Chapter 3
The sound of Twilight Sparkle's hoofsteps echoed through the still air of the empty library as she made her way down the staircase. Princess Celestia stood patiently, her gaze tracking her pupil as she descended the last few steps. Twilight Sparkle crossed the library floor, stopping just short of the Princess. She stood still for a long moment, her eyes meeting her mentor's, unsure of what to say. Princess Celestia stared back, her eyes hard-set, yet kind all the same. A wave rippled through her shimmering mane as she flicked her head to the side, indicating a pair of couches set near a table in the center of the darkened room. The young unicorn did not move. Celestia tried to give her a wan smile. "You're going to have to forgive me, Twilight Sparkle, for imposing myself, but this is a very urgent matter."
"Princess Celestia!" Twilight Sparkle rushed forward, surprising the alicorn as she threw her fore legs around her neck, standing up on her hind legs and nestling her face into her mentor's shoulder. Princess Celestia knelt down, stooping to the young pony's height and returning the embrace with a hoof. For a brief instant, Twilight relaxed in Celestia's comforting hug, before taking a deep breath and stepping back. "I'm so glad you're here. I just don't know what to do."
"I understand," Princess Celestia spoke softly. "I left as soon as I read your letter. I must admit, this is not something I would have ever expected." She gestured once more towards the couches and table. "Come."
Wordlessly, Twilight Sparkle followed along in the princess's hoofsteps. She blinked to fight back tears as they approached the couches. With a soft glow, the tip of Celestia's horn lit up, and flames sprang into life on the tips of several candles set upon the table. Their orange glow cast a warm, comforting radiance across the scene, just as it had for numerous late-night study vigils conducted nights previous. Twilight Sparkle's eyes reflected the glow, shimmering in the darkness with the last drops of glistening moisture. "I just… I just don't know how this could happen."
Princess Celestia nodded. "I'm sorry…" she paused as she settled into one of the couches, folding her front legs neatly beneath her and tucking her wings against her sides as she sank into the cushions, "… that I don't have the answer to that question, Twilight."
Twilight Sparkle sniffed loudly as she curled up on the other couch. She shook her head from side to side slightly, her eyes closed. "You always said… that I could ask you for help if I was ever lost… I can't imagine being any more lost than I am now."
For a moment, Celestia did not respond, merely staring ahead, her gaze focused upon the tiny prick of a candle's small flame. The light danced across her face, highlighting her eyes. Twilight Sparkle had never really noticed how weary they looked until then. Celestia blinked slowly, as if it were a strain merely to keep her eyes open. Dropping her gaze from the light, Celestia drew in a deep breath and sighed. "Twilight…" She spoke softly, her voice suddenly sounding very tired. "I know you know how serious a matter this is, and before I can continue, I must know… how sure are you that this event occurred as you say?"
"You mean… how sure am I that… that… that Rainbow Dash was… was…"
"Raped. Yes, that she was raped."
"P… P-Princess!"
"Twilight, if we're going to discuss this, it is only proper to use its true name. I know… I know it's hard. I know you don't want to, but I need you to be absolutely clear with me. If she was raped, I want you to tell me that she was raped. This is a terrible, heinous act, I know. But do not fear its name."
Twilight Sparkle felt light-headed. She swallowed a lump in her throat and nodded slowly. "Yes. Rainbow Dash… Rainbow Dash was… raped."
"Forgive me, Twilight, for continuing on this track, but I must know for sure. I read the outline of your reasons in your letter, but I have to be absolutely sure. Are you certain of this?"
Twilight Sparkle nodded once again, more forcefully than before. "I'm… positive. I can't think of any reason why she would behave the way she did. And… and Applejack knows what she saw… Applejack would never lie."
Princess Celestia bobbed her head in silent agreement. Then, her eyes met Twilight's once more, seeming to bore deep into them with the power of her gaze. "Is it possible Applejack could have been mistaken? Even if she knew what she saw, it's not impossible for her to have merely jumped to the wrong conclusion."
"No." Twilight sparkle spoke quickly, shaking her head vigorously. "When… when Fluttershy went up to check on Rainbow Dash, Applejack told us what she saw. She told us how she knew. There's no… no other explanation. She said… she said, that Rainbow Dash… Rainbow Dash was… bleeding… bleeding from her… her…"
"That's quite alright." Celestia gently put up a hoof to shush her pupil. "I understand now."
"What are you going to do?" Twilight's question hung in the air for several moments, moments that seemed to drag out into infinity for the agitated unicorn as Celestia settled back into the couch, tapping the gold-tipped shoe of her fore-hoof against her chin, devoid of a response. From the far wall, the slow, methodic ticking of a wall-mounted clock seemed to draw out each nerve-wracking second as Twilight waited on an answer.
Finally, Celestia looked up. The dim, flickering light cast deep shadows across her face. There were bags under her eyes. She looked back into Twilight's pleading eyes and cringed. "I don't know… I don't know if there is anything I can do."
Twilight Sparkle stared ahead, blinking in confusion for a few moments, before shaking her head vehemently. "Isn't… isn't there some spell you could cast to find out who r-… who did this?"
Celestia merely shook her head. "I'm sorry, Twilight. But even if I did know such a spell off the top of my head, and even if it did work with perfect accuracy, that would hardly be the issue at hoof."
"What do you mean?"
"What I mean is, even if I did know, for certain, who committed the crime, I could do nothing to help you with that information."
"But… what? You're the princess! You can do anything!" Twilight started from her apparent slump, half-shouting before she clasped a hoof over her mouth, halting herself. She took a deep, calming breath through her nose and continued in a low whisper. "… right?"
She knew her answer from Princess Celestia's eyes even before she spoke. "I'm sorry Twilight Sparkle, but, even as ruler, my powers are limited."
"But… that doesn't… that doesn't make any sense! Can't you… can't you banish them and then lock them in a dungeon in the place that you banished them to? Or something?"
Celestia sighed. "I would have hoped you would understand by now, Twilight Sparkle, that I can't just hand out punishments randomly on the populace. I am a princess, not a tyrant."
"But can't you make an exception here?"
"And what? Pass judgment from on high without due process, or without proving due cause whatsoever? How do you think my subjects would see that?"
"But wouldn't… wouldn't everypony listen to you? You are the princess!"
"Twilight, I realized long ago that my authority cannot be limitless. Many of the laws I've passed over the centuries have been checks against my own power. One of those is the court system. Justice is out of my hooves, Twilight Sparkle."
"But what about Princess Luna? I mean, you banish-…"
Celestia put up a hoof to stop her student. "I thought you might bring that up. Twilight, all those years ago, when my sister was controlled by Nightmare Moon, she posed a serious and immediate threat to Equestria as a whole. In that instance, yes, I had to use my power, regardless of any established justice system. I suppose, as you are my student, you might consider this a sort of Civics lesson. In short, the only time my powers go unchecked is during times of war. The time Nightmare Moon, through my sister, plunged the world into night was exactly that: war. Now, thankfully, Equestria is at peace, and my powers are checked by, among other things, the courts. I cannot just pass justice without due process. Everypony must be treated as innocent until proven guilty."
An uncomfortable silence, broken only by the soft, quiet whistling of the wind against the tree fell upon the library. For a long while, neither pony said anything; Twilight having shifted her gaze to the floor, appearing deep in thought, while Celestia stared tentatively down at her. Finally, with a sigh, Twilight broke the silence. "So you can't do anything? Even for Rainbow Dash?"
“I’m sorry, Twilight. I truly am. You and your friends have done so much for me, and for Equestria. You know how much gratitude I have for you all, including Miss Dash, and I’m sure you understand how much I wish I could help especially in a matter so… distressing, but I simply cannot. If I were to interfere on Miss Dash’s behalf, it would make for an unfair trial, and I’m afraid it would overstepping my bounds as leader too far. My hooves are effectually tied.”
Twilight meditated on these words for a while, Celestia stretched herself out on the couch in an attempt to get more comfortable. Twilight watched her silently until she looked back up at her. "So what… what are we supposed to do now?"
"Right now, the only course of action is to take the matter to the courts. Now, despite what I've told you, don't think I can do absolutely nothing for you and Miss Dash. Being me, I can still pull strings behind the scenes. When the case goes to court, I still have the authority to appoint a judge. I know just the stallion, too. In addition to being one of the most honorable justices I've had the pleasure of knowing, he's also one of my most trusted aids."
Twilight Sparkle's face immediately brightened. "So he can get us a guilty verdict?"
Celestia's small smile faded. "Well… no. He cannot just pass judgment in my stead. The jury will be selected at random, and they will be the ones hearing the case."
“Ok…” Twilight Sparkle sat silent for a moment, tapping a hoof against her chin. Finally, she closed her eyes, nodding as if she’d come to some sort of conclusion. Celestia peered at her, curious at her pupil’s actions. “Well…” Twilight spoke slowly, “In that case, I suppose I’ll have to start preparing Rainbow Dash’s case, then.”
“Hm?”
Twilight looked up, her gaze meeting that of the princess’s. “Well, if we’re going to court, I’ll need to prepare a case for her, won’t I? We need to have the best chance possible, after all.”
“But, Twilight…” Celestia paused, taken aback by the young unicorn’s statement, “This is, after all, a criminal matter. It is up to the state to try the perpetrator.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, Twilight, that I have prosecution attorneys lined up to try all those who break Equestrian laws. This is no different.”
Twilight shook her head slowly from side to side. “No… I’m sorry, Princess Celestia, but I don’t… I don’t think I want to trust Rainbow’s case to some cold-hearted lawyer. I want… no, I need to be the one. I need to do this for her.” Twilight nodded firmly, her voice ringing with a level of conviction that surprised the princess.
“Twilight, please, I know how you must feel. But think about what you’re saying right now. This is a real trial, and real ponies’ futures are on the line. I can assure you all of my lawyers are the top in their fields, and will treat Miss Dash with the utmost professionalism.”
“Oh, Princess… please… don’t ask me why or how, but I just feel… I just feel like I have to do this. I have to do this for Rainbow Dash. She needs my help.”
“Yes, I can understand how you feel, but do you even have experience in this field?”
“Well, I’ve read plenty of books on Equestrian Law for leisure…” Twilight paused, uttering a bitter chuckle. “You know, it’s funny. I’ve read books on Equestrian Law, but mostly out of interest. I never thought… I never thought I would actually use it. I always just assumed I could rely on you. I guess those books will come to some use after all.”
“Twilight, I don’t want to question your judgment, but… let me put it this way. The main reason lawyers are so cold, and indeed, so expensive, is because theirs is a very emotionally-numbing and draining profession, especially when it comes to matters such as this. I don’t know if you’ll be suited to the environment of a courtroom. Do you really think you’re up to it?”
“Yes…I know… I… am.” Suddenly, tears began to streak down Twilight’s face; she closed her eyes to stem the flow. “Oh… Oh, Princess Celestia. This… this is really happening? Isn’t it? I...” She sprang from the couch and ran over to her mentor, throwing her fore legs around her once again. Recovering her surprise quickly, Celestia gently accepted the hug, extending her own hoof to lay it across Twilight’s shoulders. “I… I can’t believe it. It’s just so… so hard.”
Celestia felt as hot tears fell onto her coat, she leant her head down, offering a supportive nuzzle. “I know. I know it’s hard. Twilight, this is something nopony, especially not you or your friends, should have to deal with. But, unfortunately, as much as I abhor it, we still live in a world where this can happen. Equestria is far from perfect, and I often feel so guilty that the walls of Canterlot shield me from some of the problems you all have to face.” She leaned back, putting a hoof to Twilight’s chin and lifting her face so she could look her in the eyes. Twilight’s brilliant orbs, still glistening with the last dredges of salty tears, stared back intently. Princess Celestia gave a slight smile. “Sometimes… sometimes it’s so hard for me not to see the smiling, happy little filly who became my personal student when I look at you, Twilight. Sometimes, I can forget just what a brilliant, compassionate, strong young mare you’ve become. I cannot express how proud of you I am, Twilight Sparkle. I want you to know that. You’ve grown into a wonderful pony, and I couldn’t be happier. This… this is something I never expected you to have to face. But, I want you to know that, no matter what, you can always talk to me, and you can always ask me anything.” Princess Celestia appeared on the verge of choking up for a moment, but managed to hide it, and she nodded. “Are you sure about this? If you think it’s too hard, I can always assign one of my practicing attorneys.”
Twilight nodded, her conviction giving her a bit of her confidence back. “It doesn’t matter if I want to or not. I have to do this… for Rainbow Dash. She would want it this way. She would want it to be me, not some unknown stallion.”
“I fear I ask too much of you.”
“Never.” Twilight stood up, her gaze fixed with determination. “I’m doing this because I need to. It’s the only way.”
“If you ever need any advice, I’m here for you.” Princess Celestia’s gaze fell as she turned over words in her head. “Twilight Sparkle, as I have been alive for millennia, you still seem so young to me. Please understand me, then, when I say how protective I feel of you. I wish you wouldn’t go through this.”
“Please, Princess, you don’t have to worry about me. I’d be more worried about Rainbow Dash, if I were you."
"Oh, yes. Thank you for reminding me." Princess Celestia sat up. "How is she doing, I assume she is in the hospital by now, yes?"
Twilight Sparkle bit her lip. "Um… not exactly."
Princess Celestia sat up once more with a start. "Twilight, listen to me very carefully. It is absolutely vital that she be taken there immediately. Not only for her health and possible sanity, but for your investigation as well."
"My investigation?"
"Yes. Unfortunately, in cases such as this, the investigation must start with the body."
"Oh…" Twilight's face fell. "I… I hadn't thought of that."
"Perfectly understandable. I could hardly expect you to be thinking clearly at all the past few hours. So, where is she, then?"
"When I left, she was still in her house. We have Fluttershy there watching her."
Celestia nodded. "Good idea. It's best not to leave her alone in her condition. How is she, then?"
"From what we last saw, not well. I wrote about all I've seen or heard of her in my letter."
"So her condition has not advanced at all as yet?"
"Not that I know of."
Celestia looked pensive for a moment, before rising from the couch. Twilight Sparkle followed suit. "There is not much time to lose, Twilight. I must be getting back to Canterlot soon enough, and you must be leaving as well."
"Princess Celestia?"
"Yes?"
Twilight Sparkle rushed over to her mentor once more, embracing her for a third and final time. "Thank you so much for coming. It really means a lot to me. I think… I think I may need you now more than ever."
Princess Celestia smiled at her. "Go to her now, Twilight. She needs your help, and you have to get her to the hospital immediately."
"Yes, Princess."
"Wait, Twilight." Celestia stood over her pupil, who halted just as she was about to turn to leave. Gathering a pulse of magic in the very tip of her horn, the princess kneelt down, touching her horn to her student's forehead and imparting the spell upon her. She stood back up. Twilight looked up at her with a questioning look on her face. Celestia grinned. "By the power vested in me, I hereby license you, Twilight Sparkle, to practice law in Equestria."
Twilight Sparkle's jaw fell slack for an instant before she too, grinned. "I thought you couldn't help our case, Princess?"
"Fortunately," Princess Celestia said, smiling, "Some things are just that easy."
=============================================================================
Fluttershy rested nervously, lying upon the cloud floor with her front hooves tucked underneath her chest. Sometimes, her eyelids would slowly descend and her eyes close, only to jerk back open as she shook herself awake once again. Her soft whisper of a voice echoed in the hallway when she spoke, addressing herself more than anything else. "Have to… have to stay awake. Everypony's counting on me."
Periodically, in an effort to check on her friend as well as keep herself awake, Fluttershy would prop herself up, pressing an ear against the cloud door to listen. No sound came forth save for the random, quiet rustling of a sleeping pony rolling about in her bed, unable to find comfort.
Fluttershy sighed. Rainbow Dash had fallen asleep a while ago, or, at least, that was when she had stopped hearing the quiet sobbing. Still, she mused, it was enough that her friend was still there. She did not want to think about what would happen if Rainbow Dash tried to leave. Fluttershy knew part of her task was to keep her friend in the room, but if push came to shove, she did not feel confident in her ability to hold back the other pegasus.
The yellow pegasus collapsed back onto the floor again, exhaling in defeat. The fur of her face was crusted with the remnants of long-dried tears, and she still could hardly wrap her mind around what had happened. The idea that Rainbow Dash, her oldest friend and one of the strongest ponies she had ever known, had been through such a thing was enough to puncture her already-fragile confidence. If this could happen to Rainbow Dash, it could happen to anypony. Rarity? Pinkie? Even…
"No. NO!" Fluttershy shook her head violently, throwing up a desperate bid to banish the thought. Try as she might, however, her mind's eye kept returning to her view of Rainbow Dash. Panicked, thrashing about, crying out loud. Fluttershy slammed her eyes shut, still shaking her head. Still, the image stayed with her. Somewhere, beyond the closed door, one of her dearest friends was experiencing more pain than she could even imagine. Fluttershy could hear it in every toss and turn the sleeping pegasus gave.
Her train of thought, however, was suddenly and rather violently derailed by a sudden noise from below. Frantically, Fluttershy jumped up onto her hooves, her eyes flashing open in an instant. Her first instinct was to run and hide, but she fought it down and pressed her ear to the door again, fearful that the noise had woken Rainbow Dash. A few tense seconds passed, but no new sounds emanated from the room. Fluttershy took a deep breath and turned from the door, thankful her charge had not been startled. She turned immediately to the staircase, her attention grabbed by the soft, barely-distinguishable sound of hooves climbing the cloud steps. Fluttershy backed her way into a corner, hoping the shadow would be enough to conceal her from the intruder. Her mind buzzed with dozens of possibilities as to who it might be as the sound of hooves grew ever closer. Her eyes grew wide as a shadow fell across the far wall of the staircase. It moved along the wall, inching closer… closer…
Fluttershy exhaled loudly when Twilight Sparkle emerged from the shadowy staircase. Exiting her corner, she quickly crossed the landing and embraced her friend. Wordlessly, Twilight patted the pegasus's back, letting her head rest against her own shoulder. Finally, casting a glance to the closed door, Twilight spoke. "How is she?"
"She fell asleep over an hour ago… Oh, Twilight," Fluttershy grasped her friend ever tighter, holding her close. "I hate this. How could… how could this happen… It doesn't… it doesn't make any sense."
"I know… I know Fluttershy. I don't understand it either. But we have to do our best, for Rainbow Dash's sake."
Fluttershy nodded, drawing herself away. Twilight tried to smile for her, Fluttershy returned it weakly. "Have you sent your letter?"
"Yes, and I've spoken with the princess already."
"That was… fast."
"Mmhm," Twilight agreed, only partially listening. She walked past Fluttershy, who turned to follow her on a path towards the door.
"What did she say?"
"She said a lot, but I don't have time to explain everything right now. Is this door locked?"
"Wha… um… No. I flew in when she fell asleep and unlocked it, just in case I needed to get to her fast."
"Good work." Twilight gripped the door handle with her magic and opened it softly, gently stepping her way into the room. Rainbow Dash lay upon a bare mattress, her blankets and sheets having long since been cast aside by her frantic thrashing about. Twilight's horn began to glow in a soft, purple-hued light. From across the room, she carefully floated the spell over towards Rainbow Dash. The magic cloud encased the sleeping pegasus's head for a brief instant before disappearing completely. Rainbow Dash's fore leg, which had been flailing about restlessly, fell slack as her whole body relaxed, sinking into the bed.
"Wha… what are you doing?" Fluttershy's hushed whisper was now the only sound in the room. Twilight turned towards her friend.
"Just a sedation spell. She may have been asleep, but I can't have her waking up on the journey. I'm not taking any chances with this."
"With what? What journey?"
"I don't have time to explain, Fluttershy," Twilight turned her back as she spoke, now grasping one of Rainbow Dash's hooves with her own.
Fluttershy rushed around so she could look her friend in the eye. "What do you mean, Twilight? Please tell me."
Twilight sighed. "Fluttershy, thank you so much for staying up with Rainbow Dash like this. I know it must have been hard being here alone, but I want you to know it was necessary. I have to take Rainbow Dash to the hospital now, and there's no time to lose. Please, tell the others where we are. I'm relying on you, Fluttershy."
Fluttershy swallowed a dry lump in her throat and nodded weakly. "Will she… will she be ok?"
"We can only hope." And with that, Twilight Sparkle clamped her eyes shut, gathering another pulse of magic in the tip of her horn. Fluttershy backed up against the wall, shielding her eyes. In the next instant, a brilliant flash of light and a loud crack filled the room, then everything was quiet, and everything was still.
In a daze, Fluttershy blinked until her vision cleared. The room was dark. Twilight and the unconscious Rainbow Dash had disappeared. Now aware of how alone she was, Fluttershy whispered into the night. "Be safe."
You're writing is the best I've ever seen in a fanfic, truly. Can't say i like what happened here, but I REALLY WANT TO KICK THE ONES WHO DID THIS ASSES! THEY GON DIE!
IT'S HERE! THE NEW CHAPTER! YESSSSSSS
This fanfic is being written really well! I only wish that the chapters could be put out faster :/
"It is a horrific act, but do not fear its name."
Celestia is channeling Dumbledore!
1180919
You might also notice her saying "I fear I ask too much of you."
Glad someone caught the reference!
I like the dark tone of this story, and the plot (while some may disagree due to the... nature of it) is fantastic.
I would work on your pacing, however. It's been over 10,000 words since she got raped, and we still don't have a clue who raped her, unless Soarin' flicking his tongue out indicates it was him. You also describe the super mundane (Twilight descending the staircase) details, and while that's part of the charm of your writing style, I found myself skipping some paragraphs just to get around the fluff and get to the plot.
I think if you're going to beat around the bush that much, it'd be better to update the story more frequently so that when it is updated, people aren't just like "oh yeah, THIS story exists."
1181000
Well, to be fair, the characters themselves (except Dash, obviously), don't know who it was either, and Dash obviously isn't talking. Not revealing details (but giving a hint, like the tongue-flick-thing) is all part of the suspense.
About the pacing, I'll see what I can do to cut out unnecessary details. Thanks.
I can only imagine what shit that raper is gonna be in when Fluttershy learns who it is
Watching for now to see where its going but I must say I am already upset with the story. I dislike harm coming to these girls and dam if rape is the most HEINOUS acts of disgusting things I CAN POSSIBLY THINK OF. Emotionally destroying a character almost to the point of taking ones life! This is the feeling I am kinda getting from Rainbow's dialogue.
This hopefully better not turn into another sledgehammer to the face to get a emotionally destruat reaction story I see one to many of these already.
Fantastic writing as usual.
"I'm really messed up in this story, aren't I?"
You were raped.
"True...still, it seems...weird, how I just fell apart like that."
It's completely possible, considering you won't be a virgin for when your actual love comes along.
"Am I thinking about that in this story?"
You're probably just trying to get images of your rapist out of your head at this point. Or just...I dunno, blank, thanks to the sedation spell.
"Nightmare-Away Spell In A Bottle! In stores now."
Right. Anyway, whadya think of this?
"You have to ask? It's a massive string of really tense moments. I love it!"
Same here.
1181000 dat icon... o.o
1182559
Exactly what I was thinking. Fits, doesn't it?
K
Couldn't Celestia at least get them a lawyer, as Dash is a bearer of an Element of Harmony, is she not? Would you call favouritism against her wanting to protect one of Equestria's first line of defence?
1182613
Technically, it would be interfering in a manner of court tha benefits one side, thus skewing the justice system in favor of the ruler's desires, which is what she's trying to avoid.
I suppose, legally, she could, but it would be seen as favouritism, and also tampering with justice from on high.
1182605 yep...
As somepony who's saved the land three separate times, as well as being a critical part of the nation's defense in the form of the EoH, Celestia actually has an obligation to show favoritism to Dash. If she falls from her post due to this, Equestria becomes vulnerable. This is exactly the kind of situation where the normal law gets overturned and where she should do whatever it takes to stop the monster that did this.
1182906
Circumnavigate the law and interfere with the justice system for the sake of national defense? Who is she, George W. Bush?
1182927
Well, given that most threats to Equestria have required the EoH, and new bearers are unlikely for sometime...
Oh, yeah, and the chance that her emotional distress might weaken the seals on Discord... well, there are times when the justice system is rather inadequate for the needs of the situation. When the individual in question is as important to the land as her, this is one of those times.
1182945
Let's look at it another way. Let's say Dash murdered somepony, yet Princess Celestia blocks her trial and prosecution because, if she were in jail, Equestria becomes vulnerable. Does that sound viable? Because it's along the same track.
1182960'
If she's murdered somepony, there is already severe doubt that she's still the EoL. And she'd likely have minders on her, but unless she's managed to break the EoH with her actions, there really isn't much choice other than to keep her with her friends because those things ARE that important. When the alternative is risking a fate worse than death for the land, as much as it would likely disgust her, she can't do much if Dash remains bonded to the EoL and if she can't find somepony to take Dash's place.
1182979
Well you know what? My Celestia don't roll like that.
Is this going to be a monthly update?
I asked 'cause whoever did that to Dashie, I'm gonna buck him/her so hard, he'll kiss the Mare In The Moon!
1183001
Rigt now, my schedule is unfortunately so crammed that I've been unable to write any faster. I really, REALLY wish I could get more frequent updates posted, but right now, that doesn't look like a very likely possibility.
Celestia is one cold pony. She has already shown favoritism to Rainbow Dash and all the Mane 6 by appointing them the guardians of Equestria. Twice. And personally inviting them to the Grand Galloping Gala. And allowing Rarity a personal room in the palace. And coming to that little tea party. And being Twilight's BUCKING MENTOR! That is pretty infuriating that she hides behind laws and procedure now when she was nothing even CLOSE to the word impartial before. DAMN IT!
P.S. This is a great story.
1183592
The problem with that is that none of those things you've mentioned deal with crime and punishment, or the justice system itself. It doesn't matter if you show favoritism is everyday events, but when someone's life (or a prison sentence) hangs in the balance, she in obligated not to interfere on behalf of either side. Because interfering on Dash's behalf in a matter of law would render the trial unfair, and would cause an unfair verdict.
It's the same reason that the President of the United States can house guests in the white house for dinners, or invite people to private events, or the like, but he cannot convict someone of a crime.
Is it so wrong for her to believe that everypony (including potential rapists) are innocent until proven guilty, and that they deserve a fair trial?
1183626 I understand why she did it. Its just like the President having control of the military but being unable to declare war. It makes sense in a democratic republic, but not in a monarchy. There are nobles and a court system, but the ruler can at any point overturn any decision. In the end, Celestia has absolute power yet handicaps herself. She does this to appear fair in the eyes of the public instead of meting out what she knows to be true justice.
1183692
Well, she also believes that meting out justice herself isn't true justice at all, because it is borne out of one person. She's of the belief that true justice comes from the people (ponies), and thus gives up judiciary power (during peacetime) to a court system with a jury. That's true justice, because the only true justice is fair justice.
1180926 OH EM GEEE
YOU REFERENCED DUMBLEDORE!
YUS!
I've been waiting for this one! Long waits everywhere, but they're always worth it!
1183708 Guilt or innocence is pliable though. If someone is guilty and the jury declares them innocent, justice in any regard is moot, fair or true. I'm curious to see a situation such as this. If she knows that the guilty one is declared innocent, would she intervene? She has the power and chooses not to use it. Any way you slice it, I realize its subjective and this is simply my opinion. Celestia's "cowardice" only serves to potentially allow a rapist to walk free.
1183762
Well, it all depends on how each side argues the case in court. The jury is selected at random, so they can't be 'bought', therefore, guilty or innocent, it will be the fair outcome.
1183779 In an objective view yes. Completely fair. But depending on the outcome, not just at all.
1183833
True, but that's the way it sometimes works. It all comes down to either evidence or a lack thereof. The opposition has to prove that the defendant committed the crime.
1183854 Agreed. But all too often, the facts get in the way of the truth.
1183833>>1182979>>1182613
In case it interests you guys (and anyone else who found Celestia's reaction to be off-putting), I've been discussing this with one of my readers over on DeviantArt as well, and he actually brought up a point that I completely overlooked.
This sort of case (which I have been treating, oddly enough, as a civil suit) would actually be tried by the government, in the form of "Equestria vs. possible-Rapist" because that possible-rapist broke an Equestrian law. So, rather than not providing a lawyer to Rainbow Dash because it might show favoritism (as it would in a civil suit) Celestia would rather be obligated to supply a lawyer for the case, because it's a criminal suit, and therefore should be tried by the state.
I'm really sorry for arguing with you guys, when the whole problem was that I misunderstood the difference between civil and criminal trials. I'm going to go rewrite a portion of this chapter.
AN IMPORTANT NOTE FOR THOSE INTERESTED:
As of 11 PM, EST, August 29, I have edited Chapter 3 of this story to smooth out some problems that arose. Please see my blog entry for a deeper explanation of the mistake I sought to fix. Among other things, I removed Celestia's "Favoritism" comment, and removed her statement that she could not provide a lawyer for rainbow Dash. Both these inconsistencies were due to mistakes on my part, and I hope I've addressed them effectively enough.
Hey, great story so far, can't wait for the next chapter
However, I noticed one very jarring problem. The following passage:
'Twilight Sparkle's face immediately brightened. "So he can get us a guilty verdict?"
Celestia's small smile faded. "Well… no. He cannot just pass judgment in my stead. The jury will be selected at random, and they will be the ones hearing the case."'
appears twice, one directly after the other. Since no-one else has mentioned this, I'm not sure whether I'm the only one seeing it, but I can't think of any reason why that should be the case, so just flagging it up.
Again, apart from that minor problem, this is awesome work!
1184720
That's a copy/paste error on my end. It's fixed now. Thanks!
There are two spaces between these two lines, where as the rest of the story uses a single space. Yes, I'm one of those guys.
1184765
/fixed
1184765
How'd you feel about the revisions?
1184825
I'm not expert in this field, so if there are any further issues they are beyond my understanding of our law and my visions of Equestria law.
Is it weird that I enjoy reading about my favorite characters being put through trauma? Well, not really enjoy, more I find it interesting to see how it turns out for them, I guess. Anyway, really liking this so far. I've watched a lot of Law and Order SVU, and I vote that if the rapist doesn't get convicted, vigilante justice kicks in. Seriously, if he walks, he has to face a rainbow of doom and be turned to stone or bucked over a cliff or something. I get the whole impartial Celestia thing, even if it irks me, just like the real world justice system does. I just hope this fic stays away from Rainbow getting pregnant or something as a result of this, as that would just hike the drama too high even for me. So, rambling aside, this has a lot of potential, and I'm interested in reading more. Awesome work.
1185498 That would really disgust me if Rainbow had got pregnant. Not that I like this story anyways but yeah... Just no dude no..
I should point out that, as a diarch, those bills limiting her power derive their legal standing from the fact she made them law. Because it is _her_ word that makes them law, she can effectively do as she pleases - the only pony with the right to bring her to account for her actions would be her sister, as the other diarch. So it's not so much she _can't_ interfere - simply that she really, really shouldn't. The fact is that she _is_ interfering in this case by instating a judge who will be sympathetic to their cause, and allowing Twilight Sparkle to practice law - it's simply that she reckons that level of interference would be tolerated by her subjects without an immediate or excessive backlash. Or that her subjects won't notice her interference if she confines it to the backroom situations.
Also, _any_ government enjoys the ability to lose a few restrictions on its actions when a threat to national security arises. The EoH are a magical artifact capable of outmatching deities - thus making them Equestrias 'big stick'. As such, _any_ negative interaction with the bearers could easily be construed as an act of sabotage against a national strategic interest. For the purposes of actually allowing the M6 to live relatively normal lives, only criminal acts could really be tried as such. So Celestia has a perfectly legitimate reason to send the perpetrator to the moon as soon as she knows who it was.
But, obviously, that would end the story too quickly. Still, Soarin should be standing accused of of rape, treason, and possibly (if the Wonderbolts are in any way affiliated with Celestia, they would likely have a 'good conduct' agreement), breach of contract.
But, otherwise, I like this chapter and would like to see more.
1186381
I agree with your first point, you've pretty much hit the nail on the head with that one.
Your second point (that this constitutes a threat to national security) has already been brought up several times, but, it is my personal belief that Celestia would hold the ideals of "Innocent until proven guilty" and "right to a fair trial" above national security (so long as there is no active threat the requires the EOH).
1186707
I never said anything about compromising those principles - it's simply that a hearing and judgement by Celestia personally would take far less time, and allow for far less story, than the full court system rigmarole.
In that case, 'innocent until proven guilty' is only an issue if she herself has already decided, and 'fair trial' is itself a debatable idea. What, exactly constitutes a fair trial, and what reason do you have to assume that a hearing by Celestia would violate this concept?
1186978
For the same reason that fair trials in the United States are not officiated by a single ruling body (the President or, more likely, underlings, because the President is busy) - thus, that the judiciary and executive systems remain separate: because any decision reached by the executive of the state is going to smack of bias - largely because in criminal cases the Chief Executive has something to gain or lose by being the final judge (this is especially true when the ruler in question, a monarch like Celestia, is both chief legislator as well as chief executive because, in effect, it is a violator of her laws that is on the verge of conviction - so she would have a prerogative to convict him in order to uphold her own laws). Now, if she were not a benevolent ruler, she would have no problem with being the Chief Justice as well as Chief Legislator and Chief Executive - and she would then pass judgement according to her own convictions and how she wanted to run her own kingdom, just as ruthless monarchs did for centuries IRL, when all power was concentrated in one place.
But that's not my view of Celestia. My view of Celestia is that of a kind, benevolent monarch who believes in democratic ideals, because she loves her subjects and wants what is best for them, and she also realizes that her subjects know what is best for themselves better than she does. (As we can see in the show by the fact that Ponyville has a mayor - and 'mayor' is generally a term for an elected position). And a core tenant of such ideals is not only the right to a fair trial, but a fair trial by a jury of your peers.
The jury is, (if you'll forgive me explaining something that you probably already know) a randomly selected group of citizens precisely because the idea is that they be as detached from the case at hand and as impartial as possible. Thus, they decide the case based on their convictions and beliefs, rather than the ruler's convictions and beliefs, which is far more representative of the populace (again, randomly-selected citizens means that ponies from all walks of life have the chance to be represented in the jury) and the decision is as close as possible to what the decision of the citizenry at hand would be.
Thus a decision by a randomly-chosen jury (as representative of the entire population) is a fair trial.
Of course, Equestria isn't really a democracy, but I like to believe Celestia places these principles in her government in order to make it more fair for her subjects. Because, as the real world has shown time and time again, no one really likes living in a state ruled by an absolute, all-powerful authority. Maybe, just maybe, Celestia realizes that by granting her citizens democratic freedoms and rights, (a constitution of sorts) she'll be better able to retain her power without revolt.
Again, this is all essentially my head-canon for what I think Equestria's government should be, and yours could be totally different. I do ask, however, that if you don't like my (democratic-monarchy) vision of Equestria, that you not allow that to get in the way of the story itself (not saying you are, just that it might happen), because it essentially amounts to a difference of opinion.
This story made me want to hug Dashie and say everything is going to be alright
1187141
Your first paragraph doesn't quite work. Whilst it is true that there are some instances where the state has an interest in one verdict or another, the argument you present there makes the assumption that the defendant _is_ guilty. In which case, it isn't a matter of 'fair trial' but appropriate levels of punishment. You also state that were she not a benevolent ruler, she would see no problem with being both the executive and judicial supreme power. But that assumes that there is an inherent problem with that. The problem being obvious - concentrating power makes it easier for a corrupt person to seize it. But you have already established that Celestia is a _good_ ruler. So, unless she doesn't trust herself or her sister to not abuse the system, there is no reason she shouldn't.
I'm sorry, are you really trying to use the mayoralty as an indication of democratic tendencies? Allowing the rabble to designate representatives whom they can send to the court to request aid, or whom you can summon to demand duties, has _long_ been a method of government. It meant you had to deal with fewer filthy peasants, and, because an elected official was well regarded by the community, gave you a conveniant whipping-boy to use as an example. Now, I'm not saying Celestia makes use of them in that function, but the fact she allows her subjects a small measure of self governance merely indicates she is incapable of micro-managing her _entire_ nation.
There is a problem in your answer. You claim that the integral right is not just 'the right to a fair trial, but a fair trial by a jury of your peers.'
This little slip again indicates that the ideas 'fair trial' and 'trial by jury' are not quite so identical as you would have me believe. The fact that they would decide based on what 'the people' want is only valid _in a situation where the people rule_. Plus, there are various cases where 'the people' don't want the criminal punished _at all_, despite clearly being in breach of the law, and potentially for reasons completely unrelated to the crimes they stand accused of. That isn't 'justice'. That's a popularity contest.
Now, as for your comment about absolute powers, I think what you'll find is that history shows that people tend to favour their own interests. Best example I can come up with - the American Revolution.The British Imperial interests were pursued to the exclusion and detriment of the American colonial interests, causing the American colonists to eventually decide to fight for their own interests. Note, however, that it wasn't until after the then king of Britain declared all the leaders of the revolution traitors to the crown and demanded their execution that the goal of the Revolution became to secede from the Empire entirely. It was in the interest of the British not to accede to the American demands because doing so would weaken the Imperial control over other colonies.
It is in _noone's_ interest to attempt a coup against their current leadership. Their current rulers have unparalleled experience in the political arena, the ability to make things happen quickly (red tape only affects them when they _want_ it to affect them), and, most importantly, they actually seem to give a damn about their subjects. Whether this is genuine benevolence or merely devolved self-interest is irrelevant - that they are striving for the betterment of the nation is sufficient reason for almost anything.
Oh, and don't worry about a difference in opinion detracting from my opinion of the story. At the moment, we're debating something that isn't really fundamental to the story - political theory. Or possibly ethics. Regardless, none of the elements of a good story h.ave been weakened by your alternative stance, so my 'complaints' are purely academic
1187981
As you said, there are instances where the state would have a prerogative to convict the defendant, be he guilty or not. Now, regardless of how I worded my argument before (I never intended for it to sound like I was assuming the defendant was already guilty, that's just how it came out when I wrote that first paragraph - that's not what I was thinking, I just expressed my ideas poorly), anyway, the core idea behind what I intended to write was that the Chief Executive is too biased to also be the Chief Justice. That's why *I* believe that the body deciding the case (a jury) should be detached and impartial, which the leader of the country may not be. (Especially in this case. Celestia has both a personal and an emotional reason to convict the person. Whether a rape actually occurred [guilty] or not [innocent]).
And, yes. Celestia is a _good_ ruler. But she should not have complete autocratic control just because she is 'good' and unlikely to be corrupt, rather, she is a good leader _because_ she doesn't trust herself and _because_ she is willing to strip herself of some authority for the good of the populace. It's not a question of _whether_ she or Luna is likely to abuse the situation, it's a question of that abuse, likely or not, being possible. Celestia doesn't want her or her sister to have the ability to abuse the system, so she makes steps to limit that ability.
I'll throw out that mayoral argument. That was an afterthought of mine that I never really gave serious consideration.
I think it's a mistake to differentiate between 'a fair trial' and 'a trial by your peers'. I freely admit I made a mistake to differentiate them before. I believe that part of a trial being fair is it being by your peers. If you believe otherwise, fine. It's no skin off my nose.
The core of my beliefs about the Equestrian government system stem from this series of assumptions: 1. Celestia wants what is best for her subjects (I have no doubt you agree with that), 2. Celestia also realizes that her subjects know what is best for themselves better than she knows what is best for them (this may be where we start to differ in opinion), 3. Therefore, she has taken the steps to grant her subjects certain rights and freedoms, including, but not limited to, the right to a fair trial (yes, 'fair', meaning, in part, 'by their peers' because I believe that's part of what makes it fair, and me and my version of Celestia share beliefs). This third assumption that I have made is clearly where we differ in our views of Equestrian government. And I respect that.
As for your argument about people revolting or attempting coups only when it suits their interests, well, you've put me in rather a bind. I suppose I could throw out any example I could think of (ranging from the French Revolution to Gandhi peacefully gaining independence for India to the Czechoslovak revolt against the Soviet-installed government to the Libyan and Syrian Revolutions of today), and you would say, to each of those examples that the French people were being ignored and mistreated, and that Britain mistreated and oppressed the Indians, that the Czechs and Slovaks were being oppressed by the Soviets, and that the Libyan and Syrian dictators were (are) suppressing their own populations, and that, therefore, all those examples were just examples of people fighting for their own self-interests. And you would be right.
I don't have an example of people rising up against a benevolent monarch or dictator (partly because monarchs and dictators that act within the desires of their people are so few in history. [Again, just as you said people will act in their own interests by revolting, an absolute ruler tends to act in his/her own interest.] And also partly because actual revolutions are rare in history - I owe this to people being afraid to rise up against the full military might of an autocrat, when their own resources are generally insufficient). I can imagine what you'll say next. Something along the lines of: "People, when they have a ruler who at least appears to have the populace's desires at heart, are more likely to just want to continue living their lives than risk death by revolting." And you would be right. I agree with that statement. People hardly want to risk death when they're not being oppressed.
But, I do have something to say on the matter. People may not want to risk death by staging a full-out coup, but they'll protest something even if it doesn't exactly benefit them!
Case in point: Modern-day Israel. I'm sure you know that there are Palestinians staging revolts and shooting rockets and what-not because they want Israel wiped off the face of the earth. But, there are also moderate Palestinians within Israel's borders who are protesting for Palestinian statehood, but not the elimination of Israel. Not that big a surprise, right? Well, there are also moderate Jews protesting for Palestinian statehood. The Jews have nothing to gain from Palestinian statehood. (Don't try to say that they do it because it is within their interests for the violence to stop. These people [one of whom I happen to know personally] recognize that granting Palestine statehood will not end the violence - because there are still those Palestinians who would still wish to see Israel wiped off the face of the earth). They have nothing to gain - they still protest because they wish their government to cooperate with the moderate Palestinians rather than oppress them.
Similarly, some white people protested in favor of black civil rights. Some men protested in favor of women's rights. I'm straight, and I protest in favor of Gay rights.
So, maybe, if some Equestrian citizens get the idea in their heads that Celestia is being unfair and abusing her power (and judging this sort of criminal case herself would probably give at least some that idea) they just might protest. And that is something Celestia would have reason to take steps to prevent. Maybe not a full-on coup, but a protest. She wouldn't want that.
Poor Dashie!
That stallion must have not known that she's freinds with Fluttershy ......
Or Pinkie......
Or Twilight ....