Nyx Goes to Prison

When Nyx’s vision cleared, she saw she was surrounded by a group of ponies wearing golden plate armor with grim looks of determination on their faces. Each of them was pointing a spear at Nyx in a threatening manner. Behind them was a group of unicorns, also wearing armor and their horns glowed, signaling they were ready to start spellcasting at a moments notice. A group of pegasai slowly circled overhead, each pointing a loaded crossbow at her. To add to the intensity of the moment, the sun blazed down from overhead, making things hot and uncomfortable. There was no breeze or clouds in the sky. Nyx felt like the wrath of the sun was waiting to be unleashed upon her. To be honest, she was rather impressed that she had garnered so much attention. Her hands twitched and all of the ponies took a step closer with a deafening clank of armor. Nyx slowly and carefully moved a spear out of her face.

There was sudden movement in the back and ponies stepped aside to make room for Princess Celestia. Obviously Nyx had never met the Sun Princess, but she had heard about her from Hildr. Rather than the calm and stately visage she normally displayed, Princess Celestia looked like she was barely containing her rage. As if in response, the sun seemed to get even hotter. Nyx imagined she would be sweating buckets right now, but this just meant her internal cooling system had to work just a bit harder.

Celestia walked up to Nyx with sharp angry steps. Her hooves clacked on the cobblestones and echoed loudly through the area. She stopped right in front of Nyx and her eyes blazed with fury as she looked her right in the face. “Are you the one they call Nyx?” Celestia asked loudly.

“I am,” Nyx replied calmly and evenly.

This seemed to upset Celestia even more. “GUARDS! ARREST HER AND BRING HER TO THE THRONE ROOM!” she shouted in her Canterlot Voice. The ponies sprang into action as Celestia turned and walked away.

Nyx found herself trapped and unable to move as a multicolored aura surrounded her. While the unicorns held Nyx captive in their telekinesis, other guards clamped heavy manacles to her wrists and ankles, connected with heavy chains that weighed her down and made it difficult to walk.

Once Nyx was tightly secured, Princess Luna appeared. Unlike her sister, Luna hid her emotions and her face remained neutral. She stopped before Nyx and levitated a necklace out of her bag and placed it around Nyx’s neck. Nyx felt like she had been punched by a Hive Ogre as her Light was forcibly drained. She stumbled, but before she could fall on her face, Luna caught her and stood her up. The princess stepped aside as Nyx was carried away.

To be honest, Nyx was slightly amused by the whole ordeal. The funniest part was watching the cute pastel colored ponies try to act touch and menacing. It made Nyx want to hug them tightly and squee like a little girl, just to spite them. Something to think about for later perhaps? As they moved through the castle, the unicorns kept Nyx firmly in their telekinesis, so she couldn’t move her head to look around. From what she was able to see, Nyx was quite impressed with the architecture and layout of the castle. Large stained glass windows provided plenty of light and cast rainbow colors over everything.

The little procession came to a stop before a set of large wooden doors inlaid with intricate gold and silver designs. Two guard ponies pushed the door open and Nyx could only roll her eyes at the sight. A long red carpet stretched the length of the throne room with heavily armed guard ponies lining each side. Behind them, ponies dressed in fancy clothes and jewelry packed the space. The hall was eerily quiet as Nyx was escorted to the throne. So much drama, she thought.

Princess Celestia stood tall and proud up on the dias, looking angry as ever. Princess Luna sat to one side on her throne and tried her best to keep her emotions in check, but Nyx could tell she was less than pleased as well.

The unicorns lowered Nyx to the ground, but kept her firmly in their grasp. Celestia stepped forward and proclaimed in a loud voice, “Noble ponies of Equestria, I have called you all here to witness these proceedings.” She turned her gaze to Nyx and continued. “Before you stands a disgusting creature, the likes of which you have never seen.”

Nyx took offense to that statement. Since she was an Exo, she had no body odor to speak of and therefore, had no real reason to bathe. However, she still kept up with her regular maintenance and cleanliness.

Celestia’s eyes narrowed and her face curled with disgust. “This creature, this...THING...has invaded our borders, infiltrated our peaceful kingdom, and committed the most vile act in recent memory.”

Okay. Wasn’t Celestia taking this act a little too far?

Celestia paused her speech to catch her breath and paced from side to side. The noble ponies began to whisper nervously amongst themselves. Celestia closed her eyes and took a deep breath to calm herself. “My ponies, I have failed you.”

At this, the crowd began to speak up. “No Princess!”

“It’s not your fault Princess!”

“How could this have happened?”

“What does this mean for the rest of us?”

Celestia heard their uncertainty and raised her voice. “I have failed you my ponies. Our lands have been peaceful and prosperous for so long that I, we, have grown fat and complacent with our lives.” Luna let out a little snort and Celestia pretended not to hear. “Because of this, our security has become lax. Our guard ponies have grown soft. Our ability to defend ourselves from hostile action is non-existent.” Celestia’s eyes became hard and she stomped her hoof loudly on the floor. “But no more!” she said loudly. “Let this be a lesson to us all! There are those out there who wish to do us harm. Our enemies will take our lands and force us into slavery!” Celestia stomped her hoof again, louder this time. “Again I say this will not be! As your ruler, your beloved Princess, I vow to do everything in my power so that this will not come to pass!”

Celestia had stoked the passions of the crowd and they started to shout and hurl insults at Nyx. The crowd started to become an unruly mob and pressed against the guard ponies. Nyx stood silently and waited to see what would happen.

“My ponies! Fate has delivered a golden opportunity into our hooves. Let us look upon the creature that has brought violence and misery to our peaceful lands,” Celestia called out. She turned her attention to Nyx and slowly walked down the stairs. The princess stood up straight and commanded, “Show yourself!”

Nyx glanced around and tugged at her chains to emphasize her lack of mobility. This action only enraged Celestia further and with a low growl, her horn flashed and struck Nyx across the face. The force of the blow snapped Nyx’s head violently to the side and nearly knocked her over. Nyx gathered herself as best she could and slowly stood back up.

Fire blazed in Celestia’s eyes. “Even now, chained and outnumbered, you dare to defy me?” she asked incredulously.

Nyx said nothing.

Celestia’s horn flashed again and the hood of Nyx’s cloak was sharply pulled off her head. A golden aura surrounded her helmet and Nyx’s head was pulled from side to side as Celestia tried to remove it. The latches finally released and Nyx’s helmet flew of. The crowd gasped in horror and Luna visibly recoiled back. Even Celestia was given to pause as she looked upon Nyx’s horribly scarred face for the first time. Celestia quickly recovered her composure and made a display of stripping Nyx out of her armor. Luna leaned forward to get a better look at Nyx’s naked form.

The rest of her body matched the color of her head, and also bore numerous marks and scars, giving proof to her life of struggle. The shape and form of her main body plating gave Nyx a slim and athletic build. A black, skin-like material covered her joints and filled the gaps between her plating. This same material also covered part of her chest plating, giving Nyx a modest bust size.

Celestia made a show of walking around Nyx to look over her form. “Do you see my ponies? Even the most plain and unassuming creatures are capable of despicable acts!” Celestia stopped in front of Nyx and asked in a loud voice, “And what should be done with this creature?”

Celestia’s question sent the crowd into a frenzy and the air was filled with shouting. The guard ponies struggled to keep the mob at bay and were slowly being pushed back. Celestia retreated back up the steps and looked out at the chaos she had created. Nyx could have sworn she saw Celestia smile with satisfaction.

Luna was completely disgusted by the display. She rose from her throne and called out in her Canterlot Voice, “BE STILL!”

The effect was instantaneous and a hush fell over the crowd. Luna stepped forward and glared at the gathered ponies. “Subjects! Have you forgotten where you are? Have you forgotten your place?” Celestia glared at Luna, who ignored her and stood front and center of the dias to be seen by all. “We are ponies of Equestria, descendents of brave ponies, unicorns and pegasai who founded this great country on equality and friendship. And yet, we seem to have forgotten this fact! We are not barbarians! We are not like the dragons, griphons, or diamond dogs! We are governed by the rule of law, not rule of the mob!” Luna spread her wings to make herself appear as big as possible. “It matters not what crime this being has committed. She shall be tried and judged under our law, as is her right.”

Luna’s words had a calming effect on the crowd. Reasoning seemed to come back to ponies eyes and an uncomfortable silence hung overhead. Before Luna could continue, Celestia spoke up. “My sister speaks the truth! However, this is a special circumstance not covered by any of our laws and as such, I reserve the right to pass judgement now.” Luna’s head snapped around and she glared angrily at Celestia, who moved out in front. “I, Princess Celestia, Ruler of Equestria-”

“Lord of Terror,” Nyx muttered to herself.

“-and Bringer of the Dawn hereby pass judgement,” Celestia looked down and Nyx was certain her eyes had turned black and orange. “For her crimes against pony-kind, I decree that Nyx is to be put to death.”

“Sister!” Luna gasped as the crowd roared and surged forward. A protective shield was cast around Nyx as the frenzied mob surged past the guard ponies. Luna could only stare in shock as Celestia sat on her throne and looked pleased with herself as she gazed out over the sea of chaos. Luna wondered what Discord would think if he were here. More than likely, he would sit back with a comically large bucket of popcorn and watch gleefully, she thought.

When the crowd began to tire itself out, Celestia ordered for Nyx to be taken to the dungeon to await her execution. As she was being led away, a black bag was placed over Nyx’s head, obscuring her vision. Nyx sighed. She was beginning to grow tired of all the unnecessary drama and theatrics. At least the unicorns were still carrying her, so there was that.

After a while, Nyx heard a door latch click open and she was forcibly set in a chair. The constant pressure of telekinesis subsided and the bag was pulled off her head. Nyx glanced around and found herself seated at a small table in a square stone room. A single light floated near the ceiling, providing barely enough illumination. At the entrance stood two ponies wearing black suits, sunglasses and serious expressions. Across from her sat a beige colored pony with light blue eyes, and a pink and blue mane, also wearing a suit. On the table between them sat a wooden box with three jewels, red, yellow and green on the lid.

The pony spoke, saying, “I am Agent Sweetie Drops of the P.I.B. Our job is to investigate monster attacks and other potential threats to Equestria.”

“The P.I.B? Ponies In Black? Really?” Nyx deadpanned.

Agent Sweetie Drops was confused. “What about it?” she asked.

“Nothing. So are you like the secret police or something?” Nyx asked and Sweetie Drops recoiled in horror. “We’re not barbarians here!”

Nyx held up her hands and jingled her chains. “Could have fooled me,” she replied dryly.

Sweetie Drops cleared her throat. “We’re not the bad guys here.”

“Convince me,” Nyx replied.

Sweetie Drops narrowed her eyes and leaned forward. “I’m just trying to do my job and get to the bottom of all this.” She nodded to the box on the table.

“Since you’re already convinced of my guilt, why continue with this charade?,” Nyx asked.

“We want to know the facts, establish a timeline of events and perhaps a motive for the crime you committed,” Sweetie Drops said.

“And what crime would that be?” Nyx asked.

Sweetie Drops seemed hesitant to say, as if just the thought of it was unbearable. “The...murder...the assassination of Lord Tirek,” she managed to say.

“Oh. Okay. Just wanted to be sure,” Nyx said.

Sweetie Drops raised an eyebrow. “So you admit to it then?”

Nyx shrugged. “Do I get a lawyer, or is that not how this works?”

Sweetie Drops gave Nyx a questioning glance. “Why do you need a lawyer? What’s that?” she asked.

“A special council, solicitor, attorney, barrister, advocate, any of these ring a bell?” Nyx asked and Sweetie Drops shook her head. “What normally happens when a crime is committed?” Nyx exasperated.

“The police investigate, the culprit is apprehended and punished accordingly,” Sweetie Drops replied.

“What if the police arrest the wrong pony?” Nyx asked and Sweetie Drops shrugged her shoulders. “How should I know? Very little crime happens in Equestria.”

“This is the most ammeture opperation I have ever encountered,” Nyx shook her head sadly. “Does Lyra know how much you suck at your job?”

Sweetie Drops visibly paled at the mention of Lyra’s name, but tried to maintain her professionalism. “How do you know that name?” she asked.

Nyx leaned back in her chair and replied, “I know many things if asked the right questions.”

“And that is why we are here,” Celestia said as she emerged from the shadows. Sweetie Drops jumped in surprise and quickly scrambled to her feet. “You Highness!” she bowed her head.

Celestia walked around the table and sat across from Nyx. “You must think this is all fun and games,” she said.

“I’m not exactly having a good time here,” Nyx replied and clanked her chains together.

Celestia narrowed her eyes and nodded to Sweetie Drops, who opened the box and pulled out a plain silver band with a red, yellow and green gems. After a bit of difficulty, the band was placed on Nyx’s head. Sweetie Drops stood at the table between Celestia and Nyx. “I am going to ask a few questions to get a baseline for the truth spell,” she said. “Is your name Nyx?”

“Yes,” Nyx replied and the green jewels on the headband and box lit up.

“Are you a human?” Sweetie Drops asked.

“No,” Nyx answered and the yellow jewels illuminated. Nyx rolled her eyes. “Semantics.”

“So are you human or not?” Celestia asked.

“I used to be,” Nyx replied and the green jewels lit up.

“Why did you kill Tirek?” Celestia asked.

“Who says I did?” Nyx asked.

“You did, didn’t you?” Sweetie Drops asked.

“Where is your proof?” Nyx asked. “As far as I know, I was minding my own business when I was kidnapped, forcibly taken against my will, chained up like an animal, falsely accused, imprisoned, and questioned without competent council.”

“Luna says you came willingly. That alone speaks to your guilt,” Celestia replied haughtily.

“There is a witness who saw Tirek’s murder,” Sweetie Drops added.

“Really? Who?” Nyx asked and Sweetie Drops made a disappointed face. “Her name is Cozy Aura.”

“Is that so?” Nyx mused. You’ll have to do better than that.

Sweetie Drops frowned. “Cozy Aura says she saw a portal open and a bipedal female stepped through and shot Tirek with a strange looking weapon. Cozy Aura also said this person threatened her before departing.”

“Do you trust this pony?” Nyx asked.

“We gave her the same Truth or Lie test you are taking now and she passed with flying colors,” Sweetie Drops said.

“Oh? And where is she now?” Nyx asked.

“Right where we left her,” Celestia replied coldly.

“How generous of you,” Nyx mocked.

Celestia narrowed her eyes and a low growl escaped her throat. “Do you take anything seriously? I don’t think you quite understand the position you are in.” She sat up to her full height and towered menacingly over Nyx. “It is in your best interest to cooperate, or we will be forced to use more rigorous methods.”

“Really? That’s the best you got? Well I can say this is certainly the worst interrogation I have ever been a part of,” Nyx offered and the green jewels lit up.

“ALL OF YOU OUT!” Celestia thundered. Sweetie Drops fell back in shock and even the two ponies by the door seemed surprised. After a moment of hesitation, the three of them left. As soon as the door closed, Celestia turned on Nyx and slapped her across the face. Nyx slowly turned back to face Celestia and said, “This behavior is quite out of character for you Princess.”

“And what would you know, murderer?” Celestia shot back.

Nyx thought to herself for a second. “Surely this act isn’t just for me. What’s really bothering you?”

“I know it was you!” Celestia growled. “We discovered traces of a unique Magical signature around Tirek’s body that closely matches the other of your kind that came here.”

“Then how do you know it wasn’t her?” Nyx asked. “How do you even know me? We have never met before and this is the first time I have ever been here.”

“Luna spoke of you when recounting her journey to your world,” Celestia said. “She said you unsettled her greatly and spoke of disturbing things.”

Nyx’s mismatched eyes burned holes into Celestia’s own magenta colored ones. “And you believe her? You think me to be some kind of monster? What is a monster except that which we do not understand and fear? To a mouse, the cat is a monster. It is all a matter of perspective.” Nyx shifted slightly in her seat. “I am a stranger from a strange land, no different than Hildr, yet you greeted her with open arms and fear me.”

“I fear nothing,” Celestia insisted and looked down her nose at Nyx.

“You say that because this is all you know,” Nyx said. “You think that this is all there is. You sit on you little chair and look at your little kingdom and believe yourself to be the ruler over all? Only a fool makes such bold claims. You are nothing. I am nothing. All of this is nothing compared to the vast emptiness of space and time. We are but pawns in a larger game we do not understand. Who can comprehend the gods that rule over even you, Princess of the Sun?”

Celestia’s eyes blazed with fury as she grabbed Nyx in her telekinesis and lifted her off the ground. “What gives you the right to say such things?”

“I have seen the Truth of this world, and I have seen the face of true Terror,” Nyx replied. “But nothing I say will ever convince you.”

“Enough!” Celestia roared and slammed Nyx into the wall. “How did you get here? Who brought you here?”

“Luna did, remember?” Nyx said. The green jewel flashed on.

“The first time!” Celestia shouted and threw Nyx into the other wall. “How did you know to find Tirek?”

“He’s in the same place you keep all of your troublemakers locked up,” Nyx replied. Celestia pinned Nyx to the ceiling and began to squeeze. “Who told you about Tirek?”

Nyx’s body started to creek under the strain. “A little pink balloon told me,” she said. Coolant and oil began to seep from Nyx’s joints and dripped down, staining Celestia’s white coat black and blue. Flames sprouted from Celestia’s eyes and she threw Nyx to the floor with such force that the table fell over. The box bounced across the floor where Celestia saw the green jewel glowing faintly. Before her systems went into temporary shutdown, Nyx was certain she saw horns and a crown of flame sprout from Celestia’s head.