Chapters Lyra Heartstrings V Bon Bon (Non-Canonical)
“18 year old, Lyra Heartstrings, is suing ex-roommate 19 year old, Sweetie 'Bon Bon' Drops, for unpaid rent and property she took when Bon Bon moved out. Bon Bon says she owes nothing and just took what belonged to her”
“All Rise” Spike shouted out from the front of Ponyville’s Town Hall, which thanks to some well placed drapes an a few benches looked very different than usual “Quiet in the Courtroom”
Everypony settled down, so Spike turned to his mentor “Princess Twilight Sparkle, this is case number four fifty two in the calendar, in the matter of Heartstrings verses Drops.” Spike handed the alicorn some papers whilst he spoke, then turned back to the court “All parties have been swore in. You may be seated.”
“Thank you Spike” Twilight warmly smiled at her brother and number one assistant, so naturally also decided he could be her courts' bailiff. Celestia had wanted a couple of Royal Guards to do the job but Twilight insisted that she could handle any real issues. Besides, the bailiffs pay gave extra income for gems.
Twilight looked out over her court, noting the many members of town sat in the public gallery before turning to look at a mint green unicorn. “Lyra, it is your claim that you were renting a house with the defendant but that she left before the end of the lease and you want to be paid up until the end of the lease, as well as the rent she missed. You also claim something about items that the defendant took and I’ll hear all about that later”
“That’s correct, Princess” Lyra replied.
Twilight cringed internally a little at being called princess, but understood the need for it in court. “Bon Bon, your defence is that you had no choice but to leave and so you don’t feel like you owe Lyra any money. You also say anything you took with you was your belongings.”
“Yep”
“Yep is not an answer in court” Twilight replied a little curtly.
“Sorry, yes Princess”
“Okay Lyra, I’ll start with you. Please explain how it came about that Bon Bon owes you for the lease.”
“Well, about three years ago we signed a rolling lease on a two bedroom house in Ponyville, which has a three month notice period."
“Do you have a copy of the lease?”
“It’s right here Princess”
Lyra picked up a piece of paper in her aura, and Spike took it from her and passed it to Twilight. Twilight levitated it in her own aura and read it quicky “Given you split the rent equally, that’s 100 bits a month” Twilight noted “Okay, continue”
“Two months ago my housemate Bon Bo…”
“We weren’t just housemates…” Bon Bon stated to protest
“Don’t interrupt her, you’ll get your turn” Twilight interrupted the beige earth pony, giving her a scowl “Lyra, please continue”
“Two moths ago Bon Bon decided to move out without notice, leaving me with not only four months rent unpaid, but also the three months notice to pay for.”
“Why did she suddenly move out?” Twilight inquired
“You would have to ask her.”
“No, I’m asking you, I’ll get to her later! So you’re saying you have no idea?”
Lyra bit her lip a little “Well, Princess, we had an argument.”
“An argument about what?”
“I’d rather not say in public Princess”
Twilight rolled her eyes a little, and looked over to Spike who was looked equally as annoyed, and she turned her attention back to the unicorn. “Now, was this living together as housemates, or living together as more than housemates?”
“Well, we moved in together as housemates.”
“That’s not what I asked!” Twilight snapped a little, annoyed that Lyra was avoiding answering a simple question.
“I’d rather not say Princess.”
“Well, I’m not doing it to be nosy - ” Twilight tried to be warm “- but I do need to understand the facts of the case. To be honest, I think the whole of Ponyville knows that…”
“We were more than housemates Princess” Bon Bon butted in.
Twilight turned to the earth pony “I said you would get your turn, so don’t interrupt again!”
“Sorry Princess” she replied meekly
“Look Ms Heartstrings, you seem to be holding back some information and that always makes me suspicious, but let me sum it up. You and Ms Drops moved in together originally as housemates, but would it be fair to say that over the years you became closer?”
“Yes Princess” the unicorn agreed.
“And that this argument was about something to do with that relationship?”
Lyra nodded before remembering she was in court “Yes Princess”
“Great, that’s what you could have said from the beginning. I don’t need the personal details, this isn’t a therapist’s office! I just need an understanding the chain of events. Okay Bon Bon, do you want to explain why you feel you don’t owe her for rent?”
“Well, we broke up and she forced me to move out!”
“How did she force you to move out if you were both on the lease?”
“Well, the relationship broke down and it was too uncomfortable to stay there anymore, so I moved back with my parents.”
“So? That was your choice! Relationships break down but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to pay the landlord what he is owed! Why should he, or Lyra, be out of pocket because you decided to move out?”
“And she was always late with her rent” Lyra chipped in.
Twilight turned to the unicorn with a scowl “I told her not to interrupt you, so you should do the same.”
“Why should I have to pay rent on a place I don’t feel comfortable living in?” Bon Bon asked.
Twilights wings fluttered a little “Hey, you don’t get to ask questions in this courtroom, I ask the questions!”
“Sorry Princess”
The wings continued to flutter, showing the same sort of mild anger that was evident Twilight's voice “You have to pay, because you signed a lease!”
“But I wanted to move out years ago, it was Lyra who kept extending the lease!”
“Don't spit on my cupcake and tell me it's frosting!” Twilight snapped “You were clearly in a relationship of some form for the past three years, and you had no intention of moving out until you had a lovers quarrel. So don’t lie and tell me you wanted to move out before!” Bon Bon turned away from Twilight's piercing eyes and pouted a little. “Okay Lyra, what about the items you claim she took?”
“Well, when Ms Drops moved out she took all of my records as well as all the photo albums.”
“Did you take those items?” Twilight asked Bon Bon
“They were brought when we were together so we both paid for them and therefore yes, I did take them.”
“Even if I believe that, that only gives you the right to half of the stuff you brought together, not everything!”
“She even wrote me a letter saying that she didn’t want anything back”” the earth pony protested back.
Twilight smiled a little “If that was true, she wouldn’t be suing you! Do you have the letter?”
“I do Princess”. Bon Bon picked up the letter in her mouth and started to approach Twilight, until Spike stepped forward and ushered her back “Don’t approach the Princess, I’ll take that. Gives me something to do...” he quipped, as he took the papers from Bon Bon’s mouth and handed them to Twilight.
“Sorry Princess” the earth pony apologised whilst Twilight was reading the letter. Twilight finished reading, and released the letter from her aura.
“This doesn’t say she doesn’t want the items back?”
“It says she wants me back and she doesn’t care about possessions.”
“Yes, but she doesn’t have you back! Clearly she was trying to get you back in her life, but that doesn't mean you could take everything you wanted” Twilight snapped before turning to the unicorn “Lyra, did you buy all the records?”
“No, some of them were brought together, some were mine, some were Ms Drops”
Twilight sighed “Nice of you to be honest. However, when two ponies live together, but don’t get married, it’s not up to the court of any Princess to decide what gets what possessions, so I’m not going to waste time splitting up small possessions. I’ll make an order that you are given copies of all the photos but you’ll have to re-purchase the records.”
Twilight turned back to Bon Bon “However, the rent I will deal with. You don’t seem to have any reason not to have paid back rent, unless you can give me a good reason why you were in arrears?”
“I couldn’t afford it, the stall went through a bit of a dry spell.”
“Look, when two ponies live together, whatever the arrangement, they should be expected to contribute to their share of the costs. Not being able to pay your own way, that makes you a bum! It's not unreasonable for Lyra to expect you to make good for the rent. Now if you were staying at home with an adopted foal or something, that would be different, but that’s not the case.”
“I would have stayed at home but Lyra didn’t want to adopt a foal, that’s what the fight was about!”
“Wait, I never said I wouldn’t adopt!” the unicorn stumbled a reply. Twilight was about to silence the interruption, but her lessons in friendship made her pause for a moment to let this continue.
“So…you do want to adopt…with me?” Bon Bon asked a little nervously
“Yes…not right away as I don’t think we can afford it, but once we can…” Lyra trailed off and looked up to Twilight, who just smiled warmly. Lyra got up from behind her bench and approached Bon Bon, who did the same. The pair met in the middle of the court and rubbed noses “Of course I want to adopt a foal with you one day!” Lyra half cried.
A collective “awh” came up from the public seating, but Twilight didn’t mind and smiled at the couple “I presume you want to withdraw your case without prejudice Ms Heartstrings?”
“Absolutely Princess!”
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And now the next case...Celestia V Luna (Season 1 Ep1&2)
There was general mumble talk in the town hall, so Spike coughed loudly to get everypony's attention “All the parties in the matter of Faust vs. Faust step forwards” and he beckoned with a claw.
The courtroom fell into silence as two majestic Alicorn’s approached the front, the only sounds were the clop-clip of royal hoofboots and the narrators voice coming from nowhere
“Ageless Ruler of the Night, Princess Luna Faust, is suing her sister, ageless Goddess of the Day Princess Celestia Faust, for one thousand years of unpaid allowance. Princess Celestia is counter-suing for damages to the Ancient Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters.”
Princess Twilight looked at the pair nervously as the pair swore in with Spike, using the traditional swear and therefore ironically swearing an oath to themselves. Once done, the pair’s eyes turned to Twilight and she hadn’t felt this self-conscious since the coronation.
“Princess Luna Faust and Princess Celestia Faust, in order to prevent confusion and save everypony time, I would like just to refer to you by your first names, is this acceptable”
“It is acceptable to us” Luna replied a little curtly
“Of course, Princess Sparkle” Celestia replied more warmly.
“Okay, before we get to your cases, I need to check something with you both. Luna, you say you are claiming for a thousand years worth of missed allowance?”
“That is correct” Luna replied
“Now, this court is limited to awarding a maximum of only five thousand bits, which would only be a fraction of the total you claim you are owed. Are you sure you want to limit yourself to this courts payout?”
“Princess Sparkle, the only courts that could pay out more are either run by myself or my sister, so this is the only option available to us. Besides, it’s more than enough for what I desire.”
“Fine, as long as you understand that limitation and that you won’t be able to subsequently claim more in any other court?” Twilight confirmed to the dark alicorn, who nodded her head. The lavender alicorn then turned to her beloved mentor “Celestia, the same goes for your counter-claim, five thousand bits will not be enough to fix the old castle.”
“I understand Princess Sparkle, but for the same reasons as the plaintiff there is no other court available to me”
“I see” Twilight said a little reluctantly, not quiet believing Celestia’s reasons already. “Okay, unless either of you would object I think we can all agree on most of the facts and this case is actually pretty straight forwards. Firstly, Luna slash Nightmare Moon was banished to the moon for a thousand years until she was reformed back to Luna by the elements of harmony”
“By you and your wonderful friends, yes Princess” Luna agreed warmly, trying to outdo her sister for the Princess's affection
“And before her banishment you both received a personal allowance from the treasury to spend on what you want?”
“Yes Princess, factoring in the change in currency it was about bit a week.” Luna confirmed
“And that there was an agreement with the nobles that it would raise 1% a year, which it has?”
“Yes” Celestia confirmed “But some years I gave up a raise.”
“That was your choice, not Luna’s.” Twilight dismissed that without really thinking, her mind doing the mental arithmetic “So that’s worth about twenty thousand bits a week now, and about a hundred million bits in total?”
“That’s not how much we currently take…” Celestia started to defend the Princesses allowance.
“But that is how much in total Luna could have been given during that time” Twilight replied before turning to Spike “and I thought my student allowance was good enough!” she laughed to her dragon brother.
“Think of the gems you could have brought me with that sort of funding!” Spike retorted still trying to make himself seem big in the court, despite being surrounded by the three Princesses of Equestria.
“That’s a lot of bits. So Celestia – “ Twilight turned to the white alicorn with a little bit of an attitude gained from the previous cases “- what happened to the money?”
“The money was never withdrawn from the treasury.” Celestia replied
“So, where is it?
Celestia balked a bit at the follow up “I don’t know?”
“You don’t know? Are there no records? Records are kept of every bit spent by the government. I know that, I’ve studied them personally!”
“There are records, I just didn’t think I would need the records with me...” Celestia mumbled a little, not used to being caught on the backhoof. She had thought the opening questions would be directed at her sister, not herself.
“Didn’t need records?” Twilight almost scoffed “Did you forget you were coming to court today? You, more than anypony knows our system run on records, that’s why we keep such good ones! If you haven’t got the exact figures, do you know what generally happened to the bits?”
Celestia tried to recompose herself “Well, I didn’t spend any of it. It would have stayed in the general central budget to be spent on things for the good of Equestria!”
“So Luna’s allowance was just spent?”
“Yes, on things like on the school for gifted unicorns...” Celestia said with a little smirk
However, Twilight saw right thought that emotional ploy “Look, you may be older and wiser than me, but this right here is my court, so don’t try to get cute with me.”
Luna and Celestia both looked at the newly crowned Princess with a little astonishment and Twilight herself internally cringed on how she had just addressed the ruler of the country and was about to apologise when a voice spoke out first
“Sorry Princess Sparkle” Celestia replied, inwardly proud that her student had grown enough to act as a leader when required. This made everypony in the audience a little stunned that both Twilight could speak to their main monarch like that, and equally stunned in turn that Celestia apologised.
“Right, so the moneys gone into the general Equestria spend. Why didn’t you put the money aside for your sister?”
“Um…” Celestia blanked, having not really thought that through.
“Um isn’t an answer!” Twilight replied after a few seconds
“Sorry Princess, I don’t have a good reason”
Twilight turned to the younger sister “Is there anything you want to add?”
Luna looked happy with how things were heading so far “No Princess Sparkle”
“Now, are you sure you want me to move onto your counter claim?” Twilight raised her eyebrows as she spoke, growing a little confident.
Celestia shuffled on her hooves a little nervously “Yes”
“Okay, this is going to be short. I’ve seen the damage to the Castle having gone there myself to battle Nightmare Moon, and more recently to read some of the ancient tomes. It is very clear to any visitors that since the battle between you and your sister that no attempts have been made to maintain the place, let alone try to fix it up. Having had a thousand years to do so, I don’t think that you’ve suddenly changed your mind to get the place spruced up, and you’ve just put in the counter-claim because your sister took you to court.”
Twilight saw Celestia’s face drop a little, but knew she had to ignore the fact she was hurting her friend and had to continue as an impartial ruler “However, more importantly, even if the place was to be fixed up it would not be done out of your own pocket but out of funds set aside for preserving historical movement’s Therefore, your counterclaim is dismissed” Twilight finished a little abruptly, much to Celestia’s surprise and Luna’s amusement.
Twilight turned to the plaintiff “Luna, Celestia has not put together a good defence for not putting your allowance to one side. You therefore might have been due an award to your claim on the basis of her not fulfilling her obligations as head of the treasury in putting that money to one side”
Princes Luna lit up a little as she thought she was about to be ruled in her favour, but Twilight carried on “However, this is a court of equitability and there is information I know that is pertinent to the case. Celestia may have forgotten about it all those years ago, or probably tried to forget it anyway”
Twilight looked a little nervous as she continued “I’ve seen a magical flashback of the night of your banishment to the moon…“ which caused a mummer in the courtroom “Quieten down!” she instructed, before continuing “It was only a few months ago for me so I remember it clearly. You declared yourself no longer as Luna, but instead as Nightmare Moon. In doing…”
Luna thought about protesting that one “But…”
“Don’t interrupt me when I’m talking!” Twilight cut of her, cringing a little as she talked over the older and more powerful alicorn, and so softened her voice to make a point “And in doing, in accordance with the laws of Equestria at that age, you forsook your place as a Princess along with any rights, allowances or anything else. Celestia therefore wasn’t negligent in not putting the funds to one side.”
Twilight tried to smile at Luna, worried about how she was taking this “So, as long as the allowance was reinstated when the elements of harmony restored you?”
“It was, Princess” Luna replied a little more meekly than previously.
“And you took none of the funds for yourself?” she turned to Celestia
“No, Princess” the elder confirmed.
“Then I’m afraid there has been no personal gain to the defendant, and Princess Luna –“ Twilight carefully highlighted the words “- has been given everything that’s due to her in accordance with the law. Therefore your claim is dismissed, and I’ve already dismissed the counter claim.”
“Goodbye, have a happy life and please don't banish me to the moon or sun for my verdict” Twilight stood up and left her chair as quick as possible.
Spike stepped forwards and pointed to the back of the hall “If you would like to step out, er, Princesses…” he ordered very nervously…
Outside the courtroom/town hall the Cutie Mark Crusaders, acting as journalists for the Foal Free Press were waiting for the sisters.
“Well, it’s obviously not the outcome I wanted, but I understand Princess Twilight’s decision on the matter”
“I’m glad Princess Twilight understood the position we were in”
“Of course I’m disappointed that I didn’t win, but her decision was an equitable one as she said.
“The counter-claim was a little silly, but really it was insurance in case Twilight had found against me”
“Of course I love my sister and I didn’t want to come to court, but it seemed the best way of resolving this once and for all!”
“I’m glad we can just put this behind us and move on!”
Having finished giving her comments to Sweetie Belle, Celestia picked up a package she had left with one of guards and trotted over to Luna who was finishing up with Apple Bloom, floating the gift-wrapped box infront of the younger sibling.
“Whats this?” Luna asked a little surprised
“Open it up and find out silly!” Celestia replied in that warm way only a older sibling can.
Luna took the object in her Aura, placed it on the ground and ripped open the box. “A XBoxPone?” Luna squeed “Oh Tia, thank you thank you thank you” she gushed and rushed to give the larger alicorn a huge hug
“From my savings, not general taxation” Celestia made sure Sweetie Belle noted for the report as she was bear hugged by her sister. Luna quickly realised she was acting a little childishly infront of her subjects so released her sister, put on her usual frown and adjusted the crown ontop of her head. However, the big smile on her sisters face was contagious and Celestia was smiling just as much at making her sister so happy.
“Oh, forget it!” Luna declared and started bouncing around the present like a filly on heaths warming day, before noticing a pink pony joining in with her.
“I have no idea what I’m celebrating, but this calls for a party!” Pinkie declared.
Celestia v Luna - Epilogue
Twilight ran out of the back of the Town hall in a complete panic, and thought about teleporting all the way back to assumed safety of her castle known as Golden Oaks Library. However, it was a bit too far for safe teleportation within a built up area so she had no choice but to hoof it. The alicorn galloped as fast as she could through the town, her court clothes flapping in the self created wind. Ruling against the Princesses like that, that can't end well! They might banish me from Equestria. Or throw me in a dungeon. Or banish me to the moon and then throw me in a dungeon in the place that they banish me to! Or the sun! I hate the heat!
Determined to reach the assumed safety of her tree-library home, Twilight sprinted through the door before slamming it shut behind her and leaning against it with her eyes closed Phew, made it without anypony seeing me. I can just hide here until this blows over, a few decades should do it!
Twilight opened her eyes with a sigh, before freezing still. In front of her stood the two immortal princesses, and neither of them looked that happy. Their wings were spread whilst their manes were flowing in the ethereal wind in that friendly but powerful way Perhaps when they bring me back from my banishment they can show me and Cadence how they do that!
"Twilight Sparkle, we need to speak to you!" Celestia said in a tone that was flat, sincere and almost scolding. Twilight practically shank to the size of Appletini in front of her beloved mentor.
"Rejecting my claim..." Luna stared down at the cowering lavender alicorn
"...and finding against me..." Celestia added equally as threateningly.
"I'll pay you both back personally, I swear!" Twilight trembled in front of the pair.
"...was a brave decision Princess Sparkle, one which we have great respect for!" Luna finished, before dropping and bowing down to Twilight, her elder sister joining in.
Twilight just looked at them blankly, not being able to process what she was seeing so stood in shock for a few moments before letting on a extended "What?"
Celestia stood up and laughed "Oh Luna, that was indeed fun. Twilight, you should have seen your face!"
"You're not mad at me?" Twilight asked meekly.
Luna approached Twilight and gave her a hug before stepping back "Twilight, we would never have gone in front of your court if we wouldn't accept the decision, whatever that would be. But thank you as it did settle the argument between us," Luna added by poking her tongue at her sister.
The elder and more mature sister reciprocated with a raspberry before turning to Twilight "In fact, I was so impressed how you handle both our case and those lovely mare-friends before our case. You made a wonderful judge, as you were fair but equally had a little bit of attitude to you which was refreshing!"
"Oh, I'm so sorry about that, please forgive me Princess!"
"Oh don't Princess Sparkle-" Celestia gave a bit of a sly wink at her protege " - it was a wonderful show of authority. And I think it made a good show for the ponies in the court!"
Luna came over a put an affection wing over Twilights body, drawing her close "In fact, we think you should start recording your court sessions and putting them out on this 'TV' thing that seems to be everywhere nowadays."
"Really, you think a TV show about legal issues could be that popular, that ponies would watch this?"
"Oh, I think you'll find it'll be surprisingly popular! " Luna laughed.
"Stop it Rarity!" Twilight tried to push the manebrush away with her magic, but the fashionista was surprisingly adept at maneuvering the object and continued her styling unhindered.
"Look darling, I have battled Sweetie Belle on many occasions to get her mane finished properly, I think I can handle you," the white unicorn replied softly, her focus mostly on the hundreds of strands of hair she was trying to get inch perfect.
"You know I could just teleport you outside the room and look the door?" the princess replied a little huffly.
"That would be a crime...against fashion!" Rarity dramatically replied as she continued to style Twilights mane "And whilst I know you could you use your powers to do that, what sort of friend would that make you?"
Twilight rolled her eyes, as all of her friends knew that the only had to mention the 'F' word and she would go along with them "But I can do my own mane...I may be a Princess, but I don't what everypony fawning over me!"
"Of course not darling, but as the royal stylist it's my job to make you look perfect before the recording."
"When did you become the royal stylist?"
"Erm, just now?" Rarity pleaded a little with her eyes, and the alicorn knew where the younger Belle had learnt her manipulative looks from, her older sister.
"Fine, you can be executive stylist for this stupid TV show. But why do I have to wear a cloak...." Twilight looked down at the robe she was wearing, findling with it a little with one of her hooves "...Celestia and Luna don't wear cloaks," she moped.
It was Rarity's turn to giggle as Twilight acted like a filly "Yes, but they are holding royal court in Canterlot..." Rarity began until noticing the wave of Twilight's hoof told the unicorn to stop.
"I know, choosing to hold court in Ponyville means it's only a district court, and because the judges usually aren't princesses they wear cloaks to elevate themselves when holding court," Twilight replied matter of factly "But it seems so silly for me to wear one!"
"It may be to you, but everypony else admires you. You are the first new Princess in recorded history, and your subjects..."
Twilights ears fell at little at the word.
"...your subjects - " Rarity highlighted the point again "- love you, and love to see you decked out as a Princess should. I'm afraid it's one of those duties that I, myself, would adore , that you must endure ."
Twilight smiled "You would make a wonderful Princess Rarity, perhaps I should cast the wing spell again?"
"After what happened last time...I prefer my hooves on the ground, thank you!" Rarity replied dramatically, causing them both to laugh "But just because it's a traditional robe, I thought that there was no reason it can't Sparkle a little...pun not intended dear."
Twilight giggled and looked over the robe. It was still in the traditional style but she had to admit the way Rarity had incorporated jewels and Twilights Cutie Mark into the design was a remarkable piece of work. "Thank you Rarity, it is lovely!"
"No problem darling" and the pair took the opportunity to have a quick hug, before Spike coughed from the doorway to grab the pairs attention.
"Twilight, it's time to get the first show underway."
"Sure thing Spike, just give me a minute to finish up here" Twilight replied warmly, and Spike shot his princess a salute before walking back outside.
"Did you notice something?" Rarity half pawed at the ground after the dragon had left.
"What?" Twilight asked
"Well, Spike didn't seem to revere me like he usually does?"
Twilight's eyes sparkled a little "Oh, do you miss the attention?"
Rarity blushed a little "A lady always likes a compliment, and Spike always knew exactly what to say to brighten anypony's day!"
Twilight giggled again at the response "Trust me, I don't think you have anything to worry about. It's just he takes his bailiff duties very seriously. And saying that, I better not keep him waiting." Twilight placed her crown ontop her head and trotted out of the room.
"Go get them!" Rarity called out as she packed away the items, before heading out the other door and finding her way to the main part of the courtroom.
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Flower Pony Syndicate V Applejack (Season 1 Ep4)
Flower Pony Syndicate V Applejack (Season 1 Ep4)
“The Ponyville Flower Pony Syndicate is suing 18 year old Applejack Apple for damages caused by a bunny stampede and invasion. Applejack says it was all an accident.”
Spike looked round to make sure the cameras were rolling, and once he was sure beckoned for Twilight to step forwards. "All Rise” the dragon spoke from the front of Twilights court “Quiet in the Courtroom”. Noticing a few of the ponies were still chatting excitedly, he dipped into the pronunciation lesson he had received from Luna "ALL QUIET IN THE COURTROOM PLEASE!"
Noticing that got everypony's attention, Spike turned and faced his employer/primary care giver “Princess Twilight Sparkle, this is case number one hundred and seventeen in the calendar, in the matter of the Flower Pony Syndicate verses Applejack Apple.” Spike handed the alicorn some papers whilst he spoke, then turned back to the court “All parties have been swore in. You may be seated.”
Twilight turned and face the plaintiffs "The Flower Pony Syndicate? I've not heard of it before this case, but you do understand that only individuals can sue each other in the civil court system?"
"Yes, Princess Sparkle" one of the ponies, a light yellow coloured earth mare responded "We used that name as we have three identical civil claims, so rather then have three cases we bound them together in a joint claim"
"Okay, so for the records, your names are?"
"My name is Roseluck" the first mare spoke "and I will be the main spokespony for the three of us" Daisy and Lily also introduced themselves to the court. Twilight made a note of the ponies name, for she didn't know the mares that well, except for recognising them from around town.
"Thank you ladies. Now you claim that your gardens and allotments were destroyed by an invasion of rabbits, caused by Applejack, and for this you want five hundred bits each?"
"Yes, Princess"
"Now, before I even get to Applejacks defence, I want you to explain exactly what happened"
Roseluck took a deep cleansing breath "Well, we were in town on the 23rd of Solis, minding our own business, when a stampede of rabbits overwhelmed us!"
Twilight raised one eyebrow in suspicion "Overwhelmed, by rabbits?"
"Not overwhelmed by mass, but by number Princess. The rabbits starting eating everything in sight, and whenever we chased one away, two more would take its place, and eventually we were completely outnumbered! We couldn't hurt them of course, and so we had no way to protect our flowers. All our gardens were eaten by the bunnies. Oh the horror... the horror..." the earth mare wailed.
"It was awful" Lily added.
"A disaster. A horrible, horrible disaster." Daisy chipped in.
"Yes, I remember you crying that at me at the time" Twilight muttered under her breath, before coughing a bit "So these rabbits came from nowhere and ate your flowers?"
"Correct, Princess" the light raspberry coated mare known as Daisy confirmed "The rabbits, chased into town by Applejack ate all our best flowers!"
"And your garden flowers are worth all those bits?"
"Yes your honour, as we do sell our garden flowers as well as display them"
"I see. Do you have any evidence that the influx of rabbits was caused by Applejack?"
"Well, she told us at a later point!" Roseluck took the lead again
"Apart from that, do you have a witnesses to collaborate that Applejack caused the invasion?"
"Given she admitted it to us, I didn't think we needed it," Roseluck looked at Twilight with a bit of concern.
"You probably don't, I just needed to check." Twilight smiled back, before turning to the defendant "So, Applejack, would you like to give your version of the events"
"Thank you Princess!" Applejack went to doth her hat, until she realised that she had taken it off for the formal court setting "Roselucks' description of what happened is exactly what happened that day, ya honour"
"That describes what happens once the rabbits reached Ponyville, I'm trying to establish how they got there."
"Sure thing, part...I mean, of course Princess. I was due to help Fluttershy with her there 'bunny census', with me and my trusty dog Winona helping to round up dem rabbits for Fluttershy to count them. Well, I was so tired from working all week that I didn't listen to her or didn't even think properly concarn it. And so rather then gently rounding up em critters, me and Winona scared them good. And that pushed them towards town."
"So, you are just going to admit that your actions caused the bunnies to run into town?" Twilight asked a little surprised.
"Who is the Element of Honesty?" Applejack half boasted "I aint about to go around lying now, unless that vermant Discord is back to his old tricks!"
Twilight had to stifle a bit of a smile at that memory "Okay, so you did cause the rabbits to move to where they don't usually go?" and Applejack simply nodded in confirmation. Twilight turned back to Roseluck "Did any of you have any sort of protection for your gardens?"
"Protection?" the mare responded
"Yes, you know. Fences, netting, something to stop creatures from eating your crops?"
"Erm, no. These were in town and so they have to look nice! Our fields outside of town do of course."
"Theres no law to prevent you from using netting, you didn't have protection because these were to be viewed - they were decoration, more than your crop. So what was to stop bunnies or any other creature from eating them?"
"Nothing, Princess, except that there are never any rabbits in town, except for this time when Applejack caused them to flock here!" Daisy answered "And we do sell our garden flowers, as due to the extra care they tend to be the best looking and tasting!"
"But if they are so valuable, why do you just leave them out for any passing animal, or indeed pony, could eat them?"
Roseluck looked over to her two fellow plaintiffs "Well, perhaps five hundred bits is a bit much, but they are lovely looking and so sell for a premium. We have photos of last years gardens if you want to see?"
"I don't need to see pictures, I see your gardens most days and they are usually wonderful, as are all the flowers in Ponyville" Twilight stared down at the trio, who were looking a little smug sensing victory was near. She could see Applejack out of the corner of her eye, standing proud and tall despite knowing she had no defence. Twilight wanted to stick by her friend, but know she had to be impartial as a judge...but as a judge she could impartially give her views.
"This has been an interesting case for me. You did suffer losses during this episode, but this was not the first or last time Ponyville had any problems. Even I caused some chaos with a mis-used spell. But we are ponies of Equestria, and we stick by each other through the good and the bad, always striving for harmony. The fact you would sue a pony that not only has saved the whole of Ponyville a number of times but also who had saved the whole of Equestria on at least four occasions, it is astonishing to me!"
The three ponies seemingly shrank under the barrage of words, spoken authoritatively but without malice "But all you probably see is Applejack the hard working farmer who you consider a competitor in the market. The fact she was only trying to help with the crown's annual wildlife census, free of charge, seems to be beyond your understanding! I mean, she even admitted her guilt in this matter when you had absolutely no evidence, putting Equestrian justice above her own needs!"
"However, regardless of the fact Applejack is a wonderful and heroic pony -" the orange mare was blushing profusely at this point "- that doesn't actually change the law. If it wasn't for Applejacks actions your gardens would not have been damaged, and so I have to find in your favour in this case. Five hundred bits seems a bit excessive for your losses, but I find you are entitled to a hundred bits each for the lose of income" Twilight levitated some coin purses from under her bench, counted out bits and practically threw the purses at the trio of ponies who looked a little shocked, the heavy bags landing loudly on the table front of them "And here it is!"
"Twilight, you can't..." Applejack started to protest, but the alicorn ignored her
"One hundred bits! I hope it was worth losing respect over. Now get out of my court!" and with that Twilight got up and trotted out of court, the steely look of a ruler across her face.
"You are excused, step out please" Spike spoke coldly at the trio, who slowly trudged out of the court under the stares of all the ponies gathered.
Cadenza v Black (Season 2 Ep25&26)
All the ponies in the room fell into a hush as the next two parties made there way to the front of Twilight’s courtroom – half filled with the overriding feelings of love, the other feeling like all the love in the room had been drained from them.
"Ruler of the Crystal Empire, Princess Mi Amore “Cadence” Cadenza, is suing ruler of the Changeling Empire, Queen Chrysalis Black, for a ruined wedding. Chrysalis says it was an act of war.”
Spike approached Twilight “Princess, this is case number five fifty two on the calendar, in the matter of Cadenza verses Black, all parties have been sworn in, you may be seated, Sir please take a seat”
“Twilight looked over the two fellow alicorn’s in front of her, feeling rather nervous of another important case – or at least another case with important members. “Queen Chrysalis, in accordance with international customs, I should refer to you by your full title as ‘Queen Chrysalis of the Changeling Empire’. However, in keeping with the Equestrian court system, and to keep things simpler, can I refer to you as just Chrysalis?”
“That would be acceptable” the changeling replied a little curtly
“And Princess Cadence, I presume it would be no slight on the Crystal Empire if I was to do the same towards you?”
“Of course not, Princess Sparkle” the warm voice of Twilights sister in law floated out across the courtroom.
“Thank you. Now, before starting on the matter of the case, I want to remind everypony present that Queen Chrysalis has agreed to return to Equestria under a flag of truce I have extended to her for this case and for peace talks. Nopony will raise arms or spells against her under my, and my fellow Princesses, direct orders.”
“Thank you Princess Twilight Sparkle, I trust your word that I will be well treated during my visit” Chrysalis replied a little more warmly this time. It was a risk coming back to Equestria, but the opportunity to negotiate peace and trade with the ponies was too tempting not to at least try. Of course she had to navigate this 'trail' first.
“Of course” Twilight half smiled at the former enemy, one of those smiles that says I may be smiling, but you know how I feel! “But back to the case. Cadence, you are suing Chrysalis for five thousand bits. You claim that she ruined your wedding and that you want her to pay damages for doing so.”
Twilight turned to the other side of the court “Chrysalis, you have a rather interesting defence in that you claim this was an act of war, and so cannot be a civil court matter. Am I correct that is your defence?”
“Yes Princess Twilight”
Twilight turned back to the pink princess “Okay Cadence, please explain what happened.”
“Well, basically she ruined mine and Shining’s wedding and I want damages for her doing so!”
“That’s summarising Cadence, please explain how exactly” Noticing her former foalsitters bemused look, Twilight filled in “I know the story may be well known, but the court record needs to be complete.”
“Sorry Princess. About a year ago, two weeks before my wedding day, Chrysalis foalnapped me and imprisoned me in the caves below Canterlot, casting a spell to drain my power. She then proceeded to copy my form and take my place. She also brainwashed Shining Armour via spells, and planned to take over all of Canterlot. It was only when you bravely saved me…”
Chrysalis started to protest but Twilight turned to the changeling “Be quiet, you will have you chance to response” and then turned back to the Crystal Princess “Cadence, continue but please just stick to the facts, no editorising please.”
“Sorry, Princess” both parties said in unison.
Cadence stood up tall and continued “Only due to the intervention of Twilight Sparkle was I able to escape from the caves, and with the help of the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony, and my now husband, we managed to defeat the changeling invasion”
“Thank you Cadence. Chrysalis, whilst I’m sure you will disagree with perhaps some of the emotive wording, is that basically the events that took place?”
“Ummmm…” Chrysalis hummed
“Ummmm is not an answer” Twilight replied a little huffily.
“Sorry, Princess, that was the sequence of events up to that point I am aware”
“So, Chrysalis, your defence is that your actions were a hostile act of war, and therefore you cannot be tried. Unfortunately, whilst that would protect you normally, you are making one mistake in your assumption. When and to whom did you declare war?”
“I don’t understand?” Chrysalis looked up to Twilight with a little concern
“Well, let me fill you in!” Twilight scowled a little at the changeling “To be covered because you claim it was act of war, you would have to be at war with Equestria...”
“Which I was!” the Queen replied
Twilight ignored the interruption “However, this was a sneak attack with no forewarning, in a time of peace for this nation. Therefore, the war did not start until you showed your true form and declared you plan, and your actions before this cannot be covered by the protections of war!”
The Queen snarled at hearing this, and before Twilight could respond a purple movement caught her eye. Her court bailiff was making his way over to the changeling, and stood in front of her. “Respect the Princess, okay?” Spike stared up at her, his arms crossed and taking the most authoritative pose he could.
The changeling looked down at the small dragon, but whilst he was small there was a burning passion in his eyes, one she knew every dragon had – the passion of protection. Most dragons protected their hoards with a fiery vengeance, but obviously this whelp was bound to protect the Princess. Chrysalis knew better than to get on the wrong side of any dragon, no matter what size it was, so stopped snarling,
Twilight held her head high, and her wings expanded a little “If you continue to interrupt, I will rule in the plaintiffs favour without hesitation, do you understand Ms Black?”
“Sorry, Princess Twilight” Chrysalis replied, trying to smile in a meaningful rather then evil way.
Twilight turned back to Cadence “After you two defeated the changelings, then what happened?”
“And then? Well, a few days later we got married,” Cadence replied, looking over to her husband.
“I see, so what exactly are you suing for? You got married, nopony was permanently injured or effected, and you are now living happily forever after in a Crystal Castle in your own kingdom. That's most little filly's dream come true!”
“Yes, but the wedding was delayed!”
“Did that delay cost you anything?”
Cadence had to think for a moment “There was no cost, all the ponies such as Rarity who made my dress, did so for free. But the wedding was disrupted and had to be re-planned.”
“But you did get married. Did anything go wrong because of the delay” and looking with affection towards her sister in law, Twilight added “And just because I helped organise it please feel free to be honest.”
“Actually, thanks to you and your friends it was even better than we originally planned. I didn’t want a formal wedding reception like was planned the first time, and Pinkie’s version was much more fun!”
“Thank you. You see the problem, Cadence, is you need to demonstrate to me damages, and I am having difficulty finding a single thing to award damages against”
The Queen looked most stunned by this revelation, expecting the trail to be a bit of a one-sided sham, as part of public punishment before the peace talks could begin.
“You got married, and had a great time. It may have been delayed a couple days, but you had the wedding you wanted. The ponies helping to organise it may have lost out on a few days work if they weren’t employed by the crown, but then you cannot sue on their behalf.”
“This may not make me very popular around my family’s dinner table next time I visit, but you have no lost wages, you had a wonderful wedding and cannot demonstrate to this court damages to justify a claim”.
“She brainwashed and kissed my husband!” Cadence threw her arms wide as she spoke.
“Mrs Cadenza, whilst I’m never going to defend what Chrysalis did, that is not a civil matter. If Shining Armour wanted to bring a criminal case forwards on that basis then that might be acceptable, but you can’t sue for that!”
Hearing that his wife’s case not going well, Shining thought about getting up and Twilight saw the stallion shift in his seat from the corner of her eye. “Prince Armour, do you have anything to add that hasn’t already been covered that will make a difference? Bear in mind that I know during most of these events you were incapacitated by magic.”
“No Twiley…I mean No Princess Sparkle” Shining Armour stay sat, realising he didn’t actually know what happened, only what he had been told.
“Then there’s no need for you to get involved. I understand your desire to help your wife, but you cannot bear witness to any of these events.”
Twilight turned back to Cadence “However, you were imprisoned against your will for two week. Whilst there are no monetary damages for that, as you don’t have a paid job, I think that anypony would agree that some form of recompense would be just.”
Turning to the other side of the court, she continued “Chrysalis, do you feel sorry for disrupting the wedding?”
The changeling seemed a little stunned at the question “I am not going to apologise for what I thought was required for my swarm!”
“That’s not what I asked” Twilight snapped “I’m not asking about if you regret the invasion, which you probably do just because you were defeated. I asked if you felt sorry for disrupting the wedding, a once in a lifetime event for this pairing?”
The changeling looked over to the pair of ponies, Shining scowling at her and Cadence feeling a little confused. She looked back up at Twilight who was radiating confidence and authority, the signs of a true ruler. “Not that it means anything…but yes, in retrospect, I would have preferred not to disrupt that particular event”
“And do you therefore feel that it would be a nice gesture to make up for that in some way?”
“No! I was thrown tens of thousands of hooves through the air and suffered injury when I finally fell to the ground!”
Twilights wings expanded again “But you haven’t filed a counter-claim, so that is irrelevant. Besides, if it was an act of war as you say in your defence, then you can’t claim for personal injury. And given that Shining and Cadence’s defence spell was after the official declaration of war, then they are covered by the provisions of war, unlike your actions!”
The court was surprisingly quiet as they processed just how well Twilight could tear apart anypony’s defence, and felt lucky that she was a princess rather then a lawyer. Regaining her composure over her wings, Twilight continued “Chrysalis, you have been a leader of your subjects through some very difficult times.”
Chrysalis was disarmed by the compliment “Thank you Princess”
“But surely even in your society, there must be some form of justice, if not formal then in common fairness. Therefore, I think it would be just if you, and a hooveful of your drones, would help with the repair efforts in the Crystal Empire for two weeks. This would allow them to spend a few weeks closer together with less and is only the same time you kept Cadence from her fiancé. I cannot enforce this order unless you agree to it, and I think you should carefully consider this compromise before responding.”
Chrysalis pondered what Twilight was offering – it was an opportunity for her to show the ponies who she was eager to have peace with how willing the changeling was to try to make it work. She realised just how clever Twilight had been, making the offer as it was being televised around the whole country, forcing her hand a little.
“It is…agreeable”
Twilight smiled to the changeling with nothing but genuine kindness “Thank you Ms Black. Cadence, you claim is dismissed in its current form, but it is my judgement that Chrysalis will, within five months and at a time suitable for both the Crystal Empire and her swarm, come and assist in the rebuilding of the empire. That is all!”
Twilight stood up and trotted out her courtroom. Spike stepped forwards and pointed to the back of the hall “If you would like to step out, your highnesses…” he ordered much more boldly than he had the first time he had asked royalty. Both of the fellow immortals slowly walked out of court, a little confused if they had both won…or both lost.
Outside Twilights courtroom the Cutie Mark Crusaders were still waiting to see if they could get there journalistic Cutie Marks and were waiting for the parties, arguing over who would get to interviewing the beautiful Princess of Love, and which the evil Changeling Queen.
Well, I’m disappointed not to have won the case outright
Whilst I don’t agree with all the decisions Twilight made, I’m glad I don’t have to pay any bits
Queen Chrysalis did keep me away from my wonderful husband for two weeks, but thanks to the bearers of the elements, it all work out fine in the end
I suppose it’s only fair that I make up for my actions to Princess Cadence
I’m surprised Princess Twilight Sparkle found against me and her own brother, but I guess she ruled what was fair and in accordance with the law.
Princess Twilight Sparkle was very fair despite our own personal history, a sign of a true leader.
If the changelings come and helps rebuild the Crystal Empire, I suppose that’s a start at building a new friendship!
Having finished their interviews, the two slowly approached each other. The actions were filled with distrust and tension, with some guards and Shining Armour ready to pounce at the first sign of trouble, but the historic moment of the first hoofshake between a Princess and the ruler of the changelings happened without incident.
Prologue - Twilights First Court
Twilight reviewed herself in the mirror one last time, checking off the items on the checklist for 'personal presentation' before referring back to triple check the main checklist of checklists. Completely distracted by thoughts of checklists, quills and wondering why she still brought them rather than using her own discarded feathers, Twilight didn't hear the familiar sound of claws on the wooden floor of her home.
"Ready for your first court?" Spike asked
Twilight turned at first with a bit of surprise, but of course her face softened when she saw her familiar friend "Is everything ready?"
"Yep, everythings in place, Rarity did a wonderful job as usual of course!"
"I knew she would" Twilight replied "And how about you?"
"Eager, ready and waiting for you!" Spike replied, puffing his chest out a little to look as grown up as possible.
"Thanks Spike. I'm not sure how I would be coping if not for your support, and the support of all my friends...I'm not sure if I'm ready for all this!"
The pair left golden oaks library, and started trotting through town which seemed quieter than usual. After a few moments of silence, Spike thought it was time to ask the question he had been thinking. "Twilight, given your status, why are you only working in a regular court?"
"You know I didn't want to leave Ponyville and that Princesses can only hold full Royal Court in Canterlot, it's been the law for the past seven hundred and fourty three years!"
"But you're a Princess !" Spike waved his arms almost as wings "How can you settle for just being a regular judge?"
Twilight trotted closer and quickly nuzzled her dragon charge on the move "The law is the law, and besides, I like keeping things simple as I get used to things," and instinctively Twilight rustled her feathers "I mean, Celestia and Luna are thousands of years old, with years of experience. I am 18 years old...I could do with much more experience before tackling a full court. These smaller cases will help me grow as a leader!"
"You do realise who is in the second case of the day, right? Hardly a small case!"
Twilight gulped a little nervously "I know...I think they are only doing it to test me. And like any test I plan to pass with flying colours!"
"Whatever you say, Twilight," Spike
"Thats Princess Sparkle to you, Baillif!" Twilight teased back as they approached their destination.
