Chapter 45

– Justice –

Trail and Starlight sat outside Princess Twilight’s office, it had been 24 hours since the incident in the school courtyard. Comet was out of the hospital, thankfully her injuries weren’t as severe as they had feared. She had a concussion and a minor skull fracture. The doctor had said there was no sign of brain damage.

Comet had woken up around 8 p.m last night, she said she remembered everything that happened and only asked how her friends were doing. Even when she was in a hospital bed, what she truly cared about were her friends. It made Trail smile and feel so proud. Comet was allowed to go home this morning, Trail had left her with Zala and Zecora. Tala was ordered by Princess Twilight to stay away from this proceeding, not wanting Lord Rhinestone to use her attack on Tourmaline against them. Tala wasn’t happy about it but did as she was told and stayed home as well.

“What do you think Princess Twilight will do in this hearing?” Trail asked Starlight.

Starlight sighed, “She hasn’t told me much. But I’ve seen Spike send several letters. We’ll just have to wait and see.”

“Miss Starlight, Mister Trail!” A young feminine voice called out.

Trail and Starlight turned to see Comet’s friends walking down the hallway, Silverstream and Ocellus leading the pack.

“Hey kids, how are you holding up?” Trail asked.

“We’re ready to put this jerk in his place. What’s the plan?” Smoulder asked.

“Princess Twilight is preparing right now. We just have to wait for her.” Trail said.

As soon as he said that, the door to the office opened, Princess Twilight walking out with a huge stack of papers.

“Good, all of you are here. It’s almost time for the hearing. I need all of you to follow me.” Twilight said, gesturing for the group to follow her.

As the group trailed behind her, Starlight caught up in her wheelchair, “Twilight, are we sure we can get him this time, what if Lord Rhinestone pulls something like last time?”

Twilight looked back at her with a determined look on her face, “Trust me Starlight, we have made precautions for that. He won’t bully us this time.”

The group made their way into the throne room, where Tourmaline was being held by Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash. The rest of the elements were all seated at their respective thrones. Twilight sat in her seat while the rest of the group sat behind her, waiting for the proceedings to begin.

Suddenly, the door to the throne room burst open, Lord Rhinestone and his lawyer Tally Mark stormed inside the room.

“I thought you were smarter than this Princess. Or did you not learn your lesson last time?” Rhinestone said.

“I have learned plenty, and I would be careful how you speak to royalty Lord Rhinestone, it’s unbecoming of somepony of your noble status.” Twilight said.

“This is another farce, I can have Tally here write up another lawsuit in no time at all. Do you truly want that Princess?” Rhinestone said, smirking.

“You will do no such thing Lord Rhinestone.” A regal voice rang out from behind the noble.

He and Tally Mark turned and were surprised to see Princess Celestia herself. Coming behind her was Princess Luna, and even Princess Cadance.

“Your Majesties, what are you doing here?” Rhinestone asked, a hint of panic in his voice.

“Delivering justice that is well overdue. Thou art not going to threaten your way out of this predicament.” Princess Luna stated.

The three alicorns moved around to the seat close to Twilight, three more seats appeared from the floor of the castle, each having the cutiemark of the Princesses. They all sat down in their respective seats and looked disappointingly at the noble standing before them.

Princess Twilight cleared her throat, “Now that everyone is here, we can begin. The purpose of this meeting is to determine the punishment for Tourmaline Rhinestone, for his actions against his fellow student Comet Trail.”

She floated up a paper from her giant stack, “Yesterday, Tourmaline confronted Comet Trail and her friends in the courtyard. I’ve been told an argument occurred concerning the recent test scores of my magic course here at the school. As the argument grew more heated, Tourmaline shoved Comet Trail with his magic, causing her to crash into the fountain of the courtyard, hitting her head and knocking her unconscious. She was then taken to the hospital.”

She pulled out another piece of paper, “This is the doctor’s report from Comet’s examination. She suffered a concussion and a slight fracture to the skull.”

“We also have several witnesses, including Comet’s friends behind me, and about half the student body who saw this argument occur in the courtyard. Tourmaline assaulted Comet over some test scores. This is something we will not tolerate in our school.” Twilight said.

Tally Mark cleared her throat, “I see you have done your homework Princess. But your witnesses are all biased. Comet’s friends would most certainly back her story, and you’ve demonized Tourmaline’s image to your student body, so they will say anything against him. This won’t hold up in court.”

“This won’t be going to court.” Princess Celestia spoke up.

Tally Mark adjusted her glasses, “I beg your pardon?”

“This hearing consists of at least two royal alicorns. As my sister and I have done in the past, we are here to pass judgment on this case.” Celestia announced.

Lord Rhinestone scoffed, “Your Majesties, this hardly concerns you. The court system exists for a reason. I humbly request you recuse yourselves from this nasty business.”

“Thou would like to believe we would agree to your demands. But we shall do no such thing. For you Lord Rhinestone have made a mockery of Equestrian Justice, and our royal court long enough.” Princess Luna said.

“Whatever could you be implying Your Majesty?” Lord Rhinestone asked.

“That you have manipulated not only our royal court, but our own guard to do your dirty work.” Luna said.

“What proof do you have of this supposed manipulation Princess?” Rhinestone said confidently.

“After your heinous actions against Princess Twilight Sparkle, my sister and I conducted our own personal investigation into the incident. By destiny's will, we had just completed it a day before your son committed another crime. The winds of fate blow ill in your house Rhinestone. Let us begin with the matter of the warrant for Trail Blazer and Zecora’s arrest. Cadance, would you be so kind?” Luna said, gesturing to Cadance.

Cadence nodded, “Bring him in Shining.”

The doors to the throne room opened once more, Shining Armor emerging from the hallway of the castle, three guard ponies who were in chains stood behind him. He gestured with his head for them to move, which they did begrudgingly.

Cadence spoke up again, “These are the guard ponies who accompanied you to Ponyville when you blackmailed Princess Twilight into giving in to your demands about your son returning to the School of Friendship. Including the captain of the solar guard, Captain Pompous Star.”

Shining pulled the captain before the Princesses, “As a former captain myself, I’m disgusted that somepony of your rank and position would stoop to being the lackie of a noble pony. Do you have anything to say for yourself captain?”

Pompous Star simply grunted and looked away.

Shining then pulled out a document from a bag on his side, “This is the warrant the captain had shown to Princess Twilight and those who he arrested to justify the arrests. But after thorough examination by Princess Celestia’s fraud taskforce, we have confirmed that the signature on this warrant was forged.”

Princess Celestia glared at the Lord, “Judge Hickory was the signature on this warrant, so I confronted him personally on why he would give out warrants without my knowledge, especially as it concerned another Princess and her subjects. But when I showed him the document, he had no knowledge of ever signing it. My taskforce used magical residue testing and an expert in signature authentication to prove that the signature on this document was forged.”

“We had no knowledge of this forgery, who committed this crime Princess?” Tally Mark questioned.

Princess Celestia turned to the lawyer, “It was forged by Hickory’s court clerk, Candlewick. When we questioned her, she told us quite an interesting tale.”

Tally Mark did not look fazed.

“She told us that she was forced to do so, by a stallion who took her to dinner the night before. It seemed she had an affair with this stallion and he threatened to tell her husband if she did not comply. When we questioned her on who this stallion was, the name she gave us was Copper Rhinestone, Lord Rhinestone’s nephew.”

Lord Rhinestone rolled his eyes, “A mare who was having an affair, yes that is a most credible source. I had no part in this forgery. The captain must have been behind this.”

The captain glared at him, but did not speak up.

“No, she was telling the truth. For you see, we talked to your nephew.” Princess Celestia said.

That made Rhinestone sweat a little, “But he is off on business.”

“In Saddle Arabia yes. It just so happened that I had business with the royal family there. While I was there, I bumped into him at the palace. And to my surprise, he was having another affair, with the ambassador’s daughter. In exchange for our silence on the matter to his wife, he told us that you demanded that he arrange for that forgery.”

Lord Rhinestone’s expression turned to irritation, “That fool.”

“So we have come to the understanding that the warrant was forged. And the arrest was simply a ploy to blackmail Princess Twilight Sparkle. We are deeply disappointed in your conduct, Lord Rhinestone. Your family used to be so honorable.” Princess Luna stated.

Princess Celestia shook her head, “Your grandfather would be so disappointed. He was a true symbol of nobility and honor.”

“My grandfather was an old fool who nearly bankrupt our family with his foolish ideas of charity. I brought us back into the limelight. And I will not have our good name ruined by some worthless commoner brats at some ridiculous school!” Lord Rhinestone shouted.

Princess Celestia stood up tall from her seat, “Watch how you speak about our subjects Rhinestone. You are on thin ice.”

Rhinestone scoffed.

“While your evidence is indeed compelling your Majesties, I do believe we have another matter to discuss.” Tally Mark stated.

“The matter of Tourmaline’s expulsion, yes indeed we do.” Princess Twilight spoke up.

The Princess of Friendship stood up, “As Princess of Friendship and Headmaster of this school, I hereby banish Tourmaline Rhinestone from the school and its grounds. He shall never again be allowed on school grounds or to attend any event or class involving this school. I will also have his name stricken from the records here, and forbid him from stepping a hoof in my castle or Ponyville ever again.”

Tourmaline’s eyes widened, “You can’t do that!”

“She is a Princess of Equestria and this is her domain. As such, she has the authority to banish whomever she wishes.” Princess Luna countered.

Princess Twilight cleared her throat, “Furthermore, I also forbid Lord Rhinestone from stepping a hoof in Ponyville. This includes my castle and the school, as well as doing any businesses here.”

“But I have contracts with Barnyard Bargains and local shops here!” Lord Rhinestone stated.

“Not anymore, I have spoken to Filthy Rich and all shops who have any business with you. All of them have heard what you and your son have done and all agreed to my terms.” Princess Twilight said plainly.

“You can’t do this!” He shouted loudly.

“I just did. Now, take your son and your lawyer and get out of my castle.” Princess Twilight said darkly.

Princess Cadence stood up, “Shining, take the captain and his men back to Canterlot for their court martial.”

“You got it honey.” Shining said, pulling the guards away from the throne room.

“We shall accompany Lord Rhinestone back to Canterlot, where he will be charged and prosecuted for high treason, forgery, and blackmail.” Princess Luna said.

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna escorted Lord Rhinestone, Tourmaline and Tally Mark out of the castle. When the doors finally closed, Twilight collapsed in her seat.

“You did great Twilight. I’m so proud of you.” Princess Cadence said.

“Thanks Cadence.” Twilight said, slumped in her throne.

“Thank you for all your help Princess Cadence” Trail said, coming up behind the alicorns.

Cadence turned to smile at Trail, “You must be Trail Blazer. I’ve heard so many good things about you and your daughter.”

Trail chuckled, “Comet certainly, I don't know if there is much to talk about with me.”

Starlight came up behind him, “Oh how handsome you are, how brave you are.”

Trail blushed, “Starlight!”

Starlight and Cadence giggled at that.

“I’m so sorry that you all had to go through something like this. I wish I could say not all nobles are like Rhinestone, but in my experience, good nobles are a rare breed in Canterlot.” Princess Cadence said.

“It’s not your fault Princess, no need to apologize for a bunch of rich ponies who always get what they want.” Trail said.

“Not always.” Starlight said, reaching out for Trail’s hoof.

Comet’s friends all piled around the two, everyone of them wearing the biggest smile.

“So can we go tell Comet that Tourmaline is never coming back? For good this time?” Silverstream asked.

Trail laughed, “Of course you can. Go on ahead and tell her. We’ll catch up.”

They all cheered and ran out of the throne room. Trail couldn’t help but smile.

“I’m so glad Comet has so many wonderful friends.” Trail said.

“Aren’t you glad you brought her here?” Starlight said smiling.

Trail turned and leaned closer to the mare, “For more than one reason.”

Starlight blushed bright red and didn’t even get to respond before Trail leaned in for a kiss. It made her squeak in surprise before accepting the kiss. They were so into each other that they didn’t even notice the pink alicorn leaning in her chair to look at them with tears in her eyes.

“Love truly is beautiful.” Cadence said.

“Don’t you kinda have to think that way being the Princess of Love?” Twilight asked.

“Oh don’t worry Twilight. When you find a stallion, you will understand.” Cadence said, still staring at the couple who still hadn’t noticed her.

Author's Note

Hey guys, Hades here.

Another chapter so quickly! Am I truly Hades? Am I an imposter?

Nah I just finally got some inspiration and time to just sit down and write. Hopefully will have more out soon.

So is this the last of Tourmaline Rhinestone? Only time will tell..