250 Pioneers - Stacked Odds

While still bewildered by Taf and May's actions, Elder Mary had now made her way to a small chamber. Inside gathered were the familiar faces of the grand elder and Old Zoro. However there was one unknown face, he was seemingly younger than the two with less grey and wrinkles in his features.

This was the sect's appointed adjudicator whose sole role was to ensure the protection of the assets and image of the Dark Abylis Sect. In his capacity, he was also the chief prosecutor and has handled numerous cases on the sect's behalf. Anyone looking at him would say he conveyed a quite stern person, frowning as he currently did.

"Have all the necessary parties been made aware, Adjudicator Baro?" Inquired the Grand Elder. This whole case fell under his bracket. Taf and May were no ordinary disciples so it needed to be handled with care.

"Yes Grand Elder, I know how to do my job, thank you." He responded, though not with outright disrespect, it could be seen the Grand Elder had no seeming influence over him. Which was exactly the case with his position as adjudicator he was an independent body? Though he and the grand elder strived for the same goal, they were basically two entities that ensured each was doing their duties correctly.

Sure Baro could not rival the Grand Elder's strength, but she also could not intimidate him based on her position. He knew very well that the Grand Elder thought quite favorable of the two defendants. Though she would not do it outrightly, with subtle hints there might be an attempt to skew things in their favor.

His tone was of no concern to Old Perth who as usual was unflustered. She knew what Baro implied when mentioning his job. Basically it was a jab at her own mishandling of the situation. If not for her biased towards the two, Shinoda's death could have been completely avoided. 

During this time Old Zaro allowed things to play out how they may. The two both had valid points, with the Grand Elder's strength, Shinoda's life could have been saved, but that might have led to animosity between the two parties. Taf's future potential was there for all to see and his growth exceedingly fast. Having such a future enemy did not bode well for them.

Not forgetting he had in the background a mysterious master who was quite powerful. Therefore things needed to be handled with care, it's quite a delicate situation. Soon the three noticed Elder Mary who seemed a bit lost for words.

In an authoritative tone, Baro inquired, "You have served them with the papers I presume?"

"Yes Adjudicator Baro I have but..." Elder Mary stuttered a bit which drew the curiosity of Old Zaro and Perth. This was unlike Mary who was known to be quite outspoken and not easily flustered even in their presence. While the two were curious, as for Baro he was simple annoyed,

In her head, Elder Mary could only sigh as she took out a huge stack of papers saying,

"My apologies Adjudicator Baro but not only are the two determined to contest the charges laid against. They have filed a lawsuit against the sect claiming damages."

'What!" Baro shouted as he grabbed the papers from Mary before quickly scanning them. What were these two thinking? They had the nerve not only to contest the charges but also to file a countersuit against the sect?

Even Old Zaro became lost for words, he didn't even know it was possible for disciples to sue a sect. Perhaps it was because this has never been done in the past. As for Old Perth, she wasn't as surprised having engaged in conversations with the two. They have unyielding personalities, so she knew there would be some fight. Yet even she did not expect this result.

It did bring some pleasure however seeing Baro's reaction. He had a very strong personality and if you did stand your ground it was his way, and his way alone.

The Grand Elder was right indeed as Baro fumed in rage. Even with the two's status he never thought they would dare challenge the Sect which was his role to defend. Yet soon Baro calmed his nerve, with the case set to appear before the tribunal tomorrow, who in the world could they possibly find to argue these said grievances.? In his long life, he has won cases with less evidence than provided against the two.

He smirked at the Grand Elder thinking this was all a ruse which she masterminded for him to stand down. If anything now he would ensure that these two are found guilty without the benefit of a doubt.

????????????????????????

By Morning, Like wildfire, the news spread throughout the sect of Taf and May's lawsuit now filed against the sect. Some persons found it absolutely absurd, while others being fans of the two thought it quite appropriate. 

In order to show support for their heroes, they intended to let their voices be heard. With the suit, they were seen as pioneers, this was not only for them but all disciples who sometimes felt as though they were second class citizens. With this, there was a growing consensus that the two would not be treated fairly by the sect, so a crowd of thousands gathered outside of the Sect's Hall.

As a means to appease the thousands, the sect response was quite simple, to show that justice would be fairly bestowed a lucky five hundred disciples would be allowed into the halls. Therefore transparency would be achieved and there would be no more complaints. This was quite generous most thought as usual disciples were not allowed within the sect's halls. 

The hour was near for the tribunal to finally begin. Thus the relevant parties started one by one arriving. Some of the first appearances were the twelve presiding judgings made up of stakeholders within the sect. Of the twelve there were four City lords, Four Senior Elders and two representatives each of the Zaro and Arosa Clan. Thus it was as though the sect itself was properly making judgment and no one faction was in charge.

Of course, they were startled by the huge gathering of disciples. This was supposed to be a small affair and usually, crowds aren't seen outside the halls. Perhaps this case was more serious than they previously thought?

Following them, there was the adjudicator, who true to form wore a frown on his face. Seeing the massive gathering outside in support of the defendants displeased him. Still, It mattered not, as their loud voices would soon be but a somber hush after the verdict was read.

????????????????????

Attention was then turned to a grand hall which was beautifully decorated. Its walls were marble, beautiful contracting against this backdrop of the black wings of the mythical creature, the Barasath. 

It could be said the grand hall was packed tightly as not one seat was left unfilled. In one section could be seen the disciples who had gained admission into the hall. They tried to be as quiet as possible yet there were a few hushed conversations as the eagerness started to build.

Of the lucky few disciples to enter there were the familiar faces of Squad Malgrey, Jason, Rita, Barthelemu, and even Sheila had somehow gained entrance. This of course only heightened Lovren's suspicion as he saw the anticipation displayed on her face. They were not the only ones in a large group to be present with there being tens of elders seated close by. 

It so happens that these were the few who were fortunate enough not to be on duty at the moment. Included were Alders, Mary, Zen, and the two seeming puppeteers, Mu and Zanders. The two apparently were quite confident in the end result with only a few assurances to be made.

With proceeding yet to start, Zanders made sure to go and greet one of the City Lords who had yet to take his seating. This was not out of the ordinary as other elders with familiar ties were doing just the same.

"City Lord Fen, it has indeed been a long time. How is the City of Mist?" Zander inquired of a plump old man with a horseshoe bald pattern on his head. He was quite cheerful and seemed to be one who was well-liked.

Haha!

"Still misty my friend, still misty. With the season now changing the rains have drenched my dear city. It's so bad the sewage infrastructure has been severely overworked and my streets are now flooded with waste. I tell you my friend the resources needed are quite astronomical, my citizens will soon rise up against me if I'm not careful. Do not let my cheerful demeanor fool you. I am not quite happy."

City Lord Fen smiled but inside Zander frowned as he knew what Fen truly implied. Zander had approached this old geezer prior, Knowing how crooked Fen was he ensured to line his pockets with quite a bounty. All that was demanded in return was his vote for expulsion. Now that he saw the support Taf and May had garnered, this was his means of shaking down Zander for more stones. 

Zander then responded in his usual understanding tone, "Well, my older brother you still have your health. Many are dropping like flies around and no one seems to be safe. Thus we must be thankful for our blessings bestowed, the Gods have granted you rain, while others have sand. The heavens are just but frown upon us when we are not appreciative."

With this, the City Lord demeanor did not change one bit on the outside giving away the facade, but in his mind, he felt a chill. From Zander's words, he was a dead man if he kept playing games and Fen had no doubts this would indeed be the case. This perhaps was not his wisest moment, he has known Zander before his elder days and a more ruthless man he has never met.

Haha!

"You are indeed wise my friend, this why I always appreciate your counsel." Responded City Lord Fen. Following his reply, Zanders bowed before saying his goodbyes. As for Fen, he continued to converse with others around as his boisterous laughter could be heard throughout the hall.

Having confirmed with Fen, Zander then looked to another City Lord who had taken her seat. She was middle-aged and seemed considerably distant, differing from the previous Fen who was quite fun-loving. This time however he made no attempts to converse only exchanging smiles and with that everything was set.

Amidst the Elder growing discontent for the two, the four senior elders have already unfavorable opinions going into the case.

All that was left was for the adjudicator to put the final nails in Taf and May's coffin convincing the other six jurors of their guilt.

Unedited Version

To be continued....