Utopia

The court room dedicated to Princess Celestia had seen many things over its many years of service. Murderers, mobsters, thieves of the highest degree, tax evaders, merchants who'd gone bad, everything from bullets to bandages found in evidence. It had seen an attempted shooting, a magical explosion, an accidental discharge of magical energy in its purest form, and the shining magic of Celestia's protective spells.

But not once in its lifetime did they have even one pony outright reject the very concept of being part of the Equestrian society.

Absolute pandemonium.

Ponies were standing, yelling and waving their hooves. Unicorns flashed their disapproval in the form of bright lights that reflected everywhere off the vaulted ceilings. Even Bubbles, who'd lived with and was raised by Ambrosia for almost her entire life, was caught utterly off guard, and was left speechless. The gavel meant nothing. Fore Sight simply couldn't keep up with all the jabber in the court room. Ambrosia sat back down, glaring impudently at Princess Celestia. The whole place was in a place of chaos and disarray.

And Celestia had enough. The gavel broke under the weight of the strike upon her desk and a piercing light burst forth from her form as her voice exploded into the powerful Royal Canterlot Voice.

" SILENCE! "

The sheer volume alone was enough to at least shock the court room into absolute silence. Ambrosia could even feel the wind through her mane as the voice washed over and through the room, and even as it ricocheted off of the walls and vaulted ceilings.

"Miss Ambrosia," Celestia was only half-way through toning down her voice, "If you do so wish to be tried as a member from a foreign nation, I must disappoint you. If you wish to cancel your equestrian citizenship, you'll have to wait until such a time as this particular trial is finished. Until then, you will be tried as an equestrian citizen. You should consider yourself lucky I don't have you held in contempt of the court for your behaviour. The only reason I have allowed this to go on so long, is because I was foolish enough to tell you you could continue your absurd soliloquy if you believed it had relevance to your case, which it did not."

"Of course it didn't," Ambrosia's answer was venomous and sarcastic, "I suppose anything that might potentially slander your name, with you as the judge, would be 'irrelevant'."

Silence this time, as all the ponies around the room took a moment to try not to gulp in shock and fear at the piercing gaze Celestia levelled at Ambrosia.

"I am choosing to ignore that, as well," Celestia growled, "But one more outburst, and you'll be held in contempt of the court, and be charged an extra sentence on top of the one you're already receiving, compliant or otherwise."

Ambrosia, wisely, remained silent.

"Now, unless there's other factors or evidence relevant to the case, I believe-"

"Your majesty," Gild spoke up this time, drawing a strangled gasp from Fore Sight at his audacity, "It is my belief, and that of the guard, that Ambrosia's past deeds should be brought to light as evidence interred to her well meaning to this city and society as a whole."

Celestia looked at Gild like he was stupid.

"Do tell," She said quietly. Gild didn't hesitate, to his credit.

"Ambrosia has taken countless homeless off the streets, and used the money she earned through her business, putting herself out of pocket, to put them through school," Gild explained, "Several of the girls she had working for her previously were vagabonds or orphans without homes she took in, nurtured, and then offered a job, and they took it. Several ponies over the city also vouch for her generosity and kindness in getting them a job or career of their own, including several influential fashion models and one journalist, several baristas and waitstaff of varying companies. Given that Kindness and Generosity are both elements of our society we treasure and see as critically important to our nation's core principles, it would not be fair to not take into account the overwhelmingly positive stories and recountings of the former employees or foster foals of Ambrosia and her daughter in concern to her sentence for proportionately mild drug charges."

"Proportionately mild?" Celestia asked, "These are illegal drugs, and they carry more weight than appears."

"Be that as it may," Gild retorted, "The amount is almost inconsequential. The mandatory minimum falls under more than fifteen grams, and the illegal drugs here fell just short of fourteen. So, yes, I would like to point out that, even disregarding proportions, the charges are mild. Given that she's pleaded innocent to all other charges, and given there is little to no evidence concerning any of the other charges, We, as a court, are only capable of pinning said drug charges onto the defendant, and therefore her charges are relatively mild."

Ambrosia could barely believe what she was hearing. The captain of the guard, defending her? He'd wasted so much of his resources combing the Star and trying to get her to this trial, and now he was defending her? For what reason?

Bubbles.

The only possible answer. The little blue pegasus she'd once called daughter had left her, and had gone to Gild's side. But... what if she'd never left her side at all?

What if she'd had a plan of her own?

"Fine," A gavel cracking against the desk shook Ambrosia from her train of thought and she looked back up at Celestia, blinking quickly, "Do we have testimonies? Do you have proof of any of these savings?"

"Bubbles is the first," Gild admitted, much to Bubble's chagrin, "Without Ambrosia, Bubbles would probably be dead today on the streets of Canterlot."

"Bubbles is too biased for this court to consider," Celestia huffed, "She lived with Ambrosia since her adoption."

"I thought you might say that," Gild grumbled, "So I took the liberty of inviting a scant few of the mares here today for the trial. All those in the audience relating to this position, please stand."

Shuffling behind her, and Ambrosia swallowed, forcing back tears at her eyes as she spun her chair slowly to face the audience. Thirty-three ponies had stood up. Thirty-three, and several of them well respected members of the community. Behind her now, Celestia sighed.

"Where do we start?" She questioned, sounding tired of this already. Ambrosia couldn't help but smile.

Thirty-three testimonies later, and a rather stunned looking Bubbles, pleased looking Gild, and content Ambrosia, Celestia sighed.

"Ambrosia," She sighed tiredly, "After, possibly the longest, trial in this court, we've observed all of the relevant evidence to your... It's time for the jury, and myself, to come to a verdict. And, on this note, I would invite you all to a fifteen minute interlude, whereas we shall decide this mare's fate. You will be recalled as witnesses in precisely that time."

The gavel hit the bench again, and ponies began filing out. Ambrosia, however, was escorted out by armed escort, again lead by Sky Graphic.
There was silence. Silence from Ambrosia, who was still trying to make sense of things. Silence from Sky, who couldn't talk for fear of being seen as biased, or unprofessional. But then, shift change. Sky was left as the guards surrounding her left. Finally, a moment alone. But...

What in Luna's name do I say?

He had no words. And Ambrosia still seemed too distracted to talk to him either. So, with naught else left to do, he brushed his wing comfortingly up her side. She shivered, and looked at him in surprise, and he offered the smallest of smiles. She smiled back at him gratefully. More guards showed up, and the pair were forced back into their previous roles, quiet, introspective.

And then it was time to return.

And she was marched back into the court room, with Celestia looking as she'd always had outside of the room. Composed, serene, and utterly perfect. She even had a little smile. Gild sat where he'd sat the whole time, Bubbles by his side as usual. The ochre stallion Fore Sight was opposite Gild, and Ambrosia dimly heard him calling her name as she entered. She was escorted back to her chair, upon which she sat. Now she felt tired, and she couldn't help but consider the irony. After a short break, it was her that felt thousands of years old, whilst Celestia sat upon her heinous throne looking for all the world like she was in the prime of her youth. Irrational stabs of jealousy flittered through Ambrosia, but she shoved them aside. Being jealous of an immortal was a waste of time.

"Ambrosia, welcome back," Celestia spoke calmly, as though the last session had never happened, "The jury and myself have come to a decision concerning verdict and sentence. Unless you have any further words to add, I'd like to inform you of our decision."

"I have no further words nor questions, your highness," Ambrosia replied with a sigh, "I will hear you."

"Then, it is both my duty and privilege to inform you the jury and I have determined you guilty of minor drug possession charges," She continued warmly, "Such sentences constitute a minimum three weeks imprisonment."

Ambrosia hung her head with a sigh as the witnesses buzzed.

It's alright, she thought to herself with a bittersweet smile, My girls are alright, I knew this was the outcome from the beginning. At least it's only a short time. Perhaps.... perhaps I'll open a spice shop when I finally leave...

"However."

The voice was Celestia's, and it brought silence. It wasn't a dangerous tone. It was warm, and Ambrosia looked up, feeling her heart sink.

"The jury, and myself, have decided that, given your immense contribution to Canterlot society," Celestia continued, "Your sentence shall be reduced by one day per pony you have helped and have spoken for you. As this transcends the minimum time, which is what your sentence was to be, we have instead given you one week's public service duty, between the hours of eight am, and five pm. This week of service will be overseen by one Lieutenant Sky Graphic," Ambrosia shot a glance at Sky, who was as shocked as she was, wide eyed and a flush on his cheeks, "And will be recorded and sent to Guard Captain Gild, who will oversee and decide whether your contributions are worth the time you have been given."

This caught at her nerves, and she shot a glare at Gild, who just smirked mysteriously. Bubbles, beside him, nodded and smiled at Ambrosia. A surge of guilt caught her, and she looked away.

"Unless anypony here has any reason to dispute this," Celestia asked, leaving the offer hanging for ten... fifteen seconds, "Then the sentence will commence upon the next Monday of our calendar, in three days time. Sky Graphic, I will leave her in your capable hooves. Court dismissed."

A new gavel slammed, and the rumble of the witnesses and jury leaving almost didn't register to Ambrosia. A week? Community Service? That's it? That's all?

The guards that had escorted her there left, and Ambrosia, shaken for a moment, regained her composure and approached the bench, Sky Graphic behind her, who looked equally shocked.

"Princess!" Ambrosia called, and Celestia look down. She had been leaving her chair at the time, "Princess, why in Equestria were you so lenient?"

Celestia raised a brow, but didn't answer immediately. Instead, she descended the steps leading to her desk, and stood before Ambrosia instead.

"Madame Ambrosia," Celestia chuckled softly, "Do not think I was lenient. Think of it more as a reward for your actions."

"B-but the way I acted," Ambrosia demanded, "The insults, the barging an-and-"

"Hush," Celestia smiled, "I do not like judging ponies as guilty, much as many would think I do when I am seated upon this chair."

One of her white wings settled over Ambrosia's shoulder, and she wasn't sure whether to feel intimidated or reassured.

"See, I must judge fairly," She continued, "And that means I must not take sides. Your crimes were just that. Crimes. Possession of illicit substances, regardless what they are, is a mounting issue in Equestria, and here in Canterlot especially. I had to take this seriously. However, as Gild reminded me after you, perhaps rightfully, told me of my flaws, it was a minor offence, something I should have seen through my outrage at your outbursts."

Celestia looked at the ceiling, repositioning herself to sit beside Ambrosia, wing still wrapped comfortingly around the red mare's shoulders.

"Contrary to popular belief," She began, "I am not perfect, nor am I a goddess. I am a pony, like yourself, who came into immortality at a young age, and tried to make Equestria a better place. I like to think that, to a degree, I succeeded. But I did not do so alone. My sister was there as well. And she is not perfect either. We alicorns still have emotions, nerves that can be plucked and emotions that can cloud our judgement. You may have stepped on a few of them during the time you had in my court room, but they were nerves that had to be plucked. Gild has alerted me to the occasional report of misuse of force in his ranks, and I have authorised him to take steps to eliminate that, whether it include instant dismissal, or disciplinary actions. And perhaps you're right. I have not seen Canterlot clearly as I should. But... that's not what you were asking, was it?"

"N-no," Ambrosia fumbled for words. Who knew Celestia was prone to such rambling? But, despite what she spoke of, she did not speak with any real pride, or arrogance. But like a mother speaking to her foal, explaining something complex.

"I wasn't lenient," She said softly, now nuzzling between Ambrosia's ears, "I was fair. You did commit a crime. But, in the eyes of the jury and myself, once I calmed myself, your past actions and contributions outweigh, far outweigh, the minor charges you're accused of. So, we are giving you a one-time slap on the fetlock, so to speak. Please, don't make your way here again though. I would hate to go up against you once more. You're quite persuasive."

Ambrosia felt her face grow hot, and she mumbled something under her breath, much to Celestia's apparent amusement.

"Now, if you'll excuse me," She withdrew her wing, "I am an hour late for a meeting with my dear sister, and must find her before she gets huffy at me. Honestly, the poor dear needs to relax more."

And she left. Just like that. Sky didn't even get to ask her any questions. The almost empty court room echoed with the click-clack of hoofsteps as Bubbles and Gild Approached. Sky had already draped his wing around Ambrosia again, and was trying to coax a sound out of her. She seemed to be in shock.

"Well, I'm glad this is over then," Gild said with a huff, sitting down a respectful distance behind Ambrosia, "You threw me for a loop Ambrosia, I must admit."

Bubbles seated herself behind him, appearing professional. She didn't want Ambrosia to know about her and Gild... it might make things messy. Ambrosia, slowly, turned herself around. She looked wary. Sky turned with her, retracting one wing, and extending the other, again over her shoulders.

"Why did you help me?" She asked warily, "You could have destroyed me."

"Believe me, had I continued to think you were what I thought you were, I would have," He replied smoothly, "But there's been a few discrepancies between information we've been receiving Madam Ambrosia, and that was cleared up, quite neatly I might add, by my new assistant."

Bubbles waved nervously. Ambrosia couldn't look at her without another wave of guilt crashing at her heart.

"I see..."

"Perhaps it's easier if I explain myself," Gild began again, "I have a goal, for Canterlot. And you stood to get in the way of that goal. Or, so I thought. See, your... establishment, was becoming a haven for criminals and ne'erdowells. I thought this was deliberate. Bubbles here cleared that up. Your establishment was popular with anypony that happened to have the money to afford your establishments services, and after getting a warrant, I received your personnel files, and your client list. Now, I might be mistaken, but I don't believe those were your drugs at all."

Ambrosia eyed him warily.

"DJ P0N-3," He began with a smirk, "History of minor drug charges. Nothing serious. Minor hallucinogens that barely scrape the illegal list, couple of aphrodisiacs she likes to use. She's had a few slaps on the fetlock, nothing more. Laurette Blackhoof was convicted of use of Cabergoline. You know which one I mean. Money made the problem go away, but it's still a stain we have on record. Both were on your client list as 'VIP' members. I'm betting there's a few more there we don't know about."

"Possibly, but if you're going after them," She warned, "You've got nothing to-"

"Relax, I'm not interested in a DJ who likes her sex or a stuck up noble," Gild shrugged, "I wanted to make a Utopia. I thought eliminating you and your establishment, from a legal perspective, would drive home a message. But, I don't think it will anymore. Besides, you're doing too much good for me to shut you down."

"Go on," Ambrosia was clearly suspicious, and Sky looked uncomfortable.

"I propose we work together," Gild offered with a smile, "I know we've started on a rocky slope, and you hate me. I have received a detailed report on your opinion and reasons concerning it, and I cannot blame you. However, I do not hate you. I hated what I thought you stood for. Now that I know it is quite the opposite, I'm willing to apologise, let bygones be bygones, and talk to you about possibly doing some real good. Bubbles has," He hesitated, looking back at her. She smiled and nodded, "Opened my eyes. About a lot of things. I can't do this on my own, Ambrosia, and having a source or a partner out where they can easily get a hold of information would be the biggest boon to my work I could possibly have. So what do you say? Shall we make my goal our goal?"

He held out his hoof in tentative friendship. Ambrosia eyed it darkly.

"Bubbles seems to trust you," She said cautiously, "But I don't. However... I have... misjudged, Bubbles' advice before, and ignored it. I... I have never done something so truly stupid in my life, and I will not allow it to happen again," Bubbles flushed, and had to stop herself crying at this admission, "But... if we do this," Ambrosia looked up at Gild, straight in the eye, and there was a spark there, between the both of them, "I do it my way. And you turn a blind eye. I won't commit crime without reason, and you won't stop me. If I think there's something wrong with something-"

"No killing, no theft of funding," Gild replied instantly, "Death will be met with swift justice, and theft will be as well. Coercion, information gathering and finding the truth. If that means breaking into a house to get proper documentation, fine. But no assassinations."

"I wouldn't be so crude," Ambrosia said. After a moment, a twisted smile came to her face, "You're more corrupt than I thought."

"It's not corruption, Ambrosia," he replied, "I am a stallion who will do anything to realise his dream. A dream of a Canterlot free of corrupt politicians, nobles and crime lords. I will not be bribed, I will not be corrupted. But if it gets me what I need, I will turn a blind eye, and so will my guards. Do we have an agreement?"

Ambrosia looked at Sky, who looked shellshocked. He'd never seen this side to his captain. He'd thought he hated her too. But now..?

"Are you alright?" She whispered to him quietly. he jolted, and looked at her, wide eyed.

"I... I'll be fine," He replied just as softly, touching his brow to hers, "I just... I've not seen Gild so dedicated to something before he'd do this. If it's the right thing though... I'm with you."

She glanced at Bubbles, who had tears in her eyes. Bubbles smiled and nodded. Ambrosia sighed.

"Then, you have a deal, Guard Captain Gild," Ambrosia agreed, clapping her hoof against his, "Partnership. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to rest back at my home. The Star is sorely missed, and I want my nice, warm bed back."

"Er... yes, about that..." Gild replied hesitantly.

"It was WHAT?"

"Sold at auction," Gild repeated. The quartet of ponies were moving quickly through the city of Canterlot, Gild under the pretense of making sure Ambrosia got home safely, "When it became clear you couldn't financially support the Golden Star anymore, it was repossessed to the crown, and sold at auction."

"Well how much did it go for!?" Ambrosia demanded almost hysterically. This was her life's work down the drain!

"Two and a half million bits," He replied to her bewildered face, "Yeah, shocked me too. I think most of the bidders assumed the girls came with it. They didn't, of course, that was just for the building. But they paid a lot of money."

"Well, who was it sold to?" She demanded. Bubbles smirked.

"Oh, when you find out," She chuckled. Ambrosia looked at her like she was insane. What was so funny!?

And then, they rounded the last corner to the star, and she realised.

Before the Star stood a pair of brothers. Both in vests, both with shoulder length manes, and both very much Zebras.

Zirqon and his brother, Zubari, with giant, shit-eating grins on their faces. Behind them, and slightly to the left, was Hoodlum, looking rather uncomfortable really.

"Ah, Ambrosia," Zubari spoke first. He was a giant of a Zebra. As first born, Zubari was tasked with the protection of his younger siblings, and as a result he'd been trained for a long time, since foalhood, as a fighter. He fought without weapons, and was incredibly proficient at it, "Welcome back. Have you seen my brother and I's newest acquisition?"

He gestured jokingly at the Golden Star.

"We think it needs a bit of a makeover to be honest," Zirqon continued slyly, "A few stripes here and there, y'know, the Zebrican touch."

"You two..." Ambrosia giggled, and hugged them both tightly, "You beautiful stallions!"

"Hey, don't get all mushy on us now," Zubari laughed, "You still need to pay us for the place!"

That made Ambrosia freeze, and back up, looking nervous, "L-look, boys, I don't exactly have a lot of money right now..."

"Ah'm thinkin'.... Free service for life?" Zirqon asked his brother with a barely concealed smirk. Zubari barked a laugh, "Yeah, sounds pretty good to me. And free reign on the food. I'm a big stallion, need a lot of food to maintain my figure."

Ambrosia stared at them, then teared up, and hugged them both again.

"O-of course," She managed to choke out, "Anything you want... Anytime you want. My doors are always open to you."

"Aw jeez Amby," Zirqon flushed, "No need ta cry."

She just hugged tighter. When she pulled away, much to the delight of the brothers, who bounced their way inside, Hoodlum approached quietly.

"I am sorry," He said simply, "I could not protect you as promised."

"There was nothing you could have done," Ambrosia replied simply, wiping away her tears, and trying to stop sniffling, "Your service was invaluable. Your reward still stands."

"I... will have to take a raincheck on dat," He replied hesitantly. Ambrosia's brows knitted in confusion and concern.

"Hood?"

"... Part of de deal wit' Zubari was dat he could claim my bounty, when dis was all over," He admitted, "When he has finished wit' de services you promised today, he is departing for his homeland. And I will go wit' him."

"Oh..." Ambrosia hesitated. What does one say to that? "I... don't suppose he'll change his mind?"

"Deal is struck. I won't go back on my word."

"I... I understand," She said softly, "Be careful, won't you?"

He smiled weakly, "I will try. But first..."

He took her hoof in his, turned it up, and placed something into it. Something soft.

"I may be a Hoodlum," He joked weakly, "But like I said, I keep my word."

Ambrosia looked down, and sniffed. It was the voodoo doll he'd made of her when they'd first met. The one he'd promised to give to her once he left her employ, "I am glad I did not have to use it. Now go, be at home wit' your ponies. Dey have missed you sometink fierce."

She smiled weakly in return, "I will."

Entering the star was like entering a crowd. Ambrosia was jostled, hugged, kissed and all manner of things, and in a moment of silence, she spoke.

"Th-thank you girls... for sticking around. It's good to be home."

It should be said, later that very week, Ambrosia got a letter from Zubari saying that Hoodlum had escaped. She had her doubts on how legitimate that 'escape' had actually been, and had been happier the whole day. Her community service went quickly, and she quickly found out that Star Graphic's version of 'Community Service' often meant finding a quiet place to themselves, and often making the place not so quiet. The Golden Star flourished, and Ambrosia found herself often receiving payments from 'anonymous sources'.

She had no doubt it was Gild, looking after his priceless source. They came after every delivery of information, after all. She also remade her budding Cartel. After a while, she opted to name it 'Fruit of the Gods'. Ostentatious, she knew, but it had a nice ring to it. They also focused efforts on collecting information and infiltration. She took money from here and there, and explained to Gild she was getting into the criminal group's good books to dig up more information on them.

Now, a year later, sitting on the outdoor balcony of her new bedroom in her new and improved Golden Star, Ambrosia smiled. This was her City now. She would help as much as she could, to keep it safe.

To turn it into a Utopia.