Law and Discord
Seeker Justice was broke. Not only broke, but in debt...he was constantly avoiding the loansharks that were swarming around him. S.J Law Office was created only a few years ago to advocate for the rights of others. Or so Justice thought. The truth was that the adrenaline he once sought after has long disappeared. He dreamed of flying again, of being up in the clouds, seeing the ants called ponies, and feeling more alive than ever. Unfortunately, a quarter of a mile drop to the ground resulted in a permanent injury. The alula in his left wing was completely smashed. Poor Justice, his dreams of flying away from all his problems is the only way he is kept semi-sane. Whenever he attempts to fly, he gets so unbalanced that he almost always land on his face. He was hardly on his four hooves, back then. He hated the reality of that he was stuck in small-town Ponyville. He was going to go places, maybe even as captain of the weather patrol in Canterlot. He deserved infinitely better. Graduating at the top 3% in Pranceton University is no common feat. His parents have always expressed the importance of a back-up plan. Law school was his and he could honestly say that was the worst decision of his young life. The arrogance, the cockiness, and the -then new- feeling of hopelessness, was horrible to bear. He longed for the sky, but could only settle for an old desk chair that was missing one wheel. That was the common state of the office. The “office” was once the towns’ solar energy conservation unit. Property values have increased so much that he had no choice but to buy this hell-hole. Over time, the the grinding of the machinery at the forgotten factory has worn on his patience. This was the only place where he could afford to not only work, but to live as well. After graduation, his parents gave him 250 bits as a gift. The majority of it went to the building and the rest he saved and stretched beyond the imagination. He slept on his desk, went to the Everfree Forest daily for food, and bathed in a bird bath. Back when he was flying, when he had bits to burn, he would drink strong apple cider every day. But today, he only had one bit left. He was planning to spend it as a very special commemorate of his failure. A bowl of ice cream. That would have been the highlight of his short career as an attorney. But the sweet taste of failure would have to wait, as Ms. Dusk, his assistant / paralegal/ secretary/ friend, walked into his office.
Seeker Justice said, “We need money, Ms. Dusk. My parents have already spent a ton of bits on this law office. This is not why I graduated from Pranceton University. I am barely by. Why do you tolerate me?”
Mrs. Dusk said,”Because you are very pitiful.”
“I am the only lawyer in Ponyville.All the other "big shots" have moved to more lucrative cities. I damn the lot of them. Ponyville is the only town I've come across that doesn't have one already established. I guess that seldom matters because everypony here never does anything illegal. Sure, that Discord and Monkey-guy business was horrific, but they were incarcerated before I could do anything. Half the town gets destroyed, but no one is held accountable. I sorta miss Trixie and her schemes…”
“Sir, I told you this law office was a bad idea. Anything too big gets handled by Celestia or Luna. Why are we even here?’
“To keep the tradition alive, Ms. Dusk. Before Celestia handled the affairs, advocates like myself would fight for the rights of others. I am a professional, just like schoolteachers or doctors. But now, in this modern age, it seems pointless. I should have became a post pony!”
Mrs. Dusk was immediately startled by the ringing of the doorbell. Mr. Justice continued his incoherent mumbling. Expecting a tax pony or other government official, she opened the door without looking and said,” Just a minute dear, it seems like Mr. Justice is having an emotional meltdown….Oh! You’re Miss Sparkle! Sorry for the inconv Princess!
“I’m sorry if I am interrupting, but I have an emergency! I heard this is where I could find a Mr. Justice. Is he around?
“Oh, of course. This area is all very very temporary. We are getting a new place inside the district square. I’ll fetch him immediately.”
Even Twilight, who was exhausted and out of focus, could plainly see the horrid state of affairs in the office. The rotten spinach pizza was a good clue. Ms. Dusk, who was still ecstatic, rushed into the office. Her excitement turned into boiling rage when she noticed Mr. Justice crying softly into his desk.
“Mr. Justice, STOP CRYING! WE HAVE A CLIENT! And you’ll never guess who it is!?!?”
“Who is it this time? Another tax pony? I already paid them last week! Crap!”
“I think you should she her for yourself.”
Justice said, “Oh, my word! She is not a client, Ms. Dusk, but a goddess! Please sit down, Princess Sparkle. I apologize for the state my office is in. I hardly have the time to clean anymore…”
Twilight said, “Oh, it’s quite alright. I understand. And you can call me Twilight. I already have a snobbish friend, I don't need two!”
“Well, how could I help you, Twilight?”
“I hope you understand that I wouldn't normally bother you with this, except Celestia is in Los Pegasus on the Purple Carpet and I really need an advisor. I read all the law books I could find in my library, but the legal jargon is lost on me. And I need someone wiser, with more experience in this sort of thing.”
“ I certainly hope that wiser doesn't mean older!”
“Oh of course not Mr. Justice!”
“Sorry. I’m kind of in a bubbly mood. I would love to assist you in any way possible.”
Justice then started to wonder why Twilight would be here, of all places. Obviously, she needs legal advice, but couldn't she have just chosen a better attorney? It was well known she was once a Canterlot citizen and the attorneys there would be better than himself. He had no idea what trouble he was about to get in the middle of, but he didn't care. To represent loyalty! Only in Lala Land, and that was a 2 days walk from here.
Twilight said, “Well, here it goes. I was attending a birthday party at Sugarcube Corner. All my friends were there. Rainbow Dash was scaring the little kids with horror stories, Fluttershy was talking to the chipmunks trying to steal the nuts off the cupcakes and Applejack had to leave early because something happened that included Applebloom and fire. Rarity was trying to get a stain off her dress,while Pinkie Pie, the most psychotic pony I know, was running around the room forcing the other patrons to eat cake. I swear I have no idea where she gets the energy, probably all that sugar. Anyway, I was on a hay- and -oats only diet, so I told her I didn't want any cake. Then she started to get really persistent. She chased me all over Ponyville, with a 10lb cake on her back the entire time. I thought she was only joking, but the look on her eyes suggested otherwise. I was eventually trapped in an abandoned alley. The last thing I remember is her crazy laughter as she pushed the entire cake into my mouth. …”
Justice just stared in disbelief.
Twilight continued, “I think I woke up from my sugar coma around 6 hours later. At first, I thought I was my library. I had the blanket around me, and I was still woozy. I hit the table a few times. I heard a bunch of hard, heavy stuff hit the floor. When I tried to pick it up, it was sharp and edgy, like a rock. I guess I made a lot of noise, because a guard barged through the door only seconds later. I was tackled to the ground. He had magical cuffs on my hoofs before I could react, and he said I was under arrest for trespassing. This couldn't have possibly happened, I thought. I must be dreaming, vividly. But as soon as I saw my huge stomach, I knew it wasn’t. I was taken outside, where I realized where I was. I was in Taj Mahoof, the city directly under Cloudsdale. Apparently, I was in an apartment marked 2B. I was transported back to Ponyville where I was put in a cell with other lowlifes. I cried the entire time I was in there. I was taken to Judge Dawning, to post bond. Do you know her?"
Justice almost missed the question. He was still thinking of the incident. How did she end up in an apartment miles outside of town? Justice had serious doubts that she was telling the truth. She might have been drunk from the punch or something and wondered into the apartment complex. A sugar coma...seriously?
“Yes. I am quite familiar with her. How much did you post bond?”
“My entire life savings. 1000 bits”
“Wow! That is the highest I have ever seen for a trespassing charge. So is that the entire story?”
“Yes. I can’t think of anything more I can contribute. Can you please defend me in the trial?”
“I promise I will try my best to get you off. I am here to help defend the rights and etcetera. . Let me organize this and meet you tomorrow.”
Twilight walked home. On the way, she thought of all the events that have inspired since that morning. She certainly hoped that the Gazette didn’t know about the charge. She thought back to the grungy state of the office and felt it reflected off Justices personality. She would have gotten a better attorney, but the bail agreement didn’t allow her to go outside the city limits. She was stuck. Well, he couldn’t be all bad. They can't just hand out law degrees,right? Or maybe he graduated from Yellow Apple Clown College or someplace weird like that. Or maybe he stole it! Twilight knew not to make assumptions, but she was nervous. Taking a deep breath, she continued on home. Back in the law office, the unlikely duo began their conversation.
Ms.Dusk said, “Wow. That was the most peculiar story I’ve ever heard.”
“Wait. Were you eavesdropping?”
“Mmm… maybe. So?”
“I suppose its ok. The entire town will hear it eventually. Poor girl. She will the laughingstock of the town tomorrow. Lets hope the Ponyville Gazette doesn’t write anything too outrageous. It could hurt our case.”
“This could be the big one!”
“I know. I gotta go see Midnight Dawning to arrange a hearing.”
“Good luck, Mr. Justice.”
He walked, instead of flew, over to the Pony County Courthouse. It was his habit to automatically position himself to fly whenever he exited a building. Reality settles in a second afterwards with no warning and then he continues on his way. He was escorted into Midnight Dawnings' chambers and waited patiently at the desk. The townsponies didn't care about voting for electives, so Midnight’s job was secure. She was a local, graduating at Ponyville High and became increasingly more involved in politics. The office was plush, with red carpeting and a plethora of diplomas on the wall. The Ego Wall is a perfect example of the snuck-up world of law. Midnight Dawning came momentarily, ever so nonchalantly, as if this intrusion was a common occurrence.
“Hello, Mr. Justice. Why are you here? Good new, I hope.”
“Hello, my lovely Midnight. Yes, I have excellent news. It seems that Ms. Sparkle has retained my services for a trespassing charge. Why did you raise the bond so high?
“That snooty girl needed to be taught a lesson.”
“Fine. I can’t stop the bond proceedings, although I ask you be more sympathepitic in the future.”
“Okay. Boy, isn’t this going to be fun? I haven’t presided over a trial since the Yearling lawsuit in 009. How much did she get again? About 15,000 bits or so?
The Yearling lawsuit was the most controverisial ruling in the history of Ponyville. Alice Knight Yearling sued Filthy Rich when she got food poisoned by the zap apple jam that Mr. Rich owned. Weeks turned into months as that trial got appealed and reappealed until Judge Dawning declared that Mr. Rich was negligent and thus Yearling was suitable for a settlement. The amount of the settlement was never supposed to be revealed, but in such a small town, news travels fast. It was Judge Dawnings biggest triumph. After that trial, Yearling went into seclusion at the Everfree Forest where,rumor has it, she has began writing stories about an adventurer named Daring Doo. It would probably be a bust…
“Give or take. Nopony has seen Yearling since she left. Anyway,the poor kid is terrified. She has a tough exterior, but I know she is shaking inside. She has the possibility to go to jail. I doubt if it will be fun for her. I was hoping for a quick trial date, so my client can get on with her life as soon as possible.”
“Given that Mr. Nightingale isn’t here to present an argument, I thus allow it.Ok. I contacted Mr. Nightingale, but I haven’t seen a hide nor hair… ”
Just then, Barrow Nightingale, the prosecutor, arrived in a puff.
“Only a half hour late! That is a new record!”
Judge Midnight Dawning said, “I instructed you to be here on time for once, Barrow!”
“You might preside over this upcoming trial, but you can’t tell me what to do. Besides, we all know I’m gonna win, right? Did you hear that, Justice?”
“Your confidence is as overwhelming as your arrogance, Nightingale. I know my client is innocent and I will prove it in court. You have absolutely no evidence of any wrongdoing,” said Seeker.
“We will see. New evidence might arrive. This is my first trial in a long time and I will not lose to a hick like you!”
“What did you call me?! I’ll tan your hide for that…”
“Shut up! Both of you. I will not listen to a second more of this dribble. You two are on orders to stay away from each other until the trial is underway. Understand?”, said Midnight.
“I understand.”
“Good. I am setting the trial date for next week. Barrow, you’re dismissed.”
Justice knew that Dawning hated Barrow immensely. The immaturity of the prosecution is so bad, that if Dawning wasn’t in a good mood, she would have had him in contempt of court for being so late.She was totally by Justices' side. Nopony has been in jail as many times as Barrow. This trial should be a piece of cake!
Seeker said, “I just wanted to say how much I appreciate your effort. This is going to be a rough week for all involv…”
In midsentence, Midnight leaped forward from her desk, tackled Justice into the soft carpet, and began kissing him passionately.
“What are you doing? Professionalism, please!”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Justice. I thought you liked me. I love you!”
“I do. I like you as a friend and confidant. But this is wrong. My morals won’t allow me to be in a romantic relationship with you. Maybe when we both retire from the legal profession, but certainly not now. I’ll see you at the trial. Bye!”
“NO! Please don’t go! Don’t leave me here with this stupid creatures!”
Racing out of the courthouse, Justice realized how this might impact on his client. Crap! This will lead to nothing but trouble soon enough. Justice really did love Midnight, her long silver mane, her big magenta ealtionship while they were both in the legal profession. He might be a big mangy, but if absolutely nothing else, he has his code of honor. This honor will prevail over any triumph. His last thought was still, “Crap!” as he started to cry softly.
End of Chapter 1.
