//------------------------------// // Chapter 7. // Story: A Cold Ending. // by Knight of Crows //------------------------------// The ponies in the gallery were scrambling within the courtroom. The judges were screaming for order. However, most of the attention was now on Rainbow Dash. Her body was comically flat against the opposing wall of the courtroom. With her speed, no one can react in time to stop her. Rainbow is just that fast. Everyone expected to see Jason flatten against the wall. However, no one expected Pinkie Pie to push Jason out of the way. Jason and Pinkie sat on the floor with the party mare lying across his stomach. Pinkie winces as Rainbow peels off the wall and hits the ground. Looking back at Jason, Pinkie wonders why he stares intently at the ceiling. "Are you okay?" Pinkie asks tentatively. "I don't think this is what people had in mind when they talked about getting blueballed." He said in a disappointed tone. "Now, get off me." "...Right..." She walked back towards her friends as Rainbow Dash was indeed shook off the cobwebs. Her eyes refocud on Jason as she snorts angrily. Instantly, she was in the air again. Only this time, Celestia caught her in her aura. "Ah! Let. GO!!!" "Dashie, please stop. You're making things worse!" Pinkie pleaded. "I'm making things worse?! Are you bucking kidding me!? Look at what he did to Fluttershy! Trying to make us the bad guys. Spying on us! Everything was fine until he showed his ugly mug. Now Fluttershy's cutie maker is gone!!!" Rainbow accused. Rarity was right beside Fluttershy as the shy mare had a vacant hollow expression with fresh tears staining her cheeks. A hateful scowl lands on Jason as Rarity goes on a tirade. "Are you proud of yourself? Does it feel good to harm an innocent mare? Fluttershy is a fragile pony. She abhors violence. It's only natural she'd run away from it. She doesn't deserve to lose her cutie mark for the actions of others or be criticized for her timid nature!" "I quite literally did nothing to her but criticize her cowardice and the fact she advised others on how to be cruel to a creature that spent more time and energy begging for mercy than retaliating. And considering how brave she's been in the past against more threatening situations, that should've been a cakewalk for her. I mean, look no further than when she convinced a dragon to leave its den." Jason refuted as he touched the Horn. The image changes to the elements going up to the cave where the dragon is sleeping. The court saw the various attempts of the bearers to wake the dragon failing. At first, Rarity smiles at the memory as it shows Fluttershy being her timid self and hiding away. But then, her smile leaves, leading her to get the dragon to go so she can claim his hoard of treasure. She cringes when Rainbow Dash bucks the dragon's snout, waking him in a rage. And she becomes nervous when Fluttershy activates her stare and dresses him down. "How dare you. How dare you! Listen here, mister! Just because your big doesn't mean you get to be a bully! You have huge teeth, snore smoke, and breathe fire, but you do not - I repeat - do not hurt my friends! You got that!" "Y-Yes, she did do that," Rarity said reluctantly. A groan sounds from the judges as Ember covers her face. "Wonderful. Now I have to talk with Crimson about his dwelling relocation. No dragon believed it when he returned to the Dragonlands because of a pony," "I must ask why a group of civilians went to convince a fully grown dragon to leave its cave instead of you or your guard, Celestia?" Queen Novo said. Celestia sighs as another of her decisions comes into question. "I believed that the presence of the royal guard might have led to a gross misunderstanding between the two parties." "Well, considering what happened to Spike's parents and the town they died near, that's probably the closest thing to a competent decision you've made in the past few decades. And this was supposed to be a test of their diplomacy, correct?" Jason once again called her ability to rule into question. "A test that they very nearly failed due to the actions of that one!" Queen Novo points to Rainbow Dash, who stops struggling with Celestia's hold as she sit Rainbow back at the defendant's bench. "The disappointment is mounting, Miss Dash. This is the second time you are acting both carelessly and recklessly. There shall not be a third!" Luna stated. "The court will add attempted assault charges after your little display," "What!? But he--" Rainbow exclaimed. "Jason conducted himself as a plaintiff should. You, as a defendant, only hurt Fluttershy and those beside you more," Cadance said with a shake of her head. "Actually, that would be attempted murder. Taking into account what we've seen hooves alone can do with a basic punch against me, how much damage do you think she, mare capable of breaking the sound barrier, would've done if we apply the calculation of force into her attack? The mass of an object multiplied by its acceleration, she would've put me in critical condition if I were lucky." Jason tried to incriminate her even more. "A fair point." Gruff agreed. "But she wasn't trying to kill him!" Twilight tried to defend her. "It doesn't matter. She intentionally tried to commit a crime she should've known could've killed him. So even if it wasn't the intent, the injuries alone would be all the evidence needed for the conviction." He explained. "As for the dragon, why did you not report the issue to Celestia instead of resorting to violence? Why were you also without the elements of harmony"?" Queen Novo continues. "W-Well, the dragon wasn't bad, just a little thoughtless in his sleeping pattern. And Princess Celestia trusted us. I believed we could handle it, and we did!" Twilight said. "Was it misplaced trust or incompetence all around, I wonder?" "The correct answer is yes. But if you'd like another example, how about that minotaur she scammed?" Jason said as he touched the Horn again. Playing the memory shows Rarity and Pinkie trying to dissuade a minotaur from seeing the shy mare. The judges all frown when Rarity and Pinkie refer to Iron Wall as a monster. Finally, after Fluttershy opens the door, Iron request what he is owed. "You were a doormat, and Iron Will turned you into a lean, mean, assertive machine! Pay Iron Will what you owe Iron Wil!" "No," Fluttershy said to the shock of everyone. "As I recall, during your workshop, you promised one hundred percent satisfaction from your customers, or we don't pay. Well, I am not satisfied," "Not only do we see Flutterhsy stand up to several creatures larger than her, but we also see the supposed good pony scamming a hardworking creature." Jason said. "Now, hold on! That Mon-"Rarity quickly catches herself. "That Minotaur's seminar turned Fluttershy into an awful and horrid pony," Rarity said. Another memory plays of Fluttershy interacting with ponies after IronWill'ss seminar. However, while some cases show ponies being rude to Fluttershy and the shy pegasus responds accordingly, other issues show Fluttershy being the aggressor. "Now, can you tell the court where in Iron Will's seminar he says throw ponies into haystacks, beat ponies out of a taxi, and mail post ponies in a display of irony? Fluttershy clearly states she is proud of her new attitude. And you two supported it. Fluttershy, in the end, even openly admits that she took the assertiveness lesson too far. So, Iron Will has grounds to sue all three of you for his compensation. Especially considering it was you two that convinced Fluttershy to do so." "But his so-called lesson was far too general. Any pony could've done the same things Fluttershy did!" "Then, where are the cases of other ponies who attended that seminar going over the top with their assertiveness?" Rarity could not answer. "It is only common sense to know when and where to be assertive. Although being assertive is not grounds for assaulting ponies." "The court is inclined to agree, Miss Belle." Luna said. "The crown will hear his case about producing Iron Will with his full and proper payment for his seminar." "And now the question becomes this; Is Fluttershy going to avoid accountability for her actions again?" Jason asked. "We saw it in the memories of Iron Will. You even saw it when she used her Stare on me. Questions for later I suppose. Since we still have time and you're so eager to defend her, how about we turn our attention to you, Rarity." "Me? I have nothing to hide! I'm well aware of my faults, and I won't let you use them as weapons against us." She touched the Horn and began to play a variety of memories, from drama to various acts of her good character all with a song playing. More acts play out, such as cutting off her tail to give to Steven Magnet. Another was when she offered to make costumes for a designer for their show. And she makes clothes for needy foals in various orphanages between Ponyville and Canterlot. And all the times she and her friends dealt with threats to Equestria. "Of course, there are the more personal challenges my friends and I face." It was confirmed as Rarity dons a detective outfit to expose a ploy to get Rainbow Dash kicked out of the Wonderbolts by Wind Rider. A different scene with Rarity applauding Fluttershy during her stint as a model where no one else would. And, the time at the Canterlo garden party where Rarity chose her Ponyville friends over Canterlot's elite. "As you all can see. Yes, I am flawed, but that is not all I am. I believe my better qualities far outshine my worst ones." The gallery applauded, but it wasn't as loud as before. The gallery members were cautious about giving their full support as Jason has a counter for all of the defendant's rebuttals. The fact that Jason is applauding them supports the thought. "Very nice show. But I believe you left out some aspect of that generous personality, Miss Belle." Rarity narrows her eyes at Jason. "And you presume to know me better? Does that little show about our lives grant you that knowledge!?" Jason shakes his head. "Only important key events, not every single aspect. But, from my experience, some of your negative tendencies take priority over your generosity. What I mean is that you are vain, manipulative, and greedy," "I beg your pardon!" Rarity shrieks in denial and outrage. "My people have another saying; we all wear masks. There's who we are underneath, who we want others to see, and who we want specific individuals to see. Princess Celestia has had thousand years to craft her mask for the public, one for the nobles, and one for her family." Celestia shifts in irritation. "You hide your true face behind your looks and charms. Just look at how you take advantage of Spike's crush on you." Several gasps go out as Rarity's jaw falls open. "That is a lie!" She denied the accusation. "Let's see then, are you aware that Spike has had a crush on you since day one?" "That is not relevant at all to the matter at hand!" Rarity stated. "I'd say that it is!" Ember said with a low growl. "Answer the question!" "I intend to prove all three claims I levied at you. You know about Spike's feelings - as do the other defendants - and use that to your advantage. Do you deny it?" Jason made a gesture to the Gjallarhorn. The mystical artifact gave off a low hum as if daring the unicorn to say otherwise. Rarity bites her lip before she sighs. "...Yes, I am aware of Spike's feelings..." "And yet, you don't reciprocate nor have you tried to let him down. Instead, you continue to use his feelings for you to your advantage. You've been leading him on for years because you know it's easier to manipulate someone when they adore you, especially if you throw the occasional flirtatious sign towards them." "I've never done such a thing!" Rarity denies. "I present to the court exhibit A, Vanity," The episode of the Sonic Rain-boom plays. At first, everyone was surprised to see it was mainly about Rainbow Dash. However, Rarity's moment came when Twilight cast a spell that allowed the unicorn to fly. From there, Rarity became self-absorbed by all the praise Rarity's new wings gave her. So much so that Rarity completely disregards Rainbow Dash and the bullying she suffered. The fashionista showed Rainbow Dash up every time turn until it was the two of them left in the Young Flyers' competition. "Look upon me, Equestria! For I am Rarity!" The memory ends with Rainbow Dash saving Rarity and the Wonderbolts after Rarity's wings burnt away in the sun. "Is this not vanity in its purest form? You were the one to propose you support Rainbow Dash for her competition. Yet, the moment you got praise for your false wings, Rainbow became an afterthought." "I already apologize to Rainbow for losing myself with my wings. Everything resolved itself in the end." Rarity stated. "Oh, so we should just gloss over the fact that three Wonderbolts nearly lost their lives trying to save a unicorn that never should have been in danger in the first place? How appalling. But it does not stop there, members of the court." The Gjallarhorn glows as an image of Rarity and Spike in her shop plays out. Rarity is currently working on a dress Fluttershy is modeling. "More sequence!" Spike comes skipping along with a bowl of glitter and a lovestruck face as Rarity sprinkles it on Fluttershy. "Ah! It needs more ribbon!" Spike appears behind Fluttershy while adding two ribbons. "No, less ribbon," Spike removes them. "No, wait, more ribbon!" Spike returns it as Rarity inspects the dress's helm. "Urgh! The helm is completely off. Pincushion!" Spike returns with several needles sticking out of his back a moment later. Twilight and Pinkie walk into the frame with a look of concern for Spike. "Doesn't that hurt you?" Twilight asks. "Thick scales. I can't feel a thing. Besides, anything is worth it to help the most beautiful pony in the world~." The memory ends with Rarity getting ecstatic to the point where she repeatedly jumps up and down in joy onto Spike's tail. The baby dragon winces at every stomp with the same lovestruck face until Twilight moves him away. "Miss Belle, do you deny the events we just saw?" Jason asks as murmurs from the crowd go off, and a growl escapes Ember's maw. "No, those events did happen. I recruited Fluttershy's and Spike's aid for that dress. I asked them both, and they wholeheartedly agreed." Rarity said. "And what about Spike? Ordering him around like a servant and subjecting him to abuse on top of not expressing any concern or even apologizing to him. That's not even a little screwed up to you?" "I tend to get swept up at the moment whenever inspiration hits. I would never intentionally harm my little Spiky-Wicky," Rarity said. "And that's an excuse for hurting your friend? It's fine if it's not intentional. No wonder I didn't stand a chance if that's how you absentmindedly treat those you call friends. Throughout that whole memory, you paid Spike no heed. You even waved him off in a dismissive manner. Was Spike even paid for helping you with your profession? Doesn't Equestria have strict rules against foal labor?" "Equestrian law dictates that foals under the age of fifteen are not permitted to work in any capacity," Luna recites. "And while he is of age by pony standards, we have to bear in mind that dragons age differently, so you had no right doing this. And can anyone tell me what the labor laws are for non-ponies? If not, I can pull it up using the Horn." Jason offered. Luna did not answer right away. "Any non-pony is not eligible to apply for work themselves. They must have a third party of a pony living in equestrian. The employer must take the non-pony to an official establishment for processing. After that, the third party can determine the payout for any labor assigned," All the judges narrow their eyes at that law. "So, you must be an enslaved person with less pay than a pony citizen. I have other documents of incidents where non-ponies suffer unjust treatment. But I will get into that later. By Equestrian law, Miss Belle, you did not register Spike as under your employ. Hell, you had no grounds even to do so since, as we established earlier, Spike is the house of Sparkle pet, meaning that would be illegal even if he was of age and went through the labor system." "It should go without saying that Spiky-Wiky is not a pet in our eyes!" Rarity staunchly defends. "That's funny that you keep calling him by that pet name." Jason said, earning a sneer from the unicorn. "It's just another means of you manipulating a creature that's keen on you. That brings me to Exhibit B: Manipulation." The memory of Fluttershy facing the dragon returns. "I want to bring back the time the elements went to remove the sleeping dragon. As we can see here, Miss Belle enters the cave after Twilight's failed attempt. She begins talking to Crimson by laying on the 'pony charm,' as she calls it. At the same time, we see Rarity taking pieces of Crimson's hoard on her person. I do not doubt that if she convinced the dragon to leave, the treasure hoard would've vanished without a trace!" "Ah, haha..." Rarity laughs nervously, unable to deny what was evident. "Crimson isn't the only dragon Rarity lays on the pony charm," Another memory plays from the Gjallarhorn. "Spike! You got to stall Twilight! Whatever you do, don't let her come home!" Rarity asks. "Like forever? But she lives here," Spike says. "Oh, well, maybe you can manage until sunset-sh," She ends her sentence while fluttering her eyelash in a flirting manner. "Anything for you, Rarity~," "Deny it all you want, for better or worse, you're quite experienced at seduction and getting men to do what you want. Here's another example." Jason touched the Horn to replay when Spike gave her a fire ruby. Spike is coming down the stairs of the Library with a gem. It was no ordinary jewel as it was bright red and shaped like a heart. When Twilight inquires, Spike explains that it was a fire ruby he had been cultivating for months. It was a birthday present to himself as a snack until Rarity entered the Library. "Hellooo. Twilight? Is anypony home?" Rarity gasps as she spies Spike with his gem. "Is that a fire ruby?! That must be twenty carrots! No inclusions. New facets!" "And, totally delicious!" Spike said. "Uh, you guys don't mind?" Twilight asks in irritation. "Oh, sorry, dear. I came by to see if you have any books on historical fashion," Rarity begins to walk away before questioning Spike. "Did you say delicious?" "Sure did. Next week is my birthday. And this is my birthday dinner," Spike said. The memory shows Rarity reading her book, but her attention keeps returning to Spike and his Ruby. "I hope it is as tasty as it is beautiful, Spike. I've never seen anything quite so stunning before." Spike looks at his Ruby as Rarity paws at the ground. "Gosh, you like it, huh?" "Like it? It's magnificent~." Rarity, in the memory, made another show of flicking her mane and fluttering her eyelashes. The effect causes Spike to sigh as he hands Rarity his Ruby. "Then, you should have it. This beautiful gem should be with you, Rarity." Rarity takes the jewel in her magic while prancing around happily. "I don't know what to say. What a thoughtful gesture. Thank you, Spike. Mmwuh~," The memory ends with Rarity kissing Spike on the cheek as the dragon goes stiff and faints. "It looks like we also have an early example of your greed. Don't you feel any shame using your charms to con Spike out of his Ruby that he spent time nursing? And all he gets is a kiss on the cheek? From a pony who doesn't like him back the same way?" Jason said in an accusatory tone. "N-No. It wasn't like--" Rarity started, but Jason cut her off. "Then, what was it like!? You heard Spike say he was saving that Ruby for his birthday! He found and was entitled to it, but your greed prevented him from having it. You can find gems on your own; why take Spike's? Because you knew if you laid on the charms knowing Spike wouldn't refuse you. Whether you two realized it or not, that gem was significant, and that's putting it lightly." A sudden slam got everyone's attention as Ember stood up, flaring her wings. "It's more than that!" She moves to the center of the room while glaring a hole through Rarity. "Fire Ruby is a special jewel because of their rare and elusiveness nature. Do you know why?" "Um, why?" Rarity asks cautiously. "Because a dragon's essence cultivates it. Our ambient magic allows it to grow anywhere near the dragon's location. That makes it easy for the dragon to find. In the dragon's possession, it gains more of our essence the longer we keep it. Yes, it makes for a tasty snack. But, more importantly, dragons use it as a sign of love! We present it to a mate we find desirable. What Spike did was basically like giving you his heart. Hence the shape of it! But it's also dangerous because rejecting a fire ruby can cause the dragon to go into a deep depression. Or, taking it and not giving your love back makes the dragon subservient to you!" Now, it was the defendant's turn to gasp. "Subservient?" Anger and contempt began forming on the Dragonlord's features. "It means he can't say no to you. He'll always yearn for you and no one else! Where is it? The only way to break the effects is to give it back!" "Oh, well, I - um - sold it..." Rarity taps her hoof together nervously. "Aaaaahhhhh, a tale as old as time. Boy meets girl, the falls in love, gives her his heart, and she sells it to pay the bills." Jason said, causing Ember to glare at him for a split second. "It was a slow season when I did it. I needed the extra bits to support my boutiques. Surely, the effects of the gem are exaggerated?" Rarity tried to downplay her screw up. "It could take years to get over the feelings he gave to you!" Ember shouts. "So, you took Spike's heart, his kindness, generosity, and love for yourself just to throw it away at a moment of convenience." Jason summarizes. "No, none of us knew that was the case. Dragon culture is still a mystery to us." Twilight spoke up. "Like I'm pretty sure I said during your trial, I find it shocking that a studious mare like yourself would leave such a glaring gap in knowledge. Especially for one so close as their supposed brother." He taunted. "That was one of the purposes of my new school. To learn about a friend's culture and how to respect it!" "Spike's been with your family since you hatched him. And you are telling us that you are only now seeking knowledge about his kind?" Jason counters. Twilight shrinks away from the judgemental stares of the judges. "I guess it's better late than never. But it doesn't stop there, does it, Miss Belle? I call the court's attention to Exhibit C: Greed, of which I have several examples to give. Starting with her first time attending the Gala." He said as he replayed that night. The memory plays out with Rarity meeting the Prince in the garden. Rarity gestures to the rose, expecting the Prince to adorn it to her person. Instead, he fixes it to his clothing. The night continued with the Prince shattering every expectation Rarity envisioned. Moments like the Prince hogging the pillow for himself, urging Rarity to use her cloak to walk over a puddle, having Rarity pay for the food he instantly found disgusting, and making her open doors for him. Finally, everything fell apart when a flying cake hit Rarity's body after the Prince used her for a shield. "Urgh! You, sir, are the most uncharming Prince I've ever met! The only thing royal about you is that you are a royal pain!!!" Rarity shrieks. "Ew! Get Away! I just had myself groomed!!!" "Afraid to get yourself dirty?!" Rarity shakes herself violently, launching the remaining cake all over the Prince, who topples over and ends the memory. "All that showed was how far from a prince that stallion truly is. Any mare with any self-respect would've done the same thing!" "Anyone with was genuine in their interest in the individual wouldn't have made it so painfully obvious they were only interested in all the perks being with them would bring. You're what people back home would call a gold digger." Rarity took offense at the accusation. "Even if you were genuinely interested in him, did the thought never occur to you that he's been through this song and dance so many times that he might only see gold diggers in any mare that approaches him? I'm sure you're familiar with the concept of pattern recognition, yes?" "That's still no excuse for his methods. A simple 'no' would've sufficed! And I am no 'gold digger'!" "Again, he's been through it often enough to know that doesn't work. In situations like that, it just makes more sense to skip steps 1-9 and go straight to 10 and save everyone precious time. Also, I have proof you are, almost literally in a later example." Jason replayed the events of 'ticket master'. All elements state their reason for the Gala and why they should go. Then, it came up to Rarity. "I have designed dresses for the Gala for years. But I never had the opportunity to go there. Oh, the society, the culture, the glamor. It's where I truly belong. And it's where I will meet him," "Him?" Pinkie and Twilight ask. "Yes, him, my Prince charming. I would stroll through the Gala, and everyone would wonder, who is that mysterious mare? They would never guess I was a simple pony from little old Ponyville. The sensation I would cause would allow me to be invited to an audience with Princess Celestia herself. My style and elegance would so take her that she would introduce me to her nephew, Prince Blueblood—the most handsome eligible unicorn stallion in Canterlot. Our eyes would meet, our hearts would melt, and our courtship would be magnificent. He would ask for my hoof in marriage, and I would say yes. Then, we would have a royal wedding befitting a Princess, which is what I will become upon marrying him. The stallion of my dreams~," "And how did this turn out? You and your friends completely trashed the Gala, which was paid for by you guessed it: Celestia!" Jason replayed the final moments of the Gala to show just how destructive it was. "And you have more to suggest she is avaricious?" Luna asked. "Yes, I'm referring to her encounter with a pack of diamond dogs living outside of Ponyville." "You mean the ones who foalnapped and enslaved me?!" Rarity asked, raising her voice in disbelief. "Legally speaking, it wasn't. By law, it was justified for her crimes." Jason answered. "What crimes?! They don't even have a kingdom, and all I've ever done was farm for gems. They took me into their burrows and made me work in horrid conditions, farming their gems!" Rarity said a matter of factly. The fashionista returns to the Gjallarhorn and displays the moment the diamond dogs capture her. From there, everything played out as Jason had seen from the episode, with Rarity whining and complaining to get the dogs to release her and surrender a sizable portion of their gems. "See? That pack accosted Spike and I while forcing me to mine their gems. And they called me a mule!" "Yes, that happened, and it was their right to deal out a proper punishment for your crimes." Jason said. "Could you please elaborate on how this was a crime and not her abduction?" Novo requested. "Gladly. You see, their home is legally recognized by Celestia as their territory with their own rules, which were given to the neighboring ponies." Jason used the Horn to show the associated documents to the judges. "Each Mayor would get it renewed, but after Mayor Mare took over, the dogs had instead been chased out of town by the guard who went to complain about all the ponies trespassing and stealing their gems." Jason used the Horn to show the associated documents to the judges. "What's on these is a list of damages. Ponyville is disaster-prone, after all. The second document is a letter the Mayor sent to outside contractors to mine in diamond dog territory. Normally, if any ponies wanted to operate there territory, they would engage in some trade. But, with the dogs effectively banned from Ponyville, the ponies can trespass with impunity. Thus, going against Celestia's decree." "As for how this has anything to do with Rarity?" Jason continued. "She's been legally trespassing and stealing gems from them since she got her Cutie Mark. She was not abducted, she was arrested and put to work. The work is determined by how much was stolen. One cart of gems would be one week of work. So, if we tally up her crimes regarding the diamond dogs alone, that's trespassing, multiple counts of grand theft, evasion of punishment, and the invasion of foreign territory without cause." "I-... But-..." Rarity stammered. Jason surveyed the courtroom. The gallery all whisper harsh criticism about Rarity and, by extension, the defendant bench. Most of the judges sent disapproving glares at the elements. However, Cadance shows a deep concern with how the trial is going. And Luna was a picture of irritation and fatigue. The defendants themselves were looking more run down with each testimony. Fluttershy was still catatonic from losing her cutie mark. Pinkie Pie was by her side. She would send some sad glances toward Jason, which he promptly turned away. Applejack was hard to read as her hat was covering her features. Rainbow Dash was looking angrier with each passing second. Twilight's mane began to gain split ends from all the stress. And Princess Celestia held a tight stoic expression. But the sharp flick of her tail told Jason she was also angry, but not at him. Finally, Rarity was looking lost. She looks around the courthouse for any sympathy but finds none. Now, it was time for the nail in the coffin. "You know, Miss Belle, I have another claim against you. It stemmed from when I came to you one rainy night. Oh how much better the world would be if our appearances were reflections of who we truly are. You would no doubt be the abomination that would give nightmares to the nightmares." He touched the Horn once again to replay his first meeting with Rarity. The Gjallarhorn glows again as a rain image displays. Jason's ragged form treks, holding his shoulders and shivering from the cold. He looks up to see the carousel boutique and spots Rarity throwing out some trash before returning inside. Jason quickens his pace. He makes it to the door and knocks at it. However, Sweetie Belle is the one to answer. "Um, who are you? We're closed right now. You'll have to come back in the morning," "I-I know," Jason shivers. "I just would like to speak to your sister, please," Sweetie stares at Jason in confusion, trying to see past the hood covering his face. "Okay, I'll get her. Do you want to come inside and warm up?" "T-Thank you," Jason said sincerely. Sweetie allows Jason inside. She guides him to one of the chairs and lets him sit. "I know just the thing to help me whenever I am cold—some good old hot chocolate. I'll make you some. Oh, yeah. Rarity, we have company. Somepony needs to talk to you." "I'm on my way, Sweetie. Just give me a few seconds," Raity calls out from upstairs. Jason sits alone and smiles for the first time in weeks. "I knew I could count on your generosity. Finally, something is going right." Sweetie comes back with a cup of chocolate, just as promised. "Here you go. Don't worry. It's not burnt. I've been practicing," Jason lets out a weak chuckle while looking at the clear brown liquid. "Y-You did a good job," Just as Jason was about to take a slip, Rarity came downstairs. "Now, Sweetie, who is it you said was visiting-- WAAH!?! Sweetie! Get away from that thing!!!" Rarity's magic flares out as she flips Jason's cup into his face. "AAAH!?" Jason screams from the sting of the hot chocolate. He falls to his knees and feels several items strike against his body. "You brute. You horrid, disgusting, filthy monster! How dare you come into my home! You were trying to take my sister, weren't you?!" "No, stop! Please!" "Rarity!" Sweetie calls to her sister. Rarity stops her assault long enough to check on her sister. "Oh, my poor Sweetie Belle. What has that thing done to you? It's okay. Your big sister will protect you," Sweetie looks back to Jason, who struggles to protect himself. "But, he--" "It's okay. I won't let that brute harm a hair on your mane," Rarity turns back to Jason with the most hateful glare he'd ever thought a pony could make. "You vile contemptible fiend! Have you no shame? Traumatizing my sister with your wretchedness!" "W-Wait. Please. I only came for some clothes. Please, it's freezing out," Jason begs, but his pleas fall on deaf ears. "You'd honestly think I'd waste a single stitch of clothing on your putrid hide. I would sooner sully my brand-making clothes for a mule before entertaining such lunacy! Get out! Get out and don't come back!!!" Rarity throws more items with renewed vigor. This action prompted Jason to hurry out of Rarity's boutique. The memory ends with Jason stumbling out of sight, still reeling from the hot choco to the face. Once again, no one spoke in the courtroom. "Ah, what a beautiful face for one so fair as yourself," Jason said sarcastically. "You know, in an ironic twist, the hot chocolate to the face did warm me up." "N-no. That-- I wouldn't. That was not me!" Rarity cries. "That is you. That was the mask coming off and your true face and nature coming to the surface." Jason chuckles as he shakes his head. "A filly. Your sister showed me more kindness and generosity than anyone in your town ever did. It must be a cruel twist of fate that such a good pony is related to you. She is truly the only pony I don't hate, but unfortunately for her, my hatred for you and the rest of your kind overshadows any semblance of care I might've had for her. That almost makes what I plan to do hurt me. Almost." "No... No! That wasn't me! I didn't do-" the Horn glowed as it extracted magic from Rarity, who stumbled as the others did before looking at Jason wide-eyed. "I did... I did do that!" "No shit! What was your first clue?! I've only been telling you this for days now as I've proven you and your friends guilty beyond a reasonable doubt for crimes that in a fair system, would see you all locked for the rest of your lives." "I believe we have heard enough for today. The court will reconvene tomorrow!" Luna bangs the gavel harder this time as she and the others leave. Many of the court members also glared at the fashionista as they left. "Wait. Wait! I can explain! Please!" Rarity cried, but no one would heed her. Rarity took on a hopeful expression for a moment. "Spiky-Wiky. He'll believe me!" She didn't even take three steps towards the door before Jason stopped her with an ice wall. "I wouldn't do that if I were you. Afterall, he's been watching these trials the whole time. I mean, they are being broadcasted across the world. Go if you want, but even he can't be that stupid. Really, the only person who I would trust near him at this point would be Ember, and that's about as likely to go up in flames as it is to help him. Go on though, I want to watch as the unloved wannabe dragon falls further into the realization that he's never been anything more than a tool that has long since served its purpose." Jason said sadistically, knowing the Horn was still broadcasting. "He. Is. Not. A TOOL!!!" Twilight shouted in the RCV. "Try telling that to the abused and neglected pet/ slave whose entire life has basically revolved around serving you, and later, your friends. Where was this 'big sister' mode every time in the past he needed you? We've already seen exactly where you were, so don't even bother answering. I almost feel sorry for him. I imagine all these harsh truths are just killing him." He smiled once they caught on to the implication, as empty as it was, and sped past him. "I hope you're all enjoying the show." Jason addressed the viewers. "Entertainment like this is simply to die for!" He said before turning off the broadcast.