"Shining Armor, what is the meaning of this?" Princess Cadance asked She was shocked that her husband was behind this.
"I'm delivering justice, that's what!" Shining Armor said. He was happy to see his wife and sister unharmed. But he was angry at Discord for putting them at Tirek's mercy.
"Big brother you can't do this! Discord is reformed now!" Twilight pleaded. But Shining Armor just looked at her with sympathy
"It doesn't matter if he is reformed, he still committed the crimes. He put innocent lives in danger" Shining Armor said. He then turned to Celestia.
"I'm sorry your majesty, but to prevent something like this from EVER happening again, I have given the Council authority to suspend yours and the other princesses of powers until this matter is resolved" The prince said with sympathy in his tone.
After ten minutes, Discord confessed that Tirek promised him that Equestria would be his personal chaos playground. Princess Celestia admited she and the other princesses didn't think what would happen if Discord betrayed them. Soon the Council and Shining Armor excused themselves to talk it over. After fifteen minutes they rejoined the court. The prosecutor used his magic to hand the judge a piece of paper with the Council's verdict.
"The Council has made the rulings" The Judge said, facing Discord and the princesses. "The four princess's authorites in threats and punishments are suspended until further notice. They will be handled by the Council and/or Prince Armor. And I mean, only the Council and/or Prince Armor"
The four princesses were shocked. That meant they couldn't stop what was coming next.
"Discord, you are to branded, whipped, and sentenced to life imprisonment in Canterlot dungeons. If you are let out and you do something exactly like what you did with Tirek, you will be sentenced to death" The judge said. Discord was shocked. He has never gotten a death sentence before. But now, he was close to getting one. He then sighed and reassigned himself to his fate.
"You can't do that!" Fluttershy cried in anger. The Judge just looked at her.
"The decision is up to no one but the Council, Miss Fluttershy" The judge said. He then continued
"Tirek is sentenced to death for his crimes against Equestria tonight and Cerberus will be branded and whipped for leaving his post" the judge finished with satisfaction. "Court is adjourned" he said, banging his gavel with his magic
Everypony went out to their own business. Some royal guard ponies approached Discord. Fluttershy immediately blocked their way.
"I am not letting you lock up Discord" she said with determination.
"Ma'am, this creature has to be punished" One of the guard ponies said.
"Fluttershy, they're right. I messed up" Discord said in sadness and guilt. "This is the price I must now pay"
With that, he let the guards take him away await his punishment. Rarity put her hoof on Fluttershy's back to comfort her.
"Daring, we need to accept reality" Rarity said, in a comforting tone.
"Yeah, Discord broke several laws when he sided with Tirek" Rainbow Dash added in agreement
The group then heard the sounds of hoofsteps. They looked ahead to see Shining Armor approachong them, with a look of disappointment on his face.
"Shining Armor, why are you doing this?" Princess Celestia asked in anger. The answer was one she wasn't excepting
"Do you know what my worst nightmare is?" Shining Armor answered in much more anger. "One day, an enemy will take over Equestria, and I'm gonna find my wife and sister Dead. I failed my duty as the captain and a prince!!"
The group was shocked. Shining Armor had put the burden of protecting Equestria on his shoulders. But he wasn't done yet.
"And that nightmare almost became a reality because of that traitor! And because of you!" He yelled, pointing a hoof at Celestia
"Shining Armor, I had no idea..She tried to explain, but he wasn't in the mood in to listen.
"You just wanted to protect your magic. You know what Celesta, for a big powerful alicorn, Your’e soft. I bet your own parents would be disappointed in you" He yelled