Corenian just sighed, staring at Erk for a moment before muttering," I kind of expected such as answer, justice, respect, whatever, nothing can be a proper excuse for insubordination, but just so you know, we regret nothing, we did what we believed was right, life is short, we won't do something that will give us nightmares for the rest of a already short life, though I sense that yours is alot longer, so you wouldn't understand that."

Corenian just sighed and slumped back deeper into the chair, thinking how some of his points had just been repeated by Kira though that really didn't matter. What did was that that man was trying to shift the blame to himself and the other leaders over everyone else, while it was a noble act Corenian still felt insulted at having to be helped for his own mistakes, such things were what he believed pampered people... not like he could even do much at a time like this. Giving up, he just fell back in the chair, trying to take a brief break while awaiting the judgement.

Nioelle still felt guilty about what had occured, and the accounts the students were receiting didn't make her feel any better. She had in a way betrayed them, hiding until the last minute of the fight when everyone else was already injured. She suffered a blow to her arm, though, and thought that was payback enough. She sat quietly, waiting for someone to dismiss them. She hated getting into trouble, and sitting here was uncomfortable.

Nia looked at Kira shocked. She didn't think he could of stopped her like this. Instead she sat down and looked away, she was mad, but she didn't want to get others in worst trouble.

Raven had closed his eyes and put his mind into, an almost meditative state when Kira began talking. Raven was listening to his words but there would be no reactions coming out of him, or even any body language. He needed to calm himself down and this was a way that he did, it was also one of the ways that his parents even more upset because they thought that he wasn't listening to them, but when in the end he was. When he heard Nia sit down behind him he snapped open his eyes and looked over at Erk and Cid quickly.

"I accept any punishment you give. Even if that means getting thrown out. Me, Kira, and Shinu were the team leaders. As kira said give us the punishment and let the others go."

Sighing in the back of the room, Archer pushed off from the wall he was leaning against, moving forward. His rubber boots slapped against the ground as he walked forward, his hands in his pockets. "I refuse to accept the sacrifice of the leaders. While they did have the job of leading us, I chose to rebel. If Shinu had not, I would have done the same as he did. I admit to that." Letting the words he spoke sink in, Archer looked out of the corner of his eyes towards Erk. While he was in the right to have told them to go..they had already stated their feelings on why they had not. Even he should have realized that before he had spoken. They all had free will. They all had feelings. And they had all seemed to act in the same manner. It was simple enough to see that.

(Crappy post for a re-entry. *sigh*)

Lucien stood up after hearing what Archer had said.

"If they get punished, then I get punished as well." He sad, "It was my decision to go fight on that battlefield, so therefore I should be punished for my actions."

Lucien felt a strange feeling. It was probably the first time he actually wanted to face the consequences of his actions and not try to weasel out of the punishment.

Corenian sighed, looking at the two, if others could still carry on fighting, why should a person like him who always taalked about pride in battle step down. Taking a deep breathe he stood up as well, "our actions were ours alone, Erk, you asked me youself what my decision was with that pet crow thing of yours, I answered you without waiting for my leaders command, rather I charged out before him so I'm just as guilty as they are so if they get punished, so do I."

No one is getting punished.

The words weighed heavy through the air, but they didn't come from Cid which would have been more appropriate. Instead they came from a very hollow looking man. The charisma was gone, the glow about him diminished. Shinu was now standing in the doorway, having listened to what transpired.

Cid raised an eyebrow, ready to speak and put Shinu back in order. He was a fine student sure, and clearly the leader, but he would NOT undermine his authority at the Garden.

I put the Garden in jeapordy, I put my friends in harms way, and I single handedly defied orders. Everyone, you have to keep pressing forward with your training because we need to get better. I must leave you now.

Shinu turned his back, ready to leave, but against his mental will his body turned to face them again. His eyes met Kira's first.

I'm joining the Galbadian Army, it was them that was in the mountains, and I must join them. Please don't question it or try to stop me.

Then his eyes shifted to Nioelle's, the eyes he was most fond of in all the world.

I'm sorry.

Shinu slammed the doors shut and walked away swiftly.

Nobody move. The man has spoken, and if any of you know him the way I do, there is no stopping him. I will accept his offer to take the punishment for everyone. The only punishment you will receive, is leadership class. Your instructor shall remain a surprise, but please await a message from me about it. This is a great loss for our Garden, but Shinu is just one student and he is not better than anyone at this Garden. It is time for some new leaders to step up and take form. Does everyone understand?