Chaos and Justice

by AwkwardVoid

Judgement

Chapter 4 - Judgement

Discord shot up from the floor wide awake, being startled by the loud clatter that came from the cell bars. He looked over to where the noise came from, only to see Pansy glaring at him through the metal bars whilst a tray–with food Discord can't see distinctly–hovered in the air next to her. He noticed it must have been a little over six in the morning, for not only the alignment in the sky shows it, but on how early he knows Pansy awakens.

"Oh, I expected something much more appealing to see when I awake in the morning. But I guess you'll have to do," jokingly remarked Discord.

Pansy grunted in annoyance, rolling her eyes. The tray full of the unknown solid substances slid through the small slot on the metallic bar door, dropping onto the cemented floor below in a clatter.

Discord looked over at the tray in disgust. He glanced at Pansy and the tray multiple times before using his tail to slide the tray to the opposite side of wall where other trays with rotting food lay. He stuck his serpent tongue out, cringing at the heap and how horrible the smell was from where he stood, the sight not so pleasant to him either. Yet, it was understandable on why they reeked since the food has been laid there for a week or so.

"You know, if you're just going to give me inedible food from the ground, you might as well let me starve. Even though I could probably go a great amount of time fasting."

Discord rose an eyebrow at the emerald unicorn, waiting for her dull expression to change. Instead she brushed aside her forest green bang from her face and monotonically replied, "Oh, but I only wanted to give you your last meal before you confront the judge today."

Discord gazed at her, puzzled.

"The...judge?"

"Why yes, Judge Mare. The judge, and officers that were hoof-picked by the chief, are going to sentence you to whatever fate we demand of it. But it's obvious what that fate will be..."

Her straight face broke into a devious smile, one that even Discord cringed at.

"Execution."

Discord scoffed at Pansy's statement, the belief that he would get the death penalty coming to a minimal in his mind. The draconequus laughs, rolling on the floor in amusement before wiping his eyes of tears.

"Oh Pansy, you really should consider being a comedian. I swear, your jokes become funnier day after day! Death penalty! Ha!"

Pansy's grin doesn't even change, instead her eyes grow darker in twisted humor.

"Yes, I think I will. Considering that after I see your lifeless corpse strewn from life, I will be more than happy to make others feel the giddiness I do in return."

Discord couldn't even laugh along with her. He knew of her dark humor, and how cruel Pansy was, but never had he seen it. And now that she's presenting it towards him, and at this time before sunrise, he couldn't help but shudder at this expense. She must be joking.

"You've got to be joking. Don't you think I would've gotten the death sentence awhile ago? What's the pure reason for it now anyway?"

Pansy chuckled and turned around, the grim smile upon her face unseen to Discord.

"Oh, you'll know. Soon enough. Oh, so soon."

And with that, she walked off, leaving Discord cursing in his cell alone, with the feeling of dread going throughout his body; a feeling he himself would have never imagined to feel.

---

Fluttershy drove up to the courthouse, still confused on why she was sent here. She parked the silver car and stepped out, immediately spotting Roseluck and calling to her so they may enter the building together.

Around nine in the morning did Fluttershy receive a call from Twilight asking of her to come to the judicial courthouse. Twilight had spoken of something concerning of the chief wanting a specific group of officers and such to come and witness the judgement on a specific prisoner, yet only a few knew who. Fluttershy never got to ask, for Twilight hung up before.

Now Fluttershy stood in front of the double doors leading to the court room with Roseluck, who nervously glanced her way. Roseluck saw Fluttershy's anxious glances and awkward shuffles, concern for the pegasus gripping at her.

"You, um, okay Flutters?"

Fluttershy peered over to earth pony mare and smiled nervously.

"I just had a déjà vu moment is all. Nothing to worry about, but I deeply appreciate your concern."

And déjà vu is all Fluttershy did have a sense of at that moment. It's as if she's going to go through something all over again, except she's never recalled going to a courthouse to experience the sentencing of a prisoner. She's seen them on those judge shows on television, but never in person.

"Um, okay..."

Roseluck hesitantly patted Fluttershy's back before opening the door to allow the both of them through, a light blush blending in with Roseluck's yellow coat.

They enter the wide room, Fluttershy kept in awe at the expanse of the judicial room. There were two columns of chairs, which came to be divided by rows and rows leading up to where the a gate divides the chairs to where the judge's podium stands. On either side of the podium are raised platforms that are fenced in and contain a few rows of benches, where Fluttershy assumes the jury are to be seated.

She spots Rainbow Dash and Twilight sitting off in the distance where the platforms are, deep in discussion by the time Fluttershy approaches them. Twilight then eyes the gentle pegasus and nudges Rainbow, both giving forced smiles to their friend, in which Fluttershy dismisses the action.

The two simultaneously reply a hello, a small greeting and hug followed back by Fluttershy. She sits her self in the middle of the two, Twilight and Rainbow Dash exchanging nervous glances, in which Fluttershy immediately catches.

"What is going on here? Why are we doing here in the first place? And please don't sugarcoat it and tell me false information like you always do. I am an adult as well and deserve the truth," Fluttershy responds.

"We know you are, Fluttershy. And the reason we're here isn't much of a concern, it's just the purpose and the outcome of afterwords is the reason we don't really want you to...witness," Twilight stammered out.

Fluttershy still gazed at them confused and unmoved, Rainbow taking a deep breath before explaining the situation as profoundly as possible.

"The reason why we're here is to...to judge a trial against a prisoner we've had back at the station for a week now. And what we mean by outcome is something most of us have been waiting to have on this...prisoner...for a while now."

"And that outcome is to be...what exactly?" Stuttered Fluttershy worriedly.

But just as Twilight was about to answer, the officers and others started to seat themselves as Chief Do came out of the doors with another officer stallion Fluttershy didn't recognize. Barely to no one sat on the side opposite where Fluttershy say, worry etched on her face as her attention went back to the chief.

They carried chains in their hooves, a picture Fluttershy has seen once. A familiar shadow stood behind them, and once they tugged for it to come forward, Fluttershy's worry grew into anxiety and fear.

"D-Discord? Wha-what's he d-doing here?" Fluttershy whispered out, shuddering at what the suspected outcome will be.

"Um, he's the prisoner were judging...", Twilight whispered back.

Fluttershy froze, goosebumps appearing. Discord? Why would they be judging him? And why is she here to witness it?

Soon enough every individual in the room stood up once the judge entered. Judge Mare was a light beige earth pony coated mare with blue eyes and a gray mane, glasses perched on the tip of her muzzle. Her outfit contains a long black robe that reaches a few inches from the ground she stepped upon, a white collar with a green frill in the around her neck. The room was deathly silent, the sound of her hooves clomping the ground echoing throughout the building.

Judge Mare reached her chair at the podium and slammed her gavel on the table, her voice booming.

"The court will now hear the case of the Manehattan Police Force vs. Discord. Is the attorney rea.... Uh... Where's the attorney Chief Do?"

Judge Mare questioningly glances at the chief, who flies up to her and whispers a few words to her. Murmured 'Mhm's and 'oh's could be heard coming from the old mare, whispers dispersing amongst the officers.

While Fluttershy waited for a response from the chief and Judge Mare, she quietly glanced at Discord and where he sat slumped over. She was surprised when he was already looking at her, the fur on her neck standing on end. He gave her quick smirk, a scowl growing on Fluttershy's face as she remembered the words he told her after the interrogation.

Yes, she was afraid, but annoyance toyed her at the way he was acting in the situation he is in. He's in trial for ponies sake! It's as if he doesn't care about the fate he's about to encounter at the moment. And that made Fluttershy's thoughts on him grow. Questions upon questions stacked in her head about the draconequus that sat before her, and that made her wonder even more.

After this, would her questions even be answered? Or would they stay as they already are, unanswered?

Judge Mare nodded once more and gaveled, bringing the officers' attention back onto her once more. She coughed into her hoof and looked over at the officers in confidence.

"By the seeming issue of what your Chief of Police has described to me, the course of action would be to consult to the Grand Council about this...uh...predicament, per say. But by how they have...handled it, from the Chief's say, Discord here is...of difference to the way things are treated towards draconequi and ponies. And so, the Council has agreed to let the jury, and I, to decide the fate of the verdict."

As soon as she had finished her statement, the officers dissolved in uproar. Some discussed why the council would decide this, whilst the majority talked about the sentences. Even Rainbow Dash talked whilst the others about the fate they have resting upon their hooves, Twilight and Flash Sentry in deep discussion on the issue as well.

Something welled up deep inside Fluttershy that she yhasn't really felt in a long time. She wasn't quite sure, but by the snippets of words she has caught by the yapping coworkers around her, specific words stood out that made her feel worry towards the draconequus.

Murder...dangerous threat...should be put down...execution.

That single word sent shivers down her own back. Condemn him to die? On Fluttershy's part, no pony, even if they aren't one, deserved to be condemned to die, not even if they've committed millions upon millions of crimes. It was just as cruel, unjust. And she felt like that was an abuse in the system in Manehattan. Almost any criminal who's at least committed a felony of murder immediately is to be trialled to death, and even her father reminded her of it.

But hopefully that was not to be the case in this mock trial. Surely the police force are better than that, right?

Judge Mare once more drew her gavel down to the podium, attention brought forth again. She cleared her throat and turned her attention to Discord, who surprisingly sat patient and attentive.

"Oh, so I exist now?" Discord smiled smugly at the judge, her face a strict frown.

"Discord, I know very well how you never abide by the rules. So this change doesn't even faze you a bit? Or would you like it the way it has politically been for hundreds of years? We will find you an attorney and will have an official tri-"

"Oh don't bring the whole justly thing with me, your Honor. I like changes in rules now and then. I mean, it's more...chaotic in that way."

Groans and mutters could be heard from the officers, nonetheless bringing music to Discord's ears. He chuckled, the annoyed atmosphere growing.

"Then the court is hereby in session. Discord, you are charged with the felonies you have been caught in by the federal officers, including disturbance of the peace, destruction of private property, and your newest crime; murder of a young mare. Defendant, what is it that you plead?"

Everyone in the room grew quiet, all focused on the chimera that slowly rose up. He cleared his throat and spoke the word no one expected him to say.

"Guilty."

"G...g-guilty? You're pleading guilty instead of...not guilty? You have been read your rights, correct? You're not even going to acknowledge and defend yourself?" Judge Mare stuttered, as shocked as everyone else in the room.

"Well what would be the point of saying that statement? By the end every pony in the room would guild me as guilty anyway, having to present myself as a false accusation. I may be a villain, but I don't lie. Sometimes. Besides, those crimes that I am accused of-" he chuckled darkly, his eyes becoming dark shaded,"-I have done. So why don't we get this trial done with and be on our separate ways. You all may go to your lovely homes, I can go to my run-down mucky cell by the station. Or better yet, you can just drop me off at the Downtown Prison Ward right now."

The stallion from before stood up and walked over to Chief Do, his eyes boring into Discord's.

"Well, it's more difficult than you think it is, sir. Due to the fact that you have sincerely secluded yourself to say that you are guilty, even though we haven't even had the chance to speak against you, the chance is now up to the jury to decide your fate."

Discord looked over at the judge confirmation. As she nodded, Discord fell into a cold sweat, Pansy's words crawling around in his head.

'I'm so dead...I'm literally going to be a grave draconequus. And I can't even humor myself about it...'

Yet Discord kept a straight face, not wanting any of the officers to catch his wary emotions gripping him and tearing him apart limb from limb. Why was it this week that he actually had feelings he didn't have before? Dread and fear was abnormal to him, he was the one to send it, not receive it.

"Jury, you have one minute to come up with your final answer. Then one of you will announce it as so," Judge Mare replied.

Soon enough jumbled words came from the group, mares and stallions alike sharing the details of sentences the wanted from before. Pansy listened closely and spoke indifferently, smiling wickedly at each one who have an agreement with her thoughts. Soon, one by one came with the same thought, growing and bursting into one. They all smiled, Pansy standing up to declare their answer.

"We have discussed the terms and have provided that yes, Discord is guilty. And so, our sentence for him is to be put...to death."

The few who have discussed other things gasped, but the one who stood out was Fluttershy's. She didn't actually expect it had come to that. And she grimaced once everyone she knew, even Rainbow Dash, nodding in agreement.

Yet Judge Mare questioned this, allowing Fluttershy to actually sigh in small relief. There had to be justice, just in another way.

Yet it was brief, for one by one, officers stood up and said there reasons, one worse than the other.

"He's a threat against pony kind!"

"He hypnotized mares and stallions to do crimes for him!"

"His powers are dangerous and too chaotic and can cause destruction to us all! Haven't you seen the disturbances?!"

"If he's murdered one mare, how do we know we're not all next!"

And it continued, some mares becoming distressed and dramatic, others reporting similar things with serious gestures. All have made their point across, the judge slowly coming and agreeing to their aggressive words.

Fluttershy stayed quiet, unsure on how to even process all of what was happening. In all honesty she was more disappointed at the fact that almost all her coworkers are cruel enough to force death upon him. Yes, he may be a threat and yes, may be a danger to society, but there's no reason to let him cease to exist in the world.

And that's when she saw it.

It was only for a glimmer of a second, but she had caught it. In that flick of a moment, she noticed something that crossed Discord's face, an emotion not once she imagined she'd witness. And once she looked into his eyes, she can see it glazed into the mismatched red pupils.

Fear.

Fear of getting killed. Fear of not living. Fear of being forgotten.

And once she saw that, she knew what she had to do.

Just before the gavel could strike down, declaring the order of execution, a voice boomed and interrupted the action.

"WAIT!"

In a swift motion, Fluttershy flew from her seat to the ground below. She stood a few feet in front of Discord, back facing him and arms stretched out. She held a determined expression towards the judge, whom looked at the mare shocked and confused.

Everyone looked at Fluttershy with the same expression as the judge, even Discord stood flabbergasted.

"Please, don't. Don't execute him, Your Honor, please."

Two burly stallions came walking up to Fluttershy to take her away, but the judge stopped them and glanced curiously at the buttercream pegasus.

"And who may you be?" Asked Judge Mare.

"I am one of the chief detectives' of the Manehattan Police, your Honor. I am Chief Detective Shy...Fluttershy."

Discord looked up at the mare in wonder, mentally noting her name and muttering it under his breath. The name fitted her perfectly, describing her elegance, beauty, and innocence into one.

He shook his head, mentally slapping himself for thinking such thoughts. Instead, he wondered to himself as to why she is even defending him, and why...Fluttershy would even care.

"And why should we not go forth and perform the act, Ms. Shy? Do you have a defense for Discord? Any evidence of innocence?"

"N...n-no your Honor..." Fluttershy nervously stammered out, hesitantly contemplating her words in her head.

"Then why are you-"

"Because this is unfair! Cruel! Unjustly!"

The judge looked her over once more curious, memories coming back to her. The officers stared at Fluttershy wide-eyed, bewildered by the shy pegasus's actions. They were usually proud of her sudden rare bursts of bravery, but at this moment, it was unnecessary and unacceptable.

Rainbow Dash, who was extremely shocked by her friend's behavior, flew to the front of the jury and whispered disbelief to her.

"What are you doing?! Don't you know who you're defending?!"

Fluttershy ignored her friend's pleas and had her attention mainly to Judge Mare, who quickly recognized Fluttershy. She looked at the mare warmly and respectively.

"Ms. Shy, my you do look familiar. Are you related to anyone who works or who worked in the police force?"

Fluttershy gulped and hesitantly replied, "Um, y-yes your Honor. M...m-my father."

The black stallion who stood by Chief Do approached near the judge's podium.

"She's the previous chief's daughter, Chief Thunderlane."

Some of the officers whom never laid eyes on Fluttershy before gasped at this coincidence, even Discord widening his eyes.

'This mare is the daughter of my worst enemy? I swear she is quite the surprising and interesting mare than most indeed...'

"Ah, Thunderlane... What a stallion he was. Notorious for always wanting to save the criminals he saw potential for..." Judge Mare trailed off as she glanced between Discord and Fluttershy, the sense of déjà vu also overwhelming her.

"And why is that you feel that this is unjustly. It is exactly for justice, not against it. For certain you feel the same way, don't you?"

Fluttershy shook her head, her pink curls falling on her covered shoulders.

"Of course not! I understand what you're trying to do. What every pony in this room trying to do. But execution? That's about as worse as murder itself!"

"But Ms. Shy-"

"I'm sorry your Honor, but please let me finish."

Judge Mare sat wide eyed at Fluttershy, Fluttershy instantly blushing and trying to hide behind her long mane. The judge calmly looked over to her and nodded for her to continue. Fluttershy smiled and sighed.

"As I was to say. Condemning an individual to be put to death is as close as to planning the ultimate doom upon a pony's presence. Killing him will make us no better than what he had done, or what anyone has done to put them into trial. Yes, he has committed many and many crimes. Yes, he has threatened and treated ponies here with cruelty and vulgarity. Yes, he may also be a tad bit insane,-" Discord grunted and shouted a vulgar insult, but Fluttershy continued, "-but that doesn't mean he has to die for it."

She stared up at the judge with wide sparkling eyes, the innocence radiating from her teal waves into the heart of the judge.

"We are alive here for a reason, and so to take it away is a sin given up to those in Tartarus. No pony deserves to die, no matter how different they are or how they are treated or treating others."

As she finished her statement, she stood tall and proud, happy with herself for speaking up on another's behalf. Yet a small ounce of regret lingered in her head, but she dismissed it as she heard light murmurs coming from the group of ponies on the far side next to her. Her optimism shrunk as she saw the serious expressions on her peers' faces, very few giving encouraging smiles at Fluttershy.

She was at least glad she could see Twilight, Flash, and Roseluck giving hearty smiles and nods, the only disappointment was seeing Rainbow Dash's dumbfounded expression.

Judge Mare sat there in silence, contemplating and thinking over what the pegasus had said moments ago. She had realized that they have been abusing the system of the death penalty, and she took to heavy heart that what Fluttershy is saying is in full truth. Killing another is bad.

She then glanced at the blue pegasus that stood shocked near the officer jury, revelation being shown in front of her own eyes. She pointed at Rainbow Dash and called out for her to stand on front of the podium.

"Yes your Honor? What was it that you needed?" Asked Rainbow Dash, her voice shaky.

"I need answers from the both of you. Starting with you... Dash is it? Why yes I remember you. You were here in this very court as well, trialled for some crimes...was it?"

Rainbow Dash let out a shaky breath in answer, not wanting to think about the past. She didn't want it to rise again, especially in front of...him.

"Yes. I remember you clearly. You were wanted for a heavy price I must say. You stole, lied, cheated your way into life. You also as well killing a couple just to steal their wallets..."

Rainbow Dash looked at the floor guiltily, not wanting to look into the eyes of the older mare that stood on front of her.

"I-I wasn't thinking the right way. I did what I was taught on the streets...survival of the fittest, ya know?"

The judge nodded, but prodded forward.

"We were afraid of you. We also thought we would get killed by your antics. You have also been wanted in Cloudsdale, Baltimare, Canterlot...we didn't want you around any more. You were going to be sent through the death penalty. But you didn't. Instead you stand in front of me as a changed mare, all because of a stallion. A stallion who changed you for the better."

Rainbow Dash looked up, her eyes glistening due to the moisture developing in her eyes.

"Thunderlane..."

Judge Mare turned her attention back to Fluttershy, who had been staring at her friend empathically.

"Ms. Shy. What is one other reason why we should spare the life of Discord? And it has to be a good one."

Fluttershy kept her stare at Rainbow Dash, her heart not skipping a best when answering.

"Because my father wouldn't want it. He would give him a chance of redemption, a chance to make things right."

"And how would you recommend we perform that?"

Fluttershy stood silent before a thought came to her.

"He could be used for the benefit of the community. His chaotic magic created to help those in need, for him to contain the elements of not only generosity and kindness, but loyalty and honesty, along with the bubbly amount of laughter. Discord can be reformed."

"No! No! Discord can not be reformed! Reformation bad, bad for Discord!" Shrieked Discord, yet he was obviously ignored.

"Instead of death, reformation to me is the best option we have to not only benefit himself from destruction, but also to the police force and all of Manehattan."

Fluttershy smiled warmly and put her hooves together, proving her point.

"It would be a win-win!"

The judge smiled and looked over at the chief, who she knew was also smiling contently at this.

The judge stood up from her chair and banged her gavel, clearing her throat as she made her final decision. Everyone arose, even Discord, whom waited intently for the mare to speak.

"Discord. You are declared guilty, but changes in punishment go far from death."

He sighed at this, officers groaning in annoyance.

"But! You are to be put in a place where not only will you be put in place, but will learn how to learn the ways of harmony and balance. You are to be reformed. And under the care of a pony who has the mind and knowledge to focus tiring you to good. Who, through kindness, can melt your heart of stone to one of warmth and life."

She turned to Fluttershy, who stiffened under her gaze.

'She isn't going to say it, is she? No...no it can't be...?'

"You are to be under the care of Ms. Fluttershy, who will welcome you into her home, and for three to four months will reform you. And once we are certain you are turned to good, you are to be free from custody."

The room was silent, except for the shout coming from Rainbow Dash and Discord, who simultaneously shrieked, "WHAT?!"

The judge smiled once more before she left the room, Rainbow Dash nearly pleading with her to not do this. Discord stood shocked, staring at Fluttershy through the corner of his eyes. But soon, his shock turned into smugness. He'd be reformed by her and only her. Possibly living in her own home. And he didn't even had to try.

Yet Fluttershy stood silent, hugging herself as she stared at the floor, regrets seeping into her, tears on its way to flow.

'I've just risked myself to allow a criminal into my own home. I saved a criminal who deserved to die, to live. Oh Celestia...father...what have I done?!'

Author's Note:

Heyyyy~
I do wish I could do better on this chapter. I'm probably going to rewrite it, but not at the moment. Probably halfway through the story I'll redo my mistakes and such ~
Along with that, I'm sorry on the whole trial thing. I've never really seen a court go in session and had to look up some things to get this going, but I knew it would be too boring if I wrote out a whole trial session, so instead I wrote one with a twist. Criticize me on that if you want, and I'll make sure to add it to the chapter late on.
Otherwise than that, I hope you enjoyed the chapter!

Comments

[Sammyisfun]

OK i did not read this yet but by the Title im exited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[LuluCalliope]

This is actually more interesting than my Law class!

...I said that like I was surprised. DUH, this fan fiction is better than my Law class!

[Twilight Sparkle KAPOW]

Oh my gosh! This is so exciting!!!!!! My nose is practicaly in my phone and my heart is pounding! I love this! I can't wait for the next one!

I don't think theres any need to rewrite this chapter. It is really good and I loved it!

[AlenasWorldGal]

You thought you did bad? Are you kidding me??? This was awesome!!!!! But now I'm worried of what Discord will do....

[AwkwardVoid]

5823755
5826509
Aw thank you guys so much~
I don't know why I thought this was bad, maybe it was my little knowledge of trials and such, but nonetheless I'm glad you enjoyed it and that I probably don't need to redo it except fix errors

[BubbleBerryBlitz]

THAT. WAS. AMAZING. I can't wait to see what will happen in the next chapter!!!!!