Chapters Everything was blurry, though after a beating that was to be expected..
Slowly coming to his senses, Shadow opened his eyes, noticing the darkness of the room straight away. He was still chained, but now he was sitting, and not laying on the floor while five guards were, "laying down the law" , as they called it. He still had a bitter taste of iron in his mouth, and his body hurt all over.
As his vision cleared he noticed he sat in front of a desk, on the other side was another stallion, he was in a uniform, and on the table was different papers, photos, and files. It was then that he realized, he was in an interrogation room.
"Good, you're awake." Said the stallion, who was still masked by the shadows of the room. The only light was provided by a single lamp on the desk itself. Shadow was not fully clear headed yet, he had no idea what time it was, how long he had been here, or if Rainbow was okay. He could hear the stallion move some papers. "Hmm, Aggravated assault, assault and battery, kidnapping, burglary, arson and forgery...." He placed the file on the desk. "You've been busy Mr Bolt, or do you prefer Ranger?"
Shadow smiled a little, clearing his throat. "I never went by that name... It was an invention by the press.."
The stallion chuckled. "True enough, but you never denied it."
"I never had any intention of talking to the media.." Shadow replied, to which the stallion said.
"Or get caught, I imagine.. You can thank Twilight Sparkle for that by the way." Shadow felt his muscles tense, his eyes flicked to him for a second before quickly looking away. The stallion chuckled again. "That's right, Ranger, you were sold out.."
"Don't I get a lawyer?" Shadow interrupted, his voice bitter.
"Oh, we are just having a friendly chat, we are looking for a lawyer in the meantime, but just so you know." The stallion leaned closer, revealing part of his muzzle and his eyes, but nothing else that made him recognizable. "Don't expect of walking away from this in one piece.." The two locked eyes, both of them glaring at one another. "Now then, first things first.. Did you have anypony helping you?"
"No." Shadow replied straight away.
The officer snorted. "Really? You wanna play that card? What about your little marefriend?"
Shadow did not hesitate, or look away as he answered. "She's got nothing to do with this.."
"I'll be the judge of that.." He chuckled. "But for now you can take it easy, we have you, so there is not any major interest in her." He opened a file. "Let's see here.. Shadow Bolt, 26, Pegasus, former royal guard, former special forces, on track to become a Wonderbolt, but never finished.. Hmm, then nothing." Looking back up at him, he tilted his head. "You seem to have a good record, your future was bright, why discard it like that to become a criminal?"
"None of your business.." Shadow growled.
"Oh no no, you see, it is my business. Not only did you humiliate the corps, but you you were one of us. I want to know what made you snap like this." He leaned back a little. "What did you learn?"
Shadow's eyes widened, before he thought he was simply dealing with some pissed off guards, but now he understood. He was being held by those corrupt guards who had taken bribes. He felt like spitting ay the officer, but instead he growled a bit more. "I snapped because of ponies like you.. You're disgrace to the uniform.."
"Really?" The officer chuckled. "You think I'm a disgrace do you?" He sat up a bit more, and before Shadow knew it, a hoof made contact with his face, not only punching him, but forcing his head into the desk with a loud smack!
"ARGH!"
"Let me tell you something, Bolt." The officer snarled, holding Shadow in place. "We do what we fucking have to! You think you're the only colt or filly scout spouting nonsense like this?" He pressed down on his head harder. "You humiliated us, but do you think your little crusade is going to stop us?! Like the others, you will simply vanish, but in your case, you are going to be public humiliated, painted as a fucking villain, and then get stabbed, beaten, and slaughtered as soon as your enemies learn who you are in prison, do you get me Bolt? You're done!"
He finally let go, letting Shadow slump back in his seat. "Take him back to his cell!"
"Sir!"
How could you do this?
What is wrong with you?
Twilight, how could you?
All of that, and more had her friends yelled out in pure confusion, shock, and rage after Rainbow Dash left their room. Twilight felt horrible, it was never meant to have turned out like this. But it had, and now her friend was upset with her, more than upset, she had felt betrayed, and it broke Twilight's heart.
It had been a long night, and Twilight had managed to explain to her friends what her intentions were. They didn't agree, but they did understand her enough to come down, but they were still disappointed in her, which she didn't blame them for. It would take time, but they would forgive her. Right now, they needed to talk to Rainbow..
They had been at her home, looking at the usual places, but she was nowhere to be found. Last place for them to look was at her parents house, and after some spells that allowed her and her friends to walk on clouds, except for Fluttershy of course, they made their way up to Cloudsdale.
"I hope Rainbow Dash is here.." Fluttershy said as they made their way towards the house.
"Poor Dashie.." Pinkie said, her usual poofy mane deflated. "She must be so sad.."
Applejack looked at Twilight, she wasn't saying much, in fact it seemed she was almost trying to vanish. While Applejack was angry and disappointed, she knew Twilight's intentions were good, misguided, but good, and so she tried stick up for Twilight a little. She had made her point in not being happy with all of this, but she also made a point to show Twilight they were still friends.
"Let's see if she is here." Applejack said, walking up to the door and knocked. The group waited for a bit, and just as Rarity was about to suggest to knock one more time, they heard somepony move about inside. The door slowly opened, revealing an older stallion, his short rainbow mane and his light grayish blue coat instantly made them aware this was Rainbow's father.
They had only met him a few times, but from what they recalled, he was a cheerful and friendly stallion, but his eyes, his expression, they told them that he was not so happy to see them. "Yes?" He simply said, his voice stern, giving them all a hard look.
No one spoke at first, so Applejack decided to speak up first, taking off her hat in respect, she looked Bow Hothoof straight in the eyes. "Mr Hothoof, pardon our intrusion. But we wanted to know if you by chance have seen Rainbow Dash? We, didn't part on the best of terms, and we're worried about her.."
He looked at Applejack, then at her friends. Sighing, he nodded. "Yes, I've seen her."
"You have?" Fluttershy trotted up beside Applejack. "Please, is she here, can we see her?"
Bow sighed again. "Listen, she's here, but I'm not sure now is the best time... She's finally asleep, and.." Looking at Fluttershy being on the verge of tears he finally relented. "Come inside, we can talk there."
As the five of them entered, Windy Whistles came down the stairs. "Bow? Is everything alright, oh.." She frowned, seeing her daughters five friends standing in the hallway. "Please, give her some time, she is finally sleeping.."
They all nodded while Bow gestured towards the living room. "We can talk in here."
"I'll make some tea." Windy put in, trotting into the kitchen.
Once they all got seated, either on chairs or the couch, Bow planted himself in his recliner, looking at all of them expectantly, as a father waiting for an explanation. Since Applejack had taken the lead on the conversation before, it seemed everypony expected her to take the lead once again.
Applejack however was not really sure what to say, or where to even begin. But clearing her throat, she tried. "I don't know how much Rainbow told you, but-"
"Everything." Bow cut in, silencing Applejack instantly. "She told us everything.. She told us about Shadow, he being the Ranger, about her involvement, what happened at the Starlight Festival, and... How he was arrested." At that last part he looked at Twilight, his eyes a bit harder that time, making Twilight shrink a bit in her seat.
"She came in last night.." Windy continued, walking into the room with a tray on her back. Rarity quickly stood up and helped hoofing out cups. "I've never seen my little girl so upset.. Took us a long time to get her to explain what was going on.." Closing her eyes, she took a moment to compose herself. "She cried for a long time before she finally fell asleep.."
By instinct, all of them wanted to go up there and hug Rainbow, to tell her everything was going to be alright, but they also knew it was better to let her rest and calm down before any such attempts were made. Twilight wanted to make it up to Rainbow, to apologize and explain herself, but she was not stupid enough to try it right now.
"I want to understand.." Bow said firmly. "We've heard Rainbow's side of the story, now I want you to tell us what is going on.."
Twilight knew it was her turn to speak, and so she said. "Everything Rainbow has told you about Shadow is true, but, the part of me telling about him, and who he was.. It isn't like you think.." Taking a deep breath, Twilight got ready to explain all over what happened. "As you must know, the Ranger was being seen as a criminal.. A vigilante without regard for the law.. So, after he took down the gang's leader, after everything.. I told my brother, who is a captain of the Royal Guard everything.. I did it because I thought it would close the case on the Ranger, give Shadow and Rainbow an official ending without fearing arrest.."
Twilight looked down, feeling tears in her eyes. "I really had no idea they would barge in on him, arrest him.. I thought it would be a simple matter..."
"Have you spoken to your brother?" Bow asked.
Twilight nodded a little. "He says it's out of his hooves.. I even spoke to Princess Celestia, and she says she won't interfere before he has had his fair trial."
Windy frowned. "They are putting him on trial?"
Twilight nodded again. "Most likely, when he received his judgement he can formally receive a pardon from the princess.. But that depends on what princess Celestia thinks of the matter after the trial.." Silence fell upon the room, the mood was bitter, and everypony drained to the core.
Rarity spoke up this time, trying to make some more simple conversation. "So.. Did you ever meet Shadow?"
Windy smiled slightly, seeming happy for the subject change. "Yes, we did.. Our Rainbow brought him over for dinner." she put a hoof to her mouth and giggled. "Both of them were very nervous."
Bow chuckled. "Although no one will ever be good enough for Rainbow." He said with a playful twinkle in his eyes. "That colt comes darn close.." They all shared a small laugh, except for Twilight who simply felt worse for what she had done, for what she had ruined.
Still, she needed to fix this. "I will do what I can.." She said, making them all look at her. "I'll find a way to get Shadow out, and-"
"Mom?" A raspy voice called from upstairs. Every pony froze and held their breath as they heard hoof steps coming down the stairs. "Mom, do we have any..." Rainbow appeared in the doorway to the living room. "Oh.. It's you guys.." Rainbow's eyes were red, she looked exhausted and her mane was a mess, well, more so than usual.
"Howdy, Rainbow.." Applejack said a bit nervously.
Rainbow sighed. "Hey guys, sorry for just taking off, but I just couldn't be in the same room as..." Her eyes narrowed, then grew wide as she realized Twilight was in the room as well. "What are you doing here?" She bit out, glaring.
Twilight stepped forward. "Rainbow, please.. I didn't mean for any of this to happen. I promise I'll do everything I can to set things right and get Shadow out. I promise tha-"
"No." Rainbow interrupted, glaring at her so called friend.
"W-what..?" Twilight felt that single word sting worse than she imagined.
Rainbow did not care if she hurt Twilight's feelings in this moment, she was the element of loyalty and so, having one of her best friends going behind her back, causing her coltfriend to be arrested like a common criminal, ruining a moment that was supposed to be the happiest one in her life... That hurt worse than she could ever imagine.
"I don't care why you did it, Twilight." Rainbow began, looking firm, ignoring her friend's worried looks. "You did it without talking to us first, because once again, Twilight Sparkle knows what is best for all of pony kind, once again, Twilight has to be the good student and write her report straight away! You couldn't even give us a day, Twilight.. Not even a single night to rest.. You just decided what was best, like you always do.."
Were her words unfair? Perhaps, but they were spoken in rage. To Rainbow, no amount of good arguments, logical decision making or even good intentions would soften the blow of loosing Shadow. Their night was ruined and his life was now in danger, no amount of explanations or apologies could fix that.
Twilight could see that, and it only made her look down at the floor, tears once again filling her eyes as she sobbed. "I'm.. I'm so sorry, R-Rainbow..."
If Rainbow could, she would probably cry as well, not because she felt sorry for Twilight, but because she had betrayed their friendship and they were in all of this mess. "I'm not the one in danger, Twilight." Rainbow said, almost coldly, a tone none of them were used to, but Twilight just took it. "I'm not ready to forgive you Twilight, not sure I'll ever be ready.. But if you're really sorry, you can help find a way to get Shadow out.."
With nothing else to hope for, Twilight nodded, wiping away her tears. "I will do all that I can.."
Two days, two fucking days since Shadow had been arrested and thrown into this rotten cell...
His wings hurt, they were still chained to his sides, and he longed to stretch them out. His whole body still hurt, but thankfully he hadn't been beaten since the first night he got here, on the other hoof, he hadn't even gotten a shower or a decent meal either.
And then there was Rainbow...
He had no idea how she was, if she was okay, or was even still free, Then again, if Twilight had put him in here, then certainly Rainbow was being kept out of that. After all, it was one thing to arrest somepony like him, but to arrest the element of loyalty, no, that was probably near impossible unless you had damning evidence, which they didn't.
The sound of the cell door being unlocked and opened interrupted his thoughts. Rolling over in piss poor excuse of a bed, Shadow looked over, only to see somepony he had not seen for some time. "Hey.. It's prince Shining Armor.." Shining looked at Shadow with a mix of worry and disgust. Shadow simply chuckled. "Sorry about the smell, they haven't exactly allowed me many luxuries.. Like a decent meal, or a shower... So.. What are you doing here, Shining."
"I had to see if it was true.." Shining said, his expression stern. "Are you the Ranger?"
Shadow sat up, letting out a sigh. "Ponies have called me that, yes.." There was silence between them, and after a while, Shadow rolled his eyes at him. "Oh and I'm fine by the way, thank you for asking." Shining winced, seeing how roughed up Shadow was. "So other than asking something you already know, why are you really here? Bad news or good news?"
Sighing, Shining trotted closer to him. "A bit of both I guess.."
"Of course.." Shadow mumbled, annoyed.
"They are moving you to Iron Frost Prison.."
"What?" Shadow looked at Shining with wide eyes. "They are moving me to prison, what about my trial? What about my fucking rights?"
Shining looked at his friend with serious eyes. "They are claiming you are a security risk, and the local jail can't contain you."
"Bullshit!" Shadow exclaimed. "They are moving me in with all of those I've put in there, I'm dead if they find out I was the one responsible it."
"They are not going to tell them you are the Ranger, Shadow.." Shining tried, but Shadow just gave him a look of annoyance.
"Yeah, I'm sure something like that won't suddenly be leaked." He said sarcastically. "Did a judge agree to that?"
"Yeah, the papers was signed an hour ago, they are moving you later today.." Shining Explained, feeling frustrated that everything seemed to be out of his hooves, like he had no control about the process. "I'm sorry, I don't know how this happened.. You were not even supposed to be arrested, I was supposed to investigate, which meant, talking to you."
"But you're a prince, of the crystal empire now.. Which meant you had to inform the local guard force?" Shadow asked with an eyebrow raised. Shining sighed again, then nodded. "Like brother like sister I guess.."
Shining glared. "I had to inform them Shadow, what did you think? That you could just break the law with no consequences?"
Shadow glared at him. "No consequences? I got beaten, burned, stabbed, I risked my life for this fucking city. And where do you get off lecturing me about rules and law? Didn't I turn a blind eye when you snuck out of the barracks to meet with princess Cadance?" When Shining had nothing to say to that Shadow continued. "Yeah, thought so.."
After a moment of silence, Shining trotted away. "Listen, I can't stop them from transferring you, but I will make sure you get that lawyer. Your best chance is getting a pardon from princess Celestia."
Sighing, Shadow leaned back against the stone wall. "Thank you..."
Shining nodded. "No problem.."
Just as he was about to leave, Shadow called him. "Shining." He stopped, looking back at Shadow. "Tell Rainbow.. Tell her I love her.."
He smiled slightly. "I will.." He then grew serious. "Stay safe, okay?" And with that, he left Shadow in his cell, alone with his thoughts and misery.
The day was finally here!
After two weeks of nagging, pushing, and using every legal loophole available, Rainbow and her friends had managed to get Shadow his lawyer, and more over, managed to get a hearing. Well, it was supposed to be a hearing, but it seemed it had become a full blown trial.
Rainbow was nervous, she hadn't seen Shadow since that night, and she had not even spoken to his lawyer yet. Looking herself in the mirror, she made sure her mane was neat, and she looked presentable, something did not usually care about, but this was an important day. A knock interrupted her. "Yeah?"
She called, and it opened, revealing her friends, and Twilight. "Rainbow, darling, it's almost time to go." Rarity said, looking over Rainbow's mane to make sure it was okay.
"What are you guys doing here? Thought we were meeting at the courthouse?" Rainbow tilted her head.
"Uhm, we were, but we wanted you to meet Silver Scribe." Twilight said, stepping aside to reveal a light grey stallion with a white mane and tail. He wore a light blue suit, and had a scale as a cutie mark. "He is Shadow's lawyer."
Rainbow frowned, the stallion looked a little young, but she had been told he was quite good. "Uhm, nice to meet you."
He shook his head. "Miss Dash, there is a few things I like to go over before we go to court.."
"Uhm, okay?"
He went over and closed the door to the room before facing the group. "I'll be honest with you all, proving Mr Bolt is innocent is going to be hard.."
Rainbow frowned. "W-why?"
"Because he is guilty, and was witnessed by Twilight Sparkle, who named him, you, and the rest of your friends. One is the element of honesty. If I try to disprove he is the Ranger, they just call you girls up to the stand, and you have to answer honestly if you know that Shadow Bolt is The Ranger. How would I be able to disprove the element of honesty herself?" He asked, gesturing to Applejack.
"So.." Rainbow took a deep breath. "Isn't there something we can do..?"
Silver Scribe sighed. "As you know, the best chance for him is to get a pardon, but the chances are slim, I fear they will use every trick in the book and make his crimes seem worse.. And they hardly need it for that matter.. What I can do however is make the court aware of his treatment, trying to gain some sympathy, but to be honest, he will be in danger the whole time.. If word of this trial goes back to prison, well, we might never get a verdict.."
"What are you saying?" Rainbow Dash asked, afraid there was no hope at all.
"I am saying, you should prepare for the worst.. I will do all I can, but the system is working against me.. And unfortunately, he is at the mercy of his guards.." Silver Scribe would not waste time with useless words or promises, he would tell it like it was so his clients knew the full the picture.
Twilight tilted her head. "So, you are going in thinking you might loose?"
Silver Scribe shook his head. "There is no 'might' about it, I will loose the case, but we are not going in there with the intention of winning. If that was the case we would not need a pardon. We are going in there hoping to convince the jury and judge that Shadow Bolt should be pardoned."
"Can't he just plead guilty?" Rarity asked. "Then we could skip the trial, right?"
"If we did not count on a pardon, then yes, we could skip the trial, but we want a pardon, and to do that, we need to go to trial." Silver explained, making most of them frown, and Pinkie Pie scratched her head.
"This law stuff sure is complicated.." Pinkie mumbled. "But on the bright side, when he's free, we can have a big party!" She cheered, then looked at Rainbow Dash, calming a bit down, as if afraid her cheerfulness would upset Rainbow.
She however just smiled, and gave her a nod. "Yeah, that sounds good.. I'm sure he'll like that." Pinkie smiled a bit more, but did not bounce around. It was amazing how serious and down to earth she could be when it really counted.
"We should get going." Silver said. "Not good to be late on the first day."
Author's Note
Warning: Tried to make the trial believable, read a lot of boring law stuff, but be warned, I am in no way a lawyer or have any expert knowledge on court cases. So even if I did study to make it somewhat realistic, don't expect this to be totally realistic.
Then again, if you are reading this you are probably already aware that magical ponies does not reflect reality to begin with.
All Rise
To Rainbow and her friend's dismay, not to mention Shadow's lawyer, the courtroom was filled to the brim with reporters, and on the outside even more. The royal guards cleared away for Rainbow and her friends, but the reporters still barked questions out at them, trying to get past the guards.
"Rainbow Dash! Is it true you have a relationship with The Ranger, also known as Shadow Bolt?!"
"Did you know he was the Ranger all along?!"
"Is your mane really rainbow colored?!"
A persistent reporter did manage to get through the line, hurrying up to Twilight, levitating a small recording device close to her. "Miss Sparkle! Rumors say you are the one who reported the Ranger to the city guard! Has your stance on The Ranger changed?!"
Twilight was confused, not sure what to answer. Luckily Shining Armor stepped close and pushed him away. "Back off or I'll make you swallow that recorder!" Looking back at his sister and the group, he waved them over. "Quickly, get inside!" He called, and the group hurried.
As soon as they got in and the doors closed, Silver Scribe looked to Shining Armor. "What the hell was that?" He growled, pointing to the door. "Nopony outside the ones involved in this trial was allowed to know, how do they know about Shadow Bolt, about the Ranger, about your sister, and about miss Dash?!"
Shining stepped back, looking nervous. "I have no idea!" He answered honestly. "Somepony must have leaked it."
"So what does that mean for Shadow?!" Rainbow asked, feeling a surge of panic.
"It means they leaked it to insure someone puts a hit on him, if it is not already happened." Silver Scribe said, cursing under his breath. "It means we need to put an end to this trial in record speed, like, today. The prosecution will want to drag it out, so it means the ball will be in my end." He sounded frustrated, and with good reason. "Fuck.."
Turning to the group again, looking mostly at Rainbow, he frowned. "This is going to be much harder now, if I can't convince them today, he is going to risk his life more than ever each day they take him back.."
Silver Scribe said it like it was, and Rainbow appreciated it. He seemed to really be invested in this case, and though she liked to know why, she was mostly worried for Shadow at this point.
Taking a deep breath, she calmed her heart and her nerves. "Do your best, please.." She said, not finding her usual spirit within herself. She was too scared, too upset to even come with a cocky remark. At that moment, she didn't even have the mental energy to think about Twilight and what she had done, at this point, it didn't matter.
Nodding, Silver looked to the doors of the courtroom. "Show time.."
The doors opened, and of course there was a lot of ponies present. Rainbow and her friends quickly found a spot to sit, as close to the defender's desk as possible, that way they could be near Shadow.
The prosecutor was young, just like Silver Scribe, and the two of them gave each other a polite nod, but their eyes seemed to show contempt. Perhaps they knew one another, Rainbow thought. She herself had that look whenever she was eyeing a rival, so she was pretty sure this was going to get nasty if the two of them were up against one another.
"All rise." The bailiff called, and everypony stood and went silent as the elderly judge walked in. "Court is now in session, the honorable judge Nightlight Gem presiding."
The mare sat down behind her desk, then after a moment looked out on her courtroom. "Everyone but the jury may be seated. Mr Gold Shield, please swear in the jury."
The bailiff nodded, trotted over to the jury stands and looked at them. "Please raise your right hoof." They did. "Do you solemnly swear or affirm that you will truly listen to this case and render a true verdict and a fair sentence as to this defendant?" They all nodded and answered, 'I do', and so the bailiff concluded. "You may be seated."
As they sat down the judge took off her reading glasses with her magic and looked at the jury. "Members of the jury, your duty today will be to determine whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty based only on facts and evidence provided in this case. The prosecution has the burden of proving the guilt of the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt. This burden remains on the prosecution through the trial. The prosecution must prove that a crime was committed and that the defendant is the person who committed the crime. However, if you are not satisfied of the defendant’s guilt to that extent, then reasonable doubt exists and the defendant must be found not guilty."
Pausing, the judge looked at her papers before continuing. "Today's case is the kingdom of Equestria versus the Pegasus Shadow Bolt, also known as the vigilante the media has named Ranger. The circumstances of this case has forced the court to disregard the hearing and go to trial, though not with my blessing.." She mumbled that last part. "The defendant is accused of the following crimes.. Aggravated assault, battery, kidnapping, burglary, arson and forgery.." She let out a breath, then looked down to Silver Scribe. "Defense, where is the defendant?"
Silver Scribe stood up. "Your honor, the prosecution has called him in to give a testimony, but in doing so he and the prison has made him wait outside, guarded, chained, and they intend to march him out right after. Violating his rights to be here."
The prosecutor stood, gaining him the attention of the judge. "Your honor, I would like to point out we are dealing with an extremely dangerous stallion, former special forces under her majesties armed forces. A stallion who has evaded the guard for a very long time. Someone who has spread terror into the soul of the country. We simply made sure we are all safe, your honor."
Rolling his eyes, Silver looked to the judge. "The case is not complete your honor, he is innocent until proven guilty. And even so, it is his right to be here by my side."
After a few seconds of thinking, the judge nodded. "The defendant will be allowed to remain in this courtroom. Now, is the prosecution ready?"
The prosecutor stood. "Yes your honor." He sat down.
"Is the defense ready?"
Silver stood, and nodded. "Yes your honor." And like the prosecutor, he sat down.
The judge put back on her glasses. "Then the prosecution can begin his opening statement."
The prosecutor stood. "Your Honor, members of the jury, my name is Midnight Justice, and I am representing the kingdom of Equestria, not to mention all the ponies of the country who has lived in fear. I intend to prove that Shadow Bolt, also known as the criminal, Ranger. Has committed the crimes the judge has just listed. The law is written for us to follow, when somepony breaks the law, it is up to us, the system to punish them, regardless of intentions... That is our role here today, as true guardians of justice.. Thank you."
Midnight sat down, and Silver stood. "Your Honor, members of the jury, my name is Silver Scribe.. As the prosecutor has stated, it is our job to find justice.. And he is right, but is the law as black and white as he makes it sound? Is it not our duty to at least try to put ourselves in their shoes? To try and understand the circumstances? What if a pony steps in to stop an assault? Should we punish the criminal? Of course, but should we then punish the pony who stepped in with the same eyes as we would the criminal? No.. We must be able to see, listen, and understand.. That's how we are able to find true justice, and that is what I will prove today, that my client has only acted for the good of the ponies of Equestria.. Thank you."
As silver sat down the judge spoke up. "Prosecution, you may call your first witness."
Midnight smiled. "Thank you, your Honor. I call to the stand Mr Shadow Bolt.."
Rainbow felt her heart beat faster, and a knot in the pit of her stomach tighten. Already there was a lot of murmurs and whispered, making the judge bang her gavel. "Order."
She reminded them, and they quieted down. That was at least until the doors went up and in marched four soldiers, each of them pulling on chains. In between them trotted Shadow bolt. His wings and legs chained, his body thinner, his eyes red from the lack of sleep, and they had even forced him to wear a muzzle. The sight made the entire courtroom gasp, the murmurs starting up again. Even the judge was stunned by the look of the stallion for a few moments before she banged her gavel two times and demanded order once again.
Silver looked outraged, Midnight looked smug, but Rainbow... Rainbow looked horrified, and although she would never allow it to happen normally, she could not help but let her eyes tear up. This was the first she had seen of Shadow since that night, and even though it was not that long ago, he already looked like he had been locked away for years.
Had they even let him sleep? Had they even fed him?! Their eyes met, and although they could not speak, so much was said in that short moment. All she wanted to do was to hold him, kiss him, take him far away from here so she could take care of him. He felt the same about her, and although they could not say it, their eyes told them everything they needed.
Silver was beyond angry, his client looked like he had been through hell, which he probably had. It was no doubt an attempt to make Shadow look as deranged and dangerous as possible, all a show for the jury.
The soldiers escorted Shadow to the stand, took off his muzzle, and secured him firmly to the chair. The Bailiff trotted up to him. "Please raise your right hoof." Shadow looked at him, then raised it as much as his chains would allow. "Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?"
Shadow nodded. "I do.." He said, his voice a bit hoarse, but still held the air of defiance and confidence it always held.
Midnight stood up, trotting closer to the stand. "Mr Shadow Bolt.. That is your name, yes?"
"Yes.."
"But that is not the only name you go by, so let's go with your most famous name. The Ranger."
"I never went by that name, the media called me that.." Shadow responded, mostly as middle feather to the prosecutor.
Midnight ignored that. "Of course.. But as you say, the media called YOU that. So that must mean, you are the Ranger, isn't that right?"
Shadow sighed, knowing it would be no use denying it. "Yes, that's right."
Midnight smirked and stepped back. "No further questions your honor."
Silver wanted to snort, but held it back. The prick was arrogant alright, was that all he really thought he needed? "The Defense may cross-examine the witness. " The judge announced, and Silver stood up, trotting towards the witness stand. "Mr Bolt, you have admitted to be the vigilante known as the Ranger, you do not deny this, and you do not deny you have done things that is crimes in the eyes of the law, correct?"
Shadow looked at him, then sighed. "No, I don't deny it."
Silver walked away again, speaking loud and clearly. "But would you mind explaining to the court why you did it? What was the motivation for it all." He turned to face him again. "Why did you become The Ranger?"
There was silence, every pony present listened with intense focus, especially the reporters. Shadow looked at the crowd, then for a moment, looked at Rainbow Dash. He wanted nothing more than to simply be out of here, and he knew there was a risk that that might never happen. Sighing, he looked at his lawyer.
"I was a guard, special forces, I have seen horrible things.. But I endured it because it was to serve and protect my homeland. But what I saw when I was home, I saw how our country was infected with gangs, crime rising, my fellow ponies scared to go out in the night. I did not understand why it was this bad.. So, being a former guard, it was easy to look into certain information only the guard forces had access to.." He took a deep breath. "I found out the guards were being paid off, not all, but a lot.. Enough that those who were not being paid kept silence for the fear of suddenly disappearing.. I did what the guard force could no longer provide, a sense of justice and safety."
"Objection your honor." Midnight said in a tone of annoyance.
The judge looked at him. "On what grounds?"
"The witness has clearly stated he knows what he did is crimes, he has admitted he is the Ranger. Motivations surely does not matter anymore. He is trying to slander our brave guard forces in order to justify his actions." Midnight explained, but Silver stepped in.
"Your honor, I am merely trying to establish what motivated my client. Being fact or not, this is what drove him, and the jury should be aware, as well as you so you can give a just verdict and sentence."
The judge thought about it, then shrugged. "Objection overruled."
Silver nodded. "As I was saying.. So, you felt there was something deeply wrong?"
"Yes."
"So action needed to be taken, you went out there to fight crime?"
"Yes."
"Do you still think there is something wrong within the guard?"
"Yes."
"Why are you so thin?"
Shadow hesitated for a moment, but then sighed. "Because the guards has only given me water.."
"Objection!" Midnight called again but the judge held her hoof up, allowing Silver to continue.
"So you are being abused then. Tell us, if we were allowed to have a doctor examine you, what would they find?"
Shadow did not hesitate now, he knew whatever he said at this point he would feel the fury of the guards anyway. "They would find marks from several beatings I've received since my arrest."
The courtroom let out a few murmurs, and Rainbow and her friends felt their eyes tear up again. Silver continued. "Beatings? Have they been beating you for no reason?"
"They beat me to teach me a lesson, or at least, that's what they tell me.."
"Objection! Your honor, the witness has already told the court he does not trust the guards, his story could be mere fabrications. There is no proof his injuries, if they exists, is not from him being restrained, which could be justified depending on his behavior." Midnight protested.
"Your honor, if you would allow me, I can prove violations and abuse has taken place." Once again, the judge allowed Silver to go on. Silver looked to Shadow. "How long have you had those chains around your hooves?"
Shadow had to admit, he was impressed with Silver, and so he had to keep himself from smiling a little. "Since my arrest.."
The court gasped, and Silver continued. "Not for one moment in those 16 days?"
Shadow shook his head. "No.."
Midnight was about say something, but the Judge spoke up first. "If that is true, then I would like his chains to be removed at once!" She barked, seeming angry. "His hooves must have marks, and if that is so, then I will be ordering an investigation."
The guards moved up and removed his chains, Shadow winced in pain as they were removed, and just as the judge had said, there were big ugly marks. The fur was almost gone, his flesh underneath was red, scarred even from the uncomfortable friction he had endured for over two weeks.
The judge frowned. "I will make sure this will be looked into." She stated and wrote a note.
Silver continued. "So, if my client can show so clear proof on his body, is it not possible the beatings are true?" He asked openly, then looked to Shadow. "When did you get to see a lawyer?"
"9 days after my arrest."
The courtroom gasped once more, and the judge looked livid. If it had been a normal case, the judge could have the charges dropped for such violations, but this was not a normal case, and Shadow's crime was undeniable. It could mean his sentence would be reduced, or the jury would be more sympathetic and let him have his pardon.
Silver knew this, and even he could not have predicted how blatant the guard was in their errors. It was almost too good to be true. "No further questions your honor, but I think it is fair to say, my client's rights has been violated, and I would ask the court to take that into account."
The judge made a note. "You may step down." She told Shadow, and he was escorted by the bailiff to his seat next to Silver. "Prosecutor. I would like to make it clear that the defendants rights has been violated in the most sadistic way I have ever seen. An investigation will be launched, and If I find you knew something, then you will be the one on that stand next."
"Yes.. Your honor.." The prosecutor answered, giving Silver a glare.
The judge sighed. "Let's take a break, 20 minutes.." Normally breaks would not happen so early in a trial, but with the tension in the room, the judge decided it was good to vent a bit and for everypony to get some air.
Many got up and left the courtroom, though Rainbow wanted to stay. Shadow looked back at her, but as her friends got up to leave, he sent her a smile and gave her a nod, wanting her to go and get some air as well. Sighing, she left with her friends, leaving an mostly empty courtroom.
Shadow sighed, looking to Silver. "So.. What happens now..?"
"What happens now? Well, they fucked up, big time.. More so than I imagined, so if everything keeps going this way, then you might be able to leave today.. Maybe.."
"But, even if I do get to walk away.. I will be hunted forever.." He cursed under his breath. "Rainbow would be in danger.."
"She would be so anyway.." Silver reminded him. "First things first, we get you out. Then we figure out what to do."
The bailiff came over with two guards. "Mr Bolt, if you need to go to the bathroom, it's probably best we get that over with now."
As weird as it sounded, Shadow could see the logic in that. He did not have the freedom to go as other ponies in here had. And so he simply nodded. "Sure.."
"I'll be here, don't worry." Silver smiled, then gave the Bailiff a nod.
Shadow was escorted to a bathroom soon after, he didn't really need to go, but it was best to get it out of the way now. The bailiff waited for him outside the stall, along with two other guards. Shadow simply liked to walk around with no chains, and he got to take a piss in private for once, win win.
The feeling of some relief quickly vanished as he got out. The bailiff was on the floor. The two guards smirked, then looked at him. "Look at that, the crazy Ranger attacked the Bailiff, and so in court.."
The other guard nodded. "You've made some ponies in prison very angry.. Time to pay what you owe.."
Silver was not one to celebrate before the results were in, but he could not help feeling slightly confident about how it was going. The guards had been beating and abusing Shadow, and they had hardly covered up anything. It would be a major boost for this case if he could keep hammer in this point, showing the desperation from his client, sort of justifying his actions while acknowledging it was a crime.
"I had no idea.." It suddenly came from beside him. Silver looked, seeing Midnight Justice sitting in his chair, dumbfounded. "How the hell could this have happened..?" He really looked like he could not understand what was going on.
Silver was not sure if he believed him. "You sure seemed to like it when they hauled him in here in chains and a muzzle." He replied, writing some notes down. "It was a nice show."
Midnight looked to Silver. "I had no clue this sort of abuse was going on, but what am I supposed to do? It's my job to get this guy in jail."
Silver sighed and looked at him. "It's your job to investigate crimes, then decide if we should go to trial, then to appear in court. New information, and proof has surfaced. You could question the evidence you have been getting."
Midnight snorted. "We both know he did the things he is accused of."
"But what about his motives?" Silver asked.
"Still doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things. Whatever noble intentions he had, he still broke the law." Midnight still was firm on that front, and so Silver simply shook his head. It was not like he disagreed on the crime, just the way he looked at it.
Still, justice would be done.. He would get his client free unharmed, he was going to make sure of that.
"Argh!" Shadow yelled, kicking one of the guards away, while the other still held him from behind, trying to choke him. No one had heard the commotion, but then the guards probably had made sure the hallway outside was empty.
He could not die here, he refused to. At least not before seeing Rainbow one final time. Grinding his teeth, he used his hind leg to push off the sink, pushing his body, and thus the guard's, into the stall. They fell, and the guard got knocked out as his head collided with the toilet.
With the grip loosened, Shadow got up, and checked on the both of them. The fucks were still alive, and the bailiff was going to be fine. "Shit.." He mumbled, trying to think about what he could do. He had to escape, but if he did so, then he would look guilty.
No, he had to get to the courtroom, get Silver, he would believe him. If nothing else, Applejack would be able to tell if he was lying or not. He took the keys to his wing chains, unlocked them, and finally was able to stretch them. It felt good, and now, he would be able to defend himself better.
Walking out, he checked if the coast was clear. His body and mind was tired, he was not at the top of his game. After the beatings, and the lack of food, he was far from top form, and thus was not as quick and strong as he usually was. Still, if he could just get to the courtroom, get to Silver, then he should be safe.
However, as he turned a corner, some pony forced him against the wall, and a sharp pain moved through his body like lightning. "Argh!" He gritted his teeth, looking at the earth stallion who was holding him against the wall.
He was smirking. "I figured you would get away from my little surprise."
That voice, it was the guard that interrogated him two weeks ago. However, more pressingly, the pain he felt in his lower body, it wouldn't go away. Looking down, it was quite clear why. The stallion had forced a blade into his side, the warm blood already dripping onto the floor.
Glaring at the stallion, he placed his hoof on his and tried to move it away from him, but the two of them held each other in place. The earth pony smirked. "To bad you Pegasuss have such light bones." He moved a hind leg close to his and bucked him so hard Shadow felt something crack.
"ArghHH!!" By reflex, Shadow moved forward, head butting the stallion, which hurt Shadow almost as much as it did the stallion who fell to the floor, his snout bleeding. Panting heavily, Shadow almost collapsed to the floor, his whole body hurt, and he felt dizzy. Looking to the knife that was still in his side, Shadow knew he was done for if he removed it. Instead, he tried to ignore the pain and started to limp away.
Screw the courtroom, screw the law, screw his freedom! He needed to find Rainbow Dash. If he was going to die, he needed to see her one final time. Feel her close to him, see her magenta eyes.. Just one final time.
"I will end her.." A voice came from behind him. Shadow stopped. "This won't end until you're dead.. Shadow.." The stallion said as he got back up onto his hooves. "Once I'm done with you... I'm going to find that bitch and cut off her wings.."
Gritting his teeth, Shadow turned to face him. "If you.. Ergh.. Touch her.."
The stallion wiped his snout and smirked. "You what? You're dying mate.. Even if I get the blame, even if I go to prison, I'll be hailed as a hero, I get what I want.. There is a big price on your head, and I'm going to claim it.." He started to laugh a little, proving this guy was insane. "After so long, I can finally end you.. And after you, your Rainbow will burn.."
Shadow knew full well he was baiting him, but he also knew this stallion would do whatever it took to deliver on his promise. No, Shadow needed to end this once and for all.. Leaning down a little, he pushed off with his hind legs, forced his wings to give him a boost despite how much they arched in pain.
He flew towards the insane bastard with as much speed as he could muster, grabbing the knife in his side, pulled it out, and held the blade so it was towards the stallion.
If Shadow made it, he did not know. The pain was so strong everything became dark, and soon enough, he felt himself collide with the stallion. But there was nothing after that, he could no longer feel or think, everything felt like it was happening in some sort of strange dream.
He figured he was probably laying on the floor, dying, he had no clue if he had killed the stallion or not, he just knew one thing, he was going to die....
Shadow...........?
Shadow......?
Shadow..?
"Shadow?"
"Huh..?" Shadow's eyes slowly opened, he felt, strange. His body was sore, but he could feel a soft mattress instead of the hard floor beneath him. He was in a room, a big one, a beautiful one, but, that was not the most beautiful thing in here.
Beside his bed stood none other than Rainbow Dash, smiling at him, but with red eyes, telling him she had been crying. He could not help but smile, and so he reached out for her. "Rainbow.." His voice was a little weak, but he was coming around nicely.
"I'm here..." She said gently, moving close to him, held his hoof in hers. There was some silence between them, and he could tell she wanted to cry, which was not like her, which in turn told him how scared she had been. "I thought I would be used to see you covered in blood.." She said silently, giving a dry chuckle.
Shadow frowned. "I'm sorry... I never meant for any of this to happen.."
"Shhhhh, I know.." She said, leaning over and kissed him. "But it's over now.."
"What happened..?"
Rainbow sighed, getting into the bed, being careful not to let her body rest on his. "We found you in one of the hallways, bleeding to dead.. Shining was quick to get you out of there with a few trusted guards... They brought you here, to the palace.."
"And the stallion?"
"Iron Blade.."
"What?"
"That was his name, Iron Blade.. Well, he's dead.. From what I am told, you flew into him, plunging the blade into his chest.." She said, moving her hoof up and down his chest, as if making sure he was really there. "Shining said the guards you knocked out confessed everything, even knocking out the bailiff, Gold Shield.."
There was another silence between them, not because they had nothing to say, but they simply just wanted to enjoy each other. Then, after a while, Shadow asked. "So, what happens to me now..?"
"You go free.." A voice suddenly said. Looking over, Shadow spotted none other than his lawyer.
"Silver.. Hey.."
Silver smirked. "Don't get up.."
"Wasn't planning on it.."
Chuckling, Silver trotted closer. "Took some time, but after the full story of the events at the courthouse got leaked, there was a massive public outcry, demanding your release.. A lot of witnesses stepped forward, telling about how you saved them. You're a hero to them.."
Shadow sighed. "But?"
"But, your pardon means you can never be the Ranger again.. Princess Celestia was very clear about that. While she appreciate everything you have done, it's time for it to end before other ponies get hurt.."
"I see.." Shadow leaned his head back, looking up at the ceiling. This was the end, but, if this was the chance at a new life, then there was no question about it. "I don't see how I could refuse such a fair condition.."
"Indeed.. At any rate, you're free.. Congratulations." Silver smiled, and turned to leave.
Shadow sat up. "Hey, Silver.."
"Hm?"
"Why did you help me? I mean, I know it's your job, but.. You seemed very invested.." Rainbow had noticed that as well. Silver had seemed more invested in the case than any normal lawyer would.
Silver smiled a little. "You.. You saved my sister once.. It was the least I could do.." With that, he opened the door. "Anyway, take care of yourself.." He left Rainbow and Shadow alone, but the peace did not last, because as soon as he left, a group of five ponies stepped in, Rainbow Dash's friends.
"Howdy Shadow, how are you feeling?" Applejack asked.
Shadow smiled a little. "I've been better, but now that I'm officially free, I'm going to be fine.."
Twilight then stepped forward, her ears and head hanging low. She did not even dare to look at him. "Shadow.. I'm.. I'm so sorry for what happened to you.. It's my fault they guards ever learned about you, that you got arrested, that you got abused and nearly killed.. I'm just..."
"Twilight.."
"I know you may never forgive me, but I.."
"Hey, Twilight!" Shadow called, gaining her attention. "It's fine, we're okay.. I forgive you.." Shadow simply did not care anymore, the fact was that it was all over, he was free, the Ranger was gone, and everything was as it should be.. Well almost..
Rainbow looked to her friend, then sighed. Hopping down from the bed, Rainbow trotted over to Twilight. The room went silent, nopony daring to speak, not even Pinkie, who seemed to be holding her breath.
"Rainbow, I.." Twilight started, but Rainbow held up a hoof.
"Twilight.. What you did, it was not cool.." Rainbow stated. "But, after all that has happened, you never once left, or lost faith in Shadow.. It made me understand you didn't think he was a criminal.." Sighing, she looked her friend in the eyes. "While I still think what you did sucked... You did everything you could to make it right.. So.. I forgive you too.."
Twilight's eyes watered, and so did Rainbow's. Both of them embraced one another, and soon enough they were joined by all their friends. Shadow smiled, kept silent as he did not want to ruin the moment, the six friends were back together.
Pinkie shot up in the air, her mane suddenly poofy again. "Alright! This require a PAAAATYYYY!!" She cheered.
"Wait, Pinkie!" Shadow called, and Pinkie stopped in mid air. How she did it, he had no idea. They all looked at him, but he only looked at one of the mares. "Rainbow.. Last time, I didn't get to say it.. But.." Rainbow put a hoof to her mouth. "But after everything we have been through.. Would you marry me..?"
The girls gasped, and Rainbow stood frozen in place for a few seconds before her wings shot out, and she launched herself into his bed, kissing him all over. "Ow, fuck, my ribs! Ow ow ow ow ow!" He said in a mix of pain and laughter.
"Shut up, you can take it!" Rainbow said and planted her lips on his. The kiss lasted for a few seconds, and Rainbow's friends all just gave them their moment, while Pinkie's eyes were as big as dinner plates and filled with sparkly stars. When the kiss broke, Rainbow looked at him with tears of joy. "Somepony has to keep you out of trouble you big idiot.."
Shadow chuckled and kissed her. "Rainbow, I love you.."
Rainbow smiled, kissed him again and whispered. "I love you too..."
Author's Note
Aaaaandf that's a wrap. ^^
Did not plan on making this, but people's reactions was so nice and supportive for the short story I could not help myself, so this one is for you guys. I hope you enjoyed it!
