//------------------------------// // And it finally came, the day of the hearing; the circle closed // Story: Spike's custody // by Kaliann25 //------------------------------// And it finally came, the day of the hearing; the circle closed That Friday morning was sunny and beautiful, with a warm breeze blowing around; a clear sign that whatever happens, it would be a good day. Maybe the events of the day would be a little sad, but at least all the hard feelings between the Sparkle family have finally been left in the past. And they all had clear that everything would be for the well-being of the youngest of the Sparkles. Princess Celestia, Cheerilee, Twilight Velvet, Night Light, Shining Armor, Twilight and of course Spike were reunited in the family court waiting for the judge to attend them. Twilight’s friends were also there, but waiting outside of the building since the hearing was private. And finally the door opened and a secretary indicated them they can go in. so the family followed by Princess Celestia and Cheerilee entered to the small court-room. “Okay, please take a seat” said the judge. They all obeyed as he began to check on the documents of the case. “So we’re all here to discuss the matter of the custody for the minor Spike Sparkle who only until three weeks ago have been living with his older sister Twilight Sparkle. Miss Sparkle, can you give us your version of the facts please?” Twilight sighed sadly. “Yes your honor. Spike and I have always been really close since I hatched his egg during my test for the Academy of Gifted Unicorns. He became another son for my parents and we lived happily as a family since then. The whole family agreed, and Twilight sighed sadly, this was the hard part: “So when I turned fifteen I left home to live on my own, and Spike insisted in coming with me. That’s when our relationship began to go downwards. I was so concentrated in my studies that slowly left behind things like chores… or take care of my little brother. Spike gradually began to take care of everything and also of me. I was nothing but  a selfish teenager and none of us realized” The judge frowned. “My only question is, why the family allowed that a fifteen-year-old girl take care of a kid?” Night Light and Twilight Velvet didn’t answered. “Seriouly, somepony should take Miss Twilight away from you when it was still time. Do you realize you were the ones who allowed this situation on the first place?” Again none of the parents dared to answer so the judge turned to the Princess. “And Princess Celestia, how did you allowed this? I understand that Miss Sparkle is your personal protégé, why on Equestria you didn’t say anything about her taking care of Spike?” “I guess that the fact that Twilight was the one who hatched Spike’s egg helped, and she also seemed too mature for her age. And then Spike and Twilight always seemed happy together, nopony would suspect what was really going on” The judge checked on his notes and looked at Spike. “What reminds me, why did you never complained? It didn’t bothered you?” Spike looked down. “No sir, I was proud of being Number one Assistant” The judge then turned to Cheerilee. “So, Miss Plaintiff, how did you realized about the situation?” “First of all I only know Twilight from a year ago when she first arrived to Ponyville. I didn’t realized anything at first, no seeing what was at plain sight. But one day I saw him at the market with tons of money, and you know the rest from the notes of the case: I offered to help him and talking with him I realized he did all the housework, didn’t go to school and more important, he was nine years old. I had to do something” The judge nodded. “Thank you. Why didn’t you sent Spike to school, Miss Sparkle?” “I don’t know how it ended up like this, I mean, back in Canterlot he went to school regularly. Then when we moved to Ponyville we arrived in vacation and when the classes started I simply didn’t sent him. It wasn’t like I forbid him to receive education, only that I didn’t thought about it. So yeah, I was an inept tutor” The judge nodded again. “Sadly I understand the situation. I cannot blame you for what happened Miss Sparkle, but as you said you proved to be an inept tutor so you must understand I can’t give you back Spike. What guarantees that the situation won’t repeat, huh? And for your parents, they proved to be very incompetent as well at allowing Spike to go with you. The only one who seems capable enough for having the kid is Mister Armor” Twilight let escape a small tear. “I understand Your Honor. I’m not asking you to give me back Spike’s custody. He deserves to be with somepony who can take care of him properly. I just want you to allow me to visit him from time to time” “Fair enough. From now on Spike’s custody passes to his older brother Prince Shining Armor and his wife Princess Mi Amore Candeza. And for Miss Sparkle, for now you can go visit Spike at the Crystal Empire first, but if you prove to become more responsible, I’ll allow you to have him some weekends in Ponyville” The family seemed to agree and the document was signed. It was done. They left the office with their heads down, but they knew that it was for the sake of the family. Twilight Velvet and Night Light looked at their daughter who just shrugged and was ready to leave when Shining stopped her. “Wait Twily, our train leaves in four hours, why don’t you and your friends take the chance to hang out with Spike? I can meet you at the station if you want” Twilight smiled brightly. “Of course! What do you say, Spike?” The dragon smiled widely. “Sure! It’ll be a fun afternoon!” And so, Twilight and Spike joined the Mane five. “Spike! What a nice surprise!” Smiled said Pinkie Pie. “What are you doing here?” Asked Rainbow. “Shine says our train leaves in four hours so we can hang out until then” explained the dragon. “Oh it’s marvelous! I know the perfect place!” Exclaimed Rarity. “And what about we stop at the confectionery first?” Suggested Pinkie Pie. There was not much to say, Twilight placed Spike on her back and they marched happily, it will be a good afternoon. In other point of Canterlot, in the Child Protection Services main offices, Lyra and Bon-Bon were sitting on the waiting room when finally Mr. Care appeared with a tiny unicorn baby with bluish purple fur with violet mane with an aquamarine strip in the middle. “Her name is Tootsie Flute. Unknown father and her mother died in labor. She have been under our care for two weeks but you know that every foal need needs parents. A mom and a dad, dad and dad; or two loving mommies. Would you like to take care of her, Miss Lyra, Miss Bon-Bon?” The two mares practically jumped in excitement but for the baby’s sake they controlled themselves and took her carefully. Bon-Bon stroked sweetly the baby’s mane, the sudden contact woke up the baby and was about to start crying when Lyra gently swayed her with her magic, calming her a bit. “Hi Tootsie, my little Tootsie, I’m mommy” said Bon-Bon softly. “And I’m also mommy. And both of us are here for you forever and ever” added Lyra.