~~*Organzation XIII goes to court*~~

Naminé stared at Mr. Birdman in awe. She could sense great power and wisdom emanating from him despite him looking like a wrestling reject with horse feathers. The way Xelax was trying to twist the situation away from the truth seemed like a shameless act. After all, wasn't the job of lawyers to vow to seek the truth? But she knew better. There were always the corrupt. People that would hide the truth for their own benefit even if it meant damning the innocent. Naminé was feeling a bit depressed now. She could sympathize with Riku now and how she was being accused of a falsified "truth."

Kairi munched on her Skittles thoughtfully. She was wondering what would happen when the court finally adjourned and the verdicts had been passed. Some powerful force had brought them all to this courtroom, reviving the slain and pulling the strings. After what she had been learning so far, she had the sneaking suspicion that the outcome of this trial wouldn't matter. No matter who won or who lost, everyone would be put back in their original places, the dead would return to where they came from and the living would walk the realm of light once more. But what would that do to their memories?

She looked at Sora with a slight twinge of sorrow. He had finally had all of his memories returned. But once this trial was done, would everything go back to the way it was? That would mean that all the knowledge that they had gained these past few hours would be all for naught. Plus, Sora would lose the memories he had for a second time, along with everyone else. She, Riku and Sora wouldn't recall anything that would take place here...

She returned her gaze to the center of the courtroom and looked at the defense and then to the prosecution from the stands. Kairi had the sneaking suspicion that only the four down there and the judge would remember everything that happened. She didn't like the way that everyone in this courtroom was being played like pawns, as if it were all just some type of role-playing game created for the sole purpose of tormenting everyone that was involved. But she could do nothing about it except to grin and bear it...

 

Xelax cleanched his fist. "Mr. Birdman... you still prove nothing. Only that Xemnas put Marluxia in that position. So what if Xemnas and Marluxia were aware of Namine's existance. It still proves nothing. Namine still has a way out, and chose to stay because it benefited her. The 'well she didn't use portals inside the castle because she couldn't' arguement still needs to be proven."

 

"Wrong again. You have not proven anything to show that Namine during her tenure at the Castle Oblivion in fact had a way OUT of it. Prove she could Dark Portal IN the Castle Oblivion while Marluxia was in charge and you will win. Otherwise it must be assumed by the court to go by the statements of Marluxia that Namine and the Castle Oblivion were in his care and thus she could very well be threatened, held against her will and subjected to his whim. You have shown nothing to support this." Harvey sipped his water.

 

"Mr. Xelax." Naminé gave the defense attorney a hard look. "Since you're so determined to say that I could Dark Portal during Castle Oblivion, do you have any proof that I had that ability at the time? I was just created from Sora's heart the exact same time as Roxas with no memories of my original self. The only ability I knew how to do at the time was being able to change Sora's Chain of Memories. Not to mention the fact that I was always under someone's watch. Plus, if I truly knew how to Dark Portal, why would I have to RUN out of the room when Axel helped me escape? Why couldn't I have just opened up one right there?"

OOC: So Judge Erkz, you have anything to say about any of this?

 

OOC - I was reading this whole thing while listening to a song I mixed from the Orchestrated Cornered themes. It was freaking epic. I'll upload the song to youtube in a bit. *cough*

IC -

The judge's expression was one of amazement. The discourse between the prosecution and the defense was a sight to behold. He coughed, as he thought about the situation.

"..."

He sighed as even the witness now challenged the defense.

"Mr. Xelax, do you have as explanation as to why the witness chose to run instead of using one of those Dark Corridor things?" he asked, narrowing his eyes. "Because, if you do, I'm going to have to look at the current situation in a new light."

 

Kairi gripped Sora's hand tightly with surprisingly bone-crunching force that made him cringe in pain. But she didn't notice. This seemed like a critical point in the case that could make or break it. She sincerely hoped that Naminé knew what she was doing and didn't say more than she was supposed to...

 

OOC: I got a good answer lined up... but it will take me a while to post... and I gotta get to work early tommorow... I'll post tommorow... Goodnight everyone... Sorry to keep you in suspence...

 

OOC: Dude, it better not be something absurd like "Naminé was just too lazy to open up a portal" or "She had to stretch her legs from sitting too long." Seriously, it better make sense. :p

 

The pokemon leaned back on his chair, opening his mouth for the first time since Xelax made his objection.


"Sorry, but you know the saying, heroes always arrive late!

Now, as for this... The charge is child abuse, coercion is up next.

As for the things you are bringing up, the org had all sorts of abilities. They could dark portal as well, remember? Now, Namine a timid ghost of a girl could not outrun the org darkportalling for a couple of reasons.

1. They can dark portal, and probably faster too.

2. They can summon nobodies to deal with anybody in the dark portal, shown when they ambush Axel and Sora later. Now, Axel had a keyblade wielder on his side, and was far more skilled than Namine. He had to blow himself up to remove the threat.

Also, how is Namine getting threatened by Murluxia "part of the plan"? She was caught, and lonely.

Another point, nobodies take after their somebodies. Hardly a thing Kairi would do that which you accuse Namine of.

You never get around to saying how Namine could defeat Larxane when she attacked Namine. It seems as if you are saying that her weapon was Sora, but how could he hurt Larxane at that moment?

As for Namine manipulating Larxane and Murluxia, manipulating them to do what?

What is the basis of your theory? I can say that it was really all Vexen's scheme, and he wanted to have Namine to himself to tickle her to death. (OoC reference to D.F.) How can I prove this? Namine has said what the org did to her (in-game) so unless you can find a quote saying "Namine tricked us into doing [whatever you say she tricked them into doing] and we were deceived, that is why we attacked" then your proof is low.

By the way, when has it been said Namine's powers were strongest at C.O.?"

Pika_power grinned. He just hoped the judge hadn't spoken while he was composing his thoughts. When he starting thinking, he completely zoned out.


Goofy heard Sora's voice ring out over the courtroom. He looked back at Sora, then at Xemnas, then back at Sora.
"So if he's Sora, and thats Donald, this must be..."
Goofy suddenly realized what he was doing.
"Gawsh, Sorry Mr. Xemnas, I thought you were Sora."
Goofy brushed off Xemnas' coat, then before any harm could befall him he lept out of the courtroom box, and ran round the decorative railings and outdents on the wall. This would have gotten him to the "good guy" box fine, but he tripped at he neared the Judge's box, sending him and his shield into Erkz side.

Donald just put his face in his wing, muttering something about Goofy's intelligence.

Pika_power watched as Kairi handed out skittles. He slowly sidled up to Namine. "Psst, Namine! can you ask Kairi to save a few yellow skittles for me? That bloody blue ball stole mine. Besides, I could make it worth your while..." Pika_power realized he had said this into the witness microphone, and that everyone was busy imagining perverted scenarios that would be 'worth Namine's while'. He quickly lent over he mike again, and said "In other words, it might motivate me to do better in the case."

Pika_power returned to the desk, face as red as his cheeks. Why can't I have a fascination with ketchup instead?

 

"Haaagh!"

The judge fell off his chair in pain, falling to the ground and twisting awkwardly, as a loud "SNAP!" sound was heard. Wincing, he used the last of his strength to slam his gavel.

"A one-hour recess, effective immediately."

With that, he fainted, and the security quickly carried him to the medical ward.

 

Goofy was utterly befuddled. He looked at Erkz and said "Sorry Xemnas" before jumping out towards Sora and a furious Donald.

Seifer smiled to himself as he turned to his friends. "Now that ol' baldy up there is out of it, we can deal with out friend." While making a motion towards Saix.
They ran at him together, all yelling to boost morale. Seifer swung towards his head with a struggle bat, Rai abandoned the concept of a weapon and tried a knee to the crotch, Fuu went for a full on body tackle, while Vivi gave Saix a whack in the shins.

Pika_power headed straight for the bag of yellow skittles, but when he was halfway to Kairi, a recovered Stitch fell down from the ceiling onto his back. Cursing, they rolled around for a bit, then suddenly broke off as the sound of plasma and electricity brought them to their senses.. Pika_power stood up. "Stitch, we cannot keep going on like this. This ends here and now! We will battle to the death, pokemon style! We both need trainers to command us." at this the pokemon appeals to the crowd. "Who will direct Stitch, the abomination? Who will lead me to battle? we will be waiting outside, on the roof." The two creatures walked out, waiting for two people to follow to be their "trainers".

Tron called out helplessly. "Hello? Anyone there?"

Meanwhile, Scrouge Mcduck and his nephews had set up a coffee stand, with a sign "A free skittle with every order."
Cid was his first customer, and could bee seen arguing with Dewey over the wording of the sign. "When it said a free skittle, I thought it meant a free pack of skittles, not a literal single skittle floating on the top of my coffee!"
"Look, company policy is no refunds. You take what you get. Besides, the sign is very clear, look at Goofy over there. He is happy with his order!"
Cid looked closer at Goofy. "He is sipping boiling water with a leaf it in!" Cid replied angrily.
At this point Scrouge came out of the restroom in time to settle the dispute. Both Cid and Dewey shouted their points.

Scrouge delt with it swiftly.
"First off, he is correct, the sign says a free skittle. Skittle as in the singular. Next up, Goofy. All I did was sell him the water at a reasonable price. He put the leaf in it himself."
"So what was this reasonable price?" Cid asked curiously.
At this point, Scrouge suddenly needed to return to the toilet.


OoC: That was fun...

 

Harvey watched as the judge fell back. He was going to dash and rescue the judge but he had slipped on his shoe lace that suddenly became latched around the bottom of the table. Over went the judge and CRACK!.. Sounded like something broke. Well, he was sure the judge would be back and fine. These things always happened in a court room when the tension was hot. He sat down and a person brought him coffee which he promptly paid for. "Thank you" he mentioned to her and rubbed his elbow that he had banged on the floor.

Sora blinked. "Goofy! You may want to sit down and try to calm yourself." And then the Judge fell over. *blink* "Ouch...I hope he's okay. But I guess it's recess. Just try to not bug the Organization too much. We don't want to get into a fight with them during a big huge court trial!"

Sora stood up and walked over to Scrooge McDuck. "Where is the concession stand? If anyone has one here it's you and people are talking about leaves in coffee and everyone here has Skittles."

Listened to the laywer accuse Namine of things and his aquamarine eyes gleamed in anger. He may have a 'fake' Heart as he was told, but it was real enough to be really really mad. Yeah, Namine was no angel, but for this man to twist the scenario up so much to make a whole fabricated story...who the heck did he think he was? He looked at the other lawyer on the Defense who was being quiet and pondered that this was a rouse to push the people testifying against the Organization to do something so it made them seem more violent and then to try to use that 'you have Hearts' argument against why there was a lack of control. That must be the reason this lawyer was being such a jerk. Repliku was fuming but he'd remain seated. For a guy who had not even been on the scene he sure made some wild guesses. Then again...this court seemed to have at its leisure...many events that no one should have seen or known about. What an odd place. He leaned back in his chair looking rather ominous but doing nothing. He had control of the Darkness within, he hoped.

Riku was glad there was a recess, though the means of getting that recess were questionably quite negative. The resounding crack was enough to say that the judge was going to be gone and returning possibly with a cast. Riku stood up and stretched a bit to loosen up and let some of the anger and tension leave him. Even if he was disappointed and a bit miffed at Namine, he knew enough that this lawyer for the Defense was drawing at straws to acquit the Org members of anything with no sound proof at all. Yes, Namine could Dark Portal but so could the Org and she had to obey Marluxia or the bigger threat of Xemnas was looming behind, just as the other Org members had to. Namine, though kind of selfish to Riku, didn't have the mind of a schemer to do more than try and be a lonely girl that would draw on a thread she knew existed to give her company in a very cold place. She wasn't an angel, but she definitely wasn't on the lines of being capable of the deeds the man accused her of.

Riku let out a brief yawn and looked around. He could go for a good soda about now or some energy drink to perk him up. This court case was getting ugly and he wished he did not have to be here for this silly song and dance of lawyers. He almost had the urge of just going over to Xemnas and asking if this case was as dumb to him as it was to Riku and that as long as the Org promised to not do anything else stupid that would get them in trouble, they could all blow this Popsicle stand and do something better like try to figure out a non-harmful way of getting their Hearts back. Of course he would not do this...at least yet, and just walked out the door to the hall to find a soda machine. After he took out some munny and took out a soda, going back and sitting down, propping his feet on the chair in front of him. With a pop and hiss of the release of carbonation, the soda can was open and Riku took a sip. He hoped the caffeine would hit his system soon enough.

 

Namine was a bit stunned at the defense attorney's way of coming onto her, but she shrugged it off. When chaos began to reign in the courtroom, Namine leapt out of the witness stand and headed for the door Riku left through when a stray explosion from Pika_Power and Stitch's intimidation tactics sent her flying...

...right into Repliku's lap. As soon as she realized where she was, she quickly leapt off of him and started brushing herself off. "So sorry about that..." That's when Namine remembered.

"Um...Repliku?" She glanced at the floor nervously. "I never did formally apologize for what I did to you at Castle Oblivion. I know that the Organization made me tamper with your memories, but I was still responsible for my actions." She looked him straight into the eyes. "I am deeply and truly sorry," she said in an apologetic tone. And she meant it.

"I also never thanked you for protecting me from Marluxia. I don't know what would've happened if you hadn't came. So..." Before Repliku could reply, Namine leaned in and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "...Thank you, Repliku." And with that, she gave him a coy wink and ran out of the audience box toward the double doors. She still had to apologize to Riku after all. Unfortunately, she didn't see Riku come back in through the doors on the other side...

Kairi couldn't believe what just happened. At first there was so much tension in the air when Xelax looked like he was about to use one of his cheap, patented "OBJECTIONS." Next thing she knew, Goofy and a well-timed shield knocked the judge unconscious and the entire courtroom became a "Where's Waldo" splash panel.

She shook her head. All of this because of a bag of Skittles? Kairi leapt out of the audience box (a ten-foot drop) and landed safely on her feet. She decided to give the Skittles to the Pokemon as she had other things to snack on in her purse (a giant mixed bag of M&Ms were in there as well.)

As she saw Mr. Power waddle toward the door with Stitch, she yelled, "Pika_Power! Here!" She swung the 8-gallon bag with all her might. As soon as she let go, she suddenly realized how heavy the bag was in proportion to a Pikachu. She could swear she saw the defense attorney's eyes grow round as the incoming projectile rocketed toward his head.

CRUNCH! The bag landed on the Pokemon with sickening crash as it almost literally crushed the poor mouse. Kairi's hands flew up to her mouth in horror. "Oh my god! I'm so sorry!" She ran toward the struggling defense attorney, completely forgetting that Stitch was there too...

OOC: Pika_Power, love the Namine/Vexen reference. And sorry about the bag of Skittles knocking the wind out of you. :p Also, how long is the recess going to last? Until Judge Erkz recovers or when ICSP gets back?

 

Repliku blinked as Namine ended up in his lap. It startled him and he looked at her with wide eyes as she went on with her apology that had come at least a year late. It didn't really matter though. She kissed his cheek and be blushed a bit and she was gone, off to do something else in a chaotic storm of mayhem before he could say anything. He ran his hand over his cheek and then sank in his chair to think if he should 'forgive' her. Then he just decided that it was not that important because he had not really held much of a grudge any way and he didn't have to respond since she was gone now. He didn't get the kiss thing and assumed it was just a friendship thing. After all, he knew where her interests lay. So in his twisted little mind he turned it into a friendship hug so he wouldn't feel things he should not. After all, the promise was fake and he knew that. It was a difficult thing to fight memories that were fake and not even technically Riku's, because this past was falsified. In an odd way that was almost comforting because it did mean he was actually different and himself. He'd maybe talk to her later but was glad for now she took off to go do her own thing because it gave him time to think straight over the matters.

Riku wandered back through with his soda and taking a gulp, he missed the girl that rammed right into him. The soda flew out of his hands, landing on the floor 10 feet away, shooting up carbonated liquid around like a smoke bomb until finally it had died. "...No one step in that" he uttered and wiped at his shirt that now had some soda on it. His pants had gotten a bit damp too but he'd endure. He looked down at Namine and moved to the side. "Sorry about that." He then moved past her to call down the hall to a janitor about the mess and went to go sit down. Everything was rather chaotic and he didn't really want to be in the midst of it.

Sora looked as a bag of Skittles landed on Pikachu and rushed over to assist Kairi in removing the bag from the Pokemon and the little blue guy under. "Hi Stitch!" Sora would pick up the little blue alien and give him a hug. "How are you doing?"

 

"Wait, Riku!" Naminé ran up to Riku. "Please! I just wanted to apologize!" She was aware of how awkward it sounded, but at the moment, she didn't care. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to outright and accuse you!" Her shoulders sagged with sadness. "There's no excuse, I know. And I'd do anything to make it up to you." She felt so diminished in his presence. Now that she finally had a chance to talk to him, the words wouldn't come out right. "I can't pretend that I know everything you've been through, everything you've sacrificed for me, Sora, Roxas and Kairi. I know you've suffered." She sighed. "I know you think that all I care about is Sora or Roxas. That you don't have any place in my heart when they're around. But...I love you too!" Not wanting him to take it the wrong way, she quickly added, "I love you as a dear and close friend. You helped protect me, save me, even when you could've just turned your back on me when DiZ was going to eliminate me. I can't thank you enough for that." She was on the verge of tears now. "I'm sorry. I don't know how many times I can say it. But..." Naminé bit her lower lip to stop herself from crying. "Please forgive me."

 

Pika_power was about to finish the fight with Stitch once and for all, when a massive weight smashed into his back, crushing him and Stitch. Pika_power moaned as it was lifted off him, "Oh pokegods, I thought I had just been captured..." Stitch said something like it in his own special way. The pokemon was fine after he saw what the weight was. A bag of yellow skittles, and lots of them! All thoughts of a battle aside, he grabbed a handful and stuffed them n Stitch's mouth, before doing the same to himself.

The sudden sugar rush gave him a brainwave. "Namine, who actually saw you open up a dark portal? So far Xelax has provided no evidence. Now, I am sure Sora did not see it, and neither did Riku. Kairi won't dob Namine in, neither will Donald or Goofy. It could get messy if Xelax claimed that Xemnas saw it... I will have to ask Harvey Birdman. He ought to know if we should take that approach.

Seifer and his group were swinging at Saix in Slow Motion, waiting for him to notice.

Donald and Goofy were following Sora around.

The coffee business was going well, the ducks were making it on the spot. They talked about their friendship, and when a creeper heartless came, they would overpower it and shove it into the coffee grinder.

 

Riku wasn't sure what exactly to say to Namine. So...he'd do his best. "It's fine Namine. You are entitled to your opinion. It made me angry at first but I'm not going to hate you for believing something that I utterly feel is wrong. You feel that way and it's because people have used you for a lot. In life though, it may help you to know that friends do depend on friends for favors now and then and mutual benefit. It's not the same as using someone like Marluxia and Larxene did. I didn't agree with what DiZ did either. I understood it, but that's not the same as agreeing with it."

Riku looked at Pika. "She did not dark portal in the Castle Oblivion. DiZ and I took her with us when we left to move Sora to Twilight Town. However, I don't think it's a good idea to talk about the case on a break. It's stuff we can say when on the stand and really, he's got his work cut out to try to toss Namine's case out like that. Sora remembers things now and I never forgot the Castle Oblivion events. I was with Namine at the end and though I want the Org fairly tried, it should not come at expense of lies from lawyers either. Do me a favor and keep it all honest up there. There's already one lawyer I want to punch in the head."

 

Naminé sniffed back a sob and gave Riku a weak smile before hugging him tightly. "Thank you." After she broke off from the hug, she turned to Pika_Power. "He's right, you know. Anything that we say outside of the trial is completely useless. It may help with some insight into the case, but in the end, we don't want someone like Xelax..." She jerked her head toward the lawyer who was busy with his own stuff. "...to get any more ammunition to use to manipulate the truth."

Kairi took a final handful of Skittles and popped them into her mouth. She had enough of the fruity flavor and was looking forward to all of the chocolate she was about to enjoy.

OOC: So...what are we going to do about the trial?

 

OOC: How long is Erkz gone for? Really, I suppose we just have to lurk till he gets back around. Without a judge we can't really go on.

 

Pika_power understood Riku's point. "Okay, we will try to convict without lying. Although I am not above saying that we should not object if he cannot call any witnesses to the stand about Namine DPing. Also, I know everything we say here is not used in the case. That is what makes this time so valuable. We can talk to the witness and make plans.