Chapter 53

– Legal Aid –

Trail and Starlight sat in Princess Twilight’s office, both feeling horrible as the court date grew closer. Pearl was trying to take Comet away with her, but for what? After all these years, what could she possibly want with Comet now?

Twilight walked in, giving both ponies her best smile, “Thank you two for coming. I know things are looking grim.”

“Twilight, what can we do? She can’t just take Comet away from us.” Starlight said.

“If this lawsuit goes through, she legally can. But she won’t win this lawsuit.” Twilight said, smirking as she sat down at her desk.

“But how can you be so certain?” Trail asked.

A knock on the office door grabbed all three ponies attention.

“Ah, here she is now. Come in!” Twilight called out.

The door opened and an odd looking mare walked into the office. She was an earth pony, her coat was royal blue with a long mane that reached past her shoulders, cerise with black and white highlights. Her eyes were a light blue behind a pair of glasses. She wore a leather jacket that looked brand new and a necklace that had a scale symbol.

“Princess Twilight, I’m not late am I?” The mare asked.

“Libra, not at all. Trail, Starlight, meet Libra.” Twilight introduced the mare.

Trail and Starlight looked to the mare who immediately came over and shook their hooves vigorously.

“Trail Blazer, it’s such an honor. I love your books, I wish I had the time to travel that much. And Starlight Glimmer, I have heard so much about you. Ooh this is so cool!”

“Thank you, Miss Libra. It’s nice to meet you.” Trail said, a little caught off guard.

“Oh, no misses please, it makes me sound old. Call me Libra.” She said.

“So Libra, why are you here?” Starlight asked.

“Oh, Pinkie Pie called me, she told me Princess Twilight needed my help with something, so I came from Fillydelphia to be your lawyer.” Libra said, walking up to the Princess’ desk.

Starlight looked to Twilight, “Pinkie Pie found us a lawyer?”

“Libra has a fantastic record. Pinkie says she’s super fun too.” Twilight said.

“Lawyer? But I can’t afford a lawyer.” Trail said, surprised.

“You don’t have to. I’ll be covering all your legal fees.” Princess Twilight said.

Trail’s eyes widened, “But Princess…”

“No buts Trail! You’re my friend and I have had it with nobles trying to mess with my friends. It stops now!” Twilight said, tapping her hoof on her desk.

Starlight smiled, “Thank you Twilight. I don’t know what to say.”

“It’s what friends are for. Now, will you accept?” Twilight asked.

Trail chuckled, “Like we could ever deny help from a friend.”

“Awesome! It’s gonna be so great working with you all. Don’t worry, this case is as good as done.” Libra cheered.

“You really think you can beat Immoral Justice? Last time I dealt with him, I couldn’t budge him an inch.” Trail said.

“Immoral Justice, yeah I’ve heard of that guy along the grapevine. Total jerk, and a real sleazeball. It’s not a secret he’s not liked among us lawyers. Heck, most judges don’t like him. But his record speaks for itself. I love a challenge, and wiping the floor with his smug face is gonna be a blast.” Libra explained.

Libra opened up her briefcase, which suddenly sprung up and folded out into a small desk. She sat down in front of it and adjusted her glasses, ‘Now, let’s get started. Pinkie told me your history with this Pampered Pearl. Did you bring a copy of the contract?”

Trail and Starlight still had their jaws on the floor from seeing her desk come out from a briefcase.

“How did you do that?” Starlight asked.

Libra raised an eyebrow in confusion and looked down at her desk, her expression changing to one of understanding, “Ooooooh. Right, probably wondering how I fit this in a briefcase?”

Both ponies nodded.

“Well, it’s a long story. Short version, I had this client a while back who was super smart and a tad bit crazy. He didn’t have any bits to pay me so he made me this. Don’t ask me how it works, I ain’t gotta clue. All he said was that he made it bigger on the inside.” Libra explained.

Both Trail and Starlight stayed silent in their processing but eventually shook their heads. Trail levitated the copy of the contract he brought with him over to Libra. She took in her hoof and began to examine it.

“Hmm, yep pretty straight forward. No judge is gonna look at this and take her side. Taking her name off the birth certificate. I’ll need to do some digging on that one. And she broke the conditions you put in, so that should make any arguments from her null and void. In what reality does she expect to win in this case?” Libra said, finishing by setting the contract on her desk.

She then dug her hoof into the briefcase again, her foreleg disappearing into the abyss and she felt around for something. She eventually pulled out a book, sitting on the desk and flipped through the pages.

“Yep, they definitely aren’t gonna play fair with this. The fact Justice wrote the contract and she violated the terms should be plenty of grounds to terminate this lawsuit. Not to mention hearing Trail’s story about his encounter with Pearl would turn most judge’s stomachs. I’ll have to look into who the judge will be.” Libra thought out loud.

“So, can we win this?” Trail asked.

Libra scoffed, “You’ve got nothing to worry about. I’m gonna blow this case out of the water. Just a few inquiries and phone calls to the right people and this whole nightmare will vanish into thin air.”

She tapped a button underneath her desk and it suddenly started folding itself back into the briefcase, book and all. It closed and latched itself when it was finished, allowing Libra to pick it up like it weighed nothing.

“How does that not weigh a ton?” Starlight asked.

“Magic I guess. That stallion sure knew his stuff. Anyway, I’ve got to go and prepare for court. You two get plenty of rest and be prepared. While this may look easy, I bet that Justice guy will try every dirty trick in the book to stretch this out and clench a victory. Keep your eyes and ears open. If either of them contact you, tell them you refuse to speak without your lawyer present and call me.” Libra said, sounding stern for the first time since she arrived.

Trail and Starlight both nodded and said in unison, “Thank you Libra.”

Libra’s serious expression disappeared, replaced with her usual gleeful self, “No worries! Everything will be sunshine and rainbows by the end of this. We’re still on for tea later Princess?”

She turned her head back to Twilight, who responded, “Wouldn’t miss it. Thank you again Libra.”

Libra grinned and walked out of the office, whistling a tune and swinging that briefcase around like a cheerleader. When the doors closed, Trail breathed a sigh of relief.

“I’ll always be in your debt, Princess Twilight.” Trail said.

“I told you, that’s what friends do Trail. Now go home and get some rest. I’m sure Comet needs both of you.” Twilight said, smiling to both of them.

Both Trail and Starlight walked out of the office, both feeling relieved at having someone to help them through this crisis.

“I don’t wanna go!” Comet cried.

Trixie held her against her, joined by Tala, Zala and Zecora all sitting on the couch with her. All of them were trying to comfort the filly, who had been crying ever since Trail and Starlight left to see Princess Twilight.

“Comet, Trixie knows it’s scary but Trixie won’t let anything happen. Court or no court, Comet is staying right here.” Trixie said, petting the filly’s mane.

“Yeah, I’ll shave that witch’s head and tail before I let her take you away from us kiddo.” Tala said.

“Normally I would ask you to restrain yourself sister, but in the case of that vile mare, I will join in on that threat.” Zala said.

“While I agree and understand your hate, please show restraint for all our sakes.” Zecora said.

Trixie kept petting Comet’s mane, “Trixie cannot believe the nerve of this mare. Showing up on Mother’s Day and ruining the holiday.”

“She’s ruined a lot in Trail’s life. Probably a lot of other ponies too.” Tala said.

Comet pulled away from Trixie just enough to speak clearly, “And she’s my mother? My birth mother?”

All three adults cringed but sighed.

“Biologically, yes dear. But that is the only thing you two share in common.” Zala said.

“Yeah, you’re nothing like her. You’re smart, kind, caring about others, hard working, and cute as can be.” Tala said, pinching Comet’s cheek with the last statement.

Comet giggled and rubbed her cheek, “Thanks Auntie Tala.”

She rested against Trixie again, thinking for a moment before lifting her head, “Trixie, can I ask you something?”

Trixie smiled, “Of course you can, what will you ask of the Great and Powerful Trixie!?”

Comet giggled at the mare and nuzzled her chest, “Can I call you Auntie Trixie?”

Trixie’s jaw dropped in surprise, she did not see this coming. Comet and her had gotten closer since Starlight and her had been teaching her magic. When Starlight became Comet’s mother, Trixie had been invited over to their house more. She had become quite fond of Comet and her family.

“You want Trixie as your aunt?” Trixie asked quietly.

Comet nodded against her.

Trixie started to shed tears, choking up with happiness as she hugged Comet tighter.

“Trixie would love to be part of the family.” Trixie said, looking at the others in the room.

“Hey, you spend enough time here to be family by now. All the magic lessons and you raiding our fridge when you think I’m not looking.” Tala smirked.

“Trixie does not raid! Trixie was simply hungry.” Trixie said nervously.

“Yes, I would often wonder where our leftovers would disappear to. Do not worry though, as part of the family, you will have plenty of opportunities to repay your debt.” Zala said, her smile getting a bit dark.

Trixie felt a shiver go down her spine at that, but Comet’s giggling warmed her heart back up quickly. She smiled, she finally had a family to call her own.

“Trixie will most certainly accept the honor. She will be known as the Great and Powerful Auntie Trixie!” Trixie exclaimed, holding Comet up as she posed dramatically.

Just as she did that, Starlight and Trail walked in through the door, catching the attention of everyone in the room.

“Auntie Trixie? So, you’ve been promoted.” Starlight said, smirking.

Trixie puffed out her chest, “Indeed. Trixie is now officially part of the family.”

Starlight laughed as she walked over to the couch and took Comet in her magic, hugging her filly close. Comet immediately latched onto Starlight, nuzzling into her chest. Starlight then hugged Trixie’s side.

“Welcome to the family Sis.” Starlight said.

Trixie shed another tear as she hugged Starlight back.

“Now this is a sight to come home to. Our family is growing, and everyone is happy. Which makes the news I have even better.” Trail said.

“What news, brother?” Zala asked.

“Princess Twilight has gotten us a lawyer, recommended by Pinkie Pie. Her name is Libra and she said she will take care of this whole mess. She seemed very confident about her skills, so I think we can put our trust in her.” Trail said.

Zecora raised an eyebrow, “A friend of Pinkie Pie shall be our defense, I must say that leaves me a bit on the fence.”

“I was a little skeptical too, but she seems to know what she’s doing. And Twilight said she would pay the legal fees, so no worries on that.” Starlight said.

“Wow, it really does pay to be on a Princess’s good side.” Tala said, leaning back comfortably.

“While Trixie and Twilight may not see eye to eye, Trixie must say that even she would thank Twilight most graciously for this favor.”

“So we’re gonna be ok?” Comet asked.

“Yes, no worries at all. You’re staying right here where you belong, little missy.” Starlight said, tickling Comet’s side.

Comet burst out laughing and pushed against Starlight to escape the tickle attack. Everyone in the house laughed.

“We must celebrate then. What do you all say to my famous Around the World Vegetable Soup?” Zala said, walking towards the kitchen.

Comet immediately jumped out of Starlight’s embrace and ran after her zebra aunt, “Oh oh, and sweet potato salad?”

“As if I could leave that out. What do you take me for my dearest niece?” Zala chuckled.

“Yay!” Comet cheered.

“We’re eating good tonight!” Tala cheered.

Starlight chuckled, “Trixie, want to join Zala in the kitchen with me?”

“Trixie would love to help in the preparations. As she is part of the family now.” Trixie said cheerfully.

Trail watched as they walked into the kitchen. He smiled to himself, his family had grown in such a short amount of time. And now, things didn’t seem so bleak anymore.

A shadow sat outside the door of Trail’s home, silent and vigilant. The pony had heard enough and ran off into the night. Returning to the hotel they were staying in, they immediately went to a crystal ball.

The ball lit up with a spell and a male voice came from it, “Yes?”

“Mr. Justice, I have a report for you.” A mare’s voice said.

“Well let’s hear it.” Immoral Justice spoke through the orb.

“I just learned that Trail Blazer has acquired a lawyer for his case. The name they gave was Libra.” She said.

“Libra? That upstart from Fillydelphia? They must be joking.” He laughed.

“Shall I continue my reconnaissance?” The mare asked.

“Yes, keep me informed if anything else comes up. I don’t want any surprises in the courtroom.” He said.

“Yes sir.” The mare said before ending the spell.

Author's Note

Hey guys, Hades here.

So Trail got himself a lawyer. Libra is her name, and she will be so much fun to write. Just wait till she gets into the courtroom.

And Justice is spying on Trail, cheater.

See you guys next time for court,
Hades