Finl ep 11
Episode 11: The Court Awaits
[Scene: Tara, Rose, and Nadia's dorm room – Night]
The room is quiet. Suddenly, there's a knock on the door.
Rose:
Someone at night? Why would anyone come now?
Nadia looks uneasy. Her eyes widen slightly.
Nadia (thinking):
Is it... the police?
Tara:
Let's check. Who's there?
Tara opens the door. A slim girl with long wavy hair stands outside, carrying some luggage and books.
Tara:
Hi.
Girl:
Hey, I'm Zoya.
Tara:
Yeah… I've heard of you.
Zoya:
Could you move, please? These bags are heavy.
Zoya steps in without waiting. She looks around the room.
Zoya:
Hi, roomies! I'm your new roommate.
Rose:
We weren't informed about a new roommate.
Zoya (shrugging):
Then talk to the warden.
She begins arranging her things.
Tara:
Do you need help?
Zoya:
Sure. Help me with these books, please.
Nadia:
Why move in at night?
Zoya:
I was… busy earlier.
Tara reaches for a bag, but Zoya quickly intervenes.
Zoya (sharply):
Don't touch that.
Thanks for helping. I'll handle the rest now.
Tara's phone vibrates. A message from Arib. She smiles as she replies.
Nadia:
Who is it, Tara?
Tara (calmly):
Just a friend.
Rose smirks knowingly. Nadia reads the air — she knows it's Arib.
Tara:
Rose, any update about the lawyer?
Rose:
Yeah, my mom arranged one.
Tara:
Good. We have to be at court soon.
Rose:
Don't worry. Does Arib know?
Tara:
Yeah. He's coming too.
Rose (teasing):
Alone?
Tara (grinning):
Expecting someone?
Rose:
Why would I?
Tara:
He's not that bad.
Rose:
Not my type.
Tara:
He's good at training… and pretty funny, too.
Rose:
Let it slide.
Tara (thinking):
She didn't kill Jisa… I didn't. But she died for me. That's the truth.
But… should I be punished for it?
Zoya suddenly speaks from her bed.
Zoya:
Tara, are you going to court the day after tomorrow?
Rose:
How did you know?
Zoya:
I asked her.
Tara:
Yeah, I am.
Zoya:
Good luck.
[Scene: Next Day – Training Ground]
Tara attends class, then walks toward the training field. Neyon spots her.
Neyon:
Feeling better?
Tara:
Yeah. Of course.
Why? Heard something?
Neyon remembers Tara's red eyes and stays quiet.
Neyon:
Nothing.
Arib arrives.
Arib:
Tara, train with me today.
Neyon stays silent. He knows how protective Tara is about Arib. Just then, a commanding voice interrupts.
Cyrus Throne:
Would you like to learn from me?
Cyrus Throne.
Tara:
Sure, sir.
Arib pouts a little, playfully.
Tara:
Let's have lunch later, okay? Bye.
[Scene: Training Ring]
Cyrus Throne:
So… what happened to you? I heard you were in a coma.
Tara (thinking):
So that's why he wants to train me?
Cyrus Throne (sternly):
Answer me.
Tara:
Sorry, sir. It was an accident.
Cyrus Throne:
After your "accident," Mr. Rayan was fired.
Tara:
I didn't know that…
Cyrus Throne (coldly):
Tell me the truth. I don't want to get fired because of you.
Tara (angry inside, but silent):
...
Cyrus Throne:
Silent now? Didn't your parents teach you manners?
Maybe they didn't have any either.
Tara's eyes ignite red. A flame surges around her hair. She summons her fire sword and strikes Cyrus Throne down with force. He crashes to the ground.
Gasps ripple through the crowd. Students freeze. Arib runs toward her.
Arib:
Tara, what did you just do?!
Flames still glow around her. Students gather, helping Cyrus Throne up. Arib holds her tightly. She calms down.
Tara approaches Cyrus to apologize.
Cyrus Throne (shaken):
We'll… talk later.
He walks away.
Arib:
That was intense… but kinda cool.
Tara:
I can't control it, Arib. Everyone near me is at risk.
Arib:
You'll learn. I promise.
[Scene: Pond – Later That Day]
The breeze is cool. Tara stares at the water, silent. Arib gently hugs her.
Arib:
Don't worry. Everything will be okay.
Tara (resting her head on his chest):
I still don't know what to say to my father… or what to do.
Arib:
We'll figure it out. Together.
Tara:
What about your father?
Arib:
I'll fix it.
Tara (softly):
You can share everything with me…
Arib kisses her forehead.
Arib:
I know, baby.
Arib was also tensed about his father. He couldn't share it with Tara. He didn't understand why..
From a distance, Nadia secretly snaps a photo… and sends it to Mr. Rayan.
Mr Rayan called Nadia. They had a deep conversation.
The Next Morning –
Tara and Rose are in the car. Arib and Neel join them.
Rose (grumbling):
Again?
Neel (cheerfully):
I'm here to help Tara! Hi, Taraaa!
Tara:
Hi, Neel.
Tara and Arib sit in the back.
Neel:
"Rose, you just focus on driving. I'll give Tara emotional support. Tara, have you had water today?"
Rose:
"You being quiet would be the best support."
Neel (muttering):
"If you weren't here, I would've been her lawyer. I've basically done a law degree through Netflix
Rose : whatever.
Supreme Courtroom – Morning
The grand courtroom is filled with tension as Tara stands in the defendant's box. Light filters through stained-glass windows.
Justice Armon Vale
(bangs gavel)
Court is in session. Case E-792: The State vs. Tara Fireborn. The accused is charged with the murder of Jisa. Let the hearing begin.
Prosecutor (Mr. Kairon Vell)
Your Honor, the evidence is clear. Tara used a fire-forged weapon. Seventy percent of Jisa's body was burned. This was not self-defense—it was murder.
Defense Lawyer (Mr. Samuel)
Objection! My client acted in self-defense. Jisa attacked first. Tara was protecting herself.
Justice Armon Vale
Order. Prosecution, your first witness.
Nadia enters the courtroom. Her eyes briefly meet Tara's, but she avoids her gaze.
Tara ( thinking) was she suppose to be here?.
Neel : ( whispering) Nadia is the villain.
Rose : you really need to stop watching so many movies.
Arib was quite and observing the scenes.
Prosecutor (Mr. Kairon Vell)
Nadia, what happened the night of Jisa's death?
Nadia
Jisa attacked Tara. Tara had no choice but to defend herself.
Prosecutor (Mr. Kairon Vell)
Why did Tara flee the scene, then?
Nadia
She was taken to the hospital.
Prosecutor (Mr. Kairon Vell)
(to the court)
She fled. This wasn't self-defense; this was murder.
Defense Lawyer (Mr. Samuel)
(interrupts)
Objection! We don't have proof of murder. Tara was defending herself.
Justice Armon Vale
The court will reconvene in next 7 days. The defendant remains in custody.
Tara stands silent, the weight of the trial heavy on her. Nadia leaves without looking back, her testimony leaving more questions than answers.