> A Cold Ending.
>  by Knight of Crows
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The day was of the Grand Galloping Gala, knowing what this meant, a tall, hooded and masked figure moved towards the city it would be hosted. The event itself was of no importance to him, but the timing of it. There were others before it of course, but this specific one, what he knew was going to happen, is what made it so. Entering the city itself was easy, the ponies too lax and incompetent to care if they did notice him. All he had to do was wait until the right moment.

*faint howling*

"We're close, just wait a little longer." He covered the ethereal creature that poked its head out of his hood.

Thanks to a few gifts from his allies, he was able to quickly enter the castle without the guards noticing. The closest he had gotten to being discovered was the occasional comment of how "chilly" it had gotten for a moment. An event like this won't usually have anyone flying around, save for one he thought of momentarily, he believed he could hide out above all the attendees in the ballroom where the announcement would be made. Night would fall and he would watch events unfold very closely, it was after all, one of the very few things he had been looking forward to for the past two years.

The first to catch his attention was the Princess of the Sun herself. Once a sight to behold, now the world's greatest failure in his eyes.

The Lunar Princess followed after him, the only one he couldn't decide if she deserves his wrath.

Then one by one, the ones who made his life a living Hell would enter and mingle with other guests.

Discord, the one ultimately behind the Hell Jason endured.

Princess Twilight Sparkle, the hypocrite and most undeserving of everything she has.

Rarity, the manipulative thief. Ironic, considering her Element.

Fluttershy, the coward, and that's being kind to one who doesn't deserve it.

Pinkie Pie, a child in the body of an adult, and that's putting it lightly.

Applejack, the greatest liar of them all.

And last but not least, Rainbow Dash, the boastful "hero" and reckless beyond compare.

Hate, that was the only thing Jason could call what he was feeling in this moment. Hate for their hypocrisy. Hate for their arrogance. Hate for their ignorance. Hate for the wonderful lives they live after causing so much misery to himself and others. This Hatred fueled his gift as it fed his companion, and there would be so much more to create.

"Soon enough, you will have a grand feast, and I will have my revenge at long last." Jason whispered to his companion as he watched the events unfold. Events would play out as he would expect between the aforementioned ponies and other guest. A few non-ponies, the Wonderbolts, and celebrities such as Octavia and Coloratora. He wasn't concerned about them though, only the ponies that taught him how to hate the world itself, of which most aren't present. Near the end of the yearly event, the attention of every creature present was called to Twilight, who stood with the other princesses by her side.

"Hello, honored guests. I want to thank you all for your attendance. As you know, I have recently been on many quests with my friends, the elements of harmony, repairing, strengthening, and building friendships across Equestria. Outside of Equestria though, I've seen others who struggle to do the same, many struggle just to live. In response to this, to spread harmony and friendship to all, I give to you the School of Friendship!" Twilight declared, to which everyone there cheered for this news. Once it died down, she continued.

"This school will have everything the students should need to excel and understand each other: Room and board, multicultural classes, and services and accommodations for all. Everyponies' needs will be met to ensure a safe environment for to prosper!" Cheering erupted once again, but near the end, it was silenced by an abrupt chill that passed by all creatures in the room.

"You have a lot of nerve to announce such a thing, your Highness." Jason spat.

"Who said that? Where even are you?" She asked as everyone looked around the room. It wasn't until Jason descended that everyone knew where it came from.

"You don't need to be omniscient, and certainly not all knowing to know this school would be as much a failure as it would be a contradiction and detriment to everyone." Jason reached into his pocket, ready to pull out a gift from his allies. Another of the attendees, Chancellor Neighsay, stepped forward before speaking up.

"I am inclined to agree with this...thing. When you proposed this school, I assumed it would be for the benefit of ponies. Having other creatures that prey on us is a recipe for disaster!" He growled.

"What'd you say!"

"How dare you!"

"Yak will show puny pony disaster!"

As many of the non-ponies voiced their disapproval, the creature spoke again. "You misunderstand my meaning. I'm not saying that in favor of you or anything. I'm saying that because your kind is ultimately the problem."

Now the chancellor was confused along with everyone else. "I-I beg you pardon?"

Instead of answering, the stallion moved closer, as did the mare. "But, I'll at least commend you for being upfront about your xenophobia instead of hiding it behind the guise of friendship and all that bullshit, of which they are the worst offenders." Jason pointed at Twilight and her friends.

"I don't know what you are talking about, nor will I put up this slander against my character. I've always treated every creature with respect!" Twilight said, stomping her hoof.

"I am living proof otherwise. I could point you to other cases as well where your kind has only created misery and said it was just. Allow me to show you a glimpse at what you and the rest of your town spent years doing to me."

Jason removed his masked as many guests gasped, some even screamed and ran in fear. The elements stood stock still while a pale white skinned creature stared into each of their souls. He had messy grey hair. At least to the ponies, a stern look in his sapphire blue eye that could only be described to fit one word: Hate, pure and unfiltered, perhaps with a tinge of madness. But the scariest feature of this being in front of them was the jagged scar tracing over the left side of his face over a milky white eye.

"Who-... Who are you?" She asked faintly.

"You don't recognize me? That's fine, it has been a few years. For now though," Jason slowly stepped towards her "think of me as either your worst nightmare or your past come to haunt you, my dear princess." As Jason reached for her chin, Rainbow Dash flew in his face.

"Hey! Back off-erk!" Jason grabbed her by the neck, his hand cold enough to freeze even a hot forge, and threw her to the side before pulling out an S shaped horn. Those who weren't focused entirely on defending Rainbow instead recognized the artifact, but couldn't stop him from blowing into it. The closest ones were forced to cover their ears, but once it stopped, they were surprised to see nothing happened.

"The Gjallarhorn..." One of them muttered.

"Now the fun truly begins." Jason cackled, his face expressing he was going to enjoy this.

"Ah don't know what you think is so funny, your horn ain't done nothin'." Applejack got ready for a charge.

"If that was supposed to deafen us, I'm not sorry to say that your plan failed." Rarity added as she lit up her horn.

"Yeah, you big..." Pinkie was about to join in until the same combo she felt at Sugarcube Corner returned. It was much stronger now as Pinkie's breathing picked up. She looked up at Jason, focused completely on him. Her eyes widened as she gazed upon his form. She began to tremble and hyperventilate as she backed behind her friends and cowered under her hooves. "No, no, no, no!"

This action did not go unnoticed. "Pinkie, what's wrong?" Fluttershy said.

"No, no, no!" Pinkie muttered over and over.

"Pinkie, what's gotten into you, darling?" Rarity asks, kneeling to her friend.

"The horn!" Twilight realized. "It must be having some kind of delayed effect!"

"Ah've had enough!" Applejack charged at him, but was quickly stopped by a blue aura.

"You will be still!" Luna stated in a seething tone.

"Princess Luna? What are you doing? Did that horn affect you too? Don't worry, we'll--" Twilight started.

"You and the elements will do nothing!" Celestia spoke with authority.

Before Twilight could respond, Cadence's horn emitted a bright light. When it faded, the crystal princess looked confused. "That's not right..."

"What's not right, Cadence?" Twilight asks.

"I just cast a spell that disrupts mind-altering spell craft. But nothing is affecting my aunts or even Pinkie Pie!"

"There isn't any, Mi Amoré Cadenza. The only thing that did is force us all to play nice." Jason said cryptically. Princess Celestia signaled for everypony to stand down.

"...Forgive the offense. What are your terms?" She asked.

"A place to stay in the castle would be nice."

With a resigned sigh, Celestia spoke. She signaled a couple guards over. "See to it that our guest is placed in the best accommodating room we have to offer,"

The two guards eyed each other before nodding and turning to the pair. "Follow us,"

Jason remained silent as he began to follow the guards. However, before he could leave, Chancellor Neighsay spoke up again. "Princess, what is the meaning of this? Why do you submit yourself to an obvious enemy? I demand an answer!" Many of the other ponies agreed with the chancellor's assessment.

Celestia turned a sharp glare at the brazen pony, who recoiled. "I'd remember my tone when addressing the princess, Chancellor," Fancy Pants suddenly said.

"H-how can you be complacent after what we witnessed?"

"Simple, judging by the Princess's reaction to that Gjallarhorn, it must be an item of great significance. One that grants its wielder liberties that must not be violated,"

"Then, why are we finding out about this all-powerful horn now?"

"I haven't the foggiest idea. Who knows how many mystical items that have been lost through the ages? All I know is that we should trust the only two ponies with any idea about what is happening," Fancy pants gestures to Celestia and Luna.

"Thank you, Lord Fancy Pants. Rest assured. We shall release a statement on the matter tomorrow. Perhaps it best for everypony here to retire for the evening," Princess Luna said.

"Excuse me, princess, but you cannot expect us to just ignore what that thing just did to Rainbow Dash!" Starlight said as she treated her frostbite as best she could. Realizing the damage, Celestia pointed to another guard.

"Bring a medical team here immediately!" She ordered.

"It ain't right! A monster like that goes free after what it did!" Applejack added.

"Like you have any room to talk." Jason turned around walked back to them. "Freak, abomination, monster, I've heard it all from your kind. You do so love your labels and judge anything for any reason, and whatever falls in those categories is better off dead in your eyes. But tell me, if I'm a monster, what does that make those who did this to me?" Jason gestured to his face before gesturing to the rest of his body that was still covered. "What do you think lies underneath?"

"What are you?" Twilight demanded an answer, which Jason ignored.

"If I am a monster for wanting justice, what does that make you for turning me into one? I am no monster, but a victim. I am living proof of your hypocrisy, that everything you stand for is a lie, that you are traitors to your own ideals. Anyone else would've come for blood, I simply wish to see the truth come to light, for your arrogance, your true nature to be revealed to the world. Nothing will bring me greater satisfaction than doing equal damage to your reputations and Equestria's as a whole in one week, the damage you've done to me for years." Jason partially lied about his intentions, taking advantage of a feature regarding the Horn's functionality when not in use.

"Jason Wright?" Discord whispered, his face as pale as a ghost as he finally realized stood before them.

"So, someone does remember me? And of course, it would be the one I never even met before now. We have so much catching up to do, all of us. I'm looking forward to showing the world just how truly evil the its greatest heroes are. For now though, goodbye." Jason turned back to the guards and followed them out.

"If the world seeks my destruction,..."

"Then I'm taking everyone with me..."
> Chapter 2.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jason retired for the evening but kept a close eye on the ponies via the Windigoes. This act served two purposes: To feed/ empower them, and to ensure he would be informed of anything important. He could use the Horn instead, but this would work better for him and his plans.

The next day, news of his stunt had spread like wildfire. Below the stage set up in Canterlot Square, reporters from various news outlets had arrived to get the scoop on the unknown creature and its accusations against Equestria's heroes, even rulers from other nations, the ones present at the Gala, had chosen to see this through. Ember, Rutherford, Gruff, Shifting Sands and his wife, Amira, Rain Shine, Novo, and Zullki. Most if not all of the leaders of Equestria's allies were present. It wasn't necessary, but it would still be beneficial to him.

A bright flash went off and the Sisters stood with the Elements, Cadence, Spike, Starlight, and Jason to their sides. The crowd looked up at Jason with varying levels of fear or disgust. Some were hurling insults and calling him a liar, which incited others to do the same, forcing the guard to act as a barrier. Jason's disappointment quickly turned into anger and excitement though when a rock hit him straight in his good eye and knocked him down. The ponies on stage near him looked horrified until he started laughing while covering his eye, pretending to be injured.

"I guess we're getting started sooner than planned. Just know, you brought this on yourself." Jason grabbed the Horn, but Celestia tried to protest.

"Wait!" She tried to plead with him, but it was already too late. Moments later, a noble everyone on stage recognized appeared before them.

"We are each the architects of our own demise. Hello, Jetset." Jason greeted the stallion, who looked around in fear.

"W-what's going on? Why am I here? How do you know my name?" He asked.

"Jetset, you fool..." Celestia groaned in frustration and disappointment.

"You know, I would ask why you threw this, but I already know the answer. It's because I'm a monster, I'm not a pony, I'm a freak, it's almost always been one of those reasons with your kind, and not once did I verbally or physically retaliate. Now, I don't have to." Jason said cryptically.

"What?"

"Ssshhhsshhshsh... I want you to revel in this next part, for any second now, the Horn will reflect what you just tried to do to me, back at you. Having spent 3 years dealing with abuse like this, I can assure you, it's going to hurt...a lot." Jason smiled. Before Jetset could respond, his magic was sucked out of him by the Horn, causing him to collapse. His eyes and coat lost their color, and his cutie mark disappeared. His eye was then destroyed, a blood curdling scream erupted from him, causing many onlookers to avoid seeing or hearing it as best they could while others lost their last meal.

"JETSET!" A mare cried out as she tended to her husband. "WHAT DID YOU DO TO HIM!!??"

"All I did was stand here. He's the one who made the conscious decision to attack me unprovoked. Even if I did do anything, it would be self-defense. No, it was the Horn, it automatically makes the attacker incapable of causing harm and reflects damage. It basically forces everyone to play nice, which he didn't do. If anything, I'm the victim, I don't know why you're accusing me of anything when even a blind man could see your husband was clearly in the wrong." Jason tried to egg her on, but Cadence put a stop to this.

"Will somepony please take him to a hospital?!" She ordered.

"Oh, he'll be fine, being blinded in one eye won't be the end of the world. I would know." Jason brushed off the urgency.

"It's not just the eye, you stole his magic! Like Tirek!" Twilight accused him, causing the crowd to gasp.

"You're a fool if you actually believe that. If I wanted to steal magic, I've had plenty of opportunities to become the new God of this world. No, it was a reaction by the Gjallarhorn caused by his magically assisted assault against me. Had he waited for Celestia and Luna to address this, he wouldn't have become an example. You should be thanking me for my mercy. As the victim, I can decide how to punish him thanks to the Horn, but I'll let this one go." Jason didn't even glance at her as he corrected her.

"What he speaks is truth, Twilight. The Gjallarhorn is a powerful artifact meant to force a peaceful resolution between the user and other parties. It's history dates back to when my sister and I were fillies." Celestia began.

"Back before the unification of the pony tribes, a unicorn noble, Snively, stumbled upon a farming community near where he planned to build an outpost. The farmers were ill prepared for the winter and lacked any effective form of defense. Seeing their desperation, he offered them a deal that the village leader, Merry Gold, knew was too good to be true, and asked for a week to give an answer. She prayed to Faust and was given the Horn." Luna continued.

"Despite not understanding the significance of the Horn, she took it with her to the meeting, and was met with a contingent of armed guards, who would punish resistance with death. Seeing she had been betrayed, she blew into the Horn." Celestia neared the end.

"Long story short, he lost his magic, and his guards basically killed themselves because the Horn reflected the fatal injuries against Merry back at them, and he was forced into offering a fair deal." Jason said impatiently.

"Then what about Rainbow Dash when you attacked her?" Rarity asked.

"That was before the Horn was blown, so it doesn't count. Though it does have more functions than the ones mentioned. If one attacks the other, the victim can do as they please as they are no longer protected by it. If I so desired, I could've sentenced Jetset to death for his little stunt. I could've swung the axe myself, ordered him to poison himself, or even made him jump into a fire." He explained and ended with a threat.

"That would be murder! How can you even talk like life has no meaning to you?!" Fluttershy surprised him by yelling this accusation.

"Let's answer your question with another question. Do you know the reactions everyone had the first time I was struck by lightning? Fun fact, lightning becomes increasingly dangerous the less magic a creature has, humans have none by the way,-"

"Then explain what you did to Dash." Applejack interrupted, demanding an answer.

"You mean when I basically froze her neck? That was magic, but it wasn't mine. It was however, controlled by me and supplied by another who shall remain anonymous for now. Now, as I was saying," he turned his attention back to Fluttershy, "they cheered on my attacker, who you know personally, all before dumping me in the Everfree Forest after I lost consciousness. Try three years of being on the receiving end and tell me how much you still value life. Besides, the laws of God are higher than Mortals, given the Horns involvement, it would've basically been authorized by Faust."

"I must ask you refrain from such a thing. We should get this along, what is it you wanted by using the Horn?" Celestia asked.

"Simple, I want to put everyone who has wronged me on trial for the entire world to see, even for crimes they didn't commit against me, and pass judgement as I see fit. That includes the Elements, the entirety of Ponyville, and Celestia." He answered to everyone's shock.

"That's ridiculous! We've never committed any crimes, much less hurt anypony!" Twilight claimed in outrage, the crowd supporting her.

"You'll be eating those words soon enough, and by the end of this, you'll understand what I mean when I say 'I'm taking everyone with me'. Until then, I hope you can come up with a good defense, and I don't just mean a legal one." He made no attempt to hide his excitement before he departed back to the castle.
> Chapter 3.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next day, the courtroom was full of activity as the defendants, now with a shivering Rainbow Dash, and the plaintiff moved to their respective sides. The ponies who were already inside primarily consisted of news reporters and nobles who jeered at Jason until he showed them the Horn. The judges consisted of the rulers from every other country that was represented at the Gala, even Celestia.

"No matter. Let's start with you."

"I thank you all for attending this tribunal. As the offended party called this court session in Equestria, I will preside as the leading judge. Any questions?" Celestia began the proceedings.

Twilight instantly raised her hoof. "Princess, in the interest of fairness, why are you presiding? Wouldn't that spark a potential conflict of interests?"

Celestia nods in understanding. "If this was a standard trial, then yes, but that is not the case for a tribunal. It is a meeting of the world leaders, who will also act as judges, to hear a grievance that could potentially affect their kingdoms. As such, these proceedings will be transmitted live to the other domains so that there is no fallacy or undermining of the ruling. Now, will the plaintiffs please announce their names, species and aim for calling this tribunal."

"Jason Wright, human, and I want those who wronged me to face punishments of my choosing, including crimes against others, when I inevitably prove their guilt. Before we get started though, I have to do one thing."

"And that is?" Luna asked. Jason grabbed the Horn and lights began shooting in every direction, creating projections of the trial as far as the eye could see.

"Now we don't even need the press because everyone in the world is getting a front row seat. You're welcome."

"You believe the Elements have harmed a never before seen creature?" Celestia asked skeptically.

"'Believe'? One has electrocuted me multiple times and another shattered my ribs. So, unless my memories have been altered, which the Horn would've corrected already, or unless I found myself in another Ponyville with perfect look a likes, I don't just believe, I know they're guilty. But since you're obviously interested in defending them, let's start with you!" Jason smiled.

"And what would you accuse me of?"

"Criminal negligence to start. Does the rise of Nightmare Moon ring a bell? You brushed her off on even the littlest things and waited until after your sister snapped before trying to be the big sister."

"You should know speculation such as that holds no weight in a trial." She tried to steer him away.

"See, that's a fun feature about the Horn. It is either your equivalent of Google, not that you would know what that is, or it is sentient, hence how I can see into the past with it. Though, it did require relevance to this trial since I couldn't use it to answer other questions. See for yourself!"

"Luna, we've been over this. The answer is no." Celestia is seen speaking to her sister as if her word is law.

"I will marry him regardless. I am your equal and I won't let you take this from me!"

"If he doesn't die in battle first, you'll see him and all your descendants die like the rest of them. It's not worth it!"

"Nopony ever comes to my court unless they hope I'll grant a request you already denied. Nopony ever even glances at my night I spend so long trying to decorate, even offering a means of helping them find their way when they're lost in the dark. Even when I help them overcome a nightmare or use their dreams to find and save them in the real world, they thank you! Most don't even acknowledge I exist and the ones who do seek to exploit me! It's been this way since we were crowned!" Luna vented.

"You're exaggerating, our subjects respect and love you as much as I do." Celestia denied her claims.

"You couldn't be any more wrong. When I've finally found somepony who appreciates me as much as my night, your first thought is to deny us the chance of being together. I've stayed silent on everything else, but not this."

"You'll regret it later." Celestia warned.

"Does any of this sound familiar? What was his name again? Thorned Shield?" Jason asked. He saw Luna trying to restrain herself after seeing a memory be weaponized against her sister, but he chose to ignore her and focus on Celestia.

"... It does." She admitted.

"Princess?!
"Aunty?!" Cadence and the Elements loudly said in disbelief.

"We were still a young and relatively weak nation, we couldn't afford personal attachments to the very subjects we may have had to sacrifice the next day to defend ourselves from traditionalists who still believed the Unification was a mistake, or outside threats." She tried to justify herself to the court.

"Regardless, you'll say that to your own sister when she's already compromised by the ignorance of your subjects, but you never said anything like this to Cadence. Believe me, I checked. Why don't we go to the next memory?" Jason said with excitement before showing Luna standing in front of a tombstone, rage and grief evident on her in this scene as Celestia looked down upon them with a neutral expression.

"Please, not this one?!" Luna pleaded with Jason to not force everyone to relive this memory.

"Sure! Just as soon as my own nightmare finally ends after five years!" Jason continued to let the scene play out.

"Don't you say it..." Luna said to her sister.

"I don't need to. Your fiancé or not, we have a duty to uphold. We can't afford to appear weak now of all times." Luna snapped to her sister.

"He would've been your brother-in-law and that's all you have to say?!" She screamed at Celestia.

"He knew exactly what he-"

"He joined the Royal Guard to serve his country! To serve me! He was supposed to just discover why the Crystal Empire has been silent recently, not to be burned alive by an arrogant dragon. I'll see to it myself that monster's head rolls!"

"You will do no such thing. You wouldn't be able to track it in-"

"No." Luna interrupted again.

"No?"

"You won't deny me this. You would do everything in your power to deny me a chance at love, you will not deny me justice!"

"I will because thanks to a visitor from the Empire, we now know why it's been silent. You will focus on this, then you may do as you wish with the dragon. If you find it that is."


"How could anypony be so heartless?" Cadence asked in disbelief as Celestia looked down in shame.

"Oh but wait! There's more!" Jason switched the scene to the Sisters battling Sombra in his palace. Luna was incapacitated not too long after the fight started, but Celestia fought on against him with her golden halberd.

"It seems even the Gods lack purity in their hearts. I can taste your wrath. And it is delicious." Sombra taunted as he pressed down on her weapon with his scythe.


"I fail to see the relevance of their invasion against Sombra in this trial." Cadence interrupted.

"Fine, ruin the fun. After the failed and arguably unjustified invasion against Sombra, Celestia failed miserably to see the signs that would end with Nightmare Moon." Jason summarized.

"'Unjustified'?! He enslaved everypony in the Empire!" Twilight slammed her hoof down.

"Yeah! We did everypony a favor getting rid of him!" Rainbow added.

"So, by law, what should've happened instead? He arguably suffered as much as I did." Jason asked.

"He was evil from the start. He got what he deserved." Spike joined, but Jason didn't even spare him a glance.

"That doesn't answer my question. But fine, let's be specific: By the laws back then, what would've been the punishment for years of neglect, reckless endangerment, and attempted murder? Because that's what the Empire is guilty of."

"That's not possible." Cadence refuted.

"Sombra was taken into the Empire by its previous ruler, Amoré. Every Crystal Fair, he would become ill, and it only got worse every year until he almost died, but was saved by a pony who would become the student of the Diarchs. Her name was Radiant Hope." Jason showed the bond the two had, looks of shock and disbelief were on the faces of every creature present.

"I know of her, she was one of the greatest healers in history." Twilight remarked as Jason continued.

"Unfortunately, the next Fair was coming around and she wasn't there to save him, so he fled. Out in the tundra, he learned that he wasn't a unicorn, but an umbrum, and that's why the Crystal Heart was so dangerous to him."

"You mean it was killing him from the start?!" Cadence asked in shock.

"That is what I said, yes. After stealing the heart and deciding to free the rest of his kind from their prison, he was confronted by Amoré herself, who revealed she knew exactly what he was from the start. And like any competent ruler would do," Jason said sarcastically "she waited until after he learned that she's been letting the Empire slowly kill him his whole life, she waited until after his only friend and savior was no longer around before trying to help him, whatever her definition of that included. And what was it you said when you told Twilight about him?"

"King Sombra, a unicorn whose heart is as black as night."

"Monsters aren't born, they are made. So, I'll ask again. What's the punishment for child endangerment, criminal neglect, endangerment later, attempted murder, and enabling an entire empire to do it? Sombra enslaving the Empire, by law, was an act of mercy. Him killing Amoré? Self-defense. Usurping her throne? Who better to rule and pass judgement than the only one who hadn't broken any laws? The umbrum are another matter entirely, but you invaded for history's largest jail break. By law, whether they knew or not is irrelevant, every single pony in the Empire is a criminal, and there is no statute of limitations for murder or accessory to it."

"You can't just imprison and enslave an entire country. Now, can you get on with the relevance to the trial?" Cadence rushed.

"How do you fail so spectacularly that you not only lose an entire empire to who should've been a novice at leadership and battle, but you don't even notice the growing seeds of darkness in Luna's heart as a result of your failure? Not to mention all the wasted lives for a cause you had no business fighting for?"

"He was powerful enough to hold his own against two battle-hardened alicorns, he was far from a novice in battle, and their alleged crimes or not, we couldn't stand by and let our allies suffer such an injustice." Celestia tried to justify her actions.

"You didn't answer how you didn't notice Nightmare Moon until it was too late. When he incapacitated you in that fight, you saw it, or at least her betrayal. You saw it, you ignored it, and then you tried to kill her! Your own sister!" Jason accused, but Luna stomped hard enough to crack the floor.

"Nightmare Moon was my fault and mine alone, and she only did what was necessary for Equestria!" Luna defended Celestia as Jason looked at them with amusement.

"Wrong. Sombra left a gift of sorts in you, feeding your negative emotions. If Nightmare Moon was going to happen regardless, he accelerated the process immensely with his dark magic." Jason played the rest of that scene.

Luna had just been struck with dark magic. Her eyes glowed green as purple mist seeped from them. Her breathing became heavy, as though one had just witnessed true horror, but then she began to laugh instead, which startled Sombra.

"You think you've found an ally in darkness. Do you even comprehend the powers you were gifted with? The very same powers I was born into." Luna turned to face him, her eyes turned serpentine in appearance, and her grin only added to her increasingly intimidating appearance.

"Where do you think the shadows all go to hide from the precious light? Just who do you think stands against them?" Luna asked as she approached, stopping by his scythe. "What you possess is a mere fraction of their might. The same might I stand unyielding against each and every night."

"Stay back!" Sombra shot a magic bolt at her, but she deflected it with the scythe that just as quickly changed to resemble a crescent moon.

"You are nothing compared to them. You are nothing compared to me!" Luna dashed towards him turning into Nightmare Moon by the time she had him pinned to the wall. "You claim to know fear? I shall show you true terror!"

"What are you?!" Sombra asked fearfully. Nightmare backed away for a moment before raising her scythe.

"Hmph... I... Am a Nightmare." 

Every creature, even the sisters looked on in disbelief at what they just witnessed.

"And despite the fact you could've been saved, the Element Bearers case in point, her first response was to launch you to the moon where if it weren't for the power of those divine relics, you would've died. The temperature is far enough below zero to freeze you instantly, and there is no oxygen in space. She could've saved you, but instead, she gave you a death sentence that you survived. Can you just feel the love?" Jason finally got to his point. The room began to feel hotter, but he paid it no mind, though he did enjoy every other creature becoming increasingly uncomfortable.

"Princess, I must ask you to restrain yourself. Not every creature here can withstand heat like Dragon Lord Ember." Grandpa Gruff tried to bring Celestia back to her senses. The heat was reduced immediately afterward.

"My apologies, it won't happen again." Celestia apologized.

"How can you stand there and make these accusations? There has to be some kind of trick you're using to not make the Gjallarhorn respond to your lies!" Twilight accused.

"The Horn prevents us from lying, but not from being wrong. However, I've already used it to learn the information used in this trial so far, even Luna basically confirmed it with the scene at the grave." Jason denied the accusation.

"He speaks the truth, Twilight. As for your insinuation that I tried to kill my own sister-"

"'Insinuation'? Your intent doesn't matter when the result is the same. Believe it or not, your sister should've died up there for a crime that there's a fair chance she wouldn't have committed otherwise. A crime that would've caused mass genocide, mind you. Humans discovered that ages ago. So, I have to ask. You were clearly able to save her, why didn't you?"

"Now back up just a minute, what was that about genocide?" Applejack asked.

"Simple. Plants need sunlight. No plants means herbivores like you die. No herbivores or plants means carnivores and omnivores die. No cycle of night and day means one side of the planet inevitably becomes a scorching wasteland while the other side becomes a frozen tundra." Jason explained.

"Surely magic would've found a way! We wouldn't let that happen!" Luna tried to argue.

"And how many would've died before then? Either from the temperature or when everyone tries to find the 'sweet spot' to not burn or freeze and is fighting for space and resources? Assuming your would-be subjects accept your rule that is?" Jason continued with his line of questioning.

"ENOUGH!!!" Celestia shouted with the Royal Canterlot Voice. "I am the one on trial here! You have no reason to villainize a pony you already proved was innocent!"

"I didn't prove her innocent, so much as I did the extent of her guilt. You're the one who villainized her though. History all but forgot she even existed. You let her become a foal's tale that struck fear into the very subjects she was supposed to rule over, and when she came back, what did you do while a friendless introvert known as Twilight was off to 'make some friends'?" Jason focused on her.

"'Friendless introvert'? I'll have you know I had some before Ponyville." Twilight took offense to this.

"We both know that's bullshit. Even if you did consider Minuette, Lemon Heart, and Moondancer to be your friends, you never acted like it. You valued reading and studying more than even their birthdays. Does that sound like a friend to you?"

"I-... But-... *sigh* no." She shied away.

"I thought so. My question still requires an answer. Where were you and what were you doing when Twilight saw the signs of Nightmare's return and you brushed it off to tell her to 'make friends'? You were next seen after Nightmare had been defeated. What's up with that?"

"I think we deserve an answer as well." Grandpa Gruff spoke. "If what the human says is true, Nightmare Moon was a threat to ever living creature in the world, but there was never any news of your involvement. Surely, she came seeking revenge?"

"I-... I couldn't do it. I couldn't fight my own sister again, so I let her banish me to the moon. I had faith in Twilight, and I needed to experience for myself what I subjected her to." Silence. That was all that could be heard as everyone looked at Celestia with disbelief. Baffled at how she could endanger everyone for her sister's sake.

"So, in other words, you bet the entire world on a gamble and just admitted to recklessly endangering everyone on top of failing to act against an enemy? Assuming your world is as populated as the one I come from, yes, I'm an alien, that's over seven billion people you would've killed by proxy. But now that begs the question: Why didn't you try to bring her back and save her? Even if the Elements were useless to you, you still could've found Bearers sooner. There are plenty of magic artifacts in the world too, one of them probably could've done it. Hell, you could've probably found someone who could drain magic similar to Tirek and worked with that. There were better and safer options than 1,000 years of isolation with no livable heat, food, or water, then essentially killing her when she returned!" Jason listed the alternatives as realization dawned on everyone's faces.

"I am still very much alive! Yes, it was... Unpleasant, but what's happened to me is in the past now." Luna tried to defend her sister.

"When people suffer mind altering illnesses that can be cured, they tend to suffer permanent damage if it went on too long without treatment. You suffered as Nightmare Moon for 1,000 years, all of which in solitary confinement. Let's list the effects that is known to have, according to human studies:




Depression

Poor sleep quality

Impaired executive function

Accelerated cognitive decline

Poor cardiovascular function

Impaired immunity, which you are 1,000 years behind on

There's also increased risk of dementia

Anxiety

Paranoia

Similar brain shrinkage to Alzheimer's

Spending so long up there where sound doesn't travel, you should've forgotten how to speak because you shouldn't have heard anything, leading to a sensory overload upon your return

You should've also forgotten how everyone looked and sounded. Anyone else would've become feral if they were lucky."



"How are you not making this up?!" Twilight tried to draw his focus away, but he paid her no mind.

"You may have been influenced by dark magic, but you still believed everything was your idea. How do we know you are Luna and not something else? At this point, Nightmare Moon should've been permanent, but here you are. It does beg the question though, are you Luna from before Sombra, or are you truly just a 'balanced' Nightmare Moon? Perhaps the Elements did a reset of sorts. Perhaps they purified you. Or maybe they killed Nightmare Moon in some way and replaced her with you." Jason continued. He was fully intent on putting her through an existential crisis, knowing this method would hurt her and Celestia by extension.

"... No. I am Princess Luna. Princess of the Moon, Guardian of the Dreamscape, and sister to Princess Celestia! I am not some fake!" She shouted as she backed away.

"Well, unless Faust wants to grace us with her presence, we'll never know."

"I-... I must recuse myself as a judge. I need time to think." She said with tears in her eyes.

"Luna, wait!" Celestia tried to reach out to her, but she teleported before she could. Without turning to Jason, she asked, her voice cracking while doing so. "What could my ponies or I have possibly done to you for you to possess such hate and cruelty?"

"It'd be faster to list all the things that so called 'Friendship Capital" hasn't done to me. Of the things it has done, by your own laws, I was allowed to kill a lot of them in the act of self-defense on multiple occasions, and not once did I verbally or physically retaliate. Let's start at the beginning:" Jason played memories of his departure from Canterlot, surprising the courtroom with images of him without his scars or other disfigurements as he was seen having a friendly conversation with her. He looked genuinely happy, a complete contrast to his current angry and miserable self that only shows signs of happiness now when others are suffering.

"You know, I'm nervous. I can't stop my hands from shaking."

"Oh? Well, if your hands need something to occupy themselves, my ears are more than up to the task," Jason leans in and scratches behind Celestia's ears as she sighs contently. "If you lead with this, I am sure no mare would resist you."

"Ha! A bit early for that. But, still, I'm about to meet my heroes. I don't know what to say. It feels like I got butterflies doing gymnastics in my stomach,"

"I can think of somepony who might be able to help with your shyness. Don't worry, Jason Wright. Ponyville is the friendship capital of Equestria; after all,"

"Did you officially call it that, or is that Twilight's doing."

Celestia tilts her head up playfully in thought. "It would seem you already know. Regardless, I'm sure Twilight and her friends will welcome you just as I have. Don't forget to Wright." Celestia winks at her little pun.

"Later, Princess Sunbutt," Jason waves as the two share another laugh while Jason boards the train.

Once again, silence hung in the air, every creature shocked by how different the human was before. Some though looked horrified by the fact he could speak so casually to the Princess.

"What was that?" Celestia faintly asked.

"The last time we saw each other, before you let me walk into a town that should consider itself lucky that I didn't burn them all alive for the Hell they put me through. Killing all of them indiscriminately would've been the greatest mercy they don't deserve." Jason clenched his fists, causing them to bleed.

"You know this psycho?!" Ember asked.

"No, this is the first time I've-" Celestia flashed yellow for a moment before falling to her knees, the Gjallarhorn absorbing a little magic from her, but her appearance and health didn't change at all. She looked up at Jason with recognition and the shock, the heartache evident on her face amused him as much as it fueled his anger. "By Faust! Jason Wright, what happened to you?!"

"As I said, it would be faster to list all the things the Elements and the rest of that town didn't do to me. To give you an idea though..." Jason removed his robes, his body was a road map of pain. The scarring over his left eye traveled down the left side of his torso, left arm, and lower back. A purple and black discoloration of skin stared angrily over his right abdomen. And several more minor welts and bruises decorated his upper right pectoral and right arm. The judges gasped as he did full turns with his arms stretched out for all to see. The Elements did a complete 180 for the duration of his display, shock and horror on the ones who didn't faint at the sight. The rest of the audience had similar reactions.

"You want to know why I hate you and the rest of your kind so much? It's because contrary to what you might say, Harmony is a luxury exclusive to you. Your kind is nothing but a cesspit of sadists, liars, cowards, traitors, thieves, and hypocrites. You left me alone with them and I woke up to reality and found it to be a never-ending nightmare. I am living proof of this, and I have plenty more evidence to suggest such in regards to your kind's treatment of other non-ponies. Griffons, zebras, dragons, even changelings, and it's all thanks to this." Jason tapped the Horn.

"Your kind is the scum of the earth, and I'm so very eager to prove just how much you deserve what comes next."
> Chapter 4.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jason once again used the Wendigoes to keep tabs on the Elements and the Sisters. Once upon a time, he wouldn't have dreamed of finding joy in the suffering of others. Now? To know that he nearly broke Luna to the point of taking her own life and by extension, Celestia's, he was more than satisfied with the results of the first day, having almost toppled a government with mere speculation alone. He was content with the results of the first day.

As the courtroom filled once again with the same occupants as before, he decided on his next victim as Luna rejoined the judges: The Princess of Friendship herself.

"You say that you received those wounds. Could you elaborate?" Luna asked.

"There's plenty of time for that. All you need to know at this time is that there is only one wound that wasn't inflicted on me by a resident of Ponyville, but we'll get to that later. And by the time we're done, you will understand why I believe your kind to be a blight on the world." Jason vaguely answered.

"You can't seriously hate an entire race because of a few xenophobic individuals." Twilight said.

"'A few'? If this were a trial by law that only used the Horn as evidence, there isn't a prison in the world with enough cells for the guilty. It would actually make more sense to just put the entire town on lockdown and sort out the innocent from the guilty. Your culture, your race thrives on xenophobia. All evidence needed will be provided as the trials go on." Jason claimed.

"Even I must ask how you've come to this conclusion, Equestria has been nothing but fair to us griffons at least in trade and treatment of our emissaries." Grandpa Gruff said in a questioning manner.

"All evidence will be revealed over the course of the trials. But if you want one example to start, how about a zebra shaman named Zecora? For years, she's lived in the Everfree, but her stripes of all things and the way zebras are known to speak, terrified the town to the point of locking themselves away from the 'evil enchantress'." Jason replayed the memory of this before skipping to when Applebloom tried to follow her.

"Applebloom! You get back here right now!" Appleack said in the memory.

"Beware. Beware, you pony folk. Those leaves of blue are not a joke!" Zecora warned.

Everyone saw Applejack scoop up her sister while disregarding Zecoras' warning about the poison joke. "You-You keep your creepy mumbo jumbo to yourself, Ya hear!"

The rest of the elements said words supporting Applejack as Zecora warns them again as the memory concludes. "Beware, beware!"

"And what did Zecora get for trying to warn them about poison joke? False accusations of cursing them, kidnapping the child with the intent to eat her, and they wrecked her home." Jason continued to play those memories, prompting Zekia to become enraged.

"Our speech and stripes on our hide are marks of our pride!" Zekia said with a glare.

"But we made up with Zecora afterward." Rainbow tried downplay the incident.

"And it all lead to one of the most important lessons I've ever learned, one I planned to share with everypony at my school!" Twilight played the memory of her friendship letter to Celestia, in which she learned to never judge a book by its cover. The crowd cheered as Jason looked at her unamused. He played the memory of when he first met her in response.

Jason spotted the castle of Friendship in the distance. He walked at a brisk pace, not noticing ponies starting to take notice of him. The resident sat back and watched as Jason made it to the castle doors and knocked. Moments later, Twilight Sparkle answers the door. Twilight's eyes widen as she looks Jason over before she frowns. Jason, on the hand, was starstruck at meeting the Princess of Friendship in the flesh.

"Wow. It's you. Um, hello, I'm Jason Wright. And--"

Twilight's hoof shoots up sharply, prompting Jason to look down in confusion. "Sorry, I am not in the mood to deal with any more humans. Goodbye!"

"I'm sorry, could you repeat that? I couldn't hear you over the sound of all the bullshit you were spouting a moment ago, about not judging others based on their appearance." Jason countered.

"Twilight?..." Spike looked at her in disbelief.

"What?! No... That-... I wouldn't-" The Horn glowed and Twilight stumbled before looking back up at Jason with recognition. "It's-... It's you!"

"Hi! Not that you'll get the reference, but think of me as a monument to all your sins. Here's another example of your xenophobia towards me."

Jason Wright is seen running through the market. His appearance was far more worn than he is in the present as a mob of ponies is chasing him down while throwing various items at him. One of the ponies scores a hit with a rock, causing Jason to trip and tumble.

"You bucking freak!"

"We told you we don't want a monster like you here!"

"Crawl back to the Everfree!"

"What were you doing behind my store!?"

Every cruel word had a rock accompanying it as the mob peppered Jason with them. The human tried to shield himself as best as he could. "Please, s-stop. I was just hungry! That's why I was going into the trash! I didn't mean--"

"Oh? Were you hungry? More like you were stealing from me. Or maybe looking to hurt my foals!" Twilight and the others gasp at the sight of Mr. Cake leading the mob. "But don't worry. We've got something for you to eat..." The mob of ponies gathered several trashcans and emptied their contents. Mr. Cake grabbed a hooful of trash, as did the others. "Here! It's on the house!" The pelting resumed as Jason entered the fetal position. Several bits of old and spoiled food stained his clothes, while more rocks were thrown. It lasted several seconds before Jason managed to scramble to his feet and run off into the forest. The ponies even cheered at their accomplishment as the mob dispersed.

Jason paused the memory for a moment. "I didn't even know Zecora was there until I started reviewing all of these memories"

Having witnessed such an atrocious display, Zecora's eyes widened as she sees Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, and Fluttershy walk right by the event as if nothing happened. Zecora quickly rushes to them and speaks in a panic. "Twilight! Has your sight gone bad? The citizens of Ponyville have gone mad!"

"Hmm? What do you mean?" Twilight asks.

"A creature I have never seen just suffered something most obscene. Rocks and perishables were thrown freely. The creature ran in terror. You must believe me!"

"Oh, don't worry yourself about it, Zecora. There's been an infestation as of late," Twilight said.

"Thanks for the info, Z. I'll be sure to have Wynona on guard duty in case the varmint comes around the farm," Applejack said.

"We should have the guard stationed around town—anything to spare us from its unsightly presence," Rarity stated while throwing her nose in the air.

"I'd wish it would just go away," Fluttershy said with a shudder.

Zecora could only mimic a goldfish at the acidic words of her long-time companions. "Are you alright, Zecora? The girls and I were heading to the spa. Do you want to join us?"

"No, no! I must go!"

The mouths of the other princesses nearly hit the floor in shock after the display, the rest of the Elements had similar reactions. Twilight tried to speak, but couldn't find any words to say as she backed away, as if trying to hide from the accusatory gaze on her.

"And that was after my first week in your 'loving' town." Jason added.

"That can't be right. Ponies wouldn't just do something like that without reason!" Starlight claimed.

"Well, I never stole, vandalized, threatened, attacked, trespassed, insulted, or even talked back to anyone in a confrontational manner. The fact the Horn isn't reacting is proof enough. All I did was exist. Why wouldn't I be public enemy number one when even the Princess of Friendship wanted nothing to do with me?" Jason asked. Her silence afterward telling him all he needed to know.

"Why didn't you try to contact me?" Celestia asked.

"Because no one would sell me writing materials, the dragon mail was unavailable thanks to Twilight, and because no one would hire me, I was homeless within a week and had no means of travel." Jason answered.

"'Dragon mail'?" Ember quoted.

"Spike's flames can send and receive messages, which is something she uses often. When he's not basically being ignored or treated like a slave."

"Nopony has ever done either of those to me!" Spike denied his poor treatment.

"You don't go to school, you don't eat a proper diet by dragon standards, you have no friends your age because your chores take up all the time you aren't simping for another pony, and your chores consisted of cleaning and organizing an entire library, now an entire castle. By the way, you're the only one who works there. If that doesn't break any labor laws under normal circumstances, I don't know what does." Jason listed.

"THEY WHAT??!!" Ember shouted in rage.

"It-it's really no big deal. I-" Spike tried to calm her, but she would have none of it.

"She makes you work that entire castle by yourself?!"

"It's really not-" He tried to get out.

"Your diet? What have you been eating this whole time?" Ember demanded another answer.

"G-gems. I-"

"Spike, gems are like candy to dragons. They harden our teeth and increase our resistance to lava and fire. You need meat. And this 'dragon mail'? Show me." Spike did as she said and showed her how he does it.

"Enchanted flames? Why didn't you tell me?" She asked as calmly as she could to the hatchling.

"Nopony ever asked. It's really not that-"

"Spike, enchanted flames are a bloodline trait exclusive to arcane dragons, who my father said died out ages ago. You're the last known member of a powerful bloodline." Ember interrupted again. Jason saw this as an opportunity to steer the conversation towards his over-usage of his flames.

"It should be obvious. He's a direct line to royalty, who's to say someone won't send a bomb in the mail, or impersonate any known users and use it against them in other ways? It's another example of negligence and recklessness. Afterall, what would happen if any rivals got a hold of him?" Jason said.

"That's not it at all! It's not even that big a secret, I do it in front of others all the time, and there's never been any danger." Spike claimed.

"So, what do you call what happened when Discord broke free and Celestia kept sending letters through you to a corrupted Twilight?" Jason played the memory of how the Elements became corrupted, their attempt to stop Discord, and how Twilight had given up until receiving her friendship letters. "How did that feel?" Spike grew nervous before answering.

"I couldn't move or hold down any food for days. But it was the only way to help so they could stop Discord!"

"After Twilight forgot all her friendship lessons, again. She has a habit of doing that. All it took for her to become corrupted was to give up on her friends after seeing them at their worst one time, which wasn't even their fault. Some leader, some friend she is. Then again, I shouldn't expect less. You're mistreated all the time."

"You're wr-"

"What do you call this?" Jason replayed when Spike fell asleep on a patch of ice during winter-wrap up, falling into freezing water, and the Elements laughing as he caught a cold. Ember's face became a full scowl as she saw this.

"You laughed at him??!! He could've died!! Dragons are cold-blooded, you fools!!" Ember shouted, she almost sounded ready to kill someone herself.

"I find it ironic how the most studious mare probably anyone here can think of was so ignorant of a trait shared by most if not every reptile in the world. No offense to any dragons or other applicable scaly creatures. Then again, it shouldn't come as a surprise when you look at his upbringing." Jason led on.

"That's it!" Twilight slammed her hoof down. "You can say whatever and twist facts around as much as you want, but I won't let you bully my little brother! I remember precisely why I slammed the door in your face all those years ago, and I don't regret that one bit." Twilight played the memories of her visit to the human world as she narrated.

"My crown containing the Element of Magic was stolen and taken to the human world. I chased after her and found myself in front of a school with human versions of everypony. When I reached the cafeteria, I saw the horrors your kind is capable of. Trays with bacon, steaks, ham, your kind butchers and eats sapient creatures like it's nothing!" Everyone gasped in horror as Twilight pointed out the lunches many humans had. "Is it any wonder why I reacted as such? You're all cannibals!"

"That is a rather severe revelation!" Queen Novo said.

"A scary one at that." King Shifting Sands said.

"Even our griffins don't eat anything that can talk back." Grandpa Gruff said.

"Nor dragons." Ember said, eyeing Jason warily.

"Ha! So, what do you have to say to that?" Twilight smiled with the rest of the defendants as if she just won the case.

"... Well, first off, your kind has been bullying Spike his whole life. Second, what you mean to tell me is that you admit to the charges and want to continue proving my point?" Jason asked with a bored expression.

"What are you going on about?"

"Twilight, both in that world and the one I come from, humans are the only sapient life. Cows, pigs, horses, zebras, yaks, dogs, the ones in those worlds are animals. They can't speak, read, write, or express pain, wisdom, or intelligence in any capacity similar to any creatures in this room. In fact, that worlds version of Spike for example is as much an animal as Applejack's dog or Pinkie's alligator." Jason explained.

"I-... What? Wait, you didn't come from that world?" Twilight's face changed to one of uncertainty as she noticed the Horn didn't react.

"Besides, humans are omnivores. Some humans choose to live on vegetarian diets while others will refuse anything that came from another living creature, such as milk or eggs. I could've been one of those humans, and you would still be standing there trying to justify starting the systematic abuse I've lived through. But let's say you are right about humans, you still proved my point." Jason ignored her question.

"I made a mistake, but what do you claim I proved?"

"Regardless of mine or the diet of humans, you just admitted to judging me before getting to know me, resulting in Ponyville following and going beyond your example that day. You still failed to inform the town or take preventative measures against the 'murderous cannibal', who you basically allowed to roam free, unsupervised, for three years. Does that sound like something a Protector of the Realm or a Princess should do?" Jason asked. Every creature in the room turned their gaze to her, similar to how they did upon the revelation of Celestia's plan on Nightmare's return.

"I-"

"That's three years the 'murderous cannibal' spent being harassed, beaten, and almost killed on multiple occasions by multiple assailants when the 'monster' in question did nothing to warrant such responses. Theft? Assault? Rape? Kidnapping? Murder? Vandalism? Fraud? Treason? I did none of those things. As for you? Negligence in failing to protect the town. Negligence in failing to inform the town of the danger. Negligence in failing to protect a legally innocent creature from unlawful acts that could've very reasonably provoked a violent reaction. And reckless endangerment for every pony who took part in such acts without knowing the 'risks' involved. Thank you for admitting to some of your crimes, but we still have quite a list to go. Some will be revealed during your friends' turns" Jason interrupted.

"B-but I..." Twilight couldn't find the words to defend herself or admit she was wrong, not that Ember would give her the chance.

"What were you saying about Spike being bullied his entire life?" Ember growled.

"Spike, do you know how you came into the possession of ponies?" Jason asked the hatchling.

"They said they found my egg alone-"

"Spike, there is always some trusted dragon watching over eggs. They're never unattended, even single dragons will carry the egg with them or hide them in safe and unreachable places while searching for food." Ember told him.

"The reason you came into the possession of ponies was because they're the ones who orphaned you!" Jason said excitedly.

"They WHAT??!!" Ember roared, nearly burning the crowd.

"The ponies who brought his egg to me had served the crown faithfully for years. Other guards spoke highly of them for their honorable conduct and efficiency. Even I must question this." Celestia said.

"Then let me show you." Jason touched the Horn again to replay the day Spike was found. A squad of royal guards is seen in a small cave overlooking a town, speaking to a large dragon that resembled Spike.

"We are not here for trouble, we are only passing through. Once my mate returns, we'll be gone." The dragon spoke, her voice neither threatening nor fearful.

"Well, you don't have a choice in the matter. Your mere presence is scaring the town, lizard. You can either leave now, or we'll make you." A light purple unicorn stallion with a blue mane and a wall behind a shield for a cutie mark gave her an ultimatum.

"Wait, that's our grandfather!" Shining Armor said.

'He had been awfully quiet until now.' Jason thought.

"Grandpa Shield Wall?" Twilight confirmed they knew him.

'Of course he would be named something like that.' Jason thought again.

'You wouldn't take your offspring and leave your mate behind. He won't be more than a few hours, why must you make this difficult?"

"Frankly, that's not our problem. What is our problem is that you're taking up residence where your kind isn't welcome. Leave, or your mate will be coming back to a corpse and a shattered egg." Shield threatened.

"Try it!" She snarled, her body became coated in light blue flames as they spread around the edges of the cave. "Try it, and there won't be enough left of you for a funeral. Succeed, and you'll burn with the rest of that town!"

"Of course, you non-ponies always choose the hard way. Kill her." Shield immediately conjured a barrier around his squad to protect them from her flames before conjuring six more to cover her head and her limbs, locking them in place and extinguishing her flames due to a lack of concentration.

"What the-?" The dragon flailed around as best she could, but the unicorn's magic held strong,

"Now, let's bring that head down." Shield slammed her head down hard enough to daze her as his companions walked towards her.

"Stop... Please?" Spike didn't want to see anymore of the incident, but Jason continued.

"You deserve to know, so you will."

The dragon thrashed around, but the shields held strong even against her fire. The guards were merciless in her execution. Once she stopped clinging to life, they turned towards her egg and her hoard.

"Well, boys, I think we just earned a massive bonus." Shield looked at their work with satisfaction.

"What about the egg?" One of the others asked.

"Smash it, sell it, makes no difference to me." He answered.

"I've never seen a dragon manipulate flames like that before. Do you think it was a special breed?" Another asked.

"Wouldn't know, it's not like our libraries have anything about these overgrown lizards besides 'they breathe fire, raid our towns, and have massive hoards of treasure'. Now start looting, otherwise I'm taking your cut." Shield ordered.

The princesses couldn't believe what they had just witnessed. Spike was at a loss for words, completely silent, save for the occasional choked sob.

"He was my hero, my inspiration for joining the guard..." Shining had to make an effort to keep his food down.

"He said he saved that town though." Twilight said with tears in her eyes.

"What about her mate? What about Spike's father?!" Ember at this point could only be described with one word: Vengeful.

"He came back, found his mate dead, egg missing, and immediately knew the ponies were involved." Jason answered as he skipped forward to the dragon's attack on the town.

A black dragon with grey spines and red eyes is seen flying over the town. His body covered in blood red flames as he is seen attacking the inhabitants indiscriminately. This continued until he was shot out of the air by a ballista, pinning his wing to his abdomen, sending him crashing into another building. As the guards neared, the building erupted in flames that were quickly spreading to others nearby.

"Blood will have blood." He growled before continuing his onslaught.

Jason ended the memory as he saw no reason to continue it, then looked up at Celestia. "13 guards and 51 civilians died. 36 injured, and 19 of them suffered life changing disabilities. The hoard was worth less than the cost of medical bills alone. You arrived later that week to commemorate the local guards who 'valiantly saved the town'. Upon seeing the 'recovered' egg, they 'gifted' it to you. You even signed the petition for a monument to be built as a reminder of that day. Nothing from the hoard was used for the town or the victims." He continued, fully intent on feeding Ember's rage while at the same time, ruining the Sparkle family.

"Where is he??!! Where are those cowards??!! I'll incinerate them myself!!!" The dragoness roared.

"So, what was that about 'honorable conduct and efficiency'?" Jason asked. "Because murder of an endangered species BECAUSE of their race, grand theft, obviously withholding income information, and kidnapping with intent to sell, resulting in a father going on a blood rage and causing more murders and property damage in retaliation sounds like the exact opposite of both to me. If that's what you call 'honorable', then I dread to see the opposite."

"I assure you, every one of them will be punished to the fullest extent of the law." Celestia swore.

"Have fun with that because it only gets better! They're living out their retirement like kings thanks to the stolen hoard from an innocent family they massacred. And Spike? You took it a step further by basically denying him a future! First you ponies orphaned him, stole his inheritance, then you signed his life away and made him a fucking house pet! And if you call him an animal because he's a dragon, then have fun charging those guards for murder when your laws basically classify it as animal abuse!" Shining was still reeling from the truth of his idol, but Twilight, with tears in her eyes, tried to comfort a sobbing Spike as she turned her attention to Jason.

"He. Is not. A pet! He is my little brother, and nothing will change that!" Jason responded by pulling up another memory of Celestia signing adoption papers for Spike as the family pet.

"Your parents and princess would beg to differ." Jason commented.

"But-... Princess?" Twilight looked up at Celestia, who looked down in shame.

"I couldn't grant him citizenship due to the laws that are still in effect. It was the only way he could legally remain in Equestria, and I believed the Sparkle family most suited to raise him as their own, having hatched him." She explained.

"And it accomplished nothing but subject him to years of abuse and neglect by the very family that killed his own in cold blood. In fact, I already checked myself using the Horn, but he was nothing more than a means to an end to them. He's lucky to even be alive what with the MANY times he should've been put down by law, like the several house fires and the neighbor's dog he maimed as a baby, which Twilight Velvet bribed for silence despite that one, unknown to her, being in self-defense, or the property damage from his greed growth in recent years" Jason listed as he showed the memories.

"He was just a baby; I couldn't imagine the trouble being any greater than the foals they already had, much less pose any significant danger." Celestia became increasingly alarmed, both by the revelations and Ember's growing rage.

"You're free to ask Night Light and Velvet when you next see them. The only reason they kept him despite how costly or unsafe he was to keep around was for Twilight and Shining to stay close to the crown and look how their patience and tolerance paid off! One became a national hero, a princess even, and her brother climbed up to Captain, even marrying your niece! They played the 'Game of Thrones' and won by doing nothing but feeding him gems and bribing the neighbor!" Jason mocked how poorly her plan worked.

"You-. I-... Nothing. Nothing that you've said! Nothing you've shown! It can't be true! Why didn't you send Spike out? What do you gain from hurting him?!" Twilight questioned as she denied the evidence.

"Nothing but the truth can be spoken when the Gjallarhorn is in effect. As for why I didn't send him out? Because he deserves to know who took his real family, his future, away from him. He deserves to know his life was a lie, that he was never truly loved. Because hurting him also hurts you, and there's only one thing that could make me happier: To see this world come to an end, for it is not worth existing." Jason looked down at Spike, who was trying to block out everything said. "It's another reason why I called you out on your school. We'll get into details later, but non-ponies are second class at best, and dragons especially, your school would've been a glorified zoo if not just illegal."

"You're hurting him because it hurts me?! He's innocent in all of this! And you say you're not a-"

"'Monster'? Is that what you were going to say? I never claimed I wasn't a monster, but I did basically say three years of abuse and two more of nightmares, blindness in one eye, occasional muscle spasms, the constant pain I'm in, even breathing hurts, and other physical disabilities thanks to what the ponies I truly admired, the town I loved, did to me, all with smiles on their faces, turned me into one by your standards. You wanted a monster, but you've never actually seen much less read about one. I'm no monster..." Jason walked towards her and looked her in the eyes.

"I'm so much worse. I am what you made me. You overestimated humanity's tolerance and capacity to forgive. But your biggest mistake? Underestimating our capacity for malice and the lengths we'll go to get what we feel we're owed. And I am owed so very much." Jason glanced at Spike before walking back to his original position.

"It's time for a short break. We'll continue in an hour if there are more charges to be brought forth against Twilight Sparkle. Otherwise, we'll move on to the next defendant." Celestia announced.

"There are more, but yes, that's enough for now." Jason decided to give everyone a moment to let this new information sink in. As he turned to leave, he stopped by the exit. "Can you hear it?"

"Hear what?" Cadence asked.

"Hehehehe... Nothing you need to concern yourselves with at this time."

"The Howls in the Wind."
> Chapter 5.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jason was becoming more and more excited for the end as the trial picked up where it left off. He savored the look of unease on the faces of several ponies, especially the defendants. As everyone took their places again, he thought now would be a good chance to weaponize a certain performer's treatment.

"The court is back in session. You had other grievances against Twilight Sparkle, correct?" Luna started.

"This next one isn't specifically against her or for myself, but shared with Ponyville and Equestria as a whole.  I would like an 'intermission' of sorts to further point out what other races have to deal with under the oppressive Equestrians." Jason clarified.

"You already have it out for Ponyville, what's so different about these?" Rainbow groaned.

"I'm so glad you asked! Specifically you, the most arrogant creature here! I'm initially referring to, though a pony, a certain show-mare by the name of Trixie."

"Pffffaaaahhaahaha! Her?! She's your first example?" Rainbow laughed.

"Indeed, what could she have possibly endured that would warrant being used against us? We did nothing to her." Rarity chimed in. Jason replayed the memory of Trixie's performance for all to see a group of ponies standing before a stage.

Trixie came out with her pitch. She was telling the audience of her feats in defeating an Ursa Major. The elements voiced their opinions on Trixie being a braggart, prompting Trixie to challenge her hecklers. Applejack went first, showing off her skill with her lasso. Trixie enchants the rope to wrap around Applejack's legs and shoves an apple in her muzzle. Rainbow went next by bursting through clouds, making the water splash on her for a miniature rainbow to appear above her head. Trixie used her magic to make the rainbow swirl around Rainbow Dash, leaving her dizzy. Finally, Rarity goes up and uses magic to fashion a beautiful dress. Trixie uses magic to turn Rarity's mane green with twigs. The memory ends with Trixie professing her greatness.

"What was that supposed to prove? All everypony saw was her being nothing but a big jerk!" Rainbow slammed her hoof down as her friends and the judges seemed to agree.

"There's a few problems with that claim. The first being that she had a contract signed by Mayor Mare that allowed her to perform at the town hall. As a stage performer, everything on that stage is an act, a persona. What she did is hardly any different, if at all, than a pony starring as the serial killer in a horror film."

"Where are you going with this?" Twilight asked.

"The short answer to that question is you, the hecklers, disrupting her performance, otherwise known as disorderly conduct. And before any of you try to accuse her of any crimes on that stage-" Jason replayed the part where Trixie issued an open challenge to anyone interested "-those three accepted that challenge and immediately became part of a government sanctioned performance. What she did was perfectly legal. Yes, she humiliated you, AFTER you all tried to humiliate, discredit, and provoke her first. She did nothing wrong."

"Trixie did plenty wrong!" Twilight said as she approached the horn. A new memory plays with Twilight reading in her home until Spike rushes inside in a panic.

"Twilight. Come quick!"

"Spike! I told you I am not going to show up, Trixie!"

"No, it's--"

A roar cuts Spike off. "Was that what I think it was?"

"Majorly!"

The memory continues with Twilight and Spike running past a crowd of citizens and bumping into Snips and Snails. "What's going on?!"

"We brought an Ursa Major to town," Snips said nonchalantly.

"You did what?!"

"Don't worry. The Great and Powerful Trixie will defeat it," Snails said.

Trixie hangs her down in shame as she confesses. "...I can't. I never have! No one can defeat an Ursa Major! I made that up to make myself look better!"

Spike once again urges Twilight to act, causing the unicorn at the time to gulp. Twilight's horn starts to glow as a soothing melody plays in the wind and lulls the star bear into a calm state. Next, her aura envelopes a nearby water tower and passes through a barn full of cows. Now filled with milk, Twilight strains her magic, lifting the bear and feeding it milk. Finally, she hovers the Ursa back into the Everfree forest. The ponies all cheer while Twilight looks remorseful about her magical display. Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash all assure Twilight that magic was never the issue, but Trixie's attitude. Twilight later explains that the bear was only a cranky baby due to Snips and Snails waking it up.

"Ha! You may have defeated the Ursa Minor, but you never have the unique, show-stopping ability of the great and powerful Trixie!" Trixie stamps down, producing a smokescreen, before running out of town.

"Why that little!" Rainbow Dash said before taking off after her.

"Let her go, Rainbow. Hopefully, one day, she'll learn her lesson,"

Twilight's horn glows as she produces another letter. "Here's the lesson for that fiasco. Dear Princess Celestia, I have learned a precious lesson about friendship. I was so afraid of being thought of as a show-off that I was hiding a part of who I am. My friends showed me it's okay to be proud of your talents. And there are times when it is appropriate to show them off. Especially when you're standing up for your friends," Twilight said with more pride than was warranted.

"So, ignoring the fact you all were trying to get Twilight to one up Trixie for being a loud mouth, she's responsible for the stupidity of Snips and Snails? The only thing she's guilty of is doing her job. She never even implied they should lure an Ursa Major to town. It's not her fault they couldn't tell the difference between an act and reality. But it is the fault of the two idiot colts for luring it to town from one of the most dangerous places in Equestria, and the fault of the parents for their negligence that could've easily resulted in the towns destruction."

"I was unaware of the context behind your lesson, Twilight." Celestia looked down at her with disappointment.

"With crimes like these, what were their punishments?" Luna asked.

"They were given mustaches via magic, which they enjoyed, tasked with clean up, and grounded for three months. All for the crimes of reckless endangerment and property damage. Legally, they should've been taken by foal protective services, and given the risk of their crimes, banishment I would assume. Trixie lost her home, her job, her reputation was destroyed, and was denied money the town legally owes her."

"Big whoop! It's what She deserved after she came back with the alicorn amulet!" Rainbow calls out.

"The alicorn amulet?" Queen Novo asks.

"It's an artifact of dark magic that can give regular unicorns the powers of alicorn but at a dreadful cost. The amulet slowly corrupts you until everything you were is gone. It was crafted by a fanatic cult of ponies a millennia ago that wanted the powers of an alicorn. We caught wind of this and shut down the cult. I secured the amulet in the vault. But, we did not account for a surviving cult member infiltrating our ranks. Thankfully, we caught the pony over by the waterfall. Unfortunately, the pony put the amulet on and utilized an unstable beam spell. The explosion destroyed the pony and presumedly the amulet as well," Celestia explained. "It was not until Twilight sent a letter that I discovered the amulet survived. How did she even come across it?"

"A pawn shop. I wish I was joking, but I'm not." Celestia stared at Jason with a flat expression.

"Don't matter where she got it. The point is that she had it. Trixie could not leave well enough alone and challenged Twilight to a magic duel. She was all decked out with that amulet and forced Twilight to duel her. When she won, Trixie banished Twilight from Ponyville and cut the rest of us off, where she made us her servants!" Applejack said, touching the Gjallarhorn. It showed Trixie causing havoc in Ponyville until Twilight arrived. She used the citizens and Twilight's friends to goad her into a magic duel. Despite Twilight's best efforts, Trixie displayed advanced unicorn magic that she could not contend with, and thus, Twilight was banished from Ponyville.

"Oh, it was dreadful! Trixie had us slaving away at her every whim. Some of the things she wanted hardly made sense. She forced me to make crude banners. I can't tell you how often I picked myself trying to keep up with her demands!" Rarity said as the memory displayed what she was saying.

"Yeah, and we had to carry those banners all day. She made the Cakes build a cookie throne. She said it was when she got hungry and wanted food available pronto," Rainbow said.

"She had me mash up my apples for some applesauce face cream. You can't use applesauce for that, and she tickled me something fierce if I don't comply," Applejack said. "Thank goodness Twilight thought of a plan to get that amulet off of her,"

The memory ends with Twilight utilizing her friends to trick Trixie into taking her fake amulet while Rainbow snags the alicorn amulet. Twilight performs her show for the Saddle Arabian delegates and Princess Celestia. Jason tried to remain stoic as each scene of Trixie's occupation played. But Jason could feel one of his hands start to tremble as a scowl slowly formed.

"This is oppression to you? You know nothing of pain and suffering. If that's the worst you've ever experienced, I got three years of stories that will make you wish Trixie with the amulet became your Princess! Try living in a cave. Try surviving the bitter cold at night. Try crying yourself to sleep, only to be awakened by nightmares every night and then being unable to sleep again because your body is in so much pain, even breathing hurts! I wish I bumped into a corrupted Trixie instead of meeting you. She, at least, would've given me a roof over my damn head!" Jason saw the ponies flinch over his bite.

"But we're getting away from that now, because if you think she deserved everything, let's see if you'll still think that after this:" Jason continued as he replayed perhaps her worst memory. Her meeting with Poon Sleazy and how she was so down on her luck that she was almost roped into an adult film. Rainbow didn't look as smug anymore. Fluttershy and Rarity had massive blushes on their face. At the same time, Twilight made her best impression of a goldfish. Celestia visibly shifts slightly away from the elements as she hangs her head. Pinkie was a different case. She wasn't expressive like her friends. She merely stares at her bench while sending the occasional glance toward Jason, which he dismissed.

"After the damage you all inflicted, the only way she could get back up was to beat Twilight. What she didn't know was the risk the alicorn amulet posed, but given the nature of her crimes that didn't even hurt anyone or their property, she wouldn't even be charged for this. But she can still sue Ponyville. She rented the venue for three days, fled after one, and wasn't paid for the attending audience like she was supposed to. Not to mention reparations for her destroyed possessions and her struggles later."

"The crown will see to it that she is compensated fairly for her harrowing experience." Celestia proclaimed.

"None of you will live long enough to follow through with that." Jason thought darkly.

"Moving on, I'm sure some of you might be thinking that Trixie and I are simply isolated incidents, but that is not the case. In fact, I can think of at least four other examples of Equestria's oppressive rule. As we speak,-" Jason used the Horn to show a live feed of an Abyssinian inside a cell in Baltimare "we have dear old Janus here. He was charged with assault as well as drunk and disorderly conduct 8 years ago. Note that I specifically said 'charged', but not convicted."

"What are you getting at?" Novo asked. Jason replayed the events leading up to his arrest, where Janus had just ran around a corner on his way home from a long day at work and was immediately knocked out by a drunk stallion in a brawl with others who were just as bad.

"The actual offenders were fined and let out the next day. Janus on the other hand has yet to receive a court date or even a lawyer. Even if the fight were to get bad enough for anyone to go to trial, the maximum sentence is 6 months, 3-4 on good behavior. He's been in prison about 16 times longer than that, and he hasn't even been convicted of anything. Due process doesn't extend to other races, a pony convicted of rape can get out sooner than a petty thief." Alarm could be seen on the faces of all the non-ponies as shock was on the Princesses and the Elements. "And if this wasn't bad enough for Janus, who was sending money home to bring family over, they've moved on under the belief he abandoned them."

"Eight. Years?..." Ember seethed.

"In Manehatten, there was a griffon that literally didn't even survive a day in Equestria." Jason replayed the griffon's arrival into the city, only to be avoided by almost everyone he met. Every business either refused service, raised the prices for him specifically, or threatened to call the guards under the pretense of him scaring the patrons.

"Gale?" Gruff said, both surprised and weary of what's to come.

The memory continues to Gale trying to rest in an alleyway late at night. Before long, he was asleep, but was quickly awoken by pain and shouting as three stallions mercilessly pummeled him.

"Stop. Stop this!" Gruff watched as the young griffon was brutally beaten, his cries for help ignored as bones snapped and laughter from the stallions eventually drowned it out. Gale was still alive when they left, but he didn't survive the night.

"Those three are still walking free right now. There was never an investigation. Just think, he died before he even saw morning. I survived similar treatment for three years. What did both have in common? We weren't ponies. But wait! There's more! Here's another example of how poorly ponies treat others, and this one actually caused an invasion!" Jason claimed. The courtroom's attention was divided between Jason and the weeping griffon.

"An invasion? I can't remember any invasion that was done out of retaliation." Celestia said.

"History is a tale told by the victorious, not that any of you ever cared to ask 'why'. But allow me to enlighten you of your sins and how truly wrong your history is:" Jason replayed a scene featuring a changeling queen accompanied by her daughter.

"Mother. Why are they staring at us like that? I feel something making me ill."

"Tis alright, little Chrysalis. Keep close to me, always. We'll see the king and Queen of the pony land for aid,"

"Chrysalis??!!" Cadence, Shining, and the Elements shouted, shocked at the reveal.

"Indeed, this is when ponies and changelings first made contact with each other. Let's just say that if I were in Chrysalis's position back then that I would've made sure everyone there suffered as I did. Well, I'm still doing it now, but not out of grief." Jason commented.

A moment later, a large teleportation dome appears. Two alicorns were flanked by two unicorns, a commander pegasus and a grinning Earth pony. The female alicorn arches a brow as she speaks while holding her foals. "Husband? What manner of creatures are these?"

"Egads!" The Earth pony said. "They remind me of the ants during the summertime harvest."

"They do appear insect-like at first glance." The breaded wizard unicorn said.

"Urgh! And they are as vile!"[/] The unicorn mare said.

"State your business. Why have you come here?" The king spoke in a commanding tone.

My name is Metamorpha. With me is my daughter, Princess Chrysalis. We have to your budding kingdom to ally ourselves with you," "/b]

The alicorns looked skeptical, while the unicorn mare was unimpressed. "You come to us, asking to participate in our kingdom and reap our spoils, with nothing to prove your worth? Such impertinence!"

"We are waring with the minotaurs of the east. What might you bring against them? Mayhaps you will use your visage to terrify them," The pegasus said.

Metaphorma smiles at her before green flames shroud her. A moment later and a minotaur was standing before the ponies. "We are changeling. We assume the form of any we desire. With our skill, we can--"

"ABOMINATION!!!" The king roars as the guards aim their spears. "You steal the form of your slain? Might you do the same to us if left unchecked,"

Chrysalis flew up to eye level with them. "No, sir. You don't die for us to change. We can do so on our own," Chrysalis morphs into one of the foals in the Queen's hooves. "See?"

However, this did not get the reaction she hoped for, as the Queen sent out a burst of magic at her. Metamopha had little choice but to take the blast herself. "MOTHER!!!" Chrysalis shrieks as his mother collapses.

"Seize them!" The king ordered.

"Stay. S-strong little June bug...!" With the last of her magic, Metamorpha's magic surrounds Chrysalis, and she finds herself back in the hive. The memory ends with the little nymph releasing a wail of sadness.

"And that is how their first attempt at peace went. They offered their services in exchange for food, love specifically, or whatever they needed and what did they get? Grounds declare war. But it doesn't stop there. Your beloved Starswirl the Bearded tortured and experimented on Metamorpha for days before she finally succumbed. And when she died, that innocent filly, as a result of changelings being connected through a hivemind, all those memories flowed into her. A traumatizing experience at any age I'm sure." Jason continued, reveling in this chance to reveal a monster portrayed as a hero.

"B-but... That's Starsw-" Twilight started, but Jason didn't give the chance.

"'He wouldn't'? You lot said the same about several of the injustices I've suffered by you and your town, same thing with Spike, why would he be any different? But it doesn't stop here. The second time they tried for peace..." Jason showed a younger changeling writing a letter to Celestia, from June Bug.

"Dear Princess Celestia. My name is June Bug. I am the Princess of the changelings. I am writing this letter to you because I heard you were a kind pony, unlike the others. My mother doesn't like ponies very much. But I know you are good and that there are good ponies. I look forward to meeting you."

"Your response, Celestia, was this!" Jason showed more excitement than he meant to.

"To whom it may concern, it is within the interest of preserving Equestia's wellbeing to not associate with the inferior likes of literal bugs. Your presence would be a plague to our way of life. Therefore, an audience with you and your ilk is denied. Further attempts at interactions will resort to ill tidings. Don't write again, signed Princess Celestia."

"With your seal, of course." Jason pointed out.

"I never received that letter or wrote this one." She denied, not causing the Horn to react. She more closely examined the letter and realization dawned on her face. "I know who wrote this letter. It was a unicorn by the name of Flippant Desire of house Avarice. They were a noble clan that I disbarred for stealing from the royal treasury and selling equestrian secrets to the enemy. One of his duties was handling royal documents while I was busy with other affairs."

"Doesn't matter. It was obviously written by someone you trusted to handle your mail, and not knowing personally your writing or personality, it came from you as far as they knew or had reason to confirm. This makes twice they tried peace: Your kind responded with regicide and traumatizing a child the first time, then you insulted them, told them to fuck off, and threatened them all at once the second time. Is it any wonder why they invaded during a wedding where they could feed like kings?" Jason asked like the answer was obvious.

"Had I known,-"

"It wouldn't have changed anything." Jason interrupted. "I, Gale, and many others are proof of that. You might have accepted peace and even helped them to thrive, but at this point, it's been proven your subjects wouldn't have shared the same sentiment. Back to the invasion, Chrysalis initially planned for more fire and blood, so to speak, but June Bug had an arguably better idea."

"Which Chrysalis clearly didn't take." Shining commented.

"She did, actually. June's terms for joining in the invasion were that no one got hurt, their memories would be wiped, and to generate more emotions with a stressful situation, send a letter warning of the attack. But everything went to Hell because Twilight couldn't leave well enough alone." He turned his attention to the mare in question.

"She treated everypony like dirt!" She said as if she were offended. "If she had acted nicer or not sent me to the caverns, I wouldn't have freed the real Cadence!"

"Let's see you try to be civil when you're around the very people who attacked you and your mother when you were a child, tortured and killed your mother, thus implanting all the memories of such into your mind, then threatened you not for what you did, but what you are, when you tried again to make peace. I have a proposal, I'll let you decide who in your immediate family I kill in the most brutal way available to me. If you can refrain from attacking me, I'll drop all charges against you. Do we have a deal?" Jason offered, knowing full well she would refuse such.

"You won't be ki-"

"Then shut up." Jason interrupted. "Now, keep in mind, it was supposed to be a bloodless invasion, which was already a long time coming, and was initially going to be very bloody. But she loved her daughter more than she hated any of you, and how did you repay that mercy? By hitting them all with that love infused spell which killed many of her subjects via sensory overload before they even hit the ground, others on impact, and some more who died from their injuries later."

Realization dawned on Cadence's face. "You mean..."

"Hehehe... HehehehahaHAHAHAHHAA!!!" Jason laughed. "That's right. You're a monster like me. You're a murderer, and legally a child killer since a certain changeling wasn't even an adult by your laws." He showed the courtroom the aftermath of the blast.

Chrysalis was the first to hit the ground. Her limbs broke apart upon impact, and the chitin around her torso cracked. Despite these injuries, Chrysalis slowly heals. Her features are one of pain and anger.

"Gah! Insolent prey. I will - Ah - I will be back!" A shadow looms over the downed Queen as she looks back up. There was a heavy thud and sickening splat as Chrysalis saw several of her drones crash against the ground Blood and viscera shot out in every direction as she watched her hive die. "N-No. No!!!" Chrysalis could only watch as my body fell. A particularly harsh impact lands right next to Chrysalis. The dust settles as Chrysalis feels all the color drain from her being. There, her daughter June Bug lay with a jagged, sharp stone piercing from her bin through her left eye socket. The vision was lost while blood oozed from the wound. Her right gaze was unfocused, with tears streaming down her cheek. Chrysalis hobbled to her daughter as best as she could. She stumbles and falls next to her daughter's face as she gently caresses it.

*Gurgle*

Chrysalis choked back a sob at the pitiful sound her daughter was making. There was no saving her. With tears streaming from her eyes, Chrysalis taps her horn against June Bug and the noises she is making. The memory ends with Chrysalis softly crying while holding her deceased daughter, glaring into the space toward Canterlot.

"How?... How can you stand there and laugh??!!" Twilight shouted in disbelief. "Lives were lost, and you laugh??!!"

"Simple, life has no meaning to me anymore. All life is worthless. Yours. Theirs." Jason gestured to the judges before pointing to himself. "And mine. I'm not laughing at the death itself though, it's still pretty funny in a cruel and disturbing sort of way, but I'm mostly laughing at the fact that perhaps the best of the four princesses of Equestria, morally speaking, isn't above mass murder for the crime of stealing something that has literally no monetary value." Jason turned towards Cadence

"She begged Chrysalis to show you mercy, and you repaid that mercy with blood and steel. Had Chrysalis done it her way, June Bug would still be alive. It should go without saying that she won't make that mistake again."

"...I'm sorry..." Cadance said after a moment of silence. "I didn't mean to - I wanted her gone for ruining my wedding and attempting to steal Shining. But I'd never wish that on a mother..."

"Don't be too quick to lay your sympathies, dear. What happened was a tragedy, yes. But she still attacked another nation's capital with an army. Casualties in any conflict of that scale are bound to happen." Shining Armor said in an attempt to comfort his wife.

"Need I remind you that you're the ones who gave them justification for war when you brutally killed Metamorpha? Then you instigated the invasion later, all while leaving no room for diplomacy either time with a race that was clearly desperate both times. You can try and defend your actions all you want, it's just more fuel for your funeral pyre, courtesy of yet another monster that you created. Maybe if she's feeling merciful again, she might kill the two of you before turning your daughter into paint on your thrones." Jason continued to take delight in the growing fear and anguish of the Elements and the married couple before turning his attention back to the defendants.

"How about we move it a little closer to home? I'm sure you'd be happy to know of how Ponyville was built mostly by under paid zebras in service to Filthy Rich's ancestor, who when they went on strike for equal pay, they were instead fired and denied pay they worked for."

"That's a darn lie 'n you know it!" Applejack stomped. "Apples would have nothin' to do with-" Jason cut her off with a replay of exactly that.

"You were saying? People back home complain about big corporations exploiting their workers and refusing to pay livable wages, but they at least always have some kind of excuse for this besides 'we're not violating labor laws'. The Rich family decided to abuse their power that unfair labor laws still give today, which we'll get into later. How does it feel knowing that your home was built on the backs of the same people who you accused of witchcraft and curses? Well, Zecora specifically, but same difference." Jason turned his attention to Twilight.

"Tell me, who knows Cranky and Matilda?" He asked.

"The donkeys?" Fluttershy answered.

"You do know them? Well, you're going to love this then!" Jason made no attempt to hide his excitement as he showed the second to last memory for today.

Three equine creatures standing around. The first was a unicorn stallion with a doctor’s coat on, the second was an earth pony nurse, and the last was Cranky Doodle.

"There's got to be something you can do for her!” Cranky was shouting desperately at the doctor and nurse.

The doctor shook his head and frowned. “The law is the law,” he said in a surprisingly stony tone, “this is a hospital for ponies only, and you’re not a pony.”

“We’re not that different!” Cranky said, a look of desperation in his eyes. “Surely there’s something! I can pay or work off my debt!”

“Even if you were a part of our medicare system, I still can’t treat her. I would be disbarred from practicing medicine.” the doctor said.

“I tried medicare, but they told me the same thing!” Cranky was growing angry. “You were at my wedding, doctor! You too, nurse! I thought we were accepted into your community! Why are we so different?! Are we nothing but stupid, dumb animals to those bigoted minds of yours!”

The doctor’s frown turned into a glare. “I will not stand around here and be insulted by the likes of you.” He replied with a hint of anger in his tone. “I told you the reason I can’t treat her. If you’re desperate for medicine, try that zebra shaman.”

“You know I can’t! Can’t somepony else help!? Maybe one of the town’s local guards??”

“They’re here to protect the town, not to run errands for every little thing.” the doctor replied.

“The most we can do is give you one of our older medical beds.” the nurse said with a bit of sympathy in her tone, but she also seemed a bit afraid of the doctor. “We’re upgrading and throwing the old ones out. They’re good beds.”

The doctor shook his head. “Nurse, we can’t do that, either. It’s standard policy.”

“Forget this!” Cranky said, stomping the ground hard enough to create a crack in the floor, “I thought you ponies were all about friendship and junk, but apparently that only applies to ponies. May Faust judge you!” With that, he turned, flicked his tail at the doctor and nurse angrily and stormed towards the door.

The Elements had looks of heartbreak and flashes of anger. The judges were utterly disgusted by the conduct of the hospital staff and the implications their own people were being denied healthcare.

"That was life-saving treatment they denied Matilda, who is dead now because it was apparently illegal to treat non-ponies. I also find it curious that they not only referred to saving Matilda's life as an 'errand' and a 'little thing', but I must ask what was so different about Spike during his greed growth?" Jason questioned the legitimacy of what the staff were saying.

"His greed growth? What'd they do to him this time?" Ember growled.

"That was after the incident that anyone did anything to him. He was harassed and abused multiple times by the townsfolk for what he did during it, but I'm referring to his visit to the hospital itself. You see, they didn't refuse service at all despite the fact he was not a pony, and the fact they had absolutely no business with him because he is still an animal by law." Jason answered as he played the memory.

"Well now, what seems to be the problem?" A brown stallion with an orange mane asked as he entered the room.

"This is Spike." Twilight began to answer as she kept smacking Spike's claw away every time he reached for something.

"Well, let's have a look see." He walked in front of Spike. "Aaaawww wi'l guy not feewing too good?" He talked as if his patient were a baby. "Whoozh a bwave big boy?" He began a short physical examination until Spike accidentally let out a small stream of fire, which barely phased the doctor.

"So, what do you think, doctor?" Twilight asked as the doctor wiped his face clean.

"Well, I think I know what the problem is." Twilight perked up at this. "He's... A dragon!"

"That's not the problem, he's always been a dragon."

"Oh! Well that would explain it. Listen, I don't know anything about dragons. I know about baby ponies!"

The memory ends as Jason looks between every creature present. "What was so different about Spike compared to Matilda? She was legally a person suffering from a life-threatening illness that could've been treated, but was refused because she wasn't a pony. Spike isn't a pony either, he's an animal by law, he wasn't suffering anything deadly or crippling, but they still offered him service." His attention shifting between the judges and Twilight.

"So, which is it? Was that actually a law? Were they playing favorites with Twilight because she was Celestia's student? If so, some doctors are losing their medical licenses. Was Spike's doctor a complete fucking idiot? Or is each doctor that refused to treat Matilda guilty of willful, negligent homicide because of her race? Even if the law was passed after Spike's appointment, quite a few non-ponies would be due for treatment and reparations, wouldn't you agree?" He turned his attention back to Twilight and her friends.

"You can call me a monster all you want. At least I don't abuse my power. At least I haven't destroyed anyone's life. At least I haven't crippled or killed anyone. I know I'm not good, but at least I don't pretend to be. Can you say the same? Can anyone here say the same at this point?" Jason turned to address the entire courtroom, only to receive no response.

"If that is all you have for today, we will continue the same time tomorrow." Luna announced.

"Nothing more besides a friendly reminder to prepare any defenses needed." Jason turned to leave.

"All the world will share the same grave soon enough if you don't finish what you all started."
> Chapter 6.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jason once again used the Wendigos to keep tabs on the Bearers. He learned of how the newspapers are doing what they do best and making things seem worse or more questionable than they really are as well as their quickly shut down plans to use the Elements on him. He didn't understand the need for the newspapers though as the trials are being shown all across the world, but he accepted it anyway as it would only help his end goal.

While he was planning the next trial, Shining Armor came knocking at his door to speak with him. The Wendigos hid themselves as Jason took off his cloak before allowing entry to play mind games with the former Captain. He hid the fact that he reveled in Shining's discomfort.

"Could you please put your cloak back on?" Shining asked.

"What? I like sleeping without a shirt on. Oh! I get it! You don't want to see the magnum opus that Ponyville spent 3 years working on, is that it? Besides, at this point, each scar is simply another debt I intend to repay with interest." Jason said ominously.

"You know, Spike hasn't spoken to anyone since then."

"Okay? How's that my problem? You know what? Don't answer that. Have you spoken to your parents or your murderous grandfather yet? What was his name? Egg Snatcher? Flamebringer?" Jason subtly hinted that Shining has other, more important things to discuss with other people.

"Shield Wall! And I-"

"Don't care. Get down to business already or leave, I'm busy planning on how to expose and break another one of your sister's friends, which is the real reason why you're here, right?"

"I have to ask, why did you show all of that to my brother? What did that have to do with you?"

"Directly? Nothing. I just wanted to expose how cruel and corrupt the royal guard is. In fact, I know first hand how bad it is, and you'll get to see it soon enough. As for why? I thought I already said why; because it would Spike, which would hurt Twilight, knowing her blood is responsible for so much meaningless death and destruction."

"So, that's what this is? Revenge? And you'll stomp on anypony if it means you'll get what you want." Shining accused.

"Revenge and Justice are two sides of the same coin. The reasons do not matter when the results are the same. I'm stomping on anyone for what I want anymore than you ponies have stomped on everyone else, including myself, to maintain the status quo. Who's worse by that logic?"

"Do you really expect me to believe Twilight, her friends, and all of Ponyville did this to you? If we can resolve this, just name it." Shining offered.

"Everything you can give me has no value anymore. Money? I haven't needed that in years. Any female of my choosing? The only ones I would consider are either unavailable or must hate me almost as much as I hate them, assuming they can even look past my body that is. Status? What good would being King do for me in a world that time and again it wants me dead? No." Jason walked up to him.

"Unless you can take away the pain, the nightmares, give back my happiness, my life, I'm going to stick my original plan."

"And that is?" Shining asked, to which Jason smiled as he began pushing him out the door.

"A Cold Ending to everything. If the world seeks my destruction, then I'm taking everyone with me. I hope everyone's been working on their defenses, not that it'll change anything." Jason said before slamming the door.



(The next day)

"Court is back in session." Luna announced.

"Members of the court. It has come to our attention that the plaintiff has not been entirely honest with us!" Rarity proclaims.

"How so?" Queen Novo asked. "So far, the plaintiff's claims are proving compelling."

"There's something that's been bugging me since the first two trials," Twilight began "when Jason first met Princess Celestia, he already seemed to know her. He even seemed to know us and the rest of Ponyville, but he didn't come from the mirror nor did he have the Horn. How did he know us before he even met us?"

"How I knew you all won't change the outcome. If you're implying I've found a way around the Horn's lie detector, there's no need when the truth will cut deeper than any blade could. But if you insist, I can show you. In fact, I planned to do so later, but I guess now's as good a time as any. Allow me to introduce you to a series called 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic'." Jason touched the Horn to play it.

"Come on! It's starting! It's starting!!!"

"I told you I don't want to watch some pony show,"

The little girl pulls Jason onto the sofa as she picks up a remote and points it a the tv. Members of the court were confused as to what they were seeing. "What the matter? Afraid you might like it?"

"Sure, cuz. I'll like a children's cartoon for your age group,"

"Shush. Here it is!"



To say the courtroom was left speechless was a severe understatement. There, right before them and more or less the entire world, the defendants in a singalong at various locations in Ponyville and Canterlot. The locale themselves was accurate to a disturbing degree. The defendants were the most shocked towards the end of the intro as a picture showed everyone they knew in Ponyville. But the real shock came from the episode itself. It showed Twilight Sparkle obsessing over the fact that she had not sent Princess Celestia a letter in a week about friendship. So, she went out to find one. But, Twilight learned that none of her friends had an issue to report. Each failure caused Twilight to become more manic in her efforts until she stood before three familiar fillies. The episode continued with Twilight hypnotizing the town into fighting over her smarty pants doll. It got so bad that Princess Celestia had to intervene. Twilight's friends came to her aid, and the Princess dismissed Twilight's action by requesting a letter from each of the girls on friendship.

"Wow. That was great!"

"So, wait, Twilight doesn't get in trouble for hypnotizing a town?"

"No, that wasn't the point. It's about respecting friends when they are freaking out. Anyway, I told you you would like it. Want to watch another?"

"Alright, Susie,"

"So, was that enough for you?" Jason asks the defendants. "You all just saw an episode of a television program called Lesson Zero. Judging by your reaction, I'd say that memory is spot on. It also raises another question. Princess Celestia? Why is it you allowed Twilight to get off scot-free after messing with the minds of Ponyville? Mind-altering spells are illegal here, and I know I would not be safe with a pony that becomes manic from a messed deadline. That same neurotic mare is now a princess!"

Celestia, however, stammers a response. The reveal of the show threw her completely off balance. "I-I, you--"

"Hold on! Do-Don't try and change the subject! T-That was-- No, it's impossible! That memory. That was exactly how everything went that day to a T!" Twilight exclaimed.

It took another moment before Rainbow Dash. "Aha! That means you are a spy! How long you've been watching us?"

"Well, the show went on for about nine seasons. So, that's nine years. Susie loved it."

Several murmurs erupted as Luna called for order. "This is startling news indeed. But, there are some inconsistencies I would like to address. The first is at the beginning. I know Ponyville enjoys a song. But I was not with Celestia when Spike sent that letter, nor did we hear voices,"

"What you saw was the introduction of the show. Back in my world, we have stories like MLP brought to life with moving pictures. It's not uncommon for shows, especially animated ones, to have an opening at the start."

"Are you trying to say that your kind created our world?!" Rarity exclaimed.

Jason rolled his eyes as he saw the ponies in the gallery begin to panic. "No. To make it easier to understand, Sunset came from the mirror world. We can classify that mirror world as an alternate reality. A world similar to this one, with some differences here and there. Do you know about the multiverse theory?"

"Upon discovering the mirror world, scholars have theorized the existence of multiple dimensions beyond our plane." Celestia stated.

"What does that have to do with humans watching our every move?!" Rarity said.

"What it means, Rarity, is that a pony can exist across infinite universes and timelines. For example, the mirror world has a human version of us. Each world has a set of rules. In Jason's world, it looks like they can view our world." Twilight said.

"I don't get it." Fluttershy said.

"Think of it like when you are reading a book. You are reading and visualizing another world."

"So, what? we're just a bunch of made-up characters?" Rainbow said with an air of indignation.

"To a superficial extent, yes. It's a matter of perception. In my world, we can only see specific critical points of this. We're not seeing anything we're not supposed to. Rather, we believe what we're seeing isn't real, so knowing means nothing. It's not like we're seeing anything private. Probably the most invasive thing we've seen I can think of at this moment would be Spike sharing secret crush."

"This would also explain how you knew who Jetset and Uppercrust were," Luna summarised.

"That still doesn't change the fact that you were watching us!" Applejack said.

"And if your favorite book was given an animated adaptation, you would be just as guilty. Hell, you basically are just as guilty just by reading it. If you have a problem with the belief that I invaded your privacy or anything of the sort, then it would only be fair if you also directed that towards any authors, like Twilight's mother. Yes, I watched the show and came to like it. Your lessons about friendship helped real people in need. People love this world so much that they make their own stories and fictions about you. People like Pen Stroke, Moguera, and more. There are millions of stories dedicated to your honor. Some write a completely different story. Others write parodies. And some, well, let's just say none of you, whether you exist in this world or not, are safe from Rule 34." Jason began to laugh, much to the confusion of everyone in the courtroom.

"I don't understand that last one." Fluttershy said, which only made Jason laugh even harder.

"Of course, it would be the shy one who says it!!!" He shouted. He calmed down a minute later. "If any of you came to my world, you would instantly become a celebrity. You'd be worshiped as gods. Humans love you. I loved you!"

The murmurs all stop as Jason's voice cracks. Rainbow Dash slowly floated back to her seat. "Is that why you came to Equestria? You wanted to meet your idols?" Cadance said.

Jason gives a shallow nod in response. "My cousin, the little girl you saw with me, got me hooked on the show. It was our favorite activity to watch whenever her parents dropped her off at my place. We'd watch the seasons over and over. Then, she got diagnosed with cancer after generation five was announced. She still managed to get excited over your world, even when she was getting weaker. The show helped her past the worse of her disease. She died, but I vowed to stay a fan for our sake. But I got depressed. Watching the episodes was harder without Susie there. Then, I found a sketchy website advertising a way to visit this world. I thought it was for a new theme park. So, I went to the location, found a portal, and went through. Poof, I'm here in the magical land of Equestria..." Jason looks down as he walks to the center. He turns to the defendants with the same blank stare. But, it was more hollow and empty now. "Did you know that Susie believed you were the best pony, Fluttershy?"

"M-Me?" The shy mare said.

"I would always say it was Luna or, though not a pony, Ember. But she always loved how you were so kind. The way you treat animals. How soft-spoken you are. One of her favorite episodes was when you took Iron Hoof's seminar. It shows that you can get tough when you need to, even if you took it a little too far,"

"Oh, my. I-I hope that she did not learn the wrong thing from that." Fluttershy was feeling strangely calm. Jason's features were slowly morphing into a soft smile that felt comforting.

"No, she didn't. She took every lesson you learned to heart. She would always have a doll of you with that same soft smile."

"Oh, that sounds nice,-" Fluttershy looks down in thought before speaking again. "-I'm sorry for your loss."

Jason nods again before he sighs and moves to the Gjallaarhorn. "You know, in a way, I am glad she is dead." There were several gasps of shock at the one-eighty turn in Jason's demeanor. "Don't misunderstand. I miss her. I'm just glad she didn't find that same website I did. Because meeting you, Fluttershy would've broken her heart, assuming she lived long enough to meet you that is." Jason spoke calmly.

"W-What?" She became more unsettled by his lack of anger.

Jason places his hand back on the Gjallarhorn. The image displays Fluttershy walking back to her cottage. It was midday, and several woodland critters hovered and scampered around her while humming happily. However, she stops when something calls out. "HELP ME!!!"

"Shut up, freak!"

*WHACK*

"AAAH!!!"

Fluttershy felt compelled to investigate. But, when she bursts into an open clearing, she stops. Jason was in a fetal position, trying to shield himself as three royal guard unicorn stallions wielded batons and beat him down. A brown well, dressed Earth pony stallion swirls his smoking pipe as he watches. Jason's face had welts and bruises. Blood trickled down his nose and the side of his head. Fluttershy saw a black eye and missing teeth. "Mr. Rich doesn't want some ugly monster prowling around his property!" The stallion ended his sentence with another swing against Jason's arm.

"I-I was in the shed. It's the only place I could be warm. Please. I'll work there for free if you--"

"Hit it again! Preferably on those tiny claws. I assume that's how it climbed over my fence. I can't have it trying to sneak into Diamond Tiara's rooms next. Who knows what could happen if it got inside the manor," Filthy Rich said. However, before the order is carried out, Filthy spots Fluttershy frozen in shock. "Oh, stay back, Miss Fluttershy. My butler found this dangerous creature prowling the property. I notified the guards here, and now, I'm making sure it doesn't get that idea again. You're an animal expert. Do you know how to keep pests like these out of our homes properly? I was thinking of getting some Orthros,"

Fluttershy heard the question, but she kept her eyes on Jason's face. Jason finally spots her and reaches out. "Fluttershy, help me, please!"

"Aah!" Fluttershy jumps back despite being the furthest away. "Yes, that will work. See you later, bye!!!"

Filthy watches as Fluttershy runs away. "Thank you, Miss Fluttershy. It's hard to see a sweet mare like her so terrified. Well? Smash those claws and break its hooves. I shudder to leave this thing capable of hurting an element of harmony,"

*CRACK*

"AAAH!!!"

The memory ends with the stallions following through with Mr. Rich's order. Once again, the courtroom fell silent. Some ponies left the room, while others found a nearby trash can to vomit. All eyes were on Fluttershy as the mare could not utter a word except an expression of horror. "Zecora was the one who found me in that clearing with my fingers and legs broken. She was able to nurse me back to health. But I get these aches and pains in my knees, and it's hard to open and close my hand sometimes," Jason said. "I thank god Susie isn't here to see this. That could've easily been a child even younger than the Crusaders."

"B-But-but, that was Mr. Rich and his goons. Fluttershy didn't touch you," Rainbow said, still in shock.

"A-And from the sound of it. You were trespassing," Rarity said, only to immediately regret it as Princess Celestia glared down at her and the rest of the courtroom.

"I'm sorry, I didn't realize trespassing in a shed far away from the Riches home that no one used warranted chasing them halfway across town to beat within an inch of their life instead of following standard protocol of 'leave or we'll arrest you'. Remember that no hotel would take me even if I had the bits. The cold nights of Ponyville were unforgiving. I had no choice. But I guess beating someone and breaking bones is standard procedure for the royal guard, I mean, we already saw what happened to Janus and Spike's real family. Guard brutality seems pretty common, at least against non-ponies."

"N-no. That is not proper conduct!" Celestia denied it, as it was her day guards in the memory acting like hired thugs.

Jason ignores the solar Princess and questions the shy pegasus. "Why? Why did you run away, Fluttershy?"

"N-no, I didn't--" Fluttershy stammers, unable to form a sentence. Jason moves closer to her, his expression turning more aggressive.

"You saw me. You looked me dead in my eyes and ran! You even gave Filthy Rich advice to abuse me further!!!"

"I-I didn't mean to--"

"You could've told them to stop. They would've listened. You're a national hero! I thought you were supposed to be kind!"

Fluttershy trembles as she shoots up with tears in her eyes. "I am! I am kind!" Just then, the Gjallarhorn sends out another pulse. A burst of magic leaves Fluttershy as it did for Celestia and Twilight. She stumbles briefly before she looks at Jason in recognition and horror. "I remember. I-I did see you. I've seen you so many times in Ponyville. I saw you hurt, beaten, and bloody, but I never helped you..." Fluttershy shrank at her admittance. She curls into a ball, similar to Jason's, and openly cries. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry!!!"

"Like I would believe you. You only had three years to fix this. It's not like you had chances to save me."

"P-Please. I am kind. I am a good pony!"

"Do you know my people have a saying that fits all the times you left me to suffer ideally? It goes like this: evil wins when good people - good ponies - do nothing. It bothers me that you didn't offer me any of that kindness you are known for all over Equestria. You did for a pony-eating manticore,"

"I'm sorry." Fluttershy's voice started to crack.

"You do it for all the dangerous animals in your cottage." He continued to calmly criticize her.

"Please!"

"You did for the parasprites that nearly devoured all of Ponyville."

"S-Stop!"

"You even give it to Discord. The same guy that ruled over Equestria in pure chaos while making ponies' life miserable. The same guy that corrupted you and your friends. Hell, he forcefully changed you personally. What else? Oh, yeah. He betrayed everyone, teamed up with Tirek, and helped him steal all the magic in Equestria. But, some fucking how, the most irresponsible, traitorous, man-child is more deserving of your kindness than me when my absolute worst crime was trespassing to escape the cold. Tell me something; if I tried to destroy the world, would you show me kindness then?"

"STOP!!!" Fluttershy hollers while her eyes go wide. Jason knew what was happening instantly. It was the stare in full effect, but he didn't even flinch. Instead, he began to chuckle, smiling at the fact he finally broke her into retaliation. Backing Fluttershy in a corner made her use it subconsciously. However, as Fluttershy glares intently into Jason's eyes, she sees everything. Jason's time on Earth. The times when he and Susie watch MLP. The moment he came to Equestria and the last time he ever smiled.

Then, she saw Jason's time in Ponyville. She saw everything the citizens did to him. She saw everything her friends did to him. She saw every time she cowed in fear of him. She saw Jason standing in a tree with a noose around his neck before he jumped. It was too much. Fluttershy's eyes went blank white, her pupils fading out to show unconsciousness. Her body would give subtle little twitches before she began to wobble. Finally, with a soft thud, Fluttershy passed out on the defense bench.

"Fluttershy!!!" The elements, and Celestia exclaims.

"Medical! Get the medical ponies in here right now!!!" Luna commands.

Meanwhile, as a commotion begins to erupt, Jason looked down at Fluttershy with a satisfied look on his face he made no attempt to hide. He was tempted to take full advantage of the fact she no longer had any protection from the Horn, but he decided to save that surprise, that reminder, for when a specific pony inevitably gives him the chance. "Truly, she's so kind that rather than take criticism, she'd instead try to mentally and emotionally assault an already mentally and emotionally damaged creature."

A tone that Rainbow Dash catches instantly. "That's it!!!" She zips into the air and charges toward Jason.

"Dashie, no!!!"

"Dashie, YESSSS!!!" Jason shouted excitedly.

*SMACK*
> Chapter 7.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The ponies in the gallery were scrambling within the courtroom. The judges were screaming for order. However, most of the attention was now on Rainbow Dash. Her body was comically flat against the opposing wall of the courtroom. With her speed, no one can react in time to stop her. Rainbow is just that fast. Everyone expected to see Jason flatten against the wall. However, no one expected Pinkie Pie to push Jason out of the way. Jason and Pinkie sat on the floor with the party mare lying across his stomach. Pinkie winces as Rainbow peels off the wall and hits the ground. Looking back at Jason, Pinkie wonders why he stares intently at the ceiling.

"Are you okay?" Pinkie asks tentatively.

"I don't think this is what people had in mind when they talked about getting blueballed." He said in a disappointed tone. "Now, get off me."

"...Right..." She walked back towards her friends as Rainbow Dash was indeed shook off the cobwebs.

Her eyes refocud on Jason as she snorts angrily. Instantly, she was in the air again. Only this time, Celestia caught her in her aura. "Ah! Let. GO!!!"

"Dashie, please stop. You're making things worse!" Pinkie pleaded.

"I'm making things worse?! Are you bucking kidding me!? Look at what he did to Fluttershy! Trying to make us the bad guys. Spying on us! Everything was fine until he showed his ugly mug. Now Fluttershy's cutie maker is gone!!!" Rainbow accused.

Rarity was right beside Fluttershy as the shy mare had a vacant hollow expression with fresh tears staining her cheeks. A hateful scowl lands on Jason as Rarity goes on a tirade. "Are you proud of yourself? Does it feel good to harm an innocent mare? Fluttershy is a fragile pony. She abhors violence. It's only natural she'd run away from it. She doesn't deserve to lose her cutie mark for the actions of others or be criticized for her timid nature!"

"I quite literally did nothing to her but criticize her cowardice and the fact she advised others on how to be cruel to a creature that spent more time and energy begging for mercy than retaliating. And considering how brave she's been in the past against more threatening situations, that should've been a cakewalk for her. I mean, look no further than when she convinced a dragon to leave its den." Jason refuted as he touched the Horn.

The image changes to the elements going up to the cave where the dragon is sleeping. The court saw the various attempts of the bearers to wake the dragon failing. At first, Rarity smiles at the memory as it shows Fluttershy being her timid self and hiding away. But then, her smile leaves, leading her to get the dragon to go so she can claim his hoard of treasure. She cringes when Rainbow Dash bucks the dragon's snout, waking him in a rage. And she becomes nervous when Fluttershy activates her stare and dresses him down.

"How dare you. How dare you! Listen here, mister! Just because your big doesn't mean you get to be a bully! You have huge teeth, snore smoke, and breathe fire, but you do not - I repeat - do not hurt my friends! You got that!"

"Y-Yes, she did do that," Rarity said reluctantly.

A groan sounds from the judges as Ember covers her face. "Wonderful. Now I have to talk with Crimson about his dwelling relocation. No dragon believed it when he returned to the Dragonlands because of a pony,"

"I must ask why a group of civilians went to convince a fully grown dragon to leave its cave instead of you or your guard, Celestia?" Queen Novo said.

Celestia sighs as another of her decisions comes into question. "I believed that the presence of the royal guard might have led to a gross misunderstanding between the two parties."

"Well, considering what happened to Spike's parents and the town they died near, that's probably the closest thing to a competent decision you've made in the past few decades. And this was supposed to be a test of their diplomacy, correct?" Jason once again called her ability to rule into question.

"A test that they very nearly failed due to the actions of that one!" Queen Novo points to Rainbow Dash, who stops struggling with Celestia's hold as she sit Rainbow back at the defendant's bench.

"The disappointment is mounting, Miss Dash. This is the second time you are acting both carelessly and recklessly. There shall not be a third!" Luna stated. "The court will add attempted assault charges after your little display,"

"What!? But he--" Rainbow exclaimed.

"Jason conducted himself as a plaintiff should. You, as a defendant, only hurt Fluttershy and those beside you more," Cadance said with a shake of her head.

"Actually, that would be attempted murder. Taking into account what we've seen hooves alone can do with a basic punch against me, how much damage do you think she, mare capable of breaking the sound barrier, would've done if we apply the calculation of force into her attack? The mass of an object multiplied by its acceleration, she would've put me in critical condition if I were lucky." Jason tried to incriminate her even more.

"A fair point." Gruff agreed.

"But she wasn't trying to kill him!" Twilight tried to defend her.

"It doesn't matter. She intentionally tried to commit a crime she should've known could've killed him. So even if it wasn't the intent, the injuries alone would be all the evidence needed for the conviction." He explained.

"As for the dragon, why did you not report the issue to Celestia instead of resorting to violence? Why were you also without the elements of harmony"?" Queen Novo continues.

"W-Well, the dragon wasn't bad, just a little thoughtless in his sleeping pattern. And Princess Celestia trusted us. I believed we could handle it, and we did!" Twilight said.

"Was it misplaced trust or incompetence all around, I wonder?"

"The correct answer is yes. But if you'd like another example, how about that minotaur she scammed?" Jason said as he touched the Horn again.

Playing the memory shows Rarity and Pinkie trying to dissuade a minotaur from seeing the shy mare. The judges all frown when Rarity and Pinkie refer to Iron Wall as a monster. Finally, after Fluttershy opens the door, Iron request what he is owed.

"You were a doormat, and Iron Will turned you into a lean, mean, assertive machine! Pay Iron Will what you owe Iron Wil!"

"No," Fluttershy said to the shock of everyone. "As I recall, during your workshop, you promised one hundred percent satisfaction from your customers, or we don't pay. Well, I am not satisfied,"

"Not only do we see Flutterhsy stand up to several creatures larger than her, but we also see the supposed good pony scamming a hardworking creature." Jason said.

"Now, hold on! That Mon-"Rarity quickly catches herself. "That Minotaur's seminar turned Fluttershy into an awful and horrid pony," Rarity said.

Another memory plays of Fluttershy interacting with ponies after IronWill'ss seminar. However, while some cases show ponies being rude to Fluttershy and the shy pegasus responds accordingly, other issues show Fluttershy being the aggressor. "Now, can you tell the court where in Iron Will's seminar he says throw ponies into haystacks, beat ponies out of a taxi, and mail post ponies in a display of irony? Fluttershy clearly states she is proud of her new attitude. And you two supported it. Fluttershy, in the end, even openly admits that she took the assertiveness lesson too far. So, Iron Will has grounds to sue all three of you for his compensation. Especially considering it was you two that convinced Fluttershy to do so."

"But his so-called lesson was far too general. Any pony could've done the same things Fluttershy did!"

"Then, where are the cases of other ponies who attended that seminar going over the top with their assertiveness?" Rarity could not answer. "It is only common sense to know when and where to be assertive. Although being assertive is not grounds for assaulting ponies."

"The court is inclined to agree, Miss Belle." Luna said. "The crown will hear his case about producing Iron Will with his full and proper payment for his seminar."

"And now the question becomes this; Is Fluttershy going to avoid accountability for her actions again?" Jason asked. "We saw it in the memories of Iron Will. You even saw it when she used her Stare on me. Questions for later I suppose. Since we still have time and you're so eager to defend her, how about we turn our attention to you, Rarity."

"Me? I have nothing to hide! I'm well aware of my faults, and I won't let you use them as weapons against us." She touched the Horn and began to play a variety of memories, from drama to various acts of her good character all with a song playing.



More acts play out, such as cutting off her tail to give to Steven Magnet. Another was when she offered to make costumes for a designer for their show. And she makes clothes for needy foals in various orphanages between Ponyville and Canterlot. And all the times she and her friends dealt with threats to Equestria. "Of course, there are the more personal challenges my friends and I face." It was confirmed as Rarity dons a detective outfit to expose a ploy to get Rainbow Dash kicked out of the Wonderbolts by Wind Rider. A different scene with Rarity applauding Fluttershy during her stint as a model where no one else would. And, the time at the Canterlo garden party where Rarity chose her Ponyville friends over Canterlot's elite.

"As you all can see. Yes, I am flawed, but that is not all I am. I believe my better qualities far outshine my worst ones."

The gallery applauded, but it wasn't as loud as before. The gallery members were cautious about giving their full support as Jason has a counter for all of the defendant's rebuttals. The fact that Jason is applauding them supports the thought. "Very nice show. But I believe you left out some aspect of that generous personality, Miss Belle."

Rarity narrows her eyes at Jason. "And you presume to know me better? Does that little show about our lives grant you that knowledge!?"

Jason shakes his head. "Only important key events, not every single aspect. But, from my experience, some of your negative tendencies take priority over your generosity. What I mean is that you are vain, manipulative, and greedy,"

"I beg your pardon!" Rarity shrieks in denial and outrage.

"My people have another saying; we all wear masks. There's who we are underneath, who we want others to see, and who we want specific individuals to see. Princess Celestia has had thousand years to craft her mask for the public, one for the nobles, and one for her family." Celestia shifts in irritation. "You hide your true face behind your looks and charms. Just look at how you take advantage of Spike's crush on you."

Several gasps go out as Rarity's jaw falls open. "That is a lie!" She denied the accusation.

"Let's see then, are you aware that Spike has had a crush on you since day one?"

"That is not relevant at all to the matter at hand!" Rarity stated.

"I'd say that it is!" Ember said with a low growl. "Answer the question!"

"I intend to prove all three claims I levied at you. You know about Spike's feelings - as do the other defendants - and use that to your advantage. Do you deny it?" Jason made a gesture to the Gjallarhorn. The mystical artifact gave off a low hum as if daring the unicorn to say otherwise.

Rarity bites her lip before she sighs. "...Yes, I am aware of Spike's feelings..."

"And yet, you don't reciprocate nor have you tried to let him down. Instead, you continue to use his feelings for you to your advantage. You've been leading him on for years because you know it's easier to manipulate someone when they adore you, especially if you throw the occasional flirtatious sign towards them."

"I've never done such a thing!" Rarity denies.

"I present to the court exhibit A, Vanity," The episode of the Sonic Rain-boom plays. At first, everyone was surprised to see it was mainly about Rainbow Dash. However, Rarity's moment came when Twilight cast a spell that allowed the unicorn to fly. From there, Rarity became self-absorbed by all the praise Rarity's new wings gave her. So much so that Rarity completely disregards Rainbow Dash and the bullying she suffered. The fashionista showed Rainbow Dash up every time turn until it was the two of them left in the Young Flyers' competition.

"Look upon me, Equestria! For I am Rarity!" The memory ends with Rainbow Dash saving Rarity and the Wonderbolts after Rarity's wings burnt away in the sun.

"Is this not vanity in its purest form? You were the one to propose you support Rainbow Dash for her competition. Yet, the moment you got praise for your false wings, Rainbow became an afterthought."

"I already apologize to Rainbow for losing myself with my wings. Everything resolved itself in the end." Rarity stated.

"Oh, so we should just gloss over the fact that three Wonderbolts nearly lost their lives trying to save a unicorn that never should have been in danger in the first place? How appalling. But it does not stop there, members of the court."

The Gjallarhorn glows as an image of Rarity and Spike in her shop plays out. Rarity is currently working on a dress Fluttershy is modeling.

"More sequence!" Spike comes skipping along with a bowl of glitter and a lovestruck face as Rarity sprinkles it on Fluttershy. "Ah! It needs more ribbon!" Spike appears behind Fluttershy while adding two ribbons. "No, less ribbon," Spike removes them. "No, wait, more ribbon!" Spike returns it as Rarity inspects the dress's helm. "Urgh! The helm is completely off. Pincushion!" Spike returns with several needles sticking out of his back a moment later.

Twilight and Pinkie walk into the frame with a look of concern for Spike. "Doesn't that hurt you?" Twilight asks.

"Thick scales. I can't feel a thing. Besides, anything is worth it to help the most beautiful pony in the world~." The memory ends with Rarity getting ecstatic to the point where she repeatedly jumps up and down in joy onto Spike's tail. The baby dragon winces at every stomp with the same lovestruck face until Twilight moves him away.

"Miss Belle, do you deny the events we just saw?" Jason asks as murmurs from the crowd go off, and a growl escapes Ember's maw.

"No, those events did happen. I recruited Fluttershy's and Spike's aid for that dress. I asked them both, and they wholeheartedly agreed." Rarity said.

"And what about Spike? Ordering him around like a servant and subjecting him to abuse on top of not expressing any concern or even apologizing to him. That's not even a little screwed up to you?"

"I tend to get swept up at the moment whenever inspiration hits. I would never intentionally harm my little Spiky-Wicky," Rarity said.

"And that's an excuse for hurting your friend? It's fine if it's not intentional. No wonder I didn't stand a chance if that's how you absentmindedly treat those you call friends. Throughout that whole memory, you paid Spike no heed. You even waved him off in a dismissive manner. Was Spike even paid for helping you with your profession? Doesn't Equestria have strict rules against foal labor?"

"Equestrian law dictates that foals under the age of fifteen are not permitted to work in any capacity," Luna recites.

"And while he is of age by pony standards, we have to bear in mind that dragons age differently, so you had no right doing this. And can anyone tell me what the labor laws are for non-ponies? If not, I can pull it up using the Horn." Jason offered.

Luna did not answer right away. "Any non-pony is not eligible to apply for work themselves. They must have a third party of a pony living in equestrian. The employer must take the non-pony to an official establishment for processing. After that, the third party can determine the payout for any labor assigned,"

All the judges narrow their eyes at that law. "So, you must be an enslaved person with less pay than a pony citizen. I have other documents of incidents where non-ponies suffer unjust treatment. But I will get into that later. By Equestrian law, Miss Belle, you did not register Spike as under your employ. Hell, you had no grounds even to do so since, as we established earlier, Spike is the house of Sparkle pet, meaning that would be illegal even if he was of age and went through the labor system."

"It should go without saying that Spiky-Wiky is not a pet in our eyes!" Rarity staunchly defends.

"That's funny that you keep calling him by that pet name." Jason said, earning a sneer from the unicorn. "It's just another means of you manipulating a creature that's keen on you. That brings me to Exhibit B: Manipulation." The memory of Fluttershy facing the dragon returns. "I want to bring back the time the elements went to remove the sleeping dragon. As we can see here, Miss Belle enters the cave after Twilight's failed attempt. She begins talking to Crimson by laying on the 'pony charm,' as she calls it. At the same time, we see Rarity taking pieces of Crimson's hoard on her person. I do not doubt that if she convinced the dragon to leave, the treasure hoard would've vanished without a trace!"

"Ah, haha..." Rarity laughs nervously, unable to deny what was evident.

"Crimson isn't the only dragon Rarity lays on the pony charm,"

Another memory plays from the Gjallarhorn. "Spike! You got to stall Twilight! Whatever you do, don't let her come home!" Rarity asks.

"Like forever? But she lives here," Spike says.

"Oh, well, maybe you can manage until sunset-sh," She ends her sentence while fluttering her eyelash in a flirting manner.

"Anything for you, Rarity~,"

"Deny it all you want, for better or worse, you're quite experienced at seduction and getting men to do what you want. Here's another example." Jason touched the Horn to replay when Spike gave her a fire ruby.

Spike is coming down the stairs of the Library with a gem. It was no ordinary jewel as it was bright red and shaped like a heart. When Twilight inquires, Spike explains that it was a fire ruby he had been cultivating for months. It was a birthday present to himself as a snack until Rarity entered the Library.

"Hellooo. Twilight? Is anypony home?" Rarity gasps as she spies Spike with his gem. "Is that a fire ruby?! That must be twenty carrots! No inclusions. New facets!"

"And, totally delicious!" Spike said.

"Uh, you guys don't mind?" Twilight asks in irritation.

"Oh, sorry, dear. I came by to see if you have any books on historical fashion," Rarity begins to walk away before questioning Spike. "Did you say delicious?"

"Sure did. Next week is my birthday. And this is my birthday dinner," Spike said.

The memory shows Rarity reading her book, but her attention keeps returning to Spike and his Ruby. "I hope it is as tasty as it is beautiful, Spike. I've never seen anything quite so stunning before."

Spike looks at his Ruby as Rarity paws at the ground. "Gosh, you like it, huh?"

"Like it? It's magnificent~." Rarity, in the memory, made another show of flicking her mane and fluttering her eyelashes.

The effect causes Spike to sigh as he hands Rarity his Ruby. "Then, you should have it. This beautiful gem should be with you, Rarity."

Rarity takes the jewel in her magic while prancing around happily. "I don't know what to say. What a thoughtful gesture. Thank you, Spike. Mmwuh~," The memory ends with Rarity kissing Spike on the cheek as the dragon goes stiff and faints.

"It looks like we also have an early example of your greed. Don't you feel any shame using your charms to con Spike out of his Ruby that he spent time nursing? And all he gets is a kiss on the cheek? From a pony who doesn't like him back the same way?" Jason said in an accusatory tone.

"N-No. It wasn't like--"

Rarity started, but Jason cut her off. "Then, what was it like!? You heard Spike say he was saving that Ruby for his birthday! He found and was entitled to it, but your greed prevented him from having it. You can find gems on your own; why take Spike's? Because you knew if you laid on the charms knowing Spike wouldn't refuse you. Whether you two realized it or not, that gem was significant, and that's putting it lightly."

A sudden slam got everyone's attention as Ember stood up, flaring her wings. "It's more than that!" She moves to the center of the room while glaring a hole through Rarity. "Fire Ruby is a special jewel because of their rare and elusiveness nature. Do you know why?"

"Um, why?" Rarity asks cautiously.

"Because a dragon's essence cultivates it. Our ambient magic allows it to grow anywhere near the dragon's location. That makes it easy for the dragon to find. In the dragon's possession, it gains more of our essence the longer we keep it. Yes, it makes for a tasty snack. But, more importantly, dragons use it as a sign of love! We present it to a mate we find desirable. What Spike did was basically like giving you his heart. Hence the shape of it! But it's also dangerous because rejecting a fire ruby can cause the dragon to go into a deep depression. Or, taking it and not giving your love back makes the dragon subservient to you!"

Now, it was the defendant's turn to gasp. "Subservient?"

Anger and contempt began forming on the Dragonlord's features. "It means he can't say no to you. He'll always yearn for you and no one else! Where is it? The only way to break the effects is to give it back!"

"Oh, well, I - um - sold it..." Rarity taps her hoof together nervously.

"Aaaaahhhhh, a tale as old as time. Boy meets girl, the falls in love, gives her his heart, and she sells it to pay the bills." Jason said, causing Ember to glare at him for a split second.

"It was a slow season when I did it. I needed the extra bits to support my boutiques. Surely, the effects of the gem are exaggerated?" Rarity tried to downplay her screw up.

"It could take years to get over the feelings he gave to you!" Ember shouts.

"So, you took Spike's heart, his kindness, generosity, and love for yourself just to throw it away at a moment of convenience." Jason summarizes.

"No, none of us knew that was the case. Dragon culture is still a mystery to us." Twilight spoke up.

"Like I'm pretty sure I said during your trial, I find it shocking that a studious mare like yourself would leave such a glaring gap in knowledge. Especially for one so close as their supposed brother." He taunted.

"That was one of the purposes of my new school. To learn about a friend's culture and how to respect it!"

"Spike's been with your family since you hatched him. And you are telling us that you are only now seeking knowledge about his kind?" Jason counters. Twilight shrinks away from the judgemental stares of the judges. "I guess it's better late than never. But it doesn't stop there, does it, Miss Belle? I call the court's attention to Exhibit C: Greed, of which I have several examples to give. Starting with her first time attending the Gala." He said as he replayed that night.

The memory plays out with Rarity meeting the Prince in the garden. Rarity gestures to the rose, expecting the Prince to adorn it to her person. Instead, he fixes it to his clothing. The night continued with the Prince shattering every expectation Rarity envisioned. Moments like the Prince hogging the pillow for himself, urging Rarity to use her cloak to walk over a puddle, having Rarity pay for the food he instantly found disgusting, and making her open doors for him. Finally, everything fell apart when a flying cake hit Rarity's body after the Prince used her for a shield.

"Urgh! You, sir, are the most uncharming Prince I've ever met! The only thing royal about you is that you are a royal pain!!!" Rarity shrieks.

"Ew! Get Away! I just had myself groomed!!!"

"Afraid to get yourself dirty?!" Rarity shakes herself violently, launching the remaining cake all over the Prince, who topples over and ends the memory.

"All that showed was how far from a prince that stallion truly is. Any mare with any self-respect would've done the same thing!"

"Anyone with was genuine in their interest in the individual wouldn't have made it so painfully obvious they were only interested in all the perks being with them would bring. You're what people back home would call a gold digger." Rarity took offense at the accusation. "Even if you were genuinely interested in him, did the thought never occur to you that he's been through this song and dance so many times that he might only see gold diggers in any mare that approaches him? I'm sure you're familiar with the concept of pattern recognition, yes?"

"That's still no excuse for his methods. A simple 'no' would've sufficed! And I am no 'gold digger'!"

"Again, he's been through it often enough to know that doesn't work. In situations like that, it just makes more sense to skip steps 1-9 and go straight to 10 and save everyone precious time. Also, I have proof you are, almost literally in a later example." Jason replayed the events of 'ticket master'.

All elements state their reason for the Gala and why they should go. Then, it came up to Rarity. "I have designed dresses for the Gala for years. But I never had the opportunity to go there. Oh, the society, the culture, the glamor. It's where I truly belong. And it's where I will meet him,"

"Him?" Pinkie and Twilight ask.

"Yes, him, my Prince charming. I would stroll through the Gala, and everyone would wonder, who is that mysterious mare? They would never guess I was a simple pony from little old Ponyville. The sensation I would cause would allow me to be invited to an audience with Princess Celestia herself. My style and elegance would so take her that she would introduce me to her nephew, Prince Blueblood—the most handsome eligible unicorn stallion in Canterlot. Our eyes would meet, our hearts would melt, and our courtship would be magnificent. He would ask for my hoof in marriage, and I would say yes. Then, we would have a royal wedding befitting a Princess, which is what I will become upon marrying him. The stallion of my dreams~,"

"And how did this turn out? You and your friends completely trashed the Gala, which was paid for by you guessed it: Celestia!" Jason replayed the final moments of the Gala to show just how destructive it was.

"And you have more to suggest she is avaricious?" Luna asked.

"Yes, I'm referring to her encounter with a pack of diamond dogs living outside of Ponyville."

"You mean the ones who foalnapped and enslaved me?!" Rarity asked, raising her voice in disbelief.

"Legally speaking, it wasn't. By law, it was justified for her crimes." Jason answered.

"What crimes?! They don't even have a kingdom, and all I've ever done was farm for gems. They took me into their burrows and made me work in horrid conditions, farming their gems!" Rarity said a matter of factly. The fashionista returns to the Gjallarhorn and displays the moment the diamond dogs capture her. From there, everything played out as Jason had seen from the episode, with Rarity whining and complaining to get the dogs to release her and surrender a sizable portion of their gems. "See? That pack accosted Spike and I while forcing me to mine their gems. And they called me a mule!"

"Yes, that happened, and it was their right to deal out a proper punishment for your crimes." Jason said.

"Could you please elaborate on how this was a crime and not her abduction?" Novo requested.

"Gladly. You see, their home is legally recognized by Celestia as their territory with their own rules, which were given to the neighboring ponies." Jason used the Horn to show the associated documents to the judges. "Each Mayor would get it renewed, but after Mayor Mare took over, the dogs had instead been chased out of town by the guard who went to complain about all the ponies trespassing and stealing their gems." Jason used the Horn to show the associated documents to the judges. "What's on these is a list of damages. Ponyville is disaster-prone, after all. The second document is a letter the Mayor sent to outside contractors to mine in diamond dog territory. Normally, if any ponies wanted to operate there territory, they would engage in some trade. But, with the dogs effectively banned from Ponyville, the ponies can trespass with impunity. Thus, going against Celestia's decree."

"As for how this has anything to do with Rarity?" Jason continued. "She's been legally trespassing and stealing gems from them since she got her Cutie Mark. She was not abducted, she was arrested and put to work. The work is determined by how much was stolen. One cart of gems would be one week of work. So, if we tally up her crimes regarding the diamond dogs alone, that's trespassing, multiple counts of grand theft, evasion of punishment, and the invasion of foreign territory without cause."

"I-... But-..." Rarity stammered.

Jason surveyed the courtroom. The gallery all whisper harsh criticism about Rarity and, by extension, the defendant bench. Most of the judges sent disapproving glares at the elements. However, Cadance shows a deep concern with how the trial is going. And Luna was a picture of irritation and fatigue.

The defendants themselves were looking more run down with each testimony. Fluttershy was still catatonic from losing her cutie mark. Pinkie Pie was by her side. She would send some sad glances toward Jason, which he promptly turned away. Applejack was hard to read as her hat was covering her features. Rainbow Dash was looking angrier with each passing second. Twilight's mane began to gain split ends from all the stress. And Princess Celestia held a tight stoic expression. But the sharp flick of her tail told Jason she was also angry, but not at him. Finally, Rarity was looking lost. She looks around the courthouse for any sympathy but finds none. Now, it was time for the nail in the coffin.

"You know, Miss Belle, I have another claim against you. It stemmed from when I came to you one rainy night. Oh how much better the world would be if our appearances were reflections of who we truly are. You would no doubt be the abomination that would give nightmares to the nightmares." He touched the Horn once again to replay his first meeting with Rarity.

The Gjallarhorn glows again as a rain image displays. Jason's ragged form treks, holding his shoulders and shivering from the cold. He looks up to see the carousel boutique and spots Rarity throwing out some trash before returning inside. Jason quickens his pace. He makes it to the door and knocks at it. However, Sweetie Belle is the one to answer.

"Um, who are you? We're closed right now. You'll have to come back in the morning,"

"I-I know," Jason shivers. "I just would like to speak to your sister, please,"

Sweetie stares at Jason in confusion, trying to see past the hood covering his face. "Okay, I'll get her. Do you want to come inside and warm up?"

"T-Thank you," Jason said sincerely.

Sweetie allows Jason inside. She guides him to one of the chairs and lets him sit. "I know just the thing to help me whenever I am cold—some good old hot chocolate. I'll make you some. Oh, yeah. Rarity, we have company. Somepony needs to talk to you."

"I'm on my way, Sweetie. Just give me a few seconds," Raity calls out from upstairs.

Jason sits alone and smiles for the first time in weeks. "I knew I could count on your generosity. Finally, something is going right."

Sweetie comes back with a cup of chocolate, just as promised. "Here you go. Don't worry. It's not burnt. I've been practicing,"

Jason lets out a weak chuckle while looking at the clear brown liquid. "Y-You did a good job,"

Just as Jason was about to take a slip, Rarity came downstairs. "Now, Sweetie, who is it you said was visiting-- WAAH!?! Sweetie! Get away from that thing!!!"

Rarity's magic flares out as she flips Jason's cup into his face. "AAAH!?" Jason screams from the sting of the hot chocolate. He falls to his knees and feels several items strike against his body.

"You brute. You horrid, disgusting, filthy monster! How dare you come into my home! You were trying to take my sister, weren't you?!"

"No, stop! Please!"

"Rarity!" Sweetie calls to her sister.

Rarity stops her assault long enough to check on her sister. "Oh, my poor Sweetie Belle. What has that thing done to you? It's okay. Your big sister will protect you,"

Sweetie looks back to Jason, who struggles to protect himself. "But, he--"

"It's okay. I won't let that brute harm a hair on your mane," Rarity turns back to Jason with the most hateful glare he'd ever thought a pony could make. "You vile contemptible fiend! Have you no shame? Traumatizing my sister with your wretchedness!"

"W-Wait. Please. I only came for some clothes. Please, it's freezing out," Jason begs, but his pleas fall on deaf ears.

"You'd honestly think I'd waste a single stitch of clothing on your putrid hide. I would sooner sully my brand-making clothes for a mule before entertaining such lunacy! Get out! Get out and don't come back!!!"

Rarity throws more items with renewed vigor. This action prompted Jason to hurry out of Rarity's boutique. The memory ends with Jason stumbling out of sight, still reeling from the hot choco to the face. Once again, no one spoke in the courtroom. "Ah, what a beautiful face for one so fair as yourself," Jason said sarcastically. "You know, in an ironic twist, the hot chocolate to the face did warm me up."

"N-no. That-- I wouldn't. That was not me!" Rarity cries.

"That is you. That was the mask coming off and your true face and nature coming to the surface." Jason chuckles as he shakes his head. "A filly. Your sister showed me more kindness and generosity than anyone in your town ever did. It must be a cruel twist of fate that such a good pony is related to you. She is truly the only pony I don't hate, but unfortunately for her, my hatred for you and the rest of your kind overshadows any semblance of care I might've had for her. That almost makes what I plan to do hurt me. Almost."

"No... No! That wasn't me! I didn't do-" the Horn glowed as it extracted magic from Rarity, who stumbled as the others did before looking at Jason wide-eyed. "I did... I did do that!"

"No shit! What was your first clue?! I've only been telling you this for days now as I've proven you and your friends guilty beyond a reasonable doubt for crimes that in a fair system, would see you all locked for the rest of your lives."

"I believe we have heard enough for today. The court will reconvene tomorrow!" Luna bangs the gavel harder this time as she and the others leave.

Many of the court members also glared at the fashionista as they left. "Wait. Wait! I can explain! Please!" Rarity cried, but no one would heed her. Rarity took on a hopeful expression for a moment. "Spiky-Wiky. He'll believe me!" She didn't even take three steps towards the door before Jason stopped her with an ice wall.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you. Afterall, he's been watching these trials the whole time. I mean, they are being broadcasted across the world. Go if you want, but even he can't be that stupid. Really, the only person who I would trust near him at this point would be Ember, and that's about as likely to go up in flames as it is to help him. Go on though, I want to watch as the unloved wannabe dragon falls further into the realization that he's never been anything more than a tool that has long since served its purpose." Jason said sadistically, knowing the Horn was still broadcasting.

"He. Is. Not. A TOOL!!!" Twilight shouted in the RCV.

"Try telling that to the abused and neglected pet/ slave whose entire life has basically revolved around serving you, and later, your friends. Where was this 'big sister' mode every time in the past he needed you? We've already seen exactly where you were, so don't even bother answering. I almost feel sorry for him. I imagine all these harsh truths are just killing him." He smiled once they caught on to the implication, as empty as it was, and sped past him.

"I hope you're all enjoying the show." Jason addressed the viewers. "Entertainment like this is simply to die for!" He said before turning off the broadcast.
> Chapter 8.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jason used the Horn this time to see how much further the Elements could fall after that trial. He was half bluffing about Spike's current condition, but he found it entertaining all the same. Seeing a perfect opportunity, he started broadcasting again, focusing on them.

"Go away." Spike said coldly through the door.

"We're worried about you, Spike. Nopony has seen you in days. are you even eating?" Twilight asked.

"Why do you care? Need your slave back so soon?" He asked bitterly.

"You know you're not a slave! You're-" Rarity started, but he didn't let her finish.

"Oh! Silly me! Did I say 'slave'? I meant pet." He corrected himself.

A flash of hurt hit all the Bearers faces. "You know you're not a pet to any of us." Twilight tried to comfort him.

"Celestia and your parents say differently. But you're right I suppose." Hope flashed across their faces. "I'm worth even less! At least pets hear their owners say 'I love you', something I never heard from the ponies I looked up to as parents! At least pets aren't treated like slaves! At least pets sometimes get to sleep in actual beds unlike me!" He vented, the Bearers becoming progressively worse with each.

"Spike..." Twilight said with tears in her eyes.

"I'm lucky to even be alive. Your grandfather killed my family and was called a hero for it! I would be dead or worse if he had his way. Maybe I'm better off dead." His voice cracked as he choked back a sob.

"Don't say that! Don't let that monster-" Rainbow started, but Spike didn't let her finish.

"Jason. Wright. He has a name. Use it!" Spike said angrily, causing her to flinch.

"Are you kidding me?! All he's done is spread lies and make everypony look bad! All he's done is hurt ponies for no good reason!"

"Even Celestia and Luna confirmed lying is impossible with the Gjallarhorn. Do you mean to tell me that Twilight had a good reason to turn away a fan who just wanted to be friends? You all had a good reason to abandon somecreature in need at every turn thus far? Ponyville had a good reason to beat him down when he was at his lowest?" He asked.

"I'd bet you're the reason why he has those electrical scars! Lightning is deadlier against creatures with less magic, what good reason could there be to try to kill anything that still has yet to be proven to have done anything that would warrant that kind of force?!" He accused her.

"What? Lightning is completely harmless. You know I wouldn't do that!" She denied the accusation.

"Then you either failed flight school, or they neglected to teach that. And do I really know you wouldn't?" He began to question them and their standings. "I thought Equestria was the greatest and most welcoming country in the world, but friendship and harmony keep looking more and more like they're exclusive to ponies. Non-ponies barely have any more rights than animals., some are probably like me even, pets."

"I thought Sombra and Chrysalis were pure evil, but everything they've done, Equestria has done worse for less. Everything they did was a reaction to what ponies did to them first! They didn't even kill anycreature! Who's to say Tirek wasn't the same?"

"I thought Celestia was as wise as she was kind, but when her own poor decisions aren't putting everything at risk, it's ponies she trusts who end up setting it all ablaze. I thought Twilight would always be willing to teach and learn about friendship, but she proved that wrong with Jason, and look where that got him. I thought Fluttershy, despite how timid she was, could always be relied on when somepo-creature was in need, but she left an innocent to be tortured and die. I thought my fire ruby meant something to Rarity, but it was just another cash grab."

"I thought I was abandoned by my parents, but they died protecting me from royal guards, who I thought were all as reliable and honorable like Shining, but they're really just murderers in uniform...employed by the very same princess I looked up to. I thought Nightlight and Twilight Velvet loved me, but they've hated and feared me... Me! A baby dragon since I hatched! It's as Jason said, they used me!"

"I thought that I was one of you, but I can't work, own property, marry, enter most establishments, and even if I haven't been neutered, Equestrian law says I can't have children anyway? I thought you all loved and respected me, but you always leave me behind, you make fun of me, you use me, and what do I get? Huh??!!" He slammed the door open, giving them a perfect view of how much worse for wear he's been. He's noticeably thinner, tear stains going down his cheeks, and his scales are cracked, some even have dark stains around them.

"I'm lucky if I get a thank you! But I could always count on more chores. I could always count on my attempts to be like ponies to be thrown right back in my face, like how Rarity threw that cup of hot chocolate right in Jason's face as he begged for clothes to keep warm."

"Do I really know any of you? If he's going in order of the worst offenders, just how many more lies are about to come to light? How deep is the corruption in your government??!! How many creatures like me or Janus are living in Equestria right now?! How many Gales have there been in this country where non-ponies can't even press charges against ponies for even the worst crimes?!"

He sniffled and took a moment to catch his breath. "My entire life has been nothing but lies. Everything I've believed in has been crumbling one by one. My 'family' never even wanted me, tolerated me at best. My 'friends' spend more time working me to the bone than actually being anything to me like how they are to each other. Those same friends are being proven as frauds and criminals by a victim they made. Lastly, my 'home' hates me for things out of my control."

"So, tell me, what should I believe? My own personal experiences and the absolute truths that keep getting revealed? Or should I believe the friends and family I never even had?" He asked in a hollow tone. "I'm done with you. I'm done with Ponyville. I'm done with Equestria as a whole!" His scales ignited in a dark green flame and just as quickly extinguished themselves. "I'm going with Ember back to the Dragonlands if she'll have me. At least there, any disrespect will be because of how weak I am instead of my very existence."

He almost slammed the door but had one last thing to say. "Tell Shield Wall if you see him that he should've smashed my egg when he had the chance. Tell Nightlight and Velvet that if I ever see them again, I'll see just how fire resistant everything they own really is."

Shock became evident on the Elements' faces, they never imagined they would hear the dragon openly saying he wanted to hurt anything. "You can't actually mean that, Spike! What do you think would happen if you did?!"

He shrugged. "Legally? Nothing. I'm an animal, remember? And the last magical dragon on top of that. They can't exile me, imprison me, neuter me if they haven't already, and they can't kill me without committing genocide and breaking even more of their own laws." He opened the door just enough for them to see a pile of books behind him.

"I've already checked. As an animal, I literally cannot be charged for a variety of crimes. And Shield Wall? He already killed my parents and tried to sell me, that could easily be written off as a trauma induced attack against a known threat to its safety. It would be easy to say he provoked me."

"As for your parents' home? You heard; you saw what Jason showed. I was supposed to be put down multiple times over, most if not all of those times weren't my fault, but I was still blamed and almost killed anyway. They're about as much a threat to me as Shield Wall. I'm only alive because it benefited you and your brother. So, let me ask you this, dear 'sister'..." He closed the distance and brought her face close to his.

"Why shouldn't I do it? What do I have to lose?"




Jason was covering his mouth, amusement as well as pride being what he felt most in this moment. He was bluffing before, he didn't expect this kind of development from the dragon, but it was so much better. He was almost tempted to just sit back and let Spike take the spotlight for a while, but he was too eager to finish the trials and bring about the end of everything.

"Still, if he follows through, it can only benefit me."

"Show them then. Show them the monster they created if you have the resolve." He said to no one before ending the broadcast and calling it a night.
> Chapter 9.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jason was more excited for the trials than he was before as he took his place in the courtroom. He noticed a few new faces and knew exactly who they were. The Pie, Rainbow, and Apple families both came, to support the associated defendants, he had no doubts. The increased confidence on Applejack's face only made this more enjoyable for him as he knew just how to start off with her trial.

"Your greatest strength will be your greatest weakness."

"Members of the court. It is known how honest and hard working the Apple family is, but that's really just the surface. In truth, they're as stubborn as they are foolish and untrustworthy." He started.

"Bold claims," Luna stopped Applejack from speaking out "and after the last few days, I trust you can back these up?"

"Of course, and I know just where to start; with Flim and Flam." He said, shocking the Elements.

"They're con ponies, and you want to use them of all varmints?!" Applejack asked with a mix of confidence and offense.

"'Con ponies' you say? Even I must question where you're going with this." Luna looked at Jason skeptically.

"There's no denying the brothers offered a trash deal at first where they gain the majority in a 70/30 split. Afterall, all they did initially was provide an opportunity to use a machine that could make cider in a very short time. But this first example comes from when the apple family bet their farm against the brothers in a competition where they see who could produce the most." Jason prepared to play the memories he was referring to.

"You bet your farm? Why in the world would you do that?" Cadence asked, baffled at how far the family was willing to go.

"Well, It's no secret that Apples are proud of our product and work ethic. So, when those two swindlers started goading us, then, of course, we would not back down!" Applejack responded.

"Admitting to stubbornness already? Works for me." Jason said as he played the memories.

"Yes. The brothers would be the rightful owners of the farm if the bet was on a legally binding contract." Luna confirmed, shocking the Elements.

"What?!" Rainbow shouted in disbelief. "But most of what they made was with rotten apples!"

"Princess, how can you say that?" Applejack asked.

"It's simple really." Jason started. "The bet was specifically between them and the Apple family for one. The second is the bet specifically asked for quantity, not quality. Even cider mixed with poison would've counted in their favor."

Luna looked at him with mild concern. "Yes, though a rather extreme way to explain it. You should consider yourselves fortunate that no contract was made or you'd be without a home."

"Then again, knowing how stubborn and dishonest she is, I have no doubts she'd do everything in her power to get back her farm, probably even use the guards to arrest the 'trespassers' if she realized the farm still belonged to her family." Jason commented.

"I'm true to my wo-"

"*cough* bullshit *cough*!" Jason faked a cough.

"I ain't no liar. I was raised better than that, like we're raisin' Applebloom." She looked at her sister with a small amount of pride.

"Much like the honor of the Royal Guard, I'm not questioning your honesty... I'm denying its existence. After all, I can still name several times you personally put others at risk with your so called 'honesty'. Like Pinkie's birthday." He started with something small.

"That was a surprise for her. We didn't think she'd fly off the handle and assume we didn't want to be friends anymore."

"We're talking about a child with the body of an adult and has many times in the past, proven she is mentally and emotionally unstable. I can guarantee you that if she got a diagnosis from any doctor in that field, they'd try to medicate her because she's that bad."

"She don't need none of that! What she needs is-"

"To act like an adult for once in her pathetic life and take responsibility when she does something wrong. Though at this point, it's too late for her. It's too late for all of you really." He interrupted, each word making the mare wince and eventually cause a tear to drop.

"She ain't done nothin' wrong! She never means to cause trouble, and certainly never hurts nopony!" She defended her.

"Doesn't matter what the intent is if the result is different. Now admittedly, the worst she's ever done would probably just be harassment because she can't take the hint, maybe property damage like all your friends, but when it comes to me? She outright avoided me and spread rumors about me like she did to Zecora." Jason replayed the memories for all to see. "Knowing her, there's a fair chance she thought everyone was playing some game, but regardless, it only hurt me worse than Zecora, figuratively and QUITE literally."

I-...I'm sorry..." Pinkie choked back a sob. "I truly don't re-remember."

"What?! Don't apologize to that freak! All he's done is make us look bad and turn everypony against us! Besides, he definitely deserved it at this point." Rainbow tried to comfort her in the only way she knew how, but Pinkie was having none of it.

"What else did I do?" Pinkie asked, prompting Jason to tap the Horn.

"You know how you can find out. And while you're dealing with that, we can focus on the third to last trial before I finally end this living nightmare for all." Pinkie started doing as he said while he turned away from her. "Back to the liar-"

"I ain't a liar." Applejack growled.

"Your partnership with Flim and Flam, among other things, would suggest otherwise."

"Given what we've seen of those two already, I would like to see this example." Queen Novo said.

"As would I." Shifting Sands agrees.

"Continue, Mister Wright." Luna said.

Jason nods as he goes to the Gjallarhorn. The memory shows Flim and Flam standing amid an assembled crowd. They were marketing their latest Miracle Curative Tonic for all the ailments the public had. The Apples were also there, naturally skeptical of the brother's product. However, when Granny Smith's interest was piqued when the brothers mentioned that tonic could make you younger, she jumped at the chance and bought it.

The next day, Granny Smith was swimming and dancing like a filly again. The sudden change did not sit well with Applejack as she and Applebloom went to confront the Flim-Flam brothers about their tonic. Upon reaching their tent, the Apple sister saw the pony Silver Shills exit the tent again despite drinking the mixture a day prior. After cornering him and discovering he was never sick and a part of the act of selling the tonic, Applejack confronts the brothers.

"Well, if it isn't our favorite Apple," Flim said.

"What brings you back to our humble abode?" Flam asks.

"You two con artists sold my Granny a bottle of tonic, and now she's off acting like a filly again!" Applejack stated.

"What's so wrong about that?" Flim asks.

"If she keeps gallivanting about like a yearling, she's bound to drop from exhaustion or worse. What's more, I know that your friend here is dressing up as a different pony every night so he can pretend to be cured!"

"Well, well, well, that's quite the accusations," Flam said.

"But, let's say that it's true," Flim said as the brothers went to their table.

"Hypothetically,"

"Therotheically,"

"As I understand, your granny was once a famous aqua pony,"

"The star of the show once upon a time,"

"But, as she sent so much as a hoof in the water ever since?"

"Not until today. That's right," Applejack said, uncertain of the brothers' point.

"Well then, even if our tonic were nothing more than apple juice and beat leaves," Flim continues.

"Hypothetically," Flam said while tossing the apple and beating leaves to his brother.

"Theoretically," Flim said while crushing the produce into an empty tonic bottle.

"The fact is that Granny is happier now than before she tried it," Flam concludes with a new bottle of miracle tonic.

"I guess..." Applejack slowly said.

"So, the question is..." Film starts.

"Do you honestly want to be the pony that takes that happiness away?" Flam finished while handing her the tonic.

"I..."

Applejack hesitates as Applebloom comes inside."There you are, Applekjack. Did you find out what's in that tonic?"

Applejack looks at the smiling face of the brothers before sighing. "Honestly, Applebloom, it doesn't matter what's in it as long as it works,"

"Well, if it doesn't matter to you, then it doesn't matter to me either, sis," Applebloom said with a smile.

"That's the spirit," Flim said while waving.

"Come back anytime," Flam said, also waving.

The memory concludes while the brothers look at the horn in awe while Applejack frowns. "How many bells are you hearing right now?" Jason asks.

"..." Applejack didn't respond.

"So, can you explain to the court why you- the self-proclaimed honest apple - were willing to lie about the truth of Flim and Flam's Miracle Curative Tonic? You, who knew the brothers to be con ponies, liars, and cheats. You, who constantly preaches honesty. Was it really because you found the truth too hard to swallow?" Jason continues as Applejack grits her teeth.

"No! I just-- Y'all saw how Granny was feeling down about herself. Then, she drank that tonic and felt more confident and more spray than she had in years. I-I didn't want to make her sad again."

"No, you were fine with letting Granny Smith risk her health for false confidence. You even said that she could drop from exhaustion or potentially even die. Yet, you said nothing. I guess you don't love your Granny all that much."

Jason was pacing around Applejack like a shark before she hollered. "You take that back! I love my Granny!"

"Then, why did you endorse a product you knew was a false advertisement!"

A new memory plays with the Apples returning to the tent. A long line of ponies was waiting to buy more Flim-flam tonic before Granny Smith dropped a massive bag of bits.

"We'll take the whole case!" Granny Smith said.

"You mean this tonic works?" A pony in a wheelchair asks.

"It seems to work for Granny," Applejack said.

"You heard it here, folks!" Flim suddenly said.

"Our Miracle Curative Tonic is Granny Smith tested, and Applejack approved!" Flam said.

"If Applejack says it works, that's good enough for me!" The same pony said as the crowd broke out in a frenzy, buying the tonic.

"Do you see the damage your words were doing? All those ponies had serious injuries and ailments that they would do anything to get better. So, when the pinnacle of truth says it is okay, then who would doubt her? Another example of negligence and carelessness from a national hero!" Jason spat.

More murmurs went off as harsh glares fell upon Applejack. None of her friends knew what to do. In truth, most of them were just as shocked that Applejack would lie to such a degree. "How could you do that, Applejack?" Cadance said in a disappointed tone.

"Indeed. That was a most unwise act!" Luna said with more venom than she meant.

"I-I-I..." Applejack sighs forlornly as she dips her head in shame. "Y'all are right. I should not have lied about that tonic. I should not have given that endorsement. I'm not perfect. Why, I used to lie up a storm something fierce when I was a filly. But I always made up for it in the end."

"How many times are you going to risk the health and even the lives of others before you finally live up to your own element? In this case, you waited until after several others basically gave away their money, you waited until after Death was about to claim your grandmother before coming clean. Did you at least pay those ponies back?"

The court looked at her accusingly as she noticeably shied away. "No."

"So, once again, a proven lie, since you still have yet to make up for it. It seems that, like Twilight with her friendship lessons, that you never learn."

"Where's your proof? I've learned plenty from my friends."

"Did you learn anything when you poisoned half of Ponyville?" He asked.

"What? I have never done that!!!" Applejack shouts at the mere implication. She turns to her friends for support only to find Twilight looking nervous. "Twilight? What's wrong?"

"She never told you about this, has she?" Jason said while using the Horn to show what he was referring to. "This is a medical report from Ponyville Hospital. It involves a large number of its citizens suffering from food poisoning after consuming the baked goods Pinkie Pie served."

The courtroom gasps as the judges read the reports. "Are you saying Pinkie poisoned the town?" Cadance asks in shock.

"No. I am saying Applejack and her stubbornness did."

Jason changed what the Horn is showing. This time is showing the episode of Apple Bucking Season. It starts with Applejack declaring she can buck all the apples from the trees in the orchard to an injured Big Mac. At first, it seemed like she had everything under control - refusing aid from Twilight when the unicorn asked. However, she was running herself ragged. Many ponies saw how tired she looked when accepting an award. This prompted Twilight to ask again if she was alright, only for Applejack to rebuff her again. Then, while helping Rainbow Dash perform a trick, she nearly sent the prismatic mare into orbit.

Twilight came to revisit Applejack, only for Applejack to stubbornly refuse her. Finally, the scene of Jason's claim shows up with Applejack and Pinkie Pie baking goods in the kitchen. However, every ingredient Pinkie read out from the book, Applejack misheard due to her fatigue. The courtroom gagged in disgust at all the ingredients Applejack added. The result was Twilight standing in the hospital, complete from the influx of ponies green in their faces and sick to their stomach.

"No. Not bake goods. Bake Bads!" Pinkie gags as the memory ends.

"I didn't know that..." Applejack said in disbelief.

"I wonder why because not only was what you did a health violation, but many of those ponies were bedridden for weeks. You should've been fined heavily for that. Maybe, even prosecuted back then. But, the mayor swept it under the rug. It would've been bad form for an Element of Harmony involved in a potentially life-threatening scandal like food poisoning."

As Applejack grew more uncertain. "Twilight? Why didn't you tell me?"

"I already used my stipend for that month to cover the medical bills for the sick ponies. So, I figured there was no reason to worry you." Twilight said meekly.

"What's the point of bringing up something already fixed? Twilight looked out for a friend. We helped her on the farm. And Applejack learned her lesson! It shouldn't matter!" Rainbow states firm.

"The ends don't always justify the means. By your logic, if the rest of your kind learns from what they did, what they provoked from Chrysalis for example, that all the ponies involved should be forgiven for mass murder. How about Sombra and what an ENTIRE EMPIRE provoked from who was perhaps the best chance the Umbrum had at joining society?" He questioned. "The statute of limitations hasn't passed anyway, it wouldn't do for such a thing to be swept under the rug simply because she 'learned her lesson'."

"He's right. I messed up and got off easy. I can't in good conscience accept Twilight paying for my mess." Applejack said.

"Good conscience? There's nothing good about you!" The edge in Jason's tone made everyone stiffen up. "Throughout your testimony, you maintained your good character. Yet, you are the opposite of everything you said you were. Honest? Dependable? Good conscience? If any of that were true, what do you call my visit to your farm?"

Applejack gulped as her encounter with Jason was about to begin. The scene was like any other day for the apple farmer. She was there in the field bucking apples from here the trees. Wynonna was at her side, playfully barking as the apples fell into the bucket. Applejack was about to move to the next tree when Winonna started to whine and bark. Following her pet's direction, she sees a figure standing behind her fence. Applejack narrows her eyes as she moves up to her new guest.

"Can I help you?" Applejack asks. The farm mare had to cover her nose from the stretch. Jason's appearance took another dip from the last memory. Several dirty smudges and stains adorn his worn-down cloak. His clothes were showing signs of tears and holes.

"H-Hello, I'm sorry to bother you, but I have nowhere else to turn," Jason said in a soft and fragile voice.

"And what do you want?"

"If-If it is not too much trouble, would you let me work at your farm? I can work any hour and out of sight,"

"Hmm, you don't look like much of an apple bucker,"

Jason leans a little forward as he pleads his case. "That's not a problem. I-I can climb the trees if you want and carry the buckets. Whatever chores you have or don't like, I can do," Jason drops entirely on his hands and knees, bowing his head as he begs. "Please, don't send me out there again!"

Applejack arches a brow as she sighs. "Alright, let's see what you got. By the looks of you, I'd say you need more than a place to work. How's a nice shower, cot, and meal sound?" Applejack motions to follow her as she walks back to the trees.

"That's great," Jason said with joy. "So, what do you need me to do?"

Applejack positions herself right in front of Jason. "I thought I show you how to buck something up close properly. It goes like this!"

Before Jason could blink, Applejack twirls around and bucks her hindlegs into his torso. There was a sickening cracking sound as Jason flew halfway back to the fence before hitting the ground. Jason gasps, trying and failing to catch his breath. White noise dominated his ears while black spots danced in his vision. He tried to sit up, but the pain flooded his body as he coughed up blood. He barely had the strength to look up at Applejack, who wore a hateful glare.

"Ya think I was born yesterday? I know who you are. You're the varmint that broke into Rarity's place and had been stalking around town! I hoped you'd be smart enough to stay off my property, but all you monsters are the same. I'm just glad I was out here instead of Applebloom or Granny. Now go back to whatever mudhole that spat you out and leaves good honest pony folk alone!"

Jason still could not move. He could barely hear Applejack's words between the ringing in his ears and Winonna's barking. He could barely even breathe. "A-A-Ark!!"

"Alright, you want to play hardball?" Applejack spins on her heels and blows into her hooves. "Winonna, sick him, girl!"

The apple family dog was on Jason in seconds. He barely had time to put his left hand up as Winonna bites into it. The new surge of pain was enough to spike an adrenaline rush in Jason as he shook the vicious puppy off and ran off into the outskirts of the farm and the forest beyond. The memory ends with haggard breaths of Jason clutching his bleeding hand and side as he collapses on the ground unconscious. Once again, the voices of the courtroom are silent. All the members wore looks of abject horror. For added effect, Jason shows the deep bite marks on his hand to the court as he goes over to the new arrivals. Smirking, chuckling like a madman, wheezing as he did so, he disrobes to show off his scarred body again.

"So, tell me something? Does my tattoo match any of the trees you saw your sister buck?" Jason asks Big Mac. He saw how stern their gazes were at him. Now, their expression was one of shock and disgust. Big Mac opens and closes his mouth before he looks away. Jason then shows his hand to Granny Smith. "How about it, Granny? Can you see Winonna's dental work? She has a strong jaw."

"..." Granny said nothing. She hangs her head in shame.

Jason glanced at the fillies. All of them looked horrified. "Truly, I think I could be a modern art masterpiece at this point."

He does the same for the Pie family, sparing them a glance but saying nothing. Igneous and Cloudy looked deeply disturbed. Maud Pie was the most expressive he's ever seen her. Her eyes were wide like an average pony while she covered her muzzle. Limestone's face was a mixture of anger and disgust. But it was directed at Applejack, not Jason. She covers her ears, no doubt an instinct to hide from the sound of bones breaking. Poor Marble Pie was the worst. She crouched against her father, covering her eyes and letting out soft whimpers. Jason didn't bother looking at Rainbow's parents. They would come last with their daughter.

Moving back to Applejack, Jason saw she was still frozen in shock. He brings his fingers to his lips and blows a whistle, much like Applejack did in the memory. The sudden sound works as the mare turns her gaze to him. "Have you finished processing yet? To save time, yes, that was you. No, that was not fake. Yes, you are a lying contemptible abuser like all the others. Do you need anything else? But, I got to give you credit. You lured me in, giving me hope, only to shattered it like my ribcage."

"N-No, I--" The Gjallarhorn pulses at that moment, seemingly done with the excuses itself, as magic bursts from Applejack. A realization flashes over her before she slowly falls to her knees. "I did that. I honestly-- Urk!" Applejack covers her mouth as she swallows the bile in her mouth.

"Yeah, I'd be sick to my stomach too. Just think, that could've been little Susie instead." He proposed, causing her eyes to shrink to pinpricks and vomit immediately afterward. "It's funny. Out of all of you who betrayed their elements, the liar is the biggest hypocrite. Not even Chrysalis is capable, or at least has proven willing, to go that far just to cause pain."

"...Why...?" A small broken voice calls out. A voice Applejack knew exceptionally well. "Why did you do that, Applejack?"

Applejack looked into the teary-eyed face of her little sister and felt more bile beginning to rise. "Applebloom, I--"

"Why?! How could you be so mean? How could you be so cruel? You always told me to treat others kindly and be straight and honest with the truth. But you hurt him. He was begging you for help, and you sicked Winonna on him! Is that why I found blood around her mouth that day? I thought she got hurt!"

Tears begin to form in Applejack's eyes as she reaches out to her sister. "Applebloom. I'm sorry. I--"

"Sorry doesn't fix this! You! You ain't my sister!" Applebloom cries out as she runs out of the courtroom.

Granny Smith sighs deeply as she turns to her eldest. "Big Mac, can you please go after her and take her back home?"

Big Mac looks between Applejack and Granny Smith before shaking his head. "...Eeyup..." He said in a soft tone.

"Big Mac?" Applejack calls out to her older brother. Big Mac stops momentarily before quickly leaving the courtroom without turning back. Granny Smith was now standing before Applejack with a hard, stern glare. Applejack suddenly felt like a filly again as she could not look her Granny in the eyes.

"Applejack. Look at me!" Granny's tone made Applejack wince, but she complies. She trembles under Granny's gaze before the apple matriarch holds out her hoof. "Give it here,"

Applejack's eyes went wide. "G-Granny, please. You know I--"

Granny raises her hoof to silence her. "Don't embarrass them and us further,"

Nothing could stop the tears from flowing now as she slowly took her stetson hat off and handed it to Granny Smith. "...I'm sorry..."

"I ain't the one owed an apology," Granny turns away from her granddaughter as she faces Jason. Everyone gasps again as Granny bows to Jason in reverence. "I don't suppose you'd be willing to do an old mare a favor?"

"If you're about to ask me to show mercy, I have none left to give. Not to anyone." Jason refused.

"I figured not..." Granny silently moves and sits at the defendant's side. Applejack does the same as she sits back down at the edge of the bench. Her blonde mane cast shadows over her eyes in place of her missing stetson hat.

Jason turned his attention back to the Pie family. "Take her and do whatever you want." He gestured to Pinkie, who was sobbing quietly by the Horn.

"What?" The family and the Elements questioned.

"I figured the best way to hurt her was to simply let her do it herself. She can confess all she wants, she can confirm what I said about her mental health and whatnot, but I have no interest in her. She can do my job for me!" He said excitedly, hoping someone would attack him, but none took the bait.

"Come, Pinkie. We should-" Igneous Rock started.

"No..." Pinkie interrupted.

"This isn't up for debate. You're basically getting a pardon, take it." Limestone urged.

"I can't! Not after everything I've done! I-"

"Can't do anything. Pinkie, listen to me:" Marble grabbed her face. "You've done enough. Don't make this worse for yourself."

Jason walked away from them and moved towards Rainbow Dash, who if looks could kill, he would've died long ago. "One, two, I'm coming for you~. Three, four, I'm at your door~. Five, six, we're at the River of Styx." He looked down at her like a predator would its prey if the former were twisted like he is.

"Now then, my little Dashie..." He inhaled deeply. "It's your turn."

"NO!!!" A sudden scream draws everyone's attention as an orange blur tackles Jason to the ground.
> Chapter 10
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jason wasn't mad. In fact, he only became even more excited when he saw it was Scootaloo who tackled him to the ground. He pushed her off hard and smiled at the golden opportunity presented to him.

"What? Too scared to find out your idol is an even worse monster than her friends?" He asked as he encased her hooves in ice.

"Let her go!" Rainbow hollers as she gears up for a charge. However, Celestia's wing bars her path. "Princess, what gives?"

"If you move an inch into the air, I will pluck out each feather until you're as flightless as a chicken!" Celestia threatens. The look she was sending Rainbow made the prismatic mare shriek into her seat.

"Oooohhhh..." Jason shivered. "The old me would've propositioned you if he heard that." The mare coughed into her wing, trying to hide a light blush.

"Enough! It appears this court is far too lenient on all these outbursts. Guards! Take Scootaloo--"

"No, let her stay," Jason said, cutting Luna off. "Tempers are bound to flare up during this. And a filly like Scootaloo here lacks the self-control of any adult. Well, mature adults anyway." Rainbow scowls at the subtle jab at her and Pinkie Pie. Jason smiles at her before moving to Scootaloo. "You should count yourself lucky that little tummy ache and a bit of cold is all you are feeling right now."

"Is that all you got?!" Scootaloo grunts out.

"Scootaloo, stop!" Sweetie Belle said.

"Well, that was all you had. Actually. Have you not been paying attention? Now, why did you feel the need to disrupt court proceedings?"

"I'm not going to let you bully my friends!"

Jason stares at the filly for a time before he bursts out laughing. "Bully, huh? That's a new one. Tell me do you know at all how courts work? Here's how adults do handles bullies. The defendants - your friends and sister - hurt me. They tease me. They pushed me. And many other things I haven't shown the court yet. Ponyville was the schoolyard, and I was the kid everyone pointed their hooves at and laughed. I mean, look at them and look at me. If I was the bully, where are their scars? You know exactly what's that like, don't you?"

Scootaloo was hesitant a moment before continuing. "W-Well. You didn't have to make Applebloom--"

"I didn't. She did." Jason points to Applejack. "Alright, let's get down to the real thing bothering you. You're an intelligent filly. You know right from wrong, which is more than I can say for Ponyville. But here's why you acted out. It's not because I am a bully. Or I made your friend cry. It's because you are afraid. You're worried that your hero, Rainbow Dash, isn't who she said she was. You're so scared that I am right. Everything that you believe I am, Rainbow Dash is! You're afraid I'll ruin the image of your hero. And, you know what? You should be! The one thing the world loves more than a hero is to see a hero fail. Why do you think no one is defending her?"

"You're wrong!"

"Yeah, you don't know our daughter!" Windy said.

"We'll stand by her no matter what you try to say!" Bow said.

"By all means. Stand by the rotten mare you help create. I can see why she thinks she's god's greatest gift to the world. There's nothing I hate more than parents that excuse the fucked up behavior of their kids! But let's get started. We all know Rainbow Dash. Courageous. Heroic. Element of Loyalty. She's also reckless. Headstrong. Arrogant. Always the first pony to engage--"

"You forgot one hundred percent more awesome than you'll ever be!" Rainbow said proudly, but no one but her parents cheered for her.

"--And make everything worse."

"Indeed, this appears to be true. Your boastful pride will be the end of you!" Judge Zekia said.

"What? So, am I wrong for having confidence in myself? And tackling anything that would hurt my friends and Equestria?" Rainbow said.

"So, when you and your friends went to tackle Crimson, why did you think assaulting him and driving him into a rage was a good idea?"

"None of the other ideas was working. Get him out of the cave. Let Fluttershy work her magic."

"Right, because Fluttershy only responded to the imminent threat to all your lives. We wouldn't have had this conversation if she had not stepped up, which she wouldn't have needed to do if you and Rarity didn't make everything worse. But that's what you believe is a job well done. Was this the same mindset you had at the Gala? Where you knocked a stallion in the air to impress the Wonderbolts. Not to mention the statue you so bravely stopped from breaking until it smashed into the pillar that destroyed the ballroom,"

"The thing was too heavy. Yeah, I was trying to impress the Wonderbolts. But, I wasn't out there looking to hurt anypony. I was good enough and fast enough to make sure things went smoothly. Princess Celestia even said it was the best triple G she's had. That's why we have invited us!"

More murmurs went off as Celestia hid her hoof with a groan. "Mother of me..." She said.

"So, all that damage was blown over because the Princess knew you and your friends' penchant for causing disaster was just the thing to liven the party up. It's incredible how many things involving you girls are overlooked. But you contest that there is no fault on your part. Well, what about this?"

"There's a segment I want to court to see. This entire conflict between the Appleloosians and Buffalo tribe did not escalate with Pinkie's Pie's silly dance. It happens much earlier with you and Applejack,"

"We promised to get the buffalo a chance to talk," Rainbow said while pushing Little Strongheart to Bareburn.

Applejack walks up with a frown on her face. "Yeah, about what?"

"We brought our pal Little Strong Heart here to explain to the Appleloosian why they should leave Buffalo lands,"

"Why, thank you. That sounds helpful--"

Braeburn tries to say, but Applejack pushes him. "That's funny because cousin was about the buffalo and why the apple trees need to stay,"

"That will be a useful thing to--"

This time, Rainbow Dash cuts Little Strong Heart off. "The land is theirs. You planted the trees without knowing. Honest mistake. Now, you just got to move them, that's all,"

"They busted their rumps here. And now they're supposed to bust their rumps again because some buffalo won't stampede somewhere else?"

"Plant the trees somewhere else!" Rainbow inisited.

"Where? It's the only flatlands around these parts!" Applejack refuted.

"The Buffalo had it first!"

"The settler ponies need it to live!!!"

The memory ends with Applejack and Rainbow arguing. "What does that prove? That Applejack and I can disagree on something?"

"No, it proves that you could not keep impartial on an important matter that honestly did not concern you. If you had let Braeburn and Little Strongheart talk things out instead of walking over them, the fight in Appleloosa never would've come about."

"Or if the Appleloosians made sure there was nopony else on the land before planting trees, then none of that would've happened!"

"To settle on the land, the Appleloosian should've gone to the royal court for permission," Judge Luna said. Celestia nods in confirmation. "However, the responsibility over the land dispute lies with the settlers and buffalo tribe. What were the circumstances of the element's arrival?"

"We were delivering a tree from Applejack's to help out." Twilight informs. "We just stumbled across this problem."

"Then, I do not believe it is fair to place sole blame on this issue on any of the elements," Judge Luna said.

"If you merely stumble upon this incident, why did you not report to Celestia about the issue instead of injecting yourselves right in the middle? You had no diplomatic authority,"

"Well, if the elements attempted to use their status to promote themselves as diplomats, they would be guilty of any consequences for posing as them. They acted only as civilians helping their friends and relatives,"

"Hmm, I suppose I can concede this point to you," Rainbow smiles smugly at their first win. "However, I have to question why you switched loyalties and stood against your friends and the Appleloosians. This was not the first instance of this happening,"

"I've always been loyal to friends and Equestria. I never turned my back on them!!!"

"Oh, I can think of quite a few times you did. In fact, because I wanted to come at you especially as hard as possible, I took the liberty of asking a few of them to come here."

The door opens as several ponies and a griffin walk through them. Rainbow's eyes slam open at so many familiar faces. "Spitfire. Soarin. Fleetfoot? You're speaking against me?"

"We were invited here and only just arrived from Cloudsdale. Though after the case he built against your friends, I'm not too happy to be here." Spitfire explains.

"You should be worrying about us, Rainbow Crash!" A blond-maned and turquoise-furred pegasus said. She wore a black and green flight suit with a cocky grin.

"Huh? I used to call her Lame-bow Dash. Let's combine them. Lame-bow Crash. Ha, nice," The griffin laughed. She had white feathers with purple accents around her eyes with brown fur.

"Gilda? Lightning Dust?" Rainbow hollers.

"Hey, she remembers me," Lightning Dust snarks.

"How could you, Gilda? Lightning, I get it. But you? I thought we made up!"

"We did until I got his story through the mail, followed by these trials the entire world is seeing. And it fits so well with how you always treated me." Gilda said.

"Not to mention, you got me kicked out of the Wonderbolts!" Lightning added.

"You did that to yourself when you nearly got my friends killed. And you G were acting like a jerk at your welcome party!" Rainbow counters.

"Order! Order in the court! It seems you have a lot of disgruntled acquaintances, Miss Dash." Luna said.

"I can attest that Lightning Dust was kicked out of the Wonderbolts. Judge." Spitfire said.

"Then, I would say you tarnished the Wonderbolts' reputation." Jason calls out.

"Gah-- Oof!" Soarin nearly shouts out before Fleetfoot elbows him in the side.

"What makes you say that?" Spitfire asks.

"Before I answer that, could everyone here state their names and profession for the record?" Jason asked.

"Captain Spitfire of the Wonderbolts."

"First Lieutenant Soarin of the Wonderbolts."

"Second Lieutenant Fleetfoot of the Wonderbolts."

"Lightning Dust. Ex Wonderbolt cadet."

"Gilda Bronzetalons. Scones baker."

"How would you describe Rainbow Dash and Lightning Dust during their time at the training academy?" Jason asks.

"Both mares are exceptional. However, Lightning pushed herself harder than Rainbow Dash. But therein lies her flaws. She went too far, and her extreme stunts were a danger to herself, her teammates, and bystanders."

"Tsk," Lightning sucks her teeth. Rainbow Dash shoots her a smug grin.

"But that isn't the full detail. As I understand, the training academy puts their cadets in pairs where one is the leader and the other is the second. You appointed Lightning Dust as the lead pony because she pushes herself harder than Rainbow Dash, correct?" Jason asks.

"Correct." Spitfire said. Lightning sends a grin right back at Rainbow.

"How would you describe Lightning and Rainbow as a duo team?"

"The two of them together were exemplary. They were breaking every academy record we had. Unfortunately, we had to scrub them when Lightning was expelled."

"What?! You mean you didn't keep my records?" Lightning shrieks.

"Why should she? You didn't deserve recognition for ignoring safety rules and putting ponies in danger." Rainbow taunts.

"Just like she did not deserve getting kicked out in the first place." Jason said. "Lightning, can you show the court the events leading up to your expulsion?"

"Just touch this horn thing, right?" Lightning asks while Jason nods.

The memory plays out at the dizzy Tron. Rainbow had the fastest recovery time from a spin-out, while Lightning Dust requested to do her test with the maximum settings. While she did not recover the most immediately, Spitfire commended the mare for going the extra mile. Thus, Spitfire made her lead pony. The next scene shows the cadets running obstacle courses. Lightning tells Rainbow to follow her lead. While Lightning had no trouble moving at her pace, Rainbow was struggling. They broke the course record by the end, but Rainbow clips her wing. The final exercise was cloudbusting. Lightning suggests the two form a tornado to pass the course quickly. The tactic was working; however, no one accounted for the elements to arrive and get swept up in the tornado. After being saved, Lightning goes to hoof bump Rainbow Dash, but she refuses. Sometime later, Lightning Dust was flanking behind Spitfire and two stallions as the elements sat at the runway.

"Rainbow Dash. How dare you leave my office without me saying a word back! You were right. The Wonderbolts accept only the best. But being the best should never come at the expense of our fellow pony. We should strive to push ourselves in the right direction. You've shown that you can do that," Spitfire motions for Lightning to come forward before she rips the medal off her uniform and sends her away.

Lightning pulls her hoof away in a huff. "Ha. Thanks for the reminder. If you wanted to make me look bad, you're doing a sorry job." Rainbow taunts.

"Rainbow Dash, could you show the court when you told Spitfire you'd quit the Wonderbolts?" Jason asks, undeterred by the taunting.

"Pfft, fine, make me look better." Rainbow Dash said.

Touching the Gjallarhorn, Spitfire's office came into view. "This better be important. You're supposed to be out there busting clouds with your partner,"

"We're done with that, ma'am," Rainbow saluted.

"Already? That's an academy record. Explain your methods,"

"That's why I'm here, ma'am. Lightning Dust decided to use a tornado,"

"A bit excessive for cloudbusting. But, judging by your time, it was an effective tactic,"

"Yeah, well, that effective tactic nearly took out my friends! There's a big difference between pushing yourself as hard as possible and being reckless. And if being reckless is award around here, then I don't want any part of it!" The memory ends with Rainbow taking off her wing pony medal.

"Whoo! Way to go, Rainbow!" Scootaloo cheers.

"That's my girl!" Bow said.

"You're an inspiration." Windy said.

Suddenly, the sound of uncontrollable laughter goes off. Gilda was on the ground, holding her belly as she wiped the tears from her eyes. "S-Seriously? Are you plucking kidding, Dashie? Are you trying to act like you are the humble, upstanding type? You're the most reckless pony I know. I got more than a few stories to prove it."

"You don't know what you're talking about, Gilda!" Rainbow sneers.

"You will have your chance, Glida." Jason interrupts.

"So, what was the point of showing us this?" Cadance asks. "This only works in favor of Rainbow Dash,"

"The point is to highlight the rampant hypocrisy the Element Bearer of Loyalty exudes. Rainbow has the nerve to lecture Lightning Dust about recklessness when we have seen time and again her doing arguably worse with her recklessness. And she, ironically, is rewarded for said behavior that she abolishes. Where was the integrity for all the other times? Now, I know what you're going to say. It was all in the past. Rainbow has changed. Yet, in this same court, in the present time, Rainbow Dash tried to attack me twice and received multiple warnings. Despite this fact, the Gjallarhorn would reflect that damage. Is that not reckless? In truth, I do not believe Lightning Dust should've been expelled from the Wonderbolts."

"Are you saying that her behavior was acceptable?" Spitfire said, stunned.

"No, I am saying that Rainbow Dash and Lighting Dust should've been expelled!" He clarified.

"Both Rainbow and Lightning made that tornado together. Both Rainbow and Lightning made their classmates spin out on the course. A wing pony doesn't just follow their leader. They can tell their leader when they disagree with a course of action."

"Are you kidding? Lightning wouldn't listen to anything I said. She's too full of herself!" Rainbow said.

"Hello, pot. Have you met my friend, kettle?" That simple phrase made Rainbow Dash lose steam. "Why else were you so quick to be her friend initially? Regardless, you could've informed Spitfire of Lightning Dust's actions earlier. But you still aided her."

Spitfire signs as she speaks up. "Okay, I may have given the wrong impression of what the Wonderbolts wanted from our cadets. But I am a big enough mare to admit I am wrong. Rainbow showed me that. So, I let her stay."

"But that is not the only reason. Let me ask you this; are civilians allowed on military grounds?"

"No, we have specially assigned dates where civilians come tour the grounds."

"And why is that?"

"We run dangerous drills that can be detrimental to inexperience flyers and non-winged creatures." Fleetfoot said.

"Then, is it safe to assume that Rainbow's friends were punished accordingly for trespassing on military ground unannounced?" Jason asked.

Spitfire's eyes go wide at the question. "I am afraid I don't understand your meaning." She winces slightly and rubs her ear as the Gjallarhorn emits a low hum.

"It's a simple question. I am sure you have a procedure - Laws even - for illegally entering military buildings. What was the punishment for the elements interrupting a training drill?"

"W-Well, you see. It was an honest case of wrong place, wrong time. We can't punish everypony too harshly." The hum grew louder as Spitfire grunted in discomfort.

"Is it that everypony gets a pass for an honest mistake? Or does it have to do with those ponies and their connections? I want to know why only Lightning Dust was punished when you praised her behavior multiple times. Why was she kicked out for nearly smashing Rainbow Dash's friends when none of them had the authority to be there? Lightning could not have known that would happen since only cadets and experienced members were allowed there." He continued calmly, unsettling her even more.

The humming was loud enough for everyone to hear. Yet, strangely, only Spitfire was showing signs of visible discomfort. "Stop! Stop that humming!"

"You cannot lie in the presence of the Gjallarhorn. All you have to do is answer truthfully, and the humming stops."

With sweat pouring down her brow, Spitfire screams out. "ALRIGHT! Alright. Here's the truth; I didn't want to expel Rainbow because of her status as the Element of Loyalty..." Several gasps went out from this confession. "Neither did I want to punish her fellow elements. The news headlines would tear us apart if I punished Celestia's student and the mares that saved Equestria. The Wonderbolts would lose our credibility!"

"You admit to playing favorites? Rainbow gets to live her dream not because of her talent or 'good qualities', but because she was an Element Bearer and in good with all members of royalty? You just implied that you wouldn't have taken any disciplinary action against Lightning had it been actual civilians instead of royalty and national heroes. Maybe if you actually did your job and corrected her the first several times, and if you were paying attention to who wanders up there like you were supposed to, that could've been avoided." Jason criticized Spitfire.

"You're supposed to be a branch of the military and you can't even spot a hot air balloon in broad daylight that's not even trying to be subtle? You encouraged that kind of behavior from Lightning, you allowed Twilight and her friends to create that situation, and you basically just admitted she was kicked out not because of her recklessness that you encouraged, but because a few specific ponies were illegally in the worst possible location at the worst possible time? That's no different than wrongful termination."

"You were worried about your credibility then? How about now after you've been proven to lie about your records, proven of incompetence unfitting someone in your profession on top of criminal negligence and reckless endangerment? Like I'm fully expecting of Rainbow soon enough, you can say goodbye to your position and everything you tried to use Lightning as a scapegoat for. I hope it was worth it." He finished with Spitfire as the courtroom glared down at her.

"Ugh! I don't believe this!" Lightning screams as she gets in Spitfire's face. "Do you know what I faced getting kicked out of the bolts? I was a laughingstock in my hometown. A failure! Some losers could not bring their A-game to be a wonder bolt, but I am the one thrown away because I'm not buddy-buddy with the Princess. Well, forget that! I'm starting a group of my own. The Washouts! We'll be better than any show and member your cheap organization puts out!"

"For what it is worth, Lightning Dust, Rainbow Dash never wanted to play second to you." Jason touches the horn again to show Rainbow going into Spitfire's office again.

"Permission to enter, ma'am," Rainbow said.

"What is it, Rainbow Dash?" Spitfire asks.

"I had the best time on the Dizzy-Tron. Only six seconds!"

"And?"

"And you made me a wing pony!"

Spitfire slowly takes off her glasses. "Because I believe you and Lightning Dust will be an unstoppable time. Do you not think you will be an unstoppable team?"

"Yes, ma'am. I mean, no, ma'am. We'll be an unstoppable team, ma'am!"

"Then, what's the problem?"

Rainbow puffs out her chest as she speaks with conviction. "I think I should be lead pony, ma'am!"

"And I think Lightning Dust likes to push herself harder than you do. That's why I made her lead pony, got it?"

Rainbow's expression visibly deflates as she sulks out of Spitfire's office. "...Yes, Ma'am..."

As the memory ends, Lightning turns to Rainbow with a snarl. "Well, would you look at that? I always knew I was better than you. But you couldn't stand it. How do we know you weren't trying to sabotage me?"

"Please! Even if I was a little bummed about being a wing pony, it doesn't change that you would've hurt somepony eventually." Rainbow said.

"You have no room to talk there considering the MANY times you've acted the same way and nearly gotten yourself or others hurt or worse for reasons just as petty. The dragon, case in point being among the earliest examples since you obtained your Element." Jason criticized her.

"I bet your ego couldn't stand that there was a pony better than, huh, Dashie?" Gilda taunted.

Rainbow grit her teeth in response. "Shut. Up!"

"You deserve everything this guy has in store for you. And I can't wait for you to be the one that's rejected!" Lightning turns with a flock to her tail as she moves to the prosecution side.

"Miss Gilda. How long would you say you've to know Rainbow Dash?" Jason asks.

"We've known each other since we were fledglings. We both met at the Junior Speedster Flight Camp," Gilda explains.

"And how would you describe your friendship from then until now?"

"Looking back? We weren't friends."
> Chapter 11
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"We weren't friends?" Rainbow gasps. "How could you say that? I was the only one to talk to you!"

"Oh, you came by and said hello to me. We hung out. Everything was great for a while despite nopony else wanting everything to do with a griffin. For about a month. Then what happened after that? First, you ditched me for little Miss Wallflower over there. You stuck to her like glue. You kept the bullies off her back while leaving me to fiend for myself. Blowing me off for her. You never even bothered to introduce us!" Gilda points to Fluttershy, who squeaks. "Then, when you did your Sonic Rainbow, you were the talk of camp. Miss popular. Your fans always surrounded you, and you never seemed to notice me. The only time you ever bothered to help me was when I was fighting with three pegasi. And that was so that you could look good!"

"What? You got that all wrong!" Rainbow counters. "Maybe, if you didn't start pushing ponies away and acting like a jerk 24/7, then ponies would want to hang out with you. You had to know that ponies were sensitive about that stuff!"

"What a load of manure! I only did that so those bullies would back off! In Griffinstone, you're either in front of the flock or behind it!" Gilda tried to justify her actions.

"Order!" Luna yelled out. "I will not have this court delve into petty arguments. Miss Bonzetalon. Show us these alleged events for the sake of clarity."

"Sure." Glida goes up to the Gjallarhorn and shows the memory. It was the same as the flashback in the Griffin Bushoff episode. Little Gilda was looking around the room with a nervous expression. All the other foals were playing and taking amongst themselves as Gilda was the only griffin. Jason noted that Gilda was a lot like Fluttershy in that she was timid and painfully shy. Suddenly, a Rainbow blur lands before her, causing Gilda to shield herself with her wings and tail.

"Hey, you're different," Little Rainbow said bluntly. "What are you?"

"I-I'm a griffin. My name is G-Gilda...."

"Hey, Gilda. I'm Rainbow Dash—the fastest flyer in flight camp. Since I'm awesome and you're different, we should be best buds,"

Little Gilda seems to beam and smile as the two shook hoof and claw. "It was all fine at the beginning. We laughed and played together. But when the pranks started, you flanked me more than once. And it didn't help that the teachers all had out for me. I was blamed for tricks I didn't even do!"

Another memory played with Rainbow Dash putting tacks on the teacher's seat. When she came and sat down, she shot into the air with a loud yelp. The students all laughed, but the teacher's eyes fell on Gilda. "Miss Bronzestalon! I suppose you think disrupting the class with pranks is funny!"

"But I didn't do it!"

"Whom else is there? You are becoming quite a nuisance. A month of detention should straighten you out! You can start sitting in the corner with the dunce cap on for the rest of the day!"

Gilda looks to Rainbow, only to receive a pleading look from the filly. With a sigh, she gets up. "Yes, teacher..."

Another memory shows Gilda and Rainbow walking by the building. They came across some students with paintbrushes defacing the side of the building. When they saw the teacher coming, they tossed the paint can and brush to Gilda and Rainbow. Rainbow took offense and flew after them. Thus, leaving Gilda alone as the teacher catches her with the incriminating evidence. Gilda smiles sheepishly while the teacher glares down at her.

"So, up to your tricks again?"

"But-but-but--"

"Enough! Detention for two months. You'll be cleaning every wall three times a day, starting with this one!"

The next memory shows a crowd of foals around Rainbow and Fluttershy. Rainbow was drinking in their praise and cheers after performing Sonic Rainboom. However, as Gilda went to approach, three coats blocked her path. "And where do you think you're going, chicken head?"

"E-Excuse me. I'm trying to get by, please..." Gilda timidly said.

"What's that? I can't understand you with that stupid beak face,"

"I bet she does nothing but bird craws anyway. Nothing important from a dumb parakeet,"

"I don't craw. Rainbow..." Gilda peers past the three bullies circling her to see Rainbow still laughing with the crowd. Suddenly, one of the colts pushes her. "H-Hey!"

"It's funny you think Rainbow cares about you. She only hangs out with you because you're a freak!"

The colt pushes Gilda again as she stumbles before the pony behind her pushes her again. "...Stop it!"

"Oh, yeah? What are you going to do, Chickenhead?"

Another push. This time Gilda stops herself and lets out a low growl. "Stop. It!!"

"Aw, that catbird is purring. It's so cute--"

Gilda shoots up and pushes the colt to the ground. She quickly bucks the second colt with her hind legs before tackling the third. The two tumble for a bit before Gilda rolls onto the top of the colt. She glares down at him while the pony looks up in fear. "I. Said. STOP!!!!"

Gilda's roar got the other students' attention. Many of them were afraid of Gilda's vicious scowl. Unfortunately, Fluttershy curls up to Rainbow's side. All the foals start leaving as the bullies start crying and running for the teacher. Gilda's anger fades to one of worry as Rainbow glares at her. "Not cool, Gilda,"

"You can guess what happened after that. The teacher came, I got in trouble, and my supposed friend ditched!" Gilda said as the memory ended.

"How was any of that my fault? We were foals, G. Foals! I can't stop other ponies from being jerks!" Rainbow said.

"You did it for her!" Gilda points to Fluttershy. "You needed a crowbar to separate you two while I was fiending for myself. After that, I quickly stopped being a chicken and became an eagle!"

"Right, because becoming a bully helped you make so many friends." Rainbow said flippantly.

"Our Dashie is right. You all were foals. Should those foals have bullied you? No. But that's the parent's fault for raising them poorly," Windy said.

"Yeah, and becoming a delinquent was never a good idea," Bow added.

"I can blame her for ditching me. I can blame her for not standing by me the same as she would for her pony friends!" Gilda counters.

"And in case you didn't catch on, she tried to handle things the 'right' way." Jason began to add on. "Teachers ignored her and her parents, Dash ignored her, and you can only push someone so far before they finally snap and decide to do it their way. Trust me, I know. And when their way gets better results, why would they try it the other way? It's basic psychology at its finest. She didn't have a choice that didn't involve being a victim."

"...I'm sorry..." Fluttershy said.

"Fluttershy, what are you apologizing for?"

"Because I noticed Gilda would try and talk with us back when we were foals. But, I always felt uncomfortable around anypony new. And I was scared of you back then. I took Dashie's attention because I was too afraid. Even when we saw each other again at Ponyville, I haven't changed..."

"That's horse feathers. We were kids. We didn't even know we were going to be the element bearers. Even Applejack said she used to lie. Now, you're trying to blame us for things that happened years ago? What about you, G? You're not innocent in anything. Or did you forget you stole an apple, nearly gave Granny Smith a heart attack, and flipped out on all of us at your welcome party!"

"Order!" Luna bangs her gavel. "Unless we have misheard, you stole produce and assaulted the elderly?"

"Tsk," Gilda sucks her teeth before going to the horn.

The episode of the Griffin brush-off plays off from Gilda's perspective. The court saw how Pinkie kept trying to interject herself with Gilda and Rainbow Dash. However, Gilda started making excuses to leave her behind, such as races and flying higher. But Pinkie was persistent. Finally, Gilda resorted to physical means by popping her balloons and breaking her helicopter. Rainbow frowns at the words Gilda says about her friends. Then, the scene from the market plays. Gilda used her tail to scare Granny Smith away from the stand so she could swipe an apple. Afterward, Fluttershy bumps into Gilda, causing the griffin to unload and roar at her. Finally, at the party, Gilda loses her cool again after setting off all of Pinkie's pranks. Rainbow scolds her and effectively ends their friendship. Gilda storms off in a huff. However, the memory ends with Gilda wiping away her tears.

"It would seem that loyalty may have a point in her claims about you, Gilda. Your actions that day were far from acceptable," Luna said with a frown.

"While Gilda's actions were not ideal, much of it came to be attributed to how ponies have treated her. During her days at flight camp, she received bias and bigoted scrutiny. Exposure to that kind of treatment at a young age will harden anyone. It's why she became the bully, so she would not become a target of continued abuse. But, as for the party and the aftermath, a lot of it could've been avoided if Rainbow Dash was not so quick to abandon Gilda again." Jason said.

"Abandon her again? Gilda lied about treating my friends like dirt and losing her cool when she set off all my pranks! She could've stayed and apologized. But she chose to leave!" Rainbow said.

"And knowing Gilda for as long as you did, you should've seen her getting more irritable from those pranks. No one likes being humiliated like that. And you were quick to throw your friendship out the window,"

"Even so, I cannot condone all of Gilda's actions leading up to her outburst. There are better ways to conduct oneself. Gilda failed to do so," Luna said.

"Now, you want a minute, missy. I will let you know if there's more to what happened that day. I was the one that gave Gilda the bits to go to Equestria in the first place. Life isn't easy and fun-filled in Griffinstone. We griffins have to scratch and claw over scraps. We can't be soft and talk our problems away with friendship and harmony. And trust doesn't come without a price. Gilda went to Ponyvile so some loan shark wouldn't come clipping her wings. But she only had enough to get to Ponyville. What's one little apple compared to going weeks without food? You lot don't know how good you got it!" Grandpa Gruff said as he sighed. "It wasn't always like this. Our kingdom was bright and vibrant back when we had the idle of Boreas."

Many members of the gallery had mixed reactions to Grandpa's Gruff explanation. "There's something that I believe is relevant to this case and the current state of affairs at Griffinstone. That attack from the Arimaspi wasn't an isolated incident," Jason said.

"Why do you say that?"

Jason touched the Horn to reveal a letter to Grandpa Gruff as he continues. "Arimaspi was paid off by a pony noble to steal the idol of Boreas. That letter would promise a hefty sum if Arimaspi were successful. He did not like King Guco, apparently."

Grandpa Gruff bristled and shook with anger as he read aloud. "I, Shady Trot, promise the sum of one hundred thousand in the treasury to you, Arimaspi, to bring me the Idol of Boreas. Such a treasure does not deserve to be sullied by griffin claws!" Grandpa Gruff turns to Luna in anger. "What is the meaning of this?! I know this pony is talking about the royal treasury! Where else would he get that kind of bit?!"

"We know of the noble clan that Shady hails. Rest assured that the Equestrian crown has nothing to do with this plot. I swear on my word as a princess and the Gjallarhorn before us. We will be correcting this offense!" Luna said. Since the Gjallarhorn did not react, Grandpa Gruff sat back down.

"But is this not par for the course for Equestrians by now? Who knows how many more dealings like this have gone on? How many other kingdoms have been undermined? I assure the court members that it does not stop there. The griffons aren't the only ones that have been screwed over by Equestrians. Though, most if not all admittedly, were behind Celestia's back if not oversights on her end." Jason used the Horn to reveal another set of documents he showed to the rest of the court. "Now, back to you, Rainbow Dash. Isn't it true that you are a weather pony manager?"

"Yeah, what of it?"

"Yes, our Dashie is the best weather pony manager this side of Equestria," Windy said.

Jason nods. "That means you have the most knowledge in weather control. Enough to say operate the factory in Cloudsdale?"

"Yeah, it's not a problem for pros like me." Rainbow said.

"Nopony does a better job than her!" Bow said.

"Interesting statement. Especially considering she was responsible for Cloudsdale malfunctioning, leading to several thousand bits in equipment replacement and several ponies injured when the giant snowball hit Ponyville." Jason concluded, leaving Rainbow Dash to stiffen up.

"Wait, what do you mean?" Princess Celestia asked, to which he showed her what he meant via the Horn.

"The hospital reports and the letter of request to you, Princess, for a stipend to replace the damaged machinery. However, it was not a freak accident or corroded appliances that led to the weather factories shutting down for three additional months. It was sabotage from Rainbow Dash."

"That's a lie!!!" Windy, Bow, and Scootaloo said. None of them notice Rainbow Dash suddenly looking nervous.

Jason merely smirked as he touches the Gjallarhorn. Season 5, episode 5 of My Little Pony, plays for the court. It features Rainbow lamenting that Tank is going to hibernate for the winter. Rainbow does every conceivable method to prevent this. Her actions involved sabotaging her fellow weather ponies by redirecting snowfall back to the clouds, steering a flock of geese North instead of South, and busting clouds to reveal the sun. But her most grievous offense was her going to Cloudsdale and sabotaging the equipment, resulting in the giant snowball crashing into Ponyville.

"As we can see from this memory. In supreme recklessness and selfish motives, Rainbow Dash set Clouddale back several months and brought harm to her fellow ponies." Jason said.

"B-But I--"

"All to keep her pet tortoise awake from performing his natural biological functions. The element of loyalty chose to go against her fellow ponies' safety - to go against the natural order of the seasons - for a pet. I am sure the more knowledgeable ponies here know what happens if the seasons are not properly aligned," Now, there were many openly glaring at Rainbow Dash. "You endangered not just yourself but everyone in this very courtroom. All because you didn't want to be without a pet for a few months. A pet she, ironically, almost killed not once, not twice, but three times!"

"What? I would never hurt Tank!" Rainbow vehemently denies it.

"The path to Hell is paved with good intentions. Your intent doesn't matter, especially if the methods are utterly moronic at best. The results are what matter, and even then, that's dependent on how they were achieved. Case in point, every incident you said 'it all worked out though'."

"He's right, you could've, Rainbow." Fluttershy said with venom. "Not just Tank, but every animal that hibernates. Sleeping during winter is essential to their lives because food is so scarce! Others need to sleep, or their bodies will shut down! Please tell me that was not the reason for all that craziness that winter?"

"Where was this energy when Rainbow Dash hosted a pet tetrathlon to see which pet was 'awesome' enough to be her pet? You even actively encouraged and handpicked animals to 'compete'." Jason asks.

Jason touched the Gjallarhorn again to show Rainbow Dash standing before a group of avians. She had a coach cap and whistled as she gave the various flying creatures the rundown of what's expected for them to be a pet of Rainbow Dash. Applejack and Twilight question Rainbow's methods and if she knows that pets require care and affection. At the same time, Fluttershy moves Tank to the lineup. Fluttershy was adamant about letting Tank participate, while Rainbow was highly dismissive—the challenges initially seemed tame. However, many of the gallery members were off-put regarding the guts challenge. As Opal was highly aggressive would've no doubt injured any of the animals without a protective shell like Tanks'. The worse offense came when Rainbow held a race through the ghastly gorge. While Rainbow initially had no difficulty navigating the course, the animals were scratched, tangled, and almost eaten by the eels. Rainbow's hubris nearly results in her downfall as she crashes against the wall while praising herself and causes an avalanche. Thus, resulting in her wing getting trapped.

"No, wait, don't leave me! I'm supposed to win! I don't want to be stuck here forever! Somepony! Anypony! HELP ME!!!!!"

The memory ends with Tank and Rainbow leaving the gorge and Tank becoming Rainbow's new pet. "As you can see, not only did Rainbow Dash endanger the animals. She risked herself by making such an insane course. It's even worse when you consider that not one of the elements told her idea was ashine. Hell, you cheered and enabled her! I know your current laws practically degrade non-ponies to nearly the same status as animals, but how is this not a clear-cut animal abuse case?"

All the elements visibly wince at the memory and the truth of Jason's words. "I am inclined to agree." Cadance said with a deep frown. "What were you thinking, Rainbow Dash? Pets are not athletes. They are not meant to go through a path as deadly as the ghastly gorge! And why didn't you girls stop her? Especially you, Fluttershy!"

"...We had no idea it was that bad. If I had known beforehand--"

Fluttershy tries to explain, but Judge Novo cuts her off. "With a name like Ghastly Gorge, how can you think differently about the risk?"

"It seems even household animals are not safe around you mares." Judge Squak said.

"But, everything worked out--"

"That is no excuse!" Celestia cuts in, glaring down at the pegasus. "As egregious as this new development is - and I am not underselling my vast disappointment in you girls - three extra months of winter delayed the crops of several farmlands. That put undue strain on their finances and food supply. Ponies would've starved if not for the bailout the crown provided, But that resulted in higher taxes for that year!" Nobles in the room were in an uproar as they had to pay some of those taxes.

"Order. Order in the court!" Luna said.

"I, well--" Rainbow stutters, unable to find the right words.

"What was the second time?" Fluttershy asks.

"T-There wasn't! Fluttershy, you know I wouldn't--"

Jason interrupted. "It was when you avoided telling Pinkie Pie you did not like pie. So, you threw away every pie she made. One disposal method was feeding Tank a pie." Jason showed the court a medical file with Tank's picture and displays it for the court. "I am sure what several weeks of sugar overlord can do to animals,"

Fluttershy read the reports with a look of horror. "...Rainbow. Animals are not like us! They can't eat large quantities of sugar! Especially tortoises. Their organs are too thin. Tanks' digestive tract can't handle something that complex! Why would you do that? To avoid telling Pinkie you don't like something!?"

"You know how Pinkie gets! She would never stop whining about it. Besides, I told Pinkie I did not like pies, and Tank is fine now--"

Fluttershy slams her hoof on the defense bench. "It's not okay! You can't keep messing up this bad and expecting things to be okay!"

"Once again, her 'it all worked out' excuse." Jason commented.

"Fluttershy..." Scootaloo said after glancing at him for a moment. She's been unsure of what to say as some of her friends from school were hurt by that giant snowball hitting Ponyville.

"I can't believe you're buying into this, Fluttershy!" Windy said in a firm tone. "After all the times Rainbow stuck up for you!" Fluttershy flinches at this a little but remains strong.

"The Gjallarhorn literally prevents any form of trickery. The Horn is literally capable of and being used to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt the guilt of the accused." Jason pointed out.

"I can believe it. It's exactly how Dash rolls." Gilda said.

"And we should listen to you? Somepony quick to turn into a thug and try to besmirch our Dashie because you were too proud to say I'm sorry." Bow said, earning a snarl from Gilda.

"..." Scootaloo bows her head, choosing to stay silent.

Jason, at the words of Rainbow's parents, throws his head back and starts laughing. "Right, and where was Rainbow's apology for everything she did and allowed to happen due to her own cowardice, negligence, and/ or hubris to Gilda?" He asked as he continued to laugh.

"What's so funny?" Rainbow asks.

"Oh, everything you said. Everything your parents said. I knew out of all your friends that you would be the most stubborn and delusional. You would deny every accusation - every fact - to protect that ego and reputation. But, in a way, you should thank me for this."

"I should thank you for trying to ruin our lives? You're crazy!"

Jason shrugs. "Maybe. I came close to it halfway through year two at Ponyville. But, no, I am afraid I am entirely sane. I would've loved to drift off. Go somewhere else. Wake up from the living nightmare. But I was denied that release in more ways than one." Jason sends a pointed glare at Applejack as he says this. "But I couldn't. You made sure of that, Dashie. But, as I said, you should thank me for all this. After all, all the attention is on you now."

Jason put his hand on the Gjallarhorn, and everyone tenses up. Rainbow put on a brave face. However, she feels a growing put of nervousness in her stomach. Jaason saved her last for a reason. The memory plays out like any other day in Ponyville. And again, Jason was sitting in an alley behind, sleeping against the wall. There was a calmness to the scene for a moment until a looming shadow appeared above Jason. Jason looks up to see a storm cloud and sees Rainbow Dash grinning down at him. Jason looked confused until a lightning bolt struck the space between his legs. Jason immediately scrambles to his feet in fright. The bright flash was disorientating. But he shakes it off and looks back up at Rainbow Dash.

"What are you doing?!"

"Dealing with a pest problem!"

Rainbow jumps on the cloud again to send another bolt of lightning. Jason barely managed to run out of the alley to avoid the strike. However, Rainbow Dash chased after him while continuously sending strikes at his feet. As Jason ran, ponies began blocking his path. Soon, several inhabitants of Ponyville were surrounding him in a circle. Jason frantically tried to look for a way out. Before he could speak, another clap of thunder rang out. White hot pain and a burning sensation spread throughout his entire body. The strike was only a few seconds, but it felt like an eternity before Jason collapsed on the ground. The memory became fuzzy as Jason's vision was half black and uneven. The only sound the court members could hear was ringing and cheering.

"Good work, Rainbow!"

"You got that monster good!"

"You're a hero!"

"I know. I know. I told you my plan would be awesome. You should've seen how he danced when the lightning hit his hooves. Haha, priceless!" The ponies shared in Rainbow's laughter before the prismatic mare said sound something truly disgusting. "Alright, let's dump this thing in the Everfree where it belongs,"

"I don't want to touch it,"

"Yeah, it stinks!"

"What if poison my magic?"

"Fine, I'll do it," Rainbow said with a roll of her eyes. The memory ends with Rain carrying a barely conscious Jason by his leg in the air and unceremoniously dumping him slightly above the treeline.

The silence in the court was far more palpable than in any other instance since the trial began. Nearly everyone had their mouths gaping from the imagery. Rainbow's parents looked ready to faint; their seemingly unlimited support of Rainbow was momentarily gone. Applejack managed to wake up from whatever trance she is in to gasp at the sight. Jason also notices that the Pie family returned with the Apple siblings. Pinkie Pie broke down in silent sobs at the scene. Jason's eyes never left Rainbow Dash. He scans Rainbow's surprise. The way her ears pinned themselves against her skull was terrific. She was looking even more diminutive than Scootaloo right now. Her number one fan was in a daze, unable to deal with the actions of her idol. It was time to twist the knife further.

"I woke to find that the vision in my eye was gone. Have any of you ever been electrocuted before?" He asked.

"..." No one responded.

"I thought not. It's like every cell in your body is on fire. It scrambles the nerve impulses the brain sends out to move your body. Oh, here's a fun fact. The survival rate is only ten percent for humans when struck by lightning. Let that sink in for a bit. An element of harmony - the hero of Equestria - made several lethal attempts on my life. That drop included as a fall from I think 3x a human's height can kill them if I remember correctly."

"...I-I," Rainbow squeaks out.

"Oh, and that was just the first time. You shot lightning at me at least half a dozen times. That's multiple counts of attempted murder number one, complete with motive, opportunity, and premeditation. You can also add the citizens as accomplices as well. You even went the extra mile to toss my body in the Everfree, one of the most dangerous and 'unnatural' places in Equestria for any creature looking for a quick meal." Jason said as another memory began to play.

This time, Jason was by a creek. His blind eye scanned the fish flowing into his crudely made fishing net. A small smile adorns his face as he pulls the net out of the water. That's when another crack of thunder and lightning strikes him. Jason lets out a wordless scream before he collapses on the ground again. Rainbow lands beside him, laughing as Jason wheezes.

"Ah haha. You thought you could pull a fast one on me? Nothing gets past Rainbow Dash, Wonderbolt extraordinaire!" All the Wonderbolts winced at the association. Rainbow then proceeds to empty the net of Jason's catch. "There you go, little fishy—safe and sound from the big bad monster. When you return to doing whatever it is fish do, tell the story of Rainbow Dash. The most awesome, loyal hero around!"

Rainbow Dash flies away as Jason slowly gets to his feet. He stumbles forward, trying to catch his breath, only to stop when a low growl goes off behind him. Jason hobbles to the water simultaneously as a manticore bursts from the bushes. The stream carries Jason into a muddy patch before he spots a cave. The sound of wings flapping gave him enough motivation to quicken his pace. Jason enters the cave and dives behind a stalagmite. The manticore following him was only a scout. Three of them entered the cave and started sniffing the area. There were numerous times when the beasts came close to finding Jason. It was only by the grace of Faust that they finally gave up and left the cave. The memory ends with Jason quickly sobbing after his brush with death.

"And you call myself and others like Sombra and Chrysalis evil? Funny how that works. I was under the impression that fish was acceptable for carnivores to eat. But, no, nothing was redeemable in Rainbow's eyes. There was no such thing as a compromise with you! You self-serving cunt! I was out of the way. I was already driven to live in that damn cave you saw. And that wasn't the only time my Everfree neighbors came for a bite to eat! But anytime I came close to the village, Rainbow Dash was there with a trusty fucking torture device. Let's all wave and cheer how she bravely zaps an unaware, defenseless person that can't even fly!"

"At least none of us never went out of our way to try and kill something that never even so much as looked at us the wrong way." He criticized.

"Wait!" Rainbow said. "I-It's a lie. I never would do--" The Gjallarhorn glows brightly at Rainbow's words. It was brighter than any of the times it broke magic off the defenses. Rainbow even clutches her ears as Spitfire did from the loud hum. Rainbow jumps back from the stand when the magic bursts from her and crawls away from Jason as her parents comfort her. With a shaking hoof, Rainbow points to Jason in horror. "It's you! The monster!"

"Monster? No, no, no, Dashie. The only monster here is you! A more enormous monster than Nightmare Moon. That's you. A bigger villain than Chrysalis, that's what you are! Please don't run from it. Embrace it! It's not like you will be punished for your sadism. That's because you're in good company. I tell you what, I'd take Gilda and Lightning as friends instead of breathing the same air as you! Take a good look, Scootaloo. There is your bully! There is your monster! There is your hero!"

Scootaloo looks down with tears streaming down her face as Rainbow responds. "But, those clouds weren't big enough to k-kill any creature. They-they were like hoof buzzer."

"Our Dashie isn't a killer!" Windy said.

"You have to be exaggerating those scars. I know I can take a few bolts now and again," Bow said.

"...I can't believe how dumb you are, dweebs." Gilda said in a low tone. "Non-ponies like us don't have the magic to soften the blow of electricity as ponies do. That was something they did teach in flight camp. Oh, right, I forgot. You flunked out of flight camp!"

"Gilda...." Rainbow cries weakly.

"NO! You don't get to justify anything! This is fucking sick! Losing you as a friend was probably the best decision I ever made! I hope all your new friends were worth it!" Gilda walks past her and joins Lightning Dust.

"And like I already said, the Horn only allows the truth to be shown and spoken. If I was lying or exaggerating, the Horn would've stopped me." Jason explained again.

"Rainbow Dash!" Spitfire calls out as she approaches her with venom in her eyes. "In all my years as a Wonderbolt, I never saw anything so heinous. Your actions spit in the face of everything we stand for and more. So, effective immediately, you are disbarred in disgrace from the Wonderbolts. All your accomplishments are null and void. And I suspect Cloudsdale will have some words with you. I wish you luck, but I won't waste my breath!" Spitfire turns away from the stunned mare. Walking out, Spitfire faces Lightning Dust. "If you still want another chance, my doors are open,"

Lightning scoffs at the offer, however, while pointing to Rainbow Dash. "If that's what passes for a Wonderbolt, I'll wear my Washout uniform with pride."

"W-Wait...!" Rainbow says pitifully. Spitfire only glares at her and leaves without another word as Soarin and Fleetfoot follow behind. Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash starts to hyperventilate.

"But let's test your little theory! If lightning truly is as safe as you say it is, then I will drop all charges against the Elements and Ponyville under the condition the damage I would've suffered from lightning doesn't cause significant harm after being struck. Any takers?" Jason taunted them.

Everything Rainbow has ever wanted since foal hood is now gone. Looking around the room, everyone was now glaring at her. All except Scootaloo, who turns away in shame of her. Her dream. Her reputation. Her achievements. Her sister. Her friends. She is losing every aspect of her life. And, in her eyes, there was one creature to blame. "...It's all your fault...!" Before anyone could react, Rainbow shoots up into the sky and bucks a nearby cloud. There was a thunderclap as lightning left the clouds and down at Jason. Jason had enough time to spread his arms as the bolt hit its target. Once again, Rainbow was too fast for anyone ready to stop her. However, her anger blinded her to a crucial detail as her body started to convulse in pain and agony. The same bolt that hit Jason envelops her. It was a pain Rainbow was unfamiliar with and wanted nothing more than never to feel again. She returns to the courtroom and lands in a broken heap before Jason.

"RAINBOW!!!" Her parents call out, rushing to her side. However, they both gasped as an ice wall blocked their path. The Horn broadcasting Rainbow's form as Jason laughed as he did a slow clap approaching her. Fractal scarring adorns her body in the same pattern as Jason's. But, the scarred tissue went to the base of her wings, resulting in them hanging limply to her sides. Her left magenta eye was now dull and blind, matching Jason's. Finally, like Fluttershy and Jetset before her, Rainbow's cutie mark is gone.

"We need doctors here, now!!!" Cadence shouted, but Jason simply froze the doors to the courtroom as he isolated himself and Rainbow Dash with more ice walls and a dome over them.

"No. Where was this urgency? Where was this kindness? Where was this mercy when I needed it? When I begged for it? No. She's not getting any. Not until I've had my fill for now." He growled as he shook off the slight tingling sensation. The lightning strike did as little as a joy buzzer this time. He moves slightly closer. Seeing the scarring on Rainbow's body brought a certain level of satisfaction. Although, he also sucks his teeth when Rainbow Dash starts to stir and get up. At least now, he could look down at her as she did him. "Not so much fun being on the receiving end, is it?" The only answer Rainbow gives is harsh wheezing.

"Though the context is different, this reminds me of some lyrics from a favorite song of mine. 'This is the pain that feeds the Rot inside. A poison and a creed, my parasite'. This is what you took pride and pleasure in doing to me before leaving me alone and paralyzed in places like the Everfree. And just as no one answered my cries for help, no one will be able to help you. It's been so long, and we have so much catching up to do." He said ominously.

"I truly have to thank you, for not only did you further validated my points, but now, you're no longer protected by the Gjallarhorn. Which means I. Can finally. Do. This." He smiled as he placed his foot on her wing and slowly applied pressure. "Let us revel in this..."

"STOP HIM!!!" Bow tried to break through the ice with his wife to no avail.

"GET AWAY FROM MY BABY!!!" Windy screamed.

"Nothing is working! No matter how hard we try, our magic isn't melting or breaking the ice. And we can't use too much without risking collateral damage." Cadence tried along with every unicorn and alicorn present.

"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!" A blood curdling scream was heard through the ice and the broadcast. Jason is seen standing over Rainbow now with a hammer made of ice, her wing now crushed and bending in places it's not supposed to, bones could be seen sticking out as well.

"A little late for the warning, but the following may contain content that may be disturbing and unsuitable for most audiences. Viewer discretion is advised. My bad!" Jason mock apologized before he turned Rainbow over to get a better angle on her other wing. "You wanted a monster... You got something far worse, not just because you're quite literally incapable of stopping me, but because now you know I'm right."

Jason raised his hammer again. "You don't deserve those wings!" He brought it down as hard as he could on her other wing, causing her to scream again as the court became more frantic in her rescue. "You don't deserve all that fame and admiration!" He brought it down on her front hooves before turning her on her back and binding her limbs to the floor.

"Much like how I was left alone, near death, at the mercy of the Everfree, you are basically in the same position at my mercy. Rather, my lack of mercy. I'm not going to kill you, but I am however, going to leave you unable to harm anyone again. Like a true hero would. Plus, I still owe you for the eye you took from me, especially after the latest lightning bolt. It blinded you in one eye, that means it would've blinded me in my other eye." He gripped the handle hard enough to break the hammer and leave him with a makeshift dagger that he drew dangerously close to her eye as he laughed like a madman.

"I'm going to take that eye of yours, but I want you to see the end first." He pulled away from her to face the audience through the broadcast.

"I would ask why me, but I already know the answers I would receive. 'I don't know', 'because I'm a freak', 'because I can', or because I deserved it'. And frankly, I don't care anymore. You wanted a monster, but you've never even met one. Not one 'monster' your kind has faced had the singular, justified motivation of bloody, indiscriminate revenge against the entire world. If the world seeks my destruction, then I'm taking every. Last. One of you. With me. But first, I want to show you something and ask you all something before we enact the final part of history's longest fucking suicide note."

He placed his hand over his chest where the heart would be and bent forward to give a better view of what comes next. An ice spike several feet long and about six inches wide at the base shot out from his back, covered in blood. He coughed blood as he pulled it out from the front, but started laughing after as the wound began to heal.

"What-" Ember started.

"-the-" Novo continued.

"-fuck?" Gruff finished.

The courtroom looked on in shock and confusion. Many were screaming and trying to escape the courtroom, but were unable thanks to the doors being frozen shut. Some were crying, others were failing to hold their last meals.

"If it weren't for my new friends, that would've finally finished the job the Elements and the rest of Ponyville started five years ago. In fact, I tried to end it before, but it was only after I tried to hang myself did the Elements finally try to do the right thing. They saved my life only after spending years making it absolute Hell and even nearly killing me on multiple occasions. When I no longer wanted it is when they showed me mercy, and I intend to repay that with interest." Jason spat his blood into Rainbow's good eye before fully turning his attention back to the broadcast.

"As for what I wanted to ask: Can you hear it? The Howls in the Wind? Can you feel the icy oblivion creeping closer? Can you survive this time when there is so much more now than back then?" He asked ominously.

"I'm in a very good mood right now, so I'm going to say this once. You guys have 20 seconds to detain anyone who will attack me the second I remove the walls separating us. If anyone is stupid enough to attack me after this display of retaliatory brutality, I will kill them, regardless of who they are, what they are, and how old they are. The timer has already started." His expression changed from happy to dead serious in an instant.

Guards and royals alike were scrambling to detain Bow and Windy while a few others remained on standby for the Elements.

"What are you doing??!! You should be going after him! That monster!" Windy cried out.

"It's for your own good, ma'am." A guard said as calmly as he could.

"There's nothing that we can do without endangering others. Please, do not make this harder than it needs to be." Celestia implored them.

"Oh, we're way beyond that point." Jason said as he removed all the ice. "Judgement is at hand. Have fun with this mess, it'll be the last one you clean up come tomorrow." He said as he walked towards the exit.
> Chapter 12.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Celestia sits down by her fireplace as she levitates a bottle of wine. Normally, she would never drink on a work day, but the stress of today's event demands it. She pours her glass and goes for a drink before a knock. "Princess, your guests are here." A guard said.

"Let them inside, please," Celestia sighs. Moments later, her sister, the elements, Shining Armor, and Cadance, came inside. "Spike?"

"He's still in his room, practicing with his magic. For better or worse." Shining asks.

"Every time I see him, I only see one thing in his eyes: Hate. Pure hatred." Cadance said, a tear rolling down her cheek.

Celestia sighed. "It should come as no surprise, not after the revelation with his parents."

"And what exactly are you going to do about it?"

"For now, keep Shield Wall as far away as possible to protect Spike from the Gjallarhorn. After these trials, he will have much to answer for." She answered before looking towards Rainbow Dash. "I see you have been treated. How are you, Rainbow Dash?"

Rainbow's form had numerous bandages around her barrel, wings, and half of her face. All her limbs were in a caste, she was barely able to keep her eye open, even breathing was a chore for her. "Everything. Hurts!" Rainbow wheezes.

"I imagine it would. It certainly looked painful from my position. Perhaps now, you understand the suffering you inflicted upon Jason! Only five hundred years ago, sadism like that would've resulted in immediate execution. It would seem the death penalty will need to be reinstated if only because of you, Shield Wall, and Flippant Desire. For it to come from one of the Elements? I have gravely misjudged you! You were warned numerous times of the Horn's effects. Yet, you did not listen. Instead, you attacked some creature acting as a court official. During the highest court - involving all our allies - while a worldwide broadcast is happening!" Rainbow did her best to look up at the princess but looked down. "Is it any wonder that your parents are currently detained? Is it any wonder he took pleasure in torturing you like that? Why he wants to kill you???!!!"

Celestia took a sip of her wine while moving in front of Fluttershy. "I never thought I would look upon you in disappointment, Fluttershy. I can understand Rainbow's bullheadedness to act rashly, but I never thought you would use your stare on someone merely asking questions. Are you that fragile? What was it that Jason did? I must've missed something. Your actions in that court and the clearing were truly of cowardice!"

Fluttershy clothes her eyes and whimpers as Celestia faces Applejack. "I must admit that you surprised me as well, Applejack. I can forgive the small personal acts of lying. Nopony is free of such a thing. But, you might just be better at deception than even Chrysalis herself. Seeing you lure Jason closer so that he would receive the full brunt of your buck was masterful. Oh, did you train Wynonna to be an attack dog?"

"..." Applejack keeps looking down until her Celestia magic pulls her up. "...No..."

"I see. It was a spur-of-a-moment action. Commendable. Of course, she will have to be put down now,"

"No! Please, it was all me! Wynonna would never hurt anypony---"

"So, non ponies are fair game?" Applejack was on the verge of tears, causing Celestia to scoff. "I'd be more surprised if Jason doesn't decide to do it himself. Now, let's not leave the lovely noble mare wanting, right Lady Rarity?"

"I appreciate the complete, but I am no noble, Princess." Rarity said nervously.

"Don't be modest, Lady Rarity. It ruins the image of the same sycophant flank kissers I deal with day in and day out. You already have the attitude of one. Tell me, what disgusted you more? Was it his smell from being forced into poverty? Was his beaten appearance from his abuse too much to bear? Since you aspire to be an aristocrat, I would love to hear your opinion on how you are superior to everything else!?"

Celestia takes another drink as she stands in front of Twilight. "I can at least say that Pinkie wasn't trying to cause any harm if his choice to let her go is anything to go off of. But Twilight Sparkle. My faithful student and future successor. None has failed me more than you have. What would it have taken for you to treat Jason amicably? A letter from me? A reference from all of your teachers? A vote of confidence from Luna, Cadance, and your entire family line? Which is it, Twilight?"

"..." Twilight does nothing but silently cries.

"I suppose the fault is mine. After all, the failings of the student reflect upon the teacher. In truth, I should've had you come back after you hypnotize all of Ponyville. I have made many mistakes. One of them was assuming any of you were ready to represent our values. A harsh lesson has been learned indeed. You can wield an element of harmony, but you cannot embody them."

As Twilight said nothing, Cadance spoke up. "Since we are venting our grievances, Princess Celestia. How are the laws in the state they are in now? After a millennium-long rule, how do you now see the glaring and horrific issue plaguing Equestria? Nonponies are nothing more than indentured servants that can be used and discarded. Laws that allow for abuse at the level of King Sombra. Even years of false imprisonment. Spike is nothing more than a pet you allow for walking among when you had twenty years to correct it!"

Celestia takes another drink as she looks at her niece with defeat. "I believe most of today's laws stem from the noble houses of old. After Luna's banishment and my bout of depression, they saw an opportunity. A thousand years of ruling does not come without comprise. Though, after Luna and I clean house, there will be a changing of the old guard."

"...You mean, you are stepping down?" Twilight asks in a small voice.

"I will have no choice regardless. Jason's punishments are to come, and I suspect that's the fate for me," Celestia finishes her glass and looks to Luna. "What can you glean from the other judges, sister?"

"Nothing good. I suspect they have decided during Spike's mistreatment. The severity of Jason's abuse only solidified their decision. Our alliances may crumble after tomorrow if nothing is done," Luna could not help but glare at the element bearers.

"Then, this makes my announcement easier. Effective immediately, the Crystal Empire is severing all communication, trade, and ties with Equestria until a real change has occurred." Cadance said.

"...You never said how you feel about--"

"Make no mistake, Princess Twilight. I am finding it hard to stay in your presence any longer. And I am only polite right now to maintain some semblance of stability. Do not seek to contact more for the foreseeable future."

Twilight drips her head at her sister-in-law's words. "There's something else you should know." Shining sighs. "We'll take Mom and Dad to court for Spike's custody. We believe a change of scenery and ponies that will treat Spike well will do him some good."

"Did he change his mind about going back with Ember?"

Shining shook his head. "We didn't even know he had plans or was even considering that. Regardless, we'll deal with it when it comes around."

"Surely, you can talk with Spiky Wiky on our behalf?" Rarity said.

"You don't have to keep up the act anymore, Rarity. Spike knows you'll never love him." Applejack said bitterly.

"Oh, the lying abuser is trying to lecture me. It must be the end times."

"Last I check, you are on trial for being a fraud and abuser too!"

"Well, some of us are more guilty than others,"

"Buck. You!" Rainbow wheezes.

"Girls, stop this!" Pinkie said.

"I don't see why you care. You got off scot-free. An easy life awaits the carefree Pinkie Pie!" Rarity said.

"You want to do this now? Does blaming us make you feel better about your own contribution?" Fluttershy said with a frown.

"I'm surprised you're not curled up in a ball right now." Applejack grumbles.

"I wouldn't be surprised if Wynonna is at the pound by now!" Fluttershy growls. "How dare you use Wynonna like that? Animals are our friends, not weapons!"

"And what do you think your helpful advice to Flithy was doing? Training the orthos for pet pageant?" Fluttershy flinches but presses her head against Applejack.

"ENOUGH!!!" Celestia calls out, stopping the arguing. "Let me restate the obvious here so that you understand. All of you are to blame! The severity does not matter when the sheer amount perpetrators are staggering! If none of you can accept accountability for this, not only do you not deserve to be an element, but you don't deserve to be friends!"

"Tell Night Light and Velvet Sparkle that we sincerely hope they do the right thing by Spike and leave him with us." Cadance said as she took her to leave.

"I have much to deliberate with my fellow Judges and prepare prospects for the future. Stay strong, sister." Luna teleports out of the room without a word to Twilight and her friends.

"Princess--"

"No! We are done here for today. Leave my presence and be there for the sentencing tomorrow. Please do not make me come looking for you. Dismissed!" Celestia said, cutting Twilight off. Twilight and the others are left with sad expressions as Celestia is alone. She takes the wine bottle in her magic and looks it over before she hurls it into the wall.




The tone of the courtroom is very different from the beginning of the trial. The ponies are less expressive and mute with their voices. The judges had grim expressions. Save for Luna, who was stoic and anxious. The defendants were slow to enter the court. When the doors open, the jeering begins. The non-ponies were very vocal and loud. At the same time, the ponies themselves sent disdainful glares at them. Celestia was the only one to keep her head up during this. She would not falter in receiving her punishment. Twilight tries to emulate her mentor, but her splayed ears betray her stoic demeanor. Rarity was a mess in every sense of the word. Her mane was unkempt, and her coat was less pristine. Fluttershy was constantly shielding herself with her wings to hide from the angry voices. Applejack is numb to it all and wants the whole ordeal over now. Rainbow never looked more defeated than she does right now. Pinkie was with her family, visibly stressed from everything happening.

Jason awaits them patiently; his features are again indifferent to their position. Queen Novo speaks up as they did, gaining the court's attention. "Before the punishment is cast out, my fellow leaders and I have reached a consensus regarding the current state of affairs. I, Queen Novo, effectively immediately pronounce the elegance between Equestria and Eris Peak to be null and void." Several gasps went out as Celestia did her best to surpass her dismay. "I do not make such a decision lightly. But the events of the tribunal have only reinforced my prior opinion of doubt about Equestrian leadership. I am, of course, referring to how Princess Twilight Sparkle attempted to steal our scared orb for the benefit of Equestria while dooming Sequestria."

Celestia's head snaps to her student as she glares. "...You did what?"

"I-I was desperate. Queen Novo wasn't willing--"

"Stop! We will be discussing this later!"

"Hmm, it seems Equestria has fed all of us lies at various points. As king of Saddle Arabia, I now sever all ties with Equestria. Any saddle Arabian is strongly urged to renounce their citizenship in these lands. We want to interview you for any injustice you faced while here." Shifting Sands said.

"It is a sad day indeed. Equestria is full of misdeeds. The country of Zebrica shall not abide. In Equestria, we will no longer confide." Chef Zekia rhymed.

"I met many creatures in my life. You could always tell who was trying to con you. But you ponies? Who knew hooves could have hidden claws? Griffinstone wants nothing to do with you, con artists! And tell that Shady Trots to keep his eyes on the skies!" Grandpa Gruff threatens.

"Yaks is sad. Yak likes ponies. But it seems ponies don't like yaks. Yaks will stay with Yaks in Yakistan until ponies act more like Yaks." Prince Rutherford said.

Ember snorts as she takes her turn. "If Equestria has the gall to lecture us about our way of life, they need to take a good look in the mirror! A lot of our issues were due to your meddling. Never mind the fact that you are keeping dragons as pets! The Draglonlands will not tolerate any pony presence in our territory!"

"The Crystal Empire expresses sadness for our decision, but we boneless agree with our fellow leaders. And we will no longer commence in this alliance. Equestria needs to change. It must uphold its morals and values instead of loading them over others. The mindset of rules for me and not for thee will no longer be acceptable!" Cadance stated.

The announcement hurt the ponies—none more than Cadance as Equestria since equestrian intervention that prevented Sombra's take over. And the nobles were keen to remind her of this fact.

"Traitor!"

"Ungrateful welp!"

"Princess of frauds!"

"We don't need any of you!"

"Equestria survived for a thousand years! We will survive without you!"

The noble's outburst swiftly mocked by Jason. "What a surprise; the ponies are bigots. What's the matter? Sad that the world knows you're all speciests? If you really think Equestria can survive on its own in a world that has every right to hate you, even declare war against you, that says a lot more about your own arrogance and stupidity than it does her lack of loyalty to a country that can't even uphold its own values properly. Loyalty being one such value by the way. Not to mention the inevitable hit your economy will take due to reparations, loss of workers, and more."

Luna's face slowly morphs into a scowl. "That's enough. The tribunal is about to conclude. If you have any respect for yourselves and your station, you will keep your comments to yourselves! It is time for the madness to cease!"

"But the madness is where all the fun resides." A new voice said.

"By Grover's plumage! Who said that?!" Grandpa Gruff.

"Discord?" Fluttershy asks while looking around.

In the center next to Jason, a zipper appears before a paw comes from behind it and opens it. Discord comes stepping out of space. More murmurs went off at the sudden appearance while Fluttershy could only stare in disbelief. "Discord? What are you doing here? Where have you been?"

"Oh, I was tidying up here and there in my home. Time flows sporadically there. How are things for you." Discord said.

"Discord! We are in the middle of a tribunal! It is not a place for your antics!" Celestia firmly said.

"Oh, I love courtroom dramas. Here, let me get the proper attire." Discord snaps his talon and dresses in a blue suit and a spiked wig. Many occupants didn't know why the word objection popped out whenever Discord pointed.

"Discord!" Twilight shouts. "We are not in the mood for any games! For once in your life, be serious.

"Oh, come now, Twilight. I know that spell I put on you has made everything fuzzy, but you do remember how to have fun."

"Discord, you--" Twilight stops at his words. "W-what did you just say?"

"Hmm, are you still feeling the after-effects? It's always like this with perception spells."

Slowly, realization dawns on Twilight as she recalls the past few days dealing with the spell.

"But the magic? We can't deny it's there and messing with our perceptions!"



"I find it strange that only the elements and my sister are the targets of this spellcraft. Perhaps four alicorn mages can break through it." Luna suggests.

The four princesses nodded as their horns lit with magic. However, a white aura appears on the defendants after waiting several seconds. The spell did not break as it did for Celestia and Twilight. "...Nothing..."

"No. No! There has to be something! How can we know something is there but can't eliminate it? It makes no sense!!!" Twilight exclaimed.



"No!"



"Perhaps the elements of harmony? If foul magic infects us, they may clear it." Rarity suggests.

"It's worth a shot." Twilight said as her horn made the elements appear around their necks. "I always wanted to try that spell. Alright, girls. We have to focus on any corruptive or invasive magic within ourselves," The elements began their sequence of powering up. Each Pony hovers in the air as a rainbow aura surrounds them. Eventually, the magic of the elements dies down, and everyone returns to the ground. Twilight opens her eyes and frowns. "Nothing. There's still nothing!"



"You didn't...!"



Celestia turns to the group with an unreadable expression. "Then, I suggest you look into whatever magic left me and ensure it's not within yourselves. I fear a foul hand is at play. One that seeks to discredit us. In the meantime, prepare for the next day as best as possible. Jason's argument is compelling because he wields the truth. So, only the truth can prevail. Now, if you all will excuse me, I wish to speak with my sister alone."



"I-It's been you this whole time!"



"Hold on a minute! Didn't Discord say its name? It sounds like he knows who this varmint is. Where did he scurry off to now?" Applejack said.

"Discord left as soon as Jason did." Fluttershy said with a frown. "I think, with everything that is happening, he felt upset."

"Darling, this is Discord we are talking about; he never cares enough to be upset." Rarity said.



"How come I didn't see it?"



"So, there was an issue with him. I knew there was something wrong. What if this Jason Wright is part of a scheme he cooked up a millennium ago, and it's coming back to haunt everypony like the plunder vines!"



Twilight theorized.

The last words echo in Twilight's mind as she shouts. "Discord! What did you do!?"

"What's wrong, Twilight?" Fluttershy asks.

"I believe she is referring to the spell I put on all of you regarding our resident human. I am the reason he's here," Discord said.

There was a moment of silence before everyone, save for Jason said anything. "WHAT!?!?"

"Explain yourself!" Celestia said. The pupils in her eyes shift into a bright white color while her mane is now bright orange.

Discord snaps his finger again as he adopts a severe expression. "Well, to understand that, you need to understand chaos's role in the world. While reformation is excellent and all, don't get me wrong. It's harmful to the balance of the world. Chaos must thrive as much as order does to achieve perfect harmony. You know this, Fluttershy. If I don't enact some clutter, I fade away, leaving the world in peril. But I quickly faced a new dilemma; how do I cause my brand of mischief without upsetting my friends? Then, I got it! I get someone else to do some chaos for me. And a human, no less. A tough as nails, thick skin human that can handle anything."

Discord gestures to Jason, who is still wearing a deep frown. "So, you admit to being the cause of the memory manipulation the Princess and elements fell under?" Queen Novo asks.

"That's correct. But it's a little more than that. See, I heard about Twilight's escape from the human realm. And, from how she came back so distant, cold, and melancholy. I knew it was the perfect means to spice things up. So I sent out my magic to the human world and plucked out the nearest human I could find."

"Against their will, no doubt!" Rarity spat.

"Oh, pshaw, you know the old saying, better to ask for forgiveness than permission. Besides, I know human lives a dreadfully mundane, so I bet coming here was the adventure of a lifetime." Jason didn't say a word. "Anyway, I wanted to get the most genuine response from you, so I added a tiny spell to bring out your innermost feelings."

The elements stare at Discord aghast. "You messed with our heads again?" Pinkie asks in a hurt tone.

"Like the good old days from when we all first met. Although, I had to tweak it a little. I didn't want anypony noticing anything out of the ordinary. The kind of result one can get from so little effort is incredible. Of course, that also meant I had to put a spell on Celestia. We can't have her coming to Ponyville and ruining the fun. Put a barrier around the town to make ponies forget about our dear human friend, and viola. I had a chaotic live-action play for my viewing pleasure. And what a performance! The flash mobs are throwing garbage. The name-calling. The lightning strikes. But the best part was the elements of harmony turning Jason away at every turn! It was the most enjoyment I ever had since reforming!"

"But, you didn't reform! Look at this madness we're in because of you! I honestly believed I said those vile things!" Rarity shrieks.

"Y'all made me shatter his ribs!" Applejack hollers.

"You're. A. Jerk!!!" Rainbow wheezes.

"Nothing about what happened to Jason was funny, Discord!" Pinkie shouts.

"I can't believe I ever considered you a friend!" Twilight said with venom in her tone.

"Why, Discord. Why would you break our trust again? You could've found another way to enact chaos without hurting any creature!" Fluttershy said in a hurt tone.

"More importantly, why reveal yourself?" Luna asks with venom in her tone. "The trial would've ended with all of us none the wiser of your scheme."

"Because once I saw Jason return with the Gjallarhorn, I knew things went too far. I can't let you hurt them for something I did. If you want to punish anyone, Jason, punish me."

"Interesting. But I have a question; how do we know you are not merely trying to cover for the defendants?" Jason asked.

Discord takes a deep breath while preparing his answer. "Why didn't you leave? After your treatment got worse and worse, why would you stay? If you were afraid you would get more of the same somewhere else, that wasn't the case. I put a spell on you to keep you from leaving."

There were many gasps at Discord's words as all eyes were all on Jason now. Everyone expected to see the same magic burst from so many times before. But nothing is happening to the disgruntled human. "Hmm, you look confused about something, Discord." Jason said.

Discord looks between Jason and the Gjallarhorn while his confusion grows. "B-But, where is the magic within you?"

"I got to say I was expecting to rear your ugly face when I got to Fluttershy's testimony. I wasn't expecting you to take the fall for their mistake. That's amazing. Truly noble. But I've learned the hard way never to take things at face value when it comes to ponies. So, you want to confess again while touching the Gjallarhorn?"

"There's no need for that. I am telling the truth, and it's not reacting with that annoying hum." Discord said.

"Then, there should be no issue. Go on, touch it, prove to me that you are genuine because your being here doesn't quite add up. You could've come clean the moment you saw me. But, no, you didn't. You let this drag on for five days, enabling me to practically bring an entire country to its knees using its own legal system, destroying the reputations of many, and then my little session with Dash. What? Were you worried about what people would think of you? They already hate you, Discord. Look at how quickly they turn on you. Look at how fast they are willing to shift the blame. Nothing would've changed if you had confessed earlier. No, you ran away to cover your ass. See, I knew you were involved because the magic in me dispelled when I met my new friends."

"'Friends'?" Discord said nervously.

"Yet, this plan you cooked up has multiple steps and well-thought-out applications of what you wanted—bending the elements to your will, stopping the ruler from visiting. Erecting a barrier. These are not actions of the unpredictable. So, which is it, Discord? How can we trust what you say as fact when you already have contradictions in your story?" Jason said.

"It doesn't matter! The horn did nothing. Therefore, I am not lying. You're lucky I'm even doing this right now. If you tried before I was reformed, you would've been stuck as my court jester!"

"Is that right?" Jason smirks. "Well, then, it's time I get the punishments out of the way."

Discords' eyes widen at that. "Punishments? No, wait. I already confessed! Leave them be!"

"If we take your confession at face value - which I don't - then it changes absolutely nothing. The spell you put on everyone was a tiny nudge at the most. If you put more power into it, your little game would've ended because everyone would see something was wrong. For example..." Jason touches the Gjallarhorn again. The episode of Return to Harmony plays out. Everyone saw how Discord corrupted the elements through trickery and deceit. Fluttershy flinches when Discord forcefully changes her. "As we saw here, when Discord corrupts someone, their colors gray out, and they act the opposite of their usual personality. How. Fucking. Ever..."

Jason shows the memory of all his encounters with the elements again. "From my interaction, we see none of your influence. So, what does that tell you, members of the court? Discord wanted genuine reactions. He did not twist their minds to be the reverse of themselves. He removed the filter between pleasantries and nastiness. He made them more open to the idea of what they did and the rest of Ponyville simply followed their example. The elements still had a choice! And they chose rudeness. They chose cowardice, neglect, deceit, and, more importantly, violence! So, what did you honestly accomplish here, Discord? I don't know how you're fooling the Gjallarhorn with these lies, but it doesn't matter."

Discord was becoming more desperate as the other judges agreed with Jason. "Wait, please reconsider this. Nopony else needs to suffer--"

At these words, Jason's glare burns into Discord's soul, but his eerily calm tone is what made everyone's fur flare up. "Suffer? Could you show me a pony that's suffered like me? Could you show me a pony that's been discriminated against like them? This is what suffering looks like." Jason removes his robe again and shows off his scars to the spirit of chaos. Discord immediately adopts a look of horror upon seeing them. "This is suffering done by your precious friends you're trying to protect! And I, as well as my own friends, have so much suffering to give back." He cackled.

"B-But, your magic should've--"

"What magic? I thought you knew about humans. We don't have magic. My magic isn't even my own. We can't shrug off beatings and lightning strikes. We feel everything! Every. Damn! Thing!!! Do you think I am faking this somehow? Here, feel for yourself!" Discord wasn't expecting Jason ever to try and touch. At least not in a non-threatening manner. The Gjallarhorn would've ensured he was all but safe from the human's wrath. But, he had no idea of the scope of Jason's pain. So, Jason's hand already passes through his paw, shocking everyone in the court.

"Discord? Your presence is merely an illusion?" Celestia asks.

"Surprise...?" Discord said meekly.

"Where are you?" Cadance asks.

"I am still in my realm. The magic there throws everything for a loop," Discord sighs. "The horn did not react because I am not in Equestria."

Jason merely laughed at the revelation. "So, even now, you are still hiding away and trying to play both sides of the fence, huh? You're just like them in that you refuse to take accountability. I guess you don't care. But that's fine with me. If you don't come willingly, I'll just make you!" In response to Jason, the Gjallarhorn glows brightly. The fake image of Discord breaks apart as the real draconequus replaces it.

"W-What? How?!"

"Come on, Discord. Did you forget the stipulation for this entire trial? I said I would get to punish everyone that's wronged me. That includes you!"

"Jason, please, I am begging you; find it in your heart to forgive them."

Jason's stare becomes hard as stone as he pierces his chest again with an ice spike, nearly causing Discord to throw up. "What heart? There can be no forgiveness. Not for what they did and not for what they denied me!"

The Gjallarhorn glows again as Applejack's farm comes into view again. Jason's limping form was entering the tool shed of Apples. There was a dead and near-lifeless look in his eyes as he looked around the shack and found Applejack's rope. Unfortunately, Wynnoa's barking alerted him, and several voices in the distance. Grabbing the rope quickly, Jason humbles his way deep into the orchard. The thick trees provided enough cover, and Jason could no longer hear the voices and bark. He sighs, but not in relief, in resolution for his next decision. He gingerly fashions a noose out of the rope and ties it to the thickest, highest branch of the tree. He sits on the tree branch with the loop tied securely around his neck while taking in the scenery. The same wondrous feeling of being in Equestria washed over Jason for the briefest moments. It was there to greet him. And, now, it is here for his departure.

"I'll see you soon, Susie."

Jason leans forward and lets gravity do the rest. Unfortunately, the fall did not snap his neck instantly. The noose went taunt around his neck and cut off his airway. Jason's hand instinctively went to the rope to alleviate the pressure. It took considerable effort to ignore the survival impulses and the panic in his being. His vision had stars, and it was getting harder to breathe. Slowly, Jason puts his hands down. In a few seconds, all the pain would stop. The vision in his eyes fades into darkness as he lets out one last sigh. The world finally went silent. Finally, there was peace. That was until Jason fell hard on his back. He heard the telltale sound of levitation magic and the rope loosening around his neck. Opening his eyes, Jason breaks out in a coughing fit as all the elements look down at him. All of them had looks of apprehension as Applejack spoke.

"Why?"

"..." Jason did not respond. Instead, rage takes over, and Jason grabs the nearest object and swings it wildly. The elements back off and allow Jason to run away.

Jason removes his hand from the Gjallarhorn. His face is still glaring at Discord, who is currently mimicking goldfish. "Why? That's what I was asked when I went to hang myself. Why?"

"You truly attempted to slay yourself?" Luna said in disbelief.

"Why would you do this...?" Celestia said in shock.

"What did I have to live for? What did I have to lose? I saw no other way out of that nightmare." Jason said softly.

"B-But, they saved--"

"Shut the fuck up!" Jason shouts before Discord can finish, switching back to a disturbingly calm tone. "I wasn't saved. I was denied my death. I was denied peace. And, then you ask me why - like the last three years of torture didn't happen - and you're showing genuine concern? None of you are innocent. What was saved was something that didn't want to be saved when all it had to look forward to was more meaningless pain and suffering. Your 'mercy' will only bring ruin." Jason revealed the Wendigos accompanying him, prompting the entire courtroom to gasp.

"Wendigos!!??" Twilight shouted in alarm.

"That's where your magic is coming from!!??" Discord looked on in horror.

"That's right." Jason confirmed. "Apparently, my hatred alone was enough to awaken them. Intrigued, they made a pact with me, and gave me the Gjallarhorn in order to fulfill it." He smirked.

"A pact?" Celestia asked cautiously.

"What is the one emotion that is most present in the world right now? I'll give you a hint: It's what every other race and country feels towards Equestria right now." Jason alluded to his true intent.

It didn't take long for realization to dawn on everyone's faces. "Hatred..." Cadence answered in a shaky voice.

"You're trying to bring them back in full force. But you'll kill everything!" Twilight said.

"I know. That's kind of the point. It's not like I've been subtle about my intent:" Jason touched the Horn to show exactly what he meant.



"I hope you can come up with a good defense, and I don't just mean a legal one."





"Your kind is the scum of the earth, and I'm so very eager to prove just how much you deserve what comes next."





"'Monster'? Is that what you were going to say? I never claimed I wasn't a monster, but I did basically say three years of abuse and two more of nightmares, blindness in one eye, occasional muscle spasms, the constant pain I'm in, even breathing hurts, and other physical disabilities thanks to what the ponies I truly admired, the town I loved, did to me, all with smiles on their faces, turned me into one by your standards. You wanted a monster, but you've never actually seen much less read about one. I'm no monster..." Jason walked towards her and looked her in the eyes.

"I'm so much worse. I am what you made me. You overestimated humanity's tolerance and capacity to forgive. But your biggest mistake? Underestimating our capacity for malice and the lengths we'll go to get what we feel we're owed. And I am owed so very much."





"Unless you can take away the pain, the nightmares, give back my happiness, my life, I'm going to stick my original plan."

"And that is?" Shining asked, to which Jason smiled as he began pushing him out the door.

"A Cold Ending to everything. If the world seeks my destruction, then I'm taking everyone with me. I hope everyone's been working on their defenses, not that it'll change anything."





"A filly. Your sister showed me more kindness and generosity than anyone in your town ever did. It must be a cruel twist of fate that such a good pony is related to you. She is truly the only pony I don't hate, but unfortunately for her, my hatred for you and the rest of your kind overshadows any semblance of care I might've had for her. That almost makes what I plan to do hurt me. Almost."





"I hope you're all enjoying the show. Entertainment like this is simply to die for!"





"Can you hear it? The Howls in the Wind? Can you feel the icy oblivion creeping closer? Can you survive this time when there is so much more now than back then?"





"If the world seeks my destruction, then I'm taking every. Last. One of you. With me. But first, I want to show you something and ask you all something before we enact the final part of history's longest fucking suicide note."



"And I didn't sow the seeds of hatred so much as I did reveal and harvest them for all the world to see. This was well over 1,000 years in the making thanks to you ponies. If you think about it though, in a way, as long as no one throws a wrench in my plans, I'm actually saving the world."

"By committing mass genocide??!!" Gruff questioned Jason's logic.

"Hatred is said to be a sickness within the soul, Wendigos only become active when there's too much in the world. By that logic, the world itself is a living organism, every creature is a different type of cell, hatred is the infection, and Wendigos are the white blood cells. It's simple, really. It's a kindness the world doesn't deserve. And if by the off chance the world survives, you'll certainly be feeling this for years to come."

"You're insane." Ember growled as her claws scraped against the wood.

"Nope! I've gone so far beyond the point of insanity that I came full circle. It's not like anyone here can do anything to me anyway. Afterall, where in any law around the world does it say 'we can't use divine artifacts to prove another's guilt in a court of law'? Once these trials are done, every single one of you will be fair game, but I'll grant you the greatest kindness I can give."

"'Kindness'?" Novo asked.

"Yes, I'll save Equestria for last. The greatest kindness I can give you is the pleasure of watching all your homes, friends, families, and countries, share the same frozen grave before sending you to them in the afterlife. Then, when all other life capable of hatred is dead, will the Wendigos release me of our pact and kill me so they may sleep once more."

"However," Jason continued "we still have a trial, so that'll have to wait until I've passed my judgement. So, Discord, care to elaborate on all your sins that brought us here today?"
> Chapter 13.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Discord can honestly say that it is the first time he wishes he was not the center of attention. Many reproachful eyes are watching, waiting for the truth of his involvement. He was counting on his little ruse to work, that he would take the fall and his friends could be free. But, he did not account for the Gjallarhorn or Jason's resolve for justice. It's why hiding away in his realm was a good idea at the time. With another sigh, Discord begins to speak.

"I wasn't lying when I said I bring you here was relating to Twilight's experience with humans. But it wasn't to pick at the scab. It was to help her deal with that issue by showing her that not all humans are imperfect. I believed that if she was going to be a princess - one that could fulfill the needs of everypony - then she couldn't have any resentment that could impair her judgment. So, I reached beyond the veil to find a human and bring them to Equestria. That human was you, Jason."

"You made the website that brought me here to help Twilight be a better princess?" Jason said with an undercurrent of rage.

"Well, I didn't know exactly how my spell was going to manifest on your side, but it worked regardless."

Jason was seething now despite the anticipation on his face. He knew precisely how this correlated directly. It was the same as when Discord united Equestria's villains to help Twilight with her doubts about Equestria's sole ruler. "Of course. It makes so much sense now. You fucked me over to help that one be a better ruler for Equestria. Unfortunately, you did it in the asinine way possible, just like in the show."

"W-What do you mean?"

Discord flinches when Jason touches the horn again. This time, the elements were in Canterlot. Unlike the previous memories, no one was familiar with these current events. The mention of a coronation threw everyone present for a loop. Discord eventually came onto the scene. He gripped his reptilian leg as his body was covered in dirt and debris. "Oh! My aching metatarsals! You know you forget how convenient snap travel is."

"Wait, did you just say you walked here? On foot?" Spike asks.

"Yes. Actually. And I have a confession to make. You see, I might have made the tiniest boo-boo. All very well-intentioned and noble on my part but--"

"Get to the point, Discord," Applejack said.

"You remember that whole thing with King Sombra? That was slightly my fault, and by slightly, I mean that I brought him back..."

"You did!? But why?!?!" Rarity exclaims.

"Well, it seemed like a good idea then, so I brought back three other villains, who are now on the loose and not big fans of yours. So, uh, my bad,"

"Wait, I never did that!" Discord hollers as the memory ends. "You can't seriously try and pin events on me that I haven't even considered! That's like arresting me for a crime I was only thinking about doing!"

"It's not to show your guilt!" Jason said plainly. "It's to compare what you have done to me. It's precisely the same concept. You going off behind everyone's backs with a solution you think is best for the situation when, in reality, it is beyond fubar. No one fucking asked you to rip me from my home to help Twilight get over being a bigot. A trial she failed spectacularly!"

"I only had the best intention like in the memory. I-I never knew things would go so wrong!"

"Like I've said before, good intentions are the surest path to hell. What were you expecting to happen? That she would see me and we would be instant friends? Or that Pinkie would have one of her famous welcome parties? All I got from visiting Ponyville was pain and misery. So, at what point did you notice things were going wrong? Was it when I was sleeping homeless on the streets? What about the lightning strikes that left me half blind or the buck that shattered my ribcage? The flash mobs were always a fun time too! Maybe you missed my new place of residence in the fucking cave with manticores! Tell me something; in what part of your social experiment would you intervene? When shit hit the fan, why did you not get me out of there? Why was there magic on me preventing me from leaving? Why erase everyone's memories?"

Discord looks down in shame at Jason's inquires. "I wasn't keeping an eye on the things. There was no reason to believe that the capital of friendship would treat you so poorly. If they can accept somepony like me, then I doubt any creature couldn't make friends with them." The element all seem to deflate at how badly they proved Discord wrong. "Never in my wildest dreams would I believe any of what happened to you was done by the ponies in Ponyville, let alone the Elements. But here we are. I did check up on your progress near the end. But I never found it in Ponyville that day. I saw you thanks to the residual chaos magic inside of you. I believe some chaos magic got stuck in you when you crossed over to our dimension. I never gave it a direction or purpose. My only guess is that since I frequent Ponyville quite often, the magic inside was drawn to the other signatures around town. Thus, you were drawn to it as well. Back in my realm, I tried sending you back home. But I realized I don't know where your home is. It's like finding a needle in a haystack."

"And what about their memories?" Cadance asks.

Discord could not face anyone at that question. "After I returned to Ponyville, I noticed Jason was on Applejack's farm in the middle of the night. At first, I thought that perhaps it was a sleepover while all of you got to know each other. Fluttershy would be gushing over the fact of an exotic creature. Pinkie would try to mack friends. Rarity would do her fashion thing, and so on and so on. Instead, when I followed my residual magic to him, Jason was hanging by his neck from a tree with the girls just standing before him. I couldn't believe it. What led you to go to such extremes? I did not know, but I knew that whatever happened must've damaged Ponyville by a large margin. Suicide was not a concept ponies could handle. So, I took away everyone's memories of you."

"Well, if it's any consolation, Ponyville wasn't harmed in the slightest. Though in hindsight, I probably should have. After all, with their track record of rewarding some of the worst criminals and punishing the innocent, I'm confident I could've killed half of them in their sleep, and both Princesses would've made me their King. But how very convenient for the Elements are the rest of that pathetic town. Let's spare the ponies the mental anguish of knowing they drove someone to end their lives. Their weak constitution can't handle their guilt."

"I am sorry for--"

"No. You don't get to apologize. Not after everything you've done. Not after trying to hide your crimes from everyone. Not after everything that will follow. But I'm curious about something. I overheard what you and Fluttershy discussed at the Gala, how you wanted to make amends with the other rulers. That tells me you did something unsavory to them as well. So, why don't you share with the rest of the class?"

"I don't see how that is relevant." Discord says.

"I believe it is very relevant. It does concern us, after all. And your guilt is clear for all the see. There shall be no more hiding it!" Queen Novo said harshly.

"W-Well, initially, I wanted to mend some bridges that I broke with each of respective kingdoms after some introspective thinking of my actions when I was a young Draconeuus. You see--"

"How about you start with what you did and cut out all fluffy squeaking!" Grandpa Gruff said.

Discord sighs as he pulls out a list. "Okay, for the griffins, I put all their positive moral aspects into that precious Idol of Boreas. I thought it would be funny to know that all your decency would disappear as soon as somepony stole it. I significantly decreased their intelligence for the diamond dogs because of this one diamond dog know-it-all. I made the desert surrounding Saddle Arabia-- a prank on the ruler of that period. I made the staff the Storm King wielded that lets him control Alicorn's magic. I was drunk on poison joke juice at the time. That's also why I was absent during his invasion. I cursed the zebra's to only speak in rhymes. And the dragons, I messed with their internal emotional spectrum so their bodies would respond to their emotional state. I was bored that day and decided to wing it."

Many of the creatures from the kingdoms Discord brought up were in an uproar. The judges all are wearing a look of disgust and rage. "You scum!" Ember snarls, with flames licking her lips as she says this.

"T-That cannot be! Rhyming is considered sacred and free!" King Zekia said.

"I had always been told stories about how Saddle Arabia was once a giant oasis. It was more fertile than even Equestria. And you robbed us of that as a prank!?" Shifting Sands said in outrage.

"You took my nation's decency and threw it into our idol. No wonder my griffin folk acts greedy and indifferent! Whatever happens to you, I wholeheartedly agree with it!" Grandpa Gruff squawks as all the Judges agree.

"In other words, what you mean to say is that like 80% of the world's problems can ultimately be traced to the irresponsible use of your power, ponies being hypocrites and capitalizing on your crimes against other races, or their supremacist views and xenophobic tendencies?" Jason asked.

"So, in the end, you still prove yourself to be a plague." Luna said with a shake of her head.

"It is regrettable, Discord. Sadly, we are at this point now. Mister Wirght, I believe you can carry out your sentence now." Cadance said in disappointment.

"I got the answer I wanted from you. You're all guilty of many crimes that would be grounds for execution!" Discord and the defendants went pale at Jason's words. "But don't worry. Unlike your sorry excuse of a legal system, I'll ensure my punishments fit the crime. Let's start with the big mastermind of this shit show. Discord!"

Discord feels all the saliva dry in his mouth. "Yes...?"

"For a creature that revels in chaos, you have given your allegiance to Equestria. In my world, the disorder is natural. It is tied to no loyalty but its own. I mean, there is no guiding force like you to give chaos direction. It flows freely, and the rest of us simply adapt to how it goes. You, on the other hand, give all your powers to Equestria. You did so at the behest of Celestia's absurd plan to reform you using Fluttershy as a means to an end. But that reformation was never genuine. If that were the case, you would've told the Princesses about the plunder vines or removed them yourself. You would've never sided with Tirek and betrayed everyone. You also had plenty of time to fix all those horrible misdeeds you did to the other nations and their people. But, no, you were fine with what you did. You were fine with letting everyone wallow in ignorance."

"I was going to try and make amends..."

"And it would've been either meaningless or had conditions along with it. The fact of the matter is, Discord, you are nothing but an immature brat that constantly plays with fire and everyone else but you gets burned. Not that the world will ever be safe while I exist here, but how can the world be safe and free of the fate I suffered when you can wield godlike power with the whim of a foal? However, I'm not going to punish you per se." Jason said. Everyone's eyes shot wide open at the declaration.

"You can't be serious??!!" Ember snarled. To which Jason held up his hand.

"I wasn't finished. I'm definitely taking away your magic and keeping it for myself, but my true punishment to you is that I'm going to punish everyone else but you! And every time you fuck up from here on out, your closest friend in proximity will suffer a spike of pain similar to what Applejack or Rainbow did to me in a random location on or in their body. You will be powerless in a world that hates you, and you will be forced to truly think before you act, lest someone you care about pay a hefty price!" Jason said excitedly as Discord's magic flowed into him. Before he could say anything, Jason froze his mouth shut.

That was one down and seven more to go. Standing before Celestia, the princess of the sun felt a nervousness she had not felt in some time. "Princess Celestia. One can say that you are perhaps the most decorated ruler in the world. You kept Equestria going for over a millennium. But your peace comes with a hefty price that other creatures besides ponies must pay. Non-ponies are just one step above being slaves, thanks to your laws. Spike the dragon is nothing more than a pet in the eyes of Equestrian rules. At the same time, you maintained peace, you could've changed all that, but you did not."

"I did the best--"

"Your best was faulty and insufficient. It was manipulation at the best of times, especially when it came to those six to your right." Jason said more forcefully as he cut Celestia off. "The elements list of crimes goes further than merely what they did to me. Yet, you always gave them a pass. You always bailed them out, made excuses, or outright ignored the glaring laws they broke. But you always had the nerve to charge anyone else that was not a Bearer of Harmony. Your punishment is as follows. You will become a tyrant if you have to in order to unfuck this country. I'm talking 'Daybreaker' tyrant. If you survive my attempt to kill the world, you will have one year to do so. Failure will result in you taking the full legal punishments for every crime you didn't punish the Elements for. Succeed, and you might be allowed to keep your crown on the condition you continue to be an actual ruler instead of a negligent enabler.." The courtroom gasped as Celestia looked up at Jason, unable to tell if this was supposed to be mercy or punishment intended to force her into betraying her morals.

Jason moved past her and stood before Applejack. The farm pony swallowed a large gulp while Jason glared at her. "You know, I had thought about putting Wynonna down for the attack command you gave her."

"Please! Please don't do that! As you said, I made her do it! Please! She has been a part of the family since I was a filly. We need her on the farm to warn us against the Everfree critters! Please, don't hurt her. I'm sorry!" Applejack begged.

"Don't worry. I'm not going to kill her..."

"O-oh! Tha-"

"You are. In the same way you tried to kill me." He said with a small grin.

Her heart sank as her wide eyes were just as quickly tearing up. "What?! No! I-I can't-"

"Your compliance isn't a factor." He interrupted as he noticed her family wasn't present.

"Disappointing." He thought.

"The alternative is that every member of the Apple family will have the tendons in all their legs severed and their tongues cut out. And I do mean all of them." He said with finality.

"You can't do that! They ain't done nothin' to you!" She protested.

"The Gjallarhorn says otherwise. I can punish you by punishing others as I see fit for the simple fact it will still count as a punishment to you. Besides, we've already established I fully intend for every last mare, stallion, foal, and equivalents of other races to become ice sculptures in my 'Frozen Garden'. What difference does it make? All you have to do to ensure the Apple family's survival, assuming they survive the coming blizzard, is to kill a single animal." He used the Horn to teleport Wynonna to, holding the dog by its neck. "The choice is yours. Kill a dog or doom your entire bloodline. The choice should be an easy one." He said before throwing the dog to Applejack.

He then moved on to Rainbow Dash, who still had a look of defiance. "We probably wouldn't be here today if you had you had anything resembling humility, competence, and self-control. I hope it was worth it, because three years of pain and suffering and a lifetime of the same thanks to all of you makes this so easy for me. I'm sure you recall what I said during our little session, yes?" He asked as he snapped his fingers to hold her in chains and formed a serrated sword out of ice.

"What-urgh??!!" She wheezed.

"You still owe me an eye. And I'm taking those wings for good measure." He unbound her wings and held one up, causing her to scream in pain as they were still heavily damaged from his hammer. But he didn't start at the base of her wing, rather, near the end of the limb itself.

"Wai-AGH!" She was just as quickly backhanded by a fist encased in ice.

"You don't get to beg. Now take it like a champ!" He said excitedly as he drew the weapon closer.

"Stop this!!!" Fluttershy screamed.

Jason simply glanced at her. "Did anyone stop when I begged for them to stop beating me? When I begged for them to stop doing something that could kill me? Did anyone stand up and say 'stop it' when I begged for mercy in similar positions? What about you? When I was beaten within an inch of my life by the so-called 'honorable' royal guards and left for dead on the side of the road. Did you try to help?" He snapped his fingers and teleported her to him, slowly gliding the blade down her cheek as a reminder that she's not protected by the Horn either. "Or did you run away like a coward and tell them how to hurt me even more? You don't get to beg for mercy for others either when you would rather do the exact opposite."

He turned his attention back to Rainbow and noticed she was missing a few teeth now. "I would ask for one good reason why I shouldn't, but I'd probably do it anyway. Just remember, you brought this on yourself. Let us revel in this." He froze every pony in place including her to ensure no one would interfere, then froze her mouth shut like he did to Discord before cutting away at her wing.

Piece by piece, he cut off her wing, using the Horn to ensure she wouldn't bleed out or die of shock. Her screams and protests muffled by her frozen mouth. Every creature kept their eyes shut as they covered their ears in an attempt to block out the horrific scene before them. Once he was done with both wings, he kicked her chin upward, forcing her onto her back. After which, he climbed on top of her and slowly reached for her eye.

"I believe this is mine." He dug his fingers into her eye socket, taking his time ripping it out, then tossing her to the side.

He then focused his attention on Fluttershy, who was cowering as she sobbed for her friend. He glanced at Discord to see him struggling against his binds, his eyes pleading "not her". Jason smirked before addressing the mare.

"I'm going to be nice to you and give you back your cutie mark." Fluttershy's heart sank, fully expecting his 'kindness' to come with a hefty price. "But you will never be able to use it again. This world doesn't have the rabies virus, let's fix that and make it progress like 10X faster. Effectively immediately, every animal you have or will ever give care to will begin suffering the final stages of it. This includes animals you simply helped the owners with. In addition, you will lose your hearing, sight, and your voice. Hear no evil, see no evil, and speak no evil." The Horn glowed as her eyes became like his. For good measure, he unfroze her mouth just so the world can better see how broken she is.

He then turned his attention to Rarity, who looked at him with nothing but hatred, to his amusement. "If I know you as well as I think I do, you're probably thinking I can't do worse than you've already done to yourself. Or maybe that changed after your friends? But we both know you did basically nothing. Regardless, let's test that theory! You can say goodbye to your business, for all your assets will immediately catch fire. Every time you try to charm or manipulate anyone, you will taste something akin to ash and vomit. Every time you insult something's looks or try to 'beautify' it, you will become progressively hideous. Lastly, modesty will no longer be part of your vocabulary. All your fur, as well as your mane and tail, will be forever shaved completely. Better get used to flashing everyone the goods because you're not going to wear anything either." Not wanting to hear her, he froze her mouth shut as she tried to hide herself from everyone as best she could.

He then moved past Pinkie Pie and stopped in front of Twilight. "Really, I'm doing the world a favor with what I'm going to do to you. As of this moment, you are stripped of your royal status. You will receive no aid of any kind from the crown. You will have no part in anything political. You will sever all ties with your family." He continued to list off everything she would endure as her eyes began to tear up more with each one. "Anyone who looks at you will see nothing but your failures and shortcomings. Lastly, all your magic, the very thing that made you special in any capacity, will permanently disappear." Her cutie mark disappeared as her magic ceased to exist, then her body fell over, as if she was clinging to life.

"And now for the last guilty party." Jason announced.

"What? But I thought the trials only included the defendants?" Luna asked, concerned she was now a target.

"If you think you're getting one specifically for you, don't worry. It's not like you had up to FIVE YEARS to find and enter my nightmares that would make even Nightmare Moon murderously angry towards the guilty so we could've avoided all this. But maybe you just can't enter the dreams of other creatures?" As if reading her mind, he addressed her concern in a way that turned everyone's attention to her. "Doesn't matter now, because we are well past the point of no return."

"Then who?" She asked.

"Ponyville, of course." He answered. "They weren't influenced in the slightest by Discord, so everything they did to me was 100% of their own free will. They went above and beyond to outdo her. But I'm going to be better than Twilight in my punishment."

"I... I don't... Understand." Twilight barely managed to say.

"It's quite simple. Unlike you, I'm not going to discriminate. Every sapient creature who has lived in, owned property, had friends or family, or any investments in that town during my 3 years there will all relive every injustice the town did to me first from my perspective within their respective timeframes. Afterward, they will find they've suffered the same damages I have in real life as well. If for example, my first lightning strike happened during my second week, all of them will enjoy it as I did when it happened."

"But you'd be punishing more than just the resi-"

"That's the point, Cadence." He interrupted. "Guilt through action or inaction. Guilt by association. Or guilt through their contributions through life that led up to that point like with Rainbow's parents. In addition, they will starve and freeze as I did. No matter how much they eat, they will never be more filled than I was. No matter how close they are to the fire or how many blankets they wear, they will never be any warmer than I was. And when I say 'everyone', I mean everyone."

"'Everyone.'" Celestia stared wide-eyed at his choice of punishment.

"Yes." Jason smiled. "Every mare, stallion, even non-ponies in that town. Even the children. Sins of the father and all that. The only exceptions to this will be the accused here in this room and Sweetie Belle. The first is meant as a psychological and emotional torture of sorts. As for Sweetie? It's my way of thanking her for being the only good soul in that town before I personally kill her as painlessly as possible. I hope everyone kept track of when they hurt me, because if by the off chance they survive the coming Winter and rabies, it'd be a real shame if their surgeons and patients came down with a sudden case of 'near death via electrocution' while he's already got the scalpel inside the patient." The Horn sent out a pulse that went out further than the eye could see, highlighting any creatures included in his sentence, even a few of the creatures in the stands as well as a few of the judges.

"So, on top of conspiring to murder everything in the world, you're trying to cause as much suffering as possible." Shining said as the wave washed over him. "What's even the point if you're trying to commit genocide?!"

"Simple. It's because I want to drive the nail in deeper. If this world survives, I want the world to have a constant reminder of who is truly at fault. I may have plunged the knife, but the world will remember who gave me every possible reason I needed to justify it. Every time they endure this punishment, they will be reminded of who did this to me and who brought this upon them while the ones here basically got a slap on the wrist. That Hatred will only feed the Wendigos and potentially keep them going longer, which is the other purpose it serves." Jason explained.

"Now that I've passed my sentences, I no longer have need of the Gjallarhorn." He grabbed the Horn and shattered it with ease thanks to his newfound powers. Light blinded the courtroom for a moment as he stood over the relic, smiling still. "Let that be proof your Goddess has forsaken you."

The courtroom stared in equal parts horror and disbelief at what just transpired. A few members tried to escape, but he froze their wings, horns, and the doors shut. "There's no running from this. You should be thanking me for being merciful enough to save you all for last." Jason said as Wendigos surrounded him.

"Then we have nothing to lose." Ember snarled as she flew over him, breathing fire along the way.

Jason stood unharmed, finding her attempt amusing. "It's futile. But if you're that eager to die, then who am I to refuse such a request?" The Wendigos swarmed her, negating her flames as he slowly walked towards her with an ice spear in hand.

Several members of the courtroom cried out for him to stop, but he ignored them all. A few even tried to attack him, but the Wendigos shielded him as he drew closer to the Dragon Lord. Even Luna tried to shield her, but her focus was broken as he teleported her in front of him. After grabbing her horn, he raised his spear.

"This is the Ending you've all been dying to watch." As he was about to thrust the spear through her, a bolt of magic blasted it to pieces. Surprised that anyone could do so, he looked in the direction of the caster to find Celestia, whose mane and tail were slowly burning up in flames. "Interesting, but your fire is far too cold to stop me."

Celestia - now Daybreaker, looked down on him with a mix of anger and pity. "You wanted this, didn't you? You're so consumed with Hatred, fallen so far into Despair that you can only march towards Death with as many victims as possible? FINE THEN!!!" Her mane and tail flared up as her eyes changed. "This is our last goodbye, Jason Wright."

He released Luna, who teleported back to her family. "Heh... If you truly possess the resolve to kill your 'friend' when you know I'm in the right - if you truly possess the power to kill me, then fucking FINISH THE JOB!!! DON'T STOP EVEN FOR AN INSTANT!!!" He shouted as the Wendigos roared with him.

"... For what it's worth," Luna spoke up as she conjured a scythe and numerous swords. "- I'm sorry it came to this."

"... That makes one of us." As he was about to snap his fingers, everyone heard a humming sound that became increasingly louder coming from the Gjallarhorn. Within seconds, it pieced itself back together and flashed brightly, blinding everyone once again.

When the light dimmed enough for everyone to see again, a white alicorn with a red mane and tail stood in its place. Every creature there looked at the mare with recognition and reverence. Jason on the other hand looked eerily calm. "Well, you took your sweet time, Faust. I was wondering if you were ever going to do your job or if you were going to let me play the part of the Four Horsemen by myself."

She looked at him with sorrow. As she stepped closer, even the Wendigos seemed to stop what they were doing. 


"That's enough, Jason Wright."

> Chapter 14.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


"That's enough, Jason Wright."


Silence. Not one creature dared to speak, just as many didn't even dare to move. Recognition, reverence, awe, these would be the words to best describe the faces of all the viewers. All except one, who looked at her with annoyance as he kept flipping a knife while she restored the worldwide broadcast.

"Would you care to run that by me again? I simply must have misheard you." He said with a hint of aggression.

"You heard me correctly." She stated.

"Really? And who are you to tell me 'no'? Who are you to deny what is owed to me?"

"The only thing that was yours was justice against those who wronged you, nothing more. Instead, you demonstrated brutality and barbarism never seen before."

He pointed the knife at her. "I don't think you're in any position to tell me what I can and can't do when you knew from the start what my end goal was and still allowed me to abuse the Gjallarhorn to my non-existent heart's content. The fact you haven't done anything about my punishments also implies you're going to let my punishments stand."

"I am not all-knowing-"

Jason clapped his hands together and smiled. "Thank you for admitting you're not a Goddess! Either that, or you're such a fucking failure that the world would probably be just as well off if not better without you. I'll let the past 1,000 years speak for itself."

"Omniscience, omnipotence, all common misconceptions thought up by mortals. As for the past millennia? You can blame Discord's vines for that." She said while glaring at the draconequess.

"You're not really helping your case here considering you basically just admitted that a Spirit was more powerful than you. At the same time, you also just revealed to everyone here that I can beat you now that I have his power. What exactly are you hoping to accomplish by giving me the opportunity to claim the title of Godslayer?" He asked.

"You misunderstand. Those vines severed my link to this world, a process I was unaware of until it was too late. As for why I'm here? To put a stop to this madness. To offer you mercy."

"... Do you want to run that by me again? Like before, I must have misheard you." He chuckled darkly. "Madness? Mercy? You COULD NOT have chosen a worse time to try and do your job."

"If you believe this to be a joke, I assure you I am quite serious."

"I'll humor you for a moment. Let's say I accept this 'offer', whatever it entails; what's in it for me?" He asked as he kept changing the size and shape of his knife.

"I can heal you." She offered.

"And what if I don't want to be 'healed'? To be saved? Which is a very broad term by the way." He questioned.

"I may not be what you would define as a Goddess, but I still created this world and all its children. I can restore your body, your heart. All you need do is ask in this moment."

"I might have accepted that right then two years ago, but there are a few teensy teeny tiny itty bitty little details you're forgetting: I just tried to commit mass genocide and almost killed two rulers after dishing out the cruelest, most inclusive punishments I could think of to ensure the world suffers incase I lose. Not to mention I basically just toppled an entire country that is now infected with a VERY dangerous virus and gave everyone else just cause to wage war against said country." He reminded her. "What the fuck do you think is going to happen if I accept your 'mercy' when the entire world now has a reason to kill me anyway?"

"I cannot sway the hearts and minds of this world, but if it's retribution you fear, I could give you a new start." She added another offer.

"... Explain."

"A new body of your choosing. A second chance at life, with or without your memories. Put you to sleep and dream only of what could've been." She listed several choices he could make.

"... Either you don't know mortals as well as you think you do, or like Twilight, you have underestimated my capacity for malice. How well do you think your children will react to you basically pardoning, even rewarding me of all people for pushing the world to the brink of destruction? Or is word from their loving Goddess, who effectively abandoned all non-ponies, all that's needed to keep the world in line?"

"Their choices are their own, just as this choice... -" her horn lit up and banished the Wendigos in the courtroom, causing Jason to collapse. He struggled to breathe as his skin returned to what it was before he encountered them. His eye restored, his scars faded, his wounds mended in seconds as he clutched his chest. "- is yours."

Once the process was finished, he glared daggers at her. Noticing his weapon was gone as well, he made a new one. He wasn't expecting it to work, but he was done playing around. He snapped his fingers and what looked like a short lance with a golden hilt and point, between them were three spinning black cylinders with red markings appeared in his hand.

"What... The fuck... Was that?" He growled.

"I was releasing you of the Wendigos' influence over you, and in addition, I healed your body." She answered.

"And what did you hope this would change? There's not a single-"

"Whatever your choice, it NEEDS to be yours and yours alone. Please, let me do what I can to make this right?"

He raised his weapon as his eyes narrowed before questioning her. "What if I don't want to be saved? What if the futile defiance, the cries of anguish, the screams and wails of misery, the shouts of hate and rage, and the pleasure of taking away everything this world holds dear all interest me more? What if I want to kill you just to truly shatter any semblance of hope this world might've had for life and a better future?"

His weapon began to glow as the cylinders spun more rapidly. A red torrent encased it as the ground was slowly being torn apart as he continued. "What makes you think they'd even give me the chance after these past few days? At least every other monster they've dealt with can honestly say death was at most a result, not an intention."

"I can't tell you with certainty. But what I can tell you is that you no longer need to be afraid. As-"

"Why would I fear dead men?" He interrupted.

"As few as they are, you still have friends who care about you."

Jason felt as though she were grasping at straws at this point. "Friends who abandoned me at the non-existent mercy of that town of arrogant liars, cowards, sadists, hypocrites, and murderers no better than myself." The castle began to tremble as the pressure from his weapon intensified.

"If there is even the slightest-"

The floors cracked as many in the courtroom began to lose their balance. "SHUT UP!!! JUST SHUT UP!!!" He shouted. "I'M DONE BEING FED THESE LIES!!! I'M NEVER GOING BACK TO THAT PITIFUL EXISTENCE FROM BEFORE MEETING THE WENDIGOS!!! WHAT YOU WANT. ISN'T. POSSIBLE!!!" For the first time in years, tears slowly built up in his eyes. "There can be no reconciliation. No forgiveness. No mercy. They gave me a better chance at Salvation than any of you ever did."

"Honesty only exists to h-hide the greatest of Lies. Loyalty exists only to create an op-portunity for Treachery beyond compare. Generosity exists on-only to create an illus-sion to hide one's Greed and Arrogance. Kindness exists only as an e-excuse for Cruelty later. Laughter exists only to hide P-Pain and revel in a-another's Misery. Hope exists only so it may dr-drown in Despair. Love exists only so it may burn in Ha-Hatred. And Life exists only to meet Death." He said as clearly as he could, but without the Wendigos' influence, he struggled not to choke up.

"The fact you still feel more than just hate, but fear and sorrow are proof enough there's a small part of you that wants to be saved. To believe what you call lies. Regardless, I cannot stand by and allow you to enact your revenge on the rest of a world that condemns the vile acts that brought us here today. Especially if there is still any compassion in your heart for any specific ones. Please, ask? Ask and you'll have another chance."

Jason composed himself. "... What if that chance goes to waste because others wasted theirs?"

"You're the new 'Spirit of Chaos', your chance is as long as you want it to be. And if the worst looks like it's about to happen on either side, I can pull you out until you're ready to go back. If you want to that is."

"What if I want to kill them all still? Every. Last. One. Indiscriminately. What if I truly believe that the only peace possible for anyone is through silence?"

"You would have peace either way, but you'd be throwing away any possibility of happiness if you follow through with your original plan. Either you stop and get the help that's long overdue, or you continue, and I guide your soul to the Great Beyond."

Jason took a deep breath as he stared at his copy of Ea. He felt as though something was clutching his heart as hard as he was the weapon in his hand. He looked between it and all parties present. Those who weren't broken beyond repair, the Mane Six, had more hope or fear than anything. No one looked at him with disgust, not even anger. Not even the ones who he just tried to kill.

Half of him said it was because their Goddess was here in the flesh and believed they were safe either way. The other half that was no longer silenced by the Wendigos said it was because they genuinely wanted him to turn. Half of him wanted to finish what the ponies, the Wendigos, and Discord started. The other half no longer suppressed, desperately wanted to stop, but didn't know how, it was afraid to.

"... I-I... I want-"