Twinkling Gem

“Now that the hearing has begun, I would like to first say that I welcome you all here.” Princess Celestia nodded. “However, you are all here to help consider the choice I have presented here today: that being whether or not I should punish my student for using dark magic.”

“But that is rather unfair, is it not?” The noble, an older stallion raised an eyebrow at the princess. “Surely we all can expect where this is going?”

“You would be surprised by what new perspectives can do to change somepony’s view.” Celestia nodded before she continued. “Now I would like four ponies to stand forward and give their testimonies on why or why not Twilight Sparkle should be punished for her practices in dark magic.”

Twilight Sparkle gulped and glanced over her shoulder at the ponies as well, darting her eyes from one to the other. She tensed up at the feeling in the room. There was an apprehensive atmosphere that swirled around the group, one that only made Twilight shiver all the more as she waited for somepony to step forward. The frown on her muzzle weakened as she saw Jet Set being the first pony to step forward.

“I’ll speak first, Your Majesty.” Jet Set bowed, then turned to Twilight and lowered his gaze. “Firstly. Everypony here has heard how dangerous dark magic can be, correct?” He scanned the faces of his fellow nobles, who either nodded immediately or hesitantly followed suit. “Then you all understand that when somepony practices dark magic, it not only puts our own livelihoods at stake, but desecrates the good unicorn name.”

‘Is… this stallion being serious?’ Twilight watched him glance away, giving him a frown of her own while he looked to his fellow nobles.

“Isn’t that what the law decreed for our protection stands for? To make sure that nopony like this ruffian here puts our own wellbeings at risk, and so that ponies like her can’t bring chaos to our fair city of Canterlot?” With those final words, he glared at Twilight, then took his seat. “And that is all I have to say, Your Majesty.”

Twilight turned to Princess Celestia. To her horror, Celestia nodded, like she was actually agreeing with what Jet Set had said. “Of course. The words you have spoken are correct in this matter, Jet Set. But I’ve known Twilight Sparkle for years, and she would never bring harm upon another soul without a just reason.” But what Celestia said next, made Twilight shiver with terror. “Unfortunately. That can certainly change if there is a needed reason.”

When Twilight turned back to see him, a ghostly smile formed on her lips when she saw the expression on his face, eyes wide at hearing what Princess Celestia had said. Even though that seemed to be the only thing he reacted to. “Now then,” Princess Celestia continued. “Who else would like to take the floor?”

She watched as Upper Crust raised her hoof before she stepped forward. Like her husband had done, she gave Twilight a glare, but as she went to speak, her gaze never left her own. “I would like to reinforce what my husband has pointed out, Your Majesty. Ponies like this mare here before us show that if anypony with strong enough magic practices dark magic, then they certainly prove to be unpredictable, even dangerous.”

“And from the sound of it, you are leading to a suggestion. Tell me, what are you about to say that I should do?” Princess Celestia asked with a raised eyebrow.

Upper Crust pointed to Twilight and said, “She should be made an example to all other unicorns who might try and use dark magic. Not only has she broken the law that was set down by Our Majesty, but the fact that she blatantly did so without the caution of others should warrant a higher punishment.”

“And what would you suggest we do, Upper Crust?”

“What we should do, Princess Celestia, is not only banish her to a place far from Equestria, but she should have both her magic and horn removed so th--”

“Are you seriously suggesting we mutilate and defile this young filly? A unicorn without magic is far worse than death. And to go as far as removing her horn? Are you out of your mind?” Fancy Pants lifted his lone spectacle from his left eye in a light yellowish brown aura, which he glared at Upper Crust before he pointed to to Twilight, “Do you see the frail state she’s already in?”

Twilight could only imagine what she might have looked like at the moment, but after the suggestion Upper Crust had made for her punishment, she froze up and could hardly move. The absolute thought of losing all the control she had once had over her magic was possibly worse than any nightmare she’d had in the past. Fancy Pants continued, “You’re going to traumatize this young mare beyond belief. That’s only a suggestion a monster would make.”

Upper Crust gasped before she said, “Are you calling me a monster, Fancy Pants? You know full well why she deser--”

“And that’s another reason that is simply preposterous. Just because she finds other mares attractive gives you no right to push for something further than needed.”

‘Th-they know? How do they know about me and Rarity?’ The better question was, how long had they known? And was there more than one reason why Jet Set and Upper Crust were here at this meeting?

“Not only do you have the gall to call my wife a monster, but you are saying her suggestion is just as ludicrous, too? Justice needs to be served; otherwise, ponies might as well give up this law and throw ourselves to the wolves yo--”

“Enough!” Princess Celestia raised her voice above the three bickering nobles. “While I am not at liberty to decide what Twilight Sparkle must receive at the moment, I must say that you are all acting like a bunch of foals.” She rested her gaze upon the three, who lowered their ears and gazes while Fancy Pants returned his spectacle to his right eye. “Now, Fancy Pants, since you sound like you're defending Twilight Sparkle, would you be willing to speak in her defense?”

“Why of course, your Majesty.” Fancy Pants nodded and stepped forward. “Ponies, you all must understand where this mare must be coming from. We’ve all had that tiny inkling of desire to see what that side of magic is like, haven’t we?” He looked to the other nobles beside Upper Crust and Jet Set, who hesitantly nodded. “Then you must understand that, even if she was intentionally seeking the power of dark magic, that the discharge of her spell was all on accident. Of course she is responsible for her own actions, same as all of us. But is it really necessary to maim this mare for reasons such as her accidental magic discharge, much less over other, more ridiculous reasons? Like Princess Celestia, I myself believe in second chances.” He finished with a subtle glare at both Jet and Crust.

“And what do you believe we should do? What do you think is the proper course of action?” Princess Celestia turned the question towards him, awaiting with the slight tilt of her head.

“I believe that this mare, Twilight Sparkle, has learned the true consequences of what could happen to her with her near-death experience. With that being said, I feel she should be let off with a warning an--”

“And a slap on the wrist? Are you saying she should be excused from her actions just like that, without proper punishment?” Upper Crust sat upright with a frown on her lips. “That is not the proper way to deliver punishment, Fancy Pants; you know that.”

“Silence!” Celestia raised her voice again, as Twilight watched the glare in her eyes heat up. “Fancy Pants has spoken, and I will consider his words. Who shall be the fourth pony to defend Twilight Sparkle?”

“I shall, your Majesty.” An elderly mare shakily raised her hoof up and slowly stood up on all fours. “If I may, Princess Celestia. I have seen quite a few ponies in the past turn to dark magic. But not all of them dared to use it against their fellow equines. If I am to say, I have even heard rumors that Star Swirl the Bearded, back before he became who we’ve recognized as the father of many spells we know of today, is said to have experienced the effects of dark magic himself. Although it may be a tale that might only be told to young colts and fillies nowadays, I can guarantee that even though some ponies take to dark magic for reasons of knowledge, not everypony will end up becoming a monster bent on destroying everything we care about.”

“But that’s assuming if the pony is willing to agree to such terms. Look at what she did! She blew up her own house, for Celestia’s sake!” Upper Crust pointed out. “What if that was at a party of some kind, or a school, or a meeting with important ponies? She could harm somepony with that kind of power.”

“And you assume that they are the ponies we must watch out for? What about ponies without the use of dark magic? Should we not care if they try to destroy something important to us?” The elderly mare smiled as Upper Crust frowned before she looked away. “I rest my case, your Majesty.”

“Thank you for your insight. So if you would all kindly sit down before another argument begins again, I would like us to get to your final decisions.” Celestia watched the seven nobles take their seats.

As all three sat down, Twilight shivered. This was the moment. She was just seconds away from when her fate would be decided. Both Upper Crust and Jet Set had put up quite an argument, and that was what Twilight was fearful for. Would they have already convinced the others of what they desired her fate to be? But Fancy Pants and that elderly mare had made quite a convincing defense as well, but would that have been enough to let her keep both her magic and her horn?

“Now… who agrees that Twilight can be excused from her actions and let off with a warning?” Twilight turned to the nobles after Princess Celestia spoke and smiled at the sight of Fancy Pants being the first pony to raise a hoof. Her smile brightened at the sight of the elderly mare and another noble raise their hooves in the air. But her heart dropped when she saw the remaining four nobles who did not raise their hooves. “And I can tell there are more ponies who do not agree with her being excused from her actions.”

Was this how it all was going to end? Twilight turned away from the nobles and felt the tears from earlier trickle down her muzzle. She felt doomed beyond any other time before, and she could only await the moment Princess Celestia would be forced to take off her horn. “But as you all know I must make the final decision before anything can be truly decided.” Twilight looked up to her teacher and, with a pleading gaze, begged her silently to save her from certain doom.

Twilight’s eyes widened slightly at a small smile she saw on Celestia’s muzzle before she spoke. “Twilight Sparkle. You have violated a law that rules against the use of dark magic. With that in mind, I should have some punishment in mind for what you have done. However… because of your near death experience, one factor I cannot rule out of this situation, you have come closer to death than anypony else in this room.” With a hopeful smile on her lips, Twilight watched as Celestia’s smile brightened a little. “And therefore I hereby excuse you from your actions.” Twilight’s smile brightened up at the decision Princess Celestia made, and felt like jumping up and down. “However…” Her smile disappeared when Celestia’s own happy expression faded. “Because I cannot ignore the fact that you blatantly disobeyed the law, I must give you some form of punishment. The most fitting I can think of is that you are disallowed from any book, article, or scroll pertaining to any information regarding magic.”

Swiveling her ears to the right, Twilight heard a collective gasp from the nobles. Although for some she saw smiles on their muzzles, including a bright one from Fancy Pants himself. But when she looked to both Jet Set and Upper Crust, she could see nothing but frowns and glares coming off of the husband and wife. They were the first two to get up and make their way out of the throne room, before being followed by the others.

“My, what an intense and breathtaking show that was.” Fancy Pants leaned closer to Twilight and murmured, “I’m terribly sorry for the rash and rude behavior of Upper Crust and Jet Set. All the nobles you saw today were the ones who learned about your dark powers and were asked to testify today.”

Twilight sighed and shook her head. “I’m sort’ve glad that it was just you and the other three who spoke. I don’t think I could have handled hearing more opinions from other ponies about what I did.” But then what Fancy Pants had said did raise an interesting question. “Say… how did you all learn about my dark magic?”

“Remember the party you attended that Lady Rarity was invited to?” Twilight shook her head, but her eyes widened at the memory of her almost exploding with anger at both Jet Set and Upper Crust that day. When she looked back to Fancy Pants, he had a frown on his muzzle. “Yes, as I can tell from your reaction the seven of us learned about what you could’ve done that day, although we did not make it known because we all were too stunned to realize that a pony was ready to use dark magic at will. Although judging by the way you tried to stop yourself, I was assured you meant no harm to those two.”

“R-right…” But with the way those two had acted today, Twilight was having second thoughts about holding back. ‘After what those two were suggesting for a punishment… they would probably deserve what was coming to them.’ But that was something she was not going to say out loud. Twilight knew she was already in enough trouble. If somepony heard her speak those words, she’d be in more trouble than before. She looked up to Fancy Pants and softly smiled. “Thank you, Fancy Pants… for sticking up for me today.”

“Why of course, Twilight. I decided long ago to defend those who never meant any true harm. Like I said earlier before, I believe in second chances. And you're a pony I believe who deserves one.”

Twilight, in an unconscious moment, walked up to him and wrapped her forelegs around him. Fancy Pants only chuckled a little before returning the gentle embrace, which he let go of her seconds afterwards. “Would it… be alright if you walked with me to Rarity?”

“But certainly. It’d be a pleasure to keep you company.” Fancy Pants ushered Twilight forward with a hoof before he followed alongside her. “I have been meaning to speak with Rarity for a while as well, although the matter is particularly distressful, sinc--”

“You.” Twilight stopped at the voice and turned to the pony who spoke, only to lower her eyes as she saw Upper Crust and Jet Set. Crust took a step forward before she spoke. “You’re lucky. Even if you didn’t get the fate you should have deserved, for not only using dark magic, but being a filly fooler as well, Rarity won’t be spared with the same kindness Princess Celestia has given you.”

“Indeed.” Jet Set spoke up after his wife. “Rarity’s reputation will be on the fringes here in Canterlot by the time we’re done with her. A fate that befits filly foolers like yourselves.” With a harumph from the married couple the two ponies walked off in the opposite direction, Twilight followed them with a glare.

“I am terribly sorry about those two, Twilight Sparkle.” She glanced over her right shoulder as Fancy Pants spoke. “They’re very adamant about their beliefs… if not a little too stubborn. But rest assured that I’ll make sure to keep Rarity’s reputation as gossip-free as I can. You two don’t deserve to be harassed by ponies like them.”

The kindness that Fancy Pants was giving her, honestly, could not have made Twilight any happier. She hardly knew Fancy Pants, and yet he was promising to do all he could to help Rarity and her out. ‘If only there were more ponies like him… unafraid to speak their minds…’ Of course she had heard that mares like her did not receive much trouble in Equestria, there were still those who believed that marriage should have remained between a stallion and a mare.

But whatever the challenge that lay ahead, Twilight assured herself that she was ready to face it. Twilight and Fancy Pants continued forward with a silent air between the two. And Twilight herself couldn’t wait to tell both her family and her marefriend, Rarity, the good news. And whatever did lay ahead, she knew that as long as Rarity was there with her, she could stand up to it by her side.

~~~

Rarity shivered as she stood outside in the night sky. However, her shaking was not due to the cold air that wisped through the breeze outside of the palace. She stared at the door in front of her: the entrance back into the palace and entryway close to the throne room. Her marefriend, Twilight, was in there, and she was out here, anxiously awaiting the news of her hearing’s outcome. Flames moved her shadow as she sat on the ground, the torches at the front door and along the stairway curving around it the one source of light available to her and the others. Spike stood trembling next to her, and Night Light held his wife as she rested her muzzle against his neck, eyes closed.

“She’s going to be okay…” Rarity glanced towards Spike, and she frowned at the sight she saw. He had repeated that phrase for the last half-hour while they were waiting for Twilight, or some news about her. She could only imagine the worry Spike--a young drake who called Twilight his older sister at times--must have been feeling.

‘But I mustn’t forget about her parents either… or myself for that matter.’ She could only hope that she would be able to see the pony she loved again. Waiting this long for the decision was agonizing. ‘What must be taking them?’ It was a mystery, but hopefully the hearing would end here shortly.

“Rarity?” She turned to Spike and met his gaze, a fearful glimmer in his eyes. “D-do you think Twilight will be alright? I mean… she has to be, right? Princess Celestia would never send her away from us… right?”

She turned her attention to the ground after Spike spoke. In every sense, Princess Celestia did have the final say on what the decision would or wouldn’t be. But at the moment Rarity did not feel so safe, even with the idea of their heroic deeds with the Elements of Harmony. She returned her gaze to Spike and simply said, “Don’t worry, Spike. I’m sure Princess Celestia won’t be hasty with a decision. Twilight will be fine.”

“But how do we know if she will? What if Princess Celestia does banish her? What if we don’t see Twilight again? Wh--”

“Don’t worry, Spike.” Rarity kneeled down and rested a hoof against his right shoulder. “Just breathe and calm down…” She watched as Spike took a couple of breaths. His shakiness faded a little, but she could notice his legs still trembled a little. She glanced away and tried to think of something to distract him, something to get his mind off Twilight for the moment, as well as her own. Her ears laid against her head before she turned back to Spike. “Spike… there’s something I’ve been meaning to say. Something that I feel I should have done earlier than now.”

“What’s that?” Spike tilted his head as he asked.

“Well… I’ve wanted to say… or I’ve been meaning to apologize to you. For what I’ve done to you…” Rarity frowned as she stared him straight in the eye. “After all those times I played around with your romantic feelings for me… even when I never meant to hurt you. I ended up causing you grief over me because of who I actually love. And when I learned that I had hurt you, I felt like you deserved so much better from me.”

He looked away and sighed, eyes slightly lowered. But they never formed into a glare. No, all Rarity could see was the hurt in his eyes. “Rarity… I’m glad you care about me, I really do.” He looked up and faintly smiled when he met her gaze once again. “I mean, I’m still really happy we’re friends. But you don’t need to apologize. I’ve already learned the hard way about being delusional.”

‘Spike… my word…’ It seemed he had already figured it out. He had learned the meaning of heartbreak, but in the end it made him a little stronger from the looks of it. “That’s quite an adult decision you made, Spike. I really appreciate that.” She wrapped her forelegs around him, hugging him as he returned the favor.

When he let go, he smiled and murmured, “Just… help Twilight out. I know I’m able to be helpful sometimes, but knowing that you’re there makes me feel better too.”

“Aww… my little Spikey-Wikey…” Rarity nuzzled the left cheek on his muzzle, gaining a quiet little giggle from him. “You’re always going to be my number-one dragon, you know.”

“Aw shucks, Rarity. I--” Both turned their gaze to the door as they heard its hinges creak open. Rarity stood up straight and waited for Twilight, or whoever was going to walk out. A light flooded out from the door, illuminating the entrance and area where Rarity and Spike stood, along with Twilight’s parents.

Rarity squinted as she saw somepony standing in the doorway. Her eyes widened, however, with a smile growing on her lips, and her heart ached when she saw Twilight standing in the doorway. “Twilight!” She turned to watch Spike run forward and jump up to her to hug his older sister, which earned a giggle from her.

Wind rushed past her mane as she watched Twilight’s parents join in on the hug. Rarity smiled at the little family reunion she saw before her. When they separated, Twilight turned to her, her eyes glimmering with tears.

Rarity stood there as Twilight approached her. Her marefriend stopped in front of her. “I’m alright. Princess Celestia has told me I’m not allowed to study spells for three months… but she’s excused my actions.”

After hearing this, Rarity began to tear up as well. “You have no idea how glad I am to hear that.” She reached forward and brought Twilight into her forelegs, hugging her tightly as she felt the same embrace from Twilight. Rarity held her like no time before, fearing that if she was to let her go, that Twilight would dissipate from sight there and then. She pulled away but held onto Twilight’s shoulders, and gently brought her lips to Twilight’s, and held the kiss for a few moments before softly pulling away. “I knew that I’d never be separated from you. And I’m so glad to see that you’re staying here in Equestria. With me…”

Twilight slowly nodded, tears trickling down her cheeks as she happily cried. Rarity pulled her in again and hugged her for a longer time. She could feel Twilight’s body slightly shake, and hearing her quietly cry was painful. “There, there, Twilight… it’s over.”

“A good thing, too. Otherwise I was afraid I’d never get to see you two together.” Rarity opened her eyes at the familiar voice, and smiled when she saw Fancy Pants standing at the doorway. “And honestly, I can say I am quite glad that you and Twilight are an item. Sure brings a happy feeling to a gentlestallion’s heart.”

“Fancy Pants.” Rarity looked to Twilight, who nodded and stepped aside. Rarity walked up to him and stood a few feet from Fancy Pants. “I can guess you were a part of the group of ponies judging Twilight, am I correct?’

“Quite so, Lady Rarity. Of course, it was a rather strenuous task. But unfortunately, I did not come here to catch up with you. There is some news that you’ll find... a little alarming.” Fancy Pants took a step forward and leaned forward until his muzzle was close to her right ear, in which he whispered, “You remember the couple, Jet Set and Upper Crust, I assume?” Rarity nodded at the question, and he continued, “They were also part of the seven nobles in charge of Twilight’s hearing.”

Rarity nodded slowly. “Yes, I do certainly remember those two… nuisances. But what is so alarming about those two? They seem rather… ‘clumsy’, to put it mildly.”

“Well… they know about you and Twilight. They know you are an item.” Rarity was surprised that somepony else knew about them, or rather who in particular knew about it. “And they plan on destroying your reputation here in Canterlot. But I’ll try my best to help you the best I can…”

“T-thank you for the information, Fancy Pants.” Rarity slightly shivered at the thought of what Jet Set and Upper Crust would do with such information. But she shook her head. ‘Don’t get yourself all worked up. So what if they know about you and Twilight? There’s no way you’ll let them get to you, right?’ She looked over to Fancy Pants and murmured, “Thank you, Fancy Pants. I’ll be sure to be careful about those two.” With one last nod, she turned to Twilight and walked up to her right side.

“Was that about Jet Set and Upper Crust?” Twilight asked, her ears lowering against her head.

“Unfortunately, yes. But do not worry, Twilight. I’m sure we can handle it.” She brought her right hoof to Twilight’s left hoof and gently grasped it. “Together we can weather whatever those two will be up to.”

Twilight nodded before she wrapped her left foreleg around Rarity. The two watched as Spike stood next to Twilight, and smiled as he joined in with them. Rarity saw a shadow move and turned to smile at both Twilight’s parents who joined next to their daughter. “So with your current home in disarray at the moment, you’re welcome to stay with us, Twilight,” Night Light said, smiling at his daughter.

“But if you ever want to stay in Ponyville with Rarity, that’s also fine, too,” Velvet teased her daughter, giggling as Twilight’s muzzle lit up.

“Mom! Stop embarrassing me.” Twilight she glanced away, her cheeks glowing a pale pink in the light visible to the group.

“Speaking of Ponyville… I think our friends will deserve to know about us as well.” Twilight slowly nodded at what Rarity suggested. “Don’t worry, Twilight. I’m absolutely sure that everypony else will be alright with it. Goodness, I think even Pinkie Pie might throw a celebration as well.” The words brought a gentle smile on Twilight’s lips, which made Rarity brighten up as well.

With so many problems that had happened between the two, Rarity was glad that the situation was finally over with. But even then, she knew that more problems would arise eventually, and in turn she felt the first ones were possibly going to be from both Jet Set and Upper Crust. But as she looked to Twilight, the mare she loved, who had a bright smile, she knew that so long as she had her, nothing would ruin their relationship. And no matter what day it was, she was going to cherish every single moment, and make sure that each moment with Twilight was the best it could be.