Relationship Status: It's Complicated

A Lot For the Littles

(Art by SerinityAInferno Art)

Naki accepted Sega's comforting hand which squeezed him at his side while Saalah gently rubbed the small of his back. The room was packed with delegates, representatives, law teams, and Media. Five very prominent families stood at the forefront of the Courtroom, the media in a massive buzz.

Naki had hoped the proceedings would be small but with the lies Luxiem had spread, too many different stories and renditions of events were going around. This judge was a member of the Cloud Clan as well and there was already enough gossip about each side paying off the authorities as it was. 

He tried not to but Naki's eyes peeked around Saalah and Bai Yusheng, looking at Luxiem sitting smugly at his desk. He even sported a head bandage. What an ass. He would have healed almost instantly after regaining consciousness. Another of his lies.

"I'm sorry Your Honor, could you rephrase the question? My client is having a hard time grasping it. His head injury from the elder Sha son throwing him out of the second story window is still making him groggy."

Sega stiffened, the absolute nerve of Luxiem's lawyer. As the man who was tackled off the crumbling balcony like a rag doll, he was the most offended by the lie.

Aiden's body nestled closer to Sega, the subtle press of their shoulders was Aiden's way of calming him. Sega only looked over and nodded, indicating that he was fine.

"I asked if your client could please explain why he is insinuating that Naki Cloud is under the influence of the Sha and Inferno Clan? Luxiem of the Cloud, you stated when you were in a relationship with Naki, that he seemed to be showing odd behaviors and acting as if he was fearful of his safety. You noted in your session that Naki's fellow students, Sega Sha, Aiden Mountain, Salaah Inferno, and Bai Yusheng, were in constant contact with him, so much so that it seemed compulsive."

The judges' bright eyes traveled to the group standing together. "From what I am seeing, Naki doesn't appear to exude any need of help or any type of negative emotions from his friends. Not only this, his father and Clan Leader, Leodonnis Cloud, is the leading source for Lie Detecting and Investigative measures when we cannot figure out high profile cases. With his, and your own Clan Leader's skills at thought and memory projection, this court is finding it hard to believe that it would not be known if Naki was under their influence."

"Your Honor, Naki has spent months with these people. With my private investigation findings, it is now known that he is even spending the nights with each of them every week. He does not even sleep in his own home often. They have had endless days to brainwash him. So much so that he is unaware of their intentions because they have made him believe that there are no ill intentions. Take Bai Yusheng. He-"

"They." Leodonnis corrected with a growl, not afraid of gaining a warning from the judge. Having a child who identified as gender-fluid, Leo did not tolerate the blatant disrespect.

"They are the disciple of one of the leading Temples that is renowned for their mediation and conflict resolution. Having already gained an Immortal status at this age, you know their mind is cunning enough to be able to manipulate the poor thing, and even have the others flock to them like sheep. Why would such prominent heirs all flock to one...person, like this. It has given me great concern. I do believe there's some sort of intention to cause a coup of power."

Naki bit his lip, his hands clenching as he processed Luxiem's words. "He's been watching me," Naki whispered, his body shaking slightly. "But h-how...he's been under surveillance right?"

Leo turned his head as he sat in front of them with the family's lawyers, "It's okay Naki. Don't worry about him. He knows how to rattle you. You know I won't let him near you ever again."