Chapter 1516 The Empress' Arrival Author's Note: Unedited Chapter ------------------- Jareth smiled. "We're not done yet. We still have a long way to go, but we're on the right path." Falco nodded. "We need to keep pushing. We can't let them condemn Gustav for crimes he didn't commit." "We also have to be careful, we don't know what they may have planned. Let's use everything in our arsenal," Aildris chimed in. As they prepared for the next phase of the trial, the thick tension in the air threatened to choke everyone present. The fate of Gustav Crimson hung in the balance. ... The ruler of Albruikis planet, Empress Dahria and Matilda had just arrived in Earth's orbit. Their spacecraft, a smooth golden vessel adorned with the royal crest of Albruikis, glided gracefully towards the entry checkpoint, where they were met by a squadron of MBO officers. Matilda was clad in her distinctive MBO uniform when stepped towards the hatch to address the officers. "We are here for the trial of Gustav Crimson," she announced, her voice steady and authoritative. One of the MBO officers with a stern expression, stepped forward. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but you do not have clearance to enter at this time." Matilda's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "I am an MBO officer, and this is Empress Dahria of Albruikis. We have every right to be here." The officer remained unyielding. "Your division does not operate in this sector. We are just following protocol." Empress Dahria who had lots of imposing looking guards surrounding her, stepped forward with a composed bearing, "This trial is of great importance. We must attend." The officer shook his head. "We are unable to give clearance at this time." Matilda's frustration grew as other spacecrafts were granted entry while theirs remained detained. "This is ridiculous. You're intentionally delaying us. Who gave you these orders?" The officer's face remained impassive. "We are just doing our job, ma'am." Matilda attempted to contact E.E and the others but found her communication efforts blocked. "This is deliberate," she muttered under her breath, her annoyance mounting. "Calm down, Matilda," Empress Dahria said gently. "We will find a way." As they continued to argue with the officers, a sudden presence was felt.... A very powerful presence descended from the void in the distance, radiating with power and authority. The MBO officers visibly tensed at his arrival. "Is there a problem here?" Jack's voice was calm but carried an undeniable weight. The officer hesitated, clearly intimidated by Jack's presence. "We were just following protocol, sir." Jack's gaze was unwavering. "That is a fellow MBO officer. I'm sure they have important business on Earth. Let them through." "But, sir—" Jack's eyes flashed dangerously. "I said, let them through." The officer stepped back, clearly understanding that further resistance was futile. "Yes, sir," he said reluctantly, signaling to his subordinates to clear the way. Matilda, though surprised, wasted no time. "Thank you." She had no idea why Jack was here and why he helped but this was no time to bother about the schematics. She had received news from E.E over a week back and since it was so impromptu, they had little time to mobilize themselves and get down here. It was a miracle that she was able to bring Empress Dahria herself here as well. Empress Dahria still felt overwhelming gratitude for Gustav so she couldn't miss this for the world. Jack nodded. "I noticed your spacecraft as I was returning to Earth. Recognized you from Gustav's company. It seemed suspicious, so I intervened." Empress Dahria offered a gracious smile. "You have our gratitude, sir." Jack's expression softened slightly. "Just get to the trial. Gustav needs all the support he can get." With that, the spacecraft resumed its descent towards Earth, finally free from the unjust delay. As they approached Plankton City, the view of the sprawling metropolis filled with towering skyscrapers and bustling streets came into view. ... The courtroom buzzed with tension and anticipation as more witnesses took the stand to testify on behalf of Gustav. Each testimony painted a vivid picture of selfless deeds, challenging the accusations leveled against him. Another person took the stand. Captain Mardok, a rugged and grizzled man with scars crisscrossing his face. His deep voice commanded attention as he began his tale. "I am Captain Mardok from the Nereus sector. Gustav Crimson saved our sector from annihilation at the hands of an escaped convict. This man didn't stop there. He swept the entire sector clean of all crime kingpins and he didn't ask for anything in return." The jury listened intently as Captain Mardok recounted the harrowing events, describing how Gustav risked his life to transform the Nereus sector. This further challenged the image of Gustav as a villain. "My turn," Falco slowly stepped forward while the technological mask he'd been wearing this whole time dissolved to reveal his true face. The crowd gasped in shock, recognizing him as one of the vanished during Planet Ozious' destruction. His father was well known as one of the richest businessman on Earth an had caused a lot of ruckus back then asking the MBO to bring back his son. Everyone thought he was gone forever... No one could have expected to see him here at Gustav's trial. "My name is Falco," he began with a steady tone. "I'm sure it is well know that I was on Planet Ozious when it was destroyed. Gustav and many of our friends did everything they could to save others during that catastrophic event. Myself and Angy were swallowed by the darkness and yet Gustav never gave up trying to rescue us. He traveled to the dark plane, risking everything to rescue me from the being truly responsible for Ozious' destruction." Falco's words painted a vivid picture of the chaos and destruction on Planet Ozious. Furthermore, hearing about the tales of the other plane struck deep fear in the hearts of everyone. The spectators were captivated, their perceptions of Gustav beginning to shift. The six panels behind the judge bore grim expression as they listened to Falco recount these tales. This was information they didn't want revealed to the public and now, right before the eyes of everyone here as well as the whole world which was streaming the trial, Falco was spitting out such details. They didn't see this coming in the slightest because Falco's return had been kept completely secret from the rest of the world. -"What is he talking about?" -"A dark Lord?" -"This is scary..." All across the world, people who were watching the live feed couldn't help but wonder about who they were truly up against. 'Cut the feed,' Leader two voice resounded in the minds of the MBO officers around. Some of them quickly scrambled to action in order to do as instructed. E.E had heard this too and moved. However, it wasn't to obey the order, instead it was to prevent the others from doing so. After Falco, Angy took the stand as well. "I was trapped in the other plane under the influence of the dark ruler," she began. "I visited Earth to wreak havoc, driven by the dark ruler's influence. The MBO never revealed this to the world but I was actually the one who threatened to destroy it and not Gustav. I wasn't in my right senses and confronted Jack in battle... I'm sure they never revealed that my existence in that state was so much of a threat that they had to call Jack back to Earth..." She paused briefly. "But Gustav saved me. He stopped me from causing more destruction and brought me back to myself. He risked his life and getting captured just to save me." The hall was silent as the weight of Angy's words sunk in. Suddenly, the doors of the courtroom opened, and all eyes turned as the ruler of Albruikis planet, a beautiful purple skinned feminine figure with an aura of authority, entered with Matilda by her side. She walked with purpose as her presence commanded respect. "Your honor, I apologize for my lateness," she began, her voice clear and resonant. "I am Empress Dahria of Albruikis planet and I am here to testify." Chatter! Chatter! Chatter! The hall was loud briefly till the judge ordered silence once more. She wanted to dismiss the Empress and prevent her from testify but Jack happened to just appear behind Dahria. His gaze of iciness and presence of unparalleled power caused the surroundings to wince. Now the judge was feeling pressure from both behind and ahead. But the one from Jack was no doubt much more superior, causing her to choke on her next words. The look from Jack was no doubt a silent threat, asking her to follow normal procedure... Wasn't he supposed to not appear here today? Didn't they claim he'd be delayed? "You may... Proceed," The judge managed to maintain a calm demeanor as she voiced out. "Thank you..." Empress Dahria said before starting. "Gustav Crimson rescued my planet from a tyrant who had stolen the rulership from my family and led us into tyranny for over twelve years."