//------------------------------// // Quiet In The Courtroom // Story: Death's Final Verdict // by Jaycren //------------------------------// A slender faceless stallion turned in a direction it had not thought of in a long time. Tightening it's tie and brushing the dirt from its dress pants, the last Slenderpony moved towards Canterlot, obeying a call from one that it never thought to hear from again. The dark things were gathering, it was time for an ending. It was time for renewal. The pool of shadows bubbled, gathering the last of its power. For the first time in ages being forced out of its liar to take a direct hand. Darkness flowed out into the world, seeking a host to enact its will. The last Nightshade had come. It was time to make sure there would be no more. Just as it had all those years ago. Now, a more direct hand would be required. The carriage landed on the steps of Canterlot Castle, the city eerily quiet. The usual crowds absence giving a somber mood to the bright whites and golds of the courtyard. Shining Armor disembarked from the carriage, using one of his shields to set a perimeter. Scanning the area, he signaled to the occupants. "Arlight, I want Sunburst and Starlight to flank me, while Rainbow take point but stay within sight. Applejack, Pinkie, and Rarity, stick close to the princesses. Spike, I would like a word." Captain Shining Armor ordered. Stepping off the carriage, Crucible smiled at the surrounding area. "So serious, Shining, I assure you there is no threat to you or anyone you care for," Crucible assured, "Just a Session of Court or a wedding, possibly both!" Turning to the rest of those present, Crucible countermanded Shinings orders, "Now then, Starlight you're the maid of honor. The other bridesmaids will be here in a moment. The Father of the bride will be arriving shortly as well as witnesses for the case. Cadence I believe you will be coordinating with Luna being the justice of the peace. Pinkie, you're in charge of the wedding cake and all of the deserts, the entirety of the castle chefs will be at your disposal. Applejack, you'll be in charge of the food. If you ask it will be provided. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy will be in charge of entertainment for the reception. Fluttershy I believe you will find that the animals will be most cooperative with you. Rainbow, I'll need a sonic rainboom dropped right over the heads of the bride and groom as they exit the church. I am the best man. Thorax, you and Pharynx will be in the mens wedding party with me. Rarity, my sweet you shall be in charge of wardrobe. Celestia and Luna are part of the family of the bride. Shining I need you to in charge of logistics. With me being a part of the wedding it will fall to you to be in my staid. The failure or success of this whole wedding will be on your shoulders." "What the hell, Spike? We are dealing with Chrysalis here. You expect me to believe she put me in charge of making sure her wedding succeeds? She's not that stupid. I'm trying to keep us safe and you countermand everything like your my commanding officer -" Shining snarled "That is because I am your commanding officer," Crucible interjected, "You never resigned your commission as Captain of The Royal Guard. Therefore as the heir to the Princess of Friendship's throne I am one of those rulers that you are duty bound to follow. Unless any of the other Princesses present want to overrule me?" Crucible glanced at the other Princesses, silence answered. Looking back to Shining, he continued, "And My name is Crucible now. As for Chrysalis all will be answered. And I think when you hear the full story you will not be so quick to judge." Shining's eyes narrowed, "She mentally assaulted me and almost killed my wife -" "For which I am very sorry for," Chrysalis's deep voice echoed into the clearing, "Just as I am very sorry to be doing this." Green sludge pinned Celestia to the ground, as Shining turned he was slammed by a green mist that defined itself into a unicorn stallion. "Please, know Captain Armor, I hold you in the highest esteem," Onyx assured, "But I can not allow you to interfere with the judgement of the dead." Rising to his feet, Shining formed a purple barrier. Shoving it forward the Knightly Unicorn was surprised when Onyx dismissed it with a gesture. Two more Onyxes descended down the steps. One a Pegasus, the other an Earth Pony. The Pegasus shot forward, delivering a kick to the face of the former captain of the Guard, staggering him. The Earth pony followed up with a buck to Shinings face that made even Applejack flinch. As Shining Armor fell Chrysalis restrained Shining with her green slime. Luna turned, "What is the meaning of this? Report Nightshade!" The tap of a cane was heard and a fourth Onyx joined them. Approaching Luna he knelt, "Forgive the Violence of my entrance, my liege. I do this according to your last order onto me. I do this to institute the Judgement of the Dead as you commanded." All eyes looked to Luna, the night princess merely sighed, "Which of course means that I have to stand between you and them. Tell me, Chrysalis looks better then last I saw her, is that your doing?" Onyx smiled, "Of course, I healed her and fixed her pattern. Something that should have been done a long time ago. In turn she agreed to be my agent and through me yours." Luna's sigh was deeper this time, "Which means that as long as she holds to that agreement Chrysalis is under my protection too." Cadence stepped forward, trembling and clutching Flurry Heart to her chest. "Auntie Luna, what is going on?" Turning to her niece Luna smiled, "A show, young Cadence. A Danse Macabre, one unlike any you have ever seen. One that shall put all things to right," Turning from Princess Cadance back to the Kneeling Onyx Luna asked, "Am I correct in that my Vassal?" "Indeed, my liege. All the disparate threads cut loose by the death of Princess Twilight Sparkle shall be woven back into the greater tapestry. To be solved as she would've in life." Applejack stepped in front of her friends, "Alright I have had enough! I want to know what in Sam Hill is going on! What is Chrysalis doing here? Why'd you need us? And What does this have to do with Twi?" "Simple, oh element of honesty," Onyx chuckled, "The Judgement of the Dead is when I am called to handle the last affairs of the deceased, as the deceased would have them done. In this case I also bring those that conspired to kill her to light and adjudicate punishment as she would have wished. It is what we will be doing tonight." Onyx explained. "So, your gonna remove all the lies and bring the truth to light?" Applejack queried. "Such is my duty and burden," Onyx clarified, "I have been doing this a long time." A roar cut through the air, interrupting further questions. Onyx looked skyward and cursed, "It looks like our first Bridesmaid is a little early," Turning to Thorax, Onyx snarked, "Please, King of The Changelings, control your date! The Rest follow, much to do and we've so little time." Green Magic lifted both Celestia and Shining, both unable to break free of the green slime. "I have Celestia!" Shouted the Earth Pony Onyx. "We Have Shining Armor!" Chorused the pegasus and unicorn versions. Moving in sync the trio moved the immobilized pair into the castle, while the rest of the wedding party followed suit.