//------------------------------//
// Framed, and Arrested 
// Story: My Little Ponys' The Count of Monte Cristo 
// by kahnac 
//------------------------------//

Shining, and Cadence had long since arrived home, where the others had been waiting for them. And it was during dinner that the couple decided to give their friends, and family the news. To say they were excited was an understatement - they were absolutely ecstatic at the amazing announcement. PInkie Pie ended up bouncing off the walls, which got Night Light, and Velvet freaked out because they thought she would end up breaking their things. Thankfully, Spike managed to catch her in mid-bounce, and she settled with a squee. Afterwards, everyone was simply giving their own opinions, and congratulations. "My goodness, this is most SPLENDID news, you two!" Rarity beamed. "Why, I can only imagine what sort of arrangements we could make for such a marvelous occasions! I know! I'll call in a delivery service, and have my finest decorations delivered here as soon as possible. Oh, I simply can't wait! This is going to be the most exquisite wedding i've ever-"

"Now, take it easy, Rarity." Applejack said, a bright smile on her face "No need to get over excited about somethin'. Besides, this ain't gonna be a royal weddin', or nothin'. So ah don't think we need to worry about a fancy weddin'"

"Applejack, Darling." Rarity said, recomposing herself. "This is more than some mere wedding: this will be the union of our friend, Twilight's brother to a mare she also regards as a sister! And lets not forget he's a soon-to-be-anointed General, as well. They deserve only the best for such a momentous occasion."

Uh-huh. And i'll bet the idea of designing their wedding outfits isn't what you're looking forward to the most." Rainbow quipped, earning one of Rarity's signature repetitive gasps of exasperation. "Rainbow Dash, shame on you! Are you so shallow to think that's ALL i would be interested in? Granted, I would enjoy the opportunity to do so for dear friends - I wish to simply take part in this marvelous event to wish our fair couple only the best." She then humphed in indignation. "The nerve of some ponies."

"It's okay, Rarity." Cadence said. "I'm sure Rainbow didn't mean anything by it." Then she smiled. "And I think we would be honored if you provided us with our wedding clothes for tomorrow." Rarity blushed a little, but mainly out of bashful appreciation that her "subtle" offer had been accepted.

"Are you sure having the wedding take place tomorrow is such a good idea?" asked Shining's mother.

"Nothing to worry about, mom." Shining answered. "Cadence and I already discussed it, and we both think it works fine."

"Besides, maybe getting it done so soon might be for the better." Cadence added.

Night light smiled proudly at his son. "I'm real happy for you, Shining: this is a day which will change your life forever. And in all the right ways." He and Velvet shared a loving glance.

"Thanks, Dad. And you don't have to worry about the preparations. We've already been considering who the guests should be. And we know whose going to be part of the wedding." He then looked to Cadence, whose smile remained as she looked to the Mane Six. "Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy? How would you girls like to be the bridesmaids for the wedding?"

"Whoa!" Rainbow exclaimed. "You want US to be bridesmaids? Awesome!"

"Yeah! That sounds like so much fun!" Pinkie hopped up and down in excitement.

"I'd be honored, Mercedes." Applejack said, bowing her head ever so slighlty."

"As would I, Darling." Rarity agreed. "Providing tailorship for a wedding is one thing: but actually participating directly IN one? Oh, I could almost faint."

The couple laughed together for a few moments in response. Then, they turned over to a very eager Spike. "And Spike," Shining began, "We certainly could use someone to bear the rings we intend to use." Spike grinned in anticipation before he said, "Awesome! I promise i'll do my best, bro! You can count on me." Shining went over, and rubbed Spike on top of his head. "I know you will, Spike."

Rainbow suddenly realized something. "Hang on: what about Twilight? You're not really gonna leave her out, are you?"

Shining looked absolutely stunned at the accusation. "Hey, now, whoever said that? I know neither me, or Cadence did. Unless..........you don't think being the best mare is an important role?" He then shot Twilight a knowing glance. Twilight gasped in surprise, and her wings flared a little. "You want.......you want  me to be your best mare?"

"Heh. Well, yeah. You ARE my Little Sister Best Friend Forever, remember? It only make sense you should be a part of this in a much more personal way."

Twilight smiled warmly as she went over, and embraced her brother. "I would be honored......BBBFF." Every pony else smiled happily at the display of sibling affection. Eventually, the two broke off their hug, and returned to their seats. "Of course, there's still a few more things to take care of. But i'm sure between all of us, we should be able to handle it."

"Oooh! Oooh! Maybe I can help set up the games, and post-wedding party!" Pinkie suggested.

"Oh~ And I could ask a few of my bird friends if they would be willing to help with the music for the wedding." Fluttershy sweet;y suggested.

"Great idea, Flutters." Applejack said proudly. "And ah can work on the catering. Since Twilight's practically part of the apple family, that makes you two part of it, too, now. Only the best for the two of you, ah say." The couple smiled in appreciation.

"And I certainly know what i will be doing." Rarity beamed.

"Not wrong there, Rare." Rainbow said. "So I guess I could send out the invites for every pony around. Oh, wait! I can also do a sonic rainboom for the big finale'! That's DEFINITELY gonna make this wedding 20% cooler!" Rainbow stuck out her chest a bit, before Twilight spoke next. "That means you'll need somepony to help organize everything, and make sure all the preparations are in order." For some reason, nopony said a word. All they did was give her confused looks, making her chuckle nervously. "I....meant me, of course. Course I meant me - why WOULDN'T i mean me?.............Please, pick me!" She exclaimed nervously."

"Relax, Twilight." Cadence said, motioning her to perform a quick breathing exercise. "We were already expecting you to do it. And we're grateful to you all for supporting us like this. It's more than either of us could have asked for." The mane Six and Spike all looked pretty proud of themselves. Shining laughed warmly. "Definitely. I'm happy to have so many good friends willing to help out. It makes me feel luckier than I probably should be."

"No need to worry about a thing, big brother." Twilight said proudly. "We'll make sure this wedding is the best one ever put together. As long as we put our heads together, we can do anything. That's why I know, for absolute certain, that everything's going to be just fine."

At that exact moment, there came a shocking and loud banging at the door. Far loud enough to be heard from the kitchen. Noone knew exactly who could be here at this hour. But by the frequent, and harsh banging, it was clear this somepony - or someone - was in no mood for waiting. "My goodness! Don't ponies know it's rude to bang on one's door so roughly?"

"Must be one of the troops with some info about something." Shining rose out of his seat. "I'll go and answer it." He then walked to the door across the house. The closer he got, the harsher the banging. In fact, it was getting worse, and worse. So bad that the ponies thought the door might end up getting thrust out of its hinges. "Alright, alright! I'm coming already! Calm down!" Shining exclaimed in annoyance. "Jeez, would it kill you to have a little patience?" His horn ignited, and the doorknob turned to open the door. "I just hope this is important, or i-" Halted were his words when he saw who was at the door. Although he towered over the frame, it was all too easy to recognize the red skin, and dark armor of the centaur at the door. Though his leaning down to reveal his face made things easier. Still, Shining was quite surprised to see him here. "Tirek?" He quickly shook off his surprise, and formed a smile in greeting. "I'm sorry, i....wasn't expecting to you at all. But it's good to see you." He then widened the door, and stretched his hoof out in a welcoming fashion. "Won't you come in? My friends, and family were just talking, but i'm sure we could-"

"Allow me to stop you there, Shining Dantes." Tirek's voice was cold, deep, and harsh. And Shining's smile went away after hearing it. Now, he was actually looking at Tirek, and seeing the glare he was giving him. Even as he entered regardless of Shining's invitation. His horns barely touching the ceiling, but he was still able to navigate to the side so he could let Shining see the group of soldiers outside the door, armed for combat. Half of them were ponies, wearing armor matching Tirek's. But he was surprised by the big, bat-winged creatures with curved horns in armor, whose appearances made them look like maned wolves. "Tirek, w-....what's going on? Who are these creatures, and ponies? I've never seen them before."

"Of course you haven't: these are members of my personal regiment. I summoned them from Canterlot in order to aid me in what I have to do."

Shining grew nervous as Tirek continued staring at him. "What's.....that?"

Tirek's eyes narrowed. "Arresting you for treason, and suspected murder."

"What?!" Shining exclaimed. "How can you say something like that? I'm not a traitor! And i've never murdered anypony!"

"If that's true, then perhaps you won't mind us looking through your home for evidence." Shining eyed the soldiers, who looked about ready to attack him at any moment. With a sigh, he looked to Tirek with his own little glare. "It's not as if I have a choice, is it?" Tirek smirked before turning to his men. "ALRIGHT, NOW! SEARCH EVERY CORNER OF THIS HOUSEHOLD! LOOK FOR ANY CLUES, AND BRING THEM HERE!""

The soldiers saluted, and entered the house, pushing past Shining as they did. And they began combing every inch of the house, beginning with the first floor. Shining's anxiety, and frustration began to grow. "Tirek, I don't know what this is really about, but I'm telling you i'm innocent. I'm an honest stallion: probably the most honest stallion in Mareseilles. Who would want to frame me for something like this? It doesn't make sense."

"Many things in life don't make sense, Dantes. But perhaps you should refrain from using the term "Honest" in regards to yourself. You disgrace yourself, and hardly set a good example by lying."

Shining flinched angrily. "How dare you? I am General of the Equestrian Military, Tirek. And i'm DEMANDING you tell me what is really go-"

"YOU!.....are not general yet, you miserable upstart." Tirek interrupted, with his voice raising, and being carried through the house. "And if I find any evidence which convicts you, then odds are you will NEVER be one before this night is done." All Shining could do was bare his teeth in anger. But unfortunately, he realized Tirek was right. And though it stung to do so, he relented to Tirek's still present authority, and was silent. Then his heart began to sink when his family entered the lounge, where Tirek had led Shining to. "What is the meaning of this?" Night Light demanded. "Why are there armed soldiers tearing through our house? I demand answers this instant!" Tirek raised an eyebrow at the blue stallion. "Your son has been accused of being an agent of Empress Moon, Mr. Dantes. And he is under suspicion for the murder of General Ironhoof."

Shining's eyes widened in absolute horror. "That's.....that's insane! Why am I being accused of that?! Ironhoof died from a brain tumor! You know this already, Tirek - you were with us when it happened!"

"But noone in our regiment saw him die: noone except you, Colonel Dantes. Not me, not the soldiers.........and not your friend, Sombra."

"You know that's because he only asked for me to be with him in his final moments." Shining was beginning to sound desperate. "He was my General, and I was only loyal to him. How could you EVER suggest I would hurt him, much less murder him?"

"That remains to be seen."

"There's nothing to be seen, because MY SON is NO MURDERER - OR a Traitor!" Velvet exclaimed angrily. "And if you think i'm just going to sit here, and listen to you accuse, and belittle my baby like this, then we are going to have so many problems you would not believe!"

"Ms. Velvet Dantes, please: i am just as displeased by these circumstances as you are, but there is nothing that can be done. An anonymous tip alerted us to this just a short while ago. And as such, it is MY duty to look into it, and see if your son is, in fact,  a traitorous sow who's been taking advantage of others around him in order to obtain what he wants."

Finally having enough, Twilight stepped forward, and spoke in the authoritative tone she carried when she was in her princess. "Lieutenant General, Tirek, you are stepping out of bounds here!" He wings flared as she hovered in front of Tirek. "I don't where you get the Gaul to accuse Shining of such horrible crimes, but I am TELLING you, he is innocent!" The rest of her friends stepped in front of Shining in defense. "Darn' Tootin'. Shining here's as honest as ah am - maybe even more! And that means somethin' comin' from somepony well-known for being honest."

"Yeah! You better step off, cause there's no way Shining would do what you say." Rainbow said confidently.

"Indeed not! He is an absolute gentlecolt, and is a stallion of true integrity." Rarity said.

"Yeah! You're just a big meanie whose trying to pick on Shining!" Pinkie said.

"So....if you wouldn't mind, do you think you could just leave him alone?" Fluttershy said softly, but still loud enough to be heard. "I'm sure this is all just some big misunderstanding." 

Shining's heart leaped with so much happiness, it threatened to show itself when little tears began to form as he smiled proudly at his friends, and sister defending him so. Even moreso when Cadence stood beside him, and held his hoof. He wiped the tears away, and spoke again. "Yeah. That's all this is, Tirek: a misunderstanding. I'm sure once you've looked everywhere, you'll see the truth for yourself, and-"

"Sir?" A dark green-furred gargoyle said, coming up to Tirek with a salute. "We've searched everywhere on this floor, but haven't found anything."

"Then search the upper floor. I want this entire house searched. Every nook, every cranny, every crack and crevice. Don't stop until you find something."

"Yes, sir."

As the soldiers followed their order, Tirek turned back to the group, and seemed to sneer. "Oh, ever so quick to defend our dear big brother, aren't we? I suppose I actually WAS right about you, and your bias after all. It's what keeps your nose long, and obscures your vision to all possibilities. You're so taken by your loyalty to your family, you can't consider the possibility that your own brother is a traitor. How Celestia ever chose you as her apprentice is beyond me."

Twilight's anger flared, and she was almost ready to fire on Tirek with her own magic, when......"Twily!" Her brother's voice instantly cut off her mindset. And when she saw his reassuring smile, she almost immediately stood down. He placed a gentle hoof on her shoulder, and said, "Please, don't make this worse than it already is, Twily. I know it's just a misunderstanding. Either that, or someponies idea of a bad joke. You know I would never do what Tirek accuses me of. I would never betray anypony - much less all of Equestria." Almost in response, the same green gargoyle came down the stairs, with the rest of the troops. "I'm sorry, lieutenant general, but we've looked in every room in this household, and turned the whole place upside down. There's nothing here. No evidence to prove Shining Dantes is a traitor." Shining smiled in relief at this. "Yeah, you see? Like I told you, i'm innocent. I'm an honest stallion like my father, and I would never do anything that would jeopardize myself, or any around me. Surely you can believe that now, Tirek."

"Hmm.........maybe." Tirek said, sounding surprisingly calm, despite the fact he'd found no evidence to suggest otherwise. That's because when he turned around to look at the coat rack hanging on the wall next to the door, he saw Caderousse giving him a thumbs up  which he made sure only the centaur could see before flying away. He then moved over to the navy coat which belonged to Shining. "Or maybe we simply haven't been looking in the right place." He picked it up in his hand, and began searching the pockets - intentionally avoiding all pockets save for the one he was about to reach in, just to build up suspense. "After all, when one searches for something, they always end up searching in the wrong, larger places...." That was when he reached in, and pulled out two items which made Shining's eyes widen, and his blood run cold: Empress Moon's letter..........and a small dagger with "blood stains" on it - which had only been berry stains sprinkled on by Guild. Looking at these two made Tirek smile ever so deviously, it almost encompassed his whole face, revealing all of his spear-like teeth. All while his blank, yellow eyes shimmered with glee. "We often forget the little things in life.......don't we, Shining Dantes?"

Shining absolutely couldn't believe what he was seeing. He had no idea how something like a dagger could have gotten into his pocket like that - and yet, there it was. But what really hurt him more was when he looked to his friends, and family. All of them were as confused, and shocked as him. Yet he also saw there was a hint of uncertainty in their eyes. They just had no idea what to say, or how to feel about this. This made tears begin to form in his eyes. "No, please! It's-....it's not what it looks like, i swear! I can explain the letter! And I don't even own a dagger! That's no................That's not mine!!!" He looked to all of them for someone to give their support. They really wanted to. Even now, they believed he was innocent. But what could they say that could defend him now? He saw this, and his heart was already breaking further. Especially when he looked into the sorrowful expressions of his parents. "Mom.......dad.........please. I'm innocent. I promise i'm telling you the truth." He then turned to Twilight. "Twily....you believe me, don't you?"

"Of course I do, Shiny." Twilight said, but with a defeated tone, she said, "But.....I don't know what to do."

His head shook slowly, and he was distraught. He knew exactly what was going on: the ponies he knew had no idea how to help him now such incriminating evidence had been revealed. Even Twilight couldn't do anything to prevent what he knew was about to happen, because she had no influence in equestria's laws, alone. His eyes then met Cadence's at that moment. To his fortune, he saw that she had no doubts. That she DIDN'T believe him guilty. His smile became a sad one in response. He was at least glad the mare he loved still had faith in him. But the moment was ruined by the sound of Tirek's fake sniffling. He pulled out a hankie to wipe away the "tears" in his eyes, and put on a voice of fake sympathy. "It truly is tragic, isn't it? It appears one never really knows what exists within another heart. And while you have my sympathies, Mrs. and Mr. Dantes.........i'm afraid that justice must still be carried out." His tone then turned back to one of cold, unfeeling calculation, which instilled fear in Shining's heart. Yet it was the centaur's next words that killed him. "Shining Dantes: ex-Colonel, and ex-general of the Equestian Military. It is with a heavy heart that I officially place you under arrest for treason, suspected conspiracy.......and suspected murder. Seize him, men."

A group of Gargoyles then approached Shining, who backed away from them, and moved towards Cadence. "No! You can't do this! I'm innocent! I'm not a murderer OR a traitor! I-" The Gargoyles cut him off when they began to overwhelm him. Both of his arms had been grabbed - but not before he reached out to Cadence. His eyes drowning in tears, and desperate to hold her before she was taken. In response, she took his hoof. That same desperation in her eyes. The both of them - as only equestrians can do - held on as tightly as possible as the Gargoyles pulled on the unicorn. But eventually, one of them did separate their hooves, and began to drag him away by his arms. Even as he struggled to get out of their grip. "Let...go of me! I'm innocent! Why won't you believe me?! Look, ask one of the other soldiers!" His head perked. "Ask Lieutenant Colonel Sombra! He can vouch for me!"

"Lieutenant Colonel Sombra is unavailable at this time, Dantes." Tirek said, pulling out one of his cigars. "Which, unfortunately, means the current evidence speaks for itself." A puff of smoke escaped his maw, and he deeply sighed. "But don't be too down...........perhaps the chief prosecutor will be merciful to somepony like you." Another smirk. "But I wouldn't count on it." He nodded to the Gargoyles, and they continued dragging Shining out of the house. "No, please! Tirek, don't do this to me! I didn't do it! I'm innocent! TIREEEEEK!!!" were his last words before Shining was dragged out of the house. Passing by a smiling Caderousse, who watched with glee as Shining was placed into a prison carriage designed to hold unicorn prisoners. His family, and friends all ran out the door after him. All of them were now openly crying for this horrible tragedy. Shining himself could only look upon them with his own teary gaze of sadness. They may have been powerless to stop this, but they DID still care for, and believe, him. It just hurt to see someone so close to them have this happen to him. Seeing Cadence so sad hurt all the more. But there was nothing he could do. He could only lower his head in despair, and sit down as the carriage moved on. Cadence wept even harder than Shining's parents, and sister. And when Tirek emerged from the house, she flew up to him with a desperate, pleading expression. "Sir Tirek.....i'm begging you, don't do this! I know my Shining better than most: i know he's innocent! Somepony must have been setting him up! If you could only give him a chance to-"

"I AM sorry, my dear Mercedes." Tirek said, in a much softer tone than he had used before. "But it's long out of my hands. This was brought to Villefort beforehand - it was he who ordered the arrest. Now, your fiance's fate is in HIS hooves." Without paying any heed to the alicorn, or other ponies and dragon below him, he breathed out one more puff of smoke before he extinguished in on his own tongue, and then ate it - much to their disgust as belched a little. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go to the Prosecution hall for the hearing. With my status, as well as he who performed the arrest, i am obligated to attend."

"At least take us with you - please!" Cadence pleaded.

"I am sorry: only those officially part of the hearing are allowed to participate. This is a private matter. Simply pray that Neighsay is merciful to your stallion." He then began walking away. Leaving a group of heart-broken ponies behind to wallow in their newfound grief.......and guilt for allowing doubt to stay their hand. Now, they had lost any chance of helping one of their closest friends get out of a growing, nightmare scenario. "And this was supposed to be a happy day." Pinkie said sadly, as all of them went back inside. All.......except for Spike. For in his mind, he felt an even greater sense of guilt than his friends. And he wanted to make up for it any way he could - even if it meant risking also getting arrested. Fortunately, he could always count on his wings to help him out. It especially helped when he saw Tirek just now entering the street. However, he noticed that there was a griffon standing right next to him. One he didn't recognize, at first. Until Tirek revealed his name. "Good work, Caderousse."

"Ah, don't think nothing'  of it, sir. It was easy enough plantin' that thing in his pocket. Now Shining Dantes is bound to look more guilty than we already made him out to be! He's as good as doomed!"

"Don't be so sure of that." A whistle summoned a large, black chariot being driven by a group of frightening beast Spike had never seen before. The Chariot itself had a gothic theme to it, with a gargoyle at the front to symbolize it. "I still need to ensure Neighsay plays his part perfectly. He may have seemed eager to aid in our endeavor...but i also know he values, and respects justice above all else. There's a chance he may prove too soft-hearted to do what has to be done." He smiled evilly as he boarded his chariot. "That's why I intend to make sure the odds are against Shining Dantes.......and his stay at the Chateau D'if Le Tambelon is secured." He then tossed a fat, medium-sized bag of bits to the eager Griffon. "That's your reward for now. You may be gone now."

"Oh, yes, sir! Always a pleasure doin' a public service ridding our fair town of an upstart like Dantes." He bowed, and then left for his home. "GO!" Tirek commanded to his beasts, and they ran off to the Prosecutor's firm. Spike, of course, had his own growing concerns raised even higher. "What did he mean by all that? He wasn't-" His eyes widened with revelation. He was beginning to piece things together, and now knew his brother was in grave danger. He considered going to Twilight, and the others to get their help......but unfortunately he was far too worried for Shining. And patience was now very slim. So he did what he thought was a good idea, and flew to where he knew Shining was being taken. He only hoped it wasn't too late.