Onion Knight and Terra Branford stood in silence as they watched their next objective step up to the table. Both were unbelievably tense, Terra's heart racing whilst Onion Knight stood firmly as a statue as he examined the recognisable male approaching them.

  Squall Leonhart, emotionless and set to challenge whomever inconvenienced him, refused to divert his attention as he understood the purpose of the poorly-timed meeting with his two classmates.

  As though they were in sync, the three sat at their designated table in complete silence.

  It was a question of who would initiate the conversation along with the conversation's subject matter. Both Onion Knight and Terra had one topic fresh in their mind, yet was anxious to kick off the conversation considering Squall's condescending demeanour. On the other hand, Squall glared at them blankly, his patience already diminishing.

  The three classmates were situated in a café, surrounded by a variety of spectators. Students, families, social groups, locals, and visitors who entered the café all wondered what occurred at the centre table. Even the employees of the café were wary of the situation, nervous to approach the table to ask for their orders yet unable to keep away. News and rumours spread fast across the city regarding Dissidia Academy's intense battle for the truth. The fact that they would soon watch the progression of the court case before their eyes excited them beyond belief. On the other hand, some café regulars wanted nothing more than to avoid the unwarranted tension and sit in peace.

  "You could've picked a less crowded area…" Squall murmured in his typical unamused expression, conscious of the eyes surrounding them. "You know what they say about 'personal space', right?"

  Onion Knight shrugged, smirking confidently in response.

  "This is simply a game to them. Pay them no mind and I'm sure you feel more comfortable. Besides … some freshly-made tea and coffee during an interrogation works wonders."

  Terra glared at Onion Knight abruptly, finding his words stubborn and crude. However, she then switched back to Squall, deciding to let it slide.

  "If this place is too crowded for you, Squall, we could always move to somewhere else." She offered him kindly, conscious of his discomfort.

  "Its fine. I can live with a crowd for the time being." Squall shrugged with a sigh in return. "I'd rather get this thing over and done with anyway."

  Onion Knight and Terra glanced to each other intensely, wondering how Squall would approach their interrogation.

  Questions were running through the pair's minds:

  (What's going on in his head...?)

  (What'll emerge from the conversation...?)

  (What is he hiding...?)

  These were questions that Onion Knight had wondered prior to the meeting. However, the two questions hid many others that Onion Knight wished to pursue, considering his suspicions about Squall in relation to the case had yet to subside.

  Onion Knight and Squall then locked eyes against each other, as though ready to kill if given the chance. The atmosphere grew intense, the surrounding spectators quivering by the abrupt change of tone. They edged closer, eyes and ears open with anticipation.

  "So be it, Squall." Onion Knight grinned with confidence, accepting the challenge set before him. "However, let me tell you, I will not be holding back."

  "Hmph … Whatever." Squall murmured in his monotone, his arms crossed. "But, I would like to ask one question before we begin."

  Onion Knight cocked an eyebrow, curious yet cautious to the impending question.

  "And, what would that be?" he responded warily.

  "If I remember, Firion was the one who took up the detective role. So why am I being questioned by you two?" Squall asked out, his eyes glaring intimidatingly.

  Both Onion Knight and Terra tensed up upon hearing the question. To Terra, she realised that Squall was not aware of Firion's current situation, believing he was unaware that Firion had developed a concussion from the culprit's second assault. To Onion Knight, however, the question hinted at Squall's potential innocence supported by the consistency of his attitude. Whilst Onion Knight still assumed that he was lying to cover his likely involvement with the case, he remained cautious on his next move.

  "Firion's was involved with an accident late Friday at the Academy and suffered a concussion. We're just standing in for him today." Onion Knight then decided to explain, avoiding details based on the cause of Firion's concussion to ensure only the necessary information was given. "Warrior of Light is doing the same on his end. So, it should be fair on both sides."

  "I see." Squall nodded in acceptance, leaning back on his seat. "I did hear something happened to him, so I was only curious."

  (Wait, so he WASN'T oblivious to the incident with Firion?)

  Onion Knight's thoughts erupted, causing him to re-evaluate.

  (Why does he have to be so mysterious about these things…? Fine then, we'll have it his way; all the more reason to interrogate him.)

  Onion Knight then straightened up, his eyes fixated on his current opponent. Squall watched on, showing no emotion as though he was about to play a game of poker.

  "If that's all you wished to ask, then we'll begin." Onion Knight commented in preparation, ending the relaxed tone.

  Interrogation: Squall Leo-

  "Homemade Tea for Mr Onion Knight?" a young pink-haired female waitress abruptly approached the table, a large cup of brewed tea in hand.

  In that instant, the high tension in the atmosphere shattered entirely, almost every spectator groaned out as they felt the anticipation dissipate. Even the trio on the centre table broke their concentration upon this unexpected interruption.

  The waitress glanced around the room curelessly, wondering why all the spectators and customers reacted in unison.

  "Y-yes, that's me." Onion Knight raised a hand shakily, his head planted against the surface of the table.

  The waitress then placed the mug on their table and stepped away in silence, feeling awkward with the encounter. Meanwhile, as Onion Knight recovered, he noticed Squall frozen in a face palm position and Terra with her face in her hands in embarrassment.

  "Well, that killed the mood." Onion Knight sighed out in a murmur, picking up his mug and blowing the scalding steam away.

  "Tch! You're one to talk … seeing as you were the one who ordered it in the first place." Squall groaned bitterly, glaring back at him.

  Taking a moment to recompose himself, Onion Knight recollected his thoughts, as though he had a second chance to prepare his mind and consider the situation in front of him. Terra and Squall reorganised themselves, sighing out to refresh themselves. The audience kept silent, praying for no further interruptions.

  Onion Knight took the first sip of his freshly-brewed tea and locked eyes with Squall.

  Interrogation: Squall Leonhart

  "Squall, I would like to question you about your relationship with both Zidane and Bartz." Onion Knight commenced, deciding to get straight to the point.

  "Oh? Is that how we're starting this?" Squall replied with a cocked eyebrow. "Why do you need to know?"

  "You see, in order for us to have the best chance in proving Zidane's innocence, we need insight on every aspect of this incident." Onion Knight admitted in convenience. "To you, it may sound random and obscure. However, sometimes the most important answers lies within the most unexpected places."

  Squall shrugged carelessly.

  "Fine then. The three of us were close friends for years – I would say, since we were around 10 years old. The more I think about it ... the more it gives me a headache."

  "Is that so…?" Onion Knight nodded back thoughtfully, as though considering the hardships Squall had to endure over the years. "I feel your pain."

  "You gain a tolerance for their mischief after a while." He brushed aside lightly, "And besides; it's always a joy to watch their pranks backfire on them from time-to-time."

  "Karma is a tough mistress." Onion Knight chuckled in agreement, before his eyes sparked up abruptly.

  Terra caught a glance of the lit up glare in Onion Knight's eyes, confident that she was on the same wavelength as him. The surrounding spectators watched on, most somewhat clueless, yet a few fidgeting upon hearing Squall's words.

  (No doubt about it now … he has a hand to play in all this.)

  The wheels turned in Onion Knight's mind, attempting to connect the dots.

  (Question is: How will he play this out?)

  "Squall, have you ever been involved in their pranks?" Terra then questioned curiously.

  Squall switched to her, a distinctive silence engulfing him. Onion Knight also glanced over to her, intrigued by the question. The sudden shift of eyes caused Terra to fluster, sliding down her seat gradually to hide herself from the attention.

  "Ah, s-sorry, I … I was just curious…" Terra added in defence hastily, her cheeks glowing bright red.

  Onion Knight grinned subtly, appreciating the courage she mustered up to voice her thoughts. It was an ideal question needed to be answered, and Onion Knight felt he neglected the topic.

  After a long pause, Squall answered the question with lowered eyes, "Bartz and Zidane would always try and get me involved with their shenanigans in some way or another. To begin with, they would ask me to join in constantly, poking me until I finally accepted. When I did, I would just observe from the side-lines waiting for one of them to screw up spectacularly – which happened on a regular occasion at the time. Ultimately though, I never accepted to join in their so-called 'games'. After a while, they would revolve the pranks around me without me even knowing about it – probably in spite or just for kicks. Those plans never worked out though, as – by that time – everyone knew who to blame if they became a victim of a prank. Zidane even attempted to pin the blame on me ... but no one believed him. He and Bartz sure enjoyed those back-to-back detentions … then again; I certainly enjoyed the convenient personal space."

  "You sound as though you were happy to get away from them whenever you had the chance." Onion Knight commented casually.

  Squall paused once again, his eyes glaring like daggers ready for a rebuttal. Glaring back, Onion Knight was aware of Squall's avoidance, noticing a few cautious hints in his attitude. Silent sparks were flying between them, awaiting for the other to crack. The surrounding crowd felt the tension tighten, feeling the adrenaline circle the air.

  "You could say that … then again, I'm sure you'd understand more if you had those two pestering you every single day starting from the crack of dawn." Squall then sighed, as though reflecting on the days when he 'suffered' the most. "It's just nice to get some fresh air every once in a while. It was … refreshing."

  Just then, Terra felt a shiver crawl up her spy unexpectedly, almost leaping up from her seat in reaction. She was oblivious to the cause of the sudden reaction; it was as though Squall's last comment set off alarm bells. Onion Knight was observant of Terra's reaction, considering it to be a sign of change in the atmosphere surrounding Squall.

  However, he refused to end it there, believing he needed more from Squall before the end of the interrogation.

  "Was there ever a time when you opted to help those two?" He questioned bluntly, the tone of his voice growing stern. "Aside from the times you watched from the side-lines, of course."

  "As I said, I only watched their pranks from the side-lines." Squall reiterated, his voice clear as day. "Besides, would you really see me as someone who gets involved in something so petty and asinine?"

  Onion Knight shook his head hesitantly, unsure if it was the right choice to respond. His mind like clockwork, he prepared for the next string of questions within an instant. Yet, before he could press on, he was halted abruptly.

  "No, hold on … there was that one time." Squall admitted lowly, a thought crossing his mind.

  "That 'one time'?" Terra echoed his words curiously, her interest peaking. "Whatever do you mean, Squall?"

  "It was during the time at our old school, not long before we entered Dissidia Academy." Squall answered, thinking hard to remember. "At least … I think it was then."

  The audience eyed in closer, a few gasping in awe at this sudden revelation. Onion Knight groaned underneath his breath, feeling irritated by the constant intimidation of the surrounding stares. Brushing it aside, he kept a strong posture and pressed on.

  "It seems our audience is showing interest, Squall." Onion Knight decided to point out, a clue that was obvious to even the densest of people. "Could you give us more detail?"

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  Another long pause, as though Squall carefully considered whether to enlighten the two who sat before him – and the surrounding crowd. However, it was too late to back away without setting off unnecessary rumours.

  "It began during Lunch Break…"

  2 Years Ago, within the facilities of Balamb Elementary…

  "But Squaaaaallll…! You HAVE to help me with this!" Zidane begged Squall, gazing up at him with large, hopeful eyes. "It's our final day and I have the PERFECT send-off prank for the Headmaster! I can't do this without you, man!"

  "For the millionth time, I'm not getting involved with whatever you're scheming." Squall spat in frustration, wishing to eat his lunch in peace.

  The two were situated in the large, spacious dining hall of the school, lines of tables stationed in a parallel position with a mass of students scattered among them. The typical echoes of the student's voices echoed like wildfire, conversations of excitement for the summer break and what was to come for them when they enter their new schools and academies. Squall, sporting a youthful appearance and a jet-black school uniform, was hunched over his food with an irritated expression engraved deep into his monotone face. Zidane, also sporting the same uniform and equally youthful appearance, sat opposite leaning forward and fidgeting in hopes of his friend's acceptance.

  "Come on, buddy, I'm desperate here!" Zidane continued to pry, refusing failure. "Think about it, it's the last day! The teachers can't punish us even if we got caught, and everyone will walk away talking about it for weeks!"

  "Not exactly…" Squall rebutted Zidane instantly, noticing a flaw in his excuse. "The school can refuse our entry into Dissidia Academy without even lifting a finger … at least that's what I've heard."

  Zidane stared at him blankly in return, acting as though he was unable to process the thought. Squall's own eyes narrowed as he sipped on his drink, irritated by Zidane's ridiculous dense outlook.

  "…We'll be fine!" Zidane then brushed off with the thumbs up, his upbeat expression proving he had discarded the possible consequence. "Bartz and I have already set up most of it, anyway. Just a little bit more tweaking and we'll be good to go."

  Squall groaned out irritably, feeling the uncontrollable desire to run away. And yet, he endured, knowing there was no way he would escape Zidane's demand no matter how hard he tried..

  "If you shut up and show me what you've done ... then maybe I'll help." Squall murmured regretfully, resenting the decision.

  "YES!" Zidane roared out ecstatically, throwing his arms up in the air as he leaped up from his seat.

  At that moment, the dining hall fell silent. Students turned curiously to see why there was a sudden shout for joy. Meanwhile, Zidane was oblivious, his mind psyched up with anticipation to notice. In contrast, Squall had his face in the palms of his hands, continuing to groan with regret.

  Not long after their conversation, Squall and Zidane stood in the empty Theatre hall of the school, staring upon the complete set up for the prank. Zidane struggled to stand still, his excitement reaching its peak. Squall, on the other hand, glared with an expression of absurdity, dumbfounded by the contraption situated in front of him.

  "So, what do you think?" Zidane wondered cheerfully, his hands on his hips and his chest pumped up with pride. "It's awesome, right?"

  "Y-you … you must be joking." Squall stuttered his words, his eyes wide as he processed the reality of the predicament.

  Situated in the centre of the stage was an enormous blue bucket, filled to the brim with freezing cold water and a vast array of ice cubes. Beside it was a group of small rolling apparatus, used commonly for exercises and stretching. In an instant, Squall gathered that Zidane had stolen the items from the P.E. Equipment Store.

  "Ha-ha-haa…! You need to lighten up, Squall. The school never used these during lessons, so I thought they'd be more suitable for what I have planned." Zidane chuckled, acting all care-free. "Now then, this is the plan: I'll have the bucket balanced up in the rafters of the stage – directly above where the Headmaster will be standing. In the meantime, you'll be hiding in the backstage, ready to bowl the rollers."

  "…And what'll Bartz be doing?" Squall questioned.

  "I've placed Bartz on filming duty." Zidane answered cunningly, a grin beaming from his dace. "He'll be sitting in the crowds recording the whole prank and sending it to all the students afterwards. I guarantee you, it'll trend like wildfire."

  Squall was silent, uncertain about the entire plan considering everything Zidane had told him. There were a few issues he wished to address.

  "Why not place me on filming duty?" Squall decided to express. "Bartz has more experience in your pranks, whilst I'm watch from the side-lines."

  "Well, I wanted to change things up and give Bartz a break from being at the forefront." Zidane admitted truthfully, feeling compassion for his best friend. "I felt it was your time to shine."

  Squall nodded slowly, acting as though he understood Zidane's reasoning. On the other hand, considering Zidane's tendency of using Bartz as a scapegoat, there was no wonder why he came to such a decision.

  With that said, there was something else Squall needed to point out.

  "I know you're agile and everything, but I don't think you'll be able to carry that bucket up to the rafters with all that water weighing it down."

  Zidane froze upon hearing Squall's criticism, realising his mistake as his expression dropped from excitement to horror. Squall rolled his eyes at the sight, finding Zidane's oversight typical.

  "BARTZ!" Zidane then bellowed out abruptly.

  Within seconds of Zidane's call, a youthful, innocent-eyed Bartz appeared from amongst the curtain folds of the Theatre stage.

  "Aye, Sir!" He saluted, attempting to pull a forced straight face.

  "We screwed up!" Zidane crossed his arms with a serious pout.

  "How so!?" Bartz blurted in shock.

  "We put the water and ice in the bucket BEFORE we set it up on the rafters!" Zidane explained to him.

  There was another pause, Bartz glancing over to the equipment as his mind gradually connected the dots. There was an odd ticking noise clicking as he tried to figure out the problem. Squall face-palmed, infuriated by the useless pair.

  Tick, tick ...Ding!

  "*Gasp!* OH NO!" Bartz yelled out, placing his hands on his head. "The ice and water took me AGES to steal from the Kitchens! Whatever shall we do now!?"

  (So that's how they got the ice and water…)Squall's mind clicked.

  "Don't worry, we still have time!" Zidane assured him, approaching Bartz and placing his hands on his friend's shoulders. "The prank will work no matter what's thrown against us!"

  "…Well great, now we're all screwed." Squall murmured underneath his breath.

  Shifting to the end-of-year Balamb School Assembly, the Theatre Hall was filled to the brim with students and teachers. They all sat watching the Headmaster – a cheerful yet sophisticated man referred to many as Mr Kramer – stand on the stage to offer his final speech in hopes to inspire the students with their future endeavours.

  Squall was in position behind the stage curtains with the rollers, ready for either Bartz or Zidane to send out the signal. Zidane, set with the bucket up in the rafters, was also ready to go. Bartz, sitting amongst the crowd with their class, were set filming the Assembly with his cell-phone.

  Now all they required was the perfect timing.

  "…And so, students of Balamb Elementary…" Mr Kramer concluded in a clear and upbeat voice.

  Zidane nodded over to Squall in anticipation, in which Squall indicated back with a confirmed nod. Bartz zoomed the camera on his cell phone, ensuring he had the clearest image possible.

  "…I thank you wholeheartedly for the great years spent at this school, and I have faith that you will follow your ambitions to a promising future!" The Headmaster bowed as he ended his speech.

  That was the signal.

  Zidane tipped the bucket, allowing it to fall on target nonchalantly. At the same time, Squall stepped forward, the stage on his right, and aimed the rollers.

  Bang!

  "

  "WHAT IN THE-!?"

  The bucket landed upside-down on top of its target, causing Mr Kramer to shriek as the freezing water and ice soaked him all over.

  Squall followed up and released the rollers, timing it just as Mr Kramer lifted a leg. As the rollers made contact, Mr Kramer lost his footing obliviously and collided against the stage floor on his back. He then laid motionless and dazed, the large wet bucket of covering his head and torso entirely.

  """HAHAHAHAHAHAAAA...!"""

  The room erupted in amazement and laughter, even cheering at Mr Kramer for a spectacular ending. Bartz was able to snap the money-shot on his phone, grinning from ear-to-ear at the sight before him.

  Zidane indicated with an ecstatic fist-pump towards Squall, who glanced away awkwardly in response. Deep down, Squall felt bad for Mr Kramer, a man he had some respect for out of all the teachers at the school. However, a side of him was amused by the result of the prank, trying his absolute hardest to hide his quivering smirk from Zidane.

  However, the amusement was cut short as Squall noticed his homeroom teacher glaring at him with unrelenting fury in her eyes.

  In that instant, they were caught.

  Present Day…

  "…What we didn't expect that day was that our Homeroom teacher called out the register before Assembly; meaning she pinned the blame on Zidane without a second thought." Squall concluded his story, a sly smile hidden beneath his cold expression. "Mr Kramer took the whole situation as a positive thing, so both of us escaped any real repercussions. If it wasn't for him, neither of us wouldn't've been allowed in Dissidia Academy."

  Onion Knight and Terra were silent as they listened to Squall's story, not expecting to gain insight on both Squall and Zidane's time prior to Dissidia Academy. Throughout the time Squall spoke, Onion Knight was able to finish his mug of coffee, swirling the final drops as he figured out how to connect the story to the current case. The surrounding crowds were lowly discussing the story, enlightened and curious about the revelation.

  "I've got to say, that was a nice little story you gave us, Squall." Onion Knight then chuckled, placing his mug back on the table. "Considering the amount of detail, one would accuse you of actually enjoying the prank."

  "Tch-! That's just your imagination talking." Squall dismissed in spite whilst avoiding eye contact.

  "If that's how you see it, then I'm not going to pry." Onion Knight shrugged back, deciding it was time to further the interrogation in his favour. "Instead, shall we discuss about Zidane's most recent 'mess-up'?"

  Within the instant of Onion Knight's question, the surrounding environment of the café changed. It felt as though the climate heated up exponentially, individuals in the audience quivering as the unexpected excitement rushed through their veins.

  Squall glared at his classmate hesitantly, readying himself to fight back if necessary.

  "What … would you like to know?" He asked cautiously, his posture tensioning.

  "Oh, just a few things … for now." Onion Knight admitted confidently. "Firstly, were you aware of Zidane and Bartz's plans to prank Professor Gabbaini two days ago?"

  Squall shook his head in reply, "No, they didn't mention any plans about that prank whenever I was with them."

  "Considering from what you've already told us, do you ever wonder why they didn't tell you about it?" Onion Knight then followed up, the story and earlier questions still fresh in his mind.

  "The day I'd care about such things, I'll send myself to the nearest mental hospital." Squall growled bitterly, "It's Zidane's fault for getting into this mess in the first place. He reaped what he sowed, and I don't want any part of it."

  Both Onion Knight and Terra's thoughts echoed in unison.

  (…Harsh.)

  "How did you feel when you heard about Zidane's petty prank possibly leading to the recent 'incident' with Rydia?"

  "I couldn't care less." Squall crossed his arms as he answered, emitting a piercing glare.

  Onion Knight glanced to Terra in reaction, the two noticing a darker shift in tone with Squall's approach. He was aware they were entering topics that would surface during the next court trial, yet Onion Knight needed a plausible counter argument against Warrior of Light when the Defence's suspicions of Squall becomes the central topic.

  "If you wouldn't mind me asking then; what were you doing during the time of the incident?" He then pressured Squall, committing to the risk he faced..

  Squall's eyes widened upon hearing the question, a reaction Onion Knight memorized immediately. Squall's eyes then lowered as he tensed up further, struggling to answer.

  Onion Knight knew he struck a chord.

  "…That is a question I don't need to answer right now." Squall murmured in low response.

  "And why it that, Squall?" Onion Knight interrogated, eyes glaring to prove who was in control.

  "That's because right now … I'm speaking to someone who believes me to be the suspect of this case." He answered in an abrupt threatening tone, his eyes shooting daggers back at his opposition. "And that question just proved it."

  Onion Knight froze, feeling as though his mind was pried open. It had not occurred to him that Squall was aware of his suspicions.

  (How did he know? Was I too obvious...?)

  Onion Knight straightened up, conscious not to reveal any further cracks, regardless of the likelihood that Squall was pulling a bluff on him.

  "That's a rather antagonistic way of thinking, Squall." Onion Knight struck back. "We're all classmates here, it'd be unwise for me to accuse you of such things."

  "Hmph!" Squall chuckled, seeing right through his opposition's mental armour. "Fine then, prove to me – right here and now, in front of all these people – why I should or shouldn't be deemed a suspect."

  Onion Knight felt he was forced to a corner, defending himself from exploiting a weakness in front of their audience. Without realising, he had placed a hand against the pouch of his pocket- where the strands of brown hair sat in preparation. However, he knew it was the worst time to reveal the damning evidence, remembering it as his main weapon for the upcoming court trial.

  "Well, it looks like you'll have to wait until court day." Onion Knight returned with a small grin.

  Squall nodded silently upon hearing Onion Knight's answer, understanding his words fully. He rose up from his chair and stretched out, feeling the stiffness leave his body.

  "So be it. I'll see you when I take the witness stand tomorrow." Squall concluded, turning away from Onion Knight and Terra. "We're done here."

  Interrogation: Squall Leonhart … SUCCESSFUL!

  Squall left his seat and headed towards the door of the café without another word, his expression hidden from view.

  Onion Knight slumped on his seat just as Squall disappeared, a large sigh of relief escaping his breath. Terra, on the other hand, sat silently as she processed the entire conversation.

  However, Onion Knight then glanced over upon realising that the surrounding crowd was still staring at them.

  "Show is over, people!" He then raised his voice, a hint of irritation in his voice.

  Instantly, the audience scattered from the café, returning to living their lives and acting oblivious to the event. Some hung around, ordering from the various waiters and waitresses or finishing off their mugs of drink before heading home.

  Onion Knight then turned to Terra curiously.

  "What do you reckon?" he wondered to her, noticing her silence.

  "I don't know. There's ... a lot of baggage on Squall, but I don't know if there's anything there that hinted to him as a potential suspect." Terra expressed with uncertainty, shaking her head.

  "That's true, I somewhat sympathise with him there. However, I can assure you that this will all fall into place in due time." Onion Knight nodded, a sign of confidence gleaming from his eyes. "For starters, I saw you shiver when Squall spoke about Zidane and Bartz messing up. A reaction like that isn't something that can be easily glossed over."

  Terra's eyebrows raised up in realisation, remembering the moment her reaction occurred.

  Onion Knight then reached underneath the table, grabbing an object locked against the underside of the table's base. Unhooking it from its position, he revealed the device he had hidden prior to the confrontation and placed it on the table. The device was a Voice Recorder – the Record light blinking red to show that the entire conversation was saved.

  "With the new evidence, the information Celes gave us yesterday, and everything on this voice recorder: we have a strong chance to win this case." Onion Knight grinned with motivation, set on Zidane's innocence.

  Terra smiled back anxiously, mixed emotions coursing through her mind ranging from uncertainty and worry, to confident and trusting her friend.

  Just then, the door of the café sprung open, revealing two figures. They entered silently and directed themselves towards Onion Knight and Terra's table. Onion Knight and Terra had not realised they had approached until the two figures were standing over them, both almost leaping up from their seats with fright.

  "Wha – Firion!?" Onion Knight blurted in surprise, shocked to see him in healthy condition. "Are you feeling fine now?"

  Firion – with no signs of injury or bandaging to be seen – nodded with a calm smile.

  "Yes, as a matter of fact, I am. By the way, look who I stumbled upon during my travels."

  The second figure, hiding slyly behind Firion, stepped to the side and revealed himself.

  "Zidane!" Terra this time blurted out in surprise.

  Zidane gave a small yet soulless grin in response, his eyes gazing to the floor below.

  Later that day…

  Squall Leonhart stepped towards the sealed Dissidia Academy Entrance Gates, his hands in his pockets and his expression as dull as per norm. The sky was dusk, barely a cloud in the sky and the first signs of stars breaking through the red and orange. The trees were still, not a gust of wind in sight. Everything was quiet and motionless, emitting a calm aura perfect to end the day.

  However, as he stepped up to the gates, three figures emerged before Squall, the first of whom being Warrior of Light.

  "How much were you able to discuss with him?" Warrior of Light questioned warily, hoping that Squall had avoided various compromising details.

  "Relax, I only told him what was necessary." Squall reassured him nonchalantly.

  "Good. There's no need for unnecessary implications when the trial restarts tomorrow." Warrior of Light accepted in relief, his tall posture easing at the relief.

  "And what about you?" Squall then returned a question, curious to hear his end. "Were you able to find suitable evidence against Zidane?"

  Warrior of Light nodded with a confident chuckle, "I have all the necessary ingredients to turn this trial on its head. Onion Knight's chances of winning are diminishing."

  "What about them?" Squall followed up, noticing the two other figures stepping up closer into the light.

  "Their testimonies are sufficient." He answered firmly, showing no signs of wavering. "With you three as the key witnesses, there is no doubt in my mind that we'll see Zidane receive the guilty verdict."

  The two stood amongst both Squall and Warrior of Light in full view, wondering about Warrior of Light's plan.

  One of them stood with a powerful yet elegant stance and held a tough unbreakable expression. A fellow and vocal member of the Student Council: Celes Chere was primed to testify.

  The other stood rather tall and lean with a kind-hearted and trustful expression. A fellow classmate and friend within the group of Class 13A: Cecil Harvey was concerned for Zidane, yet was unable to hide the truth of what he saw that day any longer.

  "Let the final battle for the truth commence." Warrior of Light concluded, his pride shining brightly as the setting sun fell behind the horizon.

  End of Volume 4.