//------------------------------// // Aftermath/Ancient Laws: Part Four // Story: Circumstantial Evidence // by Mad Hatter //------------------------------// Sun Showers stood stunned as the haze of battle finished clearing away from her mind. The ambulance arrived in record time (If only because they had one ready for such an unusual event), and Blue was loaded in to the cart on a stretcher. Sun shakily stepped onto another while the first sped away. Luna and a night guard met them at the hospital, one having teleported and the other being stationed here with the expectation of injuries. The remaining guards caught up with the second ambulance, chariot in tow. They parked it and unhitched themselves just as Sun exited the secondary vehicle and trotted in, flanked on either side by the hospital pony and guard respectively. She nervously followed the guard and doctor into a small room. “This should dull the pain, but brace yourself anyway. It will sting when we set the bone.” said the nurse as she hoofed Sun a vial. Sun slugged it down in a shot and waited for a minute. She nodded when a dull, pins-and-needles feeling took hold, and closed her eyes. *Snappop* She shuddered at the feeling. Sure she'd on rare occasions broken bones in the line of work, but she never did like the setting process. She watched with detached interest as they bandaged the set wing, mind flying as to her fate. You bucked up this time. Like, bucked up bad. Soon as we're done they'll cart me away. Soon after the setting, Luna came in, with guards in tow. What wasn't expected was Celestia behind her as well. Sun looked up with surprise. Knew I was gonna pay for this, but both of them I probably won't make it outta here. Only ludicrous nature of the situation kept her from just freaking out. Redheart approached the princesses, bowing low. “Princesses Celestia and Luna?” As both turned to her. ”How does the other combatant fare?” Redheart looked nervous and very meekly said “P-please princess Luna. There are patients resting in nearby rooms. I, um, humbly request you keep the volume down.” Luna paused for a moment, regaining her modern composure after the ancient event. “How is Blue Beet?” Redheart sighed. “Gone, your majesty. His ribcage was shattered and the bone fragments perforated both his lungs and heart. He bled out before arrival.” Celestia sighed. “Sorry to hear this, my little pony. We will dispatch guards to deliver the news to his family.” She turned towards a guard on her other side. “Place Sun Showers under arrest.” Luna stepped in front of the day guard, blocking the entrance. “Nay, sister.” Celestia, Redheart, the day guards, and Sun all let out a confused “What?” “We have both perused the laws, and they remained unchanged. Death is unwanted, but not a completely unexpected event in duels. By accepting the terms of combat, both parties took responsibility of their own lives in the process.” She turned to a batpony. “According to the terms of the duel, Sun Showers is to inherit the non-familial assets of the Beet house, after final expenses are accounted for.” The night guard solemnly nodded and flew off to join the messenger to the family of the departed. “Luna! A pony died from this! Justice must be taken.” “Sister, justice was meted out. The laws are clear on this.” Celestia hung her head for a moment. “As much as I would like any other outcome, you are correct. But know that I will fight to remove duels from Equestria now. This must never come to pass again.” Luna thought on her sister's words. “True. I will not contest your call to remove duels. But know that all this has occurred at such a time as it was legal. Therefore Sun Showers is free, and entitled to the spoils.” They both looked at Sun, who was bowing prostrate, the bound wing being the only part that was not as low as physically possible. Luna stepped forward. “Rise, Sun Showers. According to the... current law you have done no wrong. The spoils of the duel will arrive in due time. Guards, escort the victor to her domicile.”