An Innocent's Trial

“You wanted to see me, Celestia?”

The white alicorn opened her eyes and glared at the younger alicorn. “Yes. I did, Twilight.”

Celestia stepped down the steps leading to her throne and walked over to Twilight. “What do you know of the New Lunar Republic?”

“Well, it’s an idea,” Twilight responded, “nothing actually threatening to Equestria, or the Empire as a whole.”

The older alicorn nodded, “I see. Tell me, do you believe that it could exist?”

“Well.” Twilight paused, “Yes. Such a thing could exist, but it would have to have been created after Luna returned from the moon. If it did, it would be in hiding.”

“Hiding from what?”

“You, most likely.”

“Why me?”

“Luna had a grudge against you before she went Nightmare and was banished. She probably still has it. And she wouldn’t be as up front about as she was last time.”

Celestia nodded. “But,” Twilight asked, “what does that have to do with me?”

“Princess Twilight Sparkle.”

Her brother’s voice drew her attention to a group of ponies entering the room. Shining Armor, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Trixie, and Flash Sentry, ponies that she knew and trusted. But, something was wrong. Except for Shining Armor, Flash Sentry, and Rainbow Dash, the ponies were wearing cobalt blue armor, resembling that of the Royal Guard.

The ponies approached Twilight and encircled her. A look of hatred was in Shining Armor’s eyes. “W-wait. Guys, let’s not do anything hasty.”

Celestia spoke. “Princess Twilight Sparkle. You are a traitor to the Solar Empire. You’ve worked with the Arch-Betrayer, helping her to reform her ‘Lunar Republic.’ What do you have to say?”

“I am nothing of the sort! I just befriended her, because everyone was afraid of her! No pony deserves that!”

“You’re right. But,” Celestia paused, “that is not your decision to make.”

“Who’s is it?”

“Mine.”

Twilight’s eyes widened. A hoof struck in the back of the head knocking unconscious.