Sentences and Vows

XIMUN

Ximun was excited to have that chance which would help him shut the mouth of those who were already eager to call him names. But the second he saw what was on the screen, that excitement crushed and his world felt weak. So weak that he had to look for Aysu to draw some strength from her.

He could tell that she was devastated by the turn of events as well. But she looked stronger than he felt, so he chose to look at her instead of the screen where a piece of incredulous evidence was playing.

“Alpha Ximun O’Hara,” the Judge called Ximun’s attention. “How is this evidence helping your argument?”

“It is not. This is a false, probably edited evidence.”

The Judge’s brows cocked. “Are you saying that someone toyed with the evidence?”

“It is very possible.” Beyond anyone’s sight, Ximun’s hands were pulled into fists that contained the anger he was trying very hard to keep at bay. “There are many reasons certain people would want to do this?”

“While the indirect talk is not necessary, can you prove this?”

“If my team and I are given a chance to-”

“Alpha Ximun, a great allegation that has successfully threatened your throne has been raised. If you don’t have any evidence that will show this court and the public that you are innocent in all of this, things might not go your way.”

Ximun tightened his fists. The Judge’s words were igniting anger in his soul and if he was to remain silent, he needed a way to release the fury.

“Alpha Ximun, what else do you have to show? Is there other evidence?”

“There are,” Ximun replied, his breath raging. “Hopefully they have not been doctored.”

“Let’s have them.”

The remaining videos and pictures were displayed and just as he thought, they had been tampered with. That view made Ximun’s heart rush because it became clear to him then and there that the Council Members had won. They had found a way to actually ruin him after many years of fighting him in the background.

That realisation deafened Ximun who walked out of the box and went back to his seat. He did feel Aysu’s hand on his but it was not enough to drag him out of his deep thoughts which weren’t exactly forming. It felt like there was deliberate chaos in his mind. Nothing was fully coherent.

And it remained that way even when the other side came to present their ridiculous argument which was the very thing that sealed the path of his fate that day.

After a few minutes break, the hearing resumed and the judgement was bound to be declared.

“Both sides have presented their arguments and a judgement has been reached since this matter directly affects the affairs of this pack. It also determines the trust the public bestows on us,” the Judge said into the room. “This court has reached a final judgement and it can’t be disputed.”

Ximun sucked in his breath. He wasn’t ready to hear the truth that reality was about to slap him with because it was certain that he would become an object of mockery from that moment on.

The Judge continued, “Based on the evidence presented and the nature of this situation, Alpha O’ Hara has been found guilty of high -grade repetitive murder, high deceit, misuse of power and public disturbance. This action of his has caused the loss of many lives and this cannot be overlooked. Therefore, this court hereby sentences Alpha Ximun O’Hara to eternal banishment and dethronement effective the minute tomorrow arrives.”

The few members from the public scene that were seated at the far back filled the courtrooms with murmurs. This caused the Judge to frown as he asked, “Is there a reason there is noise?”

“Yes.” A man spoke. “How come there are no witnesses to back the evidence presented by the Council? Besides, don’t you think it is weird that the video presented by the Alpha King counters his statement? Why would the Alpha King sabotage himself? It makes no sense.”

A woman spoke next. “I support that man. The situation with the Alpha King is enough reason to launch a separate investigation independent of influences from both sides. It is then that we can accept your judgement.”

“The evidence presented is clear enough, dear citizens,” answered the Judge. “I am aware that it hurts our soul that the Alpha King has been found guilty of-”

“Are you working with the Council?” The man from earlier demanded fiercely. “Did they promise you something? Are they threatening you?”

“Young man, watch your words.”

“I think my words are valid. A judge is meant to be just. If there is a fault in the systems and arguments brought to you, you don’t just support a certain group because their evidence makes more sense. Not everything is what it seems, I am sure you know that.”

“Young man,” the Judge seethed, “you are causing a scene in my court.”

“This court is not your father’s house, Your Honour. You are here because the public voted you in. If the public tells you to review your judgement, you have to review it. Sometimes what we think is right turns out to be wrong, so we shouldn’t view this matter in a one-way street kind of way.”

“Guards, please take this man away.” The Judge’s heated response was enough to tell that something was wrong somewhere.

So, Ximun, who remained quiet during that exchange, ceased holding Aysu’s hand and got to his feet.

“Judge McFam,” he started, his voice mellow, “I don’t think it will be difficult for you to retract your judgement and choose to review the situation again. I am not asking because the seat was bestowed on me, I am asking because my people wish to know the truth. And they deserve it.”

“Alpha O’Hara.” The Judge squared his shoulders. “My decision is final. You have been sentenced.”

Ximun’s brows cocked while his anger flared. “You’d rather dethrone me than search for the truth?”

“The truth was presented minutes ago, Alpha Ximun. It can’t be disputed that you are the killer.”

Ximun scoffed, his head ducked while he chose to channel his inner powers. He wished to blast the fool of a judge many metres into the ground. But, Aysu held his hand and shook her head.

‘If you react right now, your anger will be used against you.’

Ximun faced her, his chaotic mind finding a way to make sure it could hear her through their link. ‘Am I supposed to just accept this? I can’t lose this, Aysu. This is all I have known most of my life. ’

Aysu got up and at the same time, her hand enveloped his tighter, in the most assuring way he knew.

‘I know it sucks that you are about to lose this precious thing. It is terrible that a certain bunch of stupid people have chosen to call you names that are not yours, but listen to me.’ Her touch transferred to his cheek and her eyes became all he could see. ‘Just because you have lost it this once doesn’t mean it is gone forever. The throne? It will always be here for you to come back to. The palace? Still here. The people? They will still be waiting for you.’

Ximun shook his head. ‘I can’t leave it all, Aysu. Those things are really all I have known all my life. ’

‘You are not leaving them, Ximun. You won’t. But you have to survive first before fighting back. If you are unable to win this particular war in the end, take your loss with dignity and make sure that the next step you take leads you to absolute victory. But if you take a step right now, they will use it against you and make sure you never get to fight back ever again.’

‘I don’t want that.’

‘I don’t either.’

A loud bang dragged the duo out of their inner conversation. To others in the room, the nearly-dethroned King and Queen were having a weird telepathic mate moment that involved a lot of eyebrow movement, so there was an awkward silence before the Judge decided to use his gavel to put an end to that moment.

“An appeal can be sent to the court if today’s sentence is unpleasant to anyone. But my judgment stands. The Alpha King will be dethroned and banished for eternity. This is the most lenient statement compared to the grave offences committed. So, if the command is defied, death is the next step.”

Death.

Ximun scoffed when he heard that word. He glanced at the Council Members who had their faces fully turned away from him. It had become very clear to him what their true goal was. Once banished, they would kill him and probably Aysu as well.

Well, there was one thing those people didn’t know. They could try to take their lives as many times as possible, but they would never be able to.

Why?

Because their strength was nothing beside his. And because he already vowed within himself and to Aysu that he would do everything and anything to protect Aysu.

And that vow was one he would never break no matter the situation.