Early December, 1004 A.D. (After Discord)
After the almost disastrous Harvest Feast two weeks ago, Rainbow Dash was looking forward to relaxation; being so close to winter, most of the weather was supposed to be cloudy. In fact, those who work in the weather factory had the most work, something that as a field operative, Dash didn't envy in the slightest.
After taking a before noon nap on a cloud near her floating home, the cyan mare was about to head to town when she noticed that she received a letter.
(That's odd, who'd be mailing me? Oh, maybe it's the Wonderbolts finally admitting that I'm awesome and want me to join! Or maybe my acceptance letter for the Wonderbolts Academy!)
With a sudden fever, the pegasus pulled out the mail and opened it without checking who it was from. After she read the first few lines, her excitement drained away into annoyance at the bland tedious work that was promised in the letter. With a huff at how this ruined the day of relaxation, Rainbow took to the skies while holding the letter securely in her mouth, heading towards a grass covered cottage nearby.
Fluttershy was just finishing hoofing out lunch to all the creatures that stopped by her house, most of the meal was heavy on the proteins and fats that would be needed for hibernation for the animals that would be sleeping the winter away. She had just set the last plate down when a knock sounded from her door.
Once she opened the door, it was to her surprise to find an already annoyed cyan pegasus with a letter in hoof; with a slight frown, Dash hoofed over the mail with a roll of her eyes.
“Hey Fluttershy, I got a letter from Vinyl Scratch saying that we'll be needed to help with the trial about that orphanage.” Teal eyes widened at the mention of a trial while Fluttershy opened the letter to see for herself.
Rainbow tried not to fidget as much while her friend read the letter, eyes darting back and forth before looking up at the brash pegasus.
“Oh, uhm, thank you for telling me Rainbow Dash; I'll make sure to set aside time to go...” The canary pegasus trailed off when she saw another eye roll from the other pegasus.
“Ugh, this is going to be so boring... We'll have to take the train again, won't we?” At the timid nod, Dash hung her head with sigh.
“Fine...! I'll make sure that I got time off from work as well, but this better not take too long; it sounds like it's going to be a lot of pointless arguing and talk...” Fluttershy hid behind her mane as she clarified what exactly it was going to be like.
“Well, we have to make sure that everypony gets a fair chance to talk and present their case and then they'll have to decide if it's true...” Her already quiet voice trailed into nothingness at the deadpan from Dash at the exact example she was thinking.
With a last annoyed look at the timid mare, Rainbow stepped back from the doorway and prepared to take to the skies to enjoy what freedom she could before having to go and present their case.
“Alright, I'll see you around. We'll talk about when we'd need to leave later...” Fluttershy nodded as Dash zoomed off, understanding that the free flying mare wanted to feel the wind through her mane before having to deal with harder issues.
(It's not always easy Dashie, but sometimes we have to deal with the hard things in order to enjoy the better ones... Hopefully this can help show you that...)
That winter, the six friends had been invited to perform the traditional Hearth's Warming Eve play at Canterlot Castle, a great honor that went almost flawlessly. Two days after they returned home, the two pegasi found a court summons waiting for them stating that their trial will start the morning of January 22nd, meaning that they will have to stay the night before in order to be there on time since the trial was to take place in the city of Manehatten, a six hour trip from Ponyville.
When it was a few days before the trail, the two pegasi made sure their friends knew they were going to be gone for two days, much to their confusion; they hadn't told anyone what was going on so that Scootaloo didn't catch wind of it and panic. They simply stated that they had to leave town and prepared travel bags for a few nights stay, in case it went longer than they hoped.
The morning that they were to leave, Rainbow came by Fluttershy's cottage in slight annoyance of having to help present their case only to find the animal care-taker fretting over the dozing creatures; Angel was trying to push his owner towards the door only to fail as Fluttershy held a hoof to her muzzle in worry.
At the sound of knocking, the bunny was distracted long enough for the canary mare to rush around the room once more to make sure everyone was comfortable. After rolling his eyes, Angel went to answer the door to reveal Dash who grew even more annoyed at how obsessive the other pegasus was being.
“Fluttershyyy! The sooner we go, the sooner we can get this over with and the sooner you can get back to, uh, whatever it is you're doing. Can we go already?” At the sound of the cyan mare, Fluttershy glanced over and paused in her frantic scrambling to bashfully scuff a hoof along the ground.
“O-oh, hello Dashie... I was just making sure that everyone would be ok while I'm gone, I wouldn't want them to have their sleep disturbed...” Angel resumed his pushing, something that was noticed by the impatient mare as a sign that things were probably fine and Fluttershy was overreacting.
“Well, who are you leaving in charge while we're gone?”
“Oh, well, the girls said they would check on them and Angel Bunny knows where everything is should something happen.. But what if no one is able to come and he can't reach the emergency supplies and then-”
“Fluttershy! Look, I'm sure the others will have everything covered just fine. Can we please just go and get this over with?” Fluttershy crouched in worry at the annoyed tone of the other pegasus and stepped away from the small critters who had sleepily opened an eye to see if there was something wrong before returning to their slumber; the timid mare could easily guess why Rainbow Dash was so annoyed and didn't want to upset her further.
“O-oh, yes, uhm, ok... Be good Angel, I'll be back in a few days ok?” The white bunny nodded and hugged the back hoof he had been pushing against before waving both paws for the pegasi to leave.
As the timid pegasus fetched her saddlebags for the trip, she could hear the impatient tapping that came from near the door and tried to pick up her pace which only resulted in Fluttershy tripping down the stairs. Once she landed, she looked up from the floor to find herself in front of Rainbow who had her eyes covered with a hoof in disbelief at what happened.
“Ugh... Sigh, are you alright?” Dash tried to remain impassive while Fluttershy stood, nodding mutely.
“Alright, let's get going.” The brash pegasus didn't wait before taking to the air and gliding towards the train station, knowing that it would take her slower friend a few moments to lock her home and catch up.
Rainbow had only had to deal with the court system once before and wasn't expecting a better experience this time either; knowing that it meant other foals would be safe and hopefully in better hooves was the only thing this trial had going for it in Dash's eyes.
(I bet Scoot is going to be even more impressed when we get to tell her how she doesn't have to watch for the mean ol' hack any longer... Alright, so here I am at the train station, where the hay is Fluttershy?)
The pegasus landed and glanced around, even scanning the skies for the cream-yellow mare before finding her target trying to politely make her way through the morning commuters.
“Oh, sorry, excuse me, par-pardon me...” Another groan escaped Dash's muzzle as she wiped her face slowly with a hoof before stomping over and creating a pathway through for the shy pegasus.
“Come on... Why didn't you fly over top of them?”
“Oh, uh, I-I uh...”
“Sigh, never mind...” Cream-yellow ears tipped back in nervousness at the obviously annoyed pegasus and wondered briefly what was causing it; Fluttershy tried to ask but couldn't be heard over the din of the other travelers.
She was able to finally get the cyan mare's attention after they had settled into their private compartment, though it was more because of Dash questioning what the squeaks were supposed to be.
“I can't hear you...”
“O-O-Oh, uh, well, I-I was wondering what was wrong? Are, are you sick or need help?” Rainbow frowned at the question and the single eye that peered out of a pink mane.
“Nothing's wrong, I'm fine, everything is fine. What makes you say that?” Fluttershy flinched before gazing even closer at the other pegasus, noticing how she seemed even more on edge and restless.
“Well, you are, uhm, restless? And you, seem to be upset about something?” Flutterhsy watched the cyan mare's reaction, noting how she went from annoyed to shocked only to return to being annoyed and dismissive.
“There's nothing wrong.” The canary mare fell silent as she pondered her friend's sudden unease; it wouldn't be very good if they went to a demanding trial only for Dash to be annoyed and short with the lawyers and judge.
(Oh Rainbow, I know there is something wrong, I can tell... But what would be making you so worried? We haven't been to Manehatten before; well, maybe you have but you've never been this concerned when going someplace new... Maybe the trial? But she wouldn't have any kind of issue with that either, she likes to help others... Was there a time when she had to go to court? No, not really-gasp... There may have been one time that she had to deal with the court system... Oh Rainbow Dash, maybe this time I can get you to talk about it...)
As Fluttershy came to the realization of what may be the cause of the anxiety of the other mare, she briefly crouched lower in worry before standing up and going over to sit next to the cyan mare who looked back dubiously.
“Fluttershy, what's-?”
“You won't be alone in the courts this time Rainbow, I'm here. And it won't be like the last time you went to a courthouse; we'll be making it better for a foal with no family, not worse.” Rainbow stiffened in place as an image of a cold gray room with a sadly frowning pegasus stared who pointed out that there was nopony who could take in a fifteen year old pegasus.
Fluttershy could guess what caused the forlorn and dark gaze of the usually bold pegasus and leaned into her side with an additional nuzzle to try and help her friend.
“It's going to be ok Dashie... I understand it was a lot to take in at the time and that's why you had to leave, but we have to make sure Scootaloo doesn't have to go back to a worse situation than she's already in...” Dash frowned at the pain she heard from her old time friend and noticed that it was now the cream-yellow mare's turn to be lost in memories, most likely of a time that lacked a rainbow maned pegasus as she looked to the other side of the compartment with glazed eyes.
The brash mare felt the opening to have the topic remain on the filly they were traveling for, but felt that she had to try and explain herself to relive some of the guilt at leaving her best friend behind.
“..... It would have hurt more to stay...” Fluttershy wasn't sure if she should be happy at the chance to discuss the past or sad that her consolation and comfort mattered so little when it first happened; she opted to try and remain neutral to see if she could get more from her old friend about it.
“I would have helped...” A stab of pain ran through Rainbow as she twitched slightly to the statement before subconsciously leaning to the other mare slightly in return.
“I know you would have 'Shy, but you already had so little, I didn't want to make it worse by having to deal with my problems too.”
“That's what best friends do though; if something were to happen to one of the girls, like.... Applejack; if Applejack ran away from home because she had some kind of problem, would you let them?”
“Of course not! I'd want them to let us help and we'd get over the problem together just like we have before!” Fluttershy leaned forward at these words (words she knew Dash would respond with) and stared at her with an iron gaze, wanting to get the stubborn mare to realize how she was being hypocritical.
“And I want you to let me help you get over the problem like we used to do, together!” Rainbow leaned back from the sudden fierceness of the usually timid mare, realizing the trap that was laid and how she wasn't being fair to either one of them.
“I couldn't! I-I felt so trapped and weighed down with everything that I just had to leave! If I had gone to you about it, I may have had to live there too! Sure, it wasn't a bad orphanage, and you made it sound great, but it wasn't for me... None of that was; I was meant to fly free and to be the best flier of Equestria!” Dash tried to keep her voice from wavering as she felt the pressure of a different kind of stare that Fluttershy was able to do; one that had always made her try and behave during the boring and dull hours of school as well as not fighting with the colts that tried to make their lives difficult.
“... But Rainbow, having to stay with somepony else that wasn't family wouldn't have changed that....” Dash felt another pang of guilt as she was compelled to continue on by the dejected gaze of the other mare.
“Yes it would have...”
“You don't know-”
“Yes, I do know and it would have!” Rainbow Dash became almost frantic as she recalled how soft and compliant she had been while being close friends with Fluttershy; knowing that it was because of the animal-loving mare and that if she had gone to her in such a time of need, she would have become a drastically different mare than she had been to that point and wanted to be.
Fluttershy felt this sudden panic and worriedly watched the prismatic mare gazing back with wide fearful eyes at what could have happened had she went to her friend for help with the passing of her father; the quieter mare wasn't sure what brought this anxiety and frowned sadly as Dash remained silent.
After a few more moments of the two looking back at one another in sadness, the cyan mare decided to break the sudden tension with a hopeful tone.
“Besides, I'm sure you were fine while I was gone...” Rainbow trailed off at the almost deadpan from the other pegasus who then sighed in resignation.
“Dumb-bell, Hoops, and Score didn't leave even if you did Rainbow... You know how I am with bullies, especially those three...”
“Oh come on, surely you made some new friends...?” Fluttershy was slowly growing annoyed at how very oblivious Dash was trying to act like, especially since they had been extremely close friends and the rainbow maned pegasus knew how much worse her timidness was when she was younger.
“No Rainbow Dash, you know why I had so much trouble making new friends... High School was very hard to do by myself, especially since nopony else moved away and they knew that I was on my own... My animal studies was the one thing that kept me going when it should have and would have been you...” Fluttershy saw the hurt in cerise eyes as her own teal ones widened in shock before trying to make the pain the usually bolder mare was in go away.
“O-oh! I'm so sorry, I didn't mean it like that, I mean, uhm, I-I... I'm sorry Rainbow Dash, please, don't be mad at me...” The canary pegasus curled up on her seat while the blue one tried to steady herself once more before trying to fix this thing that caused their friendship to be strained.
“It's-it's ok Fluttershy... I, I shouldn't have just left like that, and I'm not going to do something like that again... I'm also going to make sure this time, the squirt doesn't have to worry about what the courts decide.” Fluttershy slowly removed her hooves from covering her face and gazed in worry to the other pegasus who stared determinedly out the window before briefly smirking to the crouching mare; something that got a small smile in return as well as a quick nuzzle of thanks.
The rest of the six hour trip went by in silence, both mares content to ponder the past and possible future. Rainbow Dash usually only liked the silence that came with napping but Fluttershy seemed to give off a special kind of quiet, one that seemed peaceful and relaxing.
In what seemed like very little time, the two friends arrived at the city by the sea; the two musicians had already set up the hotel that they would stay at in order to make it easier on the two pegasi. It was in one of the average types (if there was such a thing in the high end city), and they were quickly shown to their shared room on the fourth floor.
While there was two beds in the center of the dark red themed room, Fluttershy grew concerned even at this height and was quietly relieved when Rainbow gave her the bed closest to the door (and far away from the big windows on the far wall). The two friends had shared a room while at Flight Camp, doing so again wasn't troubling in the least for the duo.
The trials would start early in the morning but since they got there just after noon, the two mares had plenty time to adjust after having traveled so far and to share a meal with the two musicians before they were to meet the lawyer Vinyl had gotten to help their case. After relaxing the afternoon away, the two pegasi went to the cafe to meet the others which was conveniently close to their hotel.
The supper was a simple affair in a rustic oldies cafe and while Dash was at ease in most situations and locations, Fluttershy crouched nervously with her back to the wall. She smiled timidly whenever the brash mare glanced over but resumed trying to remain inconspicuous during the meal; it helped that the two louder mares had taken to a 'better than you' contest, leaving the quieter and less volatile mares in a zone of quiet.
“How have you two been doing?” Octavia peered over to the canary mare who flinched slightly before trying to respond.
“Oh, uhm, we've, we've been doing well... Have-have you as well?” The light-gray mare smiled and glanced over towards her marefriend who was currently arguing almost too loudly about the craziest stunt they had ever done before.
“Yes, we've been doing ok as well... Dealing with this orphanage has troubled Vinyl at times, but we'll make it through just fine. How was your winter? I assume that being pegasi, this kind of weather is easier to take care of?” Fluttershy glanced towards the others before returning her gaze to the classical musician with a worried frown.
“O-oh, uhm, no, well, I mean, yes, but I-I help take care of animals... Rainbow is the captain of the weather team, she does more with the weather than I do.”
“Sure do! I'm the awesomest captain in Equestria and this time of year is the best; most days are cloudy, we just have to be sure it doesn't get too cold too soon... But don't let Fluttershy down play what she does, she takes care of lots of animals and, uh, stuff...” Rainbow trailed off as her mind came up blank as she thought of what she's seen her friend do; while bragging about her abilities as a weather mare was easy, she remembered how Fluttershy was nervous about having a job (and talent) that wasn't very usual for a pegasus. The quiet mare had gotten better in recent years about this fear, but old habits were hard to break for Dash, especially considering the topic they spoke of earlier in the day.
Octavia watched the cream-yellow mare curiously as she blushed at the 'rescue' while Vinyl poked fun at Rainbow's attempt at covering for her friend; a light-gray brow rose with interest as she saw the hidden and guarded gaze of the pegasus who watched her friend with a small smile at the usual excited behavior from Dash.
As the young DJ taunted the brash pegasus further, the earth pony drew Fluttershy's attention with a soft phrase and small smile.
“I see... And does she also not know of how you feel?” Fluttershy stiffened while her mind went blank at the subtle question that, out of context and if one was oblivious, would seem simple and unoffensive.
“What do-oh uh, I don't- we aren't-it's, it's not-” Octavia felt bad for the other mare as she stuttered, something that almost drew Dash's attention (and worry) before she communicated with her marefriend silently, asking for a distraction so Fluttershy could recover. Vinyl had long since learned silent communication and nodded subtly before laughing sharply at the prismatic mare.
“Ha! I bet that Cloud Kicker gives you a headache anytime on duty huh? She's too much for you to handle right?” Vinyl smirked at the surprised face of Dash before it settled into annoyance.
“Bah, Cloud is fine if she can focus; luckily she has her marefriend to keep her on track.”
The two others waited for the brasher mares to become wrapped up in their own conversation before starting to speak once again.
“I'm sorry if I surprised you, I was merely curious if you were a couple as well. Please, excuse my words and thoughtlessness.” Fluttershy peered out from behind her pink bang, trying not to look at the pegasus beside her least she give more away than she already has.
“O-oh, no, it's-it's ok... Uhm, if you don't mind, please don't say anything; she doesn't know and I-I'm not ready to say anything...” Octavia nodded slowly before shifting her gaze to the white unicorn next to her.
“I waited to say how I felt and it almost made everything worse; luckily we were able to talk about how we felt for one another before drastic measures were taken. I hope you do not have something similar happen to you two.” The animal-loving pegasus smiled sadly as she also looked to the others before gazing to the light-gray mare briefly.
“...I've hidden these feelings since the day we met... It was hard sometimes, but I wouldn't want to trouble her...” Before Octavia could refute or comfort, Rainbow had gotten tired of not knowing why Fluttershy was sad and nervous and turned to her with a sharp tone.
“Seriously, is something wrong? Is this other mare bothering you? Vinyl, get your marefriend to behave, Fluttershy has enough things to be scared of and she's bugging her.” The unicorn raised a single brow before laughing briefly with a shake of her head.
“Sorry, can't control her and wouldn't want to try; threatens our fun nights if you get my meaning.” Octavia face-hoofed while Fluttershy blushed at the implied activities; Rainbow looked on in confusion before shrugging.
“Fine, whatever. We going to meet with that lawyer soon or what?” The others stared curiously at the sudden change of topic but nodded all the same, paying for the simple meal before heading out and traveling down the street to a business skyscraper; the lawyer they sought had a whole floor level to himself and his business, meaning the four ponies only had to reach the fifth floor to find it.
Once they entered the large light blue offices, they went over the plan for the next few days. While they used the fact that the two pegasi were bearers of the Elements of Harmony to get a faster court date, the role they played was small considering the amount of testimonials they were getting from orphans who had lived in that particular orphanage, making it relatively simple for what was needed to be done.
What irked Dash was that they would most likely have to stay for the whole thing to be sure nothing went wrong. After speaking with the lawyer and the meeting was adjourned, Rainbow felt the urge to fly, having spent most of her time inside; she needed to feel the wind in her mane and away from everything that was trying to weigh her down.
Fluttershy was surprised and proud that the speedster had been so quiet about this need and made her peaceful way back to their hotel while the cyan mare took to the world above the ground; Rainbow Dash didn't wait to say goodbye to anyone as she took off, soaring rapidly through the skies and weaving in between the tall buildings.
For well over ten minutes, the pegasus didn't think of anything, flying on instinct alone to relieve the claustrophobic feeling of being inside all day. Before long the pure flying allowed for her mind to wander to the conversation she had with the DJ moments ago, disrupting her almost peacefully settled mind.
(“You two sure seem close” my flank! We're best friends, why wouldn't we be? I mean, we've known each other for years.....!
“... Keeping a close eye on her”?!? She's too timid for her own good, of course I'd be keeping a close eye for her! Best friends watch out for one another!
Who does that DJ think she is?! Why did she keep mentioning keeping an eye out for someone wanting to 'take her'...? Why am I even thinking or worrying about this?! Grrr, forget it! And the best way to forget it is to go as fast as I can!)
With a muted growl at how the white mare's teasing words riled her, Dash sped up as she added more aerial tricks to her flight, trying to tire herself out to prevent such thoughts. Once thoroughly exhausted, Rainbow started back for the hotel they were staying at, taking only a moment to find it and landing softly before heading inside to go upstairs to their shared room.
After knocking softly (so she didn't surprise Fluttershy too badly), Rainbow entered once Fluttershy opened the door and went for the shower after having worked up a sweat while the canary mare returned to her bed, staring at the moon that was slowly crossing the sky out their window. Fluttershy could tell that Dash was still annoyed about something but stayed silent to give the cyan mare her space, something that Rainbow appreciated as she wanted nothing more than to sleep off the teasing that rang in her ears.
The next morning was bright and sunny for a winter morning, something that drew ire from the weather mare as she realized it would be a great day to fly and she was stuck inside a stuffy courthouse. The two friends made their way through the city towards the center where all the official buildings were and found the musicians as well as many others waiting at the foot of the stairs leading to a two storied building with pillars along the front and the main doors in the center that had guards on either side to keep the peace should any of the disputes grow too wild.
Considering how many had came to testify against Hannigan and the orphanage, the group got the second largest court room, with over ten rows of hard wooden seats and a place for twelve jurors to sit as they listened to testimonials; the judge's seat was a pony's height above everyone, allowing him to stare firmly down at the two sides. While everyone took their places, the two pegasi noticed that Hannigan had found a wimpy looking pale-olive green unicorn who wore square glasses and a black tie that wasn't sitting properly to represent her; the defense lawyer looked even worse when compared with the lawyer Vinyl Scratch had gotten, a dignified dark blue-gray unicorn who wore a white collar and small black tie.
Once the dark-purple earth pony judge sat down, he looked to his assistant, a pale-mulberry pegasus, who sat at a typewriter ready to take record of the following events. Once she nodded back that she was set up, the judge looked at the two sides as equally as possible.
“Honorable Judge Justice residing, with typist Proper Notes taking record of the proceeding. Is the jury in place and ready to start?” At the nod of the leader, the judge nodded as well before looking to the prosecution, where Vinyl, Octavia and their lawyer sat; the two pegasi sat with the other testimonials in the seats behind the wooden fence that separated the main focus from the rest of the crowd.
“If the prosecution is ready to give their opening statement?”
“We're ready your honor! We gather everypony here today about the appalling conditions and standards of Hudson Side Orphanage, under the jurisdiction of Hannigan Heartsoother....” Rainbow groaned softly as it continued much like she expected: slow and boring.
The prosecution built their case from the earliest years possible to recent times, with the two pegasi among the last to be examined as the most recent 'standards' of the orphanage. Rainbow allowed her mind to wonder, staring at nothing in particular and everything at once before focusing on the pegasus on her right who was crouching ever lower as she was trapped in her own mind of fright and terror.
(Oh, everypony is counting on us to be the last ones speaking and our testimonies would prove that nothing changed but what if no one hears me? There's too many eyes, too many ponies watching, waiting, judging what we say..... They'll never hear me, and then it would look bad on Mr. Wright who was so kind to help us and they might decide that things did change because they can't hear me and there's too many eyes and then poor Scootaloo may have to hide for the rest of her life and everyone is watching and-)
“Hey, Fluttershy, snap out of it.” At the soft reprimand, the canary pegasus glanced from behind her mane to find Rainbow frowning at her as she crouched lower to be heard as she tried to be quieter than usual.
“Come on, I know that it's boring and all, but you have to get a grip.” Fluttershy merely shivered in place as a single watery teal eye looked at the prismatic mare.
“Sigh, look, if you want, I can go up with you and help, ok?”
“I-I don't think they would let you come up with me when it's my turn to talk...”
“Phsstt, it'll be fine. Now relax, my turn's coming up soon and then we can get your turn out of the way and everything will be over.” Fluttershy nodded slowly and sat up once more, focusing on the defense attorney who seemed aggravated at having to try and get a positive or any kind of answer that would work in Hannigan's favor.
Moments later, it was time for the second to last testimony to step up and Fluttershy felt the emptiness of the seat next to her as Dash sat on the witness stand. In her hazy terror-filled mind, the timid mare couldn't focus on what Dash was saying even though she knew what happened since she was there with the cyan mare when it took place.
With a pleased smirk at how badly it was going for the defense, Dash hopped off the stand and glanced over to see her oldest friend crouching once more in fear.
“Sigh, oh Fluttershy... What are we going to do with you...?” Dash mutely muttered to herself before stepping over to nudge the other mare out of her daze and nodded towards the stand where she was being called to.
As Fluttershy made her hesitant way to the front, the cyan pegasus followed closely to the confusion to everyone present; once they had taken a seat on the witness stand together, the judge was frowning at the display while the defense attorney was trying to make a case of dismissing the witnesses based on it.
“Objection! Your honor, there cannot be two witnesses! I move that we strike their statements from the record due to inappropriate behavior in court!” The judge and prosecution glared at the meek unicorn who tried to seem firm on this one stance.
“Overruled and your motion denied.” The defense attorney seemed to wilt at the annoyed look of the judge who then turned this face to the two mares on his left.
“Now what in sam's hill are you two think you're doing? There can only be one witness at a time.” Fluttershy crouched in fear at the stern gaze while Dash merely stared back in determination.
“I'm just sitting, you got a problem with that?” This brash statement drew a shocked gasp from everyone aside from the judge while Fluttershy sat up to gently scold her friend.
“Rainbow, you shouldn't say it that way.” Nopony heard this aside from the prismatic mare who shrugged and offered no apologies for her behavior, while the judge watched curiously.
“... So long as you continue to 'just sit there', then I shall overlook this one instance only in respect for what you two have done for this country. Continue with the proceeding.” Dash relaxed slightly as her bravo paid off and allowed her to sit with the timid mare as they both watched the prosecution step forward to ask them questions.
“Would you please state your name, occupation and where you live for the court records?”
“I'm Fluttershy... I take care of animals and live in Ponyville...” Rainbow rolled her eyes while everyone leaned forward, trying to hear what the quiet mare was saying; with a mental sigh at the lengths she was willing to help her friend with her fright, the cyan mare spoke for her instead of waiting for a repeat of the quiet answer.
“Her name is Fluttershy and she takes care of animals while living in Ponyville.” The judge raised a disbelieving brow at how the brash pegasus answered in her friend's stead while the defense lawyer's eyes shrank as he tried to think of a way to turn it around.
“And how did you become involved in this situation?”
“I-I know one of the fillies that went to the orphanage and wanted-wanted to see what I could do for her...”
“'I know one of the fillies that went there and wanted to help'.” Dash 'translated' with a bored voice, wishing that Fluttershy would speak louder but couldn't try to encourage her in the middle of a courtroom; the fact that the timid mare was speaking too quietly and had the brash pegasus speak in her stead brought more frowns from the crowd, though the defense now had a smile at a possible way to stop the witness.
“... I see, and were you on the 10th of November, year 1002 AD around 6pm?”
“I was in Manehatten, trying to see what-what kind of orphanage it was and-and took pictures of it...”
“'I was in Manehatten trying to find out what kind of orphanage it was and took pictures of how bad it was'-”
“Objection! Your honor, how do we know that Ms. Rainbow Dash isn't influencing or even changing what Ms. Fluttershy is saying?!” The judge nodded slowly as he glared down at the duo who looked back, one in a daring manner while the other did so frighteningly.
“The defense is correct; we need to hear Ms. Fluttershy speak, not you Ms. Dash. You are to go back to your seat if we are to continue this trial.” Rainbow frowned but knew that if she pushed the matter it may end up worsening their cause; as she stood up, she leaned over quickly to try and give one last encouragement to the nervous mare, though she kept her voice loud enough that everyone could hear so they wouldn't be able to claim that she was tampering with the testimony.
“You have to speak up; remember, it's for Scoot's sake. I'll be right over there, and I won't let anypony hurt you, ok? You just have to speak louder.” With one last encouraging and an iron glance at her friend, Rainbow went to sit down and gave her friend an encouraging wing flap to motion her to continue with the testimony.
As the cyan mare left the stand, Fluttershy took a deep breath and imagined that the room was empty of all except for herself, Rainbow, and the lawyer talking at the time, trying to gather her courage in the lessening of watchful stares and stress of impressing ponies who would judge the situation. It also helped that her usual protector had promised to keep her safe, like she had done for many years before.
The weathermare watched proudly as the usually timid mare sat up and looked only at the lawyer who posed his questions, stating the fact that proved that nothing had changed in the conditions of the orphanage. While Fluttershy was still unable to bring her volume up to an average pony's, she was able to be heard by those in the immediate area which was all that mattered.
Once all the testimonials were finished and the closing statements given, the jury went into a separate room to deliberate. The judge remained at his seat, watching the two pegasi 'talk', curious at having met the actual heroes of the return of Nightmare Moon and Discord's return fame and finding their personalities much different than expected. The two friends paid little attention to the extra attention while Rainbow Dash tried to assure Fluttershy that she did really well and didn't make everything worse.
The sound of an opening door caused the entire room to fall into silence almost drastically as everyone looked to the jurors who's leader stood and faced the judge with their decision.
“We have discussed the facts presented and find the plaintiff guilty of all charges.” The pale-gray judge nodded his agreement and banged his gavel on his desk.
“Then the sentence is set to seven years in a correctional facility where she is to either be rehabilitated or to learn a new trade where she will be monitored in case of relapse while the orphanage in question is to be closed, with all its residences to be placed in foster care, adopted or relocated to a better facility that passes an inspection. Any and all runaways will be found and taken to the new facility, unless they are spoken for and placed in the guardianship of a pony in their current location. And should Hannigan Hearthsoother ever reappear in these courts for abuse of foals, I will personally see to it that she will get a life-time sentence; the kind of abuse that these foals went through is unacceptable and should never be underestimated of the everlasting harm they suffer because of it. Court is now adjourned.”
The prosecution and all the witnesses brought to testify smiled as they stood, glad that their nightmares and the nightmares of the orphans currently in Hagginan's care was over. Rainbow in particular was pleased that she was able to help keep the young pegasus out of her abuser's grip and wore a proud smirk while Fluttershy frowned in thought beside her.
“Alright! We did it, now the squirt won't have to worry about that old hack and we can go back home... I can't believe that it took all day just to get through the testimonies! Sheesh, I'll need to fly for hours before stepping back inside someplace.... Fluttershy?” Rainbow realized that she didn't have a cream-yellow shadow and turned to find her standing near where Mr. Wright was talking with Octavia and Vinyl about what they would have to do now.
The cyan mare frowned briefly before stepping closer to the other pegasus who looked back in worry.
“Rainbow... What about Scootaloo?”
“What about her? She doesn't have to worry about being caught and brought back to that totally uncool place anymore.”
“Yes, but they said that they would have to find all the runaways and take them to a new orphanage...” Dash frowned deeply at the quiet reminder and went over the exact ruling in her mind, soon realizing that the timid mare was right and the only thing that had changed was where Scootaloo would end up once caught.
The cyan mare slumped in place with a sigh before trudging back towards where the lawyer was, flicking an ear towards the animal care-taker in passing.
“Alright, alright, fine. Let's see what else we need to do then...” Fluttershy smiled before trotting along with a slight skip in her step, pleased at how she hadn't needed to argue with the brash mare for long in order to get her to focus on finishing what was started with helping in this case.
The two pegasi waited for the first conversation to finish before questioning the lawyer, with the two musicians curiously waiting nearby.
“Hey, look, we know one of the runaways and she wants to stay where she is and not go back to an orphanage. What would it take to let her stay out of those places?” The dark blue-gray unicorn raised a single brow at the question, wondering if the rainbow maned pegasus actually didn't know the only options available.
“The only fail-safe way to have this 'runaway' stay where she is is to adopt her or take her into custody by becoming her guardian; if the foal is over ten years in age, they must give consent to the proposition either way.” Rainbow slumped a little further while considering how this meant more forms and dealing with officials before it was all behind her; with another weary sigh, she held out a hoof to the lawyer who stared back curiously.
“Alright, do you have any of those 'guardianship' forms on hoof? When would I need to submit them?” The three watchers smiled, knowing that Scootaloo would be pleased to hear that she wouldn't have to go back to an orphanage while the lawyer smiled at the great reluctance shown and levitated the forms needed from a stack nearby.
“Are you sure? It's a big responsibility, you would have to make sure that she is well care for and maintain a proper standard of living and education.”
“Yeah, yeah, just hoof them over and I'll take care of the rest... Come on Fluttershy, I guess we don't have much else to do here now...” The canary pegasus grinned at the other before following to exit the courthouse to pick up their bags from the hotel.
Dash was tempted to take to the air once again but held off since she had a stack of papers in wing and didn't want to spend more time gathering them all up. Once they had their saddlebags and checked out of the hotel, they made their way to the train station, both deep in thought about the things that would need to be done when they got home.
Rainbow Dash was trying to think of anyone else who would be able to take legal guardianship of the young pegasus but knew that Scootaloo didn't want to have some unknown or even most known ponies trying to care for her; the argument with Derpy that happened last August came to mind, when the orange filly panicked at the concern and caring shown when it came to her well being only to lash out before running away, to be brought back by the speedster to apologize to the mailmare.
(Well, I know the squirt fancies me as a hero, maybe she wouldn't mind if I did became her 'legal guardian'? I mean, I'm already trying to watch out for her and Cheerilee reports any school issues to me now... But what do I know about making sure she's getting what she needs? I don't have a kid of my own, heck, I ran away from my own problems as a kid...! I'm not the right pony for this, what do I know about taking care of others in that way? Saving them is one thing that I can do, but this is something else and-)
“I'm really proud of you Dashie, offering to make sure Scootaloo is taken care of.” The cyan mare glanced up from her stack of forms to find the animal care-taker staring back reassuringly.
“I know it may seem like a lot of work, but I can help if you want... I do take care of other creatures afterall...” Rainbow slumped in relief at the offer and nodded quickly before giving her friend a thankful nudge.
“Yeah, sure you can help; you'd probably be better than me at it but that's because I can't be perfect, I would be too awesome to be around, you know? We probably should check with Derpy then find the squirt to get this all settled.” Fluttershy smirked softly at the return of the Dash's usual bravo, which was something that drew her attention and concern, leading her to make the offer in the first place; she nodded in consent of the plan and settled onto her bunk, wanting to get comfortable for the overnight ride home.
Rainbow watched briefly, noting how she seemed to have made the other pegasus extremely happy at how she was acting about this situation before turning to the papers before her that swarm in her exhausted vision.
“I'll just get to these in the morning, way too bored and tired to do it now... Good night Fluttershy.” The canary mare smiled softly in her dreamy state and responded to the call just as quietly.
“Goodnight Rainbow…”