//------------------------------// // After the Testimonies // Story: Trial of a Changeling // by twilightsparkle3562 //------------------------------// Chapter 12 "After the Testimonies" Following the testimonies of both Twilight and Cadence, Shining Armor didn't really care about the trial that night. His only concern was with Cadence, who had been an emotional wreck since her testimony, reliving that dark moment in both of their lives when the Changelings almost took away their wedding. Seeing Cadence like this made Shining Armor all the more determined to get even with Kuwaga, even though the captured Changeling might want to try and get him down. "Shining Armor?" asked Twilight as she walked into their private suite. "I just wanted to see how you and Cadence were doing after today's testimonies." "Well, Cadence is finally asleep, Twiley," sighed Shining Armor, opening the bedroom door and seeing Cadence fast asleep on the bed. "It's the first time tonight that she is not thinking about the trial. Although, it was against my judgment that both of you shouldn't have testified to begin with." "But, aren't you glad that we did?" remarked Twilight as Shining Armor closed the door behind him. "We needed to do it, big brother. We both know that if we are to make the Changelings pay for what they did. Besides, aren't you going to testify?" "I think Celestia and Luna know that I don't need to testify," replied Shining Armor. "Just the events alone is enough for a testimony. Now all that matters is seeing that monster try to defend himself." The bitterness in Shining Armor's voice gave Twilight the indication that Kuwaga was only going to tighten the noose around his neck even tighter. Given the snide remarks that he was making towards all who had testified against him. "Which I highly doubt is going to be successful," said Twilight as they sat down on the sofa. "Kuwaga is so confident in what he does that he fails to understand that not all criminals get off scot free. I mean, there have been several criminals that I have faced that almost won in the end." Saying this in her own words made Twilight think back to all the villains that she and her friends had defeated with the magic of friendship. With each villain they had faced, their enemies' defeat came on the verge of their victory. The worst of it happened on two occasions: the Changelings and Lord Tirek. Those two were both personal to Twilight since the Changelings caused Shining Armor, Princess Celestia and her friends to turn their backs on her when she tried to warn them about Chrysalis. But Tirek was the worst of the two events as he imprisoned her fellow princesses, destroyed her home and used her friends to get his hands on the alicorn magic. "I know how you feel, Twiley," remarked Shining Armor. "I wish there was a way we could go back in time and fix everything that happens. But, time travel spells don't fix anything. We have to live with the past and try to move on with our lives." Twilight then remembered that she did try to go back in time once to prevent a disaster that never happened. That was a complete waste of her time and once was enough for anyone. "So, if Kuwaga is convicted," said Twilight, trying to change the subject of the trial. "Then, what do you think might happen to him?" "It depends," replied Shining Armor. "He could either spend the rest of his life in Tartarus with that magic thirsty monster, Tirek, or he could be put to death by hanging. Like I said, it depends on what you, Celestia and Luna decide on." Twilight became confused for a moment as she thought that Cadence deserved a chance to decide on Kuwaga's fate. Little did Twilight know that a decision was made concerning Cadence's well-being during the rest of the trial. "But, isn't Cadence taking part in the sentencing?" asked Twilight, her voice slightly confused. "I mean, she is a princess after all?" "Celestia and Luna both agreed that Cadence should not take part in the trial anymore," replied Shining Armor. "Her well-being is much more important than her involvement in the trial. Besides, I think she has suffered enough torment that these bugs had imposed on her." Twilight was surprised that such a decision would be made. In her mind, Cadence deserved to at least have a say in the fate of the Changeling General. The jury led by Fancy Pants would decide whether Kuwaga would found guilty or not guilty and if he was found guilty, then the princesses would agree on whether Kuwaga lives or dies. "But, can Cadence take part in the sentencing if Kuwaga is found guilty?" asked Twilight. "We both know that Cadence needs to help decide whether he dies or not." Shining Armor knew that his little sister had a point. As much as he refused to believe it, Cadence did need to help decide the fate of Kuwaga and Shining Armor couldn't protect her forever. He didn't even want Cadence to testify in the first place, knowing of the scars that she had received and that they were scars that will never go away. They would be with her for life and no magic nor would medicine take them away. "I suppose you are right, Twiley," sighed Shining Armor, finally admitting defeat. "If Cadence is up to the challenge, then I will let her take part in the sentencing. However, if I feel that she is not up to the challenge, then I need you to respect my decision." Twilight nodded at this and a little while later, she left the suite and proceeded towards her assigned bedroom near the throne room. When Twilight went to bed that night, she could only think of the events that led up to this moment. A lot had happened in a short period of time and nothing would make her happy than seeing a monster that had a big part in almost destroying her brother's wedding, along with her relationships that she had with her friends as well as Princess Celestia. Of course, she also had to consider her recent abduction by Kuwaga, but it was her brother's wedding that truly mattered to her. "Shining Armor, I know you want to protect Cadence after what happened today," Twilight thought as she went to sleep that night. "I just hope that the decision you make in the end is the right one for everypony."