All That Glitters Ch. 63

"You want war, but war bad for all Pod-Drran. Kur-Tar make change to stop war. But Warrior Class no like. He force change on Warrior Class and save people.

"Now, Union make change Warrior Class no like. Change be good for all Pod-Drran but not good for Warrior Class.

"But Poda-La say Warrior Class not leaders of people, they be sword and shield of people. War not good for people. Death not good for people. Poda-La say you not kill brood or you kill you self," Zarreniya finished.

"Not quite the correct wording, Zarreniya," the Kumaraie said from her thrown. "Atohan, if you would?"

Junelliya gave a graceful low curtsey to the Kumaraie, straight-backed and with a deep bow of her head at the end, before rising just as gracefully to her feet. She turned to face the crowd.

"The actual wording was: 'The killing of innocent broods must stop. You kill your future when you kill the innocent. The Pod-Drran must change, but this change will be difficult to accept for generations that have lived the wrong way'."

There were those in the crowd who had been there when Junelliya had made her original pronouncement and they shuddered at the memory of that incident.

"Quite right," Poda-La stated. "It is obvious that some in the Warrior Class are finding it hard to change. They want to return to what once was.

"The Pod-Drran are once more at a crossroad. They can advance into a bright future or return to the darkness that once was. Returning will mean the end of the Oranae, as the Maha-Rrin need the Pod-Drran to survive. The Two factions must come together or the people will die, alone on their respective planets...

"However, we are here for a different purpose this day. Not to force change on the Warrior Class but to judge the actions of the accused. We should continue with the questions,"

"I have no further questions, Director," Takka answered instantly. The children had been very much a surprise to her. She didn't know how much they might have affected the Judges.

"Are there no further witnesses?" Poda-La asked, getting no reply.

"Very well. We shall now move from the question portion of this trial to the summation. Prosecution, your summation..."

"We have shown that the accused had stepped in where they did not belong. Their actions resulted in the deaths of two people at their own hands. They are not adults, they did not have the authority to act, and yet they took it upon themselves to act, with devastating results.

"The accused, Ikekiya, was the first to attack these two. She was not the recipient of this prophecy, yet she attacked first!

"The accused, Zarreniya, was then forced to assist her sister, bringing her into a situation she was not prepared for, not involved with, not responsible for, and not authorized to be involved with.

"The results of their involvement was the death of two individuals. We ask that they receive the most severe punishment for their actions," Takka stated.

"Defender, make your summation," Poda-La snapped.

"They children stepped in to protect those they knew and loved. They also stepped in to protect themselves. Under the Rules of Prophecy 'only those spoken of in prophecy can make changes to a prophecy without dire consequences'. Prophecy had predicted a massacre which the children successfully acted to change," Temp stated and bowed low to Poda-La.

"We declare the summation at an end. It is now time for the deliberation. I would ask the Judges to deliberate only on what has been shown in this trial. A judgement is requested from them. Judges, if you would retire..."

"All rise!" the Senechal called out as the judges rose and left for the small thrown room, leaving the Kumar-Pair behind. They retired to their apartments with their brood to wait out the deliberation.

Takka-Larn found herself surrounded by those who openly admired her work as Prosecutor. While Temp-Harn moved to stand with the Piscium family and their friends.

"How long do such deliberations normally take?" Hanalei asked.

"It is hard to say, Gurn Hanalei," Tempa replied. "There is much to deliberate over here, including who was authorized to act and whether members of a brood should have acted on their own behalf."

The deliberation went on for some time, the judges recalling witnesses to ask further questions of. The members of the Piscium family were becoming more agitated as time wore on, so much so that the Cats were jumping from one shoulder to another to rub their heads against their Pod mates and rumble in their ears to help them calm down.

Finally, the Senechal returned and indicated that the Judges had finished their deliberations. He called out, 'All Rise!'

The Kumar-Pair and their brood, along with the Kumar-Rai/Ro, arrived and took their places in front other their respective thrones. They were followed soon after by the Judges, who all bowed to the Trial Director.

"Judges, have you a spokesperson who will speak for all?" Poda-La demanded.

"We do, Director. I, the Asoc, >Catal Mutt Herrtt, shall speak for the Judges," the Asoc indicated.

"Very well then, if you would read out the charges and the judgement for each..."

"Ikekiya and Sharreniya Piscium, are accused of having overstepped their authority and illegally attacked two unknown people, resulting in the deaths of those two individuals.

"In order to understand whether or not the accused had the authority to act, we needed to fully understand the stated prophecy. A question arose as to who the prophecy was intended for as most thought that the prophecy was for Ikekiya.

"However, it has correctly been pointed out that a Seer cannot see themselves in prophecy. As Ikekiya could see herself, she had to have been seeing herself through the eyes of someone else, the person to whom the prophecy was actually directed.

"It has been conclusively determined that this prophecy was intended for Sharreniya Piscium. She, and only she, could make changes to alter the prophecy without causing a disaster to unfold.

"The Prosecutor had stated that Ikekiya had attacked first, without authority. This is not correct. Ikekiya acted on Sharreniya's authority when Sharreniya told her to 'Go, help Raymond!' As such, Ikekiya did have the authority to act to alter the prophecy within the limitation of 'helping Raymond'.

"Ikekiya effectively saved War Dragon Raymond Clark Sai-Ro's life and stopped the attack against him. The assailant then attacked Ikekiya.

"Under the laws of most of the Intelligent Races, all people are permitted to act in self defence of themselves, or others who need such defence, from the illegal action of others. Ikekiya was authorized to protect herself and did so, at the cost of the life of the assailant.

"Sharreniya had stopped to tell the owner of the Liramor Twenty-Three Daycare, Takebayashi Urano, to return the other to the daycare as it was no longer safe in the Food Court. She then turned and followed after her sister.

"By doing this, Sharreniya effectively modified the prophecy by removing some of those who had been killed and injured according to the prophecy. She then acted to protect her sister from the second assailant.

"It should be noted here that the second assailant was never evident in the prophecy so was never included in the thoughts of this clutch on how to protect themselves or others from harm. Thus, Sharreniya acted on her own to protect herself and her sister from the second assailant.

"Under the laws of the Sentient Races, ALL are authorized to protect themselves from being harmed illegally. As such, both of the accused are protected from prosecution because of the laws of the Sentient Community.

"These laws unanimously state, that a person or persons can protect themselves or others from deadly violence from the illegal actions of another person or persons up to and including the level of violence that they have been engaged with. Since the level of harm that was enacted in this incident was of a deadly nature, this clutch was authorized to act with deadly violence in return.

"Thus, the accused have been found to be authorized to act as the one mentioned in prophecy, as a person who is protecting themselves and others from deadly force and have not been shown to have acted without authority in this situation.

"However, it is noted by this board of Judges, that the accused should never have been placed in this situation due to their incredibly young ages. It is highly suggested that the accused be provided with more security considering their relationships to the Senior Houses of the Sentient Community, and their future places in the Greater Community in accordance with prophecy.

"The accused are free to go with no further actions to be directed against them," the Asoc finished with a smile to the children.

Pandemonium reigned at the pronouncement and one Rai came forward angrily.

"I will not allow these abominations to live after what they have done to the Warrior Cast!" she screamed and drew her Kaldar.

Hatta-Torre! Cease what you are doing!" someone shouted, but it was already too late.

Kim reached for her sword but the children were already in action. Both whipped out their expanding staffs, locking them open, and rushed the several feet to their target. Zarreniya slid across the floor in a seated position while Ikekiya stepped onto her sister's shoulders. Zarreniya lifted up and spun in place, intending to catch Hatta-Torre's leg while Ikekiya took the lift provided by her sister to strike down on Hatta's head using the 'Falling Staff Strike' which was meant to provide power in a downward strike.

Hatta was briefly taken be surprise...Where had those come from? she silently mused as she saw the staffs that the children now wielded. Amused, she lifted her leg as the child beneath her swung at it and blocked the strike of the other with her Kaldar. She was surprised by the power of the blow. They were Chohda, so the blow wasn't all that strong, however, for their size, the strike had respectable power behind it.

While she was thinking this, Ikekiya landed back on her feet and used 'Spear Thrust' to slam the end of her staff into the nerve point on Hatta's wrist, causing her hand to go numb.

Hatta had momentarily forgotten about the one below her who swiftly reminded her of her presence with a blow to the back of knees almost knocking her down. She rolled to the right to provide fighting room between her and the two brood mates but she was unable to hold onto her Kaldar because of her hand was still numb.

She heard her Kaldar clang across the floor several steps from her. As she stood up to move toward it, Ikekiya landed a golf style swing against her head, rocking the Rai with the blow. Almost immediately, Zarreniya followed suit, hitting her the same way on the other side of her head.

The blows were not enough to knock her unconscious but they did have enough force to make her see stars. Hatta fell to her knees and groaned. She could see her Kaldar immediately in front of her and she grabbed it with her other hand but it would not lift off the floor. She looked over and saw both of the brood mates standing on the other end of the blade. Unexpectedly, they both simultaneously hit her in the head again. This time, Hatta fell back clutching her head.

She rolled on the floor for several seconds until she heard the sound of a Speakers Rod of Office.

"The Rai, Hatta-Torre has been defeated in combat. While it is not in accordance with Warrior Caste etiquette that two should fight against one, Hatta-Torre instigated this combat and forced the two to protect themselves. They are also of age to be of a Brood in the Rakhan and thus justified to work in tandem," the Speaker stated.

Two Rai came forward and unceremoniously lifted Hatta-Torre to her feet. The sudden movement caused her head to spin and a groan to leave her lips.

"Do you wish to take this one as Kirlen?" the Speaker asked of the children.

The children touched and the crowd of Pod-Drran and Maha-Rrin saw them glow briefly.

"We no need Kirlen, Mr. Speaker," Ikekiya proclaimed.

"She cannot be taken as Kirlen, Speaker," Hanalei interjected. "She drew her Kaldar, not only in the presence of the Kumar-Pair, but also in the presence of all of the ruling members of the Greater Community. Her fate is sealed."

The Speaker laughed. "It would seem that Gurn Piscium knows our laws better than the Pod-Drran do." He gave Hanalei a bow of concession to acknowledge her comment.

The two Rai holding Hatta-Torre looked up at the Kumaraie, who signalled them to take Hatta-Torre away. They quickly stripped her of the sheath for her Kaldar and of her Ga-Den and dragged the half-conscious Rai away.

The Kumaroe stood. "Where are the representatives of the House of Torre?"

An older Rai and Ro stepped forward and knelt just in front of the discarded Ga-Den.

"They defeated Hatta-Torre in unsanctioned combat, fighting for their lives. Pick up that Kaldar and present it to my goddaughters!" he growled in a cold, cold, voice.

The pair whispered to each other and gave each other a nod of agreement. They moved forward and picked up the Ga-Den, folding it. The Rai stood to move to recovery the Kaldar but as she did, another Rai slid the abandoned sheath across the floor. She understood the warning and sheathed the Kaldar before the pair knelt in front of the children, presenting the Kaldar and Ga-den to them.

The children each reached out and placed one of their hands on each of the items, acknowledging receiving them.

"We want no more fight," Ikekiya said in a sad voice.

"Too many people get hurt," Zarreniya added, sadness in her voice too.

The leaders of the House of Torre nodded to the children. "You said that we Pod-Drran did not know how to fight to stop humans. You have proved your superior fighting style when brood mates of your age can defeat a grown Rai, and defeat two professional assassins.

"We of the Warrior Class, and we of the House of Torre, must be forced to acknowledge reality when we see this for ourselves. The House of Torre will side with you, Chohda." Both gave a formal bow, bowing low from their knees, their right hands over their hearts, then stood up and backed away.

"Kumaraie, there is an impediment!"

"What now, Gend-Hurl? We have not even made a pronouncement for you to argue against!?" That brought laughter from the floor.

"These two Rai have been presented a Kaldar from a foe they have defeated and yet they are not officially named as Rai! That must be changed!" Gend called out.

That opened the proverbial shit storm as the people began to shout for and against the two being acknowledged as Rai.

The Speaker slammed his Rod of Office against the floor and instantly all debate stopped.

Tempa-Harn stepped forward and the Speaker acknowledged her. "These two Chohda have each fought and defeated a person in single combat in which their very lives were at risk. They then fought in an unsanctioned combat here in this hall, in front of all, and once again defeated their foe. What Warrior is ever asked to put their life on the line to be acknowledged a Rai?

"What is more, they have been presented a Kaldar from a defeated foe. This presentation has no meaning if they are not Rai. The House of Torre need not acknowledge their loss to one who is not a Warrior."

That pronouncement was met with a worried look from the Kumar-Pair.

"There is no precedent for Rai of such a young age," Takka-Larn interrupted.

"Speaker?" the Kumaraie demanded.

"I am sorry, my Kumaraie, I have no knowledge of such precedent," the Speaker admitted.

"If you would allow me, Kumaraie," Poda-La said as she gave a short bow to the Kumar-Pair. "The youngest on record is Hetta-Ren, who became a Sai-Rai at the age of seven when she picked up her Sire's Kaldar after he had been struck down in a palace coup and protected the Imperial Crèche from the criminals. She defeated several foes in personal combat before she too was struck down but she saved those inside the Crèche. She and her Sire both survived and Hetta-Ren was elevated Rai and Sai-Rai. That was four thousand years ago," Poda-La ended.

"Then there is no precedent for brood of this age?" the Kumaraie asked deliberately.

"There has never been a brood such as these two, Kumaroe," Poda-La replied.

"What say those in this Great Hall?" the Kumaraie asked.

Tempa stepped up immediately, "Kai-Rai!" she called out. The words were repeated by individuals around the Great Hall before a chant of Kai-Rai was started getting louder and louder as it went on until the Kumaraie raised her hand to stop it.

"There is no precedent. There is, however, a consensus. I will ask the Council of Warriors and let all here, indeed, the entire planet, know of their answer later tomorrow," the Kumaraie said to loud cheers from the crowd.

"Poda-La, the Judges have rendered a verdict..."

"Understood, Kumaraie. The Judges have indicated that the accused are not guilty of having exceeded their authority and are free to go. However, they have also indicated that these two require more protection. I admonish the Phrat-Mahi to follow this suggestion as soon as is possible.

"It is clear that trouble follows these two and will continue to do so as they work to help Prakeshya ascend to her role as ruler of the combined people," Poda-La stated.

Hanalei, Junelliya, and Fayad all bowed to Poda-La and then to the Judges, acknowledging the order.

"This trial is ended," Poda-La proclaimed to cheering from the crowd.

As soon as that pronouncement was made, the crowd surged forward to shake people's hands, pat them on the back, give Linkess to the children and congratulate the family on their victory.

The crowd suddenly parted as the rulers of the Greater Community came down to speak with the family. The Kumaraie and Kumaroe went to their knees and Ikekiya and Zarreniya jumped into their arms to hug them and give them linkess (the Pod-Drran did not kiss but rubbed foreheads together as a show of affection).

"Oh, godmother, I was so 'fraid that I might not be part of you family again," Zarreniya sadly told the Kumaraie.

"You need not fear any longer, Chohda. We are still together." At that, the three siblings, Prakeshya, Jarl, and Sun, came to hug their sisters from another mother (mothers?). It was a very heartfelt and warm moment.

Next was the Asoc, who picked up both of the children and hugged them to her face. The children gave her big kisses and the Asoc literally purred, which caused the children to giggle.

"We love you too, Aunty >Catal," Zarreniya quietly told her. She reluctantly passed the two over to the Asost who hugged them just as fiercely.

"We did not know if you would be found guilty or not, little ones. It would have been a shame if two such brilliant Shamot would be cut adrift from the Asocan Realm," he rumbled.

"You did not know, Asost?" Ikekiya asked him.

"No little one. The evidence danced all around and left us wondering how we could make sense of it," the Asost explained. "At first, it looked like you were very much guilty. We finally settled on the fact that Sharreniya had sent you to help Raymond, then everything came together in our claws. It took us a long time to arrive at that conclusion but once we did, the facts fell together for us."

"I'm glad we can still keep seeing you, Asost. We would have been sad if not," Zarreniya said.

After the Asost put them back on the floor, the Mylatrin Adriné bent down and hugged the children. "I was very impressed with your fighting skills, little ones. Somehow they looked very familiar to me," she said with a stern look. The children kind of looked sheepish at that, confirming for the Mylatrin her thoughts.

"Alafka, continue their training. They will need it," she told her daughter with a significant look.