//------------------------------// // Judgement Day // Story: Earning Freedom // by Daxisle //------------------------------// Judgement Day Clad in shackles of blackened iron, the purple dragon was escorted on all sides by gigantic, behemoths that more closely resembled steroid enlarged gorillas than most other diamond dogs. As he walked, he noticed that almost every single k9 in the mine had stopped their work to come out and watch him walk. The walls were lined with them, too numerous to count. Some glared daggers of unspoken anger, others with sympathy and sadness, but most simply held a simple, silent respect as they closed their eyes and lowered their heads when he passed. Spike felt numb taking in the dramatic site, his legs feeling quite a bit heavier than the day before. If there was any doubt to the seriousness of the situation before, it was gone now. He was lead into one of the larger and more brightly lit chambers. To his left sat dozens upon dozens of the miners, Spike's eyes widened as his locked onto a vaguly familiar mutt with one eye and scars all over his face. He couldn't believe it, the entire pack of miners he'd assaulted were all present, almost every one of them covered in some kind of bandages from his rage. To his right sat a few more dogs, but to his delight a great deal more ponies. He smiled as his mother-by-right smiled down at him. His feelings of warmth and loss compounded more so when he saw the rest of the girls were there, and so was Sin and Macintosh, too. Even the Princesses had shown up, save Cadance and Applejack. As he was stopped from moving forward farther, the drake looked forward and up to see a semi-circle of no less than seven varying colors and breeds of dogs looking down at him. Each stare ranging from intrigued to outright disgusted. "Order!" Barked the one in the middle of the council. He spoke at length about the reason that the judication was taking place, who was involved, the charges and all manner of jargin that was fuled the fear and guilt that Spike was already drowning in. "Spike." He finally broke his nerve ridden stupor. "You stand accused of the crimes mentioned against the Twelfth Delta Pack. Do you deny these charges?" His green eyes drifted down and then to his right to Twilight. He knew that he was guilty, and so did everypony else, he didn't want to admit it out of fear they wouldn't hear out what he'd done for them, but he wasn't going to lie either. "I don't deny what I've done." He said, forcing confidence into his shaky voice. "Than he admits it! Guilty as charged!" Cried someone from the left side of the room, followed by numerous murmurs of agreement. These were quickly hushed by the lead Alpha with an icy glare. "So you admit guilt? Very well, than it shall be this council's right to determine a proper fate. Be ware, young dragon, the power that you have displayed is great. Such ferocity turned upon our people is an atrocity that must be condemned in the most permanent manner." His eyes constricted at the words, but Celestia spoke out against the statement. "Pardon me. Beta Lords and Council of Alphas, but since my subject's guilt has already been established, and this is a matter that occurred within Equestrian borders, would it not be prudent to allow some words on behalf of the guilty?" She said with a calm regalia as she looked up at Raptor. "I know that the same privilege has been awarded to the Diamond Dogs on numerous occasions under my discretion." The council of Alphas quietly deliberated between themselves for a few minutes before acquiescing the sun goddesses request. Both Celestia and Luna took to a crude podium to plead for mercy for their young ward. Recounting his numerous kind deeds and strength in the face of adversity. Sin let out a breath as Pinkie Pie finished up her appeal and script, a puddle of tears formed beneath her hooves. It was as generic and heart warming as Rainbow Dash's, Rarity's, and Fluttershy's. The latter holding the most time the word "please" was used by far, though. He looked down at his own paper one more time, quadruple checking to make sure everything was in order. His nerves were starting up again, as they usually did when he might be the next speaker. Stage fright was always a factor for him, but this was so much more. He was damning himself, regardless of the outcome of the sentence. He'd be hated for it, but between death and what he proposed, the drake would appreciate it in the end, even if he swore never to forgive him. Sin looked back to make sure Rainbow and Macintosh were in position. Both were standing close enough to Shining and Valiar, should a sudden judgement be made. No sign of Discord though, all the Federalist could do was hope that the alleged god of chaos would still hold to his end of the plan when push came to shove. Macintosh took to the stand next, but Sin had a growing thought in his mind. One that had only crossed his mind recently but making it's presence far too profound for his liking. Happiness. Happiness in Equestria, he could have built something here. He wasn't a fan of the government, but it was by far the most lenient he'd ever encountered. He wouldn't be as free as he wanted to be, but it might be... it might just be enough... One of the main factors that lead him on the life of liberation he was on was his almost cult like obsession with freedom and the ability to do what he pleased when he pleased, damning what others though of his life and actions, but that meant never settling down. Never having others care enough about him getting hurt or putting himself in situations like this where he'd be willing to risk life and liberty to rescue another from death. And most importantly, never getting attached to anything or anyone who would hinder these abilities. And though it may have been hard to admit, that was the fact of the matter. He'd gotten attached. Macintosh, Spike, Star Shade, and even growing a fondness for Uppity. He cared about them, he didn't want to see them hurt more than most anyone else. He cared about them, and that caring was about to lead to an act that may destroy every last freedom he'd ever taken for himself, and every chance he'd ever have of being happy. Even now his pragmatism was screaming at him to abandon this whole quest. Pleading and begging him to walk out of the cave, let the drake suffer whatever fate that would befall him, and go about his life for another day. Ponyville wasn't a half bad place, he may be bound there for a while, but he could make something of it. He had the knowledge through all of the lessons from both his grandfather and the few his own father had taught him. He could build a business and make a very comfortable life for himself. 'At what cost?' His inner critic asked calmly, causing Sin to flinch. 'Could you sleep at night, knowing that you left one of the few individuals you've ever cared about to die? Could you really look at yourself in the mirror knowing you'd abandon yet another to death after you've realized how terrible you are for forsaking your friends already?' Sin began to tremble and and shook his head a little too quickly. He didn't need this right now, he had to keep his head where it belonged. There was no debating the matter, Spike was the priority here and he'd already committed to relinquishing both happiness and freedom for loyalty. Even if it did end eveyrthing else for him. "Are you alright?" Uppity asked. "Yea, just thinking." Sin replied, clearing his mind. The purpled maned mare smiled and placed a fetlock on his shoulder, attempting to comfort the stallion. "Don't worry, You'll do fine. I'm sure of it." Sin didn't take much comfort in her encouragement, but there was a small part of him that felt better from her words. It was... nice to feel that from her. Mac finished up his speech, electing a small bit of applause from the pony side of the room. The apple farmer took a breath, fighting back the tears and retook his position a few feet from Shining Armor. Sin took another breath and was nudged to adheared the call to the next speaker. He took to the crude stone stand and placed his script down to read. He took in the first sentence of the parchment and began. "Hello Council of Alpha's, my name is Sinbad Von Islander. I would like to first state that unlike the ponies who've come before me, I have no loyalty to Equestria, nor the princesses there in. I come from the Federation of the North, and any and all loyalties lie there in." He proclaimed, ensuring that he made the point clear. At least, if he acted, the dogs would place blame on the Federation rather than the ponylands. "I have been friends with the accused for the past nine months, teaching him, observing him and I see it relevant to address that I am some what responsible for what has happened to the twelfth Delta Pack. I did not teach him the proper discipline that was required in order for him to grow, and for that; I offer to take as much responsibility and accountability for his guilt." Numerous gasps came from both sides of the room, followed by disapproving glares and mummers. "To that end, the reason I am addressing you here today is the possibility of the death penalty. I advise against this course of action under the principal of possible labor. Spike, son-by-right of Twilight Sparkle, is a dragon who has committed an atrocious act against your people, commiting undue aggression and injuring and mangling them." He looked to see Fido, the prosecuting alpha, glaring with his remaining eye. "But let me ask you this, what good is he to you dead? What return does a dead corpse rotting offer to those whom he has wronged? Nothing, nothing what so ever. It is my belief that in the benefit of the injured, a tribute of time and productive labor served is a more beneficial and lucrative alternative." The beta lords and Delta Pack looked on in utter confusion at his words, but the Alpha Council bore masks of intrigue and interest. "Sinbad." Started the lead Alpha. "To clarify your words for the laydog, are you saying that we should make the dragon into a slave for him to pay for what he's done?" Sin heard gasps from the ponies to his right, but nodded in the affirmative. "That's exactly what I'm saying." He chanced a glance to see looks of utter disgust and shock from Twilight and her friends. Even Macintosh was shaking his head. He knew he'd be hated for it, but he knew Spike would find it a preferable fate to death. At least this way he had a chance at life. If and when the dragon had had enough, he'd either bust himself out when he was strong enough, or end his life as he saw fit. All Sin did was buy him time, hoping that the Council of Alpha's would be open to his next point. "However, in his crimes no lives were taken. In determining the length of the sentence, it is prudent to exercise reason in determining such a time." He looked to see the betrayed and hurt face of the purple drake. "He's committed gross assault, and rendered many workers incapable of their duties. To this, I believe a sentence of one month per worker would be a sufficient punishment for his acti-" "ENOUGH!" Barked Fido, standing from his seat. "Stupid pony does not say what punishment is. Diamond Dogs hurt, Diamond Dogs decide what happens!" Sin drew his attention to the Arbiters, finding them nodding in agreement before stating that his imput into the length wasn't appreciated. Finding that he had no more words to say, Sin thanked the adjudicators and retook his place on the observation deck and readied himself for the onslaught of chastisement that was to come. Uppity was the first to get to him and demand to know why he'd said what he said, but Sin held no regrets. He did all he knew he could do, and that was it. He wanted Spike free as much as the rest of them did, but he also believed in consequence and reparations for aggression committed. Spike did deserve to be punished for what he'd done, but he wouldn't allow them to take advantage and have free reign with the Drake's life. Twilight was up next, giving him one last icy glare before taking the stand. "Greetings Alphas," She swallowed and took a shaky breath. "I am Twilight Sparkle, Element of Magic, personal Student of Princess Celestia and Mother of Spike. I know that he's done something terrible, something some will never forgive, and for that I'm sorry and am willing to help... help him pay for what he's done." She sniffled and bit her lip as she saw the drake looking at her with pleading and apologetic eyes. "Spike doesn't des- He doesn't deserve to die!" She cried, tears flowing freely from her eyes. "Spike made a terrible, terrible mistake, and I'm begging you, don't take him from me. He may not be a pony, but he's my son." She sobbed, placing her head into her hooves. "He's all I have and I love him. Please, find it in your hearts to show him the mercy he deserves." She stood on the podium, muttering incomprehensible jibberish through her tears and hooves. It was a heart breaking sight and an one that melted the hearts of any who saw it. Even Sin felt a tear built in his eye at the display, feeling just a tiny bit jealous. Eventually, the distraught mare forewent any comprehensible argument and simply cried at the stand until Celestia finally came out to escort her student back to the side lines, offering words of soothing comfort. Once the room had quieted down, the Alpha's asked for any more speakers. None came forth, there was nothing more to be said. With that, the adjudicators left to deliberate the sentence, asking Fido to join them in the decision making process. A sudden weight drew Sin's attention to his foreleg, the sudden appearance of his Slayer crossbow appearing with a remnant of pink smoke. He looked to find both the primary and quick load strings pulled and ready to fire. He pulled his cloak to conceal the weapon and looked to find Macintosh doing much the same. Step one of his plan was complete, and Sin's back shot with ice. Green eyes meeting his black goggles, the Federalist gave a nod, one that Mac reluctantly returned before stepping just a little closer to Shining Armor. He looked back at Rainbow Dash to find her glaring at him, but she returned his nod and stepped just a little closer to Valiar. Pinkie walked to him, looking forelorn and hurt. She didn't way a word, just lowered her head. Sin took a step back upon seeing Discord's face within her mane and hearing the draconequus's voice in his head. "You've got your tools, Sinbad. Be ready, if the word death leaves their lips, my magic will kick in. I'll try to keep it off of you, but I make no promises. Chaotic magic and all that." He said in a jovial voice. Sin nodded with a word of affirmation before putting a hoof on Pinkie's shoulder. "I'm sorry, Pinkie, but you understand that I did what I had to." He had to make the exchange look less suspicious to his observers. The less he let on, the better. The party mare didn't reply, she merely stood by his side and waited. While Sin used his cross bow to take out the Security detail, he'd be exposed, even with Discord's magic. He'd need someone to watch his back while he took the shots, and that was exactly what she'd do. Hopefully. Spike stood wringing his claws together and attempting to bring his breathing under control. His mind working a million miles a minute, too fast to keep track of any thoughts. Twilight's crying, Sin's betrayal, his friend's words, the judgement to come. It was so much to think about, so many thoughts and feelings. Anger, hurt, terror, nervousness, confusion. It made him want to cry, to shout, to apologize, he wanted to throw up and curl into a ball. What had he gotten himself into? He didn't deserve this! Or did he? He'd made a mistake! He didn't want this, he never wanted to see his friends cry, to see his mother cry, the sobbing she'd gone through, the suffering... He hated it, and he hated himself for bringing it about. "Why was I so stupid?" He asked himself. "Why did I have to go there? Why did I... why did I have to hurt them?" He cringed, forcing tears to flow. It was just a mistake... he didn't mean to hurt them that bad, he just wanted to get revenge for the pain they caused him. Just humiliate the dogs a little. They deserved it, they never apologized to him for humiliating him. Didn't that count for anything? Didn't what they did to him matter? Celestia and Luna both addressed the incident, with Rarity confirming as a witness, but the Alphas proclaimed that the gems the ponies made off with was more than compensation. Stating that the crime had already been paid for and would hold no sway with their opinion and judgement. It made him angry that he didn't get to speak, but in the dog courts, the accused didn't get to speak unless there was none to speak for them. With pack communities, it was reputation that mattered, the more you had others to speak on your behalf, the more representation the accused was awarded. It was a stupid way to determine guilt, but one Spike couldn't fight if he wanted to. His opinion and words didn't matter in this court, and there was nothing more maddening to him that kind of helplessness. Not even Sin's recommendation of his enslavement. Sin sighed in relief that he'd finally convinced both Uppity and Twilight what he'd done was all that was within his current power. Spike being dead was permanent, he'd be gone for good with no chance of life; while him being enslaved for a set period of time was something that could be worked with. Even if it did go against every principal he had. The drake deserved a chance to live, and that he offered that chance. Even if it was in the most painful manner possible. What was he supposed to do? The dogs would most likely accept nothing less, short of bribery anyways, but he also believed Spike deserved to pay and had to find a common ground that would be acceptable for both his beliefs in reasonable consequence and emotional attachment. Both mares frowned an looked down before walking away with the bitter understanding. Sin didn't like it any more than they did, but he had to be realistic; it was an unfair situation, but life was full of unfairness. He'd just learned to handle the cards he was dealt in the best way he could. A full hour of building tension and constant murmurs passed, and Sin's breath caught in his throat as the Alpha's returned and took their seats. he lifted his cloak slightly to double check his bolts and triple checked his marks. There were four Guard dogs, plus the bailiff. He tried to steady his shaky legs, he couldn't afford to make a mistake here. He'd already lose enough time reloading both strings, after the first two, and with five bolts, he'd need to take even more time to reload in-case he missed, and the others could only keep the Equestrians off his back for so long. "We have come to a decision." Declared the lead Alpha. Placing his hoof into the trigger mechanism, Sin's breathing quickened as he stroked his weapon. This was it... this was really it, no more time to think. Nerves on edge, muscles tense, mind completely frazzled, and his head both full and empty, the Federalist's eyes constricted and dilated in anticipation. He gave one last look to make sure Rainbow and Mac were in position, both looking just as anxious and distraught as he felt. He closed his eyes and tried to find peace in the idea that he was doing the right thing, but there was no peace to be had. Not even his inner critic spoke, despite, for some odd reason, Sin wishing he would. "We, the Council of Alphas, have reached a unanimous decision." They paused and looked down at a terrified Spike. "In the judgement of Spike of Equestria, found guilty of grossly assaulting and maiming to the point of disfigurement of the Twelfth Delta pack, we sentence you to-"