Night had ended about an hour ago. For a bat pony, the night was their friend. Due to their darker colors, it hid them better. Because of their eyes they could see clearly despite the lack of light. So, for a bat pony to be flying during the daytime was somewhat unusual in Equestria.
Ruby Moon, a dark blood red mare with a black mane, kept looking over her shoulder to see if she was being followed. She knew it was dangerous to head back to the hideout during the daytime, but she had seen something that had caused her to linger back in the town of Hayberg. In order to throw anypony off her trail she had taken several wrong turns before heading back to the caves.
The entrance to the caves was found on a hillside several miles away from Hayberg. It wasn’t a large entrance, just big enough for a single pony to slip through. But once one got through that, the caves were large enough to hold hundreds of ponies. It was dark inside, but to one such as herself the darkness meant nothing. As she walked she felt thirteen pairs of eyes fall upon her. Sighing, she set down her saddle bag and opened it up to reveal the oat she had stolen from the farming community. She then took her share before walking away so that the other could get theirs.
Ruby continued to walk into the caves until she found who she was looking for. It was a stallion by the name of Lone Wolf. He had a dark purple coat with a silver colored mane. The left side of his face was covered with dirt bandages to hide the scars he had received during his childhood. Wolf was just sitting there, staring into the darkness as if he were trying to find something that wasn’t there.
“What do you want?” he grunted as Ruby sat down next to him. Silently Ruby pulled out a newspaper she had been carrying and laid it on the ground in front of the two. Wolf looked down to see that the headline read ‘Insanity in the Capital: Princess Celestia Adopts Bat Pony!’ Slowly the stallion read the article before turning to look at Ruby. “Is this some kind of sick joke?”
“It’s for real,” said Ruby with some excitement in her voice. “She said that she is going to do her best to start helping all bat ponies. Isn’t this exciting?” Wolf scowled as he stomped on the paper.
“It’s rubbish,” he growled. “So some princess adopts a bat pony. Big deal! She probably did it so she could dress her up like some sort of pet. That’s probably what she means by helping us, dressing us up like we’re some sort of animals that can be shown off. For forty years I’ve been told that I wasn’t a real pony by the ‘good ponies’ of Equestria. I won’t let them demote me even further by calling me a pet.”
Ruby let out a sigh as she turned to leave. She had hoped that he would have at least given this some more thought. However, she could not blame him. Out of all the bat ponies in this cave, he had suffered the most from the cruelty of the day ponies. But Ruby was not going to give up hope. She believed that a day would come when bat ponies would be welcomed in Equestria.
She only hoped she could live to see that day.
-x-
“Twilight, what you have done could be considered a serious crime!” Those were the words that awoke Scootaloo. Opening her eyes she found herself in a bright, silver colored throne room. It was circular shaped with twelve large plain glass windows that went straight up to the ceiling. At the top of each was a black flag with two silver crescent moons in-between an alicorn in flight.
She then noticed a large throne at the far side of the room. Sitting on it was a blue alicorn with a mane that looked like a clear summer’s night. Standing to the side of her were four ponies whom she didn’t know. She also noticed that Twilight was there as well, standing before the throne while the alicorn was looking at her angrily.
“I just couldn’t leave her there,” said Twilight without looking up at her princess.
“What you did was kidnapping,” said Luna as she pointed a hoof at Twilight. “What if her parents are worried sick about her?”
“She’s an orphan,” said Twilight. “And she has crossbreed syndrome. If I left her there then she would have been made fun of her entire life.”
“And I understand that,” said Luna quickly. “Believe me Twilight; I know what its like to be different. But she is a foal of the state. She is under Equestria’s care until she is legally adopted. Once they realize that she has gone missing they will file a missing foals report and sooner or later they will connect the dots.” Luna paused for a moment to let out a sigh. Her eyes then softened somewhat. “My sister may normally slow to act, but after what just happened I’m sure she’ll use the filly in some way. I’m sorry Twilight, but I’ll have to send her back.”
Scootaloo had only a vague idea of what was going on. It seemed to her that Twilight had taken her out of Equestria without permission. But why? Didn’t they say they would bring a doctor to Ponyville if she didn’t want to leave? Did something go wrong?
“If I may speak,” said Land Share as he stepped forward until he was standing in front of Luna. The Princess of the Night nodded. “If I recall my history correctly, wasn’t there a similar case like this a thousand years ago? One where a princess took ponies from a country she ruled alongside her sister and brought them to the moon?”
“That was completely different,” snapped Luna. “I did that to save lives.”
“But, in a way, Twilight Sparkle did the same thing,” replied Land Share. “While the filly lived there we can only hope that she got three meals a day, shelter, as well as everything needed for a healthy life. However, what about her ability to function? The filly would never be able to fly or use magic. She would be seen as a failure or an outcast. You saw the way they treat bat ponies! There is a good chance she would have been treated the same. What kind of life would that have been?”
“I have to agree with Senator Land Share,” said Gigawatt as he stood next to Twilight. “Twilight was only thinking about what was best for the child. I would also like to add that we can show her our society. Perhaps here she can flourish in a way she never could in Equestria.”
Luna closed her eyes for a moment. She could see the points they were making. There was weight to their words. Yet she knew that Celestia would not give up so easily. All she needed was a little leeway that she could use to get what she wanted. While Luna was certain that her main prize was Luna, she would settle for Twilight. Slowly she opened her eyes once more.
“Twilight, are you sure this is what you want?” asked Luna in a low voice. “If she stays then you will have to take responsibility for her. That means adopting her.” Twilight nodded right away with a smile on her face. “Very well then. From this day forth, the filly known as Scootaloo will be under the care of Twilight Sparkle.”
“Thank you,” cried Twilight as she ran up to her mentor to hug her.
“Don’t thank me just yet,” chuckled Luna. “And don’t worry about Celestia. I don’t think that she’ll start a war over this.” Twilight nodded as she let go of the princess and went to Land Share to give him a hug as well. She then tried to do the same to Gigawatt, but he simply shook his head.
“No need for that,” he said with a half smile. “I owed you one.” Somewhat confused, Twilight turned and walked over to Scootaloo who was now sitting up. Her face seemed to be frozen in a look of surprise.
“W-What just happened?” asked Scootaloo after a moment.
“The princess just made you my daughter,” said Twilight. “Or maybe little sister. Either way you’re now part of the family. Now we have to get going.”
“Wait up,” said Scootaloo as she got up and began to follow Twilight who was walking towards the doors. They opened to reveal that Shadow was on the other side, dressed in his armor.
“Alright then,” said Luna once the doors closed. “Did anything happen while we were away?”
“Yes Princess,” said Shining Armor as he produced a piece of paper. Using his magic he handed it over to the princess. “Bring in Dr. Blue Star!”
Once more the doors to the chambers opened. Two Royal Guard ponies walked in, escorting a third in a lab coat. In many ways, she looked like Celestia’s faithful student Trixie with the only visible difference being the color of her yellow eyes. There was also her cutie mark, which was a single white star, but that was hidden by her clothing. Blue Star looked scared, looking around for a way to escape. But she knew that escape was impossible. No pony escaped the justice of the Lunar Republic.
“Dr. Blue Star,” said Luna as she read from the paper. “You have been brought before me for the crime of misuse of government funds. You withdrew twelve thousand bits that belonged to Project Crescent Hope earlier today. You then traveled to Dome Five where you spent the bits on a new designer dress. The LBI has already searched your office to find not only the dress but a receipt for it as well. They have also spoken with the stallion who runs the shop who was confirmed that you were there.” Luna lowered the paper to look at the trembling doctor. There was no mercy in her eyes. “I find this inexcusable. We need Crescent Hope now more than ever! Your selfish actions could doom the entire Republic! Do you have anything to say in your defense?”
“P-Please forgive me princess,” begged Blue Star as she got on knees. “It was a moment of weakness. The dress was on sale and I thought-”
“That no pony would notice,” Shining Armor cut in.
“I beg your mercy princess,” pleaded Blue Star as tears began to fall down her face. “I’ll return the dress and put the money back into the account. It will never happen again, I swear.”
“No, it won’t,” said Luna with a sigh. Lunar justice was different from that of Equestria. Lunar ponies believed that the higher the position, the more power a pony wielded, the greater the punishment. A thousand years ago, they had seen nobles get off lightly from crimes that a normal pony would have been sent to the gallows for. So when they came to the moon, Luna and the new Lunar ponies worked out a new system to ensure that something like that wouldn’t happen. Or at least make a pony think twice before they committed some kind of crime. “I, Princess Luna of the Lunar Republic, sentence you to twenty years in the royal dungeons.”
Blue Star let out a wail as the doors opened again. Fearfully she turned her head to see another guard walking towards her with what looked like a black floating egg. The two original guards picked her up by her forelegs, dragging her to the egg while the new one opened it. Blue Star began to scream for help, for mercy, for anything she could think of. Yet no pony even bothered to tell her to be quiet. Once the egg had been opened, her hooves were strapped into several automatic locks. From one of the sides a tube appeared from out of the wall. Like a snake it made its way over to her mouth and slithered in. Blue Star continued to struggle as the egg began to close up trapping her in darkness. Once it was fully closed, a gas began to fill the insides causing her thrashing to stop. When it was finally over, the area in front of her face became transparent.
Helpless to do anything, Blue Star watched as the guards began to take the egg out of the chambers. She knew for the next twenty years she would be in here, unable to move or speak. There was no way she could break out or cause any trouble for the rest of the Republic.
-x-
It was about thirty minutes later when Twilight, Shadow, and Scootaloo got to the office of Healing Touch. Luckily, being the prized student of the princess came with some perks. Twilight quickly explained the situation to her and the medical mare went right to work while the young couple waited outside. After about fifteen minutes, Healing Touch came out closing the door behind her.
“Well she definitely has crossbreed syndrome,” said Healing Touch as she went over the test results. “But it isn’t natural meaning that the mother tried to change her while she was still in the womb. She was either an unskilled magic user or found out she was pregnant too late.”
“But you can help her, right?” asked Shadow.
“Of course I can,” stated Healing Touch with a confidante grin. “Normally I would give her a retrovirus, but since magic was involved I will need some help. I’ll get a couple of unicorn doctors to lend a hoof. They’ll be able to help sort out the magical flaws while accelerating the speed of the retrovirus. Should be done in no more than two hours.”
As the couple thanked the doctor, Twilight let out a yawn. She had been awake for more than twenty-four hours. Now that she had a moment to relax she was realizing how tired she was. She moved over to a corner of the waiting room and laid down. As she closed her eyes she felt Shadow lay down next to her. He then draped a wing over her body to keep her warm. Smiling, Twilight drifted into dreamland.
Well, that was interesting.
huh, didn't see that dungeon part coming, they couldn't have just called it a prison? It sounds way less scary imho. Although I picture it like the cryogenics lab when you mentioned demolition man, good movie.
2375660 Princess Celestia? What're you doing here?
Finally, the Lunar Republic has a flaw! Seriously, 20 years of the most horrible punishment imaginable just for a bit of embezzlement? That's not justice, that's what happens in Disney movies! Here's a more humane punishment:
The Mary Antoinette Haircut.
buelahman.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/guillotine.jpg
See, it's funny because it's a guillotine.
And I see you've got Batponyburg all set up over there. Lookin' good.
...whoa. That punishment... *shiver*
Ouch , reuniting the mane 6 is going to be tough , but I still hope that friendship is going to prevail
Uniting against a third power more powerfull than both nation perhaps ?
Concerning the wedding , while I can understand their reaction given Twilligh's habit of overreacting , it doesn't excuse what they did. Celestia should have bowed before Twillight ...
I don't like Rarity too , but given the fact that my favorite pony is Chrysalis (then Luna , Twilly and Dash ) , I guess my judgement is somewhat screwed.
Jesus Christ!!! I think I would rather get the gallows then that. Being stuck awake for 20 years unable to move or talk.... freakin creepy.
Yay, update! I'm curious about what you're planning with the bat ponies.
Let's see, I have a feeling that once the Mane 6 gather, they'll gain the memories of the REAL events and all six will panic.
If not, well, I'm sure Twilight will in fact adopt Scootaloo when her spell finally finishes.
Wow Lunar Justice is harsh. But I can see how it keep's ponies in line. So Scootaloo is now Twilights daughter. Hope we will get to see some mother/daughter bonding between them.
Looking forward to seeing what Celestia and the Equestrians think about what happen last chapter. I also look forward to seeing how everypony who know's Scootaloo will react when they figure out where she's at, and what they think about it.
You know people keep talking about when the original mane six are going to show. My theory is that their gone. I think Twilight's spell really changed the past, and now those versions of them don't exist anymore. That's my theory anyway.
Hey is more sh#t like that going to happen in later chapters? because if it is I think a dark tag may be necessary.
2376071
Nothing that dark.
2375692
Well, the money was supposed to be used for a space ship and she instead used it to buy herself a dress. Most countries, I would think that would be treason in which case she would have either been killed or gotten life. Still dark
well this is just a question dos it anywhere in the story tell what the Project Crescent Hope is?
THANK YOU!!!! Another point I would like to make to that is that she was standing up for her friends when the fake Cadence was being a absolute bitch to them, and that is her thanks?
2375909 I always thought that this was just a world that Twilight's spell was letting them view, and they are not actually lucid in it.
2376273
Subtle hints suggest either possibility of them being the 'What if' them or they are just watching for the story. Which I'm sure will be answered by the end of the story, but either way, I still think it would be cute to have Twilight be worried about Scootaloo after this whole thing.
Alright, no
On the punishment, you may cite Demolition Man as an example, but you seem to forget that the prisoners were not conscious during their confinement. That is because if any social creature is left in isolation for extended periods, they tend to go crazy.
So after 20 years in that egg Blue star is going to be catatonic or completely insane, either way it is both overwhelmingly cruel and impractical as the republic will now have to foot the cost in rehabilitating her.
Luna should send a note to Celestia that Scootaloo has been adopted and taken to live on the Moon.
Hmmm...if I had to hazard a guess about the isolation chamber, and by my estimation, that is indeed an isolation chamber, the method to the punishment would be a bit more complex than just the bits we see. Likely, Blue Star will be monitored both physically and Psychologically while in their keep. I'm not saying it isn't cruel, but then I'm in the camp that those with great power, who ABUSE said power, should face the harsher punishments.
In this case, my guess would be general isolation, with sessions either with guards or designated metal health professionals that keep her from loosing it completely. Furthermore, I foresee her being able to sleep, as her general physical needs will be tended to, but mental exhaustion will breed sleep all the same. With that rest, and general car,e her sanity will be preserved...and she'll wish it hadn't.
Honestly, while it's a flaw, it's one I can live with in Government. Granted, it's because I'm MUCH lower on the totem pole, so I've a case of "not my problem" syndrome going. But at the same time, I can't see this having a counter-argument that doesn't fall apart when compared with most justice models known to man or pony.
Overall, good chapter, and it certainly shows just how harsh this system's judgement is. Still, I can also see how it is fair, as community decisions are taken into account.
Also, bit with the Bat-ponies...I seeing that blow up in Luna's face later when she tries to help them. Cadence's argument from before will play heavily into that, though I am curious how Discord's arrival will bring this all to a head...just throwing the thought out there, remembering another character of the same make in another show.
2376658
Actually he said he was conciuos (sp?) during the dinner at Taco Bell the entire time. That aside, there are things to keep her from going crazy
Hmm, so Celestia probably wont make that much of a fuss over Scootaloo as long as she knows for sure that Scootaloo's okay with being on the moon as well as adopted.
Though if any of the Nobles find out they'll probably use that information to force the issue, perhaps getting additional power from Celestia in return for their silence or trying to go to war with the Lunar Republic in order to "save dear, naive, Princess Luna from the evil foal napping ponies" or some other nonsense.
2376228
Yes, I believe it was in chapter 12.
2377012 k thx
2377083 ok it's a space ship...I personally think it should go to to MBC progect my department is working on but I will not question Luna. Hopefully the progect will finish in the next 5 to 10 years and we can explore more space and gain more land
I had a Demo Man feeling for that punishment haha. Also CONGRATS SCOOTS!
Very interesting chapter, though for reason now I want to see a side story about some Equestrian Nobles and corrupt Royal Guards attempting to eradicate bat ponies from existence before Celestia or Luna attempt to give them "rights". Meanwhile a angry older Lunar Guard stallion, went to Equestria in the group, who lost his family in the tunnel collapse, bitter about Shadow & Twilight/Shining being saved over his child (wasn't the case but he believes it) decides to enact his revenge finally by releasing Dr. Blue Star using his security clearance, and then using a ship to flee to Equestria and plot to kill the three who survived the dreadful event.
Wasn't that punishment a bit harsh?
I agree with Fluttershy dear, that dress was fabulous after all. No pony with good tastes should be imprisoned for that.
Haven't I already told you guys, I didn't make this universe; I have no ability to actually effect anything here.
Silly Twilight, all you need to do is walk out of the bubble. *Pinkie jumps out of the viewing space and starts flipping though the books in the Lunar library.
That shouldn't be possible! We aren't even physically here!
Twalight, she's Pinkie; don't hurt yurself. Sugercube, come back in here; you're giving Twilight a headache.
Here I am! *Pops up behind AJ*
Yah!
*laughing*
2375163
Not anymore. Luna abdicated her throne and established another kingdom, and hasn't stepped foot on Equestria for one thousand years.
Certainly, Luna doesn't seem to consider herself an Equestrian Princess.
And that was the end of that. Story ends.
Just joking.
I read two chapter at once, 14 and 15.
Yes, I'm just wondering what this is all leading to. What do all these moving part mean?
I really like the idea that, Those with great power have a responsibility to use it to help those who don't and if they abuse said power they should feel the weight of that power crush them. Plus, cool reference to Demotion Man I liked it.
2377000 I think Celestia wants the elements of harmony so she would be more likely to try something to get it back.
2375737>>2376234 lets not for get first it was a show and that they needed some sort of way to end the first part of the episode and have her find the real Cadence. Second, The fake was good at manipulation and probably used it on them. Why I may sound like I am sticking up for them I am merely offering other view points. But I agree with you guys. I wish I remembered the stories name but there was one where Twilight pretty much let her friends and teacher have it for abandoning her. She then tells them that not only is she quitting being Celestia's student but would never use the element of magic ever again. Celestia said that she could not and that she would have to, even by force, remain in her current station. Be for they could actually do any thing Twilight teleports to the train and while on the train she uses her magic to switch places with a Twilight from another dimension. Of course the Twilight she switched places with had died, in the middle of the night and no one knew it so she could take over her life with ease. I never found it again so I don't know what happened.
2376021>>2375909 Well I like to think a little bet of both for all we know the real main 6 are trapped inside of these girls freaking out. This is just my theory.
But if they do get back I wounder if Twilight would go looking for Shadow Blade?
I am willing to bet that there is still a lot that is going to happen and I can't wait to see what is going to happen next.
I hope it will be good.
Good luck in the future and I hope all will go well
The punishment is harsh, but the Lunar Republic has aspects of a society under certain constraints and scarcity of particular resources.
This would perhaps lead a people to the conclusion that wasting other people's resources is a very terrible crime indeed.
2378313
The story you mentionned seem à bit ooc for Twillight as that reaction is pretty selfish. Alter all , admiting one fault and forgiving is a part of friendship.
Yet , regarding the actual show , I feel like celestia and Rainbow didn t apologise enough after the wedding : given the fact that one of them is twilly mentor and the other is the freaking élément of loyalty , they have à lot to apologise for.
I don't know about this chapter, while it was very good the title made me think there would be some sort of battle between Equestria and the Lunar Republic...
I expected the Götterdämmerung for some reason...
Oh well, the largest warmachine ever built can wait! I have ponies to read!
2378386 Like I said I was just a story I read. I didn't write it. I just read it. I was just an amusing read.
: *Doing awesome tricks and other stunts in the air*
: *lands on a cloud gets ready to bow* Thank you tha---......
* silence*
: *Looks around to see that no one really seems to care* Wait... whats going on....
* back on the moon *
: *thinking* I get to fly! I get to fly! I get to fly!
What happens when your used to feeling like the whole world is cheering for you, but its really only one pony? The better thing to ask, what happens when that one pony is gone?
Stay awesome everypony...
2383641
Ok we disagree that Luna has a responsibility toward Equestria, I refuse to accept she only has a responsibility to her followers and everyone else isn't her concern, as Princess she is supposed to rule everyone not just ponies who like her. And like Cadence pointed out with bat ponies, ponies with an affinity toward night where still born in Equestria in Luna's absence. Of course I expect ponies with a affinity for day got born in the Republic too.
When it comes to the riots Celestia refused to act imminently, Luna's call for martial law was too extreme. So yea there was middle ground.
..."Should be done in a couple hours"? Earlier Twilight said they could make Scootaloo either a normal unicorn or a normal pegasus. It seems to me like that might be an important decision that should be discussed but now they're rushing into treatment without talking about the options. Seems fishy to me.
2377503 Now that was clever.
My position on Rarity is that she's a good sort who just happens to have elegant mannerisms and difficulty figuring out where to put her priorities sometimes. I generally put Pinkie at the bottom of my list with Fluttershy, Applejack (through no fault of her own), Rarity, Trixie, Rainbow Dash/Twilight Sparkle/Luna/Chrysalis following in increasing order of "like".
Well, the way Rarity treats Sweetie Belle is certainly more realistic than the Apple Family. I mean, no family is like that. If you treat your little sister the way Applejack treats Apple Bloom, all the time, you're Jesus. No, really, that's the only explanation, you're Jesus reincarnated!
Besides, it's less awful than the way you're writing Shining's relationship with Twilight. As a big brother myself, let me tell you, he's not overprotective of Twilight because his parents died, he's gone insane because his parents died!
Oh, wow... twenty years in prison for fraud, I can see as reasonable considering the circumstances of being in a society with that history and such limited essential resources.
The method of punishment and containment however? No offence but are you insane or just ignorant? Trapped unable to move and interact with others for two whole decades!? You do realise why solitary confinement is considered a form of cruel and unusual punishment, even torture and in the civilised pleases places it is only permitted a short term disciplinary measure? That mare is likely to come out of there with permanent psychological damage. Than there's fact that she's being kept in such a confined space without exercise for so long, mussel atrophy is going to render her a cripple in that time span. The death sentence would be more humane.
Then there's the fact that it's downright illogical for a group in their position to keep an inactive prisoner around who is doing nothing to contribute to the whole while taking up resources no matter how minor. Given the mundane nature of her crime stripping her of all her authority and putting her to mandatory manual labour for her sentence would be infinitely more reasonable and logical. Heck, I'd even put in an offer of time out of the sentence for volunteering for hazardous work.
I apologise for the rant but this is just too far out of line for me to ignore, it's not just a harsh crime but outright and needlessly monstrous when you look at the facts. I have been genuinely enjoying the story so far and hope to continue to do so but if there's more of this sort of unjustified cruelty down the road I might not be able to finish it.
2376209 I agree it is a pretty petty thing to do, stealing government money for a dress...
Luna definitely needs to learn a few things about kindness and forgiveness. Keeping a pony in solitary for twenty years makes the word "cruel" an understatement, even if the prisoner will be asleep. I expected flaws in the Republic, especially given the authoritarian vibe I was feeling, but this is still a little much.
4858766 I find it HILARIOUS.
5078755
I find that to be frozen in liquid nitrogen is a fitting punnishment...
2384685 four families just died because they loved the night. The town at best did nothing. sorry martial law on the town IS the right call. If Luna hadn't taken her followers elsewhere this event would be repeated again and again. While Celestia will only speak words.
2375692 consider what she took that money from. Crescent Hope. a Starship meant to be a backup plan if the merger failed. Well it fail so they need the ship more than ever. What Blue Star did was slow deveolpment down on the project that could potential ensure their survival. That's practically treason. So she actually got off light.
2375685 TROLLING!
And thus, this adds another reason why Equestria cannot merge with Lunar Republic.
There are political, cultural, judicial and technological difference far too different to successfully get it to even remotely work.
It's like rolling a triangle. Sure, you could do it, but it's be a bumpy ride with each bump being a civil war and lots of casualties.
...if you're trying to make the moon pones look like the good guys, this sure as fuck isn't going to do the job. Twenty years of solitary confinement and paralysis? That's literally cold-blooded torture. People would come out of that a catatonic, gibbering wreck.