AuHNG @Undeadk Critique: chunky info. Passive voice instead of active in many portions. Some unnecessary sections that don't add too much.
In a grand hall filled to the brim, a charged atmosphere takes hold. Though designed to accommodate a hundred seated spectators, standing attendees double the count. The room buzzes with anticipation, all eyes fixed at the stage.
The stage itself is minimal, adorned only by three figures that dominate attention.
Two are tall, sturdy warriors, clad in armor that glimmers with deceptive delicacy. A pair of dual swords, an unusual choice for men of such stature, hang from their waists.
But it's the third man, a pitiable sight on his knees at the center, who holds everyone's gaze. His unkempt hair, ragged beard, and skeletal frame speak of untold hardships. Dehydration has ravaged his skin, but no pity softens the eyes that scrutinize him.
Chains mark him as a criminal and the emblem on his forearms solidifies the lack of compassion. A wolf howling at the sun, the insignia of Ancient House Solis, once great, now fallen:
First founded by the Archduke Solis, Sekemeth Solis, 768 years ago, at some point, the organization ended up cutting ties with House of Solis. Today, only the ruins of its headquarters and some documents that reveal its greatness of the past remain. Only the military organization has the right to use this emblem to mark some of its most important and honored members.
Because it is such an old military organization, its deeds, conquests, accomplishments, successes and exploits are known throughout the world. The whole world has respect, reverence, esteem, fear and envy for the organization and all those a part of it.
Then...
What did this man do to end up in his current situation?
"SILENCE," cuts through the room, a voice commanding yet melodic.
A fourth figure emerges, a tall black woman named Helena Alekseeva. Clad in casual attire, she stands out among the stern and formal assembly.
"I didn't want to be here. He didn't want to be here... and I'm sure none of you guys want to be here," she declares, setting the tone for what's to come. "But here we are, so let's get this over with..."
With a practiced ease, she begins to direct the proceedings: "Let's start with introductions. I'm Helena Alekseeva, Executive Director and General of Arms of Babel. I'm here to lead the judgment, coordinate the
negotiations and pass sentence on prisoner 365329, known as Apolo Kairis, for the crime of desertion and direct failure to comply with direct orders of the high command."
As soon as she finished speaking, she waved at the two guards. Then the two moved: one went to the corner of the stage and grabbed a chair and brought it close to the man known as Apollo. The other guard helped Apollo position himself correctly in the chair and injected a substance into the his arms.
Soon, Apollo's eyes began to water and twitch, the veins began to swell and stand out under the skin until twitching and twitching could be seen in various muscles of the body.
"No, no, no, no, no... Please leave me alone. I don't want this anymore." he cried out deliriously, "That's enough."
Those low murmurs rang through the room... shaking, pleading like someone who has lost everything and no longer sees any reason to continue the suffering. Not for a miserable and despicable existence.
Everyone in this room heard this appeal, but even so, not a single one felt remorse or pity. On the contrary, it sparked anger:
"My son DIED because of you, you bastard! He was 13 and he DIED because of YOU!"
A female rose from her chair and screamed, her voice burning with rage. But before other people could do the same, Helena intervened:
"The next one who breaks the rules and causes disorder in the court will be expelled and duly punished."
[...]
Her eyes lock with Apollo's, searching for something. Perhaps a trace of the man she once admired, a spark now dimmed. Her voice trembles with a mixture of betrayal, disappointment, and a lingering trace of hope as she asks, "What do you have to say in your defense?"
The room falls into silence, awaiting his response. The emblem on both their forearms speaks of shared history, and Apollo's eyes hold a hint of understanding. But how did he end up here, accused and broken, when once he stood as a pillar of Babel?