Fortunately, a quick scan with the Reveal psynergy on all the other ponies revealed that they were, in fact, ponies.
Moonfire explained what little he could about changelings to me, and quite frankly, I both want to meet this Chrysalis character, and at the same time, I want to avoid her.
She has so much pain coming her way...
Anyways, a few days later saw us with an acceptable level of housing. By which I mean, nobody had to share with anyone anymore. Some still bunked together.
It was time to begin the next thing we would need: A courthouse.
I had the help of Common Grounds in making it. He seemed genuinely happy that he might get the chance to practice law again.
Other ponies were working on personalizing their homes a good bit, which is something I tried to stay out of. It was all about them, after all. Though, when they came to me with questions, I did my best to answer them.
One such frequent questioner was Aboyami the shamaness. She and Crust-
Oh, I did mention that her djinn finally developed a talent and a name, right? He was capable of shielding others from harm with a thick aura that took the strongest of attacks to pierce. He gained a rough, jagged appearance. Almost like he was a boulder.
Anyways, Aboyami and Crust tended to question what my motivations were. Why I felt the need to look after ponies, yet felt so much anger towards her royal sunness.
Eventually I distilled my answer down to a few sentences that satisfied them.
She who claims that ponies are not but kind and loving creatures and has never seen the darkness that lurks inside like we have, that nativity angers me like no other. I wish to make her see, see what she has done wrong, and this community is the way to do it. After all, the best revenge is living well.
We rarely had any trouble in keeping the water tower fed, thanks to Snow Fluff and Deluge, the Mercury Djinn he spent the most time with. Combined, they could conjure up rain clouds in about twenty seconds, and they kept going for a good, long while.
Naturally, this meant they were head of whatever weather team we needed.
Eventually, I approached the Diamond Dog of the community.
She looked at me fearfully. "What is it, Dullahan?"
Where is the one who wronged you, young one?
At this, her face hardened. "Las Pegasus, and may he rot forever. Guard Captain...pfft. More like Captain of the buffet table!"
I merely nodded my peculiar nod and went to fetch the Cloak stone from its place in my developing sanctum in the mountain. Be ready, Amber. For soon, we will illuminate his crimes.
-----
Stalwart Shield, Captain of the Las Pegasus Guard, sighed as he eased himself into his bed.
It wasn't easy being in his position. He had half-a-dozen crime syndicates trying to buy him off. He had to step carefully to make sure they didn't actually interact with each other too often.
Otherwise his loyalties would come into question, and his opulent lifestyle would fall to pieces around him. And now that he'd gotten used to it, he couldn't imagine a life without any of his fine luxuries.
The most excitement he'd gotten was when that Diamond Dog had come to town.
That had been fun. He'd taken her stuff, followed her back to her den, found a pony corpse she was probably responsible for, taken more of her stuff, and called it a day.
There was the sound of glass breaking, and a small spherical object landed in front of him.
He barely had time to notice the fuse before it went off.
The one thought going through his head was What the bu-
Then he was enveloped in a cloud of smoke, and knew no more.
-----
I stood in the shadows of the courtroom, waiting for the stallion to shake off the effects of the sleep bomb that Aboyami had made.
Good zebra, that Aboyami. He'd been out for a good long while.
Finally, he slowly began to stir and looked around.
Taking note that he appeared to be in a courtroom, he started laughing. "Okay, so which family did I piss off? Celestia, you really went all out, didn't you?"
Common Grounds walked out and took the Judge's seat. "Court is now in session."
At this, the lights came on, revealing the other members of the community sitting in the audience. Amber was sitting at the prosecutor's bench, which left Stalwart sitting at the defense.
Or as I preferred to call it, the accused.
Interestingly enough, the jury section was empty.
One stallion was easy. Ponynapping enough of his fellows to make a jury? Not easy. We'd have to do without.
"The case of Amber versus Stalwart Shield will now begin. Amber, present your case."
Amber got up and faced the audience. "When I was young, I was a victim. Two tribes of dogs came to blows with one another, and my mother was killed. A pony hermit happened by and took me from her corpse, and raised me as his own. And things were good for a time, until I turned ten. Then, my surrogate father fell ill. I decided to go into town with a few jewels to see if I could sell them and get medication for him."
At this, Amber turned and faced Stalwart. "And then this...thing. Decided to whip the townsfolk into a frenzy and knocked me out, took my gems, drove me out of town, and followed me to my home! Because of HIM, I could not aid my father! Because of HIM, a life was lost! Because of HIM, MY HOME WAS LOST!"
The crowd murmured to themselves, and Common Grounds held a hoof up. "Order! Amber, are you done?"
Amber nodded and sat back down. Common Grounds looked towards Stalwart Shield. "You are permitted to make your defense now."
The corpulent earth pony stallion opened and closed his mouth a few times, trying to come up with words. Finally, he said one sentence that probably doomed him. "This is no Celestia-run court, and I demand a proper trial replace this farce!"
I stepped out of the darkness then, even as Common Grounds banged his gavel and commanded the accused to be silent.
You are correct, Stalwart Shield.
All eyes turned to me as I walked up from the back of the audience with a sheaf of papers clutched in my right hand.
This is no Celestia-run court, because you're not in her jurisdiction anymore. You're in ours.
I handed the papers to Common Grounds, then turned to face the stupefied guard pony.
Here, there is only accused and accuser and evidence. There is no mercy at the hooves of the sun princess. There is only justice for the wronged, and punishment for those that walk in the dark.
Common Grounds looked through the papers. "You were taking bribes from all the major criminal families? At once?"
Stalwart shirked back a touch. "It's...it's not easy living on a guard's salary. Even a Captain's salary."
Common Grounds took a piece of paper in his hooves. "It says you were getting at least five hundred bits a week on your normal salary."
The crowd murmured and Amber growled. "You took all our things for the thrill of it? You did what you did because it was fun? Those things couldn't have gone for fifty!"
At this, the crowd was whipped into a frenzy, and Common Grounds banged the gavel multiple times. "Order! ORDER!"
I walked towards the guard pony. Your fate has been decided. The worst thing I will do to you is simple.
I unsheathed my blade and held it over his head.
You will understand.
And as the flat of the blade made contact with his head, I sighed, thinking of older times.
-----
(Dullahan POV - 1,504 years ago)
"Aw, c'mon Dully. Can't I just hold it for a second?"
I 'looked' over at the floating Draconequus. That wouldn't be a good idea, Discord. Who knows what sort of reaction you'd provoke?
He pouted and moved his paw closer. "But it's new! Exotic! Something I don't know about! I have to try i-"
The last word was cut out as he made contact with the hilt of the blade. He stiffened instantly, his eyes rolling around in his head.
Dissy? Dissy, speak to me.
Slowly, the draconequus came to and stared at where my head would have been. "How...do you deal with that knowledge?"
What knowledge?
"I once was lost, but now I'm found. I once was blind, but now I see. I see everything. I saw it all. The Multiverse. The Void Eternal. That Which Fills It. I saw everything, Dully. How did you deal? It's breaking me inside."
I panicked, recalling that summer with clarity. I...I didn't, Dissy. I didn't deal with it at all. I still can't. How did you see it all?
Discord smiled at me. "Your sword. It's a storage device, a catalyst. It holds that moment of time perfectly suspended, and when others touch it, they see everything that you did. I knew, somewhere in the back of my mind, if I wanted to, I could know everything. But that sword...Limitless knowledge is fine and dandy until you gain limitless understanding."
I reached out to him. Dissy, please understand. Whatever you saw, it wasn't my intention. I didn't know, Dissy. I didn't know.
Discord nodded, and that was when I saw the changes. His eyes were a bit more...off. He had a long fang peeking out of his mouth. His aura seemed to have changed.
"I know, Dully, I know."
-----
(Dullahan POV - Present day)
The stallion's eyes went wide, then rolled back into his head. I sighed and picked him up. I will take him to the nearby pony town. He should at least be comfortable.
Amber spoke up then. "What did that do, Dullahan?"
I 'looked' to her. It's too soon to say yet, but I will say this: touching the sword is what turned Discord from a mischevious spirit into the lord of chaos.
As I exited the courtroom, I could faintly hear Amber. "Finally, justice has been done."
-----
(3rd POV - Twilight Sparkle - Day of Dash's pet race)
"But Rainbow Dash, you didn't want a pet that would keep you grounded and hold you back, remember?"
As Rainbow lifted a hoof to her chin in thought, there came the sound of shifting metal and a rhythmic pounding noise. All eyes turned towards it and they saw a peculiar sight.
The suit of headless armor was here, and it was applauding. And then it spoke.
Well done on choosing based on the qualities that lie within rather than physical characteristics. If only all relationships were built like that.
Everypony present gasped and Twilight managed to get out a strangled "YOU!"
The armor did its weird version of a nod. Yup, it's me, it's all I ever tried to be. Frankly, I couldn't imagine being anyone but me!
Pinkie nodded. "Yeah, it's no fun being someone you're not!"
The armor gave the impression that it was staring at Pinkie. Why am I not surprised you would try that. Anyways, I'm sure you're wondering why I'm here, right?
At that, Rarity nodded. "It does seem to be a bit unlikely you would come here with no reason behind it."
Truth is, a little birdie told me that something would happen at the gorge soon, so I've been waiting here for it to actually happen. And really, you probably should have triggered that rockslide from afar, or at the very least, earlier! Still, what's done is done. I can help. Can someone with medical training tell me if that wing is set properly?
Fluttershy made her way to Dash's wing and went over it. "It, um, seems to be. Why?"
Cause this. Ply!
A stream of blue magic made its way out of Dullahan's sword and at Dash. She squawked in protest before she realized something. "Hey, my wing doesn't hurt anymore!"
While everyone's attention was on Dash, Twilight sent a small auditory report to the Princess. She would have to know that he was here.
Dullahan nodded at Dash. It should heal in a few hours now. I'd still say stay off it today.
-----
(3rd POV - Princess Celestia's throne room)
Princess Celestia was enjoying a slice of cake with some tea when the report from her student arrived.
"Princess, Dullahan is here, at Ghastly Gorge. We're fine at the moment, but you should probably handle this situation."
Celestia carefully lowered her fork and calmed herself.
Dullahan had never brought physical harm to her ponies.
This was Twilight. She could definitely handle any situations that would crop up.
She carefully made a few notes about Ghastly Gorge and returned to eating her cake.
If there was one thing she wasn't going to do, it was get involved with Dullahan until she had the capacity to offer him what he wanted.
Unfortunately, one of the nearby guards heard the report, and decided to tell Shining Armor about it.
This would result in him sending an entire wing of the Royal Guards to Ghastly Gorge to protect his little sis and bring Dullahan in.
Also widely regarded, looking back, as a Bad Idea.
-----
(Dullahan POV)
I nodded at Dash. So yeah, figured you all should probably know that I am in fact genuinely sorry about those crimes I committed. They may have been necessary, but that doesn't make them any more right. When I can safely do so, I will at the very least consider subjecting myself to your courts to atone for them.
This shocked all the mares there into dropping their jaws. Finally, Applejack got her voice back. "No foolin'? You're sorry about all a that ruckus you caused?"
I 'looked' to her and did my nod. Yup. Just because they were crimes of necessity and I returned the items, doesn't make them right. I know this. However, it's too soon to try and atone, there's still work to do yet.
The mares pondered that aspect of my morality that I had revealed. Finally, Twilight spoke up. "Why...do you hate the Princesses?"
I growled. They locked me up for fifteen hundred years for doing what needed to be done. Someone had to make ponies behave, and they weren't doing it! Just because I survived their attempts to exorcise me, I became an enemy of the country! I will not submit to her justice for the crimes she believes I committed until she sees just how BLIND she's been!
And then I heard the wingbeats. I 'looked' up and saw around fifty pegasi in the sky. One of them yelled 'Halt' at me, and I 'looked' down at Twilight. Did you-?
She looked askance, and that was all the answer I needed. Like I'm sticking around for this! Teleport!
Let me go over why that was a bad idea:
Teleport is the ultimate unaligned psynergy. It can take you from one town to another in the blink of an eye.
However, even Lifting or Carrying the generator was hard for me. Teleporting myself from Ghastly Gorge to Newvale was a feat I hadn't attempted.
Or should have attempted.
The world changed around me, and I actually blacked out.
-----
(3rd POV - Newvale - Dusk)
All was quiet in the town of Newvale. Dullahan had stated there were things he would have to do for a little while after he took the stallion back.
Still, they expected him back before too long.
What the ponies got wasn't what they had been expecting, though.
In a flash of light and a rush of wind, Dullahan emerged near the entrance of the mine.
Common Grounds, who was passing by at the time, raised an eyebrow. "How did you do that, Dullahan? And where were you?"
Dullahan straightened himself and 'looked' into the sky. I...I was elsewhen...
jay-zus, Celestia has mislead those ponies!
This chapter was awesome, looking forward to more!
Clickity click?
"Puppy eyes"
Deluge is best friend ever!
Keep up the awesome story. Also enjoyed the "extra" at the end.
mygaming.co.za/news/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Mr-Burns-evil-grin-530x298.jpg
Crust huh? I guess considering her non-violent tendencies it's pretty well suited. I like her involvement as well, from questioning to sleep bombing. I look forward to seeing how she'll continue to be involved. Also, seeing Amber finally get justice made me feel good, out of all the backstories I'd read hers was one of the most heartbreaking. Also, it was nice to see Common Grounds do what he does best.
So Dully made Discord go mad, huh? I wonder if he holds that on his conscience?
And now this is starting to cross over into other fics. Damn you, now I have to read the other one too. And I still haven't read "F*** It, I'm Having Fun."
So what's keeping celestia from simply throwing everything she's got at Newvale? Are they a seperate nation? If so, who's the ambassador?
4019063
Well, let's put it this way.
A bunch of people begin a peaceful protest by moving and creating a new town. They complain that the government is corrupt and is not doing their jobs right.
Then the military comes in and introduces martial law, breaks up a fledgling town, and deports everyone back to their hometowns.
When does the government care about protesters to the extent of bringing the military down on them? When those protesters pose a threat to them, either because they're right and the government is corrupt and doesn't want all the sheeple to start following the protesters, or because the protesters are a danger to the people - which while Dullahan is technically an enemy of the state (Who has never physically assaulted ponies, and in fact helped straighten out crimes that were being overlooked), he's never actually hurt anyone and all the other ponies in the town haven't done a thing against Celestia. This means that if Celestia brought the Guard down on the town, it'd draw everypony else's attention to the town, it's inhabitants, and their complaints.
4018740
The way it reads Discord did it to himself in my opinion. Curiosity created the lord of disharmony eh?
Nice chapter. See you at the next update.
4019170 Someone's taking law classes.
4019386
4019170 Or just history. The problems in the world tend to go unnoticed until theres a big enough fuss over them, especially when they get so big the government can't shut them down. The Princesses, especially Celestia, have had a wave up call due to Dullahan explaining his past so I only hope that they're going to start weeding out the corruption of their ponies. It'll be long and hard, but they've got millennia to do it, and Dullahan's got just as long to remind them.
4019386
4019418
I've actually not taken law classes, nor do I have a large interest in history.
I do, however, have a friend who has taken philosophy classes, and he teaches me a lot of interesting and useful things.
4019170 They stole a generator from a hospital, books from a library, Dullahan had a shitload of vigilantism to his name and they kidnapped an engineer and the Captain of the guard of Las Pegasus. And they're harbouring an enemy of the state.
Peaceful protesters?
Next time dullahan "borrows" something the letter should be like this. "I'm in up (place here) st3aling ur b00kz"
Ok, you're killing me here...Did my OC make the final cut? Usually there would be some sort of mentioning by the author that the OC was accepted or not. I'm just the type that likes to know.
4019784
Fine. I'll pull up a list soon enough for OC's that were accepted.
It'll be in the AN of the next chapter.
This was a fun chapter! Also fun was the Lady of Madness chapter.. I've not heard of it before but I mite just start reading that aswell... We'll see... This was cool thought!
4019710
In regards to the thefts: They returned the "stolen" goods just as they took them, plus Dullahan stated that he would, in time, face trial for those misdemeanors. Furthermore, the books they took were from a public library, that he could very well have gotten in a legitimate manner had Celestia not been so blind as to the true nature of his actions as a vigilante.
In regards to the kidnapping of Crossed Gears: He very well couldn't have asked Gears to come with him, being a living, headless suit of armor. Also, they're trying to hide from (or at least avoid) Celestia, so trusting Gears not to disclose the location of their town to her after practically walking right to it, especially since he has no reason to trust them and no reason to distrust Celestia, makes no sense.
In regards to Dullahan being a vigilante (and including the kidnapping of the Las Pegasus Captain): He saw the offences that weren't being reported (or those that were but were being suppressed, like the case against the Captain) and decided to do something about them - in a completely non-lethal manner.
In example, let's do a scenario. You're walking down the street and round a corner, and suddenly you find a man being mugged. The thug has a simple knife, and you have relative certainty you could take him in a fight (whether it's because you have martial arts training or because you've got a concealed-carry or open-carry firearm). Would you intervene and prevent the crime before it happened (or just after it happened) or would you stand there and do nothing while the perp got away?
4019837 Thank you...that probably would help out some others too.
What is the point of a courthouse if you aren't going to ever even pretend to do a true trial?
"Finally, justice has been done."
wasn't justice, was just revenge.
way to build up! so looking forward to the next chapter!
4020499
think of it less like a real life courthouse and more like a judge show you would see on television.
and so they improvised and did without a jury
4021554
Even on TV shows they let the defendant, you know, present a defense?
Yeeeeesssss.
I am most pleased.
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Now to just wait for the others.....
4021586
They put up their own defense (the best way to do it in this situation I'd wager). If they can't prove their innocence themselves how would another pony/being help them (In a timely manner at least)?
4021865 I too am most happy to see this. I don't think Pyre Flare has much to fix in his case aside from ambivalent feelings, but I definitely looking forward to Flicker. It'll go especially well to show how victims (ponies) can become monsters to their aggressors, as well as the inherent evil that comes to "othering" another group.
4021964
He was given no chance to put up any sort of defense other than a single sentence saying how it's hard to make a living on his wages.
Revenge is retaliation by a wronged party against the person or people they see as having caused the wrong. The person carrying out an act of revenge may have been harmed indirectly or not at all by the person at whom the revenge is directed, but on some level there is a perceived personal grievance. Justice, on the other hand, can be carried out by an unaffected third party. In most developed countries it is considered vital that the judiciary be independent from the other arms of government, partly for this very reason. Justice also doesn't necessarily involve any act of retribution. For example, the acquittal of an innocent person can be considered an act of justice, but it certainly isn't revenge. Justice requires fairness, and while this is obviously subjective to a large extent it's still relevant. This was not justice, this was revenge carried out by a dishonorable fool.
4021586 Technically the Captain did present a defense though both defenses he tried to use, those being that the trial was not a Celestia 'approved' trial and then later that it is difficult to live on a guard captain's salary, ended up essentially causing him to out himself with the last one. Perhaps later 'accused' will actually try with their defense however this one didn't seem to try all that hard to make a good defense. In other words, he had the chance but he F-ed up.
4022098
Thanks, it's true, now that I look back on it, that Pyre had already pretty much dealt with his problems, and thus does not need much redemption..... it would be nice to see him open up to others though(and maybe solve some of his remaining worries(maybe even a love interest dare I say it?!)). And if Flicker gets in.... yeah, that'll be interesting. So. Very. Innnnnnteresting. STILL HAPPY ABOUT AMBER!!! (sorry about that)
But now that we have all of these OC's I sort of want to see a slice of life chapter, showcasing relationships in the burgeoning town... or maybe even a side-fic..... but, the villain category is getting a little convoluted enough as it is, due to all the crossovers.... still, if someone did it right, it would be perfect.
Also, again, congratulations, Sparda (hope it's okay to call you that) on pretty much securing a mane (*ba-dum tssh*) character spot. I can't wait to see what Thadius'll do next.
4008400
And finally, one last thing, to Thadius. I saw this AMV a while back, and I can't get it out of my head (...... unintentional pun that time, I swear it.), I keep imagining it to a scene of Dullahan's army, either:
A.) Attacking Canterlot.
or
B.) Attacking the Changelings in Canterlot.
This is what I got:
So, the first minute or so, will be focusing on either:
A.) The damage done by the siege weapons of Dullahan's army
or
B.) The damage done by the Changelings, pretty much right to the point that the mane six get defeated.
Then, when the dramatic music hits at around 1:14, a number of fast moving pegasi, will fly in either scouting, and/or hitting crucial targets unawares, darting through the buildings of Canterlot (which is possible due to the shield blocking Changeling incursion s only (....and most likely Dullahan as well)), much like the video, going through the city, and eventually circling around, unknowingly to everyone else seeming to disappear at the abrupt stop of the music.
Next, the sound at about, 1:42-44 will be representation of A.) a massive cloak dispelling from Dullahan's army, appearing at the front of Canterlot's ruined gates or B.) that and the dispelling of the shield around Canterlot.
Followed immediately by the army shouting the lyrics in the video "We have the force to fight..." etc as a battle cry.
The next thing that happens is pretty much represented in the video. Just replace the horses with ponies, and viola.
Of course, the "knocking down the sun" part is pretty representational of defeating Celestia, but it also could just be a point in the Changeling version that Chrysalis had beaten Celestia.... I don't know, do what you will.
Basically, just proceed to describe battle scenes, until....
Finally, hitting the climax at 2:52-53 Dullahan proceeds with his big entrance.
Followed by the SMACKDOWN.
Of Celestia or Chrysalis.
The End(.... not of the story, just that particular battle).
Also, I'm sorry I typed all of this, I just had this idea festering for about a week now, and it just wouldn't leave me alone. My apologies for this long wall of text, and my most likely annoying and stupid idea, and thinking to implement it into the story. Again, my apologies. Iwould appreciate a response whether or not this was a good idea though, just general thoughts on it.
4022419
Y'know, there's this thing I say about ideas and me.
Y'all should stop giving them to me.
It never ends well for someone.
(Totally stealing this. Maybe.)
4022440
.................
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In case the message didn't come across, I am quite pleased.
Cross: Master? What happened to ye? What took ya so long?
Dullahan: Hominahominahominahominahomina
Cross: … What.
Oh god I get the feeling my OC will die by slipping on a piece of soap in his first apearance. He won't even get a speaking line, I can already tell.
4023476
That would technically be more action than mine got hehe
4022178
Well it must be a different way of understanding the readingness. The way I saw it he had a chance to tell them whatever he could but had nothing meaningful to say because the evidence was basically overwhelming and he knew it. Now on a jury stand point that's utterly ridiculous in this situation. If they brought in ponies that would be considered peers and not of Dully's town , they would never likely agree to be reasonable if they don't trust Dully in the first place. All the judging is from a majorly biased view but if it wasn't that way their wouldn't be the "justice" they are going for (as proven by nothing happening to the wronging party).
Wow I have too much to say.
4023959 Cheer up. I'm sure your OC would be very sad at the funeral. He might even be the guy to read the eulogy.
AND I REALLY DON'T WANT FLOWING TO GO OUT THAT WAY
4020005 Ah, whut Dullahan didn't prevent a crime, that's another matter entirely. He PUNISHED a past crime. That's a matter that should be left up to the authorities, otherwise, it's called vigilantism.
Also, the main point was why Celestia doesn't waltz right in there. She doesn't know that the Captain of Las Pegasus is corrupt, only that he's been kidnapped by a group of ...freedom fighters?(Seriously what should we call Dully and friends? They're not extreme enough for terrorists and not peaceful enough for protestors.)
I really can't wait to see what has happened to that guard.
man i love how your fic is connecting to other fics
Naivety.
I'm so glad that the guilty party is named Stalwart Shield, if only because it's not quite identical to an OC I plan on using in the future.
I'm also very glad that the guilty party is nothing like the character I plan on using. Mine is an officer and a gentleman, thank you very much. A bit aggressive with firearms, but a splendid chap all around.
4393622
Nahhh... I think he was just mad that Celestia was born. Stupid Sunbutt.
Help Chryssie, you know you want to.
Major props for Dullahan being fine with Moonfire after getting an explanation.