//------------------------------// // Chapter 13: Hearing // Story: Transparent Living // by PinoyPony //------------------------------// November The clatter of hooves echoed across the stone floor. Dazzle would’ve expected the courtroom to be a little more regal, but the stands, the benches, the tables, the walls, all the way up to the ceiling were made up of wood. Each and every time, her surroundings felt less of home, and more distant, even more so… ominous. As many ponies took their seats, Dazzle's heart raced. She hadn't seen droves of ponies like this before. She whispered to Coco “I know it's a big city, but honestly, doesn't everypony have stuff to do?” Coco nodded. She adjusted her dress, which she picked out for the occasion. “Always busy. They give up a business day to show up for these things they are randomly called to.” “Wait... you mean that they are randomly selected?” Dazzle asked. She thought for a second that they were showing up because they had some relationship with her family. “Most of them.” Coco said. “The few that we recognize are the ones on their own account. Oh, speaking of which, there he is.” A lean, purple coated stallion with a scraggly white mane stepped in. He bore a slanted frown, as if critiquing a painting. Although he had an intimidating scowl, the very sight of him made Dazzle smile. She hopped out of her seat and approached him. That austere frown a was replaced by a warm smile. “Good to see you again, Mistress Tiara.” She leaned in and embraced him. A warm feeling gathered around her. She felt his hooves brush the crown of her head. “I see that you aren't wearing a tiara.” Randolph said. “Wearing it might make it hard to tell my age.” Diamond giggled. “Ah,” Randolph clicked his tongue and nodded. He raised a hoof to check his watch. After checking the time, he nudged Dazzle. “Go join Coco. The hearing will begin shortly.” Diamond took her seat. She grinned at Coco. However, Coco looked… worried. At least more than usual. Before she could give it any more thought, a voice boomed throughout the courtroom “Please Arise!” After the whole courtroom finished up their conversations and arose. The judge instructed “Court is now in session. You may take your seats.” She pounded her hammer like a knife on a cutting board. Diamond shuddered. Clearing her throat, the mare read the statement on the stand in front of her. “Coco Pommel. We have received your request filed for the legal guardianship over Diamond Dazzle Tiara.” Coco flashed a concerned look towards Diamond. “We will hear every side, starting with you, followed by Diamond, followed by her current legal guardian. Afterwards, the Jury will discuss the matter. After which, the final verdict will be given.” Coco stood up and trotted towards the stand. When she stepped up, the officer had her raise her hoof. The officer near the stand instructed “You swear, under oath, that you will tell the truth and nothing but the truth.” She repeated “I swear I will tell the truth and nothing but the truth.” The officer grunted and Coco took her seat. The judge started, staring out to the rest of the room, not giving Coco a sideways glance “Coco Pommel, since you are the one this process affects, it is necessary to examine your motives. Why did you apply and send in the paper work?” “I thought about this for a long time.” Coco said solemnly. “To put it simply, Dazzle is in need. I cannot ignore or neglect that need. To do so would be injustice. But, whereas it is a duty, it is also my pleasure. I don't do it to meet requirements, but out of friendship.” Dazzle never heard more eloquent words. She was surprised that Coco was able to state it firmly. She must've had some practice. The judge grunted. “You understand the scope of how much responsibility will be placed upon your shoulders to be the legal guardian of Diamond Dazzle Tiara?” “I understand.” “By accepting this, you are subject to cross examination of your background. Do you wish to proceed?” “Yes.” Coco said with a nod. “We will hear from all sides of the story. The jury will make final consensus after that.” The judge said. “You may have a seat.” “Thank you.” Coco stepped down from the wooden stand and took her seat. “Diamond,” The judge gestured towards her. “You're up Dazzle.” Coco said. Dazzle felt a pit in her stomach form. Suddenly, that same feeling pushed her forward with the same energizing feeling she had on the night of the play. The officer by the stand held a hoof, but Dazzle whispered “No thanks… I got it.” as she clambered up the steep stairs. When she got herself into the chair, The officer near the stand repeated. “You swear, under oath, that you will tell the truth and nothing but the truth.” “I swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth.” Dazzle said. A knot formed in her stomach. What if she didn't tell the full truth? “Diamond Dazzle Tiara,” The judge started. “From your side of the story, is there anything in Miss Pommel's conduct that is harmful or degrading towards you?” Dazzle smiled. She knew this one was easy “No. Coco is a nice, sweet, gentle mare.” She tried to say with the same eloquence The audience shifted. Some of them gave raised eyebrows. Some whispered in each other's ears. She noticed Coco with a intense look of worry on her. Randolph rubbed his face with his hoof. Dazzle's ears lowered. She did something wrong- she could feel it from the ponies in the audience. “Mmmmm.” The judge mumbled. “How many meals per day do you get?” “Uhm, all three.” Dazzle said. “How much rest do you get?” Dazzle paused. She thought of mentioning how her rest was hard to get because of the city noise and the transition she made. Not to mention… the nightmares she had on the daily. But she didn't want to make Coco look bad again… that is if she did. The judge cleared her throat. Dazzle didn't want to lie either, so she said. “On average, six hours.” The whole jury gasped. Coco's eyes widened. Randolph clenched his teeth. The judge nodded grimly. “Diamond Dazzle Tiara, are you happy?” “Now what kind of question is that? Yes!” Dazzle answered. She didn’t fear any disapproval- she would make sure that Coco would win this… meeting… or whatever the heck it was. “Thank you, that is quite enough. You may have a seat.” The judge said. Dazzle was let off the stand and she stepped towards Coco. She didn't want to look Coco in the eyes. After all. Dazzle knew she betrayed her. “Randolph.” Randolph got up from his seat and trotted slowly towards the stand. The officer to the side of the stand help up a hoof, but Randolph held another hoof up and smiled. The officer sank back down in his chair. “Randolph, as the current legal guardian, are you in any way, shape, or form opposed to Ms. Pommel's request?” “No.” Randolph said. “Is she currently residing with you?” The judge asked. “No.” Randolph stated. “Reason?” The judge asked. “Section 319B of the Foal Protective Services handbook.” Randolph stated. “If the current place of residence is in any, way, shape, or form unsafe or unfit for habitation, then movement to a secure location is required.” The jury whispered in between themselves. The judge raised an eyebrow. “In the application, it is noted that you aren't the biological guardian. Can you confirm?” “I am not.” Randolph said. “What is her current connection to you?” The judge asked. “Caregiver. Her biological parents are severing ties.” Randolph answered. “Come in a month, I'm the only legal guardian left of hers.” “Is there anything you want to add before we hear from the citizens of Mane-hattan?” “None.” He said. “You may have a seat.” He frailly stepped down from the stand and sat back down in his seat. “Snow Globe.” The judge asked. From the crowd, a mare stepped forward. Dazzle recognized the mare. Though, she couldn't place where. After the oath, the judge started, “Snow Globe, since you have mentioned you know the mare and the filly, and also have come to this hearing on your own account; please shed some light for us.” “Well,” Snow Globe started. “I don't know them personally, but I have something to add.” “I usually tend the back offices, but I was put on the front desk for the day to fill in for Mrs. Clampers. So, on that cold morning, these two came in. At first, I was wondering what such a young mare in her twenties be doing with a filly that's almost a teenager, if your records are right.” “That's accurate. Proceed.” The judge said. “When she asked for a form, I gave it to her.” Snow Globe continued. “Then, during the middle of the paperwork, Miss Tiara hugged Miss Pommel. I couldn't hear what they were saying, but if the ages were different, like Coco being older or Diamond being younger, I would’ve mistaken them as mother and daughter.” The jury shifted about. Faint whispers were heard. “Thank you.” The judge stated. “We'll take that into account.” The hearing was taking forever. Not because Dazzle was bored; She was paying close attention. It was because the minutes inched by like hours. What if the jury didn't agree with their plea? What would she do? “Berry Ice.” A shuffle in the crowd could be heard as a mare approached. As soon as she laid eyes on the mare, Dazzle's heart stopped. She recognized who this mare was. It was three weeks ago, but she could remember it clearly, a bad memory reeled back it’s ugly face. Her left cheek started to burn. It would be all over in minutes. “... Berry Ice, you have mentioned you also have another side of the story.” “Yes.” She replied. “I was minding my own business-” Dazzle's blood boiled. She surged up and shouted. “I KNOW THIS MARE! SHE SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE!” The jury was sent into commotion. “ORDER IN THE COURT!” The judge pounded her gavel. The court went silent. The judge glared a Dazzle. “Dazzle, sit down… please.” Coco whispered. Dazzle looked to Coco who had a genuine look of worry on her face- a look of desperation, as if she was pleading for her own life. Dazzle sat down and the judge cleared her throat. “Berry Ice, continue.” The judge fixed her collar. “As I was saying, I was minding my own business until a snobbish, self-centered brat with no manners bumped into me.” Ice Berry narrowed her eyes at Dazzle. “I do not like the idea of her living with Coco.” “Reason?” The judge asked. “The fame and fortune of Coco Pommel would corrupt her. Coco is slowly rising up the charts. Publicity would be with Dazzle's grasp. And she would use it for selfish desires.” “Objection.” Dazzle turned to her right. Coco was standing firmly. Why of all times did she take a stand right now? Just a while ago, Dazzle tried to cut in, but that was denied. “Hmmm…” The judge said. She nodded firmly “Allowed.” “I understand your concern, Berry Ice.” Coco started, with a voice that echoed gracefully through the courtroom. “If I may be so bold to say, I felt I was unfit to have Dazzle for a little while. But, let me tell you this. Once Dazzle came, my productivity increased. I knew that I had a filly to take care of, and I was going to do everything in my power to make sure her needs were provided for.” Dazzle stood in awe. Coco was glowing with confidence and power. She had never seen that before. “So, in other words, fame isn't going to corrupt Dazzle. Dazzle has become my inspiration and motivation.” Coco finished. “I end my objection.” She sat back down. Dazzle smirked. Berry Ice glared at Dazzle. “Proceed.” The Judge instructed. Berry Ice shook her head. “I would like to end my remarks.” “Very well, have a seat.” Berry Ice hopped down from the stand and took a seat. “The Jury had come to consensus. Since the biological parents are not present, a letter for final objection will be sent. It is agreed that after that time period, if Coco Pommel passes background check and Dazzle Tiara is registered into Mane-hatten’s Education System, then the guardianship is fulfilled and put into effect.” The Judge said. “Coco Pommel, what is your verdict?” “I understand and agree to the terms and conditions.” She answered. “And to you, Dazzle Tiara?” Go figure. That no good, rotten Ice Berry had her two cents in this; sending her to school as a way to seethe. The judge cleared her throat. “Well?” Dazzle sighed “I agree.” “Hearing adjourned.” The Judge pounded her hammer again. Coco picked up her purse. Dazzle hoisted her saddlebags and fumbled with the latch. “Went better than I thought it would.” she heard. Dazzle turned toward Randolph. He fixed his bowtie. Coco nodded. “Although I got more things on my plate now.” “It may be a hollow victory, but we still have reason to celebrate.” Randolph glanced at his watch. “My train doesn’t come until late this evening, so I might as well lollygag for a little while.” “About time Cloudsdale stops teasing us with this cold weather.” Randolph looked out the window. Snow fell like feathers outside. However, the bustling streets wouldn't allow any of it to set as slush was kicked up by every cart that passed by. “Must be an omen.” Randolph chuckled. “On a cold evening like this one, Diamond came into the world.” “Which brings me to another question, I’m getting confused whether to call her Diamond or Dazzle?” Coco asked, trading glances between Randolph and Diamond. “I always called her Diamond.” Randolph lifted a brow. “Why? do you prefer Dazzle?” He said with his eyes shifting towards Diamond. “I like the ring of my middle name.” Dazzle explained. “Just like Yttrium!” Coco pointed out. “Well...” Randolph chuckled. “I can see why they get along. Dazzle it is then!” “Soup?” Coco asked, offering him a bowl with oven mittens on her hooves. “Yes, thank you.” Randolph held out his hooves. Coco shook her head. “Allow me, it needs some time to cool off.” Coco set the bowl in front of him on the table. “Mmmm.” Randolph sniffed. “smells good.” “Minestrone Soup.” Coco said. “I’m trying new things.” “I could see that.” He said while staring out at the slushy streets below. “I heard the play was a success.” “Oh yes! Coco made these beautiful dresses!” Dazzle cut in. “I got to see everything come to life!” Coco made her way over to the steaming pot, and prepared another bowl. “What can I say more? One of the best artists in all of Mane-hattan.” Randolph added. “Oh, you’re too kind, Mr. Duster.” Coco set down another bowl in front of Dazzle. Coco’s regard shook Dazzle out of her trance. “Wait… Mr. Duster?” Randolph chuckled. “I see that Ms. Pommel hasn’t told you that she was once a student of mine.” Coco’s cheeks grew rosy. She took a seat at the table after placing a bowl of soup for herself. “Coco? A student?” Dazzle asked. “Was it long ago?” “Careful, Diamond- er- Dazzle.” Randolph cut in. “Given the fact that Coco is in her late twenties, I’ve only taught her about twenty years ago. I’m old, but not that old.” “So, how was Coco? Was she a good student?” Dazzle asked. “She was an excellent student! Very respectful too!” Randolph said. “Although her friends got her into trouble.” “Now, Mr. Duster, I don’t think Dazzle needs to know about this…” Coco grimaced. Randolph grinned. “Remember when you pushed me out of the way of a falling sewing machine?” “Wait! I gotta hear this!” Dazzle propped her head with her forehooves. “You don’t need to tell her… I wasn’t my best self.” Coco grimaced. “If I remember, it was you, Cilantro, and Thyme that were in detention.” Randolph continued, seeming ignoring Coco’s plea. Coco’s face went strawberry red. Randolph continued. “Even being a prestigious school, the immaturity of the younger generation can baffle you. That week, Cilantro, Coco, and Thyme were caught cheating on an exam.” Dazzle gasped. She looked over to Coco. She was slowly ducking under the table. Her face as red as Sweet Apple Acres in Summer. “So, I had to foalsit them after school.” He scoffed “I had no idea what was going through their mind, but as the old saying goes: foals be foals.” Anyways, there I was, trying to grade assignments, when Coco warily got up out of her seat. I scolded her to get back in her seat and do her schoolwork. Coco was trying to get my attention, when suddenly she pushed me out of the way.” He shook his head and smiled. “That wobbly cabinet would’ve sent a thirty-pound sewing machine on my head. But, instead, It fell on Coco.” Coco, with a twist in her mouth, said “It wasn't life threatening. I just got a couple scrapes.” “And a broken hindleg.” Randolph added. “Anyways, even when she tries to deny it, she saved me, I daresay, my life.” Dazzle smiled at Coco. She first saved Randolph from a sewing machine. Then, she saved Dazzle from a cart. “Needless to say, she spent time in the hospital after that.” Randolph said, taking a sip of his soup “It’s good now, the soup has cooled down.” “Speaking of hospitals, Dazzle is volunteering.” Coco pointed out. Dazzle glanced back at Coco. She knew she was trying to get off the subject. But, she didn’t mind. After all, she was spending time with Randolph. “Is that so?” Randolph raised an eyebrow. “Yup, I’m helping Yttrium with Corrosion!” Dazzle said. “Oooh, that sounds very exciting.” Randolph folded his hooves on the table as his gaze fixed on Dazzle. “All thanks to Princess Twilight.” Coco said. She nudged Dazzle “Why don’t you put on your tiara?” “Only with my lab coat, Okay?” Dazzle trotted over to her saddlebags, which were set nicely next to the coffee table in the living room. “Okay…” She heard Coco giggle. Dazzle popped on the tiara and draped on the lab coat. She felt her body stretch. She felt a little dizziness every time her field of view lifted of the ground, like the dizziness on an amusement park ride. She stepped back into the dining kitchen and took a seat at the table. “Ah, all grown up.” Randolph gestured to Dazzle. “Mare-ison Tiara.” Coco said with flair in her voice. It sounded like a host at a beauty pageant. She’d seen enough of those with her parents to put a hoof on it. Dazzle gracefully bowed. Suddenly, her tiara slipped off and she popped back into her tiny filly body. Dazzle scrambled to put the tiara back on. She cringed. Usually if her tiara fell off after a gesture like that, her mother would lecture her. Instead, she turned to the smiling faces of Coco and Randolph- both amused by her accident. To pass any leftover awkwardness, Dazzle figured now would be a good time. “Enough about me. How are things going back in Ponyville? I’m dying to know how Silver Spoon is doing.” Randolph smile faded. Dazzle heart sunk. “Trust me, you do not want to know what’s going on back at home.” He cautioned. After she formulated the right words in her head, Dazzle spoke “I’ve been receiving letters from the Cutie Mark Crusaders, but Silver Spoon hasn’t been returning any my letters.” “Crusaders?” Coco raised an eyebrow. “Long Story.” Randolph dismissed. He turned back to Dazzle. “She’s been struggling since you left.” His eyes were cold, as if he locked gaze with a cockatrice. Then his eyes grew lighter, with a kind smile returning to his expression. “Luckily, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo are keeping her company.” Dazzle was relieved to hear Silver was doing okay. Although… her heart ached a little. “I wish I could see her again…” Dazzle's ears drooped. Randolph’s eyebrows hunched over his eyes. “She wishes she could see you too…” Coco sipped quietly on her soup. Dazzle joined in. Randolph was right, it was a good soup. No wonder soup was craved during wintertime. “Why did you send me here?” Dazzle asked. He coughed, almost choking on the soup. He set down his bowl, and wiped his muzzle. “Pardon?” “Why did you send me here?” Dazzle repeated. “Coco is the only pony I knew was capable of taking care of you.” Randolph's eyes shifted over to Coco. “Like before, saving me from a falling sewing machine. Now, she is taking care of something I prize more than gold… my friend.” “Plus, I needed a roommate.” Coco added. Randolph smiled. “It may seem as a trial now, Mistress Tiara. I know how it feels- to be sent elsewhere… away from the friends and family you knew. To dwell amongst strangers who you’ve barely met, relying on their hospitality. Usually this journey happens later in life, but it comes to all who are worthy to bear its burden. To leap into the great unknown with nothing but faith as their companion is a scary concept, but it also has the greatest reward. You are living proof that you can do hard things and you should continue on to see what this new life has in store.” Dazzle knew it. He came to her family when she was a foal. With no family or friends to lean on when times got tough. He found a new family. He made a new family. Now it was her turn to sink her roots in different soil. “So… Mistress Tiara, the real question you should be asking is what will you make of yourself here?” Randolph asked. “Thanks for saving my rump again, Randolph.” Coco smiled. “No problem.” He turned toward Dazzle. “I will be heading back to Ponyville before I'm missed. It's good to see you again.” Dazzle's heart warmed. It was like the feel of the cozy sweater she had back at home. She hugged Randolph. “Thanks… for everything.” He hugged her back. “Good luck, Mistress Tiara, May Celestia have her watchful eye over you.” The din of the bustling city continued as he trotted down the streets. He stepped carefully, making sure to avoid the slush. Looking back, he tipped his hat. With another couple steps, Randolph disappeared behind the curtain of snow.