Chains to Freedom

I’m heading out again. I have another case to work on,” I said, looking at Miss Willow with a calm but focused expression. “Keep an eye on Neon. I’ll be back in the morning.”

Miss Willow nodded, her soft gaze reflecting her understanding. “Of course, sir. I’ll make sure she’s comfortable,” she replied, her voice steady, though I could see the concern for Neon in her eyes.

I trusted her completely. Miss Willow was attentive and caring, and I knew she would handle everything while I was gone. Still, a protective instinct surged within me when it came to Neon. After all she’d been through, I wouldn’t let anything else hurt her.

With a brief nod to Miss Willow, I stepped outside, the cool night air hitting my face. I pulled my coat tighter around me, my thoughts consumed by the case I needed to prepare for.

Later that evening, I arrived at Canterlot Courthouse, the building towering in the moonlight. The air was thick with anticipation, and the flickering lights cast long shadows across the stone floor. I entered the courtroom, my heart pounding in my chest, feeling a mix of nerves and determination.

The atmosphere was friendly but charged as I took my seat at my table. Papers were scattered in front of me—with the small amount of evidence I have, ready to be presented for the bail hearing of Stone Heart, a pony I hoped would finally be held accountable for her actions, I thought to myself as the judge enter's Judge Stonefield as soon as she took a seat she looked over to stone heart a bit surprised, "miss heart it's nice to see you again, though I am surprised to see you in my court,"

"ya well it shouldn't be a big case, zack barely has a case so don't worry it will be over soon" Miss Heart spoke in a smart-ass tone,

"um I'm sorry to say this your honer but you see close to the defendant too close to be providing over this case," I said trying to get the case back on track

"sharp as always's Zack, but I am just presiding over bail, and you know I put the law first, and Miss' heart watch yourself, zack may be young but he hasn't lost a single case"

I nodded in agreement with Judge Stonefield, feeling the weight of the moment. "Your Honor," I said, standing taller, “I’d like to bring forth the charges against Miss Heart formally.”

“Go ahead, Mr. Catcher,” the judge replied, looking at me expectantly.

“First and foremost, I am charging her with foal endangerment. The conditions in the orphanage under her care have been proven unsafe, and Neon Glow is a prime example of that. Not only did she suffer from neglect, but her recent injuries indicate a serious lack of oversight.”

I held up the medical report, ensuring it was visible to everyone in the room. “This document shows the injuries Neon sustained. It includes evidence that she was brought from the orphanage to the hospital for treatment. You can clearly see the severity of her condition and the negligence she faced.”

The judge took a moment to review the report, nodding as he read through the findings. “This is troubling.”

“Additionally, I’m charging Miss Heart with criminal negligence and for creating a space that allowed an assault to take place. The report also details healed fractures that date back years, highlighting a pattern of neglect. In fact, this is the first time in seven years that Neon has been to the hospital, which speaks volumes about the level of care she received—or didn’t receive.”

“Impressive work, Mr. Catcher,” Judge Stonefield said, looking back at me. “And what is your request for bail?”

“I’m requesting bail be set at 200,000 bits,” I stated firmly, my heart pounding. “Given the circumstances, the charges, and the evidence, I believe that amount reflects the severity of her situation and the potential risk to the other foals in Miss Heart’s care.”

Miss Heart shifted uncomfortably in her seat, and I could see her desperation growing. The judge’s eyes narrowed as he considered my request.

“Mr. Catcher, I appreciate your thoroughness. It’s clear you have put a lot of thought into this. However, 200,000 bits is a substantial amount.

After a moment of silence, Miss Heart's lawyer, a well-groomed stallion with a slicked-back mane, stood up. “Your Honor,” he said, projecting an air of confidence, “I would like to remind the court that Miss Heart has been a proud and dedicated member of the Canterlot community for many years. She is respected among her peers and has worked tirelessly to care for these foals.”

The judge raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. “And yet, we have evidence that contradicts this portrayal. Your client’s actions have led to significant harm to one of those foals. Respect and dedication do not excuse negligence.”

“But Your Honor,” the lawyer pressed on, “the situation at the orphanage is complex. Miss Heart has been under immense pressure managing the facility. The community knows her as a kind-hearted individual who has dedicated her life to caring for these foals. It is easy to overlook the difficulties of her position.”

“Difficulties that should not come at the cost of the foal's well-being,” I interjected, wanting to nip this argument in the bud. “Being a member of the community does not absolve her of responsibility for the safety of the foals in her care. I’m willing to compromise; I suggest that if she is granted bail, a magic blocker be placed on Miss Heart's horn to ensure she can’t use any magical influence on the foals.”

Judge Stonefield considered my proposal for a moment before nodding. “That seems reasonable. Miss Heart, would you agree to that condition?”

Her lawyer shot me a glare but knew it was a losing battle. Miss Heart nodded reluctantly. “Yes, Your Honor.”

Before I could continue, her lawyer jumped in, clearly flustered. “This is absurd! You can’t seriously be suggesting that—”

“This is not absurd!” Judge Stonefield’s voice boomed, cutting him off. “A foal was hurt under Miss Heart's watch, and I do not take kindly to foal abuse. You’re lucky I don’t impose the magic blocker along with a $200,000 bail!”

Silence fell over the courtroom, the gravity of the judge’s words hanging in the air. Miss Heart’s lawyer looked visibly shaken, and Miss Heart herself was pale, her facade cracking under the pressure. I could feel a sense of hope rising within me. The judge understood the seriousness of the situation, and it felt like justice might finally be served.