Pokémon Bloodstone | An Orre Fanfiction

Chapter 89: The Grand Master's Trial

ONBS regained internet access in time for a live broadcast of Ardos, handcuffed in escape risk uniform, being led into the Supreme Court in Phenac City. Barriers went up to control the crowds. Chastity was amongst the placard-waving protesters yelling at Alfie that he was the real villain. His carefully composed smile convinced the demonstrators he was guilty.

'He's not schizophrenic!' Chastity shouted when a journalist asked why she was protesting, 'Two different psychiatrists – in Alola, not Orre – said there was nothing wrong with him! It's a lie! And his lies took my kids away! He killed his own daughter!'

It was for the best that Rustie didn't see that. The TV at the house still wasn't working. Because of the nature of the case, the International Police tested Chalcedony to ensure she was indeed Fire Agate. It didn't convince the conspiracy theorists. They insisted the authorities were 'in' with Alfie and that was exactly why Ardos attempted to otherthrow the government.

Ardos ignored or glowered at their support, because nothing mattered if he was going to Gatas, but they remained convinced he was a hero. In his warped mind, he thought he was a hero, too; even if he was only the hero of his own story, because he genuinely believed Cipher trumped everything else in importance.

The same lawyer who defended Gretchen, Flitz Bauer, defended Ardos. He encouraged his client to denounce Cipher for a lighter sentence. Ardos snapped at him, as he snapped at his enemies, that Cipher would live forever. He refused to even try to show remorse. The only thing he admitted he did wrong was trusting treacherous Cipher members.

Weeks before the trial, Flitz called the Galarian lawyer who defended Ardos the first time he was jailed. He was slightly more cooperative then. Faking remorse was worth the humiliation if it allowed him to return to Cipher one day. At 69, he knew he would only leave jail – let alone lead Cipher again – by breaking free. There was no point in pretending he was in the wrong when he firmly believed he was not.

Even if he was a hero in his mind precisely because he was a villain, he didn't need a crowd of suck-ups calling him one; especially if they believed that because of optimistic conspiracy theories, rather than believing in Cipher's actual mission. He preferred to be considered a villain. His only request to Flitz was to 'dispose of' the protesters. He couldn't, so Ardos concluded he was a waste of time and space and refused to engage.

'Why do you want to take over the world?' Flitz tried, 'Because of your dad?'

'I do not expect you to understand.'

'So yeah. It's because of your dad. You grew up watching him pour all his love and resources into Cipher. Then your mom left because of that same–'

The prison guard scrambled to restrain Ardos before he lunged.

'Do not speak about my mother!'

Flitz wasn't afraid of any client. He always asked for handcuffs and other restraints to be removed. The guards ignored his protests. Ardos was handcuffed and bound to his chair.

'I couldn't care less for your attempts to vindicate me. Go home. Or find a criminal who cares for their reputation.'

'But Mr. Luvaro, if there are reasons–'

'If the law, as it stands, considers my actions worthy of life imprisonment, so be it. And if I am remembered as an unforgivable villain, my memory will inspire those who believe in Cipher's true mission – which I refuse to dilute for a self-serving lawyer – to continue my work. One day, Cipher's Orre will exonerate me.'

Even Gretchen was less stubborn than Ardos. Flitz knew she was a psychopath with no conscience whatsoever, but she was initially prepared to express remorse if it meant less jail time. It was only when she realised that, like Ardos, she would never get out that she showed her true, callous colours and refused to engage with Flitz. He almost shuddered when Ardos smiled.

'Go home, Bauer. If you truly believe in a world where my actions should be sugarcoated, enjoy it while you can. Cipher will live forever. One day, we will succeed.'

Flitz kept trying, hoping more time in a police station cell might change his client's mind, but he was banging his head into a wall. As he prepared to defend Ardos at the trial, he did as his client asked. He didn't sugarcoat or deny his crimes. His defence was that Ardos was the most honest criminal he'd ever represented.

No-one read their victim impact statements to the court. They submitted them for the judge and jury to consider behind closed doors. Ardos would only look bored. He was already going to Gatas. There was no reason to give him the satisfaction of their pain and vulnerability. He pleaded guilty to every charge.

'You, Ardos Gerald Luvaro,' the judge concluded, 'Are found guilty of all charges. The evidence of your lifetime of evil is overwhelming and this is a fact you are proud of. The pain and torment caused by your obsession with Cipher and world domination means nothing whatsoever to you. You show no interest in changing or even defending yourself, because you believe that evil is exactly what you should be. You are a danger to the people and Pokémon of Orre and will continue to be for as long as you live.'

'Indeed I am, if this is what you believe Orre should be.'

'For one count of treason, attempting to overthrow the Orrean government, charge 1; you are sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. For the murders of Jude Mesquite and Greevil Luvaro, charges 2–3, you are sentenced to life without parole.'

Jovi expected to feel relieved, or like justice had been served, but she did not. It wouldn't bring her dad back.

'For the manslaughter of Derid Blake, Argel Meyer and Mino Nunez, charges 4–6...'

They were three drivers killed when Ardos blew up his own van to escape police. He was still disappointed he lost his 'C1PH3R' plates.

'You are sentenced to life without parole. For the attempted murder and kidnap of Magenta Hexagon, charges 7 and 66, you are sentenced to life imprisonment. For intent to kill Michael Mesquite, charge 8, you are sentenced to 10 years in jail. For 11 counts of threats to kill, charges 9–20, you are sentenced to life imprisonment. For at least one threat of serious injury, charge 21, you are sentenced to three years in jail. For 30 or more counts of Pokémon abuse and neglect, charges 22–52, you are sentenced to life imprisonment. For 12 counts of Pokémon abuse resulting in death, charges 53–65, you are sentenced to life imprisonment. For abuse of a vulnerable adult, charge 67, you are sentenced to 10 years in jail.'

That didn't make Alfie feel any better about his own situation, either, but at least Ardos could never again abuse a vulnerable person.

'For at least two counts of blackmail, charges 68–69, you are sentenced to 15 years in jail. For three or more counts of stalking, charges 70–72, you are once again sentenced to 15 years in jail. For at least one count of property damage, charge 73, you are sentenced to six months in jail and ordered to pay P1.5 million to Alfie Addison. For one count of prison break, charge 74, you are sentenced to 15 years in jail.'

Ardos' expression never changed. It was a sour scowl, but it never changed.

'For your history of avoiding arrest, charge 75, you are sentenced to 10 years in jail. For three counts of arson with intent to endanger life, charges 76–78, you are sentenced to life imprisonment. For 103 counts of forgery involving deceased people, charges 79–182, you are sentenced to life imprisonment. For at least 38 counts of unauthorised access of restricted data, charges 183–221, you are sentenced to 10 years in prison. For 12 or more counts of unauthorised impairment of electronic communication, charges 222–234, which includes destruction of satellites; you are sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.'

Cameras flashed. Flitz looked utterly defeated.

'For at least 26 counts of fraud, charges 235–261, you are sentenced to life imprisonment. For 106 counts of identity fraud, charges 262–368, you are sentenced to life imprisonment and ordered to pay P500,000 each to Alfie Addison, Verzant Robel and Ramiro Robinson. For 11 or more counts of conduct endangering life, charges 369–380, you are sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. Finally, there are no charges one can name for world domination, as seriously attempting it is so rare. So, for three international war crimes, charges 381–384, you are sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.'

The judge picked up her gavel. The echo as it struck its block seemed to last forever.

'The jury and witnesses are thanked and excused. Court is adjourned.'