Chapter 54

– Courtroom Brawl –

The large doors of the Canterlot Courthouse loomed over the group as they stood in waiting for the trial to begin. Libra was fixing her hair and cleaning her jacket like this was a simple stroll through the park. The rest of the group were huddled around the bench outside the courtroom where all of this would begin.

“I hoped I’d never have to set foot in this city. No offense Princess Twilight.” Trail said as he paced in front of the bench.

“None taken. Ponyville is my home now, and Canterlot does have its… downsides.” Twilight said.

“But Libra is gonna fix everything, right?” Comet said, looking at Libra.

Libra turned to the filly and patted her head, “Don’t you worry sweetie. I’ve got this in the bag. You’ll be home by dinner time.”

“I wouldn’t make promises you can’t keep.” Immoral Justice said, walking up with Pearl in tow.

Everyone immediately formed a barrier between Pearl and Comet. Tala growling with her feathers ruffled. Zala holding her hoof against her claw to try and keep her calm.

“Immoral Justice I presume? Your reputation speaks for itself.” Libra said, standing at the head of the pack.

“And you must be Libra. Your reputation also speaks for itself. I’ve heard you’ve made quite a name for yourself in Fillydelphia. But you’ll find that Canterlot will be a bit much for you to chew.” Justice sneered.

Libra just pulled an apple out of her briefcase and took a loud bite, “The city of pansies and brown nosers, more accustomed to bribery than actual skill. Oh whatever will I do?”

“I’m not surprised Trail found such a brutish attorney, he never had any character.” Pearl said.

“More than you witch!” Tala snarled.

Pearl scoffed, “Name calling? Really? It matters not, soon this will all be over. Comet dear, we’ll be going out for the finest cuisine Canterlot has to offer after this.”

Comet shivered and Trail held her close and spat at the older mare, “Not on your life.”

Libra stepped forward, “If you're done harassing my clients, I’ll ask you to back off.”

Justice cleared his throat, “Very well. Come Pearl, we have work to do.”

Pearl blew her daughter a kiss and left with her attorney. The group all felt their stomachs turn, all except Libra.

“Wow, she is a piece of work. And that Justice guy, he reeked of cologne and day-old coffee.” Libra said, holding a hoof to her nose.

This made Comet giggle and got a chuckle out of the rest of them.

“Don’t worry everyone. After seeing the competition, I’ve got zero worries about this case.” Libra smiled.

“You say that after only a week of preparation? We didn’t hear from you the first few days. What were you doing?” Starlight asked.

“Doing my job honey. Getting all the juicy details, and finding the right ammunition. If this guy is as smart as he thinks he is, he’d better just drop the case soon as we walk in.” Libra smirked.

The doors to the courtroom opened and a guard emerged, “His Honor is ready for your case. All parties please find your seats.”

Libra spun her briefcase around like a cheerleader and threw it in the air, catching it with grace and hitting a cool pose towards the group.

“Let’s do this!” Libra exclaimed and led the group inside.

“All rise for the Honorable Judge Maximum!” The guard from earlier spoke.

Everyone in the courtroom rose as a pale old white stallion in a robe stepped into the room and sat down at the large podium at the front of the room.

“Docket #C-NeonPink-13, Pampered Pearl vs. Trail Blazer.” The bailiff said, giving the judge a file.

The judge put his glasses on and cleared his throat, “As I understand the case, Miss Pearl, you are suing Mr. Blazer for custody of your daughter who you are claiming took away your parental rights to the young Comet Trail since her birth. Is that correct?”

“Yes your Honor.” Pearl said plainly.

“Mr. Blazer, do you deny this claim by Miss Pearl?” He asked.

“Yes I do, Your Honor.” Trail said.

“Then let us proceed. I will hear opening arguments, starting with Mr. Justice.” Judge Maximum said, leaning back.

Justice stood up and cleared his throat, “Your Honor, for over sixteen years, my client had been stripped of her parental right to her child. She had never even seen what her daughter looked like till we approached Mr. Blazer about this lawsuit. Mr. Blazer forced her to give up her daughter so he could galavant around the world, denying Comet a proper education or any sort of social interaction with her own age group. I am here to fight for Miss Pearl to reclaim her rightful place as Comet’s mother and give her the life she deserves!”

“A fine opening statement, Mr. Justice.” The judge said.

Then he turned to address Libra, “Now Miss Li-”

His eyes widened and he nearly dropped his glasses, “What in Celestia’s name are we wearing Miss Libra!?”

Libra raised an eyebrow, “Umm, a necklace? Is my skirt too short? Did I forget my eyeliner again?”

“No no no! What are you doing in my courtroom wearing a leather jacket? This is a court of law, not a street gang meetup.!” The judge bellowed.

Libra rolled her eyes, “Oh, I knew I forgot to file something yesterday. Silly me.”

Libra motioned for the bailiff to take a document to the judge, who obliged and delivered it to the judge. The judge opened it and began reading the contents.

“As you will read there Your Honor, I have immunity from any issues with my attire during court proceedings. Signed by Judge Raggamuffin and effective in all courthouses and cases inside Equestrian Borders.” Libra stated.

The judge’s eyes widened, “In response to the 2,319 contempt charges filed against you in just three years!”

“Yep, I hit a world record. I even got a placard on my wall in my office.” Libra said proudly.

“That isn’t something to be proud of! Oh, nevermind. Just get on with your opening statement…” Judge Maximum said, sighing.

“Alrighty Your Honor. I would like to start with the fact that my client is a wonderful father to Comet and has always had the best intentions for his daughter. She is a lucky filly, she has been all over Equestria, more than any filly I have even seen. From the Galloping Gorge, to the Forbidden Jungle. She also has two wonderful aunts that have given her all the love that she could have ever asked for. She also has a loving grandmother as well. Comet has never been left wanting for love, support and care. That is what a father should do. Miss Pearl is not a part of Comet’s life because she wanted nothing to do with Comet. She violated the very contract her lawyer, Mr. Justice, wrote all those years ago.” Libra stated.

The judge cleared his throat, “Alright then. Having heard both of your statements, I must say that this seems like an odd situation. What is this contract that you mention Miss Libra?”

Libra passed the copy of the contract over to the bailiff, who then took it to the judge. The judge gave it a glance and put it down.

“This contract seems very one-sided. Cutting out Miss Pearl from her daughter’s life and the only thing she gets out of the arrangement is to never have you step hoof in Canterlot, which you yourself have broken by being here.” The Judge grumbled.

“Objection. He wouldn’t have needed to come here if she hadn’t filed this suit in Canterlot your Honor. Also, the contract was null and void when Miss Pearl stepped within 500 ft of Comet at Princess Twilight’s School of Friendship.” Libra stated.

“Miss Pearl lives in Canterlot, where else is she to take her case? We will not press charges on those terms of the contract.” Justice said.

“Very well then. I would like to focus on this section that states that Miss Pearl’s name is stricken from Comet’s birth certificate.” Judge Maximum continued.

“Your Honor, I can explain that. My client had just lost her husband tragically and soon found out after that she was pregnant with Mr. Blazer’s foal. She was concerned for her reputation and the scandal caused her great distress.” Justice said calmly.

“So she was married when this foal was conceived? Care to explain that, Mr. Justice?” The Judge asked.

“Yes, it was a regrettable affair after a party in her home, Your Honor. Both Miss Pearl and Mr. Blazer were drunk and, well, we know what alcohol can do to a pony’s ability to make good decisions.” Justice said, brushing it off.

Trail’s blood boiled and he nearly stood up and shouted, but Libra simply put her hoof up to signal him to let her handle this. She didn’t even turn around to do it.

“Concerned for her reputation? Well, it seems there is no concern now. It is out in the open. I’m sure Miss Pearl must be really losing sleep over the scandal now.” Libra said, chiming in.

“Order! Miss Libra, I will not have slander in my courtroom.” Judge Maximum bellowed.

“Withdrawn, Your Honor. My bad.” Libra said, giving a shrug.

Libra then took a step forward and turned to face the crowd in the court, “I don’t know for what reason Miss Pearl decided to pick this fight, but she must have known the consequences. But I honestly don’t care what her reasons are, and neither does my client. Comet is happy with her family, without Miss Pearl in it.”

“Are you a mother, Miss Libra?” Justice asked, stepping forward.

“No, and I’m not looking for a stallion right now either Mr. Justice. Besides, you're a little too old for my tastes.” Libra jokes.

‘How tragic for stallions everywhere… Now Miss Libra, I asked because it is clear you don’t understand the feeling of motherhood, bringing a life into this world, holding her in your hooves right before she is taken and you never see her again. That is what my client felt that fateful day 16 years ago.” Justice stated.

“Really? No I can’t say I know how that feels. But I would say that if that was how I really felt, I wouldn’t have waited 16 years to fight for my daughter.” Libra spat back.

A gavel could be heard pounding against wood, “Order! Order!”

Both lawyers looked at the judge as silence filled the room.

“This bickering about her reputation is going nowhere. Focus back on the issue of the birth certificate.” The judge bellowed.

Justice cleared his throat, “As I was saying earlier your Honor, the scandal on top of her husband’s death was too much. Miss Pearl simply wanted to resolve a rather difficult situation. Hence why her name was removed.”

Libra yawned, “Yes, so legally she has no right to Comet and no legal standing to demand anything of Comet or Trail Blazer. No name on that certificate means no case Your Honor, The Defense moves for dismissal.”

The judge looked at Libra with disdain, “Normally I would agree with you Miss Libra, despite the way you present yourself, I find this part of the contract to be villainous. You and your client are clearly using this contract signed by a mare who was in distress at the time to your advantage to take away her rights to her child. Which is why I will not dismiss this case.”
Libra raised an eyebrow, “Your Honor, this contract was written by her lawyer, Mr. Justice. She set the terms on the contract.”

“While she was with child, and close to labor if I recall from the reports. Her judgement could have been compromised from the stress. This proceeding shall continue.” Judge Maximum said.

“Your Honor, I object. Stress from child birth doesn’t change how she had her lawyer write that contract.” Libra countered.

“Overruled! Mr. Justice, continue.” The Judge bellowed.

“Thank you, Your Honor.” Justice said, picking up another piece of paper.

Trail was growling under his breath, even Starlight was tensing in anger at this judge’s rulings. Libra heard the growls and turned her head back to them, gently shushing them with hoof and giving a wink.

“Now, back to the matter of Miss Pearl’s rights as a mother. While her name is indeed off the birth certificate, it is a biological fact that Miss Pearl is her mother. And to our knowledge, Comet has never even been told of Miss Pearl’s existence.” Justice said.

“Objection, Your Honor. Comet was made aware of Miss Pearl’s existence several months ago. Even after hearing the story, she made no mention of Miss Pearl, nor did she express any desire to seek her out.” Libra interrupted.

Justice’s eye twitched, just for a moment, “Be that as it may, Miss Pearl has expressed wanting to be a part of Comet’s life, and is much more suited to raising a child than Mr. Blazer.”

Libra scuffed, “On what grounds? She’s 16 years old, and Miss Pearl knows nothing of her needs. What about her schooling? Does Miss Pearl intend to take Comet away from her school life in Ponyville? All the friends she’s made, the progress in her curriculum?”

“All her little friends can visit anytime she wants, as for schooling, I’m sure Princess Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns would be most happy to welcome a new student with such a profound skill for magic as Comet. She is top of her class.” Justice waved off.

“Speaking of education, Mr. Blazer, I see here in my filings that Comet had been home schooled by you and your sisters prior to her enrollment at Princess Twilight’s School of Friendship. Care to explain why?” The judge asked.

Trail stood up, “I had to travel a lot for my job. And we followed the curriculum used by the Equestrian Education Association. Comet always did very well with her studies.”

“Yes, a traveling explorer. You have been known to travel and document several dangerous locations, am I correct Mr. Blazer?” The judge asked.

“Yes, Your Honor.” Trail answered plainly.

“Was that the wisest career choice for a father raising a young filly?”

Trail’s eyes widened and he resisted the urge to glare at the old stallion, “It was my talent, Your Honor. And I assure you Comet was always my first thought. I had to put bread on the table.”

“I don’t agree with your choice of profession while raising a child Mr. Blazer. How many times could she have been in mortal danger because of you?” He asked.

“She was never in any danger! I never took her to any dangerous areas. If there was even a hint of a predator, she stayed home with my sisters.” Trail yelled.

He looked at Trail with a flat look, “I don’t appreciate your tone, Mr. Blazer.”

Trail growled but was cut off by Libra, “Your Honor, what is this line of questioning leading to? Trail has clearly raised Comet into a fine young filly.”

“Perhaps, but the risks were too great. And how much has he put her in danger in recent events?”

Trail’s eyes turned to daggers as this old stallion clearly had something against him.

“I’ve read the reports on this field trip with Princess Twilight’s School, which led to Comet and several other students being attacked by a basilisk.” The judge said.

“It is true, Your Honor. He blatantly disregarded not only Comet’s safety but the whole class.” Justice chimed in.

Libra simply adjusted her glasses and pulled out a piece of paper from her briefcase, “I had a feeling you would try this so I came prepared.”

The paper was brought to the judge by the bailiff.

“That document clearly states that it was the fault of convicted criminal Tourmaline Rhinestone, not Trail Blazer.” Libra said plainly.

“And how do we know this is legitimate and certified by Equestrian law?” Justice asked, receiving his own copy.

“Well I suppose you would have to ask the pony whose signature is at the bottom. Oh, the name escapes me, I believe it was… Twilight Sparkle.” Libra said, smirking.

The judge and Justice both looked into the crowd and saw Princess Twilight puffing out her chest in pride, a smirk of confidence on her face.

The judge cleared his throat, “Well yes, I must agree with the Princess then. However, I am still under the impression that Mr. Blazer’s line of work is not suited for raising a filly. And not having a true mother figure in her life must have been traumatizing for her.”

“Actually, Your Honor, she does have one now. She has recently accepted Miss Starlight Glimmer as her mother. While they aren’t married yet, Trail and Starlight have proven to be wonderful parents.” Libra pointed towards the couple.

“Yes, Starlight Glimmer. I am aware of you. I am also aware that due to you, Comet was kidnapped by Queen Chrysalis.” Judge Maximum stated.

“That was not my fault!” Starlight shouted.

“Order! One more outburst like that Miss Glimmer, and I’ll have you put in contempt.” The judge pounded his gavel.

“Starlight, let me handle this.” Libra said, waving her hoof back at Starlight.

“You seem to have misinformation judge, while it is true Comet was kidnapped by Chrysalis, she was saved by Starlight Glimmer. And due to Starlight’s actions, Chrysalis is now in Tartarus.” Libra said.

“Your Honor, I would like to add something to this. My sources have told me that Starlight Glimmer almost killed Chrysalis in their battle. Is a mare capable of such violence really mother material for young Comet?” Justice added.

“Is that so? I agree that such violence is unbecoming of a “Mother”” The judge said.

Starlight’s ear folded against her head, but Trail quickly held her hoof for comfort.

“Defending one’s child is one of the basic instincts of a mother Your Honor. And she was never charged with any crime related to such.” Libra shot back.

“Regardless of the lack of charges, I still find that Starlight Glimmer is unfit to be a mother.” Judge Maximum stated.

“That is not your call, Your Honor. This proceeding is to determine custody of Comet between her father and Miss Pearl.” Libra stated.

“Her real mother, Miss Libra.” Pearl stated.

The mare walked forward, “Your Honor, if I may speak my mind.”

“Proceed, Miss Pearl.”

“I have thought long and hard about this day. Ever since I gave her up sixteen years ago. I realize now that it was a mistake. My little girl deserved a life of riches and comfort. I could have given that to her. And I can still give it to her now. Trail and I may never see eye to eye, but perhaps with time, for Comet’s sake, we can find compromise. Please, let me have my daughter back.” Pearl said, with tears in her eyes.

The judge wiped a tear of his own, “That was lovely Miss Pearl. I can truly see that you have seen the error of your ways.”

“Objection. Your Honor, while I’m sure that Miss Pearl practiced long and hard in front of a mirror with that little speech, truly the fake tears were a nice touch, that doesn’t change the fact that she knows nothing about Comet and expects to take her into a whole new lifestyle and away from her actual family.” Libra said.

“Overruled! Miss Libra, that was out of line.” The judge shouted.

“Was it? Miss Pearl is clearly trying to manipulate this court with crocodile tears and drama to get what she wants. A daughter that she doesn’t care about. This case isn’t about Comet, it is about something else.” Libra stated.

“One more word Miss Libra and you will be held in contempt. I am ready to make my ruling.” The judge said.

Libra rolled her eyes, going back to her briefcase.

“After hearing all the evidence, I have made my decision. I rule in favor of Miss Pearl, having found Mr. Blazer and his ragtag family are unfit to raise young Comet. I am releasing her into her mother’s care. Case Dismissed!” The judge bellowed, pounding his gavel.

“NO!” Trail and Starlight yelled out.

Pearl came sauntering over to stand in front of them, “Nice try, Trail. But as usual, you weren’t ready to play in the big leagues. Now, I believe I will take my daughter home now. Come along Comet.”

Comet backed away from the mare, “No! I’m not going anywhere with you!”

Pearl glared at her, “You are coming with me, whether you like it or now you little brat!”
She grabbed Comet by the mane with her magic, pulling the filly toward her. Starlight glared at this and used her own magic to block Pearl’s, grabbing Comet and holding her against her chest.

“You stay away from her!” Starlight shouted.

“She belongs to me now! Hand her over or I will have you arrested.” Pearl shouted.

Libra then appeared between them with a smirk on her face, “You will do no such thing.”

“And what are you going to do about it? You already lost the case.” Pearl smirked back.

“Did I though? Or did you and Justice overstep your boundaries?” Libra said, waving a piece of paper as she strutted back towards the bench.

“The case is closed, Miss Libra. Advise your client to release the filly to her mother or I will have the bailiff do it.” Judge Maximum said, standing up from his seat.

“I really didn’t want to do this to you, Your Honor. I had hoped you would see the error of your ways, but you made your bed, time to sleep in it grandpa.” Libra said, holding up the paper.

“I beg your pardon!?” Judge Maximum shouted.

“This here is a motion for you to recuse yourself, nullifying any ruling you give this case on grounds of conflict of interest and bias towards the accuser Miss Pearl.” Libra handed him the paper.

“Conflict of interest? Bias? What in Tartarus are you going on about?” The judge shouted.

LIbra walked back to her briefcase, pulling out several papers and jumped onto the desk, sitting on her rump while holding them, crossing her legs casually.

“Let’s start with the conflict of interest shall we? I have records of payments between you and Miss Pearl going on for several years now.” Libra said.

“Records of payment!? A..Absurd.” Pearl shouted.

“You should get a better banker, he folded like a cheap suit.” Libra winked at the mare.

“As I was saying, these records show payments of thousands of bits paid to you from Miss Pearl’s offshore accounts in Saddle Arabia.”

“Ridiculous. You can’t link me to those payments. I know nothing of any payments.” Judge Maximum stated.
“Besides, you cannot investigate a sitting judge’s financial records!” Justice shouted.

“Au contraire Mr. Justice, according to Article 9-68 Paragraph 3 of the Equestrian Judiciary Code of Conduct, all sitting judge’s financial records are to be made public to confirm no wrongdoing or malpractice during the span of an active trial. Since I had to go digging for these records, His Honor is in violation of this code.” Libra said, dusting off her jacket.

The judge, Justice and Pearl all growled at Libra.

“And while that would be grounds to declare a mistrial already, I’m not done having my fun yet. And I believe my associate should be arriving with the second piece of evidence right about… now.” Libra said, leaning back to point at the door.

The door did not move, everyone looked at Libra who now had a blush of embarrassment.

“Right about… NOW!” Libra shouted.

Still no movement from the door.

“Come on sis, you’re killing me here!” Libra groaned.

The door then flew open, revealing a unicorn mare dressed in a secretary outfit, with glasses. She had a dark green coat with a similar mane color to Libra minus the highlights, also having sapphire blue eyes behind her glasses. Her suit looked much more professional than Libra’s.

“Virgo! You missed your cue!” Libra shouted.

“Apologies dear sister, but some of us like to be thorough in our work.” Virgo said, walking up to the desk with her sister.

“Did you get it?” Libra asked.

Virgo smirked as she adjusted her glasses, “As if I would come without the fruits of my labor.”

She levitated a piece of paper to Libra, “Here it is sister, statements not only from all of Miss Pearl’s staff, but also Judge Maximum’s clerks all claiming that Miss Pearl has had Judge Maximum under her hoof for at least 10 years.”

“WHAT!?” The judge and Pearl shouted.

“Oh, and also a statement from Mr. Justice’s soon to be ex-wife concerning his relationship with Miss Pearl and his involvement with collaborating with her husband’s murder.” Virgo added another paper.

“WHAT!?” Justice shouted.

“And the now the Princesses and the royal guard should be arriving right about… now.” Virgo pointed at the door which opened immediately.

Libra pouted, “Oh yeah you get the timing right. Show off.”

Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and a whole squadron of royal guards surrounded Judge Maximum, Immoral Justice, and Pampered Pearl.

As they did, Trail shouted, “So you did kill him! I knew it!”

Pearl growled, “I didn’t want to! If you had kept your stupid country mouth shut about that night, he wouldn’t have had to die. He was going to divorce me and I would have lost all my money. I was not going to let you and that stupid husband of mine ruin my reputation.”

Trail charged ahead to glare right at her, “So why come after Comet after all this time?”

“I can answer that, Mr. Blazer.” Virgo said, getting everyone’s attention.

Just as she said that, another group of ponies entered the courtroom, an older stallion that looked very pompous, jewels and fancy clothes signifying his wealth. And a younger stallion, around Comet’s age looking just as pompous and stuck up.

“What is the meaning of calling us here?” The older stallion asked.

Virgo walked in front of the two new arrivals, “This is Diamond Copperbottom, and his son Jasper Copperbottom, one of the wealthiest families in Canterlot. Diamond and Miss Pearl had struck a deal. Miss Pearl promised her only daughter would marry his son, to marry into the family and save herself from her rather embarrassing financial crisis.”

Comet looked at the young stallion, who looked back at her with a creepy grin.

Comet flinched, “Ew!”

“What is the meaning of this, Pearl? You promised me my son would marry a hero of Equestria. Our family’s reputation would skyrocket!” Diamond shouted.

Pearl panicked, “Please, I just need a little more time.”

“You will have more than enough time in prison, Miss Pearl.” Princess Luna interjected.

Princess Celestia nodded, standing with her sister, “For several crimes against Equestria and it’s citizens, including malpractice of law, bribery, murder and conspiracy to commit murder, all three of you are sentenced to life in prison. Take them away!”

The guards surrounded all three ponies and dragged them away, Pearl in particular they had to drag away screaming.

Libra stepped up next to Virgo, “Another job well done. Told ya it would work out. How’d you get the Copperbottom’s here anyway?”

“I told them Pearl had sent me to celebrate the engagement of their children. He didn’t even question it.” Virgo smirked.

“Pfft, idiot.” Libra said.

“Ahem, I am still here.” Diamond Copperbottom cleared his throat.

“Yeah, we’ll send you a medal. Go get your kid a date somewhere else.” Libra waved him off.

Diamond grunted and left the room, but Jasper moved over to Comet, “So, I’ve still got a lot of money. I can take you somewhere nice baby.”

Comet gave him a blank look, and conjured a pitcher of water over his head, dunking it on him.

Jasper cried out, “My suit, my mane! Daddy, I need my stylist!”

He ran off after his father, making everyone laugh.

Trail and Starlight picked up Comet and hugged her tightly, the rest of the family joining in, including Zecora and Trixie.

They all turned as Libra and Virgo gathered their things, Trail speaking up, “How can we ever thank you two?”

Libra and Virgo looked back at them, Libra giving a “pfft”, “It was nothing. You should have seen this one case back in Fillydelphia. One guy tried suing this stallion, claiming he traveled back in time to ruin his marriage. Like seriously, an earth pony traveling around in time.”

“Yes, it was humorous. But in any case, you are welcome Mr. Blazer. I’m afraid we cannot stay to celebrate, we have another case back home.” Virgo said.

“We do?” Libra asked.

“Yes, don’t you remember? You dumped it to take this case on. The client is very upset.” Virgo said plainly.

“Oh crap! Send us the check in the mail Princess Twilight!” Libra said, grabbing her briefcase and running out of the courthouse.

Virgo sighed and teleported away.

Trail and Starlight just looked down at Comet, snuggling into their fur.

“So, it’s over?” Comet asked, looking up at her parents.

“It’s over, sweetheart.” Trail and Starlight said in unison.

Author's Note

Hey guys, Hades here.

So, court room fun. Libra is a lot of fun huh? She was really fun to write. Look for her in future projects.

Trails is almost done you guys. Just a few more chapters.