//------------------------------// // In The Dock // Story: The Trial of the Cutie Mark Crusaders // by Blue Wolf //------------------------------// “Mmmmmmmmm.....” Twilight Sparkle stretched out her legs, not bothering to open her eyes as she slowly awoke to a world of warm sunlight. Everything felt so warm and comfortable, and it took a little while for Twilight to realize something deliciously soft was nuzzling gently at her mane to wake her up. “...five more minutes Spike...” murmured the lavender pony sleepily, trying to hide her head away. A soft giggle answered her, and Twilight's eyes flew open. “Good morning to you too Twilight...” Twilight froze, her mouth hanging open as she stared up at her mentor in shock. Celestia chuckled playfully. “I trust you slept a little better than you did last night?” Twilight suddenly relaxed a little, a faint blush and a nervous smile on her cheeks. It was all coming back to her now – the nightmares, her rescue by her friends...and her new friendship. Twilight sagged a little against Celestia's barrel as her panic attack eased and rested her cheek against her teacher's neck. “I did Princess. Thank you -- for everything.” Celestia's nose brushed fondly against Twilight's ear. “Oh Twilight. Celestia is my name, and I think we are a little beyond royal titles now -- especially when there is nopony else around.” Twilight blinked uncertainly. “...R-Really?...” Celestia nodded regally. “Yes Twilight, as both my family and friend you have that privilege. So from now on, the only time I expect to hear my title from you is when I am with other ponies or on royal business.” Twilight's eyes were misty with pride as she bowed her head. “Thank you Princ-...err, I mean...I'll remember that Celestia...” She smiled up at Celestia, who gave an amused chuckle at Twilight's stumbling reply. The sun had not risen much higher in the sky and the room was still filled with it's golden light as Twilight turned her head to examine her surroundings. A short distance away, Pinkie Pie, Spike and Fluttershy still lounged on their bed of cushions, watching a curious sight unfold in the middle of the room. The three Cutie Mark Crusaders were stood gathered in a little huddle, surrounded by an awake and somewhat irate Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash - who stood glaring down at their siblings. Zecora sat in her corner meditating, occasionally stealing a sly peek at the little knot of fillies – who, judging by their puppy-eyed looks were in rather hot water. Twlight screwed up her face in confusion. “...What's going on?” Celestia smiled regally down at the cowering fillies, playfully raising a disapproving eyebrow. “After you were taken to Canterlot last night Twilight, it seems these little ponies took it upon themselves to leave their families in Ponyville -- without their knowledge -- and secrete themselves into Zecora's belongings in order follow you. They were only discovered after they had arrived here in my chambers.” “Wait...that dream...” Twilight's jaw fell open. “They were there too...right when I saw you, Zecora, Cadence and Shining Armour!” Celestia nodded. “They begged me to allow them to help, so I thought it best for them to assist Zecora in preparing and casting the spell which allowed us to finally reach you.” Celestia looked down directly at the Crusaders. “They performed their task well and you should be proud to have such dedicated friends Twilight. However, that does not necessarily excuse them for their conduct...” The Crusaders gulped. “Really Sweetie Bell, what were you thinking? Mother and Father must be worried sick!” huffed Rarity. “An' Big Mac an' Granny Smith must be searchin' all over Ponyville for y'all by now...just what in Equestia did y'all girls think ya were doin'?” Celestia raised a hoof. “I can assure you that I have already sent out messengers to your families, to tell them that you are all safe.” Celestia flashed a look at the Crusaders again. “Thankfully, it seems they arrived before Big Macintosh went searching in the Everfree forest, but apparently not before most of Ponyville spent the night turning the town inside out to look for you...” “Applebloom!” snapped Applejack reproachfully. The olive yellow filly tried to hide under her bow. “Oh girls, how could you?...” sighed Fluttershy “We were just trying to help!” bawled Sweetie Bell. “Yeah, we weren't even trying to get our Cutie Marks!” stormed Scootaloo. “Seriously though, we know you were tryin' to help but...having everypony worrying and lookin' for you like that? Not cool Scoots...” Rainbow Dash gave the smaller pegasus a look that had probably been borrowed direct from the Wonderbolts' captain Spitfire. “Ah think that maybe someponies need a little time away from crusadin'...” commented Applejack. “...'least 'til they learn 'bout bein' a little more responsible...” Applebloom and Sweetie Bell let out a gasp. “You wouldn't!” shrieked Sweetie Bell “Tha's so unfair!” Applebloom gave her sister a hurt look. “Y'all heard me Applebloom. No more crusadin' till y'all learn ya lesson. An since tha' clubhouse is on Sweet Apple Acres land, Sweetie Bell an Scootaloo ain't gonna be doin' any either." “You can't do this!” Scootaloo suddenly turned and rushed up towards Celestia. “You can't let Applejack do this Princess Celestia! We may be fillies but we still have rights, and we demand our right to a fair trial!” Celestia blinked down at the orange filly in surprise. Scootaloo was glaring resolutely up at her, the young pegasus' eyes filled with anger - but also with intense sadness and even a little fear mixed in, although Scootaloo seemed to have completely forgotten her nervousness. “Scootaloo?!! What the hay are you doing??” Rainbow Dash stared at her adoptive sister in shock. “You can't talk to the Princess like that!!” There was a gasp and a heavy thump from another part of the room. Rainbow Dash peered over at the source of the commotion. “...oh brother...” muttered the cyan mare, clapping her hoof to her head. Sweetie Bell and Applebloom rushed up beside Scootaloo, the pair using the momentary distraction provided by Rarity's sudden fainting fit to join their fellow Crusader. “Please help us Princess!” “It's so unfair!” “Alright, c'mon now...tha's enough outta y'all...” Applejack was looking distinctly flustered as she tried to shepherd the three fillies away. Rainbow Dash was still busy watching Fluttershy, Spike and Pinkie Pie helping Rarity recover from her shock over Scootaloo's breach of royal etiquette. “Ah'm sorry if y'all offended Princess...Ah dunno wha's gotten into these fillies...” Celestia held up a hoof. “You do not need to worry Applejack, I am not offended. But Scootaloo does have a point.” “Huh??” Applejack's mouth fell open. “Wait...what??” Rainbow Dash's gaze switched between the resolute Cutie Mark Crusaders and Princess Celestia. “You mean...no way!” “Princess...you...you cannot be serious!” gasped Rarity. Celestia looked down into the puppy-eyed faces clustered at her forehooves once more. Being a ruler for well over a millennium had taught her much about maintaining a calm exterior and expression, and at that moment Celestia was having to use every last bit of her experience to stop herself from collapsing into hysterical giggles. ...This is going to be SO much fun... She looked up and calmly addressed the ponies. “It is true that our laws are based on the principal of everypony having the right to be heard, no matter who they may be Applejack...” The Ruler of Sun raised her head regally to her full height and arched her eyebrow at Scootaloo, pinning the filly with a meaningful look. “But I must warn you Scootaloo...you must be very sure that you wish to pursue this course. I cannot guarantee that the outcome will more to your liking than the punishments of your family and friends...” Scootaloo flared her wings defiantly. “We're certain Princess!” Applebloom and Sweetie Bell simply gulped nervously. “Very well then...” Celestia looked back towards the three elder sisters, who's expressions fluctuated between shock and bewilderment as the Princess let her facade slip just enough to flash them a sly little grin and a wink – out of the Crusaders' sight. “...I therefore decree that a trial shall be held immediately, and the fillies known as the Cutie Mark Crusaders will be made to answer for their...'crimes'... I of course shall be the Judge and their sisters shall serve as the Prosecutors...Will that be acceptable my little pony?” Celestia looked down at Scootaloo again. “Fine...but we want Twilight as our defense...” replied the Pegasus. Celestia raised her hoof and shook her head regally. “Unfortunately I cannot allow that Scootaloo...aside from the fact Twilight still needs to rest, she would have a conflict of interest. Remember - it was because of her accident that you left Ponyville was it not?” Scootaloo's expression suddenly became slightly panicked. “Errr...ah...uh-oh – really?” the filly plastered a big grin on her face, sweating bullets as her co-conspirators face-hoofed in dismay. “However...I am certain that you will find Princess Cadence and Shining Armour more than acceptable substitutes. And Princess Cadence has had a good deal more court experience than Twilight, in her role as ruler of the Crystal Empire.” Celestia turned her head towards her niece and nephew-in-law, who were quietly lying beside each other near her bed. Cadence shot a bemused look at her aunt for a moment, then gave the Crusaders a warm smile as Shining Armour arched an eyebrow at the three. The pink alicorn giggled a little at the collective looks of astonishment on the Crusaders' faces. “Oh, alright Auntie Celestia...I'll do it if they agree.” Scootaloo's eyes went wide “Wow...a-a real Princess...?” “We'll take her! We'll take her!” squealed Sweetie Bell, bouncing in both excitement and panicked desperation. “Excellent.” Celestia only allowed herself the smallest smile, even though her insides were quietly crumpling themselves up from the strain of maintaining her calm composure. “Now...we don't have enough ponies for a jury...but perhaps...” Celestia craned her neck and began to nuzzle gently at her sister, who still lay sleeping beside her. The dark Alicorn seemed to be oblivious to all the conversations taking place. “Luna...Luna...wake up – royal duty calls...” A faint groan answered, but Luna's response initially was only to irritably stuff a pillow over her ears. “...Too...early... go away Sister...” Celestia giggled. “Oh Luna...I know it's a little early for you but it appears that we have a trial to conduct this morning....” Luna sleepily peeked out of one eye from under the cushion. “Mmmph?...” Celestia waved a hoof towards the three little fillies. “It shall be somewhat informal of course. I will be the judge, but as we do not have enough ponies for a jury I need somepony who is trustworthy and experienced to decide on the verdict.” Luna yawned and peered at the three faces that were watching her intently. It had been a long night and she did not have the energy her sister had in the mornings. But Luna did enjoy a good prank as much as Celestia, and the Ruler of the Night could tell when her elder sister was up to something. And in spite of her fatigue Luna did find the prospect of a bit of fun appealing. Besides...how could she say no to three such adorable countenances? Luna sighed. “Very well sister...I shall serve as thy magistrate.” She gave the Crusaders an intent look, at which the trio wilted somewhat – especially Scootaloo. “I am most grateful Sister.” Celestia nosed at Luna's cheek, then turned and smiled at the assembled ponies before her. “I suggest that we all each take a moment to prepare before we begin.” Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Rarity clustered together into a huddle, discussing tactics while Cadence beckoned the three Crusaders over for their own conference. As they talked, Twilight looked up at her mentor curiously. “Celestia? Why didn't you let Scootaloo ask me to form their defense? I'm not that tired and I've read a lot of books on law...” Celestia nosed at Twilight. “What I told Scootaloo was true Twilight...” She stopped and looked slyly over at the trio of Crusaders, lowering her voice so that only Twilight could hear. “...even though this isn't really a trial of course. But, all the same – I would like you to stay next to me and observe.” Celestia rested a reassuring hoof on her new friend's shoulder as Twilight gave Celestia a puzzled look. “Trust me, my faithful friend...lessons can come from the most unexpected places...” Twilight nodded, her expression brightening a little. Celestia glanced over at the Crusaders again and smiled mischievously at Twilight. “Now...I think it's time to start our little – trial... don't you?”