//------------------------------// // Chapter 4: Trial // Story: Night's Children // by Lucky424 //------------------------------// Shift change in the barracks, like with most military organisations, is full of banter and jibes passed among friends. When you trust somepony with your life, it's just the way things are. You lose a friend, you raise a drink to them, then make jokes about them. Such is the way of military life. But sometimes, one slips through the net who proves to not be worthy of such trust. And when you fail to bring the proper justice for the one you serve, there is always that part of you that wants revenge. So when you are just about to get your head down and a flash draws your attention to centre of the room, you can't help but want to tell whomever it is to buck off. Such was the thought of the Lunar Guard Captain as he sat up in his bed, ready to give the pony a tongue lashing they would certainly remember. Instead his mouth remained open, staring at the pile on the floor. It couldn't be him. “Captain.” He raised his head to meet the gaze of the alicorn standing before him. “Make sure his wounds are healed and he looks presentable. He is your responsibility now.” “Yes sir.” His eyes roamed across the other stallion's back, seeing the sleepy filly on top. “You found her?” A nod. “Is she... hurt?” A shake of a head followed by a tired smile. Alec wasn't a natural alicorn, and unlike Celestia or Luna, needed his rest. “Good. Why don't you head to bed sir, you look bucked.” The captain got up and guided him to the door, ushering him out gently. When he turned the other guards had crept forward, scowls on their faces as they looked at the pony lying on the floor. “Is it him?” “What should we do?” “Kill him?” “At least beat the hay out of him.” “ENOUGH!” They all whipped their faces up to the captain's stern gaze. “We are to treat his wounds and make him look presentable.” There was a chorus of groans, and a few mumbles from the disgruntled guards. “But first... geld him.” There was a flurry of motion as the guards scramble to be the first to find a doctor or nurse to perform the operation. Luna lay awake, running her hoof through Rising Flame's mane. The colt had only just gone to sleep, and she didn't want to do anything to disturb him. This was negated as the door swung open lightly and Alec's weary muzzle appeared. She jumped up and ran over, looking for signs of Sky Sapphire. He lowered his wings to reveal the snoozing filly, who was promptly snatched into a tight hug, causing her to awaken. “Mommy?” Flame shook of the disorientation of being thrown from the couch, looking to the three ponies standing at the door. It took a few moments for what was going on to register, but when it did he shot forward, hugging his sister as well. Luna wiped the tears from her eyes as they all made their way into the master bedroom. Alec lay down first, then Luna to his side, both of their forelegs wrapped around their children. They smiled softly to each other as the foals fell back asleep, grateful for a lie in. Luna raised a hoof and stroked Alec's cheek, watching as his eyes started to flutter closed. “I knew you would bring her home. Pray tell, where is he?” “Lunar Guard barracks. Told them to treat his wounds and make him presentable.” “Oh... that will be after...” the way she trailed off made him open his eyes and arch an eyebrow at him, bidding her to continue. She took a deep breath and looked him in the eye. “He escaped before he could have the punishment for his crime, and we were quite content to let him be, as long as he didn't buck up. But now, that punishment will be carried out.” “I assume you mean punishment for...” He glanced down to make sure the foals were asleep, and not listening. Flames ear twitched, which was a sign he was waiting for more. Alec shook his head before continuing. “...his actions concerning you?” “Yes, that is what I mean.” “So... what's going to happen to him?” “The same thing that happen to all stallions who are caught, whether attempting or if having been proven guilty of doing so. He will be gelded.” His face turned into a look of horror, eyes wide with shock. “As in... snippity do dah?” “If you mean having his balls cut off, then yes.” “That's just... not right. But, I see where you are coming from. I was going to kill him there and then, but Sapphy said to bring him to you. I guess you're the disciplinarian in this relationship.” She leant forward and kissed him roughly, biting his lip as she pulled away. “And you know you enjoy it. But alas, this one shall be left to Tia. She came up with the laws governing such acts, and she will be the decider of the punishment. Now come, you need to rest. And a certain little colt needs to stop listening to conversations that don't involve him.” Flame rolled away from Luna and faced his dad, a 'uh oh, I've been caught' look upon his face. Alec didn't give anything away as he pulled both Flame and Sky closer, holding them firmly. “Don't worry, it won't happen again.” Celestia stationed the two guards outside of the doors, slipping silently into the office. She sat in the chair behind the desk, looking at the communication terminal. With a flash of her horn Twilight's translation notes from her first conversation with Alec appeared, and she set it down next to the keyboard, using her magic to punch letters in. A moment later the screen started to flicker, before it revealed a woman on the other end, hastily covering up another male of the species. She quickly brushed her hair out of her face and turned to the screen. “Who the fuc... Oh, um, hello Celestia. How have you been?” “Hello Sarah, I have been better. I have a favour to ask of you.” A hand came up and started rubbing her shoulder, before a man's head appeared, kissing her neck. He then looked at the screen. “Sarah, was ist this?” “Not now, Klaus, this is important. Sorry your highness, please go on.” “Last night, an attempt was made to kidnap Sky Sapphire, Alec's foal. He got her back and managed to apprehend the criminal as well. It turns out to be a stallion that tried to... rape Luna before Alec arrived. I have already decided his punishment, but for that I will need your assistance.” “I thought for sure he'd be dead if Alec caught up to him.” “He almost was, and has a few broken bones. But no, he will die, just not on Equestria. I want him to experience true torment before that, so he knows what they went through when they discovered Sky was missing. I want him to die... on Earth.” “On... Terra? That's... Celestia, that is more than torment.” “Good, what is the fastest way to get him there?” “Sarah, was ist going on?” Celestia watched as Sarah gave a sigh before turning to Klaus. “Remember that mission to the Chaos Region? This is what we found, and my great uncle Alec, who we went to rescue, now lives there as one of them. He is happily married with two children. And last night someone who tried to rape his wife kidnapped his daughter. She wants him to be sent to Terra.” Nothing was said as the man digested the information, before he turned his attention to the screen. “Your Majesty, Ich can have a ship there in drei days.” He held up three fingers to make sure she understood. “Ist that gut enough?” Celestia closed her eyes to think for a moment, ignoring the hushed conversation on the other end. “I think... that is acceptable. It gives him and his former friends enough time to get... 'reacquainted.' Thank you sir, this is more than I can have ever imagined.” “Perhaps he didn't tell you, but Luckes is a Deutsch name. It is mein duty to help.” “Very well, I'll see you in three days. Will you be coming too, Sarah?” “You bet, I want to see his foals!” “Excellent, I shall keep it a surprise for him. Until then... keep the noise down.” She grinned as they smiled sheepishly at her and cut the connection. She lit her horn, using a special type of magic. Sure enough, Discord appeared, drawn by the chaos. “Good, you are here. I need you to do something for me.” “Really Celestia? I thought you were over me!” She kept a straight face and ignored the jibe, now was not the time for jokes. “I am, but this is not that kind of favour. In three days a human ship will be arriving to our region of space as per my request. I want you to make sure they get here.” “Why would you want more of them here?” “Because they are doing something for Alec. Would you want to make him angry at the moment?” Discord scratched his beard as he thought back to a few years ago, when he had turned the royal foals into chickens. And then he remembered the pain. “Human vessel, three days. Make sure they arrive, and don't piss Alec off. Anything else? Maybe a kiss for old time's sake?” He leant forward with pursed lips, but after a flash of light found himself kissing the flank of a statue of Twilight Sparkle, causing the guards to start bawling with laughter. He looked up to the tower where he could just make out Celestia looking over the balcony. “So, playing hard to get? I like where this is going.” Warding Spear staggered back from another blow, spitting out teeth and blood. There was a doctor standing by, healing the wounds on the outside, but otherwise letting the guards go to work on him. He wobbly stood to his hooves, when a Lunar mare walked forward slowly. He dropped his gaze to the floor, avoiding eye contact with his ex-fillyfriend. He felt a hoof lift his face, forcing his eyes to meet hers. She promptly turned around and bucked him in the chest, sending him into the wall and causing more blood to spew forth from his mouth. The doctor came over and swept him with his horn, then motioned to two orderlies waiting outside. He turned back to address the guards. “Playtime's over. He's got too many internal injuries for this to continue.” He gave a quick scowl over his shoulder. “Maybe you might get him a bit later.” They trotted out with him on a stretcher, passing Celestia as she entered. She took one look at the blood stains and averted her gaze, focusing on the Lunar Captain. “That will be enough. Tomorrow his trial starts, and I wish for you all to be present. So get some rest, as I will be calling you forth as you are really the only ones who know him.” She turned her head and stared at the mare trying to sneak out of the door. “And you will need to be there as well. I need all the character witnesses I can get.” “Yes, your majesty. But I'd rather not be there.” Celestia looked round at all the disappointed and angry faces of the guards. “His fate has already been decided, this trial is just for show. In three days, he will learn the consequences of his actions.” Trial Day One... “All rise for her royal highness, Princess Celestia.” All ponies got to their hooves as she entered, taking her place on her throne at the top of the dais. She looked over the crowd once, full of Canterlot nobles, the one's who's opinions apparently mattered. They had tried to find his family, but of those alive, none wanted anything to do with him. Especially after they heard why they were sought out, his own mother asking to be the one to kill him. “Be seated, and bring him in.” The ponies did as asked, and the doors at the far end opened, allowing a shackled stallion and his escorts to march in. She noted that each stallion in the audience seemed uncomfortable with the way Warding Spear was walking, whist the mares seemed to enjoy the sight of his discomfort. The ponies approached the single stand in the centre of the room, pushing Spear into it. “Warding Spear, you are hereby charged with the foalnapping of Sky Sapphire, daughter of Princess Luna. How do you plead?” “Not guilty.” A whole host of angry shouts made the throne room shake, and Celestia waved a hoof to quieten them down. “And to the charge of attempting to kill her, and her father, how do you plead?” “Not guilty.” He hit the side of the stand as a bottle connected with his head, the Solar Guards immediately ejecting the pony that had launched it. Celestia was a little shocked to find Fancy Pants' seat now empty. “So to both charges you plead not guilty, and the third, which you had already admitted to, the punishment has already been carried out I see. Very well, we shall begin this trial. I call the first witness.” A door opened to the side and the Lunar Captain strode forth, standing in front of a lectern. A solar Guard approached and stood before him. “Do you promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, in Her Majesty's name?” “I do.” The guard turned and bowed to Celestia, and then backed away. “Please, tell the court your name.” “It is Defiant Moonlight.” “What is your job, and how long have you had it?” “I am the Captain Of the Night Guard, it has been my position for almost ten years.” “And do you interview every potential member?” “I do, to make sure I have the right ponies under my command.” “I see. Please, tell the court of your dealings with Warding Spear.” “I first met him a few short months after Princess Luna's return. He wanted to join the Lunar Guards, saying that they would need as many as they can get now the Night's Mistress had come back. He answered all of my questions completely, and I was truly impressed. He was a good guard, well liked among his peers. And then he started to change. He took every possible extra duty involving Princess Luna, and fought against those that sometimes got them. It got even worse, like he was obsessed. And then one day we hear a cry for help, rushing into the throne room to find Warding Spear attempting to... assault Princess Luna. We thankfully managed to stop him.” “And what did you do when he escaped?” “I got squads to follow him, but your sister bid us to leave him, but keep an eye out in case he tried it again.” “Well, for that crime he has paid the price. For breaking out of prison, that is punishable by one day in the stocks. Guards, take him. We will resume in the morning.” Warding Spear struggled against his escorts, in a vain attempt to get free. He had been on stockade duty, and knew what happened to those placed in it. The doors closing muffled his screams for mercy. Celestia cleared her throat and regained the room's attention. “My little ponies, you may now retire. Remember, this trial is not to be talked about outside of this room.” Spear winced as another piece of rotting fruit hit his ribs, adding to the sticky mess now covering him. He had been there for almost eight hours, if he could tell by the sun. Occasionally the guards would give him water to keep him hydrated, but nothing more. Any attempts to communicate with them usually met with a hoof to the jaw, and on one painful occasion, a bolt of electricity to his stallionhood. He lifted his gaze to the passing ponies, not one looking in his direction. And then out of the crowd came three teenage fillies, carrying baskets. They looked the sweetest in the whole world as they approached, cautiously sitting in front of him. And then he had a shock as the yellow earth pony with a cherry red mane and brown Stetson spoke to him. “So, why did ya do it?” He tried to speak, but ended up in a coughing fit. The white unicorn with the pink and purple mane levitated a cup of water to him, allow his thirst to quenched. “T-t-thank you. I did it b-b-b-because I love L-l-l-luna. She belongs with me.” “Girls, you are not to be here.” All four of them raised their heads to find an alicorn stallion standing above him, surrounded by guards. The fillies all nodded and left, but not before they slapped Spear each...hard. Alec watched them leave before he continued. “Those were Flame and Sky's foalsitters, by the way. So you love Luna? An d why do you think she rejected you?” “She... w-w-wasn't thinking straight! She d-d-d-deserves the best, not some a-a-a-alien from a long dead world!” Alec gave a small chuckle, meeting Spear's defiant gaze. “You know, you're absolutely right, she does deserve the best, and that certainly isn't me. But do you know why I am married to her with two foals, and you are there right now?” “Well why d-d-d-don't you enlighten me, your highness!” There was a certain emphasis placed on that, which caused Alec to chuckle once more. “Oh I intend to. You see, I was ready to leave Luna long ago, as I believed she deserved more, and I didn't deserve her. But she told me that I was the one she wanted, despite what she did or did not deserve. You see, what we have is true love, wanting to be with each other mutually, and with the same amount of affection. What you had was lust, and you never had the chance to act upon it, until you two were alone.” “A-a-a-and I would do so again! N-n-n-nothing will happen to me, I have the best lawyer money can buy!” “Oh, you mean Rightful Hooves? Yeah, sorry, but not any more. He dropped out of the case. You now have a state appointed lawyer. Enjoy the rest of your day.” He turned and walked away, ignoring the stream of profanities and insults thrown his way. The crowd, however, did not, and Spear once more found himself used as a canvas for art using rotten fruit and veg. Trial Day Two Once more Celestia bid the ponies to be seated, and for Warding Spear to be brought forth. His coat had been cleaned, but some bruises were visible from some particularly hard items. There were reports of bricks being thrown... by off duty guards. She would look into that later, and berate those who did so. Which actually meant congratulate for having the will to do so to a former friend. The group approached, and Spear swayed from side to side, his face extremely weary. “Court is now in session. I call for the next witness.” The side door one more swung open, a cream coated pegasus mare with a maroon mane entering. The same Solar Guard from the day before approached her. “Do you promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, in Her Majesty's name?” “I do.” Once more, he bowed and backed away. “If you will, tell the court you name.” “It is Blazing Petal.” “And your occupation?” “Lunar Guard, Sub-lieutenant.” “In what way did you have dealings with accused?” “He was my opposite number... and also at one point, my coltfriend.” A hushed murmur spread throughout the room, the only ponies not surprised being the guards. “And how was your relationship with him?” “This is nothing to do with my trial! It is an invasion of personal privacy!” Celestia looked up to see Fancy Pants with another bottle, but she gently pulled it away form him. “So... foalnapping and threatening to dismember a filly all to win over a mare is not a form of personal privacy information? We must know about you from different sources, as you refuse to tell us yourself.” She turned back to Petal and smiled. “Please, begin.” Warding Spear leant close to his lawyer, whispering in his ear. “Tell then they can't do this!” “Actually, they can. There is no law against such things in court, and they are following the rules to a t. There is nothing I can do at the moment.” Over at the witness lectern, Blazing Petal took a deep breath. “Well... I had a crush on him from day one during the training. On one day off, we bumped into each other at a coffee shop, and sat down to chat together. He was really nice and sweet, so we decided to try a relationship together. I can honestly say those two years were some of the best of my life. But then... everything changed.” She raised a hoof and wiped a tear from her eye. Celestia gave her a sympathetic smile, nodding her head. “Please, tell the court what happened next.” “He began to grow distant, doing more and more extra duties. I thought he was after promotion so left him to it. After a couple of months we had a anniversary date, and he was really happy, telling me that his plans were moving forward. I thought that maybe, just maybe, he was going to ask the question. Then not two days later I follow a cry for help into the throne room, arriving with my fellow guards to find him trying to... force himself on Princess Luna. It was then I saw his true colours.” “And how do you feel about him now?” “He is dead to me.” “Did he ever write you love notes?” “Yes, he did.” “I now present Evidence A to the court, a hoof written note detailing instructions for Luna's divorce, to which if she refused, the perpetrator would begin to dismember Sky Sapphire and send her back in pieces.” Another wave of hushed murmurs ran through the court, but the underlying current was definitely anger. She floated the note over to Blazing Petal. “If you would please inform the court, is this the same hoof writing as your love notes from this stallion?” “Without any doubt, that writing belongs to Warding Spear.” The court room erupted into a haze of shouts, each one being unintelligible. Celestia stood from her throne and struck the stone beneath her hooves, causing an immediate silence. “Warding Spear, do you know what the penalty for the attempted assassination of Equestrian Royalty is?” “Yes, your highness, it is death.” “And in light of this new evidence, how do you now plead to both charges?” “I still plead not guilty, your highness.” “Very well. We shall deliberate. Court will resume in two hours!” She stomped her hoof once, then left the chaos that was unfolding. Almost exactly two hours later, the doors opened and Warding Spear was once more dragged along as he struggled against the guards. Instead of the stand, he was placed in a heap in front of the dais, where Celestia stood waiting. “Judgement has been passed. I, Princess Celestia, and your peers, find you guilty of attempting to kill members of the Royal Family, and therefore sentence you to death. The punishment will be carried out in twenty four hours. You have that time to set your affairs in order, but will be escorted and remain shackled at all times. Court is adjourned!” She stamped a hoof and swept out of the throne room, whilst Warding Spear was dragged back towards the dungeons.