Mistwoven Healer

"How about this?" I ask my lineup of friends in my living room.

After telling Akari about the lawsuit, she apparently put out the word to everyone else on Team Picnic, which led to everyone ditching school to help me with the hearing. Honestly, the fact that they were all willing to come this early in the morning to help me get ready and prepare warms my heart.

So, even though Dad went to talk with my grandfather, my little apartment is absolutely filled to the brim with friends. Akari, Claire, Haruto, and Baylee all came to support the cause, with Baylee even bringing a nervous-looking Hayley — whose new name fits her amazingly.

"That's perfect!" Baylee exclaims, standing up to walk around me in a slow circle — being forced to stop and dodge several times as familiars dart around the small room.

"And you're sure I shouldn't wear a dress?" I ask, looking down uncertainly.

The outfit Baylee picked out for me isn't something I ever would have chosen for myself when going to court. The outfit is formal yet extremely professional and business-like. A pantsuit with a GDF logo emblazoned on the breast, Baylee worked extremely quickly to help get it made up for me.

"Definitely not," Baylee says, still scrutinizing. "The lawsuit is essentially trying to force you into a transfer to a different GDF branch on the grounds of mistreatment. If you wear a dress and look scared, there's a strong possibility that people will see you as a victim. To stay here, you don't want that. You need to be seen as a powerful, self-confident sentinel who was pulled away from her work for the hearing."

"Because the lawsuit is centering around you," Baylee continues, "your words and appearance will have a lot of sway. If you're seen as a victim, they will try to protect you by pulling you away. But if you're seen as strong, it's far more likely to go well. Really, it's a shame you can't just go in your assault state. That would have been excellent."

I nod, understanding. Honestly, by now, I probably could manage my assault state for a little while, but I trust in Baylee's ability to pick out an outfit, and I really need to stop hurting myself with my magic.

"Don't worry," Akari says, standing and moving to my side. "You look amazing, and I'm sure everything will go great."

I smile up at her, enjoying seeing her so confident. She's come so incredibly far, and I couldn't be prouder. Honestly, I still stand by what I told her earlier; I need her far more than she ever needed me.

"Thanks," I say, wrapping her in a quick hug before turning to face the others. "How about the rest of you? Any advice?"

"Like Baylee said," Haruto starts from beside Claire on the couch. "Go in strong and hard, be confident, and don't let them shake you."

From my other side, Baylee speaks up again. "They are going to try to confuse you. Lead you on tangents and get you to agree to things only to use them against you. Don't let them. The lawyer your grandfather hired is supposed to be really good, so do your best not to let yourself be led and to speak your mind. I'm not going to lie; this will be the hardest part."

Taking a deep, nervous breath, I nod once more. "Got it, I'll do my best."

I sit alone in the bustling courtroom within GDF Headquarters. Apparently, as this is a military trial, the hearing will be held here rather than in one of the Shinara Court Houses. To either side, the two primary lawyers that will be handling the case sit stoically, alternatively waiting for the hearing to start and checking documents set out before them.

Behind the Plaintiff's lawyer, my father and grandfather sit, Dad casting me nervous and uncertain glances. However, whenever he sees me looking, he offers me a smile. It's hard not to be angry at him for supporting this ridiculous case, but I suppose I can understand. He's just scared of losing me.

I sit at the front of the gallery, alone save for my team members and friends sitting in the row behind me. I positioned myself behind the Defense lawyer, a man I don't recognize but seemed friendly enough toward me when I briefly spoke to him on the way in.

There's no jury, despite all of my knowledge from courtroom dramas saying that there should be. Ultimately, this decision will be made by the Tribunal Judge, a gray-haired woman whose arrival was the main thing this trial was waiting on to get started — the preliminary hearing previously not having been too important as the judge was yet to arrive.

Despite the lack of a jury, though, the gallery is absolutely filled with people in GDF uniforms — several of whom have youthful features that indicate that they're actually sentinels. In fact, I'd be willing to bet that nearly a third of the people present are sentinels — including Audrey and Kayne sitting together in the back.

At the front of the room, Judge Carter holds court over the proceedings. She's a woman from the GDF's International Oversight Committee and will be the primary one making the decision on whether I should be transferred. In essence, she needs to decide whether the Shinara branch's treatment of me should be counted as mistreatment warranting a transfer or simply the actions of a desperate military force on the losing end of a war.

Ultimately, though, there are also a ton of internal politics behind the scenes. From my talks with Kiley last night and this morning, I know that there are a bunch of interbranch politics happening within the GDF around both my trial and others of a similar nature.

To put things simply, this has become part of an attempt to poach sentinels from struggling nations and place them in nations that are already strong. Branches that are strong and have a lot of political sway are pushing that sentinels shouldn't be mistreated, even in the direst of circumstances. This puts smaller countries in an awkward position. They have no choice but to push their sentinels beyond normal limits in order to survive, but the very act of doing this keeps getting pounced on by the larger countries.

Apparently, my trial, and those of a few others, are going to set an example of how the GDF internationally will allocate resources. There is a strong argument for nailing down several large, powerful countries that can hold out against the volcora in the long term and can even send aid to places on the brink. For example, if the GDF pulled all sentinels away from weaker areas like Japan, Africa, most of Europe, and South America, which are borderline Volcora controlled already, they could create strike forces that will aid areas like Australia in order to secure that land mass and eventually try to retake Volcora controlled territory.

In doing this, though, they would essentially doom the home countries of all the sentinels that they poached — causing mass death to an almost unheard-of degree. If my trial goes the way of me getting sent to America, then the same process would quickly be replicated for each of my team members and likely many other Japanese sentinels.

Thus, while the actual trial that takes place today will be about whether I was mistreated by the Shinara GDF branch, the final decision will actually be about whether to let smaller countries keep their sentinels and try to resist or whether to just cut losses and consolidate power in order to potentially win much larger victories down the road.

It's for this reason that the room is filled with dozens of people wearing GDF uniforms and watching the proceedings with a stern eye. In addition to them, dozens of people with youthful features and various modes of dress are dotted around — sentinels, having come to see how this will go.

I'm broken from my thoughts by the sound of a gavel, and my stomach twists with nerves. While to my father and grandfather, this trial is personal, to me and many others, this could set a precedent that dooms all of Japan.

"This hearing is now in session!" Judge Carter calls when the room falls silent. "Today, we'll be addressing case number 4,801, the matter of Solace vs. the Global Defense Force, Shinara Branch."

Everyone in the room watches the judge with intensity as she continues. "The Plaintiff in this trial will be represented by Councilor Brooks, and the Defense will be represented by Councilor Nakamura. Councilor Brooks, can you please begin with your opening statements?"

The Plaintiff's lawyer, a tall, dark-haired American man, stands with confidence. Straightening his tie, he strides up to stand at a lectern positioned in the center of the room. "Of course, Your Honor," Councilor Brooks says, offering the judge a deep bow.

"We are here today to discuss the mistreatment by the Shinara GDF branch toward the young Sentinel Serena Solace. Throughout just the last few weeks, Miss Solace has been recklessly endangered without sufficient training or safeguards put into place. She has come close to death several times, and her treatment is a gross violation of GDF mandates on the treatment of underaged sentinels," the man says, his voice clear and smooth.

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I swallow, listening to him, knowing that he actually has a really good case to make. It's the simple reality that what he's saying is actually true and closely mimics things my team members and I have said on several occasions.

"Your Honor," Councilor Brooks continues, "Miss Solace has repeatably been placed in situations where she has been required to risk her life without the option of saying no. She is not able to leave this GDF branch, nor is she able to deny the missions they assign her. Today, I will show you multiple infractions against Miss Solace and prove, without any room for doubt, that the mistreatment that has happened here warrants an immediate transfer to a branch where this young sentinel can be safe."

"Thank you, Councilor Brooks," Judge Carter says, narrowing her eyes in thought from his opening statement. "Councilor Nakamura, please begin."

I mentally wish the Japanese man luck as he stands and takes Councilor Brooks's place at the lectern and also bows to the judge.

"Your Honor," Nakamura says, "I will agree that young Miss Solace has indeed faced many troubling circumstances since becoming a sentinel. However, I will argue that these circumstances are being faced by all sentinels across the world. We are in a state of unprecedented emergency, and the contributions of Miss Solace and her team are not to be overlooked."

I nod along with Nakamura's words. Honestly, nothing that's been said so far is out of the expected. Both lawyers are playing out their arguments well; I can only hope that Nakamura will be successful with his efforts.

"While the Plaintiff has noted that Miss Solace did not have the ability to reject the assignments she was given," Nakamura continues, "I will also note that she made no major attempt at an objection. Through both her words and her actions, Miss Solace has supported the GDF and its cause."

"Thank you, Councilor Nakamura," Judge Carter says. "Now, let's proceed with the presentation of evidence. Councilor Brooks, I'm assuming you have records to back up your claim?"

Councilor Brooks nods as Councilor Nakamura moves to retake his seat. "I do, Your Honor," Brooks says, standing.

And he was not lying. Over nearly the next hour, Councilor Brooks goes over document after document. Mission reports with notes from various high-ranking people in the GDF stating each of the missions to be high risk. Medical reports from the times I was injured with notes from Calan on how close I came to death. In addition to this, Brooks brings up several testimonies from psychologists, military experts, and various doctors agreeing that my treatment was inhumane and far too dangerous for a girl of only seventeen.

In opposition to this, Councilor Nakamura really only has the same arguments he was making in his opening statement. While he clearly shows the desperate situation that Shinara is in, I can't help but feel like his argument is falling flat when put beside the parade of evidence and testimonies brought forth by Councilor Brooks.

The nail in the coffin, however, comes when Councilor Brooks briefly calls my father to the stand.

"Serena is a kind, sweet, loving soul," Dad says from the witness stand, responding to one of Brooks's questions but looking straight at me. "She cares deeply for people and for making sure her community and loved ones are safe. These are the reasons, I think, that make her such an amazing sentinel."

"But?" Brooks asks leadingly.

Dad sighs and shoots me a sympathetic look before continuing. "But she has a tendency to be self-sacrificing, a tendency that has been abused in the past and is currently being abused again. My daughter is currently being forced into a position where she has been required to kill and has nearly been killed herself. She has been hurt, neglected, and forced into mission after mission without any semblance of proper military training. While I do agree that training is coming, right now, I don't agree that it's enough."

For a moment, Dad pauses; he looks sad but eventually presses on. "All of this is happening while Serena is being led along by General Novak, telling her that saving Shinara could come down to her and her team, which is completely and utterly false. It's pure manipulation, and it has to stop."

"Listen," Dad says, now looking up at Judge Carter. "All I'm trying to do is protect my little girl. I want her to be put in a place where she can be safe to learn and grow as a sentinel without putting her life at risk again and again. Sentinel deaths used to be extremely rare occurrences years ago, and they still are in many places across the world. I understand the needs of Japan, but I am looking out for the needs of my daughter."

I have to admit, his words tear my heart out to hear. I know he thinks that this is for the best, and… well, doubt still swirls within me about whether he's right. I have been hurt, and I have almost died. Maybe he is actually correct.

Councilor Nakamura, of course, also gets his own chance to cross-examine my father. However, this doesn't prove very fruitful. It's clear that my dad was prepared as he stands by his statements. According to him, the danger to Shinara simply does not need to constitute the danger to me as an individual. Even when asked if he would still stand by that decision if Shinara hypothetically fell due to my absence, he simply stated that the actions of one extra sentinel would never be the tipping point that would save the city.

Once again, nothing here is unexpected, but it is still worrying. Frankly, Councilor Brooks just has a lot more to work with. If there were a jury for this trial, I'm certain that they would be on his side, regardless of how I dress or what I say. And, speaking of which, it's my turn to be called to the stand.

I feel like I'm sweating bullets as I move to the witness stand, sitting and looking down upon the two lawyers and the many sentinels watching from below. I know I need to be strong here — confident. Yet, I desperately wish it could be Baylee or Akari up here speaking for me. Public speaking isn't my strong suit to begin with, and I somehow need to convince Judge Carter that I should be allowed to stay in Shinara.

"Councilor Brooks, you may examine the witness first," Judge Carter says, turning to her side to look at me with interest. From the gleam of her eyes, I know that what I say during my two examinations will be what either makes or breaks this case. Well, it might be unwinnable already, but if I mess up here… it could lead to disaster.

Brooks nods, standing and moving to the lectern, where he gives me a gentle smile. "I'm sorry for the necessity of this, Serena. Do you mind if I call you Serena?"

I bite my lip, meeting his icy blue eyes. "No… I don't mind," I manage nervously, unsure of where he's going with this.

Once again, Brooks gives me a sympathetic smile. "No need to be worried; we'll be finished with this soon. It won't be as bad as you think, I promise."

I shiver, still trying to understand what he's doing. Yet… the way he's speaking, it's like he's already trying to undermine me. He's putting himself in a position of power and me in the position of a child being spoken to by an adult.

Mentally, I curse myself. I never should have agreed to let him use my first name. However, I still have a chance to change this; I need to lead the conversation differently, take charge, and be confident.

"I wasn't expecting this to be bad, Councilor," I say, trying to force confidence into my voice. "I'm just here to get this cleared up so I can continue with my duties."

"Of course, let's get this sorted out so you can start acting as a sentinel of your age should," Brooks says. "Now, from what I've already laid out at this hearing, you are certainly an incredibly talented sentinel. Only seventeen and already D Rank, not to mention a history of having saved dozens, if not hundreds, of lives by your actions in your first incursion zone and in Shirakaze. Would you agree with that?"

I frown, he's… complimenting me? Why? What does he have to gain by listing out the good things about what I've accomplished?

"Y-Yes… I would agree with that," I say hesitantly. I feel like I'm falling for a trap, but I can't see how.

"And the missions in which you saved these lives. How many times would you say you were forced beyond your capabilities while doing your duty?" Brooks asks.

I wince. Right, here we go with the hard stuff. I need to do my best to play into Nakamura's narrative here and with my response to all of these questions.

"I was forced beyond my limits many times on each of my missions," I say, trying to keep my voice even. "Yet, in these desperate times, it's every sentinel's duty to go above and beyond to keep the public safe."

There, that wasn't too bad, was it? I can't lie during this examination; I was sworn not to while coming up here. However, I can try to spin things in my favor.

"I understand," Brooks says, tone still sympathetic. "And yet, you came extremely close to death on not one but both of your official missions for the GDF. We saw the medical reports, of course, and your mentor put in her combat report that she arrived just in time to save your team from wiping in Shirakaze. Would you say that's accurate?"

I grit my teeth; no matter how well I answer these questions, I will be forced to agree with what he's saying. There is no conjecture behind any of these facts; there is hard evidence proving everything he's saying.

"I managed," I say simply, attempting to evade the question as best I can.

Still, Brooks is relentless. "Let me rephrase the question, then. Would you say that the Shinara GDF branch adequately trained you to face volcora in live combat before your first mission?"

I let out a harsh breath; I feel like I'm being cornered. Brooks obviously planned this line of questioning out far in advance, and I'm not sure how I could ever respond adequately.

"I…" I start hesitantly, "I'm sure they did all they could."

Bad… that was really bad! Pull yourself together, Serena! Strong and confident, that's what Baylee said!

And yet, I can't stop from hugging myself as the next question comes.

"Serena," Brooks says, stepping forward and extending his hands outward in a welcoming gesture. "Would you agree with me when I say that it wasn't your choice to face the volcora that day of your first mission?"

I shudder again, memories burning through me. I remember Audrey telling me that we would have to go fight and doing what she could to teach and prepare me in just a few hours. I remember being freezing, soaked by the rain, and being practically dragged along by Lucas, the kind GDF Soldier, as my head felt as if it was being torn in two. I remember bodies lying on rain-soaked asphalt, blood mixing with water on the street. And finally, I remember lying, bleeding on the payment with a piece of rebar through my stomach, certain that I'd never get to see my father again.

Tears prick at my eyes as I try to come up with a way to answer. Ultimately, I just utter a single, quiet "Yes."

A moment later, realization burns through me, and my eyes widen. "W-Wait," I start, wiping my eyes, "That's not what I meant. I wanted to help people, I just…" I trail off, unable to find the right words.

"You just weren't ready yet," Brooks says, his tone still sympathetic as ever. "It's all right, Serena. You were a teenage girl with no training and no combat experience. They forced you into a situation that nearly got you killed, and they are going to do it again and again until you stop getting lucky."

"N-No!" I exclaim, trying to stop this, "I want to help people; I want to save my home!"

"But you know that your home can't really be saved by the actions of one sentinel, don't you? We agreed that you are incredibly talented, but one soldier can't win a war by herself, no matter how talented," Brooks says, pounding another nail into my coffin.

Trembling, I realize that this isn't an argument I can win. Brooks is too talented, and he's hitting too close to home. I… I've ruined it. I wanted to come up here and fight for myself to stay. And yet… all I've done is prove my father's point.

I look away from Brooks, tears still in my eyes as I refuse to answer. He will only twist things further if I continue playing into his narrative.

After a few more moments of silence from me, Brooks nods. "I'm so sorry for bringing up such painful topics, Serena. We can be done now."

Brooks turns away and starts striding back to his seat, "No further questions, Your Honor."