Ch 52: Verdict

Conwell has been destroyed, and the Council has seen the truth of things with their own eyes. A pardon is all but guaranteed, but can Alexander take things a step further?

            Hovering in the air, Grey let out a sigh of relief and muttered, “It’s finally over…” His sword suddenly beginning to become very heavy, Grey realized his Grand Anima Weapon was fading. As it evaporated, his light wings vanished once more, and he found himself falling through the sky again. Staring up into the sky, he said, “I don’t have the strength to do anything more. Oh well… As long as she’s safe, it doesn’t really matter what happens to me…” He closed his eyes and prepared for the end, but suddenly he felt himself stop in the air as though someone had caught him, and opening his eyes he saw Mythra staring back at him. Having rode up on her broom to catch him, Mythra looked at him furiously, and in a voice that sounded like she was fighting back tears, she shouted, “You idiot!” With a look of surprise, Grey said, “Huh?” With a sigh of frustration, Mythra said, “It doesn’t matter what happens to you?! Are you that stupid?! It’s all well and good that you want to protect her, but you need to protect her happiness as well! She wouldn’t be happy at all if anything happened to you! And… neither would the rest of us…” As Grey silently took this in, Mythra regained her composure and showed a reluctant smile, quickly adding, “Nevertheless, that was quite incredible! Summoning Deus Amictus like that!” Confused, Grey said, “Deus Amictus?” Mythra looked surprised as she said, “It didn’t give you its name?!” Shaking his head, Grey said, “No…? That was Origin’s gift, Deus Amictus?” Staring at him for a moment, Mythra frantically struggled to make sense of it all as she thought, “He summoned it without mastering it?! Is that even possible?! Well, it is unheard of that he summoned it at all… Could it be because Deus Amictus was sealed? This just get’s stranger and stranger here!” Sailing back to the palace, they landed at the landing spine where the Audentia had docked at just a few moments before. As Grey started to slowly walk over to the Audentia, Amy came rushing down the gangplank as she shouted, “GREY!” A look of joy and relief on her face, just as she neared Grey, she stumbled over and crashed into him, and they both collapsed onto the ground. Sitting up, Amy mumbled, “Oww…” Letting out a sigh, Grey said, “Why am I not surprised…” Amy giggled and stuck her tongue out at him. Smiling in spite of herself as she watched at the two, Mythra crossed her arms and thought, “Well, at least things are back to normal…”

            Standing before the Council at the terrace, Grey, Amy, and Alexander stood ready to finish the appeal by showing Grey’s memories through the memory diary. The others sat back in their chairs and Rufus, Ian atop his hat, was manning his camera in the background. Adjusting his shades, Felix said, “Now then. Matthew Greyson, you are hereby deemed innocent of all charges.” With a look of surprise, Grey uttered, “Huh?” Smiling at him, Felix said, “Actions speak louder than words, Mr. Greyson. I know that we have yet to convene on it, but I trust there are no objections?” He looked at his fellow Council members questioningly, but they all remained silent. Nodding approvingly, Felix said, “Very well then. It’s official Mr. Greyson. You’re cleared.” Amy next to him jumped for joy, and from over in his seat, Scott pumped his fist and said, “Yes!” Eyeing Felix suspiciously, Alexander said, “Not to complain, but is this really proper procedure?” Felix simply said, “Not really, but there are times when exceptions can be made. If it’s not too much to ask though, there’s something I’d like to discuss Mr. Greyson.” Alexander donned a knowing smile and thought, “Of course…” Looking at Felix coldly, Grey said, “I can pretty much guess what it is. There’s actually something I have to say as well, now that I’ve come face to face with the people responsible.” Hearing this, Alexander muttered, “I was expecting this…” Glancing between the members of the Council with a look of anger in his eyes, Grey said, “Just what excuse do you people possibly have for the way you’ve oppressed your fellow human beings simply because they’re different?!”

As Felix let slip a laugh, Grey shouted, “You think it’s funny?!” Pulling his shades down to look at him with a reminiscent look, Felix said, “You really are Jonathan’s son, aren’t you?” After a moment, Felix continued, “The sad truth is that as a politician, you can make some of the people happy, but you simply can’t make all of the people happy. Despite your father’s diligence, even he had those that despised him for the way he governed Aerennis. As things stand right now, we cannot practically implement such an idealistic notion as equality.” Staring back at him defiantly, Grey said, “Dad didn’t care who he ticked off if it was to do what was right! Maybe it’s idealistic to think it would be perfect, but unlike my father, you people haven’t even tried!” With a humoring smile, Felix replied, “I would expect you to know already, but thirty years ago the leaders of the four nations struggled to come up with a system to safeguard the people and sovereignties of the four great nations of the world from the new threat energists posed. Finally a widely known businessman, my father and the man who became the first Head of the Guild, presented them with his own idea. Needing a quick solution, they accepted it, and a system like that we use today was implemented.” Fidgeting with a glass of water in front of him on the table, after a moment Felix continued, “I won’t lie, I’m quite sure he just used the opportunity to take a position of power, which he certainly abused. But he had the support of much of the normal population, most importantly many wealthy nobles. He was quite the businessman, if nothing else. Since succeeding him I have worked with the rest of The Council to reform his mistakes, yet without the Registration Act and the Sanctuaries, normal people would live in fear of the unknown, wary of any stranger who could possibly be an energist. Without the regulation of the Special Forces, there would be nothing stopping nations from secretly gathering armies of energists and starting an energist war. Tell me Mr. Greyson, what better plan do you have?”

            Unwilling to give in, Grey said, “That still doesn’t justify how we’re treated!” Felix simply said, “That’s something we have little control over. Prejudice is not something that can be stamped out by the law alone. Most normal people fear energists, even more so now because of Altera Veritas.” Rising from his chair, Scott said, “You could at least do something about the Governors! They’re under your authority, but you’re simply letting them do whatever they like!” Glancing at him in irritation, Felix said, “The matter of the Governors is not your concern. The Sanctuaries fall under my authority as the Supervisor of the Special Forces. I’m afraid I feel no inclination to discuss the matter with civilians.” Alexander glanced back at Rufus and said, “I take it this is a matter you don’t want the public to know about?” Looking over at Rufus as well, Felix simply said, “I already intend to confiscate the footage and recordings he’s taken. After everything that’s happened, I can’t let him air it.” Rufus looked up from the camera and stammered, “W-wha?!” Looking away from him, Felix said, “I’ll be giving him a statement on the appeal. I suggest he sticks to it.” Hanging his head, Rufus shut the camera off and muttered, “So much for freedom of the press…” Now Richter rose from his chair and said, “So this is how The Guild really works is it? I suppose the reason my new division and I were sent to die in Lamis is something you have no inclination to discuss as well?!” Felix leaned back in his chair and shook his head as he replied, “Now that’s nothing more than jumping to conclusions. We sent you and your division to check on the Special Forces outpost. We had no idea what you’d be walking into.” With a sly smirk, Mythra said, “Well, that’s at least somewhat believable. If memory serves, you’ve been one step behind Altera Veritas right from the beginning.” Resting her head in her hands, Queen Bianca said, “Things are getting a bit off track here. Please try to understand our position. With the attitude of the people and the fight against Altera Veritas, the laws in place, however disliked, are necessary to root out the enemy and give normal people a sense of security.” Rolling his eyes, the King said, “All at the cost of the innocent energist population…” Shrugging his shoulders, Admiral Reese bluntly said, “Arr, sad as it is Daniel, that’s just the way things are! In business and politics…” Adjusting his shades, Alexander said, “Then perhaps I can suggest an idea?”

            All heads turned to Alexander as Felix said, “While I won’t deny you are quite an intelligent individual Alexander, I find it hard to believe you somehow have thought up a foolproof way to create an ideal world.” With a slight laugh, Alexander said, “Nothing so grand. However, seeing as I can already tell you intend to try and recruit Grey to the Special Forces, I think it might be something that will interest you.” Grey glared at Alexander and said, “Alexander, we’re not joining the Special Forces! I want no part of-” Placing a hand on Grey’s shoulder, Alexander said, “Just relax a minute.” Interested, Felix said, “You’re correct. I wanted to make Grey a part of the Special Forces if I could. In fact, I would extend an invitation to all of you, if you were interested. Just what idea are you proposing, and how is it related to the Special Forces?” Clearing his throat momentarily, Alexander said, “The issue here is the attitude of the people towards energists and the existence of Altera Veritas, correct? Regarding Altera Veritas, we are already planning on chasing them ourselves. However, even now that we are cleared, we still would find ourselves on the wrong end of the law traveling outside the Sanctuaries in pursuit of them. Since we refuse to join the Special Forces, I instead propose an alliance.” Eyeing Alexander warily, Admiral Reese said, “Arr, if I catch your drift, that’d be a pretty nice deal for you matey, but just what’s in it for us that’s worth bendin the rules for ya?”

Alexander removed his signature shades as he said, “Altera Veritas has been plotting in the dark much longer than just the three years you’ve been aware of them. Recently their activity has increased, and this is because they are nearing their goal. Let me make this simple.” His face clearly serious, a dire look in his eyes, Alexander said, “They are far more than a simple terrorist organization. They are bent on destroying the world.” There was utter silence as Alexander said, “If you want to have any chance against them, it’s time for some new tactics.” Narrowing his eyes, Emperor Alcott said, “Just where do you even get this information? If you’re not with Altera Veritas, just who are you people anyways?” Alexander seemed to simply ignore him. After a moment of thought, Felix said, “Just what are suggesting specifically for this alliance?” With a grin, Alexander said, “No doubt even within the ranks of the Special Forces there’s someone who’s keeping tabs on them and sabotaging their efforts. As I was saying before, we intend to pursue Altera Veritas. Why not support us? You’ve seen our capabilities, and as an independent unit separate from the Special Forces, we will be able to keep our movements from any spies within the system.” Shaking her head, Bianca said, “Even if you’ve been cleared, suddenly supporting an independent band of non-military personnel, formerly wanted criminals at that… It would never go over with the people.” Raising his index finger in the air, Alexander quickly said, “No, now that we’re cleared is the perfect time for such a move! Announce to the people that the son of the prestigious Greyson family, deemed innocent of his crimes, will be heading his team of specialists in the fight against Altera Veritas. That he has sworn to follow his parent’s legacy and fight for a better world for both normal people and energists. You’re interested in giving the people a sense of security aren’t you? Give them a hero.”

            Looking at Alexander as though he were mad, Grey exclaimed, “W-what the hell are you thinking?!” A look of amusement on his face, Emperor Alcott said, “He took the words right out of my mouth. You intend to place someone who’s known as a former terrorist, responsible for the loss of hundreds of lives, on a pedestal and call him a hero? On top of that, he’s only eighteen years old! I for one am not entrusting a child with a task like this!” Irritated, Catherine rose from her seat and said, “This ‘child’ just saved your lives! All of them have proven themselves here today. I honestly don’t see what you have to lose by supporting them.” Laughing, Admiral Reese said, “Arr, you know, this isn’t soundin’ like such a bad idea. I’m rather interested to see how an investment like this’ll turn out!” Seeming to mull it over, Queen Bianca said, “Well I suppose when you put it that way… It may just work after all.” Beaming, the King said, “I think it’s a brilliant idea.” Leaning over the table to look across it at the other Council members in disbelief, Emperor Alcott said, “Have you all lost your minds?! Felix, talk some sense into these people!” After a moment, Felix rose from his chair and said, “To be honest I’m hesitant to make such a bold move. However…” Felix walked around the table and made his way to Grey as he continued, “Somehow I feel rather certain we can count on you for the time being.” With a sigh of defeat, Alcott muttered, “Unbelievable!” As he approached Grey, Felix extended his hand and said, “As it appears you have the majority of the Council in your favor, if there are no further objections then let us make our alliance official.” For a moment Grey stared at his hand, and then with a sigh, Grey took hold and shook it. With a nod, Felix said, “Very good. We’ll write up the necessary papers and get all of you traveling passes. Whatever supplies you need, simply submit a list and we’ll see what we can do. As you have no other means of transportation, we may as well let you ‘borrow’ the Audentia awhile longer.” Walking back to the table, Felix gathered the papers lying before his empty seat and said, “Anyways, I believe that’s all for your hearing Mr. Greyson. You and your friends are free to leave. We’ll get back to you once the date of the public announcement of our alliance is set.” As the members of the Council started to rise, surprised by Felix’s suddenly generous attitude, Grey said, “Uh, right. Thanks, I guess…” Stuffing the papers in a large envelope, Felix turned to look at him and said, “Don’t worry about it. After all, you will be doing all the work. Make sure to show us what the heir of the Greyson family is made of.”

Reviews

[Ryan Henderson]

Sorry for not reviewing lately, got tied up with a bunch of personal issues.

Awesome chapter! For a second there I thought Grey was actually going to let himself die. But how could I possibly think that? Mythra always saves his a*s XD

Mythra said, “It doesn’t matter what happens to you?! Are you that stupid?! It’s all well and good that you want to protect her, but you need to protect her happiness as well! She wouldn’t be happy at all if anything happened to you! And… neither would the rest of us…”

That's probably the best part in the whole chapter. I like the argument that happened between the council and Grey and his friends. It was very logical so it was realistic and believable. The tone of the chapter was set very well and the characters are still awesome! Even this far into the book I still love your characters! Primarily Mythra...

You've done a great job yet again! Keep writing and I hope things look up for you :D

By the way Alcingeria Volume One is completed! I just gotta upload the rest of the chapters to the website. I'll have that done soon.