains me to leave like this, Chancellor, but I must now stand trial with my group. Sayonara."
<Kashier> Word has reached me of what happened.. I cannot prove anything about Gregory, but lately he has been somewhat distracted from his teachings it seems.
<Kashier> I wish I could reassure you, but Gregory is the officer for this event.
<Scott> Then seal his magic. If he breaks this seal around that spirit, DarkStar could destroy us all. Just know that.
<Kashier> Evol has already placed a seal upon you. I respect her powers. But if something happens, I will act.
* Scott turns to leave. "Farewell, Chancellor. I hope you can face yourself after this occurs, because I have no regrets about the course my life has taken."
* Scott leaves the Chancellor's office and goes back to his friends.
* Kashier watches Scott leave as he shakes his head...
<Kashier> It wouldn't take my father Ramus III to know this all seems like bad business...
<TheStoryteller> Kashier turns and picks up his judge robes, preparing for what is next...
Magic City of Vane, Guild Mansion Waiting Room
<TheStoryteller> You are all sitting around waiting for fate.. time seems to pass so slowly. Soon, the door opens... it's Scott.
* Leon is still leaned up against the wall, and doesn't say much.
* Johnathan contemplates doing something to try to make time pass less slowly.
<Emili> Hi Scott!
* Emili flaps her wings.
<Haylee> Scott....What happened?
* Tahn just sits there, staring at a table.
<Emili> Can we leave this icky place now?
* Bree glances over at Scott. "I was expecting a man in a black hood with an axe..." She smiles.
<Scott> The Chancellor wanted to speak with me....apparently he read my report that I sent to him when we were brought here.
<Leon> You won't have to worry about that Bree.
<Scott> Would you rather I bring him in, Bree?
<Leon> I told you, I'm going to take the wrap for this.
<Johnathan> Maybe we can request a hood of a different color.
<Bree> Sheesh.. I try and joke and ya guys jump on me...
* Bree shrugs.
<Ishtar> What did he say? Are we going to be alright?
<Scott> I just hope what I told the Chancellor does some good...we're being put to a Jury trial.
* Leon looks at Bree. "Don't worry."
<Tahn> I don't think they'll buy it, Leon. We'll still get in trouble for one, running, and two, the whole Sinel thing.
<Scott> He's not the only one presiding over this. There will be a jury involved too.
<Johnathan> Ah.. wonderful. A trial by a group of people who aren't bright enough to get out of jury duty..
* Bree sighs. "With a crowd like that.. the jury won't be any nicer..."
<Scott> Tell me about it.
<Leon> The guard said we were in here for Virtue..
<Leon> Whom I shot at.
<Leon> None of you did.
<Tahn> The guard is an idiot.
* Haylee sighs and leans against a wall, humming softly.
<Leon> Besides....it'll eliminate a few things.
<TheStoryteller> The door opens again. This time it's someone else.
* Bree glaces again at the door.
* Leon eyes the newcomer.
* Scott looks at the newcomer.
<Leon> Who are you?
<Gregory> My.. don't we all look comfortable...
<Tahn> (m) Bite me soulsucker.
* Emili growls
* Scott narrows his eyes. "Gregory Windstar."
<Emili> You meanie!
<Emili> Meanie meanie meanie!
<Leon> Should I twist his head off?
<Haylee> ...You....
* Leon cracks his knuckles.
<Scott> Emmi, just hush.
<Emili> You hurt me and my friends!
<Gregory> Please, please. None of that now. I'm here to bring you before the masses for the heathens you are.
<Emili> And you said you knew my mommy!
* Elrika looks at Gregory. "Who is this?"
* Johnathan glances at Gregory, then shakes his head. "They aren't heathens, though. That's the kicker."
<Emili> I don't believe you!
<Leon> You can release them, Gregory.
<Emili> You're a liar!
<Leon> I'm the one who did it.
<Crowd> *from outside* Turn the heathens into quivering blobs of cream-filled bloo!
* Gregory leans back, listening.
<Gregory> My, they're going to start without you..
<Tahn> If I even get a chance on the stand, Windstar, I will let loose EVERY detail. I am not afraid of death. Not anymore.
* Gregory leers at Tahn a moment.
* Haylee stands up. "Why am I on trial?"
<Leon> Grr....don't ignore me you puke...
<Scott> And don't even try to break Evol's seal, Gregory. If you do, I'll make sure DarkStar destroys you first.
<Gregory> Don't make me laugh, Leon Blackfire.
<Leon> I'll make you die!
* Haylee is ignored! Yes! ^_^
* Leon picks up a chair.
<Haylee> Leon!
<Elrika> What did I do? I just meet these people and then they fight in my forest and then I get warped over.
<Tahn> Leon, calm down.
* Gregory extends a hand and the chair becomes heavier that a ton... Leon can't move with it.
<Scott> Leo, Chill.
<Tahn> If anyone has a chance to expose this scum for what he is, it's me and Scott.
<Leon> ..grr..
* Leon picks up...Tahn!
<Haylee> LEON!
<Haylee> Put...him...DOWN!
* Bree sighs heavily. "I dont even know why I'm even with this group..."
* Tahn elbows Leon and gets out of Leon's grasp.
<Scott> You ok, Tahn?
<Leon> ...let me kill him..it'll be easy...
<Tahn> I'm fine.
<Gregory> Dear me. Why must people delay the inevitable.
* Haylee puts a hand on Tahn's shoulder. "Are you all right...?"
<Haylee> Gregory!
* Gregory encases you all in some sort of force field..!
<Tahn> Bastard.
<Haylee> Why am I on trial? I didn't do anything!
<Leon> ...
<Emili> Hey!
<Leon> Let me out of this damn thing!
<Scott> That son of a bitch.
<Haylee> ...oh lovely...
* Emili flies upward and starts beating on the forcefield!
* Leon clasps his hands together and pounds on the field.
<Gregory> Haylee Diawen, correct? You are an accomplice, and shall be tried accordingly.
* Haylee wanders back and bumps into Jon.
* Bree blinks and sighs. "No use to fight it...."
<Haylee> B...But...I didn't shoot Virtue! Sinel kidnapped me, you puke!
* Johnathan is duly bumped into, and glances up, briefly, from the chair he's sitting in.
<Tahn> You...bastard. I can knock you down faster than the Grindery did Old Vane..
<Scott> Haylee, no mention of puke please, before I do just that.
<Gregory> That's not what the records state.
* Bree scritches her head. "Why does everyone use puke as an insult..."
<Haylee> Huh? What do the records 'state'?
<Haylee> And this is rather important because I'm sure it involves Elrika too!
* Leon realizes fighting is useless and sits down. "Why won't they just take me...."
<Gregory> You'll see.
* Haylee growls..
* Emili continues to beat on the forcefield with Cherry Pup and her wings.
<Bree> Leon.. we're all obviously labeled a threat.. that's why the records were changed to include us all...
<Scott> I'll bet this mess with Sinel is also part of the charges.
<Tahn> I know why I'm labeled as a threat...
<TheStoryteller> Gregory starts walking out of the room.. you all seem to have no choice but to follow in his energy bubble.
* Tahn glares at Gregory.
* Leon sighs, seems to have clamed down a great deal.
* Haylee is pulled along. -_-
<Gregory> Tahn.. don't you think this is fitting? Being executed like the dog you are, hm?
* Tahn on the other hand is twice as pissed as Leon ever imagined being.
<Bree> I dont know why I'm a threat.. I couldn't fight my way out of a paper bag... and I'm not magical... I don't have anything of value...
* Emili is pulled along, still beating on the forcefield.
* Tahn mumbles something about a pot, a kettle, and black.
<Haylee> Tahn is not a dog.
* Leon looks at Bree. "You have other talents. And you have a certain charisma about you that makes you a target."
<Gregory> But first, the classical drama of the courtroom...
* Johnathan is being pulled along, still sitting in the chair.
<Tahn> This isn't your battle, Haylee.
<Haylee> I hope we have Judge Judy.... :/
<Bree> Being cute doesn't mean I need to be killed...
* Bree looks over at Leon.
<Haylee> It's our battle now, Tahn.
* Leon isn't sure what to say. "Well..I...am..well...I dunno what to say to that..but you shouldn't be killed, no."
<Tahn> Haylee.. Gregory Windstar is not your problem.
<Scott> Our problem is right before us.
<Tahn> It's a fight me and Scott have to take on alone.
<Leon> ..don't worry Bree...I won't let them kill you...not without a fight.
<Bree> Being a theif is a reason to be put in jail.. but no reason to be killed... unless I stole something really important...
<Scott> But if something starts to bring out DarkStar, guys....head for the hills...
* Bree sighs. "Well, I hope it doesn't come to that.."
<TheStoryteller> Soon the hallways part, as what meets your eyes is astounding and frightening all at the same time..
Magic City of Vane, The High Court
<TheStoryteller> Rows and rows of people are literally squashed in to witness this event.. all staring upon the simple table and high desk that serve as the trial area.
<Haylee> ...Well, at least we'll go out famous...or infamous. :p
<Leon> If I have anything to say about it...no...it won't.
<Johnathan> Or both.
<Scott> Or maybe just a household name.
<Bree> I bet the crowd doesn't even know our names...
<Tahn> I bet they don't care.
<Bree> That too...
<TheStoryteller> You all see Jack is already on one of the long tables, trying his best to stay lighthearted at such a serious moment.
<Johnathan> Oh, Sure. Heathen Bastard Number One, Heathen Bastard Number Two..
<Leon> I can asure you all of one thing.
<Leon> We will not be railroaded.
* Tahn blinks.
<Haylee> Hey! Kids! Buy the infidels soap! Garunteed to make your home sinfully white! Gah, household name indeed...
<Crowd> I say we kill em!
* Jack is humming to himself...
<Crowd> I say we shoot em, then we hang em!
<Scott> You can't assure anything, Leon.
<Tahn> Uh.
<Tahn> Guys.
<Crowd> I say stomp em, then we shoot em, then we kill em!
<Scott> Talk about bloodthirsty.
<Tahn> Tell me I'm not seeing things.
<Crowd> I say we stomp em, then we hang em, then we shoot em, and THEN we kill em!
* Leon shifts his eyes to Scott. "They will not railroad this trial."
<Scott> You're not seeing things.
<Haylee> Huh..?
<Bree> I say they give us back our things and give us a pat on the back.. and let us go.. but that's just me...
<Crowd> I hear they attacked Virtue with a bronze-plated +4 Kayak of Leaking!
<TheStoryteller> Gregory leads you to the table as well, releasing the field suddenly, as you all fall into chairs.
<Crowd> I thought it was a x2 Feathered Moose of Salivation...
<Crowd> I think I lost a contact lens...
<Bree> Of Leaking? A Kayak with a bladder problem?
<Tahn> So Jack is *oof!* our lawyer?
<Crowd> Mommy change my diaper!!
<Scott> I hope not....
<TheStoryteller> He takes up his place by the door, a sly grin on his face, which seems to be directed at Emili...
<Crowd> They stuck a funnel up Virtue's WHAT? o_O
<Haylee> Jack....our lawyer?
<Leon> No. I'll be the lawyer.
* Jack waves.
<Crowd> Peanuts! Get your fresh hot peanuts here!!
* Bree face reddens at the last comment. ^^; "Ahem.. I think they're exaggerating a tad..."
<Jack> One bag 'o nuts, Please!
<Tahn> Jack!
<TheStoryteller> A green haired woman, and a browned haired man with a snake draped over his neck make out in the back. :)
<Jack> Oh, Hi!
<Leon> I'll make sure we're treated to a fair trial.
<Johnathan> Oh, yeah, fair.
<Crowd> Can I get a picture with the condemned?
<Johnathan> You know, sometimes in trials like this, they throw the accused into wells.
<TheStoryteller> There's a defeaning sound that echos throughout the courtroom.
<Leon> Have faith, Johnathan.
<Kashier> This court will come to order!!
<Johnathan> If the accused drown, they're proved innocent. Otherwise, they're guilty and killed.
<Haylee> Wells?
* Johnathan rolls his eyes.
<Crowd> SFX! How Speilburgian! :D
<Jack> Um...So what did I miss?
* Crowd goes quiet.
* Kashier makes his way to the appropriate position, bearing a wooden gavel.
* Bree hushes up and focuses on Kash
<Haylee> ...You know, that seems REALLY sutpid to me for some reas-- *shuts up*
<Kashier> Now then.
* Leon looks at Kashier.
* Scott bows to his old instructor and then takes his seat.
<Leon> Now let's see if they follow proper procedure.
<Kashier> The court is now in session. Gregory Windstar will be acting Court Officer, and Evol.. Clerk.
<TheStoryteller> You see out of the door come the green cloaked Evol, who nods to you as she walks by to a small desk.
<Emili> Hey ummm, mister old person in black robes!
<Emili> Please let us go!
<Leon> Shush Emili.
<Tahn> HUSH Emmi!
<Emili> We didn't do anything wrong!
<Scott> Hush, Emmi.
* Bree sweatdrops silently.
* Tahn puts a hand over Emmi's mouth, trying not to incite rage from Bree.
* Haylee plants a suggestion into Emili's mind to speak only when spoken to....and prays it works. O_o;
<Kashier> That will be decided in this courthouse.
* Bree smiles at Tahn, seeing he heeded her advice.
<Scott> .oO(and I hope we're not sentenced to death.)
<Tahn> Pardon her, Sir Ausa. She's slightly long winded.
* Leon stands. "I apologize on behalf of the defense, your honor. One of the accused is not of mature mind."
<Tahn> That too.
<Kashier> See to it she doesn't speak again unless on the stand...
<Jack> (m) Very professional....
<Leon> I will, Your Honor.
<Tahn> As will I.
* Leon looks at Emili. "Please listen to me Emili..you cannot speak unless you're asked by that man up there to. OK?"
* Scott places a silence ward on Emili's back and whispers to Tahn, "That should do it."
<Haylee> Leon....let me try this...
<Kashier> Now.. be advised this is a Jury trail, however, I am both acting Judge and the Prosecution in lieu of Virtue.
* Tahn takes his hand off.
<Tahn> (w, to Haylee) Don't worry about it.
* Haylee tries AGAIN to plant a suggestion in Emmy's mind to speak ONLY when spoken to.
<Leon> We understand, Sir.
<TheStoryteller> Emili feels her voice soften some from Scott's spell.
* Johnathan blinks, murmuring, "Judge AND prosecutor?"
* Leon is being so calm and polite, he doesn't even appear to be himself. :O
<Haylee> Isn't that an oxymoron?
<Leon> Some courts do that Haylee.
<Scott> That's a contradiction in terms, Haylee.
<Haylee> Okay...Fine...yes, your honor...
<Leon> Ultimately, the jury is the one who decides our fate.
<Leon> Not the Judge.
<Kashier> I know it my seem radical, but this is Virtue's order of Law that I must follow.
<Tahn> .oO(Kashier Ausa, Judge and Prosecutor. Thanks to the Redundancy Department of being Redundant for the Department.)
<Leon> Understood, your honor.
<Leon> I will be representing the defense, sir.
* Haylee blinks.
* Bree glances around, still keeping silent, in disbelief that this is actually Leon. ^^;;
* Tahn keeps quiet. Leon knows what he's doing when he's not going psycho.
* Scott whispers to Haylee. "Is it wise to have that psycho representing us?"
<Haylee> . o O ( Leon is WHAT? O_o When did we decide this? )
<Kashier> Remember you reserve the right to silence.
<Haylee> I have no idea..
<Kashier> And may not self incriminate.
<Leon> I am aware of that, Sir.
<Leon> I assume, you wish for me to identify myself for the court records?
* Kashier nods to Evol, then turns back.
<Tahn> .oO(Poor guy is gonna jump in front of the firing squad shouting out "SHOOT ME!")
<Kashier> It is not necessary.
<Leon> But it is.
<Tahn> No it is not.
<Leon> If we are following proper prodceedure...
<Tahn> Listen to Judge Ausa. He knows what he's talking about. Just defend.
<Kashier> Then please do so.
* Tahn sweatdrops
<Scott> I think they already know who we are, Leon.
* Leon looks at Haylee. "Shut him up, please."
* Leon points to Tahn.
* Haylee shrugs. "Uh...Tahn...^_^; Shhh..."
<Leon> Well, it's not important your honor..I just assumed we'd be following the letter of the law in this trial.
* Johnathan blinks at Leon.
<Kashier> I am aware of that, Mr. Blackfire... I wish nothing more than to expediate these proceedings.
<Jack> Um....I think hizzonor wants to get on with it already...
* Leon nods. "Then proceed, Your Honor."
* Haylee whispers to Jon. "Who kidnapped Leon and replaced him with Johnny Coccran...?"
<Kashier> Now then... I call the first witness to the stand. A citizen from the Announcement who witnessed the events in question.
* Bree figits with her clothing edges, not wanting to speak out of turn.
* Johnathan whispers back. "I think we're seeing another side of him."
* Haylee whispers. "Too bad we don't see this side more often..."
* Leon looks at the whispering at the table. "...What?"
* Bree whispers to Leon. "Are you actually qualified to be a lawyer?"
* Leon looks at Bree, "I know the law to the letter, if that's what you're asking."
<Tahn> (w, to Bree) Just sit back and let him do this. It's his choice.
<Haylee> Nothing Leon...good job so far. Keep it up. ^_^
<TheStoryteller> Gregory comes out with a slim looking man, dressed like most citizens in robes. His are blue, indicating Meryod as his city.
* Johnathan nods, staying quiet. "Yeah."
* Bree shrugs. "<w> Ok.. I'll trust him on this..."
<Jack> (M) Hey, I think I might know that guy....
<Leon> <to Bree> You should trust me..I've never lied to any of you.
* Witness steps forward, looking meek and nervous.
* Elrika whispers. "Why me? Why?"
* Evol comes over with a book.
<Bree> <w> Just never thought of you as the lawyer type..
<Evol> Place your right hand upon this, please.
* Witness does so.
<Evol> Do you solemnly swear to tell the whole truth, so help you Althena?
<Leon> <w> I suppose I don't give off the appearance of what I used to be...
* Witness opens his mouth to speak and his dentures fall out. He turns beet red and immediately scrambles for them. o_O;;
* Tahn stifles a laugh.
<Haylee> ^^; A..ah...er...um...
* Elrika giggles.
* Evol stifles a small blush.
* Witness slaps his teeth back in. "I swear....uh, to tell the truth...um yeah."
* Leon grabs a pad and pencil from the table and prepares to take notes.
* Kashier lets a small chuckle escape his lips.
* Jack keeps a straight face, but is cracking up on the inside.
<TheStoryteller> The witness takes the stand.
* Bree pays no mind to the man on the stand, and reads over Leon's shoulders.
<Kashier> Now then, what is your name, good citizen?
* Witness sits and fidgets. Looks like he's either nervous or suffering from a major case of hemorrhoids.
<Witness> My name is...uh...Eidel Hans, yer Judglyship.
*** Witness is now known as Hans
<Leon> Hmm....
<Haylee> Eidel....Hans....? Idle hands...?
<Leon> Shhh.
* Bree sweatdrops. "<w> This kind of witness is usable...? The guy's barely conscious..."
* Haylee shuts up.
<Kashier> Ahem. Now then, Mr. Hans, what is, in your own words, your account of that night at the Announcement.
<Jack> (W) I STILL don't get that joke....
<Hans> Ur...welll...it happened like this...I was over by the Taco stand trying to remove some excess earwax with a gold pencil...you know?
* Tahn hurks.
* Haylee blinks.
* Leon watches with much attention.
* Bree face drops with disbeleif that this is a credible witness.
<Hans> So um...I heard a lot of screaming off over yonder. I thought it was Marty tryin' to put out a grease fire with his face again...
* Scott listens intently.
* Leon writes something down.
<Hans> So I went over and then saw these weird people lookin' all shifty-like...
<Elrika> <w> This man is a loony.
<Hans> You know...like this. *shifts ion his seat*
<Jack> (W) You don't have to tell us twice...heh...
<Bree> .oO( I can't beleive these are my final moments.. listening to some hick blather on... )
<Kashier> We get your point, Mr. Hans.
<Hans> So then this one guy pulls out this big 'ol gun and starts shootin'! Bang bang bang! It was like the freakin fourth of July!
<Leon> Objection, the witness's views of what "shifty" characters look like does not hold up in a court of law.
<Kashier> Sustained.
<Kashier> Just tell us what happened, not opinion, Hans.
<Hans> But he was shooting at the Queen! So I was like, "Hey! You can't do that! That snorkel's been just like a snorkel to me!"
<Hans> ...did I just go off on a weird tangent?
<Kashier> Yes.. do so again and you will be close to contempt.
* Bree mumbles to herself ."Why's the guy talking about snorkels? ...."
* Haylee snickers to herself.
<Hans> Um...sorry your Judgelyship.
* Leon scratches his chin.
<Hans> Okay...um...this guy shot at the Queen and stuff, and this other bunch started a fight with the guards and all.
<Kashier> Did you get a good look at the attackers...
<Hans> Yes I did, your Judgelyship.
* Bree mumbles "Better yet.. can he see past his nose?"
<Kashier> Do any of the Defendants resemble the person who fired the bullet and maimed the guardsmen.
* Bree nudges Leon. "<w> Isn't that leading the witness?"
* Hans points at Leon. "Him. The one with the eyebrows. He shot the Queen."
* Leon whispers "Not really. It can be asked several different ways."
<Kashier> I see. Is it also true that on that night a scream was heard in the Announcement grounds?
<Bree> <w> Well.. having eyebrows doesn't mean you're the one.. we all have eyebrows.. *sweatdrops*
<Hans> Yes, I did hear a scream, your Judgelyship.
<Leon> <w> I know..he's not a very good witness.
<Bree> <w> Good...
<Kashier> Did it happen before or after the assault?
<Hans> Before, your Judgelyship.
<Kashier> Noted. No further questions..
* Bree takes an unused pencil and pad, and scribbles a funny picture of the witness spouting jibberish.
<Kashier> Leon, you may cross-examine, if you wish.
* Leon stands. "Thank you."
* Haylee watches Leon.
<Hans> Can we hurry this up? I gotta bad case of the Red Brambles. ^^;;
<Leon> Mr. Hans...you say that you heard a sceam...correct?
<Haylee> Red b...a...nevermind. -_-
<Hans> Um...yeh. I heard a scream. Sounded like Vera was screwing the neighbor's cat or sumthin'.
<Leon> Let's stick to the questions, I ask, OK?
<Hans> Uh...kay.
<Ishtar> Oh dear.. I had no idea court was like this... all the people staring..
* Ishtar shrinks a little in her chair. :/
<Haylee> All the idiots on the stand....! ^_^ *Whispered*
<Leon> You heard a scream, which prompted to you run to the announcment room, am I right?
<Hans> Yeh.
<Leon> You couldn't tell who screamed..or where it might have come from?
* Haylee puts a hand on Ishtar's shoulder. "Be strong...^_^"
<Hans> Umm...
<Leon> Mr Hans?
* Bree writes on her pad, and shows it to Leon. "Didn't he need a ticket to get in? And.. I don't think the guards would have just let a dumb looking person run inside... especially after a scream..."
<Hans> Um...not really. But it weren't from the Crowd or the grandstand, I ken tell you.
<Leon> I see...so you automatically heard the scream, and so you immedately ran to the place you knew it...didn't come from?
<Hans> Wha? I ran to where the scream came from.
<Leon> But you just said the scream didn't come from the granstand or the crowd.
<Scott> .oO(Damn...he's good at this lawyer bit.)
<Hans> What you talkin about? I ran to see, then you start shootin' and they's all start fightin' and then I ran. You tryin' to confuse me or sumthin'?
* Scott whispers to Haylee. "Leo's really impressing me."
<Haylee> Yeah...it almost makes up for that one time he tried to kill me...
<Tahn> (w) And that time he DID kill me...
<Tahn> (w) Or at least, that's how it felt..
<Leon> Well, I just find it hard to believe that you heard a scream, and ran in the opposite direction, just in time to see me pull the trigger on a rifle aimed at Queen Virtue.
<Scott> (w) If you remember correctly, because of DarkStar, I killed you too, Tahn...sorry.
<Tahn> (w) That wasn't you.
<Haylee> Poor Tahn... :/
<Hans> Obviously you ain't never stood over by the Beetle Joint. You kin see a long way from there. Including to where you was shootin' I might add.
<Tahn> (w) You make it sound like DarkStar is a disease you can't cure as opposed to a demon we're trying to purge from you..
<Leon> I see. And I was firing what?
<Tahn> (w, to Bree) But wasn't the Announcement in a building?
<Scott> (w) In a way, he is a disease...and the only cure is to purge him from me.
* Bree shrugs. "<w to Tahn> I was too busy button pushing..."
<Hans> I dunno, all I saw was a muzzle flash and bang-bang of the gun. I dunno what kind you was shootin'. And I saw the Queen's shield flashin and dissin' you right keen.
<Ishtar> We'll find a way to help Scott, I'm sure of it. I just pray we make it out of here. :(
* Haylee nods to Ishtar.
<Leon> I see..so you saw me shoot..and you knew it was me, but you couldn't tell the type of firearm I had. That is all.
<Scott> (w) We will. If they let me testify, I'm certain that we'll get out of this.
<Leon> The witness is dismissed.
* Leon sits down.
<Kashier> Very well. You are free to go, Mr. Hans.
* Johnathan shakes his head, looking over, whispering. "Leon, I take back roughly all the bad things I've said about you. I'm most impressed."
<Hans> I ken? Hot diggity! Make way boys! I gotta hot flash that needs some relief!
* Hans tears off towards the bathroom!
* Leon doesn't turn around, continuing to look forward. "Don't worry, I'm sure I'll get you to hate me again when this is all said and done."
*lt;TheStoryteller> Gregory shakes his head at the poor creature as he leads him out.
<Tahn> (w) Leon... You've got skills. Just please don't use me as a battering ram again.
<Leon> It was easy...he was a bad witness.
<Scott> He was an idiot, Leo.
<Johnathan> I'm sure you could, but why bother?
<Tahn> (w) He couldn't have thought his way out of a paper bag.
<Kashier> The Prosecution calls the next witness...
<Kashier> Franz of Jinzel.
* Tahn chokes.
<Scott> O_o;
<Tahn> Wh...wha...
<Haylee> Who?
* Leon jots some things down.
<TheStoryteller> A small man with a mustache and beard walks out of the door... you all can plainly see it's Franz.
<Tahn> L..Lo..long story, Haylee.
<Jack> (w) Ah, so the midget that doesn't quit shows his face again..
* Johnathan sighs.
<Franz> Hey again guys.. I never knew I'd get called here after everything.. I'll do my best.
<Leon> Don't worry.
<Bree> <w to Leon> Whenever you call witnesses.. don't call me.. ok?
<Leon> We've got a lot of dirt on him...
<Jack> (w) I don't know if what he said was for or against us....
* Leon nods to Bree. "As you wish, Bree."
* Scott nods.
<Tahn> (w to Leon) Call me or Scott instead, Leon. Or yourself if you feel confident enough.
<TheStoryteller> Evol swears in Franz... who has a hard time getting up to the witness stand. ^^
<Bree> <w to Leon> Thanks..
<Franz> I swear yeah.. just wish this chair wasn't so darn high..
<Leon> ...anything you want, Bree. I wouldn't want to put you on the spot.
<Kashier> Now Franz, we are aware that you come from Jizel...
<Bree> <w> I'd be a bad witness... I don't remember much...
* Scott rests his head behind his hands in a Gendo-esque manner as he listens to the testimony.
* Elrika fell asleep.
<Kashier> The town mysteriosuly disappeared after the Defendants passed through..
* Tahn shudders.
<Kashier> Is there any truth to this report?
<Leon> ...I won't be calling Ishtar to the stand either.
<Tahn> .oO(Gee. I wonder why.)
<Franz> Well um yeah... but...
* Haylee whispers to Leon. "Call me. I got dirt on Sinel's doings...or Jon."
* Scott whispers to Leon, "Call me, Tahn or Johnathan."
<Kashier> But what?
<Franz> Well, the Church was the one that ordered the town destroyed..
<Leon> ..well..well..well...
<Tahn> (w to self) Finally some truth in this case.
<Kashier> You are aware, Mr. Franz, that according to the laws of Virtue, all realms must practice the faith of Althena.
* Haylee blinks.
* Johnathan looks up sharply, still whispering. "So he isn't against us..."
* Tahn blinks.
<Franz> Yeah.. but that don't mean offing my family though! ;_;
* Elrika wakes up.
<Elrika> (w) We're still here.
<Tahn> (w, to Hay and John) So they're blaming the destruction of Jinzel on a different lifestyle?! That's... blasphemous!
<Kashier> I understand. This isn't about your family however...
<Haylee> (w) I know...
* Johnathan whispers back. "It's also the truth."
<Kashier> Did you or did you not see a member of this party lay waste to your hometown.
<Leon> Objection. Leading the witness.
<Elrika> (w) Who is that midget?
<Kashier> Sustained. My apologies, Leon.
* Scott brings forth a slight smile...
<Kashier> Franz.. tell us who you saw in the town at the time that may have seemed.. threatening.
* Leon snickers. "I got this one..."
<Haylee> (w) Don't get too overconfident...be careful Leon..
<Franz> Well, there was this girl with wings... we thought she was our God come to save us.
<Jack> (W to Leon) I bet you do....
* Elrika whispers to herself, "Why do I always get in trouble for things I never did?"
<Ishtar> .o(Althena forgive me.. please...:()
* Haylee hugs Isthar.
<Kashier> Could you identify her as being with the group seated before you?
* Franz hesitates a moment.
<Leon> Objection, that's leading.
<Jack> (W to Ishtar) It was my fault for making those blasted wings in the first place....
<Kashier> Overruled.
<Leon> On what grounds?
<Xavier> (w) Shut up Elrika.. I told you sinel was bad, but no... You had to believe him and not me.
<Kashier> I am asking a simple question... I make no assumption that it is you.
* Scott shakes his head as if he's trying to regain his senses. .oO(He's fighting the seal....but I've gotta keep my cool.)
* Leon fiddles with his pad some more.
<Kashier> Answer the question, Franz.
<Leon> By all means, answer the question.
<Franz> It was..
* Franz points to Ishtar.
<Franz> It was her your honor.. the one with the golden wings!
* Ishtar shrinks even more, her wings folding down in depression.
* Jack puts his head on the table in disgust.
<Leon> Don't worry, Ishtar...
* Haylee sighs.
<Ishtar> It's not your fault Jack.. the Church made you do it...
* Scott puts a hand on Ishtar's shoulder. "We'll get out of this. Trust me."
<Bree> .oO( It's times like this I'm glad I don't have wings... )
* Leon has a slight grin.
<Kashier> I see. No futher questions.
<Scott> (w) Go get 'em, Leo.
<Kashier> Your witness.
<Leon> Thank you.
<Jack> (w to Ishtar) Damned church.....If I knew what was happening earlier I would've bombed the place so you wouldn't have had to go through this hell....
* Leon stands up. "Hi Franz."
<Bree> <w> At least I'm not too memorable...
* Leon grins slightly. "So you saw Ishtar lay waste to your hometown....mind telling me what the rest of us were doing at that time?"
<Franz> I should know.. I took you all on a tour when you got there..
<Leon> Uh huh..I'm talking about while Ishtar was laying waste to your home..certainly the rest of us had to be doing something, right?
<Bree> <m> We were having tea and crumpets...
* Haylee looks at Bree. O_o
<Franz> Well, I was hiding under a rock when she started going crazy... and everything came down. From the noise it sounded like a fight.
<Leon> A fight? Any idea who was fighting?
<Franz> When I came out, I saw her unconscious.. so I guessed it was you guys.
<Leon> So...we faught Isthar..
<Leon> Is that what you're saying, for the record?
* Kashier starts to look like he's thinking a bit harder than usual.
<Tahn> (w) Valhalla. It wasn't Ishtar at the time.
<Franz> I think so.. course she was acting wierd back then. Next time I saw you she didn't seem that way.
* Scott watches Kashier. "I know my old instructor. He's plotting. Careful, Leo."
<Leon> And you pointed her out as a member of our own party not 5 minutes ago, did you not?
* Tahn looks over at Scott and whispers. "Plotting? That's the same look Gregory gave me when he was about to.. never mind."
<Leon> I see...so we fought her...to...save the town?
<Franz> Maybe.. like I said, I just saw destruction when I came too.
* Scott whispers back to Tahn. "Still, I've seen that look. Kash only gets THAT look when he's really thinking hard...he's planning something."
<Leon> Well, Franz, I think that if we were fighting her, we had to be doing it for a reason. Even I, the most hatred filled person on Lunar, doesn't fight without good reason.
<Franz> I dunno.. you could have been defending just yourselves..
<Franz> But..
<Leon> But she's a member of our party right now...why would we even think of fighting her?
<Kashier> What is it Franz? Say your piece.
* Xavier jumps off Elrika and runs up to Haylee. He jumps on her shoulder and lightly wraps himself around her, falling asleep. "Wake me when this done, please? Thanks baby."
* Haylee blinks. "Okay...."
<Franz> Maybe because it was the Church doing all of it..
<TheStoryteller> A few voices begin to murmur in the crowd.
<Leon> That's a very good assumption. Thank you Franz.
<Leon> I'm through, your honor.
* Leon sits down.
<Kashier> You may go Franz. Rest assured there will be aid sent to your town.
* Elrika looks at Haylee and giggles. "He must like you."
* Franz gets off the stand muttering.. "Like hell there will be.."
* Leon looks at Bree. "How am I doing?"
* Haylee smiles and pets the ferret softly and idly...
* Bree smiles. "Pretty good actually... I'm surprised.."
<Leon> Why surprised?
<Scott> More like impressed, Leon..but be careful. Kash is plotting something.
* Ishtar watches Franz go, giving him an apologetic look as he exits.
<Bree> I've actually got hope now...
<Leon> Let him plot. If he follows the law, he can't convict us.
<Haylee> ^_^
<Scott> There's no guarantee he'll do that..and that jury looks bloodthirsty.
<Leon> I think he's having doubts himself, actually.
<Scott> I hope so....
<Scott> I wrote that report I sent to him in full detail as to what happened at the Announcement...
* Haylee suddenly thinks of something.
* Jack sighs. "I wanna go home..."
* Leon looks at Bree. "I'm glad I'm giving you all hope. I just hope it helps you all to live."
* Bree looks back. "You should include yourself in that statement..."
<Kashier> I call the next witness.
<Scott> Remember, Leon...if you call witnesses, call me, Tahn or Johnathan...we'll be able to give them a testimony that'll blow away this jury.
* Elrika cries sofly. "My forest is unprotected.."
<Leon> ...Why do you say that...? My life is unimportant.
<Scott> Oh yes it is important, Leon...we're a team here.
<Kashier> Mr. Saloni of Zaback.
<Tahn> Zaback?
<Bree> So's mine.. So far, I haven't done anything to contribute...
<Scott> You're both important, Bree, Leo...let's get out of this together.
<Leon> But you have the desire to live...I lack that desire.
<Tahn> (w, to Bree) Nonsense. Without you, I doubt Leon would have had the will to do this.
* Saloni walks in slowly and heads towards the stand. He's well groomed, and dressed in a suit.
* Johnathan stays quiet. "Leon.. I want to ask you something, if I may.."
<TheStoryteller> Evol swears him in as per the law.
* Emili scratches her head . o O (I'm so confused with all this.... Why can't we just go home?)
<Jack> (w) Yeah, well, my contribution here hasn't been all that helpful either. Given the chance, I could probably walk out of the courtroom and noone would notice.
* Bree blinks ."I don't know what you mean... <m> ...and I hate being only good for moral support..."
<Leon> What is it, Johnathan?
<Haylee> Shh...everyone...someone's on the stand.
* Saloni blinks as he looks toward Leon...
<Tahn> (W, to Jon) wait until this witness leaves the stand.
* Leon looks at Saloni, while listening . o O (Who the hell is that...?)
<Kashier> Mr. Saloni... and the court...
* Johnathan nods. "I'll wait.."
<Kashier> I bring your attention to exhibit A, a note found in Meribia addresed to a Tahn Igtenos.
* Saloni then looks toward Tahn for a half of a second.
* Tahn gulps.
<Leon> ...note..?
<Tahn> .....
<TheStoryteller> A jury member hands it over to Kashier sealed in a plastic mesh, still readable despite the many wrinkles.
<Leon> If it appeases the court, the defense requests a copy of this letter.
<Kashier> Very well.
<Jack> (m) Well...At least it'll give me something to read....
<TheStoryteller> Evol gets up and hands them a similar document.. although plainly not as crinkled as the original.
* Leon reads the letter.
<TheStoryteller> The letter reads:
* Bree tries reading over Leon's shoulder.
* Elrika looks over Leon's shoulder.
* Tahn already knows what this note is about, and is afraid what this is going to do.
<TheStoryteller> "Meet with Lane at the machinist store in Meribia. Settle our business as agreed.."
<TheStoryteller> It is signed RF in a sort of seal...
<Leon> ..what's this about, Tahn?
<Tahn> ....
<Haylee> Tahn...?
* Kashier similarly reads it out loud to the audience...
* Tahn clenches his fist and scowls.
<Haylee> What's going on...Tahn...?
<Kashier> Now then, Mr. Saloni.. you are an expert in criminal behavior, are you not?
* Haylee pets Xavier and looks at Tahn questiongly.
<Scott> Tahn, what's going on?
* Tahn ignores any questions coming in his direction.
<Saloni> I'm what?
<Kashier> Well, it says here that you've been researching for years the movements of several organizations.. namely the dreaded "Rancor's Fang".
<Leon> Rancor's Fang...
* Tahn clenches his fist harder.
* Xavier wakes up and sneezes on Haylee's shoulder.
<Leon> ..musstt...fight the urge..
<Saloni> Well.. *modestly* Yes I have.
* Elrika looks at Xavier. "Yuck.. say sorry Xavier."
* Xavier looks around for Elrika as he goes over to her. "How long is this get-together party we have going on here?"
<Kashier> Now.. please examine this letter.. find anything odd about it?
* Kashier hands it to him.
* Saloni looks it over and turns it around.
<Xavier> Sorry? Why, what did I do?
* Saloni then frowns a bit.
<Bree> <w> You know Leon... you should get a chance to examine the original if there's something relevant other than the writing...
<Kashier> Perhaps counterfiet, or reproduced in some way?
<Leon> <w> If I think it's relevant, I will.
* Tahn closes his eyes.
* Bree sweatdrops.
<Tahn> .oO(Please say it's counterfiet..)
<Elrika> I dont know how long this will take, X.
<Xavier> (W) So Elrika, is it true that that girl over there can hear me as well? Just cause she has a bigger head.
* Jack is getting tired....
<Elrika> (w) I think she can, but not because her head is big.
* Saloni smiles toward Tahn somewhat evilly...
* Haylee snickers at Xavier. ^_^; ~Nono...~
* Elrika looks at Haylee's head.
* Xavier looks at Haylee. "But her head IS kinda big, don't you think?"
<Saloni> It is.....*smugly*
<Haylee> ~It's because I can speak with my mind.~
* Scott looks between Tahn and Saloni.
* Leon looks very interested.
<Xavier> Agh...she CAN hear me. :P
* Elrika tilts head to side a bit.
<Saloni> A fake of course..
<Tahn> (m) thank Althena...
<Haylee> ~My head isn't big...is it? O_o
<Kashier> Is there anything else that you can determine about the source of this letter to Mr. Igtenos?
* Xavier looks at her head. "You want the truth? It looks egg shaped."
<Elrika> No, it is not.
<Haylee> ~^^; Oval shaped...well, that's not so bad...~
<Leon> <w> After this is over, Tahn, you and I are gonna have a little...chat.
<Xavier> Wow, so maybe you're smarter then Elrika, because you have bigger head. When is this going to end?
<Scott> That was out of the blue....
<Saloni> Yes ..I'm surprised you didn't notice that the seal has been reproduced..
<Haylee> ~I don't know... :/~
* Leon stands up. "Exactly how is this relevant to the case, sir?"
* Haylee looks at John, wondering why he's so quiet...
* Bree sits her head in her hands, looking at Mr Salami. ^^
<Kashier> It is presented evidence, Mr. Blackfire. I am merely addressing it for all to see.
* Tahn buries his face in his hands.
* Xavier looks at Elrika. "I think the big head girl likes the guy she's gawking at."
<Haylee> ~H---Hey now! O_o~
<Leon> Why is it evidence? For what purpose? None of us have connections to Rancor's Fang.
* Johnathan glances at Leon.
<Kashier> That has yet to be determined, although it is indeed a forgery.
* Elrika looks at Xavier. "Hey you never know."
<Kashier> But..
* Xavier begins to lick himself. "What? You two would look kind of..and I do mean KIND of cute together."
* Saloni rolls his eyes toward Kashier.
* Johnathan seems about to say something, but lets it pass and goes back to staring, apparently, at a spot on the wall a foot or so to the right of the witness stand.
* Haylee begins to blush... ^_^
<Kashier> Mr. Saloni, the seal.. Is RF a known moniker for the gang?
* Bree glances over at Haylee "<w> Why're you blushing at a time like this?"
<Xavier> This is boring, Elrika...pet me!
<Leon> ..this is not the time to be blushing..
* Saloni sighs in boredom.
* Elrika grabs Xaviers and pets him.
<Saloni> It's an exact replica of Ramon's alleged seal..
<Haylee> I...I....nothing Bree.. ^_^;
<Saloni> Quite clever indeed..
* Bree grins.
* Haylee glances at Xavier, then Jon, then blushes further.
* Xavier stares at Bree. "Look, that girl has the biggest nose I have ever seen. That thing looks like a bridge! (w) I'm so bad Elrika...spank me...uh...no!"
<Leon> Who is Ramon?
<Bree> <w> Tell me later then ok? *smiles*
* Haylee stops blushing slowly. "Okay... ^_^"
* Elrika smacks X.
<Kashier> I see. Thank you Mr. Saloni.
<Leon> I have no questions for Mr. Saloni.
* Tahn gets up, looking like that whole incident never happened.
<Haylee> Rice...a Saloni...the Meriodian treat....
* Bree fights a snicker.
* Haylee chuckles despite herself.
* Leon raises an eyebrow. "Do you think we could be a little more serious at a time like this?
<Kashier> Please leave the stand then. May I note, that the Court does not recognize this document.
* Elrika meditates.
<Leon> Good.
<Haylee> ^^; I'm sorry Leon..
<Xavier> (W) Are you constipated Elrika?
* Kashier places the note upon the table for Leon to look over the original if desired.
* Leon grabs the original and examines it.
* Elrika give a Xavier a look.
<Kashier> The defense may now call witnesses.
* Haylee grins and places a mind link between Xavier and Bree so she can hear what the little furball says.
* Scott looks at the original over Leon's shoulder.
<TheStoryteller> Leon notices that it does seem like it's been given some wear, but he couldn't tell if it was forged or not.
<Leon> Thank you your honor..my first wintess is...
<Scott> Hmm...too worn out to make out if it's genuine.
<Leon> Johnathan Hylan.
* Haylee pats John on the back. "Good luck...."
<Xavier> Hey why is the nose girl looking at me funny?
* Johnathan winces almost imperceptibly.
* Scott gives John a reassuring nod.
* Bree blinks and looks around for the voice
<Haylee> You can do it, Jon...You can...I believe in you...
* Elrika looks at Xavier who is the nose girl
<Kashier> One moment.. it seems someone has already come forth..
* Kashier looks over a paper he just was handed.
<Haylee> Huh?
<Leon> ...
<Kashier> A witness to testify for the character of Ms. Elrika..
* Kashier looks up.
* Leon raises an eyebrow. "Why is this relevant.."
<Elrika> Yes, Jillian Shades.
<Xavier> Good idea! Jillian will help us out of this.
<Leon> ...I thought I was the lawyer here.
<Elrika> (w)I hope.
<Xavier> Oh shut your mouth big boy.
<Kashier> You may deny testimony if you wish, Leon.
<Haylee> ^_^; Um...er...yay to Jullian....
<Leon> ...I let me talk with my group.
* Leon turns to the group. "Someone tell me why this is relevant."
<Elrika> (w) Trust me, Leo.
* Bree focuses her sight on Xaiver, still trying to tell if it's him talking.
<Tahn> (w) No idea.
<Ishtar> I don't know..
<Johnathan> ..I haven't the faintest..
<Xavier> Tell the big guy that Jillian is a close friend.
<Scott> What's going on here, Elrika?
<Jack> ...
<Haylee> Jillian is supposedly a close friend of Elrika.
<Elrika> (w) She is very close friend.
<Leon> And how will that help..us?
<Scott> And how is this supposed to help all of us?
* Haylee whispers to Bree. "Yeah, it's him talking."
<Tahn> (w) Once again, no idea.
<Ishtar> A character witness, didn't Kash say?
* Tahn lightbulbs.
<Leon> ...I don't see how this is going to help.
<Xavier> AGH! The big nose girl can hear me too! So girls, listen, please trust us. Call Jillian up.
<Tahn> (w) Wait! If we expose the church.. like Franz almost did..
* Elrika walks up to Leon.
<Tahn> (w) We have this case in the bag.
* Leon looks down at Elrika. "Explain."
* Bree balls a fist. "So I'm nose girl huh? Once we get outta here.. you better not sleep to heavily..."
<Elrika> (w) Let her go up.
<Johnathan> Well.. if this person is going to make Elrika look good.. that won't hurt us...
<Leon> ...why should I? We're trying to save all of us..not just you.
<Xavier> Elrika, don't be shy around the steroid goon. Tell him you KNOW she can clear your name.
<Elrika> (w) She can clear my name. Please let her go, Leon.
* Haylee sighs. "She's lucky she has somoene to testify for her...I have no one..."
<Leon> ...This is wrong..100% wrong.
<Leon> But do what you want.
<Bree> I vote we clear all of us.. and not just one of us.....
* Elrika looks downward, and starts to get mad.
<Kashier> Hmm..
<Xavier> Agh! Listen, this is about Elrika right now not about you! They are going after Elrika they just said.
<Xavier> Let her clear HER name up.
<Kashier> Will you defer testimony?
<Haylee> And what about us, Xavier?
<Xavier> Please...
<Scott> Look, if we can get a character reference for Elrika, maybe if she gives a testimony, it'll help clear us too.
<Xavier> My friend Jillian knows about you.
<Leon> She can tall this person if she wants, your honor. But I won't be questioning her.
<Xavier> She was there when you helped us.
<Xavier> She saw you, she saw Sinel, she saw it all.
<Haylee> Oh..
<Scott> Who is this Jillian person, Xavier?
* Leon sits down in his chair. "I think this is all a buncha hokey, if you ask me."
<Jack> Hokey?
* Kashier turns his head to the elf.
<Kashier> Elrika?
<Leon> Bulllllshit.
<Jack> ...oh.
<Leon> Come on girl. Move your little butt.
* Haylee sets up a mental link to Leon through Xavier, and relays all he said. ~I know you told me not to get into your mind...but this is sorta important. I'll close the link after the trial.~
<Elrika> OK.. I'm going to call her up.
* Bree sweatdrops. "Was that a pick up line Leon?"
<Kashier> Very well.. will Jill...
* Kashier looks to his side as a Guard whispers in his ear.
* Leon looks back at Bree. "Of course not....I...don't do pickup lines..."
<Kashier> I see.
* Bree bidahs and sticks out her toungue.
<TheStoryteller> The guard exits.
* Haylee blinks at the guard.
* Leon looks at Bree. "Why do you ask?"
<Kashier> It appears Jillian could not make the proceedings for health reasons.
<Leon> ~Haylee get out of my mind~
* Bree blinks. "No reason.. making jokes is all..."
<Haylee> ~Done.~ *closes off the link*
<TheStoryteller> You all notice a small smile cross Gregory's face...
<Xavier> Hea..Health reasons? Why? What happened to her?
* Elrika looks. "What?!"
<Xavier> Why is he smiling at that?
<Scott> Hmmm?
<Leon> Oh..I see...I apologize, Bree...I'm still not used to having...you around.
<Xavier> He did something to her, Elrika! I know it!
<Scott> He knows something....
<Tahn> (in a low, deep, hushed voice) Windstar......
* Bree blinks. "Eh? What do you mean?"
* Scott's eyes narrow as he looks at Gregory.
* Haylee looks at Gregory and growls under her breath. "Shh...everyone. He wants us to react. Don't give him satisfaction in this..."
<Kashier> You may call another witness since Jillian forfiets her testimony.
<Leon> ...I...I'lll talk to you about it later, Bree.
* Leon stands up. "I call Johnathan Hylan to the stand."
* Bree blinks confused. "Sure... if we last that long..."
<Haylee> Jon...I think you're next...I believe in you! ^_^
* Johnathan slowly stands and makes his way over to the stand, silently.
* Scott whispers to Haylee. "I've felt this strange presence in my mind since we got in here....something tells me Gregory's trying to weaken Evol's seal."
* Leon looks over at Emili. "Get her ready for testimony."
* Leon turns his attention back to Johnathan.
<Haylee> ~I'm on it, Scott.~
<Kashier> Be aware this is your 2nd witness... your 1st did not show.
<Tahn> (w, to Haylee) Mind link to me, I can let you know ALL the hell I've gone through with that demon.
<Haylee> Hey...but we never agreed to that witness...
<Leon> Your honor, this is only my first witness.
* Haylee sets up a mind link to Tahn. "Okay, spill it." *Whispered*
* Scott begins to meditate and chant as if he's trying to magically strengthen the seal around DarkStar.
<Leon> Anyway...let me deal with Johnathan here first, we'll deal with that other issue afterwards.
<Kashier> The laws of Virtue dictate that if a witness does not appear, their spot is forfiet. Each side may call only three witnesses in sequence till verdict is reached.
* Leon looks back at Kash. "And you got 3 witnesses..."
<Leon> Johnathan, were you present at this announcment?
<Johnathan> I was not.
<Leon> I see, Johnathan. So you were not part of this whole supposed attempt on Queen Virtue's Life?
<Johnathan> That's correct.
<Haylee> ~Tahn....start spilling....~
<Tahn> ~It all started 7 years ago, right in this very town. I was 13, and had just made it into Gregory's class... the highest class in the guild, and the most respected teacher short of Kashier himself..~
<Haylee> ~And he did something to you, I take it?~
<Leon> I see. Were you part of Franz's town being destroyed?
<Leon> Or should I say, were you present for it.
<Johnathan> I was there when it occured, yes.
<Tahn> ~Long story short, he broke me in every way possible. Physically, spiritually, emotionally..~
<Haylee> ~...That man...whenever I see him...I feel afraid...~
<Leon> But not Queen Virtue's shooting. Never the less, has the church been persuing you?
* Gregory runs his eyes over the Defense from his position, looking somewhat impatient, like he is waiting...
<Johnathan> They have been, yes.
<Leon> Do you know the reason as to why?
* Tahn feels watchful eyes piercing the back of his mind. ~We'll wait to have this conversation~
* Johnathan closes his eyes briefly. "Yes."
<Haylee> ~Yeah...~
<Scott> .oO(It's no use, Haylee...the magic I learned to strengthen the seal isn't working...)
<Leon> Would you tell the court, what that reason is?
* Johnathan slowly opens his eyes. "I've been declared a heretic, and a practitioner of forbidden magic, by the old laws of Vane."
* Emili is sleeping, somewhat bored at this, so has fallen asleep.
* Evol sits at her desk, scribbling some notes down into the official record..
* Leon blinks.
<Leon> . o O (Um...OK...THAT isn't what I was expecting...)
* Johnathan does NOT look happy at the moment.
<Elrika> (w) You know what...why don't we call Sinel to the stand?
<Leon> ..um...*cough* moving on...
* Bree sweatdrops. "And you think he'll tell the truth?"
<TheStoryteller> Some of the crowd starts jeering at Johnathan..
<Leon> But you were captured by a Priest of the Church, were you not?
<Elrika> Umm...he should. :P
<Scott> I think she was being sarcastic.
<Johnathan> I was, yes.
<Leon> Who was that Priest?
<Haylee> John...
* Johnathan recovers his composure somewhat. "The archbishop Sinel."
<Xavier> Who else can hear me?
<Leon> And why were you not turned over to the authorities at Vane?
<Xavier> I can't make fun of people no more!
<Tahn> ~Me..~
<Scott> .oO(AH HA!)
* Bree looks over at Xaiver. "<w> I can ya fuzz ball..."
<Haylee> ~Me..~
<Xavier> AHH! How did this happen?!
* Haylee winks at Xavier.
<Johnathan> He said he had a plan that he couldn't disclose, requiring four people.. one of whom he claimed was me.
<Elrika> (w) Don't look at me, look at big head.
<Haylee> ~It's better for people to hear you..you've got a lot of good things to say. ^_^~
* Haylee looks down.
<Leon> Four people? Really? Did his plan seem to be in the best interests of the worshipers of Althena?
<Xavier> So you mean, everyone can hear me gorgeous?
<Scott> .oO(Haylee, are you getting the idea that Sinel is behind a lot more than we thought?)
* Ishtar looks at the ferret...
<Jack> There's nothing wrong with a talking ferret...heh....
<Haylee> ~Yeah...and Xavier...I'd say half of us can hear you.~
<Johnathan> I don't know. I can't say for sure, since he refuses to disclose his plan, but his methods have indicated that it might not be.
<Leon> But you were abducted..as in..illegally?
* Haylee looks at Jon, arching an eyebrow, as if to say "Mention us! Mention the samples! Mention! :O"
<Xavier> If only I had a gorgeous girl feeding me grapes this moment to relieve me of this extreme boredom. *sighs*
<Scott> Haylee, I've tried the spell that I was taught to strengthen the seal...it didn't work...
* Haylee nods and tries to strengthen the seal in Scott's mind on her own.
<Johnathan> I'm.. uncertain as to the legal.. standing of myself, at the moment.. but he DID similarily abduct another person, one Haylee Diawen, in a fashion that was definately illegal.
<Elrika> EXACTLY!
<Haylee> Elrika! Shh!
* Kahsier rubs his chin in thought.
<Elrika> (w) I mean exactly! *sweatdrops*
<Haylee> ...^_^;;
<Leon> So there are Church members doing some things under the table..and they aren't telling anyone why. Thank you Johnathan.
<Leon> I have no further questions.
* Haylee smiles at Jon. ^_^
<Xavier> I think we need a better lawyer, guys.
* Haylee keeps working on Scott's seal as well. :p
* Kashier turns to Johnathan..
* Bree didn't do anything wrong! ^^;
<Kashier> Mr. Hyral...
<Haylee> Leon didn't know...it's not his fault...
<Leon> ...sorry...
<Kashier> Please tell the court your description of the Archbishop.
* Scott listens intently.
<Haylee> Leon, you did an excellent job.
<Leon> I fucked up...I didn't know he was a heretic...
<Haylee> I ...didn't either...
<Xavier> He looked like a big tater tot, and he smelled like glue!
<Scott> Neither did I.
<Tahn> ~what?! O_O~
* Haylee looks at Xavier. "Don't say that about him...what the church labels as a heretic may be nothing bad at all..."
<Leon> ...I called him because he appeared to be the type who...wasn't like that...
<Johnathan> Archbishop Sinel... struck me as a.. secretive man. Sincere, perhaps, but he seemed to almost have a sinister motive about him..
<Xavier> Ok, you want me to get serious? Show you people how smart I can be? Why don't you call me up to the stand?
<Haylee> This is the church, after all. They could call him a heretic for washing his socks on tuesday...
<Xavier> I'm sure Haylee can mindlink everyone.
* Haylee looks down, quiet...
<Xavier> I was there...
<Leon> ...and why do I find that ferret annoying...?
<Kashier> You are aware he is a highly respected member of the Church, one of the Elite Four.
<Scott> Haylee, Gregory's magic is too strong....
* Bree eyeballs Xavier "<w> Oh yeah.. they'll think Leon's a loon when no one but us can hear you talking..."
<Johnathan> I am aware, yes.
<Haylee> ~I'm doing my best Scott...~
<Tahn> .oO(So, Blackfire? I don't look the type that has *remembers Leon and Bree* uh, yeah.)
<Leon> ...I'm a loon? Who are you talking to...?
<Scott> I know Hay, but maybe you're trying in vain to strengthen it...I don't want you to exhaust your mental power on my account.
* Bree sweatdrops. "<w> I rest my case... now I look like a loon..."
<Kashier> Tell me then.. how was his treatment of you during your and Ms. Diawen's "illegal" abduction.
<Elrika> (w) I'm scared Haylee...are we winning or losing?
<Haylee> ...I don't know....John being a heretic will not help us...
* Leon looks at Bree. "No..you don't. I just wanted to know who you were speaking to."
<Tahn> (to elrika) Yes.
* Bree points at the ferret. "The fuzzball can talk in your mind..."
<Tahn> (to Elrika) From that..unexpected testimony, both.
<Leon> ...Oh really...
* Bree head tilts. "Don't believe me?"
<Leon> No..no..I do.
* Haylee blinks at Leon and Bree. "That's impossible. I closed the link off."
<Johnathan> We were locked in a cell.. a room, really, not too uncomfortable, but locked in none the same. He.. seemed rather amused by our desire to escape..
<Xavier> Yes I can talk, and I am not a fuzzball. I am a nearly extinct species, who is worth a few ingots in the right towns.
<Kashier> And you believe that this amusion was caused by his secretive plot that you were a part of.
<Leon> I don't hear him..but that's OK...I'd probably hate it.
<Johnathan> No, I imagine his amusement was probably due to the fact that escape would have been difficult, and not nessecarily linked to whatever plan he has.
<Elrika> (w) Tahn...is it just me or am I not the only one who trusts that man over there.
* Elrika points to Gregory.
* Kashier opens his mouth, but stops.
<Scott> You're the only one, Elrika...he possessed me with a demon spirit....and put Tahn through unspeakable horrors during his time in Magic School....so why should we trust him?
<Kashier> No further questions.
<TheStoryteller> Some of the crowd starts up into a chorus of boos....
<Leon> You're dismissed, Johnathan...
<Elrika> I'm sorry guys, I meant to say doesn't trust.
* Johnathan sighs slightly, and makes his way over to the table again.
<Elrika> (w) This long trial is making me say things. :P
<Leon> Johnathan, why didn't you tell me you were wanted by Vane as a heretic...?
<Haylee> Jon....
<Kashier> Your next witness, please.
* Johnathan bows his head. "It.. never came up. I'm sorry, guys.. I.."
<Leon> I call Emili...the..um..Batgirl...to the stand.
<Scott> Leon....
<Xavier> Batgirl? Look who's talking you damn tree trunk.
* Leon looks at Scott. "Trust me."
* Haylee looks away from Jon, not knowing what to say.
<Jack> How about we just call it a day and have lunch? I'm starving.
* Emili snoozes.
<Scott> How can I? She's asleep.
* Bree sweatdrops "<m> I hope she doesn't call the judge a pussy head..."
* Elrika laughs.
* Haylee pat pats Emili.
<Elrika> (w) Umm...sorry.
<Emili> sniuyahfsd.... huh?
* Tahn looks at Jack oddly and shakes Emili awake..or at least tries to.
<Leon> Oh nevermind...
* Ishtar rubs the side of Emili's shoulders.
<Emili> Wha...?
<Leon> Scott, take the stand.
<Scott> OK.
<Ishtar> Emili?
* Scott walks up to the stand....
<Emili> Yeah!
<Leon> You're next Emili.
<Leon> Be ready.
<Haylee> ~Scott get your ass back to your seat now.~
<Xavier> Temper temper!
<Jack> Oh, this is gonna be good....
* Scott walks back..."What's it gonna be?"
<Emili> Next?
<Haylee> ~Trust Leon. It can't get much worse.~
<Emili> Next for what?
* Kashier is a little surprised when Scott stands up.
* Emili scratches her head.
<Haylee> ~Since Jon....*trails off*~
<Xavier> Elrika...I'm getting wierd chills.
<Leon> I'm calling you to the stand to answer some questions after Scott's done, okay Emili?
<Elrika> (w) You're not the only one X.
<Scott> .oO(Trust me, folks.)
<Bree> <m> With that fur coat you should be toasty...
* Scott walks to the stand.
<Emili> Ummm.... okay...
* Leon looks at Bree. "Can you brief her on what I'm gonna do while I question Scott?"
<Kashier> Scott.. please be seated.
* Leon turns to Scott.
* Bree blinks confused. "I can't read your mind... how'm I supposed to do that?"
* Leon looks back at Bree. "Just tell her what she has to do. All I want from her is the truth."
<Leon> Now..Scott.
* Scott looks to Leon. "Take the stand or take my seat...your choice.. but you have to officially call me."
<Leon> I did call you, Scott.
<Scott> OK.
* Scott takes the stand.
* Leon coughs.
* Bree sweatdrops. "Guess I have no choice... hey Emili...?"
<Scott> Sorry, chancellor, but I must do this.
* Evol swears in Scott.. to tell the truth.
<Scott> I swear by my own code of honor to tell the truth.
<Leon> Now maybe I'll get a straight answer...can you describe for me what happened the day of the announcement?
* Kashier leans down to whisper to Scott...
<Kashier> Don't apologize. Just be honest is all I ask.
* Emili looks at Bree. "Yeah?"
<Scott> On the day of the announcement. You got it.
* Haylee looks down at the table.
<Bree> Leon's going to call you up to where Scott is at in a little while.. and, when you're up there.. tell the truth ok?
<Emili> What's the truth?
<Scott> We were sitting there listening to the speech. I and several others, yourself included, did hear a scream coming from a side room. Did you not, Leon?
<Emili> Is it like lying?
<Emili> I don't like liars!
<Tahn> (w) No. Truth is the exact opposite of lying.
<Elrika> (w) And don't call him a pussy head. Call him your Donor, that's what they say on TV.
<Bree> The opposite, lying is what didn't happen.. the truth is what did happen.. understand?
<Leon> I did indeed, Scott.
<Haylee> Honor, Elrika. Honor.
* Tahn looks at Elrika. "Your Honor. Not Donor."
* Emili looks at Elrika and Tahn and nods.
<Elrika> Oh...ok.
* Bree snickers. "Yeah.. and use very polite language ok?"
<Leon> What happened next?
* Emili looks at Bree and nods.
<Scott> I tried to investigate, as I am attached to the first division, Regiment A of the Vane Magic Guard. The guards at the door tried to stop me. While arguing with them and trying to invoke my authority as a high ranking officer in the Guard, I heard a gunshot.
<Jack> (m) Heheh... "Hi, I am your donor!" heheh....
* Tahn glares at Jack oddly.
<Leon> I see.
<Scott> Suddenly, the guards surrounded us, and a battle ensued.
* Emili scratches her head.
<Emili> Ummm...
* Haylee slumps against the table, picking at a crack.
<Bree> Ok Emili.. repeat back to me what you're supposed to do when you're sitting where Scott is now..
* Jack looks at Tahn. ".....What!?"
* Ishtar tries to look hopeful..
<Emili> Tell the truth....
<Emili> And umm....
<Bree> And the truth is...?
<Leon> And you didn't see anything as far as the gunshot went?
<Emili> The opposite of lying!
<Tahn> (w) This isn't the place for humor, Jack. With the exception of Judge Ausa's first witness.
* Bree nods and smiles "Right.. you got it. That's good.. and be very polite ok? You know what polite is right?"
* Scott shakes his head and grabs his nose as if he has a headache. "No, I did not, as I was arguing with the guard to allow me to investigate the scream. However, it was afterwards that I was informed that someone within the group around me had taken a potshot at Virtue."
* Elrika goes over to Emili.
<Emili> Umm... polite....
<Leon> I see. And what happened during the destruction of Franz's town?
<Emili> Be nice! ......
<Elrika> (w) Be nice. =) Like I am.
<Scott> All of this is described in a report that I had delivered to Chancellor Ausa upon our return to Vane not a few hours ago.
<Emili> Ummm... right?
<Kashier> That is true. I vouch for the content of said report.
<Bree> It means really nice, exactly..
* Bree smiles proudly at Emili.
<Leon> I'd like that report to Defense exhibit A, your honor.
<Scott> Ah yes, Jinzel. Upon leaving the prison area where we were being held captive, what appeared to be a cybernetic angel swooped down in an attempt to attack us, as it appeared. I hit the angel with my Aqua Blast spell and disabled it for a short time.
* Haylee glances at John, then turns away.
<Leon> Do you have any idea about the angel's...command?
* Bree pats Emili on the back. "You're going to do fine.. just don't be nervous, once they know the truth, we'll be free to leave."
<Tahn> .oO(Shit. Kash is gonna read this as "We delivered the angel to Jinzel")
<Leon> Like..who sent it?
<Haylee> . o O ( Why didn't you tell me...? I wanted to beleive you were completely innocent...I did... )
* Ishtar fidgets in her seat again, looking at her wings...
<Emili> Okay!
* Johnathan currently still has his head bowed, not making eye contact with anyone.
<Scott> Unfortunately, I do not...but the Angel was carried into town by the citizens of Jinzel, believing her to be a goddess of sorts.
<Emili> And then we can go back to normal huh?!
<Bree> Yeah Emili.. we'll go back to what we were doing..
<Leon> And then it proceeded to attack you, your friends, me, and the rest of the town?
<Elrika> (w) What were you doing before this?
<Scott> Upon it's reactivation, it did.
<Leon> I see.
<Emili> We were traveling!
<Scott> It was then apparent to me that that angel was part of a project called Valhalla.
<Jack> (m) Damn those wings I made.....I feel like breaking something....
<Elrika> (w) Is it true that you all did that much destruction to that small midget's town?
<Xavier> No, you idiot!
<Leon> Thank you Scott, I have no further questions.
* Scott nods.
* Bree smiles and nods. "Yeah.. we'll go back to traveling.. so just keep thinking of that."
<Elrika> Oh, well I didn't know, X!
<Ishtar> We need to stay calm Jack.. what if they think we're criminals...
<Jack> (W) Forceful little ferret, isn't he?
<Emili> Nope, Ishtar, my angel friend did, but she was under a magic spell which made her do all that stuff!
* Leon sits down next to Bree. "That went better..is Emili ready?
* Scott holds his nose again as if he's having a major headache here.
<Kashier> Quiet Emili. You are not on the stand at this time.
* Bree nods. "I believe so, she seems to understand what she needs to do.."
<Leon> Good...
<Haylee> ~Scott...it's in your head. It's all stress. Gregory is lying low. Calm down.~
<Elrika> (w) Something's wrong with Scott, I think he has gas headaches.
<Scott> Chancellor...I am feeling a presence in my mind at this time....one that I fear is trying to do more harm than good.
* Emili hushes.
* Bree sweatdrops. "Except that she needs to be in the seat to talk..."
<Leon> I'm going on her innocence as something that'll help us..
<Haylee> ~Don't worry.~
<Leon> Your honor, I request Scott be dismissed from the stand.
<Kashier> If you are feeling ill, you may go. But please answer one question.
<Scott> And that is, Chancellor?
<Leon> Thank you Bree, for doing that for me with Emili.
* Scott shakes his head as if to say, "GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY MIND!"
<Kashier> Scott, please tell the court about your experiences in the guard. Times when you were forced to act and decide under harsh circumstances, such as you did at the Announcement.
<Haylee> ~Scott he is NOT there! Trust me~
<Elrika> (w) Scott seems...in pain.
<Leon> ...oh damn....Scott's freaking out...
* Emili wraps her wings around her body, fine, sequine clothing then appears on her body.
<Bree> No prob.... lem...
* Bree gives Scott an odd look.
<Bree> That can't be good...
<Scott> One time...during a rearrangeent in forces...I was escorting Lady Evol to Azado...she can testify to this..
* Evol gets up from her place, watching Scott.
<Leon> Objection, where is this relevant to the case at hand?
<Jack> ??
<Xavier> Scott...you can fight it...
<Scott> We were attacked by a gang from the Rancor's Fang. There were other guards and myself, and we were grossly outnumbered...
<Kashier> Overruled. This is entirely relevant.
<Tahn> (m) Quiet, Leon.. any evidence against anyone other than us or our comrades is COMPLETELY relevant.
<Scott> We could not avoid a fight with the gang. They were merciless...and....after that, I don't remember...
<Leon> ...why is Rancor's Fang coming up so much...
<Kashier> But it was true you protected the Lady Evol with your life that day, is it not?
* Haylee blinks.
<Haylee> ...Does Kashier have dealings with Rancor's Fang...?
* Xavier begins to shake wildly as well.
<Scott> It is, but something came out that day that I have been fighting to supress all my life....
<Leon> ...I have to keep a cool head here...I can't let that get in the way of what I must do....
<Elrika> X? Is everything ok?
* Elrika then looks up at Scott.
* Haylee grits her teeth.
<Scott> A spirit called DarkStar.....*Grits his teeth* and I fear he's about to do the same if I don't get off this stand and get this presence out of my MIND!
<Xavier> Tell Haylee to press on, that Scott has to fight this battle. He has to destroy it from within.
<Leon> ..this is all not relevant at all...
<Kashier> Scott.. can you.. Scott?
<Elrika> ....X? That doesn't sound like you.
<Haylee> ~Scott!~
<Elrika> You sound more...intelligent.
* Scott's eyes are reddening, as he gazes right at Gregory as if to say, "LEAVE ME THE HELL ALONE!"
<Jack> ...Not good....
* Evol rushes to the stand, and grabs Scott...
<Haylee> Please, your honor...he needs rest and time to get off the stand. He's not well...
<Tahn> Oh shit.
<Leon> ....just throw in a contempt charge in there Scott..go right head...
<Evol> Your honor.. permission to take the witness to a more comfortable setting.
<Xavier> No time for questions, Elrika. Tell Haylee to mindlink me to Scott NOW!
* Haylee does so.
* Scott rushes out, trying to get rid of the spirit...and the presence....
* Gregory seems to dismiss Scott's glare..
<Haylee> ~Xavier...you're linked. Go!"
<Bree> <w> You know.. I don't trust anyone to escort any of our group away...
<Xavier> Scott, you can fight this. It's me...
<Leon> ....that was weird.
<Tahn> This is not good! Chancellor, Judge, Premier... no, Professor Ausa... It's best to move Scott away from this setting QUICKLY...
<Leon> I guess Scott's been dismissed...
<Kashier> I am aware of that. Take him to my quarters, Evol.
<Xavier> ~It's me Lure, I don't have that much time. You have to do this on your own, beat it from within. Don't let it take control!~
<Bree> Yeah.. no duh... well, that couldn't have helped our case... other than an insanity plea..
* Evol leads the disturbed Scott out into the hallway...
* Scott drops to one knee outside the courtroom. "It was Gregory...I can feel it."
* Haylee jumps. "You're who?! O_o"
<Leon> OK OK. let's move on.
<Leon> I have one more witness.
* Tahn thought he heard that...but it couldn't be.
<Evol> Please Scott.. relax.. the seal is weakening again..
<Scott> I know that, but it's both Gregory and DarkStar doing it, Lady Evol....
<Scott> DarkStar's fighting it while Gregory weakens the seal magically.
<Xavier> ~No time for questions, any of you. Haylee press on, give him the strength, this magic...is too strong. I can't enter Scott's mind to help him fight it.~
* Kash seems a bit shaken by Scott's outburst, but nods to Leon.
* Haylee nods, closing her eyes and clasping her hands together.
<Leon> I call Emili the..batgirl..thing...to the stand.
<Scott> If I don't get to where that spirit has no control over me, I'll lose it completely..
<Haylee> ...Strong....Stronger...
* Emili leaps up from her chair in an overly dressed gown and toddles up to the stand.
<Xavier> ~I don't have enough strength to stay........~
<Jack> Well that call was professional....
<Xavier> Hey. I'm hungry Elrika.
* Evol starts to weave a pattern of runes about Scott's head, calming him.
* Leon heads to to where Emili is, and makes it a point to brush by Gregory rather hard.
* Elrika has her mouth wide open.
<Tahn> ~I'll help you with this to the best of my ability, Hay..~
* Haylee staggers. "Gregory is..."
<Leon> I'll need a second to prep my witness, your honor.
* Emili steps on Gregory's toe and she toddles up to the stand.
* Gregory glares at the two... but remains at his post.
* Leon whispers to Emili, "You know what you've gotta do here, right?"
* Emili nods!
* Scott is calmed slightly, and the spirit's influence begins to ween. "Lady Evol, if it's possible, I need to get to Horam fast. That spirit has no control over me there...I've been able to know who I really am, while there."
<Emili> ^_^
* Bree crosses her fingers for luck "<w> I hope we win...."
<Leon> <w> Good...
* Leon coughs.
* Haylee falls back, exhausted...
<Leon> OK.
<Evol> Scott, we must wait for the end of the trial first. Please be strong.
<Xavier> Why are you looking at me like that, Elrika?
* Tahn shakes the pain out of his head.
<Leon> Emili...could you tell the court...in your own words, what happened the night of the announcement?
<Elrika> Um...why were you talking so smarty pants...and why did you change your name to Lure?
* Evol heads back into the courtroom to resume her position.
<Emili> Well, ummm... hmmm...
<Haylee> Goddess...I can't do anything. Gregory is pushing me out....
* Scott lies down and tries to remain calm.
<Tahn> (w) Haylee... Did you hear the name... Horam? or was that just a hallucination on my part?
<Haylee> I heard it...
<Emili> I was sitting with Scott and looking at the pretty lady making this long boring speech and stuff.
<TheStoryteller> Gregory begins to tap his foot, as a mote of energy forms in his left hand as Evol passes.
* Bree looks over at Haylee. "Um.. can I do anything to help?"
<Tahn> Wha...?
* Haylee jumps. "...My vision...?"
<Tahn> ~Vision?~
* Xavier jumps back up as he has that look on his feline face again.
* Haylee stands up, leans against the table, and peers at Gregory. "What is he...?"
<Leon> And then what?
<Emili> And then I heard this scream from a lady or something...
<Emili> But it wasn't anyone in front of me.
<Elrika> [Xavier] ~...almost time...danger~
<Emili> It was kinda in the back of the room.... but I couldn't tell where it was.
* Tahn feels the distinct shifting in Xavier. ~Lure?~
<Leon> I see...then what happened?
<Emili> And then we tried to see who it was...
<Haylee> ...!
<Tahn> ~What do you... almost time?~
<Emili> And these guards stopped us and....
<Haylee> ~Oh my god...It's her...it's Emmy...she's the one!~
<Bree> I'm totally left out here.... so I'll take that as a no, you can't help? *sweatdrops*
<Emili> Then Leon took out that gun thingie and she....
<Tahn> ~What? What are you talking about, Haylee?~
<Haylee> ~Get Emmy out of here...get her out. I don't care what you do!~
<Xavier> ~Stop...Wind...Kash~
<Emili> He shot the pretty lady!
<Leon> Why did I shoot the pretty lady?
<Tahn> ~Wind? Kash? Windstar and Kashier?~
<Emili> And and she stopped it by making her eyes flash.
<Xavier> ~Haylee, you must stop...fore...late~
<Haylee> ~Windstar...Look...gah, I need to set up a connection with Leon! Bree! Tell him to march over here now!~
* Kashier sits upon the stand, something weighing heavily on his mind..
<Emili> Ummm, you shot her because she wanted us to come back to our seats and she was very mad at us for getting out of our seats to check up on the scream.
<Haylee> ~I can't interrupt or it'll tip Gregory off!~
<Emili> But she never heard the scream though!
<Bree> Psst.. Leon... Leon....
<Tahn> (w) Leon... get over here......
<Haylee> Leon...
<Leon> Hold on....
<Leon> What Bree?
<Haylee> Leon, get Emmy off the stand NOW.
<Xavier> ~Emili...the one...~
<Emili> And we wanted to know who it was and stuff....
* Bree waves Leon over. "C'mere.."
<Haylee> Gregory's after her...Just trust me.
* Leon comes over to Bree. "What is it? I gotta finish this up."
<Haylee> Get her off the stand.
<Emili> And see if that person was all right....
<TheStoryteller> Noone notices it, but Gregory starts to take a few steps forward...
<Haylee> I don't care if you trust me or not, just GET her OFF.
<Haylee> ...Shit!
<Tahn> ~There's not time to explain, Hay! Gregory will find out! JUST LINK HER!~
<Bree> Leon.. get Emili off the stand...
<Haylee> ~Emmy! Get off the stand!~
* Emili looks up and looks around.
<Emili> Who said that?
* Leon stands back up. "The witness is dismissd."
* Bree tries kicking the table leg out.
<Haylee> ~Gregory's after you! Look out!~
<Tahn> ~It's not important, Emili! JUST GET OFF THE STAND!~
<Kashier> Dismissed?
<Emili> Huh?
<Leon> Yes..it's been brought to my attention that a member of this court is...attempting to abduct her.
<Xavier> ~Don't have time...Gregory is evil! He wants to...~
* Emili glances at Gregory.
<Jack> Now I'M confused......
* Haylee stands up.
<Gregory> Oh don't bother cross-examining her, Chancellor. It's obvious to this whole courtroom that you've gone soft...
* Haylee growls.
<Elrika> Huh?
<Tahn> ~NO! It's not Emili he's after!~
* Leon steps up to Gregory. "Go away, little man."
* Emili blinks at Gregory.
<Haylee> ~Yes it is, Tahn!~
<Emili> I....
<Haylee> ~I had a vision and she was the one in it~
* Bree kicks the table leg loose and keepts it in place until she may need to throw it.
<Tahn> ~Now I understand what Lure was trying to say! Gregory is going to kill Kashier!~
<Gregory> Everyone knows they are guilty...
<Haylee> ~That too!~
<Tahn> ~Uh..~
<Tahn> ~Yeah. Anyways. We need to do something!~
<Leon> Your honor, I want this...person to be held in contempt on this court!
<Emili> Gre...g..ory....
<Haylee> ~...Something dark reached out toward him...and Emmy was in a black dress...~
<Kashier> Gregory.. hold your tongue.. you are not a part of this Trial other than Officer.
<Haylee> Your honor...
<Gregory> Oh, I'm very much a part.. in fact...
<Haylee> No!
<Leon> He has tampered with one of my witness already, and now he speaks freely in such a manner, I want him escorted out of here immedately!
* Gregory suddenly zeros in on Emili, locking eyes with her.
<Bree> I think this is a point where he admits his whole evil plot...
<Jack> Hm, Where'd they take "Barberella" when I need her...?
<Haylee> EMILI!!
<Tahn> No...
<Emili> .......
* Leon raises a hand to Gregory's throat. "Don't even think about it."
<Emili> He.....hehehe.......
<Haylee> Shit...oh shit...
* Johnathan looks up, his gaze moving between Emili and Gregory.
* Gregory throws Leon aside like a leaf in the winds.
* Emili creates a shockwave that throws the party to the ground...
<Haylee> Someone give me a weapon...anything. I'm crushing th...AHH!
<Tahn> OH HELL!
* Haylee smacks against a wall.
<Jack> Yaaahh...
* Bree holds firmly onto the table leg, ready to toss it, but ends up getting knocked over table leg in hand. ^^;;
* Leon lands against the wall, leaving a crack. "Damn..."
* Tahn gets floored, but quickly pulls himself up.
<Leon> Graah!
* Emili clutches her head. "Oooh!"
<Haylee> ...I...I think we'...we...re fucked...
* Scott hears the screams from the courtroom and runs back in.
* Leon leaps back up and heads back to Gregory.
<* Xavier begins to glow as he slowly morphs into a small little boy...Lure.
<Tahn> You won't get away with this, Gregory Windstar!
* Ishtar goes sprawling, knocked backwards...
<Haylee> ~Emili, what are you doing?!~
* Emili is suddenly engulfed in red light.
<Tahn> NO!
<Lure> Gregory! End this now.
<Scott> HOLY ALTHENA.....TAHN, HAYLEE, JOHN...ISHTAR....
* Bree struggles to get up, and flings the table leg at Gregory. "Dammit!"
* Kashier remains standing.. shielded at the last moment.
<Jack> Ugh......Emili??
<Scott> EMMI GET AWAY FROM THERE!
<Leon> Someone gimme one of those table legs.
* Haylee throws Leon a table leg, as she takes one herself.
<Kashier> What in Althena's name are you pulling in my courtroom, Windstar?!
<Jack> SHIT!! Where's my axe!!?
<Haylee> Dammit, I knew I was too late!
* Johnathan slowly and carefully crafts a small sphere of energy.
<Tahn> Guys, deal with Gregory!
* Bree kicks the last out and grabs it like a club.
<Scott> Oh hell, this is no good....AQUA PULSE!
* Leon snatches it on the fly and raises over head, rushing towards Gregory.
<Gregory> Hmm? Pesky brat.
* Scott sends a shaft of water towards Gregory.
* Tahn rushes over to Kashier
* Haylee rushes with Leon!
<TheStoryteller> Gregory shoots a bolt through Lure.. he vanishes...
* Emili cries inside the red ball of light. "No! MOMMMY!"
<Lure> ~Haylee! Kash...help...~
<Haylee> Lure!
<Jack> Agh!! First Sinel, Now this!
* Emili the sends yet another shockwave knocking the party and pinning them to the ground.
<TheStoryteller> Scott's magic flies, but as it is about to hit, it hangs there motionless.
* Leon cracks the leg over Gregory's head.
<Elrika> Emili, we're friends!
* Haylee falls on her ass. "Stop it! Dammit!"
<TheStoryteller> Gregory's head suffers no ill effects from the chair leg.
* Elrika falls to the floor.
<Tahn> (w, to Kash) Chancellor K..Kashier... I have reasons to believe that Gregory may want to relieve you of your life...
* Johnathan throws his little ball forward as well, aiming for Gregory
* Scott rushes over to help Haylee. "I sensed it....I somehow knew Gregory is absolutely evil."
<Leon> ...OK that didn't work.
* Bree picks up the table top, using it as a shield. "Great.. and me with out any weapons... not like they'd do me any good..."
<Gregory> I've waited centuries for this.. you won't stop me now.. HAHAHA...!
<Haylee> I...you need to get Haylee over here now..
<Leon> Centuries..?
<Scott> Like hell I won't?
<Leon> He's not human!
<Jack> W..what the hell is he...?
<Haylee> No SHIT, Sherlock!
<Leon> Who are you...
* Emili is surrounded in the red ball witch flares brightly, expanding and blinding the entire area!!
<Tahn> GEE, WHEN DID THAT DAWN ON YOU, LEON?!
<Gregory> Emili, become your true self.. let your wrath flow upon these pitiful lot...
* Haylee rushes toward Gregory and attempt to lash him over the head!
* Scott rushes right at Gregory, trying to hit him wiht a hand to hand shot.
<TheStoryteller> Haylee finds herself frozen, then is tossed to the floor.
* Leon lifts the table top over his head. "I want order in this court, asshole!"
<Haylee> Ahh!
* Leon drops the table top on Gregory's head.
* Haylee hits the floor hard, bleeding from multiple scrapes.
* Johnathan tries again, launching another little sphere at Gregory.
* Bree flails around behind the table/shield. "Sheesh! The table leg and magic didn't phase him.. what makes you think anything else will?!"
* Elrika slowly makes her way over to Haylee.
* Elrika slowly gets up.
<Tahn> Through the powers of Althena flowing through my veins... from the lifeforces of the Dragons, urging me on...
<Elrika> I...I must try.
<Gregory> Fools.. you're all fools..
* Gregory starts to phase out, avoiding all attacks.
<Kashier> Gregory.. you bastard! Betraying Vane?! By the Ausa name you will pay for this injustice in a house of law!
<The Storyteller> When the light fades, Emili floats in black armor, laced with gold her wings from tip to tip extend to each wall on opposite sides. Her eyes are small slits of yellow. She glares at the party with a dark and evil smirk.
<Haylee> ....Shit!
<Haylee> My vision! I knew it!
<Ishtar> E..Emili?
<Bree> Hey Chancellor! Blast him or something!
<Scott> Holy shit...she's worse than DarkStar.
<Haylee> The bodies come next...
<Emili> Heheheh.
* Haylee begins to shake...
<Leon> Get your wits about you Batgirl!
* Bree sweatdrops. "I want to wake up now....."
<Tahn> Calm down, Hay! We can stop whatever destiny predicts!
* Tahn takes one step after another towards Gregory.
* Emili holds out her head, creating a large scythe.
<Jack> Shit. Hell just froze over right in front of my face!
* Elrika raises her hands above her head as she begins to chant softly to herself. Elrika begins to glow brightly as she releases the energy and shoots it towards Gregory, making an explosion in the courtroom that would have leveled buildings.
* Johnathan walks forward, chanting low under his breath. "Destiny nothing, Tahn.."
* Elrika falls to the floor, weak and almost out cold.
<Haylee> Elrika...
<TheStoryteller> Gregory is unaffected by Elrika's blast.
<Haylee> ...Well...it worked for Alex and Luna...
* Haylee begins to sing a song, directed at Emili. One she sang for her.
<Leon> Everyone of you..get out of here.
* Emili teleports behind Kashier and in the blink of an eye, slams the scythe into his back.
<Scott> Yeah, I'll cover you.
<Haylee> O_O Emili!
<TheStoryteller> Kashier tries to summon a spell... but is suddenly jabbed from behind!
<Leon> All of you, go now!
<Scott> O_O;; CHANCELLOR AUSA!
<Haylee> I don't think we can! They're everywhere!
<Leon> Bree, take everyone and leave.
<Kashier> Ahh.. what is..! o_O
* Bree sweatdrops. "Dumb Kash... waited too long to do anything..."
<Tahn> CHANCELLOR AUSA!!
<Tahn> NO!
<Haylee> No...! ;_;
* Jack notices Emili's recent move.... "Augh...that's gotta hurt......"
<Haylee> Emili!
<Leon> I'll cover your escape.
* Emili floats above the party.
<Elrika> No!
<Leon> Go now!
* Scott's eyes redden again... "You wanted a demon, pal, you're about to get one."
<Emili> Quiet, mortal!
<Bree> I can't just leave! Not like.. I'm doing anything to help.. but....
* Leon leaps up to battle Emili.
* Kashier falls to the floor....
* Tahn continues walking towards Gregory.
* Elrika runs over to Kash.
* Emili sends a beam of light directly into Haylee's body!
<Elrika> I may be weak, but let me help you sir.
* Elrika kneels down besides Kash.
<Jack> Does this mean we're acquitted?
<Haylee> A...AHH!
<Tahn> Why won't you just end it now? You could have killed me tenfold by now. And yet you don't. Gregory Windstar, I know you have something in store for me in the future. But when I rid myself of whatever curse you have already bestowed upon me.. Whatever it is, I will conquer it, and everything you have done will backfire straight in your face.
* Leon takes a few swings at Emili.
<Leon> Goddess dammit, get out of here!
<Kashier> Gregory...
<Elrika> If only we knew...we would have helped you sir. We would have, please believe us.
* Elrika holds Kash's head up.
* Scott stands there, his rage building from watching the Chancellor run through..
<Leon> You people need to leave!
<Tahn> Think you can lend me some of that demon, Scott?
<Scott> I'll not leave till Kashier is AVENGED!
* Leon shoos away Bree. "Move your cute little butt. Go! Run away!"
<Scott> Oh, he'll come out, trust me...she's weakening the seal...soon, DarkStar will be realized again.
* Haylee screams as she feels her body litterally ripped apart, and skids along the floor, bleeding heavily...
* Bree gets shooed. "H..heey! This is no time to talk about my rear end!"
<Gregory> Yes... delightful....! Finish Kashier off Emili. Do it...
* Elrika stands to her feet. "You wait here mister, we promise we'll stop this. We're the good guys." =)
* Johnathan drops to one knee, stopping Haylee and trying to heal her with the energy he had readied.
<Leon> Dammit, don't argue with me! Get Tahn and the others and leave! You can't win this fight!
* Emili grins. "As you wish."
<Haylee> J..Jon....
* Kashier stands up, despite his wound.
<Tahn> I don't CARE, Leon!
<Leon> I'll cover you as you leave.
<Elrika> Xavier...come on!
* Scott's face is now a pure snarl as he emits a low growl. His eyes now show a reddening unlike what was seen at the Mystic Ruins.
<Kashier> I'm.. not through yet.. I will protect.. Vane..
* Xavier appears from where Lure was last seen, wakes up, and rushes towards Elrika!
* Bree looks around frantically, not knowing what to do. "Er.. I don't think they will leave..."
~~ COMBAT! ~~
<TheStoryteller> >> Combat Round 1!
<TheStoryteller> >> Enemy: Dark Diva Emili
<TheStoryteller> >> Ally front:: Chancellor Kashier Ausa
<TheStoryteller> >> Ally back:: The party.
<Tahn> Chancellor.. I will aid you however I can..
* Johnathan smiles wryly for a second. "This is such a bad day."
<Leon> Then you go..there's no reason for you to die here.
<Haylee> Jon...you're...not a bad...heretic...please sa...y you're not...
<Scott> So will I, Chancellor, but I fear this is wekaneing the seal.
<TheStoryteller> >> Kashier Ausa's turn.
<Leon> Scott, do me a favor...leave!
<Tahn> (to Scott) Don't worry. Our next stop after this is Horam.
<Scott> I can't do that, Leon.
<Leon> There won't be a next stop if you morons don't get the hell out of here
* Bree tries to slink out of the room
<Johnathan> Bad?
<Haylee> One...that...used ...magic...to hurt others...
<Tahn> Scott... Do it. I don't know if you can survive the next change into DarkStar..
<Tahn> Leave, Scott. Leon and the rest of us will take care of this.
<Emili> I wonder how you mortals could have survived for so long?
<Kashier> Power of the cosmos.. grant me the speed and infinite wisdom...
<TheStoryteller> >> Kashier uses Light Speed! He gains the ability to action 3 times!
<Leon> Shaddup Emili, you're still annoying!
<Johnathan> Haylee.. of course not.
<Scott> Ok, BatGirl...you're ass is grass and I'm gonna SMOKE IT!
<Elrika> Emili, why are you doing this?
<Emili> It amazes me how you always escaped extinction many times over.
<Haylee> Good...
* Haylee smiles.
<TheStoryteller> >> Kashier's turn A.
<Kashier> Suns above.. burn brighter that the heavens! Prominence!
<Leon> Why won't you people leave....
<Haylee> Emili...why....
<Haylee> You're our friend...
<TheStoryteller> >> A huge ball of white hot flames engulfs the Dark Diva.. 1 damage!
<Johnathan> We're dumb that way, Leon.
* Emili simply raises her hand to stop the flames before they reach her.
<Scott> I can't...not while this is going on....
* Bree is trying to leave. ^^;;;;;
<Tahn> How? That's quite easy, Windstar. We believe in one another. We have trust. You immortal idiots don't.
<TheStoryteller> Bree finds the door open still..
<Elrika> Bree? Where are you going?
<Elrika> We need you now!
<Tahn> JOHNATHAN! LEAVE WITH HAYLEE!
<Leon> She's smart, girl. You should do the same!
<Tahn> Me and Scott have to stay here with the Chancellor!
<TheStoryteller> >> Kashier's turn B.
<Kashier> The chill of space.. slow to nothing! Absolute 0!
* Bree runs through the door, and out to try and find everyone's weapons. "Don't worry about me!"
<Scott> This is a fight I've got to fight, guys...you go on...
<Elrika> I will not leave, Sinel said I am one of the four. Maybe I am powerful...maybe I can use this to my advantage.
<Tahn> This fight is mine as well, Scott.
<TheStoryteller> >> The dark form is buffeted by a region of ultimate cold.. 2 damage.
<Emili> Pathetic.
<Leon> Sinel is dead now too, idiot girl.
<Tahn> No, Elrika!
<Jack> (M) Hurry up with them weapons Bree, I could surely use mine.....
<Elrika> You people got me into this, and I don't know why...but I WANT to stay and fight. I won't leave!
* Bree never said aloud that she was after the weapons. ^^;;
<Leon> What an idiot you are...
* Haylee hangs onto Jonathan in pain.
<Scott> I could surely use my Sakaba sword right now?
<Elrika> I am no idiot I assure you.
<TheStoryteller> >> Kashier's turn C.
<Kashier> Crush the enemy with the weight of stellar death.. Neutron Star!
<Leon> I could use my rifle right now.
* Bree keeps searching around for the weapons.
<TheStoryteller> >> Dark Diva is beset upon forces that would crush a man in seconds... but she only takes 2 damage. KO does not take effect.
<Kashier> What? How is this possible?!
* Elrika crosses her arms as vines grow from the ground as they encircle her and then a bright flash is seen. Elrika is seen in green armor.
<TheStoryteller> >> Dark Diva's turn.
* Johnathan still has his arms on Haylee's shoulders, channeling the last of the energy of the spell he readied into her. "It'll be all right, Haylee... somehow.."
<Jack> Shit.....
<Haylee> Jon...run...get out...
<Elrika> I won't leave, not when I have a trick that the little boy Lure taught me in my head.
<Scott> Someone get me a sword FAST!
* Emili laughs.
<Emili> Let me show you what true power is.
<TheStoryteller> Evol tries to run out in all of the melee... but Gregory sends her back as well..
<Scott> LADY EVOL!
* Emili begins chanting.
<Evol> This evil power.. strong.. ugh..
<Jack> Oh, How many times have we heard the bad guys say THAT, Emili?
<Johnathan> Don't be silly..
<Haylee> ~Emmy! Don't do this!~
<Emili> Darkness beyond twilight....
* Bree searches room by room. "Dammit.. where the hell are they!?"
<Emili> Absolute and beautiful...
* Haylee tries to use the last of her energy to channel into Emmy's mind.
<Leon> Gregory..who are you really?
<Gregory> Yes Emili... just like I taught you...
* Scott runs over to Evol. "Are you alright, High Priestess?"
<Emili> Destruction byond time itself.
<Evol> I'm alright...
<Scott> Good...we can use all the help we can get..
<Scott> BREE, GET US OUR WEAPONS NOW!
* Elrika's armor fades away. "I couldn't sustain it...I'm too weak from the last blast I aimed at Gregory."
<Emili> Almighty... devastation....
<Emili> Forbidden Light.
<Scott> Oh to hell with it.
* Gregory floats above, watching with his read eyes.... demonic eyes...
<Jack> Oh, yes, everything the bad guys chat is "Forbidden" right?? Geez....
<Ishtar> Emili.. no!
* Scott picks up a sword from the corpse of the nearest guard. "It's not exactly my katana, but it'll do."
<Ishtar> Don't do it!
* Emili creates a nexus of flowing energy, as silver high-pitched beam slams down on Kashier and the entire area as well!
<Emili> Stars of the Wind....
<Kashier> I can't put up the shield in time.. too weak...
<Haylee> Kash...
* Haylee coughs up blood. "Kashier...no...Jon get out of here!"
<TheStoryteller> >> Emili summons the Forbidden Light!
<Leon> You should have listened to me..and ran.
<Tahn> I won't let you die, Chancellor. Not because of this scum.
* Tahn moves to block Kashier from the blast!
<TheStoryteller> >> Tahn can't get there in time..! Kashier takes 667 damage!
<Leon> You all can't take hits like that..
<TheStoryteller> >> He falls down in a crackling heap....
<Leon> Run away.
<Johnathan> Hush, Haylee There's nowhere to go anyway. Save you strength..
<Leon> I'll deal with her.
<Scott> Neither can you, Leo.
<Tahn> NO!
<Kashier> I.. failed..
<Haylee> K..kash...
<Scott> NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
<Leon> I can deal with her long enough so you all can get away.
<TheStoryteller> >> The intense light descends upon the party....
<Scott> Don't throw your life away, Leo.
<Emili> Worthless sack of flesh.
<Haylee> ...Too late...Leon...
<Emili> Die like the ignorant rotting fools you are.
<Leon> My life is already a waste..and you're all fucking idiots...
<Tahn> WINDSTAR, YOU AND YOUR BLOODLINE WILL PAY FOR THIS! MARK MY WORDS!
<Tahn> ~Don't worry, Haylee. Me and Johnathan will be here to protect you. Wherever we are.~
<TheStoryteller> >> All party members in the courtroom take 964 damage... KO'd.
<Jack> AAGH!!
* Scott falls backwards.....
<Ishtar> Emili.. why.. Ahhh!
* Bree keeps looking for the weapons lalalalalalaaa....
* Johnathan collapses.
* Haylee hangs on to John tightly as she screams endlessly, and Jon hears this as he loses consciousness. :/
* Tahn slumps to the ground with a sickening thud.
* Elrika falls to the floor.
* Leon just collapses.
* Jack gets thrown back and hits the floor with great impact.
* Emili floats down.
~~ The party is defeated... ~~
* Xavier comes out from hiding.
<Xavier> I think I should find big nose girl now!
<Gregory> Impressive...
<Emili> Quite....
* Xavier runs out the door and looks for Bree.
<Gregory> I was right all this time, Emili.
* Leon's body still twitches with anger, but lacks the life to get up.
* Gregory looks at Kashier.. appearently he's still moving.
* Haylee lies the worst looking of them all, bloody and broken and in John's arms. :P It's not romantic, btw.
<Emili> Hehe....
* Bree is searching rooms for the weapons.
<Emili> That you were....
* Xavier notices Bree from a distance. With Haylee being knocked out, the mindlink is not as clear.
<Gregory> Now it's time to crush your pathetic dreams...
<Xavier> Bree...others have been...think they dead.
<Emili> But, you realize that this is just the first step.
* Tahn gathers what little strength remains in him and tries to pull himself up... to little avail..
<Gregory> How better than by destroying your fair city and all it represents? Too bad you won't be alive to see it.
<Tahn> W..Windstar....Why won't you just kill me?
* Bree hears static and looks down at Xavier. "What's that? Little Timmy fell down the well?" She flails. "I can't understand a word you're saying!"
* Scott tries to stand, but all he can do is twitch.
<Kashier> V..Va..ne...
* Emili floats upward.
* Haylee doesn't even move. Comatose.
<Leon> ...you...will..die...my..hatred...will...be...your...end...
<Xavier> Follow me!
<TheStoryteller> You all manage to regain consciousness.. behind you is Evol.
<Scott> Lady Evol?
* Xavier runs back to the courtroom.
* Tahn is up almost as fast as the spell takes effect.
* Bree speaks through gritted teeth. "With out weapons I can't do anything ya fuzz ball!"
<Evol> Gregory.. you are no magician.. but a demon.. it was you who poisoned Scott all along..
* Bree stays put, and keeps looking.
* Scott stands.....wobbly....
* Haylee mumbles quietly.
* Leon pulls himself to a knee. "I will kill you....the flames of my anger will burn you into an eternal pit of hell...."
<Emili> I believe its time to set this giant rock back to the ground... where it belongs.
<Haylee> M...mama....papa....?
<Tahn> Gregory Windstar. Now that the whole world shall know, I guess you have no excuse not to kill me, do you?
* Johnathan slowly stirs, trying to pick himself up to a sitting position. "Ough.."
<Gregory> Indeed Emili. Come.. let us go below.. to the bowels and pillars of this very place!
<Tahn> I will not be another pawn of yours. Not like Emili or DarkStar.
* Scott eyes Gregory. "I know now that you were the one that possessed me. DarkStar...he's suppressed my true nature..."
<Jack> Uughhh.......
<Leon> You aren't leaving yet..
* Bree grumbles while looking. "Stupid walking rug.. what's it think I.. the theif, am going to do against Mr. Testosterone powered magician guy.. with no weapon..."
* Emili nods smiling.
<Gregory> Without Sinel's machine.. you will be crushed like insects upon the ground..
* Tahn blinks.
<Tahn> Oh my GOD!
<Tahn> Evol... we need to get out of here!
* Leon wipes some blood from his chin. "I said you're not leaving, Gregory."
<Emili> Haylee....
* Haylee is only semi-concious...since she was the most hurt out of all of them.
<Emili> Ishtar...
<Gregory> Hardly. Enjoy your ride.. I've no more time to play.
<Emili> Bree...
<Emili> Jack...
<Emili> Scott...
<Scott> EMMI!
<Emili> Johnathan...
<Leon> I think we should have more fun together!
<Emili> Leon...
* Ishtar shakes off the pain.. "Emili..."
* Bree kicks at the walls. "Dammit where the hell are my weapons!"
<Emili> Elrika...
* Leon rushes to battle Gregory.
<Emili> and Tahn....
<Emili> It was nice knowing you for however short it was.
<Tahn> Windstar. You don't deserve the innocence of the name Emili.
<TheStoryteller> Gregory disappears in a flash of white as Leon slides through him, but not before giving Haylee a cold stare.. and laughing..
* Leon grabs a folding chair and swings it wildly.
<Emili> But you were all just small pawns in this scheme...
<Johnathan> Emili.. to think you betrayed us all.. I'd never have..
<Emili> Something that was planned long long ago.
<Leon> Shaddup Batgirl..
<Scott> Ok, Emili....you're about to meet your maker...
* Leon places the chair between Emili's eyes.
* Haylee is litterally rocked back, cries out, and looses conciousness completly.
<Johnathan> ..even suspected that..
<Emili> Good bye.... mortals.
<Johnathan> Haylee!
* Bree searches another room. "All the while I'm looking.. they're getting beaten... damn.. I hate this..."
* Emili teleports away.
<Jack> #^%&*#%Q(%#(@%#&%$*#^%&*@^%*#&^%*#@^%&*#^%#@&*$%^*@^%&*#@%........
<Scott> EMILI!
<Tahn> Good bye.... retard.
<Tahn> Now.
* Leon misses, obviously.
<Emili> ~Enjoy your death~
<Leon> ...at least I'll finally die..
<Scott> No you won't Leon. We're getting out of here.
<Tahn> EVERYONE! MOVE MOVE MOVE! WE NEED TO GET OUT OF HERE! GREGORY AND EMILI ARE GOING TO SEND VANE CRASHING DOWN ON ITSELF!
<Leon> ...like I wanted to...I've waited for my death for years..
<Johnathan> Leon.. now's the time for that question of mine..
* Johnathan looks sharply at Leon. "...wouldn't your parents want you to live?"
<Tahn> If you die now, your parents go unavenged. Think of it that way, Leon.
* Bree searches some more, getting increasingly frustrated. "Ggrrr... where the hell did they put our things..."
* Leon eyes Johnathan, "What did you say..?"
<Tahn> I should know. And if you want to know what I meant, Get off this boat before it sinks!
<Johnathan> Leon, I said.. wouldn't they want you to live? Your parents.
* Tahn rushes towards whatever exit may still remain in Vane.. if his memory even serves halfway correctly.
<Leon> It doesn't matter what they wanted.
<TheStoryteller> Haylee comes to her senses.. barely...
<Leon> They aren't here anymore.
<Johnathan> All the more reason to respect their wishes.
<Kashier> Scott...
* Haylee begins to babble in delirium...
<Leon> You don't understand Johnathan..not in the slightest.
<Scott> Yes, Chancellor?
* Bree stands up. "Shit.. I guess if I have to die.. best to die with the rest of them..." She dashes back into the court room.
* Scott kneels down by Kashier.
<Johnathan> No, probably not, Leon.
<Leon> Then don't worry about it
* Kashier can hardly breathe.. his robe torn and burnt in many locations, and blood trickling out of his mouth from internal bleeding.
<Haylee> J...Jon...burns...aaah...
<Johnathan> I'm not even pretending to.. and the details are none of my business. My point is.. live.
<Scott> Chancellor? Master Kashier?
<Kashier> I.. was.. a fool...
<Haylee> Papa...? That...that you...?
<Leon> I don't want to live. I don't deserve to live.
* Johnathan murmurs a healing spell, trying to help Haylee.
* Bree looks around. "D..damn.... I guess the weapons wouldn't have helped much..."
<Haylee> Miss you, Papa....
<Kashier> I .. should... have know...
<Leon> Bree...you're still here..I told you to leave...you don't need to die.
<Jack> Ugh..... *Gets up*....
<Scott> Chancellor, we were all fooled by that bastard. He possessed people in the guild..he's done this. I'll get him back....for you, for Vane, and for our world.
<Kashier> Scott... you must save Vane.
<Kashier> I.. never.. served the Queen...
<Bree> Feh.. I never left.. I went for the weapons...
* Bree looks around again in disbeleif.
<Bree> I can't do crap to save anyone...
<Scott> I will, Chancellor...but first...I have a favor to ask of Lady Evol.
<Johnathan> We want you to live, Leon... and if you believe you deserve death.. do something with your life worthwhile. MAKE yourself worthy of living.
<Kashier> Only.. did what was.. best for.. history's sake..
<Leon> You tried your best, Bree.
* Evol tries to heal Kashier, but he's too intensely wounded.
* Leon eyes Johnathan, "When the fuck did you get so concerned about me anyway?"
<Haylee> Papa....
* Scott nods...and bows his head. "I'll get him, Chancellor. Not as a magician, but as I was meant to be."
* Bree grumbles, "I don't even have the dried herbs... at least they would have helped..." She punches a wall.
<Jack> ...I've just lost a good friend....she was simple, but that's what made being around her so fun.....
<Scott> Lady Evol, A favor, please? Your magic is the best at dispelling possessions. Please, now, help me, along with the power of my will, to end this one and destroy that spirit.
<Kashier> You... always were my favorite pupil.. I couldn't put you on trial...
* Johnathan continues the seemingly useless flow of healing magic at Haylee. "You tried to save us, Leon. Several times."
<Leon> So what?
* Kash's voice becomes louder, and firm.
<Kashier> Maybe you are the one who shall seek the truth in my place.
* Tahn walks back into the room.
* Scott stays kneeled by Kashier, tears coming to his eyes as he watches his instructor's final moments.
<Tahn> The main exit is sealed off..
<Leon> That doesn't mean I don't deserve my death.
* Bree blinks at Tahn. "Don't suppose you found our weapons and stuff?"
<Evol> I will help you Scott.. you have my word..
<Scott> I'll do it...I'll find out the truth....
<Tahn> ..wait a minute..
<Scott> Then let's do it...here. I can keep him at bay while you cast, Evol.
<Johnathan> Maybe not. Maybe I deserve to die to. In older days, I'd be dead already.. but that's not the point. The point is that you don't NEED to die.
<Tahn> Where's Ishtar?
* Jack, not as heavily damaged as everyone else, walks out of the room....
* Ishtar is still dazed from all the happenings, but is standing...
<Leon> Until you know the whole story, Johnathan, you cannot make such assumptions.
* Bree shrugs. "Don't know.. hhmm.. maybe our stuff was supposed to be evidence.." She searches around in the court room.
* Haylee drifts in and out of consciousness.
<TheStoryteller> Bree finds a key in a desk drawer.
<Scott> You taught me a spell to keep him weak. I'll start casting it. You just concentrate on destroying DarkStar.
<Johnathan> Do what you must... but don't rule out yourself either. We've all seen another side of you today, Leon.. dare I say a good side? A noble side? Whatever has happened, whatever you did,, it was in the past.
<Johnathan> Thet past is important, yes...
<Tahn> (m) There's more to a story than one side. There's more to the Fang than the evil that most see..
* Bree wiggles a key. "Heh.. can't keep a good theif down.. now where to put the key..." She looks around for a lock.
<Johnathan> ..but don't dwell on it to the point of writing off the future and souring the present.
<Leon> Who cares what you saw...not like it helped any...
<TheStoryteller> Kashier breathes a final time and then silence....
<Tahn> ...Chancellor...
<Scott> Master...Kashier.....
<Leon> And I don't deserve a future..
* Scott bows his head again.....
* Haylee fully looses consciousness yet again.
<Tahn> Nor do I, Blackfire.
<Ishtar> I can't believe this.. Emili.. why? why! ;_;
<Johnathan> Then earn one.
* Bree searches around for a place the key might work. "Leon.. shut up.. you do deserve a future.. so hang in there and fight for one... that goes for the rest of you too..."
<Johnathan> Atone for the past, if you must..
<Tahn> But you know what? I fight for it anyways. If for anything else, just to prevent tragedies like this from happening.
<Leon> Impossible. I cannot undo what I've done.
<Johnathan> No one can...
<TheStoryteller> Bree finds a storeroom. Flicking the light on, it contains all of your equipment..
<Tahn> So don't. Just see that other people don't end up like you...
* Evol bows her head, saying a benediction...
<Bree> Wahahaha.. Bree strikes again! I found our stuff!
* Bree searches out her things first and drags the rest out to everyone else.
* Scott closes his eyes and starts to chant. "Powers of Goddess Althena, I call to you now. Let your holy energy weaken the demon spirit within this body....shatter the power that possesses my soul!"
<Leon> You found our weapons...?
<Johnathan> If your actions before were.. so.. wrong.. now's the time to do.. right? Good? If you don't deserve to live.. you don't have the right to die without trying to atone.
<Bree> Yeah.. a little late.. but I've got them...
* Bree tries stuffing a dried herb into Leon's mouth. "Shut up and eat this, jack ass..."
* Haylee lies motionless.
<Tahn> Powers of the Dragons, Powers of Althena... Lifeblood of Lunar, aid this man in the purging of evil..
* Johnathan agains chants another healing spell over Haylee.
<Leon> But I *grphf* *chew* *chew* *swallow*...what was that for?
* Ishtar tries to revive Haylee with Johnathan..
<Bree> Looks like you needed it.. besides.. I can't carry the injured out myself...
<Leon> I see.
<TheStoryteller> Scott feels his mind clear somewhat..
<Leon> Gimme my gun.
* Bree hands over Leon's stuff, passing out the rest as well.
<Haylee> Jon...?
* Leon takes his rifle."Now let's get out of here."
* Bree checks on Haylee. "Hey.. you need a dried herb too?"
<Tahn> Wait, Leon.
* Haylee opens her eyes slowly.
<Haylee> ...are we dead yet?
<Scott> Didn't destroy him...but it's strengthened the seal and weakened DarkStar substantially. Thanks, Tahn.
<Johnathan> Nope.
* Bree smiles down at Haylee. "Not yet.. give it time."
<Johnathan> We're a little too subborn to die, I think..
<Evol> You should hurry...
* Haylee nods. "My whole body hurts like a bitch..."
<Tahn> Not a problem.. The very forces that keep me going are those that will keep the rest of you going.
<Evol> Gregory is going to take out the anti-gravity generators that hold Vane aloft.
* Bree puts a dried herb in Haylee's mouth. "I'm gonna have to invest in more of these things..."
<Tahn> Evol..
<Scott> Then let's get moving. Evol, come with us.
<Tahn> You have to come with us!
* Haylee spits, chews, and shallows. ^^;
<Leon> ...I guess it's safe to say...our case was dismissed.
<Bree> And that was my last one... so I hope someone else has some...
<Johnathan> Welcome to the club.. are you all right? We've hit you with enough healing magic to wake a dead army..
<Evol> I will handle things here.. nearly the entire courtroom is wounded...
<Haylee> Thank you...
<Scott> But if Vane crashes, you'll be killed..
<Evol> And Kashier needs a proper burial.. *lowers her head*
* Bree smiles. "You're welcome.. just hope you don't think I was running out earlier.."
<Leon> Here Bree.
<Haylee> I don't know...my head feels full...
<Tahn> Evol.. if he takes out the generators... You'll all be killed..
* Leon hands Bree 2 more herbs.
<Evol> I will teleport all the citizens out.. please go.
<Haylee> My vision came true...and I realized it too late...
<Haylee> It's all my fault...
* Tahn lowers his head at the name "Kashier".
* Bree looks over at Leon. "Oh.. thanks Leon.." She takes them and smiles.
<Bree> It wasn't your fault..... so don't worry about it...
<Johnathan> Your fault? No.. nothing could have been done to stop it.
<Johnathan> They were simply too strong..
<Tahn> I understand, Lady Evol. May Althena guide you, and may the late Chancellor rest in peace..
* Scott bows his head and says a prayer to Althena for the soul of Kashier Ausa. "Farewell, Master Kashier. May Althena bless you in eternity."
<Tahn> Guys.. Let's go.
<Haylee> ...If I just realized what he was going to do to Emili, I would have never allowed her on the stand.
<Evol> Fufill his wish.. go to the Caves of Trial.. there should be a path there.
<Leon> You know...you should have let me kill her...
<Johnathan> Then she would have gone berserk at the defense table, Haylee.
<Scott> OK...thank you, Lady Evol.
<Bree> Hey Haylee.. want me to carry you out?
<Scott> Bree, my sword and equipment?
<Tahn> We have to go to the caves to get out of Vane anyways..
<Haylee> ...Yeah...I don't know...I can't seem to stand right...
<Ishtar> Emili's got to be under a spell.. we have to break it no matter what..
<Bree> It's over there in the pile Scott.. *points*
<Tahn> The main exit is magically blocked.. probably more work by the Windstar family.
* Scott grabs his stuff and starts out. "Take care of yourself Lady Evol. May our paths cross again."
<Leon> What kind of stupid name is Windstar anyway?
<Johnathan> Don't worry about it, Bree. I've got her..
<Haylee> Jon?
* Bree puts her hands under Haylee and lifts her up into her arms "nah.. I've already got her.. get someone else"
* Bree grins. "Unless.. you two have something going..." She winks at Jon.
<Tahn> Immortals are known for a lack of originality, Leon.
<Evol> I will plan the ceremony for you, Scott. Please stay safe until then.
<Haylee> !
* Leon looks at Bree. "Would you like me to carry that?"
* Johnathan shrugs a little. "As you wish.. I just figured it'd be easier if we had to fight something for you to be unburdened."
<Scott> Thank you, Lady Evol.
* Haylee blushes. "B--Bree! ^_^"
* Bree laughs. "Is that why you were blushing earlier too?"
<Haylee> Uh...no! Of course not!
* Scott points to the main exit..."SHOOTING STARS!" A shower of stars rain down on the exit.
<Leon> I guess you don't need me to carry her.
* Bree laughs. "Nah Leon.. I think I've got her, she's too big for the over head compartment anyway.. so I'll just have to carry her..."
<TheStoryteller> The portal out of the city has become a vortex.. it swallows the stars whole.
<Scott> Shit...we can't get out that way.
<Tahn> I told you!
<Scott> How about a window?
<TheStoryteller> The streets seem deserted thankfully...
<Tahn> Oy. Anyways...
<Leon> I guess my debut as a lawyer didn't turn out too well.
<Tahn> Bree... Leon... John, Haylee... And especially you, Scott. We all need to work together. It turns out Virtue was just a puppet all along. Windstar will pay, and he will pay dearly. We have to do this together....
<Bree> Can't we blast our way out with magic or something?
* Tahn strides forwards towards the Cave of Trial. "For Althena, and all of Lunar!"
<Scott> You got that right, Tahn.
<Haylee> Tahn...um...
<Haylee> We like you and all, but...cut the melodrama.... ^^:
<Scott> Leo, Bree, John, Haylee?
<Haylee> But I'm in!
<Leon> Why would I give a shit about Lunar?
<Scott> Why shouldn't you?
<Johnathan> Because its the only source of readily breathable air?
<Bree> I'm just waiting for someone to lead the way. *sweatdrops*
<Leon> Because I don't give a shit about anything?
<Tahn> Because you won't get to die like you want if you don't save it, Leon.
<Scott> This is your world as much as it ours. Why not step up to the plate and save it with the rest of us?
<Johnathan> I'm kind of in on the whole 'saving Lunar' thing if only because I like being able to BREATHE..
<Scott> Now, let's get going to the caves.
<Leon> ..who cares...
* Tahn looks at Leon, saying words that he KNOWS will strike nerves somewhere...
* Leon walks towards the caves. "But whatever..."
* Scott starts out to the Caves of Trial.
* Haylee winks at Jon. "That's a good idea...oogh..."
<Tahn> If you don't save Lunar, you get to die a quick, painless death.
<Bree> Yeah.. lets go to the caves and live.. that ok with everone?
* Bree sweatdrops and starts towards the caves with Scott.
* Haylee holds her head. "Damn...."
* Bree is carrying Haylee of course. "Eh? You ok?"
<Tahn> Yeah! ^_^
<Haylee> I think so.. ^_^;
<Johnathan> To the caves, then.
<Leon> ..as long as I die, Tahny Boy, as long as I die.
<Haylee> Just got a headache...
<Ishtar> I'm not going to be afraid.. I'm going to do this for Emili.. -_-
* Ishtar half glides out behind Scott, her wings whirring to life..
<Bree> Need another herb or something?
* Bree keeps heading towards the caves, looking back to see who's following from time to time.
<Tahn> We also can't have that chat you wanted, Blackfire. You'll die without knowing..
<Leon> Actually..we can have that chat right nooowww.
<Haylee> You don't have anymore... ^^; And don't worry...I'm bound to bounce back soon.
* Scott has a new sense of purpose. "Gregory Windstar will die, Master Kashier. I swear it on my life."
<Leon> I wanna kill Emili...that's why I'm going...well..that..and another reason..
<Haylee> Why did Emili do this.. :/
* Johnathan walks along. sighing. "Who knows.. I'm sure.. actually.."
<Scott> I think her mind is being controlled by Gregory, Hay.
<Haylee> ... No she's not.
<Leon> Doesn't matter. Batgirl's ass is mine.
<Haylee> I probed her mind. I felt nothing.
<TheStoryteller> You all set off for the Caves of Trial... oddly ironic cosidering where you just came from.
Magic City of Vane, Streets
<Scott> Her ass is grass and I'm gonna SMOKE IT.
<Johnathan> Scott, DO shut up.
<Leon> And I have another task now...
<Haylee> Right...go smoke your pot Scott. ^_^
* Haylee giggles. ^_^
* Tahn chuckles.
* Scott laughs. "That's just a figure of speech, Hay."
<Leon> ....I..think I do...I don't know..
<Haylee> I know I know. ^_^;
<Tahn> For once.. Jack might have been right... we need to keep the humor.
<Ishtar> Jack's not here..
<Haylee> Jack?
<Tahn> ..what?
* Ishtar looks around in mid glide...
<Tahn> Jack? Where are you, dude?
<Leon> . o O (No one has asked me about how I knew so much about the Law...that's..good)
<Bree> <w> Psssst.. Haylee... why were you blushing?
<Bree> <w> At the trial I mean...
<Haylee> <w> I'll tell you when it's a bit more private. ^^;
<Bree> <w> Aww.. can't whisper it in my ear?
<Leon> ..I'm surprised they didn't have a better case against us.
<Scott> It was all Gregory's manipulation, I guess.
<Johnathan> I'm surprised they didn't execute me on the spot.
<Tahn> A thousand silver says it was set up by Gregory to buy time.
<Leon> By the way....Johnathan..
<Haylee> (w) I'm glad they didn't execute you... :D
<Leon> The next time I...do something like that..and you KNOW something...like...I dunno..being a heretic..
<Leon> I only make one small request..
<Bree> <w> Eh? Didn't execute me?
* Bree leans in close to hear it right.
<Leon> TELL ME!
<Haylee> Nono...Jon..
<Haylee> ^_^; Gah...
<Scott> Same her, Hay. I'm kinda partial to having old John around. He's handy in a fight and a damn good friend.
<Johnathan> Sorry, Leon.
<Haylee> Damn! How loud do I whisper?! O_o
<Johnathan> ..I thought you knew.
<Leon> You fucked up my whole case!
<Tahn> We all are, in a nutshell, Scott.
<Johnathan> Heaven knows I've dropped enough hints..
* Bree laughs. "I was wondering what you were talking about... Duh.. I am carrying you.."
<Leon> And I had them on the run too!
<Haylee> Leon....does it REALLY matter?
<Haylee> It was all a sham anyway.
* Johnathan winces, looking guilty. "I know.. I know."
Magic City of Vane, Cave of Trial Entrance
<TheStoryteller> At the entrance to the cave you see two wounded guardsmen. The gate that is normally sealed is thrown wide open... and it has a certain air flowing out from inside. An air of evil... something you've never felt around the Church.
<TheStoryteller> One of the guards stirs.
<TheStoryteller> [Guard] Uhhhh....
* Scott kneels down in front of the guard. "You ok, buddy?"
<Haylee> Well, Emmy's not getting any heaven's steaks from me, that's all I gotta say...
<TheStoryteller> [Guard] Winged.. black.. in.. cave...
* Tahn looks at Johnathan. "Oh yeah. A WHOLE lot of hints. About enough to sedate a fly. I swear, the only ones who could have guessed it would have been me or Scott.."
* Leon eyes Haylee. "Why must you test me...? Don't you know I could squash your little head like a grape?"
<Tahn> Winge..bl...EMMY!
<Scott> Must be Emili..
<Tahn> Guys.
<Haylee> What did I say? O_O
<Scott> Let's go.
<Tahn> We're going in there. NOW.
<Haylee> It's true! It was a sham! Let it go!
* Bree sweatdrops "Lets just go in the cave ok?"
* Scott starts into the cavern.
<Leon> It's the principle of the matter.
* Haylee blehs. :p
<Leon> Just think what would have happened..if it wasn't a sham.
<Scott> Ishtar, please heal that guard. He's part of my old regiment.
<Haylee> Hey Bree, I think I can walk now...
<Haylee> Thanks... ^_^
<Bree> Oh.. sure.. don't forget you need to tell me what it was later ok?
* Bree sets her down easy.
<Haylee> We still would have one if Emmy didn't go from innocent girl to psychotic bitch.
<Leon> ...but hopefully I won't need to do that ever again...
* Ishtar nods to Scott, and murmurs a healing Litany.
<Johnathan> They'd have executed me, like they were going to before anyway? You people probably still would have been ok.
<Haylee> Okay Bree. Thanks.
<TheStoryteller> The Guard looks significantly better.
<Leon> ...I didn't really want to do that back there anyway...
* Bree smiles. "No problem.. Not like I'm useful for anything else..."
* Haylee walks over to Jon.
* Johnathan pauses, considering something. "Wait a second. You people FOUND me when they were about to execute me. How could you NOT know?"
<Scott> John, we're kinda partial to havin' ya around. Let's right now concentrate on killing Emili. It's not something I look forward to, but it has to be done.
* Leon overhears Bree. "You are useful for something."
<TheStoryteller> [Guard] Scott.. go down there.. I can't move my leg from that scythe or whatever it was...
<Haylee> Yeah, I hope you stick around too. ^_^
<Bree> Yeah right... like what?
<Leon> ...you...
* Leon coughs.
<Leon> You...
* Leon mumbles, "...You stop me from being mad all the time..."
<Tahn> You're better in hand-to-hand than I am.. You're one of the few things keeping Leon sane..
<Bree> I inspire a cold? The Croupe? *blinks* How the hell do I do that?
<Leon> ...That's not what I said..
<Bree> Oh big whoop.. I'm better in hand to hand.. see how useful I am against what we're fighting?
<Johnathan> Heh.. Scott, Haylee.. thanks. I appreciate it.
<Leon> I said you *mumbles* keep me from being mad all the time...
* Scott makes a mad dash into the caves. "Ok, Emili. time to pay the piper...your ass is MINE!"
<TheStoryteller> Will you be able to accomplish what Kashier gave his life up for? And is there any hope for Emili? Moreover, is the Church the REAL enemy after all...? Until next time.
~~ SESSION END ~~
Session Close: Mon Aug 02 03:18:46 1999