Chapter 1513 Trial Day Nears Author's Note: Unedited Chapter ------------ The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm, golden glow over Plankton City. In E.E.'s apartment, the atmosphere was charged with emotions. Angy stood at the entrance with her newly regrowing horns barely visible through her silver and pink hair. The door opened before her, and E.E, Aildris, Falco, and Endric appeared. "Angy!" E.E. exclaimed, rushing forward to embrace her. Aildris, Endric, and Falco crowded around her as well and it soon turned into a group embrace. Angy's eyes welled up with tears as she hugged them tightly. "I missed you all so much," she said as her voice trembled. Aildris's usually calm demeanor was replaced by a rare display of emotion. "We tried to rescue you, Angy. We really did. But we failed. We could only save Falco." Angy's tears flowed freely now as she turned to Falco, who looked guilty and relieved at the same time. "I know," she said, her voice choked with emotion. "I faintly recall and I'm glad." Falco stepped closer. "We're just glad you're safe, Angy." "Jack informed us of what Gustav did... We couldn't believe our ears." Angy wiped away a tear as she responded; "Gustav sacrificed himself to bring me back. He absorbed all the darkness from me, taking it into himself." Endric had a disturbed look on his face as he nodded. "We need to catch up on everything, Angy." Angy took a deep breath. "I want to know everything and I want to help. But first, tell me about Ria... what happened to him?" E.E.'s face darkened. "Ria was captured by the Alliance. We've tried everything to rescue him, but it's been impossible so far. We almost got captured ourselves." A sense of determination filled Angy's eyes. "Then we'll have to find another way. We can't leave him behind." Aildris, who had been observing Angy's regrowing horns, spoke up. "Your horns... they're growing from scratch. What does that mean?" Angy touched the base of one horn gently. "Gustav had to absorb me to get all the darkness out and in the process, I lost power. But I'm starting to feel my bloodline abilities coming back..." E.E. leaned forward. "That's a relief. But first, we need to focus on Gustav's trial. We need to clear his name. If we succeed, it will make rescuing Ria easier." Angy's eyes burned with resolve. "What do we need to do?" ... A few minutes later, they were all seated in E.E.'s apartment discussing. The boys had stated how they were shocked when Jack revealed to them that Gustav was back. News about Angy was a bonus of relief. Learning that Gustav only returned because of them and Angy, they couldn't help but feel guilty. Their decisions had further delayed his plans of getting to the Stagnant Siterus void so they all swore to do whatever it took to save him. Endric pulled out a data pad and placed it on the table." E.E. has compiled all of Gustav's deeds over the past year. We've documented every planet he's saved, every life he's touched. We need to present this evidence at the trial." Aildris added, "But it's not going to be easy. The Alliance and many others have already branded him a criminal. We need to convince the whole universe that he's innocent." E.E chimed in; "We also need to expose the truth about the Gustavo Alliance. Elevora is already working on gathering evidence from within but I fear it might not be ready when the time comes so we have to do the best with what we have." "Don't forget how the world government will probably want to convict Gustav so they have him in their hands. We need to be prepared for anything," Falco pointed out. They nodded in response. This was something they really needed to look out for. If they were going to be debunking all of the false allegations so far, they had to be ready to counter any new ones the opposition may include. Those old geezers were very cunning so this needed more indulgence. The group spent the rest of the evening strategizing and preparing. They reviewed the evidence E.E. had gathered, discussing how to present it most effectively. ... In the blink of an eye, a week had gone by. The day before the trial, ships across the galaxies and aircraft arrived in multitudes, filling the skies above Plankton City. These visitors, both from distant planets and from all corners of Earth, converged to witness the trial that had the universe abuzz with anticipation and tension. Aildris had spent the past week meticulously preparing for the trial. He had secured one of the best lawyers on earth, a renowned advocate named Jareth Cole. They had provided him with all the necessary information to build a strong defense for Gustav. The next morning, the atmosphere in Plankton City was electric. The largest hall in the city, a towering structure of gleaming metal and glass, stood as the focal point of this monumental event. Crowds gathered outside, and media outlets had set up their equipment, broadcasting live streams to billions of viewers across the galaxies. Reporters interviewed anyone and everyone going into the hall, capturing the diverse opinions and emotions of the crowd. Many were vocal in their condemnation of Gustav, their voices rising above the din. "Lock him up forever!" shouted one man, while others nodded in agreement. Amidst the chaos, there were also pockets of support, with groups holding signs that read, "Free Gustav" and "Justice for the Savior." Aildris, Falco, and Angy arrived in a creamy black hover car. As soon as they stepped out, reporters swarmed them, microphones thrust forward, cameras flashing incessantly. "Angy, do you really believe Gustav is innocent?" a reporter from Galaxy News Network shouted. "Angy, how do you respond to the accusations against Gustav?" another pressed. Angy took a deep breath, trying to remain calm amidst the chaos. "Gustav is not guilty of the crimes he's been accused of. He has saved countless lives, including mine. We are here to prove his innocence." Falco's face was set in a determined expression as he nodded in agreement. It hadn't been revealed to all that Falco had returned and this happened to be one of their trump cards for today. Aildris added with composure; "We have substantial evidence and testimonies to support Gustav. We are confident that justice will prevail." The reporters continued their barrage, but the trio managed to push through the crowd, making their way to the entrance of the hall. The grand building loomed above them, its architecture a towering classical grandeur. The facade was adorned with intricate carvings and holographic displays that shimmered in the morning light. Inside, the atmosphere was no less tense. The hall was packed with spectators, each eager to witness the proceedings. The walls were lined with banners from various planets, each representing a faction or group with a vested interest in the trial's outcome. The seating area was divided into sections, with dignitaries and high-ranking officials occupying the front rows. The air buzzed with whispered conversations and the occasional outburst of emotion. The hall had a capacity for nearly twenty thousand people and was almost completely full. MBO officers, high-ranking government officials, and many important figures from various sectors filled the seats. The interior of the hall was an architectural marvel. The ceiling arched high above was adorned with holographic displays that depicted the galaxies and their many planets, highlighting the interconnectedness of the alliance. Behind the judge's position sat six panel members representing the six leading planets of the alliance. Each one was an imposing figure, radiating authority and power. Earth was, of course, one of them, and the person seated there was World Leader 2. His appearance was a shock to the entire planet since the world leaders on Earth were rarely ever seen. He was a figure with purple hair and a stern, unyielding expression. His eyes, a piercing blue, scanned the crowd with a mix of curiosity and judgment. Gustav was brought in within a gigantic tube, floating in his unconscious state. The crowd gasped upon seeing his darkened body, which oozed with oppressive energy. The sight of Gustav elicited a range of emotions from the audience. Angy, Falco, Aildris, and others who supported Gustav had their row. Angy whose eyes were red from sleepless nights sat beside Falco and Aildris with his usually stoic expression showing hints of worry. E.E. was clad in his MBO uniform and stayed in the row of MBO officers. The MBO, of course, was unaware that he was on Gustav's side, and he maintained a composed, professional demeanor to avoid suspicion. Endric couldn't attend due to the risk of arrest, so he witnessed the ongoing proceedings from the top of a high-rise building in the distance. He could keep watch of everything without having to be there physically. The absence of Jack was notable. His presence would have added a layer of complexity to the trial, but his whereabouts remained unknown. Angy was expecting him to be here so she didn't understand why he was running late and now the trial was about to begin.