//------------------------------// // Trials. // Story: Ascend // by xTSGx //------------------------------// For copyright/disclaimer information, see Chapter One. Version 2.0 Published 1/11/12 Chapter Fourteen: Trials.     Several mares had surrounded Twilight and were administering various forms of makeup onto her.   “Miss Sparkle, please.”   Twilight hacked and swatted her hoof to clear away the powdery makeup in the air.   “I'll stop when you call off your goons.”   Solar Flare was not amused.   “They are not goons. They're Their Majesties Personal Care Technicians. Now hold still while they finish up.”   Twilight squirmed in her chair.   “I thought we were friends, Flare. Remember the good times?”   “I remember you spitting in the Duke of Baltimare's face and nearly causing another Nobility Revolt.”   “And would you blame me? After what he said?”   Flare sighed.   “I suppose not. But that doesn't excuse you from constantly interrupting Day Court.”   “I had to show Princess Celestia the progress I was making!”   “While the Canissian Ambassador was meeting with her? You almost caused another Fangbreaker Incident.”   The mares ceased their cosmetic laden assault and Twilight sprang up from her chair. Solar Flare looked at her.   “See, that wasn't so bad.”   “I could have put on my own makeup, thank you.”   They made their way out of the makeup room and into one of the castle's marble and granite hallways.   “Why do that when the Crown employs professionals who are more than capable of doing it?”   “That's not the point. The point is, I can do it myself.”   Flare chuckled lightly.   “You're already sounding like one of the Princesses.”   “What?”   “Oh yes. In fact, you handled things far better than either of Their Majesties do.”   “I did?”   “Mhmmmhmm. And just a bit of advice: If I were you, I'd get used to being pampered over, because it's only going to get worse.”   Twilight looked over at Flare in worry.         ***********         Twilight, Celestia, Luna, and Solar Flare stood behind a door.   “Is everything ready, Solar Flare?”   “Yes, Your Majesty. Representatives from The Canterlot Times, Manehatten Chronicle, Fillydelphia Weekly, Arcane Magic Quarterly, NPR, AP...”   Twilight's eyelid twitched. Celestia tried to intervene.   “High Overseer?”   “...UPI, PBS, PPC...”   “High Overseer!”   “...and Envoys from the Cosmic Council are standing by.”   Twilight stiffened.   “C-Cosmic Council? As in, the worldwide oversight body that ensures compliance to the International Magic Convention?”   “Why yes. They've taken quite an interest in you, Miss Sparkle. Why, they will want to know exactly wha—blough!”   Celestia stuffed a hoof in Solar Flare's mouth.   “That's enough, High Overseer.”   “Meig, Wiuor Mahesay.”   The purple alicorn started hyperventilating.   “W-What do th-they want to know?”   Luna tried to calm the frantic alicorn down.   “That is not important at this time, Twilight. We must calm the populace down and reassure them and we can't do that unless you're calm.”   “R-Right.”   Twilight took several deep breathes.   'Stay calm. I-It'll all be alright.'   “If there are no further delays, the press awaits.”   Solar Flare opened the door and the three alicorns entered. Immediately they were bombarded by flash bulbs and yelling from the assembled press. They walked onto the stage. The stage had been hastily put together. It had three plush purple pillows with elaborate embroidering on them and three microphones on stands. Behind it, hung a golden and blue curtain that served as the backdrop.   Solar Flare walked up to the tallest microphone.   “Mares and gentlecolts of the press, this press conference will be conducted as all previous ones. The princesses will answer questions one at a time. Please remember to keep things civil. Now, presenting: Celestia, Solar Diarch and Princess of Equestria; Luna, Lunar Diarch and Princess of Equestria; and Lady Twilight Sparkle, Bearer of the Element of Magic and Personal Student of Princess Celestia.”   The three alicorns sat on their respective cushions. All the while the cameras snapped pictures.   Celestia cleared her throat.   “First question.”   -----   Twilight and the Princesses left the press room, all the while more questions and photography barraged them. All three breathed a sigh of relief once they were free of the press's eyes and ears.   “That went well. Hopefully it'll calm them down and help end the panic.”   Luna snorted.   “The nerve of that Canterlot Times reporter. Insinuating that Twilight is your bastard foal. How dare him!”   “Now Luna, it's the press's job to ask such questions. I don't really blame him. It wasn't nearly as bad as the rumors when Cadance was born.”   Twilight's curiosity was piqued.   “What rumors?”   Celestia smirked.   “Let's just say that the term 'breeding program' had an entirely different meaning in the tabloids.”   The Lunar Diarch frowned at the statement before looking at Twilight.   “At least we helped settle any doubts or fears about you.”   Celestia's attention turned to the purple alicorn as well.   “Yes. I don't think you have to worry about being labeled a changeling collaborator anymore.”   “Hopefully.”   Luna turned to Celestia and Twilight.   “Now that this nasty business with the press has been resolved, I must resemble a large piece of flora and depart. There is much that must be done. I have to meet with representatives from Parliament about Twilight's changes and what we are going to do about them.”   “Just try not to scare them again, Luna.”   The Lunar Diarch gave Celestia a sour look.   “Sister! There is nothing to be concerned about. That was a singular incident.”   “I'm joking, Luna. Parliament's in good hooves.”   Luna's face brightened and, after briefly nuzzling Celestia, she departed for the Capitol Building to meet with representatives from the Solar and Lunar Parties.   Twilight and Celestia walked down a different hallway.   “Where are we going now, Princess?”   “You are going to meet with the Solicitor General and head to the High Court so that they can confirm you as an alicorn.”   Twilight stopped.   “Wait, you're not coming?!”   Celestia turned back.   “Unfortunately, no. Like Luna, I have quite a bit of work to do. I must meet with ambassadors from Saddle Arabia, Canissia, and the Crystal Empire and try to calm things down.”   “But...why?”   “Equestria's a global country, Twilight. When something rattles us, it's going to rattle the rest of the world too.”   She moved next to Twilight and the two started walking again.   “Don't worry.” they arrived at one of the entryways to the castle, “Solicitor General Cloudy Skies is one of the best. He has more than twenty years of experience behind him.”   Waiting for them in the marble-clad entryway was a skittish yellow earth pony mare who was pacing back and forth. Her red mane was tied into a bun and she wore glasses. Over her back was slung a saddlebag stuffed with legal documents and books.   Celestia looked to the earth pony in confusion.   “Excuse me, miss. Can I help you with something?”   The mare jolted up and looked over to the pair of alicorns.   “Ahh! Princess Celestia!”   “Yes?”   The mare struggled for a moment to regain her composure.   “M-M-My name is Red Daisy, A-Assistant of Attorney G-General for the District o-of Canterlot Legal Jargon, a-and I will b-be representing Miss S-Sparkle before the—” she gulped, “High Court.”   “You're going to represent Twilight? What about Cloudy Skies?”   “T-The Solicitor General is currently on vacation.”   “Then what about Equestria Attorney General Glass Jaw?”   “Broke his leg w-while gardening yesterday and in the hospital.”   “Deputy Attorney General Lightning Strike?”   “In-laws are visiting.”   Celestia was getting desperate and her face showed it.   “Assistant Attorney General Know Nothing?”   “Flu.”   “Paper Cut?”   “Poked her eye with a pencil.”   “Eye Strain?”   “Got a paper cut.”   Celestia bit her lip.   “And what about Legal Jargon?”   “He ate a bad egg salad sandwich for lunch today and has suffered from some 'gastric discomfort'.”   “There's nopony higher up?”   “I-I wish.”   Celestia sighed before smiling lightly.   “It's just been one of those days.” she turned to Twilight, “Well, Twilight, looks like Miss Red Daisy here will be your representative.”   “What?! B-But Princess—”   “Oh, don't worry, Twilight. I have the fullest confidences that Miss Daisy will do well. You two better get going. Chief Justice Docket Number won't be happy if you're late.”   Twilight and Daisy exchanged shocked and fearful expressions.   “Oh my gosh!”   “Oh no!”   The two panicked mares darted out the expensive pine door and into the courtyard as they made their way to the High Court Building.   Celestia shook her head.   “It's really been one of those days.”       *********** The Courtroom of the High Court of Equestria was sparsely decorated for such an important government body. The only decorations on the plain granite walls were the gold drapes that were hung from them. The dark blue carpeting helped to darken the bright room. The wooden bench that the nine judges used was sturdy and well crafted, with numerous intricate designs carved into it. Two tables and several chairs were in front of the bench, where the counsel for the plaintiffs and defendants sat. The bar which separated the court from the gallery was a plain wooden one and the gallery itself housed several rows of wooden seats with cushions of the ugliest shade of bright orange. Nopony could remember who came up with the horrid color, but it had been a fixture of the court since before the High Court Building's construction well over two hundred years earlier and nopony wanted to change such a time honored, if ugly, tradition.   Unlike the Oversight and Reform Committee, the gallery was packed with almost a hundred and fifty ponies. The gallery was usually packed. Unlike Parliament, the High Court refused to allow cameras of any kind in, so viewing a meeting of the court could only be done in-person. Numerous members of the press along with several artists were present to document this meeting. High Court sessions were always important, but this session would blow any landmark case out of the water. After all, when else did the court get to decide on a new Princess? Okay, so it had done so twice in the last century, but the point still stands.   Twilight sat next to Red Daisy at one of the tables. Every once in a while, the purple alicorn would glance back at the hundred plus ponies staring at her.   “Are you sure you know what you're doing?”   Daisy struggled to pour out a glass of water due to her shaking hoof.   “O-Of course. I-I've studied up on e-everything.”   Twilight skeptically pulled the books from Daisy's saddlebag. She looked at their titles, a frown growing on her face.   'Constitutional Law for Dummies? How to 101: Cramming for a Law Degree? Bunny-Ears Lawyer: 20 Step Guide to Faking General Counsel?'   Twilight turned to Daisy as she took a drink of water.   “What legal experience do you have?”   Her eyes widened and she spat the water back into her glass.   “I-I'm Attorney General for t-the District of C-Canterlot Legal Jargon's Assistant. I've w-worked for him for three years.”   Twilight breathed a sigh a relief.   “Oh good. For a minute there, I thought you didn't have any legal experience.”   Daisy smiled nervously and did everything possible to avoid eye contact.   “You...you do have legal experience, right? I-I mean, your Canterlot's Attorney General's Assistant. You have to have experience.”   She laughed nervously.   “You would think so, but I just get him his coffee and type out his letters.”   Twilight looked mortified. Daisy tried to reassure her.   “B-But I have read several law books a-and I'll be taking a law program at CCCC next semester.”   The purple alicorn seemed dazed.   “Y-You'll be taking a law program? At Central Canterlot Community College? That's good.”   Daisy looked over in concern.   “A-Are you okay, Miss Sparkle?”   “Me? I'm fine. Why wouldn't I be? This day—from Parliament, to the High Court—has gone just perfectly. There is no feasible way this day could get worse.”   'Do it. I dare you.'   Nothing happened, aside from a growing sense of alarm that was building in Red Daisy's gut.   “That's...good. I-It'll all be fine. We just have to g-get you to pass t-the Bench Trial Test a-and everything will be fine. I won't lose my job and be doomed to be a, a librarian or something and you can go on to be a Princess.”   Twilight ignored the librarian comment, too distracted by the mention of a test she would have to pass.   “T-Test?! Princess Celestia didn't say anything about a test!”   'Oh no. Oh no!'   “W-What's it going to be about?”   Daisy looked even more panicked than Twilight.   “I don't know! Alicorn...stuff. Magic and-and raising the sun—that kind of thing. All I know is it's named after former Chief Justice Bench Trial.”   'Raising the sun. Raising the sun?!'   Twilight grabbed Daisy.   “Please tell me you're joking.”   “I-I—”   Before Red Daisy could respond, the bailiff walked in.   “All rise.”   Those in attendance stood.   “The Honorable Chief Justice Docket Number, Associate Justice Quidpro Quo, Associate Justice Loophole Abuse, Associate Justice Kangaroo Court, Associate Justice Hung Jury, Associate Justice Habeas Corpus, Associate Justice Writof Certiorari, Associate Justice Activist Judge, and Associate Justice In Rem.”   At each of the judges’ names, they all entered and took their seats, except for In Rem, who was wheeled in in a wheelchair. The wrinkled old stallion had an oxygen mask attached to his muzzle and a tank by his side.   “You may be seated.”   Everypony sat down.   Docket Number looked over to frightened yellow earth pony.   “Let's get this emergency session of the High Court underway. What matter coul—wait, you're not the Solicitor General?” he grabbed a piece of paper and read it, “This is definitely a government case.” he looked back up at Daisy, “I take it the Cloudy Skies is preoccupied at the moment?”   Daisy nodded.   “Well then, miss...”   “R-R-Red D-Daisy, your Honor.”   “Red Daisy, what matter is so important that it warrants interrupting the Court's docket?   Justice Quo took off her reading glasses and looked up.   “Yes, we were in the middle of Ace Swift v Equestrian Speedway Corporation and would like to continue the case as soon as possible.”   Daisy shakily stood up. She licked her dry lips before talking.   “T-The Crown has r-requested this session per a-a-article six of the Constitution.”   All the Justices except In Rem, who seemed to be staring off into space, looked at the mare in shock. The Justices sounded off in rapid succession, causing Daisy to wince.   “Article Six?!”   “This better not be another gene project.”   “That would explain the mobs I saw earlier.”   “Not again.”   In Rem gurgled unintelligibly.   Docket Number lightly tapped his gavel to silence his fellow members.   “If article six is in play, then that would mean...”   He glanced over to the purple alicorn sitting next to the yellow earth pony. She smiled sheepishly.   “Ah, Princess Celestia's student. Well then, there's no point in panicking and running around like our heads have been cut off.” he looked to the far end of the bench at In Rem, “Not that most of us can run. Can we all agree that the Bench Trial Test is required?” he looked to his fellow Justices, who nodded, “Very well then. Bailiff, please gather the necessary components for the Test.”   The bailiff departed.   “I must say, Miss Daisy, that after Luna, I never expected the Court to be considering Article Six again.”   “Y-Yeah, neither did I.”   Twilight bit her lip in worry as she watched the bailiff leave.   ----- Seeing the bailiff's return, Docket Number spoke up.   “Miss Sparkle, if you'd be so kind as to step out from behind the table, we can get this test underway.”   Twilight did so.   “W-What's going to happen?”   Certiorari decided to step in.   “Since the alicorn represents all three races, the Bench Trial Test tests abilities from all three of them.”   A Royal Guard flew in with a small cloud and centered the cloud in front of the Court. The bailiff unfurled a blue tarp and placed it under the cloud. Docket Number spoke up again.   “To test your pegasi abilities, please fly up to and land on the cloud.”   'Fly!? But you haven't flown since the accident. What if your wings haven't fully healed yet?!'   “Uh, w-what would happen if I couldn't fly to the cloud?”   Docket Number looked down at the alicorn.   “That would be a clear indicator that you are not an alicorn. In which case, various charges like inciting a panic, perjury, and—debatably—treason, depending on your motives for faking it, would be levied against you.”   Twilight's eyelid twitched.   “Oh. Well...it's good that I-I'm not faking then.”   Docket smiled.   “Yes it is. Now, please.”   He motioned for her to continue.   The purple alicorn nervously unfurled her wings and stretched them briefly.   'Man, am I glad that it doesn't hurt when I keep these things closed.'   She looked up at the puffy white cumulus cloud that hovered a dozen or so feet in the air.   'J-Just remember what Rainbow said.'   Her wings began to flap and she shakily rose off the ground.   'U-Use your hooves and tail to stabilize yourself.'   Twilight gained the necessary altitude and landed on the cloud. She collapsed onto the cloud in relief.   'There.'   “Ohhh's” and “awww's” came from the gallery. Daisy let out a sigh of relief.   Activist scribbled something down.   “Good. Now, try to make it rain.”   “M-Make it rain?”   “Why yes. A unicorn could simply cast a Cloud Walking or Flutterwing Spell to be able to stand on that cloud, but there is no known spell that would allow a non-pegasus or alicorn to manipulate the weather.”   'B-But you don't know how to manipulate the weather! N-No no. Now's not the time to panic. Just, relax.'   Twilight took several deep breathes.   'It can't be that hard, can it? J-Just copy what Rainbow does a-and you'll be fine.'   She hopped up and down several times. No rain came out of the cloud. She looked over at the Court and noticed several raised eyebrows.   'No, no, no, no, no! T-This can't be happening!'   The purple alicorn jumped several more times with the same result.   'I can't believe it! A cloud is going to cause me to be thrown into the dungeon forever.'   In desperation, she jumped up and down in rapid succession.   'Work!'   She kicked the stubborn cumulus.   'You.'   Twilight stomped on the mass of dust and water vapor.   'Have.'   She massaged the cloud.   'To.'   The purple alicorn tried to glare the puffy white object into compliance.   'Work!'   She gave one final, desperate jump before collapsing onto the cloud.   “Please.” she whispered in despair.   The cloud opened its reservoirs and dumped its contents onto the tarp below. After a moment, the cloud disintegrated and Twilight began dropping to the ground before she started flapping her wings instinctively. Once she regained her bearings, she landed and looked over to the justices. They all had pleased looks on their faces—except for In Rem, who continued staring off into nothingness like he was gazing into an abyss.   Docket spoke.   “Very good, Miss Sparkle. It was a little touch and go there for a second, but you passed the Pegasus portion of the test.” he looked over to the bailiff, “Please have this water cleaned up and bring in the Coruscare testing equipment.” as the bailiff left he turned his attention back to Twilight, “Next, we'll check your magical abilities.”   Twilight gulped.   'Sun raising, here I come.'   ----- The purple alicorn stared at the brass and aluminum contraption in front of her. The device had several vacuum tubes sticking out of its sides. On its front, several wheels of magnetic tape spun underneath seven nixie tubes. Several wires were wrapped around the front of the device and were connected to a cone shaped hollow crystal about the size of a unicorn's horn.   “What is this?”   Loophole Abuse turned from whispering with Kangaroo Court and faced Twilight.   “This, Miss Sparkle, is the CTR UNI-500. It measures a unicorn's total magical output and converts it into the Coruscare Scale. The Scale, named after Archmage Astor Coruscare, shows the output using a numerical value between one and one million. An average unicorn would clock somewhere between 10 to 50,000. To pass the Royal Guard's Magic Exam, one must have a level of at least 70,000.   “To give some reference, at their peak, Archmage Coruscare tapped in at 330,000; Princess Cadance showed up at 780,000, Princess Luna was at 845,000 and Princess Celestia clocked in at 918,000. To date, no unicorn has surpassed Coruscare's score. It is accepted that any score exceeding 500,000 would place a pony within alicorn levels.”   Docket Number nodded to one of the technicians that were hooking the UNI-500 up.   “They are going to hook you up to the machine. At the indicated time, you will dump as much raw power into your horn as you can and the machine will measure your output.”   Twilight smiled brightly.   “So I won't have to raise the sun!?”   The justices stared at her with various looks of confusion and surprise. Hung Jury recovered first.   “Why would we have you move the sun?”   “My representative told me I would have to.”   Twilight turned her head and glared at Daisy, who shrunk down in her seat.   “I'm afraid the government's representative was mistaken. Not only is it unlikely you could move the sun, but the International Magic Convention prohibits its unauthorized movement. Let's get the real test started.”   The purple alicorn breathed a sigh of relief while the crystal cone was attached to her horn.   After hooking her up, the technician walked back to the machine.   “Please begin, Miss Sparkle.”   Twilight gulped before she opened up her magical reserves and poured the power into her horn. The crystal glowed a dull pink and the magnetic tape on the machine started spinning. After a moment, the nixie tubes came to life and the numbers shown started climbing. A loud sparking sound was heard and the lights and machine flickered for a moment before going out.   In the darkness, a voice was heard.   “Hold it! Don't anypony move. A fuse is out.”   It was a good thing that the maintenance ponies bought fuses by the gross, because after only a short delay, the power was back on.   “Shoddy electrical.” Docket muttered.   After restarting the machine, the technicians allowed Twilight to continue. As she started pouring energy into the glowing crystal, the numbers displayed on the nixie tubes very quickly rose into the five and then six digits. Beads of sweat formed on Twilight's brow as she dumped more energy into her horn. The dull glow became a bright glow and soon, was almost blinding. All the while, the numbers continued to climb. Finally, Twilight, exhausted, collapsed onto the ground and panted.   She looked up to the machine. It read 776,867. Several gasps and cheers rang out from the gallery.   'That wasn't too bad.'   Docket glanced back to Twilight from looking at her score.   “Very good. You have this alicorn test just about wrapped up. There's just one last part of the test before the Court can make a final ruling.”   Twilight noticed several of the justices grimace.   ----- Twilight looked around, a befuddled expression on her face.   'Huh. Where's the crazy machine that tests my strength? Or the apple tree they'll have me buck? All I see is a Royal Guard.'   In addition to the Royal Guard in front of Twilight, two ponies sat behind her. Each wore medical hats with the Health Institute of Equestria's logo on them.   “There is just one final part of the test. Before we begin, the High Court would like to apologize in advance.”   The purple alicorn continued to look around.   “What?”   Docket turned his attention to the Royal Guardstallian.   “Guard.”   Twilight saw the Royal Guard pull something off of his back and mess around with it.   'That looks like a...'   “Fire.”   The guard aimed the crossbow at Twilight and pulled the trigger.   'WHAT!'   Unprepared, Twilight was unable to use her magic or dodge the arrow and it lodged in her chest. Pain erupted from the injury and she let out a terrified scream as the two medical ponies rushed to her side. Blood began to leak out of the wound. The medical ponies quickly removed the arrow and applied gauze to the bleeding puncture. Twilight squirmed and hissed on the ground in pain while her horn and chest lit up in a dull purple glow.   Daisy leapt from her chair.   “W-What's going on?!”   Certiorari looked somberly at the earth pony.   “This was the final portion of the test. To determine whether Miss Sparkle possesses advanced healing abilities—a critical indicator of the alicorn's defining attribute: immortality.”   “B-But that has nothing to do with earth ponies! You said it would test abilities from all three species!”   Loophole was next.   “The High Court had to exaggerate some statements due to the fact that, with sufficient warning, Miss Sparkle could have cast a high powered healing spell in advance; thus voiding this portion of the test.”   “Bu—wha—I...”   Daisy shifted her attention to the medics, who removed the bloody gauze on Twilight and examined her now undamaged chest. They looked up and nodded to the Court.   Twilight shakily stood up, her face contorted in anger.   “What the tartarus was that?!”   Habeas Corpus was the first to address the angry alicorn.   “Our apologies, Miss Sparkle, but there was only one sure fire way to test your stamina and healing abilities.”   “You think nearly killing me is a good way to test this?! What if you were wrong? What if I wasn't an alicorn?”   Kangaroo Court tried to calm her down.   “You were never in any actual danger. There is a reason the earth pony—or should I say, healing portion—of the test occurs at the end. If you would have failed either of the previous sections then we would not have continued.”   “I can't believe this! I-I...”   'Don't freak out. Just stay calm. Sure they nearly killed you, but getting on the bad side of the High Court of Equestria is never a good idea.'   Twilight massaged her temple and took several deep breathes.   Docket attempted to settle things.   “Again, Miss Sparkle, the High Court profusely apologizes. Sadly, we don't have any better means of determining whether somepony is an alicorn and with such high stakes, we need to be sure that there isn't any doubt in the test's results. You'll be happy to hear that you've passed all components of the test. The High Court of Equestria will formally certify you as the fourth alicorn ever. Article Six is fully invoked. The High Court will order Parliament to convene within one week to confirm your place within the Diarchy.”   “My place in the Diarchy?”   “Yes. Parliament has to figure out what position you'll take. Are you going to be a reigning Diarch—well, Triarch—or simply a member of the nobility? What place in the Line of Succession are you going to have? Those are all questions that Parliament and the Day and Night Courts will have to answer as those questions do not fall under the High Court's jurisdiction.”   “Oh.”   “Again, we're terribly sorry about this. If you have any questions over the coming months, feel free to ask one of us—except maybe In Rem, he's seen better days. It's the least we can do.” Docket Number abruptly turned his attention to the yellow earth pony, “Is there anything else, Miss Daisy?”   “Uh, no.”   “In that case, this emergency session of the High Court is adjourned.”   He banged is gavel several times.   “All rise.”       *********** 'The secretary said the Princess was around here somewhere.'   Twilight walked through the halls of Canterlot Castle, trying to find her mentor. She glanced down the side halls and checked the open rooms.   'Where is she?'   The purple alicorn came upon a door labeled “Janitorial Break Room”. After giving it a passing glance, she turned to leave.   She abruptly stopped and turned back to the room when she heard the sound of a wild beast rummaging behind the door.   'What's that?'   Twilight opened the door, hoping to aid the animal.   Princess Celestia sat in one of the chairs, a half-eaten chocolate iced sheet cake sat in front of her. Her mouth was covered in cake crumbs and chocolate icing. She was frozen in mid bite, staring at the open door and the purple alicorn that stood in it in shock.   “Uh, T-Twilight, what are you doing here?”   “I wanted to see you. What are you doing?”   Celestia telekinetically grabbed the napkin to her left and daintily dabbed her lips in a desperate attempt to maintain some regality despite the fact it was having little impact in cleaning off her face.   “Why?”   “The High Court.” Twilight looked away, “I-It didn't go well.”   Celestia gave up on trying to look majestic and instead wiped her muzzle forcefully to clean it off. After she was satisfied that it was clean, she looked over to Twilight in worry.   “What happened?”   “T-They shot me.”   Celestia looked confused for a moment, before her face lit up in realization.   “Oh no, not again.”   She facehoofed.   “Princess?”   “I'm so sorry, Twilight. I thought that after what happened with Luna, they would have axed that blasted test of theirs, but it appears that I was mistaken.”   Twilight sat down next to Celestia. Her eyes started misting up.   “I-I just wanted to know i-if this kind of thing is going to keep on happening. I've never even seen a crossbow in-person, let alone get shot by one. W-What else am I going to have to experience?”   Celestia hugged the alicorn.   “Oh, Twilight. You've faced many challenges so far and you'll face many more, but you'll persevere.”   “Y-You think so?”   The Solar Diarch smiled.   “I know so.”       End of Chapter Fourteen.