//------------------------------//
// Episode 78: That's A Lot of Charges 
// Story: My Little Pony: Sparkling Harmony: Season Two 
// by Captain_Cosmos 
//------------------------------//

It was another Beautiful winter morning in Canterlot when Candy stood on the platform of the train station. Patiently waiting for the Friendship Express. She was smiling ear to ear. After a few moments, she saw the train pull up and come to a stop next to the platform. It’s doors opened to allow passengers to board and disembark. Candy looked through the crowd and smiled when she saw her target, the reason she was there at all. A green Pegasus stallion with hazel hair, and a left wing that was defective. She beamed and approached the stallion. “Hanzal!” She called out to the pony.

The pony named Hanzal heard his name called and turned to see Candy approaching. “Candy!” He responded as Candy wrapped her forelegs around her friend.

“It’s so good to see you Hanz!” Candy exclaimed. “How’ve you been?” She asked.

“I’ve been good. You?” Hanzal asked.

“I’ve been great!” Candy responded as she let go of Hanzal. “Have you reached out to Sparkler yet?“ she asked.

Hanzal bit his lip, and shook his head. “I haven’t yet. Candy, do you really think that’s a good idea?” He asked.

“Hanz, she would want for you to reach out to her.” Candy told him. “Sure, she’s gonna ask why you never did in school, but I did in fact tell her that I wasn’t the only one in school who DIDN’T hate her. So she’ll hear you out more willingly.” She explained.

Hanzal sighed. “But…what about what happened during freshman year? Remember how we failed to warn her?” He asked.

“Yeah uh, don’t bring that up to her. She’s refusing to talk about what happened and honestly, I don’t think it matters anymore. She’s definitely more confident in herself now.” Candy explained. “But the point is, I think it’s time you two built a LONG overdue bridge of friendship.” She said.

“If you say so.” Hanzal responded.

Candy smiled. “Now come on. Let’s go out on the town.” She said, smiling.





Sparkler, Twilight, and Melody all approached the Canterlot police station. Melody was nervous as all heck. “Why do we need to do this again?” She asked her mothers.

“Just to make sure everything is good for tomorrow’s trial sweetie.” Sparkler responded.

“Yeah. We need to make sure we aren’t missing any charges to put Sparky and Misty away for at least a VERY long time.” Twilight said.

“Ok.” Melody responded. “A-Am I going to have to tell the story again?” She asked.

“I don’t know.” Sparkler responded. “But don’t worry. You shouldn’t have to repeat the story anymore after tomorrow. So it’s almost over.” She assured Melody.

“Ok.” Melody responded, glad that it was almost over.

The trio entered the police station and walked through the busy lobby. Of course they got a few stares but overall it wasn’t so bad as they came up to a receptionist. “Hello there, we were told we had an appointment with the District Attorney at this time?” Sparkler asked.

The receptionist glanced up at them and smiled. “Ah. Yes, Mr. Hard Case is expecting you. Down the left hall, second door to the left is his office.” She gave them directions.

The trio nodded and followed the directions. They knocked on the door that the receptionist told them and heard a response. “Come in.”

Sparkler opened the door and the trio entered to see a stallion behind his desk. The stallion smiled as they entered. “Ah. You must be Sparkling Medley and Twilight Sparkle.” He said, holding out his hoof to shake. “Hard Case, Canterlot’s Head District Attorney.” Hard Case introduced himself.

“Nice to meet you Hard Case.” Sparkler responded as she and Twilight shook his hoof.

Hard Case nodded, and glanced down to see Melody. “And you must be the cute little filly that made all this possible.” He surmised.

Melody gulped and nodded. “Yeah…I’m Melody Sparklehearts.” She said, trying not to sound shaky.

Hard Case gave her a warm smile. “It’s alright Melody. There’s nothing to worry about. I have a good feeling that this will all be over by day’s end tomorrow.” He said.

“What did you want to meet with us about?” Twilight asked.

“Just some general housekeeping stuff. I’d like to get your perspectives of the story, ensure that I’ve got all the charges correct and I’m not missing anything. Once all that’s done I’ll let you go.” Hard Case said.

“Sounds simple enough.” Sparkler commented.

“There is one catch though. I would prefer it if I could talk to each one of you in private. Without anypony else in the room.” Hard Case said.

Melody eeped and hid behind Sparkler, she did NOT like that idea at all. Sparkler bit her lip. “Yeah. Getting Melody alone in a room with a stranger is going to be difficult to say the least.” She told Hard Case.

“Which is why I think I’ll speak to Melody first. Would it help if I left the door open?” Hard Case asked.

Sparkler and Twilight glanced down at Melody. Twilight let out a comforting smile. “Hey.” She cooed as she leaned in close. “It’ll be OK. Mom and I will be just outside the door. And if anything happens just scream and we’ll come running back.” She assured her filly.

Melody glanced at her two mothers, who were smiling. She gulped before nodding. “Ok.” She let out.

Sparkler and Twilight hugged her tight before walking out the door and into the hall. True to his word, Hard Case left the door open. “If you please Melody, could you tell me your perspective of the story? From start to the time those ponies were arrested?” He asked, holding a pen and paper.

Melody nodded, and began to tell her tale once again. Starting when she was foalnapped, her three years of torture, escaping, running into Sparkler, and being foalnapped and nearly killed. The entire time, she was shaking. Finally, she reached the end.

Hard Case listened attentively, and took notes. Once Melody was done, he thanked the little filly for telling him, and offered her a lollipop from his candy jar. After making sure it wasn’t anything peanut related, Melody took the Lollipop and thanked him. Hard Case asked her to send in one of her mothers. Which she did. And after about 15 minutes, Hard Case had testimony from all of them. He called all of them back into his office.

“Thank you for sharing your perspectives. They do indeed line up with the official report.” Hard Case said.

“What are the charges against Sparky and Misty?” Twilight asked.

Hard Case chuckled. “There’s quite a few of them. The charges applied to both of them are as follows. Three counts of murder, two counts of foalnapping, one count of arson, two counts of trespassing, child endangerment, child abuse, assault on a minor, illegal custody of a minor, battery, attempted murder, resisting arrest, assaulting an Alicorn, and treason.” He listed the charges. “Those are all the charges.”

“What?” Sparkler asked. “Why the last two if I may ask?”

“For both charges, they assaulted you with the intent to harm you Ms Medley.” The DA explained. “That is a violation of the law put in place to protect the rulers of Equestria.”

“But I’m not a princess.” Sparkler remarked

“The wording of this law makes it so that it doesn't matter. The law was enacted during a time when Princess Celestia was the only Alicorn. As such when the law was written, Alicorns and Royalty were in fact synonymous with each other. And there has been no changes to it in the 500 years since it’s enactment.” Hard Case explained. “Essentially Ms Medley, by the wording of that specific law, you are royalty.”

Sparkler wanted to protest, but she immediately shut her mouth upon a moment’s thought. So instead she just nodded. Hard Case continued. “As for Treason. While yes, Princesses Twilight and Luna were both there when Sparky and Misty were resisting arrest. Treason involves assaulting an Alicorn under its umbrella. So the same rules would apply simply because you’re there.” He said.

The more Sparkler heard, the more uncomfortable she was getting. Particularly when it was brought up that she was in fact royalty due to the wording in the law prohibiting assaulting an Alicorn. Is THAT why the Nobles are so mad? She asked herself. She didn’t know if the Nobles knew the law, but if they did…

“So, would that mean the law applies to me too?” Melody asked. Bringing Sparkler out of her thoughts and glancing down at her.

“It does, yes.” Hard Case responded.

“So you could give them a second charge for assaulting an Ail—Alicorn?” Melody corrected herself when asking.

Twilight’s and Sparkler’s eyes widened. They could tell what Melody was thinking. Hard Case chuckled. “I see somepony’s been paying attention.” He said. “Unfortunately because these crimes were committed before you were an Alicorn Melody, there’s no warrant for a second charge for violating that law.” Hard Case explained.

“Rats.” Melody said under her breath. She was hoping to get another charge against them.

The three adults all laughed. “Don’t worry Melody. Even without that second assault charge, I’m fairly confident that they will not be free for a long while.” Hard Case said. “And you might even get some compensation out of it.” He said.

“Compensation?” Twilight asked.

“Another clause of the law involving Alicorn Assault. In the event it happens, charges are automatically pressed on the plaintiff’s behalf. Meaning you could seek damages from Sparky and Misty.” Hard Case explained.

Sparkler felt uncomfortable again. But this time she was more attentive. Because honestly the thought of pressing charges hadn’t occurred to her, but if it hurt Sparky and Misty more then she’d deal with it. They hurt Melody, I’m ok with returning the favor in kind.

“If I may offer a suggestion. A sensible thing to seek would be a monetary amount equal to the total cost of all of Melody’s medical expenses up to the date of the trial.” Hard Case said. “After all she might not have needed any medical attention if not for them.”

One part of Sparkler didn’t want to go any further. But after glancing at Melody and Twilight, she had her answer. “That seems reasonable.” She said.

Hard Case smiled and wrote that in his notes. “Ok then that’s what we’ll press for. Thank you all for coming in.” He said. “I hope you have a nice day.”

“Thanks Hard Case, you too.” Twilight said as she and her family left. Hard Case sat back down at his desk and started organizing the paperwork.





“Squawk! That’s it kids! You’re doing great! Squawk!” Flappy said as he watched his three kids, who were born the previous day, flap their cute little wings and fly for the first time. Flappy smiled as they all moved in the air around him over Canterlot. Mina got stuck doing some Royal pet stuff, leaving Flappy to take care of their kids. But he didn’t mind, he was extremely happy to be a father. Even if it wasn’t how he imagined it going. Some time soon, they had moved over a section of Canterlot and Flappy glanced down to see his pal and her family walking along. “Squawk! Hey kids! Look! It’s Granny Sparky! Squawk!” He called to his kids.

“Crow! Granny Sparky! Crow!”

“Squeak! Granny Sparky! Squeak!” His three kids cried as they followed him down.

Sparkler, Melody, and Twilight walked along the sidewalk, heading to find somewhere to eat some lunch. That’s when Sparkler picked up something from the sky. She smiled when she saw who it was. “Hey! It’s Flappy!“ She said.

Twilight and Melody glanced up at the sky and saw Flappy, surrounded by a trio of smaller birds. “And it looks like his chicks were born.” Twilight observed.

Flappy landed on the ground, and caught his kids when they tried to land. He smiled at the three ponies. “Squawk! Hey there guys! How’s it going? Squawk!” He asked.

“It’s going good. You’ve been busy I see.” Sparkler smiled at Flappy.

“Squawk! Yep! Been teaching my little chicks how to fly all morning. They’re really good at it! Squawk!” He glanced at his chicks. “Squawk! From left to right, that’s Streaker—“

“Squeak! Hello. Squeak!“ Streaker said.

“—Flapperina—“

“Crow! Hi. Crow!”

“—And Pecker. Squawk!” Flappy said.

“Squeak! Hey. Squeak!” Pecker said.

“Aww! They’re so CUTE!” Melody exclaimed.

Flappy smiled and turned to his chicks. “Squawk! Kids, this is Sparkler. You’re granny, her marefriend Twilight, and their daughter Melody. Squawk!”

Streaker, Flapperina, and Pecker smiled and jumped at the ponies, hugging each of them best they could.

“Squeak! Nice to meet you! Squeak!”

“Crow! Nice to meet you! Crow!” Flappy’s chicks all said.

Sparkler chuckled when they jumped on her. “It’s nice to meet you three. We’re so excited you three will be living with us.” She said.

“Yeah! I bet my siblings will love you!” Melody said happily.

“Squawk! That’s our next stop actually. Meeting Melody’s siblings.” Flappy said.

“I’m sure they’ll be happy to see you four.” Twilight said.

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Now, if you’ll excuse us. Come on Kids, let’s go visit the rest of the family! Squawk!” He said.

His chicks nodded, and all four of them launched into the air. Sparkler smiled. “I’m actually glad we’re merging the houses.” She commented as she, Twilight, and Melody continued along.





At a restaurant in Canterlot, Candy and Hanzal sat in a booth, enjoying a nice lunch while reminiscing about old times. About a few minutes in, they heard the door open, and Candy, being the one facing the door, smiled. It was Sparkler, Twilight, and Melody. To say she was shocked when she came by for Melody’s last therapy appointment would be putting it mildly, after all it wasn’t every day a client changed genders and races, but she was over the moon in joy when she saw how much it helped the foal to put the past behind her. She waved over to them. “Yo Sparkler!” She called out, calling her friend over.

Sparkler smiled when she saw Candy. “Hi Candy!” She said. She turned to Twilight.

“Hayburger?” Twilight asked.

“With a side-order of fries.” Sparkler smiled. They talked about orders on the way.

While Twilight and Melody went up to the counter. Sparkler trotted over to the booth Candy was in, where she saw a stallion sitting across from Candy. “How’s it going Candy?” She asked.

“Great. Hey, you’re just in time. I got somepony here that you’ll want to meet. Another of the elite few that didn’t hate you back in school.” Candy said, gesturing to Hanzal. “Go on.” She urged the stallion.

Sparkler momentarily stiffened, but thanks to Candy, she now knew for certain that there were ponies that didn’t hate her so this time she wasn’t as skeptical. So instead she smiled and waved at the stallion.

Hanzal meanwhile gulped. “Uh, Hi there Sparkler…my name’s Hanzal. Uh…you’re doing well.” He introduced himself.

“Nice to meet you Hanzal.” Sparkler said.

“Yeah. Uh, sorry for not reaching out to you in school, I was a coward.” Hanzal said. Nervous as all heck.

Sparkler nodded. “You’re forgiven Hanzal. So long as you don’t try anything.” She told Hanzal.

Hanzal nodded. He understood what she meant. Candy smiled and beamed. “Hey Sparkler. How about you Twilight and Melody sit with us?” She suggested. “We can all catch up and be friends!”

“Sure.” Sparkler said. She saw Twilight and Melody walk away from the counter with their meal and gestured them over. They were introduced to Hanzal and Twilight was happy they met another pony from Sparkler’s school that didn’t hate her. Candy smiled as they all ate. Two out of four. Booyah! She thought. Slowly, but surely, Sparkler was encountering every pony from school that didn’t hate her.

To be continued…