Victory over the light.
Chapter [11] The Trial of the Butterfly.
Previous ChapterNext ChapterFlutter Moon was sitting in an interrogation room, staring at a two-way mirror, looking back at her reflection. She pondered what to say, and what not to say. Should she talk of the rebellion? What was to become of her? Her train of thought got derailed when Dawn Lighter entered, sitting across from her.
“So, you were found in the possession of the Book of Prophecies and Predictions. Did you read anything that was in there?” Said Dawn Lighter.
“I only read the prophecy of Nightmare Moon’s return, and the following page as well.” Said Flutter Moon, not trying to hide anything, yet.
“And what were you going to do with that information? Why did you bring the book back with you?” Questioned Dawn Lighter.
“I was going to tell Moon Dasher, so that we could stop spying on you two. I brought the book because I wanted to show Moon Dasher what I had found, that’s all.” Said Flutter Moon.
“And that was, all, you were going to do?” Asked Dawn Lighter.
“Well yeah, we didn’t have any plans on what to do, in fact, I was going to put the book back before you noticed, but you caught us so…” Said Flutter Moon as she trailed off.
“Don’t play dumb with me, I know you had plans for that book. Let’s see if your compatriot is as chatty as you are.” Said Dawn Lighter, still suspicious, and left the room.
Moon Dasher had a hard look in her eyes as Dawn Lighter walked in. Sitting down, both looked at each other, waiting to see who would break the silence. “Is Flutter Moon alright?” Said Moon Dasher.
“I will be the one who asks questions here, not you. Now tell me, why were you two spying on the Queen and me? Who else knows about the book?” Said Dawn Lighter.
“We weren’t spying, we were just curious to see what you two were doing, and why you were always secretive. Flutter Moon still wanted to be your friend or something. Look, nopony else knows about the book except us. I warned Flutter Moon not to go into whatever room you were in, but she wouldn’t listen to me.” Said Moon Dasher.
“Well it looks like your friend got herself curious enough to steal a book, and then get captured. We will have to execute judgement on her becomes of the crimes she has committed against the kingdom.” Said Dawn Lighter.
“Crimes?! We haven’t broken any laws!” Exclaimed Moon Dasher.
“That will be up to us to decide. We will put both of you on trial. Arrangements have been made to put together a court. Since we have not been able to make any connection with your lawyers, we will provide you with a public interest lawyer. The court will proceed in three hours. You and your compatriot will have two hours to talk with your lawyer together to establish what you will plead for.” Said Dawn Lighter.
“This country use to be great! But ponies like you have ruined it!” Shouted Moon Dasher as Dawn Lighter left the room.
An hour later, Moon Dasher was moved into another room, she saw Moon Flutter talking with another pony. She quickly went over and hugged Flutter Moon. “Are you alright?” She asked.
“I am fine. But things aren’t looking good for me.” Said Flutter Moon.
“She’s right, Dawn Lighter gave me a list of her actions, and yours, and the laws that were broken because of those actions.” Said the lawyer.
“Is there anything we can do to get out of this? And are you with the…?” Said Moon Dasher trailing off.
“Hello, my name is Frothic Moon, and I yes, I am your assigned Lawyer. Your case Moon Dasher will be easier to work with, since you haven’t physically done anything wrong, other than entering in a closed environment and being a co-conspirator. But I can plead that you didn’t plan on doing anything. It’s Flutter Moon that I am worried about.” Said Frothic Moon.
“What charges does she have?” Said Moon Dasher.
“Well to start with a few, breaking and entering, stealing a national security, criminal and specific intent, intentional conduct, and the list goes on. What is also bad is that you have no alibi, no self-defense that might help you in this case.” Said Frothic Moon.
“What about the insanity defense? I hear that one works sometimes.” Said Flutter Moon.
“No good, Flutter Moon. Nopony will buy that you were struck by insanity. All your friends can contest that you were in the right of mind.” Said Frothic Moon.
“Then what are we planning on doing? You are helping us, right? Said Moon Dasher.
“I am doing my best, but this case is pretty cold. I can worm you out of this Moon Dasher, but I don’t think I can do anything for you Flutter Moon.” Said Frothic Moon.
“Should I just plead Guilty to everything? I think I can accept whatever is my sentence.” Said Flutter Moon.
“That might not be a good idea, I was able to overhear some of the conversation that was going on between Dawn Lighter and the Queen. And from what I heard; these accusations will have major implications on you.” Said Frothic Moon.
“So, pleading Guilty is out of the question. We must be able to defend you Flutter Moon.” Said Moon Dasher.
“The best we can do is plead guilty later and see how few charges you can be convicted of. That’s the best alternative I can give you.” Said Frothic Moon.
“Thank you so much for all that you have done.” Said Flutter Moon.
“Now I will go over the details of the court hearing and presentation and such, since most ponies do not actually know how these things work.” Said Frothic Moon.
As the court came into session, Flutter Moon could feel all the eyes on her. She looked back and could see her other three friends in the back, smiling at her, trying to give her support. Turning back to face forward, she stared at the podium that held Queen Nightmare Moon, who would proceed as the Judge.
The whole process was more of a blur to Flutter Moon. Dawn Lighter would read the charges, Frothic would do her best to try and gain some ground on her part, but every accusation was harder and harder to dismantle. When finally, the verdict was held. “All rise to hear the verdict of Flutter Moon.” Said Nightmare Moon. As everyone rose, fear stabbed at Flutter Moon’s heart as she waited for the conviction.
“Flutter Moon, I find you, Guilty, of treason against the crown, with possession of dangerous knowledge, and the intent of sharing said knowledge with others. Your verdict, is death.” Said the Queen.
“As for Moon Dasher, who conspired with Flutter Moon." She continued. "She is found, Guilty. Though she did not act upon her curiosity, she did however spy upon our work, conspire with Flutter Moon, and intrude on royal business. She will not face the same fate as Flutter Moon. Instead, she will be cast out of high life society, never to step hoof in Canterlot. This is my verdict for both. Case closed.”
Author's Note
Man I really hate writing law. I hope I never, EVER have to write this kind of stuff again. Anyway this chapter was needed in order to get the plot moving, and I am sorry if this was boring. Anyway, I plan on making this probably the lowest point in the series, plot wise at least (hopefully).
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