"Magic is like a song. It's woven into everything. Waiting."~ Sona, Maven of the Strings
Announcement: Chapters will resume from the 24th. I have exams and the subjects are quite difficult. So I'll take some time off to focus on that. Thanks for the understanding.
I will surely not leave you on a cliffhanger. Surely.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Prisoner!" A guard hit the bars. "It is time for your trial."
Gregori raised his head. "That was surprisingly quick."
"Do not speak." The guard spoke as he took a step back. Three more guards walked into view as they opened up the cell and walked in.
"Stay down." The guard barked as Gregori moved to stand up as the chains on his legs were removed.
Gregori looked at the man, "I am in here because I decided to be here. You hold no power over me and trust me I have no interest in making things difficult for you. The sooner we are done with this farce the faster I leave this kingdom."
The guard looked unconvinced. "You might be a spy..."
"What spy would go out of his way to save your lives?" Gregori looked at the man like he was stupid.
"Your hands will still be shackled." One of the guards.
Gregori shrugged as he brought his arms forth.
CRACK
CRAAACK
Bones cracked as Gregori stretched. His shoulders were stiff from staying in that position for so long and his neck hurt from hanging like that. Minor inconveniences that had started to pile up had gotten to him. For all purposes, Gregori was angry.
The feeling of weakness from his shackles still remained.
He had started to realize the effects of Petriciteon his body. It was as if someone had put a nozzle over his magic output severely limiting its flow. He wasn't losing it like he had expected. A small amount was lost over time yes.... but it was basically stopping him from using magic.
Magic could still be used but it promoted fine control. Extremely fine control. The kind one couldn't even fathom without being consistently limited.
It was like the old days where his magic was not as developed as it was now. The time in captivity had given him much needed time for reflection. The old tactics he had used with his pitiful magic were still viable. They could still be used to get enemies off guard.
"Follow me." The guard ordered as he led Gregori through the prison. The other three guards formed a close rank around him, their weapons at the ready.
Gregori followed them without word.
He was walked all the way to Grand Plaza and through the gates into the palace gardens.
His delivery into the palace was almost made out to be something like a show. The walk was meant to be humiliating. People stared at him, gossiping about what crime he could have possibly committed that had gotten him this kind of escort. Gossip was rampant as he walked through the streets in chains, even children stopped to watch.
But Gregori did not care.
He had long lost interest in these kinds of things.
However, he had a smile on his face. These actions.... the result of these actions would be devastating for the nobles. His identity would be revealed soon enough and whatever actions they were planning on taking would fail.
As he walked through the gardens he noticed one particular statue. Hidden away amongst the countless others was one peculiar statue of a woman. Her head covered by a veil.
The statue of the Veiled Lady.
There were quite of few of these littered around Demacia but after having met the half-Aspect herself..... these had a new meaning to them.
Silent protector of Demacia.
A truly thankless job. He did not envy her one bit.
The guards led him into the palace but Gregori noticed the looks of absolute fear on the palace guards. The same two who had witnessed him transform. Their arms shook violently as he walked past.
Every corridor in the walk to the courtroom were fully covered in guards.... all with their hands at their weapons all showing fear.
Gregori was surprised. He hadn't expected the story of his transformation to have scared these lot this much.
"THE PRISONER HAS BEEN BROUGHT!" The lead guard announced as Gregori was brought in.
Every kind of noble sat there. Even those who were relatively farther away from Demacia. Most of them looked anxious as he walked in.
Gregori smiled at his children, who stood next to Eileen, a little distance away from the steps to the throne. No one else stood near them.
He looked at Jarvan IV, fully embodying the look of a king. He met his gaze in full seriousness.
Gregori walked forward and stood straight.
WHACK
A hit from the guard behind him made one of his legs stumble. He turned and gave the guard an ice cold look. One that promised death if he repeated those actions. The guard stumbled back.
"Kneel!" Another guard ordered.
Gregori calmly spoke, "No... I am here on trial for helping protect your kingdom. This deserves no respect." His back straight, his eyes focused Gregori would not move.
The nobles erupted in outrage.
"STOP!" Jarvan's voiced echoed. "It is fine."
"Your Highness-" Someone spoke.
"No." Jarvan cut in, his voice laced with finality. "We shall proceed like this."
Gregori nodded and looked at the man.
"We are gathered here to witness as well as pass judgment to Gregori Hastur who had come to Demacia as a messenger." Xin Zhao announced. "Before we start does anyone have anything to say?"
Silence.
"Yes." A clear voice spoke.
Heads turned to spot Lady Fortis. She stepped forward. "House Fortis supports this man completely."
Some of the nobles began to speak in hushed tones.
Gregori raised his eyebrows in surprise. She was quite brave. Taking the opportunity, he asked, "Is your son doing better?"
She nodded. "Thank you. He is recuperating well."
A smile sprouted on Gregori's face and he let out a small chuckle. His actions had one positive outcome at least.
"Your vote is considered Lady Fortis." Xin Zhao began, "Now.... we discuss the crimes that Gregori is accused of." He turned to Gregori and continued. "He has been accused of being a spy. He has been accused of destroying a part of Demacia. He has been accused of killing one hundred and twenty three guards."
Gregori looked dumbfounded. He hadn't killed any guards. His face clearly showed his confusion as Xin Zhao explained, "Your weapon went out of control killing the guards."
Gregori frowned, "My weapon went out of control?" He put the pieces together, these fools had touched Caalyx. Not Joraal. That would have had bigger consequences. "One of you morons picked it up didn't you? After all those warnings you still decide to think you are above rules." He sighed.
"YOUR WEAPON KILLED MY SON!" An angry noble yelled. He was an older man. Gregori looked at the crest on his shoulder. Zircon.
"He was warned." Gregori countered. He looked toward everyone, "You all were warned but you chose to think that you knew better."
"You could have done something to make sure it wouldn't be touched." Jarvan spoke.
Gregori chuckled at that idealistic thought, "The harder you try to stop something like this from happening the worse the end result would be. It is like a child discovering fire. Despite every warning to not touch the flame, they will, against all odds, find a way to burn themselves. You all are the same. Children who have discovered fire."
No one spoke.
"Now I do believe I should be absolved of that pitiful accusation. I cannot possibly be held responsible for the independent actions of idiots." Gregori finished.
"YOU!" The old Zircon yelled.
"SILENCE!" Jarvan ordered. He looked at Gregori in contemplation before nodding, "Fine. This accusation will be dropped."
Voices opposing that decision erupted from the nobles.
Jarvan raised his hand before slamming the flat of his palm onto the throne. The voices stopped. "You all were warned of the dangers of the weapon. Warned multiple times. What makes you think Gregori should be blamed despite all of this?"
They couldn't reply to that.
Jarvan turned to Gregori, "Though the one that needs explanation is your transformation into a monster."
Gregori nodded. "In my travels through the world, I chanced upon my spear and shield. Both living weapons who were cursed. From that point on I began to collect and seal other weapons in a similar state. It is my duty to do so and my spear assists me in doing so. Transforming is the only way to even try to beat the other weapons. The Fortis household was given one such weapon to protect and they had done so for generations but somehow the weapon found itself a host. I stepped forth to beat it. It is my burden to do so."
No one spoke for a moment, then the voices rose. All questioning his duty.
Gregori paid them no mind his eyes firmly focused on Jarvan's.
"Did you transform to destroy Demacia?" Jarvan asked. This time as he asked, the blue haired woman stepped forward and placed her hand on his shoulder.
Gregori shook his head, ""After my transformation I took the other weapon away into the forests to make sure no other lives were lost."
The woman nodded.
Jarvan leaned back in his throne and nodded. "Then you are absolved of this accusation as well."
The nobles couldn't find themselves any chance to interject. They wanted this man to remain in prison but at this rate he would be free.
"Your highness I think we should move onto the biggest accusation." Alain Spiritmight spoke as he stepped forth. His presence commanded the attention of the crowd. His charisma gathering allies right this instant. "What about his being a spy?"
He turned to Gregori, "Mister Hastur. You have clearly stated your connection to Noxus and your presence here right as our kingdom is rebuilding is clearly grounds for suspicion."
"Suspicion yes. But conviction? No." Gregori shot back.
Alain wagged a finger, "Well.... your accusation of Captain Jaredan being a spy is the true action of a spy." He looked at everyone. "Captain Jaredan had risen from nothing to his position. A true pillar of Demacian integrity and standard. It would be completely possible for Noxus to eliminate such an asset to our community... our ranks."
Alain turned back to Gregori, "This alone is grounds for your execution."
Gregori shrugged, "I hate Noxus more than you could ever imagine. My presence in Noxus was locked to the battle against the barbarians in the north. Though the true thing you need to worry about is Jaredan recognizing my name." Gregori sighed, "I've told this before.... my name was feared for the number of Noxians I have killed. Jaredan recognized it. The only way you would recognize it is if you were higher up in the military ranks."
"Okay.... even if we ignore that..." Alain smirked. "You have claimed to have lived in Demacia... so why doesn't anyone know of you?"
"That is quite the flimsy argument." Gregori commented. "But I lived under a different name in Demacia. Gregori was the name I took in my early twenties and Hastur was the title I gained." He stretched a little as his shoulders were going stiff again.
"You yourself know that is also a flimsy excus-" Alain retorted.
But he was cut of by Pieter, "I would like to interrupt here."
Everyone turned to the man. He smiled as he stepped forth. Tianna and Garen stood behind him but seemed unsure of what he was about to do.
"I apologize Alain but I need to clarify something before you continue." Pieter spoke with a soft smile.
Alain nodded begrudgingly and took a step back.
Pieter turned to Gregori. "Have you only come here to deliver the message?"
Gregori shook his head, "I came here to pick up the cursed weapon alongside delivering the message. I also wanted to show this kingdom to my children."
The blue haired lady nodded.
"Children huh?" Pieter spoke. "Time has truly taken a toll on you Gregori."
Alain's smile dropped, Pieter recognized him. That meant that his entire set up had fallen through.
Tianna and Garen frowned. Did Pieter really know this man?
Gregori chuckled, Pieter had recognized him, "It has taken a toll on you two Pieter. You have children of your own, one old enough to inherit your position."
Pieter chuckled.
"My condolences for your brother." Gregori sighed.
Pieter smiled sadly, "He had an honorable death."
Gregori nodded.
Pieter turned to the king, "That is all your highness." He raised his voice, "The Crownguard family fully supports Gregori Hastur."
Jarvan looked taken aback, "I suppose you were acquainted with Gregori beforehand Lord Crownguard?"
Pieter nodded. "A long time ago."
He looked at Gregori, "You said that you were under a different name.... What was it?" Jarvan asked the question on everyone's minds.
Gregori smiled.
"Titan Spiritmight."