Chrysalis Sues for Defamationby PonyZilla5410ChaptersProloguePreparing for TrialTrial, Part 1Trial, Part 2VerdictPrologueNightmare Night. A day all fillies and colts looked forward to. A day of awesome costumes, fun games, good natured pranks, and above all, tons of free candy. The town of Ponyville was once again getting into the festivities of the holiday. They were hoping that this year’s celebration would go much more smoothly than last year’s. What with the unexpected arrival of Princess Luna and all the drama that followed. Much had happened in the year between that Nightmare Night and this one. One memory that stood out in many ponies minds was the near disastrous wedding of Princess Cadance and Shining Armor. When the Changelings and their queen, Chrysalis, showed up in Canterlot and began their invasion, there had been much panic until they were finally defeated and expelled. Still, many were left terrified of changelings as a result. But in an attempt to alleviate their own fears, many of the town’s foals dressed up as changelings for Nightmare Night. After all, it was supposed to be a night all about the things that scared you. They tried to make light of the shapeshifting invaders with their costumes. Three particular fillies in such costumes were a trio known throughout the town as the Cutie Mark Crusaders: Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. The Earth Pony and Pegasus were just dressed as regular changelings, with fake fangs in their mouths, black holes painted on their legs, fake wings on their backs, and clear contact lenses on their eyes. Sweetie Belle, however, decided to go the extra mile and dress as Queen Chrysalis herself. Thanks to help from her fashionista sister, Rarity, Sweetie now sported a mane and tail that was dyed to match the teal color of the changeling queen, a stripe of bluish-green paint down her back, a fake black horn placed on top of her real one, with holes in the fake, and a tiny little crown on her head. She also sported the same painted leg holes, fangs, and wings as her two friends. “This is gonna be the best Nightmare Night ever, huh Sweetie Belle? Ah mean, yer highness Queen Chrysalis.” Apple Bloom giggled. “Yes, my subject.” Sweetie replied. “We are going to gather all the love from this little town. And there’s nothing ponies love more than free candy. So if we get the candy, we get the love! So come, let us get the candy and all the love that comes with it! MWAHAHAHAHA!” “As you command, my queen.” Scootaloo joined in. The three fillies then went from house to house, asking for candy from the house’s owners. By the time they were done, their bags were full to bursting. Every so often, they would run into a foal or group of foals that were also dressed as changelings. Whenever they did, the CMC would walk over to say hello. Every time they did, Sweetie Belle would call herself Queen Chrysalis and ‘demand’ that her subjects get as much of the candy they loved most as they could. The other foals would laugh and play along, telling the ‘queen’ that they would gladly obey her ‘orders’. “This has been one of the best Nightmare Nights ever!” Scootaloo cheered. “Ah know! Ah got twice as much candy as last year!” Apple Bloom added. “Me too!” Sweetie Belle chimed in. “But I think we should be heading back to Sweet Apple Acres now. I think the games and costume contest are going to start soon. And I want to-OOF!” Sweetie had been so busy talking to her friends that she didn’t bother looking where she was going. As a result, she had accidentally bumped into another pony. This pony was a unicorn mare with a light greenish grey coat and a scarlet mane and tail. Her Cutie Mark was that of a ladybug with three leaves under it. “Hey! Watch where you’re going!” The mare snapped. “I’m sorry. I guess I got caught up talking about all the Nightmare Night festivities.” Sweetie Belle apologized. “Ah yes. That one holiday about costumes and candy. What are you supposed to be, anyway?” The mare asked. “I’m Queen Chrysalis of the changelings! And these two are two of my evil changeling minions!” A silence followed for a time before the mare spoke again. “…what?” “Yeah. After those bug ponies invaded at that wedding, a lot of ponies have been scared of them. And I don’t blame them. They scared me too. They were creepy. Not to mention they hurt lots of ponies and tried to suck up all our love like we were nothing but juice boxes. I didn’t know there were things out there that could be that evil. Anyway, since Nightmare Night is all about the things that are supposed to scare us, I thought it would be fun to dress as their big scary leader and pretend to be evil like her all night. Lots of other foals are dressed as changelings as well. You should come with us to town and see them. A lot of the townsponies will be there by now for all the fun.” Sweetie Belle explained. “I…I see.” None of the Cutie Mark Crusaders seemed to notice that the mare in front of them was growing more and more irritated with each word out of Sweetie Belle’s mouth. Despite that, she wanted more information about these supposed foals dressed as changelings. “Very well, child. Lead the way.” The mare stated. “Alright, follow us! What’s yer name, by the way?” Apple Bloom asked. “Crackle Cosette.” The mare answered after a moment’s hesitation. Once the group made it back to the town square, they saw that the Nightmare Night fun was indeed in full swing. Some ponies were bobbing for apples while others were listening to Zecora tell the traditional tale of Nightmare Night. All throughout the town there were stands selling candy and pies and all other manner of goodies. There was also a band playing spooky music on a stage. Once Zecora had finished her story and the band played their last note, Mayor Mare, dressed in the same clown costume as last year, took to the stage. “Alright, everypony! It’s time for one of the most exciting parts of the evening, the costume contest! All ponies wishing to participate come up on stage.” The mayor called out. “I’m going up there! Wish me luck, girls!” Sweetie Belle called out. Sweetie Belle galloped on stage as quick as she could, joining a large number of other ponies in intricate getups. Each pony on stage took turns describing their costumes and why they should win the contest. Once Sweetie Belle’s turn came, she began chattering away excitedly. “Hello, everypony! My name is Sweetie Belle. But tonight, you can call me Chrysalis, queen of the changelings!” Sweetie yelled before giving an evil laugh. “Alright Queen Chrysalis, what made you decide on this costume tonight?” The mayor asked. “Well, I was at the wedding when the changelings invaded. The queen and those scary bugs caused a lot of damage and hurt a lot of innocent ponies. Personally, I think she was going to enslave us all and make us give her love until we died. I got really scared during the whole thing. Anyway, I wanted to try and get over it by dressing as her for Nightmare Night. I know a lot of foals who dress as the things that scare them so that they can be less scared. And I wanted to give it a try.” Sweetie Belle answered. “That sounds like an interesting way to deal with your fears. Especially a fear of something as scary as the changelings.” The mayor responded. “Thank you, Sweetie Belle.” The mayor went through the rest of the contestants before conferring with the judges. Once they had made their decision, Mayor Mare came on stage to deliver the judges’ decision. “Alright, everypony! After much deliberation, we have decided on our winner. And this year’s costume contest victor is…” Everypony held their breath as they waited for the mayor to finish her statement. “…Sweetie Belle! And her getup as the nasty Queen Chrysalis!” Many ponies cheered for Sweetie Belle as she was given a small trophy to signify her victory. “Congratulations, Sweetie Belle. Is there anything you’d like to say to everypony to commemorate?” Mayor Mare asked. “There is. If I may paraphrase Chrysalis herself…” Sweetie Belle cleared her throat and began singing. This day has been just perfect The kind of day of which I've dreamed since I was small All the candy I'll soon control Every chocolate, gummy, and more Who says a girl can't really have it all? Sweetie topped off her brief song with an evil sounding laugh. Those that had also been at the Canterlot Wedding give off a laugh, as they remembered the changeling queen singing a similar song while her invasion was unfurling. Everypony was so wrapped up in their fun that nopony noticed Crackle Cosette storming off in a huff. A week later, Twilight Sparkle was walking through town buying some supplies. She needed more quills, ink, and food if she was going to survive the week without going insane. But just as she approached the pony that sold the best quills, a voice called out to her. “Twilight! Twilight!” Twilight turned around and saw her Number One Assistant running toward her as fast as he could. “What is it, Spike? What’s wrong?” Twilight asked. “It’s the mayor. She sent me to come get you. She said something’s really, really wrong and needs your help.” Spike replied. “What is it? Did she say what’s wrong?” “She wouldn’t say. She was frantic. Almost panicky. She just said to get you as fast as I could.” “Well then, what are we waiting for?” Her need to get quills long forgotten, Twilight turned tail and galloped towards town hall as fast as her legs could carry her, Spike right on her hooves. When they got there, the pair saw the mayor pacing the floor with an absolutely horrified look on her face. “Mayor Mare, I’m here!” Twilight said. “Now what is it you need my help with? Did Discord do something? Did a monster come out of the Everfree Forest? Did the Cutie Mark Crusaders accidentally offend another minotaur?” “No! It’s worse! So much worse than any of those things!” Mayor Mare shrieked. “Then what? What is it?!” “We’re being sued!” A deafening silence filled the air for several seconds before Twilight found her voice. “Huh?” “You heard me! The entire town of Ponyville, and every citizen therein, is being sued!” The mayor repeated. “Okay, I can get why that would scare you, but why ask for my help? I may be smart, but I’m not a lawyer.” “Twilight, it’s not so much that we’re being sued so much as it is who’s suing us.” “Well, who is it?” “It’s Queen Chrysalis and the entire changeling hive!” Author's Note Well, here's my first chapter of my first story, with more of both to come. Hope you enjoy. Preparing for Trial“WHAT?! The changeling queen is suing the town?!” Twilight shrieked. “That’s what I said!” The mayor shrieked in equal intensity. “Why? After all she’s done to us, to Canterlot, to Princess Celestia herself? What right does she have to be upset with us? Why is she suing the town, anyway?” Twilight asked. “Defamation of character, according to her letter of intent. Something about what happened last week during Nightmare Night.” “Is this because more than half our foals dressed as changelings? Why would that make her so mad?” “I’m not sure, Twilight. Her letter just said defamation. My best guess: she seems to think that we’re giving her and her race a bad name.” “I’m pretty sure she did that to herself after the whole ‘Invasion of Canterlot’ thing.” “Be that as it may, the town is still being taken to court. I had hoped that since you and your friends dealt with the changelings before, you could do it again.” The mayor requested. “Well, one: my friends and I may have helped, but ultimately, it was my brother and his wife that beat them. And two, defeating them in a straight fight isn’t like defeating them in a courtroom battle. Like I said, I’m not a lawyer.” Twilight said before she mused for a moment. “But I know someone who, at the very least, may be able to help. And I can guarantee he would love nothing more than to take down the changeling queen.” “Please, do whatever you can.” The mayor begged. With a nod of affirmation, Twilight turned tail and galloped back to her home as quickly as she could. When she got there, she ran into Spike. After being informed of the situation, Spike’s eyes narrowed in anger. “She has the nerve to sue us after everything she did?!” Spike growled. “It looks that way. But I have an idea. There’s a certain somepony who knows a thing or two about law. Somepony who was personally wronged by the changelings and would probably love a shot at revenge.” Twilight replied. “You don’t mean…” “I do. Spike, take a letter.” Spike got a quill and parchment ready as he prepared to copy down Twilight’s words. “Dear Shining Armor…” As soon as he finished reading his sister’s letter, Shining Armor fled from the Crystal Palace and boarded the first train to Ponyville. He wasn’t about to let anypony mess with his sister or the town she lived in. Least of all the one who had nearly ruined his wedding and conquered Canterlot. As he sat on the train heading to Ponyville, Shining went over a few old law books he still had in his possession. Even though his primary skills and talents revolved around being a guard, he knew a couple things about law and due process. One of the requirements for becoming Captain of the Royal Guard was that he had to be able to defend the princesses, as well as their subjects, in any sort of battle. Even if that battle took place in a courtroom. As such, part of his training involved taking some classes on law and how to handle a court case. Particularly in being a defense attorney. He was by no means a top billed lawyer, but he was at least adequate enough that he was still promoted to Captain. Shining never thought that he would have to use those skills, but he still retained the necessary information. As the train neared Ponyville, he mentally prepared himself to defend Twilight and her town from whatever the prosecution wanted to do to them. The fact that said prosecution consisted of the one who nearly ruined his life and tried to hurt some of the ponies he held dearest to his heart certainly had nothing to do with his conviction. Nope. Not at all. The second the train pulled into the station, Shining Armor was the first to get off. He galloped towards his sister’s home as fast as his legs would carry him. It wasn’t hard to find her home. It was a rather unique looking building, after all. Once he arrived, he pushed open the door and let himself in. “Twilight? Are you here? Twiley?” Shining Armor called out. “Shining Armor? Is that you?” Twilight made her presence known when she descended down the stairs of her home. As soon as their eyes locked, the two siblings ran towards each other and put a hoof around the other in a hug. “Yes. I made it, Twiley. I wish we could have caught up again under better circumstances, though.” Shining said. “You and me both. But still, I’m glad you’re here, Shiny. Do you think you can help us?” Twilight asked. “I do. I’ve been going over some of the old law books I was given in training and looking at the information you gave me in your letter. I think we have a decent case against Queen Chrysalis.” “I hope so. We almost lost to her once. I don’t want to think about what will happen if we actually lose to her this time.” “I won’t let that happen.” Shining said with conviction. “I won’t let her hurt you or anypony else ever again if I can help it. It was bad enough that I let it happen once. That I let her foalnap and impersonate Cadance, brainwash me, leave us completely unprepared for invasion, and turn me against you in the worst way possible.” Twilight noticed that her brother’s expression turned sad as he said the last part of that sentence. “Are you still upset over that? I told you, I forgive you. It wasn’t your fault she got inside your mind. And it wasn’t the smartest move on my part to run in making accusations without any real proof. Nopony blames you for what happened at the rehearsal.” “I do. I should have seen what you saw. I should have known Cadance wouldn’t act that way normally. At the very least, I should have heard you out instead of just getting mad and casting you out. I shouldn’t have left you at the queen’s mercy. It still haunts me to think of what might have happened if you hadn’t found the real Cadance.” Shining Armor’s head hung low in shame as he spoke. Twilight pulled her brother into another hug in an effort to make him feel better. “You may have made a mistake, but I still forgave you for it. I still love you. And if it means that much to you, we can talk about it again. But let’s do that later. After we’ve wrapped up this trial.” Twilight said. Shining Armor stood up straight and regained his determination. “You’re right. Let’s get through this. When does the trial start?” “In five days. Just enough time for the prosecution to get their case together.” “Then we need to do the same. Tell me everything that you know. Starting with what you didn’t cover in your letter. After that, lead me to the Mayor and anypony else that may be involved.” "Alright. the first thing you shuld know is about what all happened on Nightmare Night..." Five days later, the inside of the Ponyville courthouse was jam packed. As was the outside of the courthouse. Everypony wanted to see what would happen with this case. To know all the juicy details. Outside of the crowd of spectators, the first group to enter the courtroom was the jury. To ensure a fair a trial as possible, it was agreed that the jury would consist of six ponies and six changelings. The six ponies, named Berry Punch, Carrot Cake, Cheerilee, Time Turner, Cloudchaser, and Roseluck, sat awkwardly amongst the six changelings, named Kevin, Arista, Cornicle, Delilah, Sclerite, and Thorax. After that, the defense entered the courtroom. Mayor Mare sat at the table on the left side of the courtroom. Shining Armor sat next to her, preparing various papers for his case. Next in was the prosecution. Everypony was surprised to see Queen Chrysalis herself walk into the courtroom without any sort of disguise. Not that she could have used a disguise anyway. A magic barrier was placed around the courthouse that prevented any pony or changeling from using any magic until after the trial. When Chrysalis saw Shining Armor, she glared angrily at him. A look Shining returned without hesitation. Representing Chrysalis as her consul was a changeling drone by the name of Pharynx. Once everypony was seated, the bailiff, a burly Earth Pony in a guard uniform with a pair of handcuffs for a Cutie Mark, walked forward. “All rise. The honorable Judge Chief Justice will be presiding over this trial.” As everypony in the courtroom got to their feet, the judge, a middle aged unicorn wearing a black robe and powdered wig with a gavel for a Cutie Mark entered the room and took his seat. “Be seated.” Chief Justice ordered. Once everypony sat back down, the judge began speaking again. “We have gathered here to hear the trial of Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings v. The Town of Ponyville. Mayor Mare, you and the town of Ponyville stand accused of defamation of character by way of slander. How do you plead?” “Not guilty, your honor.” Mayor Mare replied. “Very well then. Let the trial commence.” Chief Justice said as he banged his gavel. Author's Note In case you can't tell, I'm one of those people who didn't think that Twilight was given a proper apology for what happened to her in Canterlot Wedding Pt. 1. So I wanted to put in a bit that at least implies that she was given one after the fact. Also, the idea of Shining Armor being the defense attorney in this case is one I got from the story The Trial of Fluttershy Flutters. Cute story. Check it out if you get the chance. Trial, Part 1“Let us begin with the prosecution’s opening statement.” Chief Justice stated. “Yes, your honor.” Pharynx said as he stood from his seat and walked to the floor. He then proceeded to give his statement. “I am called Pharynx and I am acting on behalf of my queen, Chrysalis of the changelings. Some time ago, on a pony holiday known as ‘Nightmare Night’, a number of ponies dressed up in the likeness of my fellow changelings. One such pony went so far as to dress as Queen Chrysalis herself. All involved ponies made slanderous and hurtful comments about my queen and the rest of my race. The ponies of this town seem to view us as nothing but love sucking monsters. A view that has left my queen, and many of us changelings, very distressed. I intend to prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that not only are these statements false, but those that made them did so maliciously and without a trace of kindness or love. As such they deserve to be punished for their words.” “Thank you, counsellor. Does the defense wish to make an opening statement as well?” Chief Justice asked. “Yes, your honor.” Shining Armor replied before he said his piece. “Good ponies and changelings of the town of Ponyville. I am Shining Armor. Former Captain of the Guard for Princess Celestia herself, Prince Consort of the Crystal Empire, and the defendant of the mayor and people of Ponyville. I am also somepony with previous experience with changelings, particularly the prosecution. I can understand why the comments that Chrysalis allegedly said were made in malice were made. But for it to be considered defamation, the statements have to be false, not just unpleasant to the one the statements were said to or about. And I feel confident that I can prove that the statements in question were true. Even if not, there are multiple aspects that must be met for it to truly be considered defamation. I believe I can meet all these aspects to your satisfaction so that the town can be absolved of all guilt and liability. I trust you good ponies will find you are able to trust your Captain and neighboring prince.” “Very good. Now then, does the prosecution wish to call forth a witness?” Chief Justice asked. “Before we do that, we wish to raise an objection.” Pharynx stated. “Very well. What is your objection?” “The prosecution believes that Captain Armor is not fit to take part in this trial. He himself just stated that he had previous contact with my client and queen. As such, we believe him to be biased against us. If this is to be a fair trial, we cannot allow bias. Not to mention that since he is no longer Captain of the Guard, he has no legal right to act as a lawyer. Just being here should get him arrested for practicing law without a license.” “In response to that statement, I wish for it to be known that part of my training for a guard captain involved being able to ignore bias whenever possible, and I believe I can successfully do so here. I also want everypony to know that I never formally resigned as Captain of the Guard. As far as legality goes, I still hold the title. And one of the abilities the Captain has is being able to act as defense consul in any trial they so choose unless told not to by the princesses themselves.” Shining Armor countered. “What Captain Armor said is, in fact, true. Your objection is overruled. However, I wish to remind the Captain that he must refrain from letting his emotions or personal experiences get the better of him. If I have any reason to think you will do otherwise, I will not hesitate to remove him from this trial and insert someone else to act as the defense. And he has no authority to stop me from doing so if that is what I decide. Am I clear?” the judge stated. “Yes, your honor.” Chrysalis was visibly upset that she could not get Shining Armor removed from the trial. She had no desire to be near him after how he and his bride had humiliated her in Canterlot. Shining saw her anger and smirked at her, glad that he had managed to get under her skin. “Now I ask again, does the prosecution wish to call forth a witness?” Chief Justice asked. “Yes, your honor. The prosecution calls Mayor Mare of Ponyville to the stand.” Pharynx stated. Surprised at being the first one called up, the mayor slowly walked up to the witness stand. “Keep your answers short and sweet.” Shining Armor whispered to the mayor as she walked up. Once she made it to the witness stand, the bailiff held out a large book and ordered Mayor Mare to put her right hoof on the book, which she did. “Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you Celestia?” The judge asked. “I swear.” Mayor Mare replied. As Mayor Mare took her seat on the witness stand, Pharynx approached her. “So, miss mayor. I take it you know why you’re here?” Pharynx asked. “Yes. You believe that the town has made slanderous statement against your queen.” Mayor Mare answered. “Correct. And do you deny making such comments?” “Yes.” “Even though you were quoted as using the words ‘scary’ and ‘nasty’ to describe my queen and race?” “W-well, I-” “Do you have any proof of us changelings doing anything scary or nasty?” “Well, I’ve heard all about-” “Heard. So you didn’t see anything?” Pharynx interrupted. “Well, no. I wasn’t at the wedding, but-” “Thank you! Next question.” Mayor Mare wasn’t even able to get out one more stutter before Pharynx launched into his next set of questions. “If you have no proof that we are allegedly ‘scary’ and ‘nasty’, what basis do you have to think that anything you, or the ponies in your town, is true?” “Well, like I said, I heard-” “Heard. Heard, heard, heard. You like saying that. Well, what about what you saw? Did you see any proof that we are what you said? Or was it all lies on your part? Falsities?” Pharynx growled as he got in Mayor Mare’s face. “Objection! He’s intimidating the witness!” Shining Armor shouted. “Sustained. Mr. Pharynx, ease up on your questioning. Or else.” Chief Justice ordered. “Fine.” Pharynx growled. “Next question: How much do you know about changelings as a whole?” “Not a lot. Only what I’ve been told by others.” Mayor Mare answered. “Are you aware that we feed on love from other creatures as a food source? That without it, we’ll starve? Just like any other creature that goes without food?” “Well, no. Not really.” “So how are we ‘scary’ and ‘nasty’ just for trying to get a little bit of food?” “Well, there is the fact that-” “Are your ponies scary and nasty whenever they go out for a bite?” Pharynx interrupted. “Would that not be a reckless disregard for the truth to say that? Is it not just as much of a disregard to say that about changelings? Is it not just as hurtful and insulting? Able to cause someone emotional damage?” Mayor Mare had no immediate answer to those questions. “Your silence speaks volumes. No further questions.” “Does the defense wish to cross examine the witness?” Chief Justice asked. “Yes, your honor.” Shining Armor said as he and Pharynx switched places. “Now then, Miss Mayor, you repeatedly told the prosecution about what you heard, but never really explained what that was. Would you tell the court exactly what you did hear?” Shining Armor asked. “Objection! Hearsay!” Pharynx yelled. “Overruled on the grounds of Reputation Concerning General History and Reputation Concerning Character. Mayor Mare, continue.” Chief Justice stated. “Yes, your honor. I had been told by the Elements of Harmony, who all live in my town, that at a wedding in Canterlot, strange insect like ponies with shapeshifting powers called changelings tried to invade Equestria. And they very nearly succeeded. A lot of Canterlot was damaged and many ponies were hurt before the changelings were defeated.” Mayor Mare answered. “I’d like to remind the court that these damages and injuries are well documented and easily proven. With that in mind, tell me Miss Mayor, does it sound defamatory or false to say those responsible for such destruction and injuries are ‘scary’ or ‘nasty’?” “No. Now that you say it, I guess not.” “Now then, your statements may have identified Chrysalis, I’ll give them that, but do you really think there’s any fault on your part for making statements like that? Is it your fault that they caused you to see them in such a negative light?” “No.” Mayor Mare repeated. “Lastly, do you feel that what you said caused any damage to Chrysalis at all? Anything that may have caused her extreme hurt feelings or emotional stress?” “Personally, I don’t think so. Ponies call each other scary and nasty on Nightmare Night all the time. Usually, they’re meant as compliments on that day. Even on other days, we’ve insulted others with much worse words. I still remember the way most of us talked about Zecora, the zebra that lives in the Everfree Forest, before we got a chance to know her. But if what the Elements of Harmony say is true, then Chrysalis isn’t like that. She doesn’t seem to just be a misunderstood soul like Zecora was. The statements I’ve heard about her previously makes her seem much more malicious. The fact that she’s glaring daggers at me right now isn’t doing much to convince me otherwise.” “Thank you, Mayor Mare. No further questions, your honor.” Shining Armor said as he sat back down. “Mayor Mare, you may return to your seat now. Prosecution, call up your next witness.” Chief Justice ordered. “The prosecution calls Miss Sweetness Corlett Belle to the stand.” Pharynx responded. Sweetie Belle was surprised to hear her full name get called out. She wasn’t expecting to be called on to talk at this trial. But despite being afraid of having to talk to the angry looking changeling, the white unicorn filly slowly made her way to the witness stand. Once there, the bailiff had her put her right hoof on the same book that Mayor Mare had. Sweetie had to rear up on her hind legs in order to reach the book. “Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you Celestia?” The judge asked. “Yes.” Sweetie answered. The filly then moved to take a seat in the witness stand. But once she sat down, Sweetie found that the chair was too low for her to properly see. Her eyeline barely cracked the bar of the stand. “Bailiff, could you get Miss Belle something to sit on so she can be at eye level?” The judge requested. “Yes, your honor.” With that, the bailiff left the courtroom as fast as he could. He returned a moment later holding a large cookbook in his hoof. He then placed the book on the seat, allowing Sweetie Belle to be raised up. Once she was in her seat, Sweetie was approached by Pharynx. “Miss Belle, tell us, where were you on the most recent October 31st?” Pharynx asked. “Well, it was Nightmare Night, so I was out having all sorts of Nightmare Night fun with my friends.” Sweetie Belle answered. “This ‘fun’, as you call it, does it involve dressing up?” “It does.” “And what, or who, did you dress up as?” “Well, I…I went as Queen Chrysalis.” “Really, now? The same Queen Chrysalis that is sitting in that seat right there?” Pharynx asked, pointing to his Queen sitting at the nearby table. “Well, yes, but…” “What made you decide to dress as my queen?” “Well, I wanted to go as something scary.” “Scary? You say you see the queen as scary?” Pharynx snarled at the filly. “W-well…I…um…” Sweetie stammered in fear. “Objection! He’s intimidating the witness again!” Shining Armor shouted. “Sustained. Counsellor, I shouldn’t have to remind you a second time. Keep your emotions in check.” Chief Justice warned. “Yes, your honor.” Pharynx growled as he backed away from Sweetie Belle. “Let us continue. What made you decide to use the name of my queen without permission? What made you decide that you could make her look bad by portraying her as ‘evil’? I believe that is the word you used.” “I didn’t know that I had to get permission to dress up as her. Nopony told me that.” “And as for my other questions?” “I was just going by what I remember from the wedding. That’s what I was going off of when I pretended to be her.” “Well, if you were paying attention earlier, you surely have heard that we changelings feed on love, and were just trying to get it to feed ourselves. So how is just doing that grounds to be seen as ‘evil’? Calling us ‘evil’ just because we were trying to feed is a gross violation of our integrity as changelings. Not to mention that acting as if all changelings are as allegedly ‘evil’ as you think our queen is demonstrates a clear case of discrimination based solely on our species. With all that in mind, how can your statements be seen as anything but defamatory?” Pharynx asked Sweetie even though he was facing the jury. There was much consideration made amongst the jury and spectators. “Defamatory statements aside, there’s also the fact that everything you said that night is clearly a lie, and you knew it.” Pharynx accused. “Huh? What are you talking about?” Sweetie asked. “I am talking about the ploy you and the rest of Ponyville took part in on Nightmare Night to disparage the name of the changeling race. Except for you, it’s worse since you decided to play the part of our queen. You purposefully perpetuated the lie that we are nothing but monsters, and that our queen is a monster.” “That’s not what I wanted. I just wanted to have fun and get candy!” Sweetie argued. “What you wanted is irrelevant. What you did, on the other hoof, is what we’re here to talk about. And we are talking about how you not only knowingly called yourself ‘Queen Chrysalis’, but while in this guise, you also called yourself ‘evil’. Let the record show that Miss Belle here openly identified herself as such and has been quoted as saying as such on the night in question.” Pharynx said with anger toward the witness. “She acted with reckless disregard for the truth in making such statements. She and the rest of this town are at fault for making a mockery of the changeling name and causing emotional distress to our queen and many of our kind.” Pharynx then turned towards Sweetie Belle. “I believe I have made my point now. No further questions, your honor.” Pharynx stated. “Does the defense wish to cross examine the witness?” Chief Justice asked. “Yes, your honor.” Shining Armor said. The Captain turned Prince walked onto the floor and approached Sweetie Belle. “Okay. Sweetness Corlett Belle, right? Is it alright if I call you that?” From the stands, Twilight Sparkle could recognize the tone of voice her brother was using. It was the tone of a concerned older brother who wanted to calm down his sister when she was scared or worked up. He had used that tone many times when she was a filly. It always worked like a charm. And it seemed to be working on Sweetie Belle, too. Her face softened up and she suddenly seemed calmer and more agreeable. “Well, my friends and family call me Sweetie Belle.” “Alright. Sweetie Belle it is. Tell me, Sweetie Belle. I heard from some ponies around town that you were at the wedding when the changelings invaded. Is that true?” Shining asked. “Yeah. My friends and I were Princess Cadance’s flower fillies.” “So you were there when the changeling queen began her invasion?” “Uh-huh.” “I know it may be painful for you to remember, but do you remember anything she said or did after she revealed herself? Anything you think you can tell me? Whatever you say will be alright.” Shining said in his same brotherly tone. “Objection! He’s coercing the witness with soft words and tone of voice!” Pharynx yelled. “Sustained. Captain Armor, keep this professional. You’re a counsellor, not a foalsitter. And this is a courtroom, not a good cop/bad cop interrogation room.” “Yes, your honor. In all seriousness, Sweetie Belle, I need you to tell me what you saw Queen Chrysalis say and do in Canterlot.” Shining stated. “I remember her saying she wanted to take over Canterlot, then all of Equestira, with her changeling army. She also talked about using ponies to drain love to feed herself. Once that really big shield came down, I also remember her singing a song about wanting every stallion, mare and foal to be hers. By then, my friends and I were hiding behind some of the big beams holding up the throne room, waiting for everything to be over.” “Thank you, Sweetie Belle. Now then, going back to last Nightmare Night, when you dressed as Chrysalis. You thought it would be fun to do that, right?” “Yes. I wanted to go as the scariest thing I could think of. And all that stuff that happened at the wedding really scared me. So in my opinion, the queen was the best thing to go as since she was also the scariest thing I could think of.” “In your opinion.” Shining repeated before he stepped away from Sweetie Belle and approached the jury. “Let the record show that for any defamation case to hold weight, the alleged defamatory statement has to be an expression of fact, not opinion. And Miss Belle just said this was just her opinion. Even then, it also has to be a fact that can be proven false. But Miss Belle just admitted to seeing Queen Chrysalis instigate the invasion. So whatever she said during Nightmare Night was just her playing the part of the invader she saw with her own two eyes. That includes the part about sucking love from everypony. Chrysalis did say that, so Miss Belle repeating it during Nightmare Night isn’t a defamatory statement. It’s just a young foal repeating what she heard somepony else said.” As the jury muttered amongst themselves, Shining Armor approached Sweetie Belle again. “Now then, Sweetie Belle, the changeling queen over there seems to think that you just playing around on Nightmare Night and repeating things you heard firsthoof means it’s your fault that the changelings look bad. Do you agree with that?” Shining asked. “What? How is it my fault that they look like monsters because they hurt ponies and wanted to take over Equestria? That’s why I find them scary. My sister always told me not to judge others by how they look. But what they do.” “That’s a good lesson your sister taught you. So if the changelings hadn’t started an invasion and tried hurting ponies, you wouldn’t have gone as Chrysalis for Nightmare Night and said things like they’re scary love suckers?” “I don’t think so. Last Nightmare Night, when I went as a vampire, I remember thinking to myself ‘Maybe next year I’ll go as a manticore. Those are scary’. I might have done that instead if I didn’t see the changelings do what they did. Why am I being asked all these questions and feeling like I’m being punished just because I wanted to go dress up as something scary?” “That’s a very good question.” Shining said as he turned his gaze to the jury. “Why is she being punished for acting the way and saying the things she saw the changelings act and heard them say? Why is all of Ponyville being punished for doing the same thing? Why is there any fault on her part for not having the most positive outlook on changelings because of their actions? Why is she on the witness stand for saying something she had no reason to doubt? Why is Chrysalis angry for something Sweetie Belle said when she herself said similar things?” The jury, as well as everypony in the stands for that matter, continued to silently debate amongst themselves before Chief Justice banged his gavel. “Order! We shall have order! Save the deliberations for after all testimonies have been heard.” Shining Armor then turned back to Sweetie Belle. “Alright, I just have one more question for you. Then we’re done. Queen Chrysalis also thinks that you doing what you did caused her emotional distress. That it brought shame to her and the rest of the changelings. Is that something you wanted to do when you decided to dress as her for Nightmare Night?” “What? No. I didn’t want to hurt anypony’s feelings. I didn’t know she’d be in Ponyville when I dressed as her. Plus, why is she worrying about her own emotions and shame after everything that happened at the wedding?” Sweetie answered. “Excellent point. Why is Chrysalis worrying about how one little filly, one little town, feels about her when she brought so many negative feelings about changelings as a whole to all of Equestria with her actions in Canterlot? Is it not maybe her fault for bringing about a bad reputation for herself and her race? Should she not look at herself if she wants to know who caused such damages to the changeling name, perhaps?” This brought a new batch of consideration-like mutters from everypony. “Thank you for talking about this with me, Sweetie Belle. You’re done now. No further questions, your honor.” “Very well. Miss Belle, you may step down and return to your family now.” Chief Justice said. Sweetie Belle quickly got out of the seat and returned to the stands. She took the empty seat between her sister and her parents, who quietly assured her that she did a good job up there and was very brave for answering all those questions the best she could. After that, many other colts and fillies that had dressed as changelings during Nightmare Night were called to the stand. However, when questioned by both Pharynx and Shining Armor, they more or less gave the same answers that Sweetie Belle had. After the last colt had gotten away from the witness stand, the judge got everyone’s attention. “We have heard many witnesses speak thus far. Prosecution, do you have any more to call?” Chief Justice asked. “Yes, your honor.” “Well, that will have to wait until a later time. It is getting late, and I don’t want this trial to drag on into evening. I am calling a recess. The trial will resume tomorrow at 8am sharp.” Chief Justice said with a gavel bang. Author's Note The trial has begun. Which way will it go? You'll have to read on to find out. The next chapter will see more witnesses brought to the stand and more back and forth arguments over the nature of defamation. I hope you enjoy it when I get it out. Trial, Part 2The following morning, the trial resumed at 8am on the dot. Once the court was called to order, Judge Chief Justice asked the prosecution if they would call their next witness to the stand. “With pleasure, your honor. The prosecution calls Princess Luna Nocturna Equus to the stand.” Pharynx declared. Everypony in the courtroom, Chief Justice included, gasped at this. Nopony expected for one of the princesses to be called to the stand. They were equally shocked when Luna walked into the courtroom, her star-studded mane and tail flowing in a non-existent wind. Once the princess made it to the witness stand, the bailiff, almost reluctantly, held out the law book and gently requested that Luna put her right hoof on the book, which she did. “Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you Celestia?” The judge asked. “I do. In the name of my sister, I swear I shall tell no lies.” Luna replied. Once the princess took her seat, Pharynx began his questioning. “Do you know why we called you here, princess?” “Indeed. The queen of the changelings has filed a suit of defamation against the small town of Ponyville over an incident that occurred on Nightmare Night.” “Correct. Given your own experiences with defamation in the form of Nightmare Night itself, we think you could show the court just how Queen Chrysalis feels.” “How she feels? Pray tell, could you elaborate?” Luna requested. “I’m going to answer that question with a question. Where were you on the previous year’s Nightmare Night?” “I had decided to grace the small village of Ponyville, residence of my sister’s personal student, Twilight Sparkle, for the evening on my sister’s recommendation.” “And what happened next?” “Having heard it was a holiday surrounding Nightmare Moon, I decided to arrive in the guise of my evil persona, thinking I would be well received. But instead, I was met with shrieks of fear. It was as if they were afraid of me.” “Do you know why they were afraid of you?” “In the time of my thousand year absence, Nightmare Moon had become a legend. A story to frighten young foals. Particularly around that time of year.” “And tell us, did you not feel insulted when you found that out? Did you not feel like your character had been made mockery of? That it had been defamed?” “At first, yes, but-” “And why would the same not hold true for insults made on the same night against somepony else?” “Under normal circumstances, you would be correct, however-” “How is it not the ponies of Ponyville’s fault that my queen has been slandered in much the same way you were? How is-” “BE SILENT AND LET ME SPEAK!” Luna yelled in the Traditional Canterlot Voice. “I was indeed hurt and insulted when ponies reacted with fear at my mere presence. I felt like a blight upon my honor had been dealt to me. I even went so far as to cancel Nightmare Night. However, after a particularly enlightening conversation with Twilight Sparkle, as well as a realization that foals enjoy being scared on that day, all feelings of animosity left me. I learned that it was a holiday meant to make light of the darkness I succumbed to over a millennium ago. To make light of all that is frightening in the world. After returning to Canterlot, I had a lengthy discussion with my sister over the matter. She revealed that the tradition of paying tribute to Nightmare Moon on that evening was meant to be a gesture of kindness towards me, so that upon my return, I would feel the love I felt I was denied 1000 years ago. I had learned that all fear and/or mockery of Nightmare Moon made that night is made in jest, and should be taken as such. These jests serve the purpose of trying to amuse me and all the good citizens of Equestria. It is my own fault I failed to see that at first. Were I in your place, Queen Chrysalis, I would learn to, as the modern ponies say, ‘learn to take a joke’. I fail to see how it is defamatory to be the subject of amusement and jokes.” Pharynx stood still in shock, still recovering from having the Traditional Canterlot Voice blasted right in his face. Once he recovered, he tried to ask another question. “Be that as it may, what about-” “I have nothing left to say to you. I believe I have made my position quite clear. I also believe that, in my absence, my sister implemented a law stating that those under arrest or on a witness stand have a right to remain silent. I choose now to exercise that right against you.” Luna cut off. “…Fine! No further questions, your honor.” Pharynx snarled between grit teeth, angry that he had not gotten the answers he wanted out of the princess. “Does the defense wish to cross examine the witness?” Chief Justice asked. “No, your honor. I don’t think there’s much she can add for us.” Shining Armor replied. “So be it. Thank you, Princess Luna. You are free to go.” Without a word, Luna rose from the witness stand and walked out of the courtroom with all the grace one would expect from a princess. As she passed the prosecution’s table, she turned her muzzle upward at them. “Prosecution, call your next witness.” The judge ordered. ‘Time for our ace in the hole.’ Pharynx thought. “The prosecution now calls to the stand Her Royal Highness, Queen Chrysalis of the changelings.” Pharynx stated. At that, Queen Chrysalis stood from the table and made her way to the witness stand. Once there, she, rather reluctantly, placed her book on the book the bailiff was holding. “Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you Celestia?” The judge asked. ‘I hate having to swear in that wretched mare’s name. But if it gets me the justice I deserve, then…’ “I swear.” Chrysalis choked out. Once seated in the witness stand, Pharynx approached his queen. “Now then, your majesty, tell us your side of the story. What happened?” “On the holiday that the ponies call ‘Nightmare Night’, I observed countless young ponies dressed as my changeling drones. And one particularly impudent filly went so far as to dress as me personally. And all the while, the little brats kept going on and on about how scary, evil, and ugly changelings are. But none of them really know me, or any of my drones. They simply repeated their slanderous statements all through the night. And it wasn’t just the young. Many mares and stallions said similar things upon seeing their children dressed as they were. Even the very mayor of the town was quoted as saying that changelings are scary and nasty. All night, all I heard were insults, barbs, and hurtful comments directed at me and my race! These so-called ‘friendly’ ponies were judging all of us even though they know nothing of us.” Chrysalis answered. “And what makes you think their statements were false, exactly?” “I just said it. These ponies do not know me, personally. They know not you, any of the changelings on the jury, none of us. Not down to your brood brother on the jury there. They just assumed the worst and went with it. They spent the entire night spreading their lies.” “Objection!” Shining Armor shouted. “Queen Chrysalis just admitted that her consul’s brother is on the jury. That alone should be grounds for dismissing this whole trial!” “Well technically, all changelings are brothers and sisters. Much as we hate being called ‘insects’, our reproductive process is similar to those of ants and bees. We are all born of the queen, and thus, we are all siblings. Thorax and Pharynx just so happen to come from the same brood of eggs.” Kevin said. “Besides, it was agreed beforehand that for fairness’s sake, the jury would be half pony, half changeling. We can’t have that without siblings interacting.” Delilah added. The judge thought this over for a moment before coming to a conclusion. “Assuming this is true, then there is nothing that can be done without selecting a new jury. A new jury which would be impractical to this one since changelings are all siblings. Your objection, and your motion to dismiss this trial, are overruled, Captain Armor.” Chief Justice declared with a bang of the gavel. “Mr. Pharynx, please continue.” “With pleasure.” Pharynx said with a dark chuckle over how he had gotten one over on the ponies. “Now then, did any of the ponies ever explicitly call themselves ‘Queen Chrysalis’?” “Yes. In particular that one white unicorn filly that testified yesterday.” “Now then, do you believe that these ponies willingly did such a thing?” “Without a doubt. They did so with the full intent of making us changelings look like a lesser species. A species of monsters. They were at fault for their own words and actions.” “And what has happened to you as a result of these ponies’ mockery of you and the changeling race?” “We changelings are a deeply empathic race. We feed on love, but are able to sense other emotions as well. The constant comments of fear and hate for changelings filled the air with those emotions. Since love is sustenance for us, those emotions make us want to vomit. Not to mention the fact that, again, they have no proof that their comments are justified in any way.” Chrysalis finished. “Thank you, your majesty. No further questions, your honor.” Pharynx stated. “Does the defense wish to cross examine the witness?” Chief Justice asked. “Very much so, your honor.” Shining Armor said flatly. As Shining Armor approached the witness stand, it took every bit of willpower and discipline from his years of guard training to keep from lashing out, maybe even attacking, the changeling queen, the one who nearly ruined his wedding and took over Canterlot, that was in front of him. “So, Queen Chrysalis. Where were you on the night of October 31st? The most recent one?” Shining asked. “Were you not listening a few moments ago? I was in Ponyville, observing my name being dragged through the mud.” Chrysalis answered. “I see. So what were you doing in Ponyville? And for that matter, why were there no reports of you being there? Why did no one see you?” “As is typical of changelings, I went in disguise to avoid detection.” “Really? Well then, if you’re so defensive of the changeling name, so upset that others spoke badly of it, why hide it? Why hide something that you’re fighting so hard to defend in a court of law?” “For one, it is changeling nature to be in disguise in the presence of non-changelings. For another, I have personal reasons to want to not draw attention to myself.” Chrysalis said defensively. “Personal reasons. I’m curious, does that have anything to do with an incident that occurred on or around the most recent April 21st in Canterlot?” “Objection!” Pharynx yelled. “Irrelevance. Not to mention he’s asking my queen to respond with unreasonable specificities.” “Sustained. Captain Armor, if you want to file a suit against the changeling queen for what she did in Canterlot, do it after this trial has ended. But until then, focus on the defamation part.” Chief Justice ordered. “Fine.” Shining grumbled. “You still never answered my first question. Why were you in Ponyville the day you heard these alleged defamatory statements?” “After being cast out of Canterlot for reasons I refuse to disclose, I was attempting to rebuild my hive. I thought maybe a few of my drones wound up in that tiny town. I was there to gather them. To gather other information about where those I was looking for might be.” Shining Armor had a gut feeling that there was more to that statement than what the queen was implying. But he let it go for now. He needed to focus on the defamation aspects like the judge had ordered. “Alright, next question. You believe that everything negative that the ponies of Ponyville said is completely false. Is that correct?” “Obviously. Or else we wouldn’t be here.” “May I direct the court’s attention to a royal proclamation made by Princess Celestia herself on April 23rd that was submitted into evidence. She stated, and I quote…” Shining pulled out an official looking document from the stack of evidence and read it. “’Some time ago, Chrysalis, the queen of a race of shapeshifters called changelings, infiltrated Canterlot under the guise of my adopted niece, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. While disguised as her, he took her place as the bride in then her upcoming wedding to Captain Shining Armor. This was done in an attempt to drain all the love Captain Armor had for Princess Cadenza. Love that changelings use as sustenance. Upon being discovered and ousted by the real Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and my faithful student, Twilight Sparkle, Queen Chrysalis revealed herself and instigated an invasion with her army of Changeling drones. During this invasion, many innocent ponies were injured, and many more were terrified by their attackers. It is only with the combined efforts of Princess Cadenza and Captain Armor, with some indispensable help from my faithful student and the other Elements of Harmony, that the attackers were repelled and peace was restored to Canterlot and all of Equestria. So signed, Princess Celestia Solaris Equus.’” “What does this have to do with anything?” Chrysalis asked. “It is generally accepted that proclamations made by Princess Celestia herself are to be taken as fact. And this proclamation openly states that many ponies were frightened by the invading changelings. And many who were in Canterlot that day admitted to being scared by them as well. I ask the court, how is it defamation to state that changelings are scary when it is a known fact that they frightened many ponies? As I stated yesterday, for any defamation suit to hold up, the statements have to be false. Not just unpleasant to the person the statements are directed towards. I also ask how it is the fault of Ponyville and its citizens that they were expressing their thoughts that changelings were monsters when it is, as I said, an indisputable fact that changelings invaded Canterlot and frightened its citizens. How can they be held responsible for any damages done to the reputation of the changelings when they are the ones who chose to invade Canterlot, thus coming off as frightening to the good ponies of Ponyville, if not all of Equestria.” As murmurs filled the entire courtroom, Shining Armor turned towards the judge. “No further questions, your honor.” “Does the prosecution have any more witnesses to call?” The judge asked. “No, your honor.” Pharynx replied. “Does the defense have any witnesses they wish to call?” “Yes, your honor. The defense wishes to call Twilight Andromeda Sparkle to the stand.” Shining Armor stated. “Objection, he’s about to question his own sister!” Pharynx yelled. “That should not be allowed on grounds of bias!” “I will again remind everypony of my privilege as Captain of the Royal Guard. As well as my training to avoid bias, even with family. I hope I don’t need to repeat myself in that regard.” Shining retorted. “You do not. Objection overruled. But just know that you are on very thin ice here, Captain Armor. If I see even the slightest sign of unprofessionalism or bias while you speak to your sister, I will dismiss you from this trial and all your hard work will have been for nothing. Am I clear?” The judge warned. “Clear as crystal.” Shining replied. With that, Twilight slowly and calmly walked to the stand. She, like Shining Armor, tried to remain as professional as possible, wanting to avoid any sort of accusations of favoritism and bias since it was her brother about to question her. As such, both siblings agreed before the trial that when this time came, they would both avoid things like titles, family nicknames, and personal questions. “Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you Celestia?” The judge asked. “I do solemnly swear.” Twilight affirmed. Once Twilight was seated in the witness stand, she was approached by her brother. “Alright, Miss Sparkle, why don’t you tell us what you saw on Nightmare Night?” Shining asked. “Well, I never saw Chrysalis herself, but all through the night, I did see a number of foals dressed as changelings when they came to my door to ask for candy. And I also saw the filly named Sweetie Belle dressed as, and call herself, Queen Chrysalis.” Twilight answered. “Did any of these foals dressed as changelings call themselves anything derogatory like evil, scary, or nasty?” “Yes.” “Why do you think they made such statements?” “Well, I, along with several other citizens of Ponyville, were in Canterlot at the time of the changeling’s invasion. We saw firsthoof what they did. All the damage they did, all the ponies they hurt, me especially. I don’t like to think about it.” Twilight was silent for a moment before she regained her composure. “Anyway, when we returned to Ponyville, we all told of what happened. That, combined with Princess Celestia’s proclamation on what happened, it all sounded like something out of a horror story.” “So do you think the statements that were made against Chrysalis and the changelings were false in any way? And why do you feel that way, yes or no?” “No. I feel like the way the foals acted on Nightmare Night was accurate. I can’t fault anypony who dressed that way for acting the way they did. They were either recreating what they saw with their own two eyes at the wedding, mine included, or were acting the way they heard others talk about changelings from their firsthoof accounts.” “What damages do you think these comments made on Nightmare Night did to the changelings?” “Nothing that wasn’t already done by the changelings themselves. Like I said, I was there when they invaded. They did a lot of what ponies said they did on Nightmare Night.” “And do you think those comments were defamatory?” “No. That implies that those comments are false and made out of a genuine desire to hurt. I don’t believe either applies here for reasons I’ve already talked about.” “Very good. No further questions, your honor.” Shining Armor stated. “Does the prosecution wish to question the witness?” Chief Justice asked. “No.” Pharynx said bluntly. “Does the defense wish to call on anypony else?” “Yes, your honor.” Shining said as Twilight returned to her seat. Once Twilight had returned to the stands, the remaining Elements of Harmony were called to the stand one by one and asked similar questions as their purple furred friend. Once they had all given their testimony, the judge called order to his courtroom. “Does the defense have any more witnesses to call?” Chief Justice asked. “No, your honor.” Shining Armor stated. “Does either side have any more evidence they wish to submit?” “No, your honor.” Pharynx and Shining Armor said simultaneously. “Then there is only one thing left to do.” Chief Justice declared. Author's Note If you haven't noticed, I was relatively vague with my language surrounding Twilight. I did this intentionally. As I stated in the description, this story is supposed to take place between the Canterlot Wedding and Spike's first meeting with Thorax in the Crystal Empire. But a lot happened between those two points. That's why I'm letting all of you decide when exactly this all happened. Has Twilight become an alicorn yet? Still a unicorn? Does she still live in a library? Has the castle entered the picture? What about Starlight? Flurry Heart? That's up to all of you to decide. Anyway, there's only one chapter left. The outcome. Who do you think will win this case? Who has more cards in their favor? Let me know what you think. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and will enjoy the last one as well. Verdict“Then there is only one thing left to do.” Chief Justice declared. “For both sides to give their closing arguments. Prosecution, you may go first.” “Very well, your honor. Ponies and changelings of the jury, you have heard many different testimonies. But looking at all of them, you should very easily tell that the ponies of this town have committed a grave crime against my queen and her race. They have made defamatory statements, ones that are plainly false, ones that clearly identified Queen Chrysalis as the victim of these slanderous statements, ones they were clearly at fault for making, and above all, ones that caused my queen and many other changelings great emotional damage. If you have any sense at all, you will know this to be true and convict those that are responsible.” Pharynx stated. “And now, the defense may make their statement.” Chief Justice stated. “Thank you, your honor. I will admit, the prosecution is right about one thing. You have heard many different testimonies. However, I must disagree in that they are all he claims they are. I ask you, is it really defamatory to make light of somepony on Nightmare Night? Is it false to act similar to an invader when the one you’re acting as did attempt an invasion? Can the ponies of this town really be held at fault for negatively acting as somepony they know did negative things? Can they really be blamed for the damage done to her reputation when she did pretty much all that damage herself? I hope you’ll ask yourselves those questions while making your decision.” Shining Armor spoke. “Very well. Jury, you will now deliberate. Return to this room once you have reached a decision.” Chief Justice said with a gavel bang. With that, the 12 members of the jury left the room to begin their deliberations. Everypony else in the courtroom began holding their breath, wondering just what outcome would be reached. After many hours of intense debate, the jury finally returned to the courtroom. Once everypony, and everychangling, was seated, the judge addressed them. “Has the jury reached a verdict?” “We have, your honor.” The changeling acting as jury foreman stated. “We the jury find the defendants, Mayor Mare and the town of Ponyville…not guilty.” A large and varied amount of emotions and reactions were heard across the courtroom. None were stronger than the reaction of Queen Chrysalis. “WHAT?! What is this…this mockery of justice?!” Chrysalis shouted at the changelings in the jury. “My deepest apologies, my queen, but the law clearly states that for a defamation suit to be considered, it has to meet all of many different torts, and there were some that we felt you just didn’t meet.” Kevin stated. “Plus, in their defense, one of them convinced the rest of his fellow changelings that they should follow the law to the letter. He said it would be best that they play by pony rules since our court systems are so different from theirs. ‘We should see what a fair trial looks like from their perspective if we want to know more about ponies,’ he said. He also pointed out that the longer they stay in the room, the longer they have to go without feeding.” Cheerilee explained. “Which one of you fools uttered such wretched nonsense?! I arranged for changelings to be on the jury so you would all support me! When I find out which one of you betrayed me, you will not live long enough to regret it!” Chrysalis snapped. ‘Note to self: Accelerate plans to move to Crystal Empire and try to make friends.’ The jury foreman changeling thought to himself. “Wait, did you just admit to tampering with the jury to get some changelings placed there?” Chief Justice asked. Chrysalis looked momentarily stunned at this. But she quickly regained her composure. “No matter. I will appeal this baseless decision. I will drag this all the way through the highest levels of government if I must!” Chrysalis shouted. “Allow me to save you the trouble.” Everypony gasped as they saw Princess Celestia herself enter the courtroom. Once at the front, she turned and faced Queen Chrysalis. “You wish to appeal this decision, do you not?” Celestia asked. “You bet your plot I do! I will go all the way to the highest court to see that I am given what I am owed for having my name slandered!” “I am the highest court. Or at least a part of it. As princess, I sit at the head of the tribunal that makes up Equestria’s Supreme Court. I have heard and received your writ of certiorari. It will be reviewed at the earliest convenience. But that will likely not be until after the countersuit is finished.” Celestia explained. “Countersuit? What countersuit?!” Chrysalis demanded. “The countersuit against you, of course. All of Equestria is now suing you and your changeling hive. You still committed crimes such as assaulting and impersonating royalty, assaulting countless other ponies, emotional manipulation, foalnapping, attempted violent takeover, attempted coup d'état, and many others. And you never answered for them. What, did you think we forgot all that? That we would just let that pass just because you sued for defamation? I’m confident saying all of that is more serious than having slander brought against you. Even if you’d won this case, we’d still have pressed those charges against you. Whatever you would’ve won here wouldn’t have done you much good behind bars.” “…Maybe it wasn’t the best idea to reveal myself in a court of law. If I’d known I’d have all that hanging over my head…” Chrysalis muttered. “I hope your lawyer is better at defense than he was at prosecuting. Until then, guards, take her away.” Celestia ordered. Author's Note Yeah, I don't know why I wrote this either. Honestly, this was just one of those ideas that just entered my head and wouldn't leave unless I wrote it. I'd bet folding money a lot of stories are like that. The next story I intend on writing is like that, too. Nevertheless, I am excited to get started on that story. It's one I've had in my head even longer. And I have a much more detailed plans for where I want it to go. I hope you enjoy it when I get it out. And I hope you enjoyed this one, too. Before I wrap this story up, I'm going to add something for all the law nerds out there. According to U.S law, in order for a defamation suit to be won, several conditions must be met. The alleged defamatory comments must be: Defamatory. They have to be either written or spoken words that damage someone's name or reputation in some way. False. The plaintiff has to prove that the statements made are false. They can't be true or a matter of opinion. It must an assertion of fact that can be proven incorrect. Identification. A third party must be able to identify who the comments were made against. Be it by name, or a description of the person that leaves little room for assumption that the statement is referring to someone else. Even if no name is ever given. Published. The defamatory statement must reach a third party in some way. A private argument between two people where insults are thrown around is not defamatory. Fault. The plaintiff must prove that the statements were made with fault. That the one who made those statements had at least some comprehension that their statements would have some manner of consequences against the person they made the statement against. Damaging. The plaintiff must prove that they suffered some manner of damage or loss as a result of the statements. Be they financial losses, irreparable damage of reputation, loss of employment or property, or anything of the like. All of these torts must be met in order for a defamation suit to be won. If even one is missing, you lose. Personally, I don't think Chrysalis can meet the damage or false parts. The ponies didn't say anything that was either them playing around, expressing their opinion, or factually incorrect. Plus, the reputation of changelings was bad enough already after the wedding. The ponies' statements didn't really make it any worse. But what do I know? I'm not a law expert. The only reason I know all this is because I had to learn it in relation to another field of study I'm involved in. Anyway, like I said, I hope you enjoyed this story and will stick around for the ones I write in the future. Take care, everyone.
PrologueNightmare Night. A day all fillies and colts looked forward to. A day of awesome costumes, fun games, good natured pranks, and above all, tons of free candy. The town of Ponyville was once again getting into the festivities of the holiday. They were hoping that this year’s celebration would go much more smoothly than last year’s. What with the unexpected arrival of Princess Luna and all the drama that followed. Much had happened in the year between that Nightmare Night and this one. One memory that stood out in many ponies minds was the near disastrous wedding of Princess Cadance and Shining Armor. When the Changelings and their queen, Chrysalis, showed up in Canterlot and began their invasion, there had been much panic until they were finally defeated and expelled. Still, many were left terrified of changelings as a result. But in an attempt to alleviate their own fears, many of the town’s foals dressed up as changelings for Nightmare Night. After all, it was supposed to be a night all about the things that scared you. They tried to make light of the shapeshifting invaders with their costumes. Three particular fillies in such costumes were a trio known throughout the town as the Cutie Mark Crusaders: Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. The Earth Pony and Pegasus were just dressed as regular changelings, with fake fangs in their mouths, black holes painted on their legs, fake wings on their backs, and clear contact lenses on their eyes. Sweetie Belle, however, decided to go the extra mile and dress as Queen Chrysalis herself. Thanks to help from her fashionista sister, Rarity, Sweetie now sported a mane and tail that was dyed to match the teal color of the changeling queen, a stripe of bluish-green paint down her back, a fake black horn placed on top of her real one, with holes in the fake, and a tiny little crown on her head. She also sported the same painted leg holes, fangs, and wings as her two friends. “This is gonna be the best Nightmare Night ever, huh Sweetie Belle? Ah mean, yer highness Queen Chrysalis.” Apple Bloom giggled. “Yes, my subject.” Sweetie replied. “We are going to gather all the love from this little town. And there’s nothing ponies love more than free candy. So if we get the candy, we get the love! So come, let us get the candy and all the love that comes with it! MWAHAHAHAHA!” “As you command, my queen.” Scootaloo joined in. The three fillies then went from house to house, asking for candy from the house’s owners. By the time they were done, their bags were full to bursting. Every so often, they would run into a foal or group of foals that were also dressed as changelings. Whenever they did, the CMC would walk over to say hello. Every time they did, Sweetie Belle would call herself Queen Chrysalis and ‘demand’ that her subjects get as much of the candy they loved most as they could. The other foals would laugh and play along, telling the ‘queen’ that they would gladly obey her ‘orders’. “This has been one of the best Nightmare Nights ever!” Scootaloo cheered. “Ah know! Ah got twice as much candy as last year!” Apple Bloom added. “Me too!” Sweetie Belle chimed in. “But I think we should be heading back to Sweet Apple Acres now. I think the games and costume contest are going to start soon. And I want to-OOF!” Sweetie had been so busy talking to her friends that she didn’t bother looking where she was going. As a result, she had accidentally bumped into another pony. This pony was a unicorn mare with a light greenish grey coat and a scarlet mane and tail. Her Cutie Mark was that of a ladybug with three leaves under it. “Hey! Watch where you’re going!” The mare snapped. “I’m sorry. I guess I got caught up talking about all the Nightmare Night festivities.” Sweetie Belle apologized. “Ah yes. That one holiday about costumes and candy. What are you supposed to be, anyway?” The mare asked. “I’m Queen Chrysalis of the changelings! And these two are two of my evil changeling minions!” A silence followed for a time before the mare spoke again. “…what?” “Yeah. After those bug ponies invaded at that wedding, a lot of ponies have been scared of them. And I don’t blame them. They scared me too. They were creepy. Not to mention they hurt lots of ponies and tried to suck up all our love like we were nothing but juice boxes. I didn’t know there were things out there that could be that evil. Anyway, since Nightmare Night is all about the things that are supposed to scare us, I thought it would be fun to dress as their big scary leader and pretend to be evil like her all night. Lots of other foals are dressed as changelings as well. You should come with us to town and see them. A lot of the townsponies will be there by now for all the fun.” Sweetie Belle explained. “I…I see.” None of the Cutie Mark Crusaders seemed to notice that the mare in front of them was growing more and more irritated with each word out of Sweetie Belle’s mouth. Despite that, she wanted more information about these supposed foals dressed as changelings. “Very well, child. Lead the way.” The mare stated. “Alright, follow us! What’s yer name, by the way?” Apple Bloom asked. “Crackle Cosette.” The mare answered after a moment’s hesitation. Once the group made it back to the town square, they saw that the Nightmare Night fun was indeed in full swing. Some ponies were bobbing for apples while others were listening to Zecora tell the traditional tale of Nightmare Night. All throughout the town there were stands selling candy and pies and all other manner of goodies. There was also a band playing spooky music on a stage. Once Zecora had finished her story and the band played their last note, Mayor Mare, dressed in the same clown costume as last year, took to the stage. “Alright, everypony! It’s time for one of the most exciting parts of the evening, the costume contest! All ponies wishing to participate come up on stage.” The mayor called out. “I’m going up there! Wish me luck, girls!” Sweetie Belle called out. Sweetie Belle galloped on stage as quick as she could, joining a large number of other ponies in intricate getups. Each pony on stage took turns describing their costumes and why they should win the contest. Once Sweetie Belle’s turn came, she began chattering away excitedly. “Hello, everypony! My name is Sweetie Belle. But tonight, you can call me Chrysalis, queen of the changelings!” Sweetie yelled before giving an evil laugh. “Alright Queen Chrysalis, what made you decide on this costume tonight?” The mayor asked. “Well, I was at the wedding when the changelings invaded. The queen and those scary bugs caused a lot of damage and hurt a lot of innocent ponies. Personally, I think she was going to enslave us all and make us give her love until we died. I got really scared during the whole thing. Anyway, I wanted to try and get over it by dressing as her for Nightmare Night. I know a lot of foals who dress as the things that scare them so that they can be less scared. And I wanted to give it a try.” Sweetie Belle answered. “That sounds like an interesting way to deal with your fears. Especially a fear of something as scary as the changelings.” The mayor responded. “Thank you, Sweetie Belle.” The mayor went through the rest of the contestants before conferring with the judges. Once they had made their decision, Mayor Mare came on stage to deliver the judges’ decision. “Alright, everypony! After much deliberation, we have decided on our winner. And this year’s costume contest victor is…” Everypony held their breath as they waited for the mayor to finish her statement. “…Sweetie Belle! And her getup as the nasty Queen Chrysalis!” Many ponies cheered for Sweetie Belle as she was given a small trophy to signify her victory. “Congratulations, Sweetie Belle. Is there anything you’d like to say to everypony to commemorate?” Mayor Mare asked. “There is. If I may paraphrase Chrysalis herself…” Sweetie Belle cleared her throat and began singing. This day has been just perfect The kind of day of which I've dreamed since I was small All the candy I'll soon control Every chocolate, gummy, and more Who says a girl can't really have it all? Sweetie topped off her brief song with an evil sounding laugh. Those that had also been at the Canterlot Wedding give off a laugh, as they remembered the changeling queen singing a similar song while her invasion was unfurling. Everypony was so wrapped up in their fun that nopony noticed Crackle Cosette storming off in a huff. A week later, Twilight Sparkle was walking through town buying some supplies. She needed more quills, ink, and food if she was going to survive the week without going insane. But just as she approached the pony that sold the best quills, a voice called out to her. “Twilight! Twilight!” Twilight turned around and saw her Number One Assistant running toward her as fast as he could. “What is it, Spike? What’s wrong?” Twilight asked. “It’s the mayor. She sent me to come get you. She said something’s really, really wrong and needs your help.” Spike replied. “What is it? Did she say what’s wrong?” “She wouldn’t say. She was frantic. Almost panicky. She just said to get you as fast as I could.” “Well then, what are we waiting for?” Her need to get quills long forgotten, Twilight turned tail and galloped towards town hall as fast as her legs could carry her, Spike right on her hooves. When they got there, the pair saw the mayor pacing the floor with an absolutely horrified look on her face. “Mayor Mare, I’m here!” Twilight said. “Now what is it you need my help with? Did Discord do something? Did a monster come out of the Everfree Forest? Did the Cutie Mark Crusaders accidentally offend another minotaur?” “No! It’s worse! So much worse than any of those things!” Mayor Mare shrieked. “Then what? What is it?!” “We’re being sued!” A deafening silence filled the air for several seconds before Twilight found her voice. “Huh?” “You heard me! The entire town of Ponyville, and every citizen therein, is being sued!” The mayor repeated. “Okay, I can get why that would scare you, but why ask for my help? I may be smart, but I’m not a lawyer.” “Twilight, it’s not so much that we’re being sued so much as it is who’s suing us.” “Well, who is it?” “It’s Queen Chrysalis and the entire changeling hive!” Author's Note Well, here's my first chapter of my first story, with more of both to come. Hope you enjoy.
Preparing for Trial“WHAT?! The changeling queen is suing the town?!” Twilight shrieked. “That’s what I said!” The mayor shrieked in equal intensity. “Why? After all she’s done to us, to Canterlot, to Princess Celestia herself? What right does she have to be upset with us? Why is she suing the town, anyway?” Twilight asked. “Defamation of character, according to her letter of intent. Something about what happened last week during Nightmare Night.” “Is this because more than half our foals dressed as changelings? Why would that make her so mad?” “I’m not sure, Twilight. Her letter just said defamation. My best guess: she seems to think that we’re giving her and her race a bad name.” “I’m pretty sure she did that to herself after the whole ‘Invasion of Canterlot’ thing.” “Be that as it may, the town is still being taken to court. I had hoped that since you and your friends dealt with the changelings before, you could do it again.” The mayor requested. “Well, one: my friends and I may have helped, but ultimately, it was my brother and his wife that beat them. And two, defeating them in a straight fight isn’t like defeating them in a courtroom battle. Like I said, I’m not a lawyer.” Twilight said before she mused for a moment. “But I know someone who, at the very least, may be able to help. And I can guarantee he would love nothing more than to take down the changeling queen.” “Please, do whatever you can.” The mayor begged. With a nod of affirmation, Twilight turned tail and galloped back to her home as quickly as she could. When she got there, she ran into Spike. After being informed of the situation, Spike’s eyes narrowed in anger. “She has the nerve to sue us after everything she did?!” Spike growled. “It looks that way. But I have an idea. There’s a certain somepony who knows a thing or two about law. Somepony who was personally wronged by the changelings and would probably love a shot at revenge.” Twilight replied. “You don’t mean…” “I do. Spike, take a letter.” Spike got a quill and parchment ready as he prepared to copy down Twilight’s words. “Dear Shining Armor…” As soon as he finished reading his sister’s letter, Shining Armor fled from the Crystal Palace and boarded the first train to Ponyville. He wasn’t about to let anypony mess with his sister or the town she lived in. Least of all the one who had nearly ruined his wedding and conquered Canterlot. As he sat on the train heading to Ponyville, Shining went over a few old law books he still had in his possession. Even though his primary skills and talents revolved around being a guard, he knew a couple things about law and due process. One of the requirements for becoming Captain of the Royal Guard was that he had to be able to defend the princesses, as well as their subjects, in any sort of battle. Even if that battle took place in a courtroom. As such, part of his training involved taking some classes on law and how to handle a court case. Particularly in being a defense attorney. He was by no means a top billed lawyer, but he was at least adequate enough that he was still promoted to Captain. Shining never thought that he would have to use those skills, but he still retained the necessary information. As the train neared Ponyville, he mentally prepared himself to defend Twilight and her town from whatever the prosecution wanted to do to them. The fact that said prosecution consisted of the one who nearly ruined his life and tried to hurt some of the ponies he held dearest to his heart certainly had nothing to do with his conviction. Nope. Not at all. The second the train pulled into the station, Shining Armor was the first to get off. He galloped towards his sister’s home as fast as his legs would carry him. It wasn’t hard to find her home. It was a rather unique looking building, after all. Once he arrived, he pushed open the door and let himself in. “Twilight? Are you here? Twiley?” Shining Armor called out. “Shining Armor? Is that you?” Twilight made her presence known when she descended down the stairs of her home. As soon as their eyes locked, the two siblings ran towards each other and put a hoof around the other in a hug. “Yes. I made it, Twiley. I wish we could have caught up again under better circumstances, though.” Shining said. “You and me both. But still, I’m glad you’re here, Shiny. Do you think you can help us?” Twilight asked. “I do. I’ve been going over some of the old law books I was given in training and looking at the information you gave me in your letter. I think we have a decent case against Queen Chrysalis.” “I hope so. We almost lost to her once. I don’t want to think about what will happen if we actually lose to her this time.” “I won’t let that happen.” Shining said with conviction. “I won’t let her hurt you or anypony else ever again if I can help it. It was bad enough that I let it happen once. That I let her foalnap and impersonate Cadance, brainwash me, leave us completely unprepared for invasion, and turn me against you in the worst way possible.” Twilight noticed that her brother’s expression turned sad as he said the last part of that sentence. “Are you still upset over that? I told you, I forgive you. It wasn’t your fault she got inside your mind. And it wasn’t the smartest move on my part to run in making accusations without any real proof. Nopony blames you for what happened at the rehearsal.” “I do. I should have seen what you saw. I should have known Cadance wouldn’t act that way normally. At the very least, I should have heard you out instead of just getting mad and casting you out. I shouldn’t have left you at the queen’s mercy. It still haunts me to think of what might have happened if you hadn’t found the real Cadance.” Shining Armor’s head hung low in shame as he spoke. Twilight pulled her brother into another hug in an effort to make him feel better. “You may have made a mistake, but I still forgave you for it. I still love you. And if it means that much to you, we can talk about it again. But let’s do that later. After we’ve wrapped up this trial.” Twilight said. Shining Armor stood up straight and regained his determination. “You’re right. Let’s get through this. When does the trial start?” “In five days. Just enough time for the prosecution to get their case together.” “Then we need to do the same. Tell me everything that you know. Starting with what you didn’t cover in your letter. After that, lead me to the Mayor and anypony else that may be involved.” "Alright. the first thing you shuld know is about what all happened on Nightmare Night..." Five days later, the inside of the Ponyville courthouse was jam packed. As was the outside of the courthouse. Everypony wanted to see what would happen with this case. To know all the juicy details. Outside of the crowd of spectators, the first group to enter the courtroom was the jury. To ensure a fair a trial as possible, it was agreed that the jury would consist of six ponies and six changelings. The six ponies, named Berry Punch, Carrot Cake, Cheerilee, Time Turner, Cloudchaser, and Roseluck, sat awkwardly amongst the six changelings, named Kevin, Arista, Cornicle, Delilah, Sclerite, and Thorax. After that, the defense entered the courtroom. Mayor Mare sat at the table on the left side of the courtroom. Shining Armor sat next to her, preparing various papers for his case. Next in was the prosecution. Everypony was surprised to see Queen Chrysalis herself walk into the courtroom without any sort of disguise. Not that she could have used a disguise anyway. A magic barrier was placed around the courthouse that prevented any pony or changeling from using any magic until after the trial. When Chrysalis saw Shining Armor, she glared angrily at him. A look Shining returned without hesitation. Representing Chrysalis as her consul was a changeling drone by the name of Pharynx. Once everypony was seated, the bailiff, a burly Earth Pony in a guard uniform with a pair of handcuffs for a Cutie Mark, walked forward. “All rise. The honorable Judge Chief Justice will be presiding over this trial.” As everypony in the courtroom got to their feet, the judge, a middle aged unicorn wearing a black robe and powdered wig with a gavel for a Cutie Mark entered the room and took his seat. “Be seated.” Chief Justice ordered. Once everypony sat back down, the judge began speaking again. “We have gathered here to hear the trial of Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings v. The Town of Ponyville. Mayor Mare, you and the town of Ponyville stand accused of defamation of character by way of slander. How do you plead?” “Not guilty, your honor.” Mayor Mare replied. “Very well then. Let the trial commence.” Chief Justice said as he banged his gavel. Author's Note In case you can't tell, I'm one of those people who didn't think that Twilight was given a proper apology for what happened to her in Canterlot Wedding Pt. 1. So I wanted to put in a bit that at least implies that she was given one after the fact. Also, the idea of Shining Armor being the defense attorney in this case is one I got from the story The Trial of Fluttershy Flutters. Cute story. Check it out if you get the chance.
Trial, Part 1“Let us begin with the prosecution’s opening statement.” Chief Justice stated. “Yes, your honor.” Pharynx said as he stood from his seat and walked to the floor. He then proceeded to give his statement. “I am called Pharynx and I am acting on behalf of my queen, Chrysalis of the changelings. Some time ago, on a pony holiday known as ‘Nightmare Night’, a number of ponies dressed up in the likeness of my fellow changelings. One such pony went so far as to dress as Queen Chrysalis herself. All involved ponies made slanderous and hurtful comments about my queen and the rest of my race. The ponies of this town seem to view us as nothing but love sucking monsters. A view that has left my queen, and many of us changelings, very distressed. I intend to prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that not only are these statements false, but those that made them did so maliciously and without a trace of kindness or love. As such they deserve to be punished for their words.” “Thank you, counsellor. Does the defense wish to make an opening statement as well?” Chief Justice asked. “Yes, your honor.” Shining Armor replied before he said his piece. “Good ponies and changelings of the town of Ponyville. I am Shining Armor. Former Captain of the Guard for Princess Celestia herself, Prince Consort of the Crystal Empire, and the defendant of the mayor and people of Ponyville. I am also somepony with previous experience with changelings, particularly the prosecution. I can understand why the comments that Chrysalis allegedly said were made in malice were made. But for it to be considered defamation, the statements have to be false, not just unpleasant to the one the statements were said to or about. And I feel confident that I can prove that the statements in question were true. Even if not, there are multiple aspects that must be met for it to truly be considered defamation. I believe I can meet all these aspects to your satisfaction so that the town can be absolved of all guilt and liability. I trust you good ponies will find you are able to trust your Captain and neighboring prince.” “Very good. Now then, does the prosecution wish to call forth a witness?” Chief Justice asked. “Before we do that, we wish to raise an objection.” Pharynx stated. “Very well. What is your objection?” “The prosecution believes that Captain Armor is not fit to take part in this trial. He himself just stated that he had previous contact with my client and queen. As such, we believe him to be biased against us. If this is to be a fair trial, we cannot allow bias. Not to mention that since he is no longer Captain of the Guard, he has no legal right to act as a lawyer. Just being here should get him arrested for practicing law without a license.” “In response to that statement, I wish for it to be known that part of my training for a guard captain involved being able to ignore bias whenever possible, and I believe I can successfully do so here. I also want everypony to know that I never formally resigned as Captain of the Guard. As far as legality goes, I still hold the title. And one of the abilities the Captain has is being able to act as defense consul in any trial they so choose unless told not to by the princesses themselves.” Shining Armor countered. “What Captain Armor said is, in fact, true. Your objection is overruled. However, I wish to remind the Captain that he must refrain from letting his emotions or personal experiences get the better of him. If I have any reason to think you will do otherwise, I will not hesitate to remove him from this trial and insert someone else to act as the defense. And he has no authority to stop me from doing so if that is what I decide. Am I clear?” the judge stated. “Yes, your honor.” Chrysalis was visibly upset that she could not get Shining Armor removed from the trial. She had no desire to be near him after how he and his bride had humiliated her in Canterlot. Shining saw her anger and smirked at her, glad that he had managed to get under her skin. “Now I ask again, does the prosecution wish to call forth a witness?” Chief Justice asked. “Yes, your honor. The prosecution calls Mayor Mare of Ponyville to the stand.” Pharynx stated. Surprised at being the first one called up, the mayor slowly walked up to the witness stand. “Keep your answers short and sweet.” Shining Armor whispered to the mayor as she walked up. Once she made it to the witness stand, the bailiff held out a large book and ordered Mayor Mare to put her right hoof on the book, which she did. “Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you Celestia?” The judge asked. “I swear.” Mayor Mare replied. As Mayor Mare took her seat on the witness stand, Pharynx approached her. “So, miss mayor. I take it you know why you’re here?” Pharynx asked. “Yes. You believe that the town has made slanderous statement against your queen.” Mayor Mare answered. “Correct. And do you deny making such comments?” “Yes.” “Even though you were quoted as using the words ‘scary’ and ‘nasty’ to describe my queen and race?” “W-well, I-” “Do you have any proof of us changelings doing anything scary or nasty?” “Well, I’ve heard all about-” “Heard. So you didn’t see anything?” Pharynx interrupted. “Well, no. I wasn’t at the wedding, but-” “Thank you! Next question.” Mayor Mare wasn’t even able to get out one more stutter before Pharynx launched into his next set of questions. “If you have no proof that we are allegedly ‘scary’ and ‘nasty’, what basis do you have to think that anything you, or the ponies in your town, is true?” “Well, like I said, I heard-” “Heard. Heard, heard, heard. You like saying that. Well, what about what you saw? Did you see any proof that we are what you said? Or was it all lies on your part? Falsities?” Pharynx growled as he got in Mayor Mare’s face. “Objection! He’s intimidating the witness!” Shining Armor shouted. “Sustained. Mr. Pharynx, ease up on your questioning. Or else.” Chief Justice ordered. “Fine.” Pharynx growled. “Next question: How much do you know about changelings as a whole?” “Not a lot. Only what I’ve been told by others.” Mayor Mare answered. “Are you aware that we feed on love from other creatures as a food source? That without it, we’ll starve? Just like any other creature that goes without food?” “Well, no. Not really.” “So how are we ‘scary’ and ‘nasty’ just for trying to get a little bit of food?” “Well, there is the fact that-” “Are your ponies scary and nasty whenever they go out for a bite?” Pharynx interrupted. “Would that not be a reckless disregard for the truth to say that? Is it not just as much of a disregard to say that about changelings? Is it not just as hurtful and insulting? Able to cause someone emotional damage?” Mayor Mare had no immediate answer to those questions. “Your silence speaks volumes. No further questions.” “Does the defense wish to cross examine the witness?” Chief Justice asked. “Yes, your honor.” Shining Armor said as he and Pharynx switched places. “Now then, Miss Mayor, you repeatedly told the prosecution about what you heard, but never really explained what that was. Would you tell the court exactly what you did hear?” Shining Armor asked. “Objection! Hearsay!” Pharynx yelled. “Overruled on the grounds of Reputation Concerning General History and Reputation Concerning Character. Mayor Mare, continue.” Chief Justice stated. “Yes, your honor. I had been told by the Elements of Harmony, who all live in my town, that at a wedding in Canterlot, strange insect like ponies with shapeshifting powers called changelings tried to invade Equestria. And they very nearly succeeded. A lot of Canterlot was damaged and many ponies were hurt before the changelings were defeated.” Mayor Mare answered. “I’d like to remind the court that these damages and injuries are well documented and easily proven. With that in mind, tell me Miss Mayor, does it sound defamatory or false to say those responsible for such destruction and injuries are ‘scary’ or ‘nasty’?” “No. Now that you say it, I guess not.” “Now then, your statements may have identified Chrysalis, I’ll give them that, but do you really think there’s any fault on your part for making statements like that? Is it your fault that they caused you to see them in such a negative light?” “No.” Mayor Mare repeated. “Lastly, do you feel that what you said caused any damage to Chrysalis at all? Anything that may have caused her extreme hurt feelings or emotional stress?” “Personally, I don’t think so. Ponies call each other scary and nasty on Nightmare Night all the time. Usually, they’re meant as compliments on that day. Even on other days, we’ve insulted others with much worse words. I still remember the way most of us talked about Zecora, the zebra that lives in the Everfree Forest, before we got a chance to know her. But if what the Elements of Harmony say is true, then Chrysalis isn’t like that. She doesn’t seem to just be a misunderstood soul like Zecora was. The statements I’ve heard about her previously makes her seem much more malicious. The fact that she’s glaring daggers at me right now isn’t doing much to convince me otherwise.” “Thank you, Mayor Mare. No further questions, your honor.” Shining Armor said as he sat back down. “Mayor Mare, you may return to your seat now. Prosecution, call up your next witness.” Chief Justice ordered. “The prosecution calls Miss Sweetness Corlett Belle to the stand.” Pharynx responded. Sweetie Belle was surprised to hear her full name get called out. She wasn’t expecting to be called on to talk at this trial. But despite being afraid of having to talk to the angry looking changeling, the white unicorn filly slowly made her way to the witness stand. Once there, the bailiff had her put her right hoof on the same book that Mayor Mare had. Sweetie had to rear up on her hind legs in order to reach the book. “Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you Celestia?” The judge asked. “Yes.” Sweetie answered. The filly then moved to take a seat in the witness stand. But once she sat down, Sweetie found that the chair was too low for her to properly see. Her eyeline barely cracked the bar of the stand. “Bailiff, could you get Miss Belle something to sit on so she can be at eye level?” The judge requested. “Yes, your honor.” With that, the bailiff left the courtroom as fast as he could. He returned a moment later holding a large cookbook in his hoof. He then placed the book on the seat, allowing Sweetie Belle to be raised up. Once she was in her seat, Sweetie was approached by Pharynx. “Miss Belle, tell us, where were you on the most recent October 31st?” Pharynx asked. “Well, it was Nightmare Night, so I was out having all sorts of Nightmare Night fun with my friends.” Sweetie Belle answered. “This ‘fun’, as you call it, does it involve dressing up?” “It does.” “And what, or who, did you dress up as?” “Well, I…I went as Queen Chrysalis.” “Really, now? The same Queen Chrysalis that is sitting in that seat right there?” Pharynx asked, pointing to his Queen sitting at the nearby table. “Well, yes, but…” “What made you decide to dress as my queen?” “Well, I wanted to go as something scary.” “Scary? You say you see the queen as scary?” Pharynx snarled at the filly. “W-well…I…um…” Sweetie stammered in fear. “Objection! He’s intimidating the witness again!” Shining Armor shouted. “Sustained. Counsellor, I shouldn’t have to remind you a second time. Keep your emotions in check.” Chief Justice warned. “Yes, your honor.” Pharynx growled as he backed away from Sweetie Belle. “Let us continue. What made you decide to use the name of my queen without permission? What made you decide that you could make her look bad by portraying her as ‘evil’? I believe that is the word you used.” “I didn’t know that I had to get permission to dress up as her. Nopony told me that.” “And as for my other questions?” “I was just going by what I remember from the wedding. That’s what I was going off of when I pretended to be her.” “Well, if you were paying attention earlier, you surely have heard that we changelings feed on love, and were just trying to get it to feed ourselves. So how is just doing that grounds to be seen as ‘evil’? Calling us ‘evil’ just because we were trying to feed is a gross violation of our integrity as changelings. Not to mention that acting as if all changelings are as allegedly ‘evil’ as you think our queen is demonstrates a clear case of discrimination based solely on our species. With all that in mind, how can your statements be seen as anything but defamatory?” Pharynx asked Sweetie even though he was facing the jury. There was much consideration made amongst the jury and spectators. “Defamatory statements aside, there’s also the fact that everything you said that night is clearly a lie, and you knew it.” Pharynx accused. “Huh? What are you talking about?” Sweetie asked. “I am talking about the ploy you and the rest of Ponyville took part in on Nightmare Night to disparage the name of the changeling race. Except for you, it’s worse since you decided to play the part of our queen. You purposefully perpetuated the lie that we are nothing but monsters, and that our queen is a monster.” “That’s not what I wanted. I just wanted to have fun and get candy!” Sweetie argued. “What you wanted is irrelevant. What you did, on the other hoof, is what we’re here to talk about. And we are talking about how you not only knowingly called yourself ‘Queen Chrysalis’, but while in this guise, you also called yourself ‘evil’. Let the record show that Miss Belle here openly identified herself as such and has been quoted as saying as such on the night in question.” Pharynx said with anger toward the witness. “She acted with reckless disregard for the truth in making such statements. She and the rest of this town are at fault for making a mockery of the changeling name and causing emotional distress to our queen and many of our kind.” Pharynx then turned towards Sweetie Belle. “I believe I have made my point now. No further questions, your honor.” Pharynx stated. “Does the defense wish to cross examine the witness?” Chief Justice asked. “Yes, your honor.” Shining Armor said. The Captain turned Prince walked onto the floor and approached Sweetie Belle. “Okay. Sweetness Corlett Belle, right? Is it alright if I call you that?” From the stands, Twilight Sparkle could recognize the tone of voice her brother was using. It was the tone of a concerned older brother who wanted to calm down his sister when she was scared or worked up. He had used that tone many times when she was a filly. It always worked like a charm. And it seemed to be working on Sweetie Belle, too. Her face softened up and she suddenly seemed calmer and more agreeable. “Well, my friends and family call me Sweetie Belle.” “Alright. Sweetie Belle it is. Tell me, Sweetie Belle. I heard from some ponies around town that you were at the wedding when the changelings invaded. Is that true?” Shining asked. “Yeah. My friends and I were Princess Cadance’s flower fillies.” “So you were there when the changeling queen began her invasion?” “Uh-huh.” “I know it may be painful for you to remember, but do you remember anything she said or did after she revealed herself? Anything you think you can tell me? Whatever you say will be alright.” Shining said in his same brotherly tone. “Objection! He’s coercing the witness with soft words and tone of voice!” Pharynx yelled. “Sustained. Captain Armor, keep this professional. You’re a counsellor, not a foalsitter. And this is a courtroom, not a good cop/bad cop interrogation room.” “Yes, your honor. In all seriousness, Sweetie Belle, I need you to tell me what you saw Queen Chrysalis say and do in Canterlot.” Shining stated. “I remember her saying she wanted to take over Canterlot, then all of Equestira, with her changeling army. She also talked about using ponies to drain love to feed herself. Once that really big shield came down, I also remember her singing a song about wanting every stallion, mare and foal to be hers. By then, my friends and I were hiding behind some of the big beams holding up the throne room, waiting for everything to be over.” “Thank you, Sweetie Belle. Now then, going back to last Nightmare Night, when you dressed as Chrysalis. You thought it would be fun to do that, right?” “Yes. I wanted to go as the scariest thing I could think of. And all that stuff that happened at the wedding really scared me. So in my opinion, the queen was the best thing to go as since she was also the scariest thing I could think of.” “In your opinion.” Shining repeated before he stepped away from Sweetie Belle and approached the jury. “Let the record show that for any defamation case to hold weight, the alleged defamatory statement has to be an expression of fact, not opinion. And Miss Belle just said this was just her opinion. Even then, it also has to be a fact that can be proven false. But Miss Belle just admitted to seeing Queen Chrysalis instigate the invasion. So whatever she said during Nightmare Night was just her playing the part of the invader she saw with her own two eyes. That includes the part about sucking love from everypony. Chrysalis did say that, so Miss Belle repeating it during Nightmare Night isn’t a defamatory statement. It’s just a young foal repeating what she heard somepony else said.” As the jury muttered amongst themselves, Shining Armor approached Sweetie Belle again. “Now then, Sweetie Belle, the changeling queen over there seems to think that you just playing around on Nightmare Night and repeating things you heard firsthoof means it’s your fault that the changelings look bad. Do you agree with that?” Shining asked. “What? How is it my fault that they look like monsters because they hurt ponies and wanted to take over Equestria? That’s why I find them scary. My sister always told me not to judge others by how they look. But what they do.” “That’s a good lesson your sister taught you. So if the changelings hadn’t started an invasion and tried hurting ponies, you wouldn’t have gone as Chrysalis for Nightmare Night and said things like they’re scary love suckers?” “I don’t think so. Last Nightmare Night, when I went as a vampire, I remember thinking to myself ‘Maybe next year I’ll go as a manticore. Those are scary’. I might have done that instead if I didn’t see the changelings do what they did. Why am I being asked all these questions and feeling like I’m being punished just because I wanted to go dress up as something scary?” “That’s a very good question.” Shining said as he turned his gaze to the jury. “Why is she being punished for acting the way and saying the things she saw the changelings act and heard them say? Why is all of Ponyville being punished for doing the same thing? Why is there any fault on her part for not having the most positive outlook on changelings because of their actions? Why is she on the witness stand for saying something she had no reason to doubt? Why is Chrysalis angry for something Sweetie Belle said when she herself said similar things?” The jury, as well as everypony in the stands for that matter, continued to silently debate amongst themselves before Chief Justice banged his gavel. “Order! We shall have order! Save the deliberations for after all testimonies have been heard.” Shining Armor then turned back to Sweetie Belle. “Alright, I just have one more question for you. Then we’re done. Queen Chrysalis also thinks that you doing what you did caused her emotional distress. That it brought shame to her and the rest of the changelings. Is that something you wanted to do when you decided to dress as her for Nightmare Night?” “What? No. I didn’t want to hurt anypony’s feelings. I didn’t know she’d be in Ponyville when I dressed as her. Plus, why is she worrying about her own emotions and shame after everything that happened at the wedding?” Sweetie answered. “Excellent point. Why is Chrysalis worrying about how one little filly, one little town, feels about her when she brought so many negative feelings about changelings as a whole to all of Equestria with her actions in Canterlot? Is it not maybe her fault for bringing about a bad reputation for herself and her race? Should she not look at herself if she wants to know who caused such damages to the changeling name, perhaps?” This brought a new batch of consideration-like mutters from everypony. “Thank you for talking about this with me, Sweetie Belle. You’re done now. No further questions, your honor.” “Very well. Miss Belle, you may step down and return to your family now.” Chief Justice said. Sweetie Belle quickly got out of the seat and returned to the stands. She took the empty seat between her sister and her parents, who quietly assured her that she did a good job up there and was very brave for answering all those questions the best she could. After that, many other colts and fillies that had dressed as changelings during Nightmare Night were called to the stand. However, when questioned by both Pharynx and Shining Armor, they more or less gave the same answers that Sweetie Belle had. After the last colt had gotten away from the witness stand, the judge got everyone’s attention. “We have heard many witnesses speak thus far. Prosecution, do you have any more to call?” Chief Justice asked. “Yes, your honor.” “Well, that will have to wait until a later time. It is getting late, and I don’t want this trial to drag on into evening. I am calling a recess. The trial will resume tomorrow at 8am sharp.” Chief Justice said with a gavel bang. Author's Note The trial has begun. Which way will it go? You'll have to read on to find out. The next chapter will see more witnesses brought to the stand and more back and forth arguments over the nature of defamation. I hope you enjoy it when I get it out.
Trial, Part 2The following morning, the trial resumed at 8am on the dot. Once the court was called to order, Judge Chief Justice asked the prosecution if they would call their next witness to the stand. “With pleasure, your honor. The prosecution calls Princess Luna Nocturna Equus to the stand.” Pharynx declared. Everypony in the courtroom, Chief Justice included, gasped at this. Nopony expected for one of the princesses to be called to the stand. They were equally shocked when Luna walked into the courtroom, her star-studded mane and tail flowing in a non-existent wind. Once the princess made it to the witness stand, the bailiff, almost reluctantly, held out the law book and gently requested that Luna put her right hoof on the book, which she did. “Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you Celestia?” The judge asked. “I do. In the name of my sister, I swear I shall tell no lies.” Luna replied. Once the princess took her seat, Pharynx began his questioning. “Do you know why we called you here, princess?” “Indeed. The queen of the changelings has filed a suit of defamation against the small town of Ponyville over an incident that occurred on Nightmare Night.” “Correct. Given your own experiences with defamation in the form of Nightmare Night itself, we think you could show the court just how Queen Chrysalis feels.” “How she feels? Pray tell, could you elaborate?” Luna requested. “I’m going to answer that question with a question. Where were you on the previous year’s Nightmare Night?” “I had decided to grace the small village of Ponyville, residence of my sister’s personal student, Twilight Sparkle, for the evening on my sister’s recommendation.” “And what happened next?” “Having heard it was a holiday surrounding Nightmare Moon, I decided to arrive in the guise of my evil persona, thinking I would be well received. But instead, I was met with shrieks of fear. It was as if they were afraid of me.” “Do you know why they were afraid of you?” “In the time of my thousand year absence, Nightmare Moon had become a legend. A story to frighten young foals. Particularly around that time of year.” “And tell us, did you not feel insulted when you found that out? Did you not feel like your character had been made mockery of? That it had been defamed?” “At first, yes, but-” “And why would the same not hold true for insults made on the same night against somepony else?” “Under normal circumstances, you would be correct, however-” “How is it not the ponies of Ponyville’s fault that my queen has been slandered in much the same way you were? How is-” “BE SILENT AND LET ME SPEAK!” Luna yelled in the Traditional Canterlot Voice. “I was indeed hurt and insulted when ponies reacted with fear at my mere presence. I felt like a blight upon my honor had been dealt to me. I even went so far as to cancel Nightmare Night. However, after a particularly enlightening conversation with Twilight Sparkle, as well as a realization that foals enjoy being scared on that day, all feelings of animosity left me. I learned that it was a holiday meant to make light of the darkness I succumbed to over a millennium ago. To make light of all that is frightening in the world. After returning to Canterlot, I had a lengthy discussion with my sister over the matter. She revealed that the tradition of paying tribute to Nightmare Moon on that evening was meant to be a gesture of kindness towards me, so that upon my return, I would feel the love I felt I was denied 1000 years ago. I had learned that all fear and/or mockery of Nightmare Moon made that night is made in jest, and should be taken as such. These jests serve the purpose of trying to amuse me and all the good citizens of Equestria. It is my own fault I failed to see that at first. Were I in your place, Queen Chrysalis, I would learn to, as the modern ponies say, ‘learn to take a joke’. I fail to see how it is defamatory to be the subject of amusement and jokes.” Pharynx stood still in shock, still recovering from having the Traditional Canterlot Voice blasted right in his face. Once he recovered, he tried to ask another question. “Be that as it may, what about-” “I have nothing left to say to you. I believe I have made my position quite clear. I also believe that, in my absence, my sister implemented a law stating that those under arrest or on a witness stand have a right to remain silent. I choose now to exercise that right against you.” Luna cut off. “…Fine! No further questions, your honor.” Pharynx snarled between grit teeth, angry that he had not gotten the answers he wanted out of the princess. “Does the defense wish to cross examine the witness?” Chief Justice asked. “No, your honor. I don’t think there’s much she can add for us.” Shining Armor replied. “So be it. Thank you, Princess Luna. You are free to go.” Without a word, Luna rose from the witness stand and walked out of the courtroom with all the grace one would expect from a princess. As she passed the prosecution’s table, she turned her muzzle upward at them. “Prosecution, call your next witness.” The judge ordered. ‘Time for our ace in the hole.’ Pharynx thought. “The prosecution now calls to the stand Her Royal Highness, Queen Chrysalis of the changelings.” Pharynx stated. At that, Queen Chrysalis stood from the table and made her way to the witness stand. Once there, she, rather reluctantly, placed her book on the book the bailiff was holding. “Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you Celestia?” The judge asked. ‘I hate having to swear in that wretched mare’s name. But if it gets me the justice I deserve, then…’ “I swear.” Chrysalis choked out. Once seated in the witness stand, Pharynx approached his queen. “Now then, your majesty, tell us your side of the story. What happened?” “On the holiday that the ponies call ‘Nightmare Night’, I observed countless young ponies dressed as my changeling drones. And one particularly impudent filly went so far as to dress as me personally. And all the while, the little brats kept going on and on about how scary, evil, and ugly changelings are. But none of them really know me, or any of my drones. They simply repeated their slanderous statements all through the night. And it wasn’t just the young. Many mares and stallions said similar things upon seeing their children dressed as they were. Even the very mayor of the town was quoted as saying that changelings are scary and nasty. All night, all I heard were insults, barbs, and hurtful comments directed at me and my race! These so-called ‘friendly’ ponies were judging all of us even though they know nothing of us.” Chrysalis answered. “And what makes you think their statements were false, exactly?” “I just said it. These ponies do not know me, personally. They know not you, any of the changelings on the jury, none of us. Not down to your brood brother on the jury there. They just assumed the worst and went with it. They spent the entire night spreading their lies.” “Objection!” Shining Armor shouted. “Queen Chrysalis just admitted that her consul’s brother is on the jury. That alone should be grounds for dismissing this whole trial!” “Well technically, all changelings are brothers and sisters. Much as we hate being called ‘insects’, our reproductive process is similar to those of ants and bees. We are all born of the queen, and thus, we are all siblings. Thorax and Pharynx just so happen to come from the same brood of eggs.” Kevin said. “Besides, it was agreed beforehand that for fairness’s sake, the jury would be half pony, half changeling. We can’t have that without siblings interacting.” Delilah added. The judge thought this over for a moment before coming to a conclusion. “Assuming this is true, then there is nothing that can be done without selecting a new jury. A new jury which would be impractical to this one since changelings are all siblings. Your objection, and your motion to dismiss this trial, are overruled, Captain Armor.” Chief Justice declared with a bang of the gavel. “Mr. Pharynx, please continue.” “With pleasure.” Pharynx said with a dark chuckle over how he had gotten one over on the ponies. “Now then, did any of the ponies ever explicitly call themselves ‘Queen Chrysalis’?” “Yes. In particular that one white unicorn filly that testified yesterday.” “Now then, do you believe that these ponies willingly did such a thing?” “Without a doubt. They did so with the full intent of making us changelings look like a lesser species. A species of monsters. They were at fault for their own words and actions.” “And what has happened to you as a result of these ponies’ mockery of you and the changeling race?” “We changelings are a deeply empathic race. We feed on love, but are able to sense other emotions as well. The constant comments of fear and hate for changelings filled the air with those emotions. Since love is sustenance for us, those emotions make us want to vomit. Not to mention the fact that, again, they have no proof that their comments are justified in any way.” Chrysalis finished. “Thank you, your majesty. No further questions, your honor.” Pharynx stated. “Does the defense wish to cross examine the witness?” Chief Justice asked. “Very much so, your honor.” Shining Armor said flatly. As Shining Armor approached the witness stand, it took every bit of willpower and discipline from his years of guard training to keep from lashing out, maybe even attacking, the changeling queen, the one who nearly ruined his wedding and took over Canterlot, that was in front of him. “So, Queen Chrysalis. Where were you on the night of October 31st? The most recent one?” Shining asked. “Were you not listening a few moments ago? I was in Ponyville, observing my name being dragged through the mud.” Chrysalis answered. “I see. So what were you doing in Ponyville? And for that matter, why were there no reports of you being there? Why did no one see you?” “As is typical of changelings, I went in disguise to avoid detection.” “Really? Well then, if you’re so defensive of the changeling name, so upset that others spoke badly of it, why hide it? Why hide something that you’re fighting so hard to defend in a court of law?” “For one, it is changeling nature to be in disguise in the presence of non-changelings. For another, I have personal reasons to want to not draw attention to myself.” Chrysalis said defensively. “Personal reasons. I’m curious, does that have anything to do with an incident that occurred on or around the most recent April 21st in Canterlot?” “Objection!” Pharynx yelled. “Irrelevance. Not to mention he’s asking my queen to respond with unreasonable specificities.” “Sustained. Captain Armor, if you want to file a suit against the changeling queen for what she did in Canterlot, do it after this trial has ended. But until then, focus on the defamation part.” Chief Justice ordered. “Fine.” Shining grumbled. “You still never answered my first question. Why were you in Ponyville the day you heard these alleged defamatory statements?” “After being cast out of Canterlot for reasons I refuse to disclose, I was attempting to rebuild my hive. I thought maybe a few of my drones wound up in that tiny town. I was there to gather them. To gather other information about where those I was looking for might be.” Shining Armor had a gut feeling that there was more to that statement than what the queen was implying. But he let it go for now. He needed to focus on the defamation aspects like the judge had ordered. “Alright, next question. You believe that everything negative that the ponies of Ponyville said is completely false. Is that correct?” “Obviously. Or else we wouldn’t be here.” “May I direct the court’s attention to a royal proclamation made by Princess Celestia herself on April 23rd that was submitted into evidence. She stated, and I quote…” Shining pulled out an official looking document from the stack of evidence and read it. “’Some time ago, Chrysalis, the queen of a race of shapeshifters called changelings, infiltrated Canterlot under the guise of my adopted niece, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. While disguised as her, he took her place as the bride in then her upcoming wedding to Captain Shining Armor. This was done in an attempt to drain all the love Captain Armor had for Princess Cadenza. Love that changelings use as sustenance. Upon being discovered and ousted by the real Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and my faithful student, Twilight Sparkle, Queen Chrysalis revealed herself and instigated an invasion with her army of Changeling drones. During this invasion, many innocent ponies were injured, and many more were terrified by their attackers. It is only with the combined efforts of Princess Cadenza and Captain Armor, with some indispensable help from my faithful student and the other Elements of Harmony, that the attackers were repelled and peace was restored to Canterlot and all of Equestria. So signed, Princess Celestia Solaris Equus.’” “What does this have to do with anything?” Chrysalis asked. “It is generally accepted that proclamations made by Princess Celestia herself are to be taken as fact. And this proclamation openly states that many ponies were frightened by the invading changelings. And many who were in Canterlot that day admitted to being scared by them as well. I ask the court, how is it defamation to state that changelings are scary when it is a known fact that they frightened many ponies? As I stated yesterday, for any defamation suit to hold up, the statements have to be false. Not just unpleasant to the person the statements are directed towards. I also ask how it is the fault of Ponyville and its citizens that they were expressing their thoughts that changelings were monsters when it is, as I said, an indisputable fact that changelings invaded Canterlot and frightened its citizens. How can they be held responsible for any damages done to the reputation of the changelings when they are the ones who chose to invade Canterlot, thus coming off as frightening to the good ponies of Ponyville, if not all of Equestria.” As murmurs filled the entire courtroom, Shining Armor turned towards the judge. “No further questions, your honor.” “Does the prosecution have any more witnesses to call?” The judge asked. “No, your honor.” Pharynx replied. “Does the defense have any witnesses they wish to call?” “Yes, your honor. The defense wishes to call Twilight Andromeda Sparkle to the stand.” Shining Armor stated. “Objection, he’s about to question his own sister!” Pharynx yelled. “That should not be allowed on grounds of bias!” “I will again remind everypony of my privilege as Captain of the Royal Guard. As well as my training to avoid bias, even with family. I hope I don’t need to repeat myself in that regard.” Shining retorted. “You do not. Objection overruled. But just know that you are on very thin ice here, Captain Armor. If I see even the slightest sign of unprofessionalism or bias while you speak to your sister, I will dismiss you from this trial and all your hard work will have been for nothing. Am I clear?” The judge warned. “Clear as crystal.” Shining replied. With that, Twilight slowly and calmly walked to the stand. She, like Shining Armor, tried to remain as professional as possible, wanting to avoid any sort of accusations of favoritism and bias since it was her brother about to question her. As such, both siblings agreed before the trial that when this time came, they would both avoid things like titles, family nicknames, and personal questions. “Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you Celestia?” The judge asked. “I do solemnly swear.” Twilight affirmed. Once Twilight was seated in the witness stand, she was approached by her brother. “Alright, Miss Sparkle, why don’t you tell us what you saw on Nightmare Night?” Shining asked. “Well, I never saw Chrysalis herself, but all through the night, I did see a number of foals dressed as changelings when they came to my door to ask for candy. And I also saw the filly named Sweetie Belle dressed as, and call herself, Queen Chrysalis.” Twilight answered. “Did any of these foals dressed as changelings call themselves anything derogatory like evil, scary, or nasty?” “Yes.” “Why do you think they made such statements?” “Well, I, along with several other citizens of Ponyville, were in Canterlot at the time of the changeling’s invasion. We saw firsthoof what they did. All the damage they did, all the ponies they hurt, me especially. I don’t like to think about it.” Twilight was silent for a moment before she regained her composure. “Anyway, when we returned to Ponyville, we all told of what happened. That, combined with Princess Celestia’s proclamation on what happened, it all sounded like something out of a horror story.” “So do you think the statements that were made against Chrysalis and the changelings were false in any way? And why do you feel that way, yes or no?” “No. I feel like the way the foals acted on Nightmare Night was accurate. I can’t fault anypony who dressed that way for acting the way they did. They were either recreating what they saw with their own two eyes at the wedding, mine included, or were acting the way they heard others talk about changelings from their firsthoof accounts.” “What damages do you think these comments made on Nightmare Night did to the changelings?” “Nothing that wasn’t already done by the changelings themselves. Like I said, I was there when they invaded. They did a lot of what ponies said they did on Nightmare Night.” “And do you think those comments were defamatory?” “No. That implies that those comments are false and made out of a genuine desire to hurt. I don’t believe either applies here for reasons I’ve already talked about.” “Very good. No further questions, your honor.” Shining Armor stated. “Does the prosecution wish to question the witness?” Chief Justice asked. “No.” Pharynx said bluntly. “Does the defense wish to call on anypony else?” “Yes, your honor.” Shining said as Twilight returned to her seat. Once Twilight had returned to the stands, the remaining Elements of Harmony were called to the stand one by one and asked similar questions as their purple furred friend. Once they had all given their testimony, the judge called order to his courtroom. “Does the defense have any more witnesses to call?” Chief Justice asked. “No, your honor.” Shining Armor stated. “Does either side have any more evidence they wish to submit?” “No, your honor.” Pharynx and Shining Armor said simultaneously. “Then there is only one thing left to do.” Chief Justice declared. Author's Note If you haven't noticed, I was relatively vague with my language surrounding Twilight. I did this intentionally. As I stated in the description, this story is supposed to take place between the Canterlot Wedding and Spike's first meeting with Thorax in the Crystal Empire. But a lot happened between those two points. That's why I'm letting all of you decide when exactly this all happened. Has Twilight become an alicorn yet? Still a unicorn? Does she still live in a library? Has the castle entered the picture? What about Starlight? Flurry Heart? That's up to all of you to decide. Anyway, there's only one chapter left. The outcome. Who do you think will win this case? Who has more cards in their favor? Let me know what you think. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and will enjoy the last one as well.
Verdict“Then there is only one thing left to do.” Chief Justice declared. “For both sides to give their closing arguments. Prosecution, you may go first.” “Very well, your honor. Ponies and changelings of the jury, you have heard many different testimonies. But looking at all of them, you should very easily tell that the ponies of this town have committed a grave crime against my queen and her race. They have made defamatory statements, ones that are plainly false, ones that clearly identified Queen Chrysalis as the victim of these slanderous statements, ones they were clearly at fault for making, and above all, ones that caused my queen and many other changelings great emotional damage. If you have any sense at all, you will know this to be true and convict those that are responsible.” Pharynx stated. “And now, the defense may make their statement.” Chief Justice stated. “Thank you, your honor. I will admit, the prosecution is right about one thing. You have heard many different testimonies. However, I must disagree in that they are all he claims they are. I ask you, is it really defamatory to make light of somepony on Nightmare Night? Is it false to act similar to an invader when the one you’re acting as did attempt an invasion? Can the ponies of this town really be held at fault for negatively acting as somepony they know did negative things? Can they really be blamed for the damage done to her reputation when she did pretty much all that damage herself? I hope you’ll ask yourselves those questions while making your decision.” Shining Armor spoke. “Very well. Jury, you will now deliberate. Return to this room once you have reached a decision.” Chief Justice said with a gavel bang. With that, the 12 members of the jury left the room to begin their deliberations. Everypony else in the courtroom began holding their breath, wondering just what outcome would be reached. After many hours of intense debate, the jury finally returned to the courtroom. Once everypony, and everychangling, was seated, the judge addressed them. “Has the jury reached a verdict?” “We have, your honor.” The changeling acting as jury foreman stated. “We the jury find the defendants, Mayor Mare and the town of Ponyville…not guilty.” A large and varied amount of emotions and reactions were heard across the courtroom. None were stronger than the reaction of Queen Chrysalis. “WHAT?! What is this…this mockery of justice?!” Chrysalis shouted at the changelings in the jury. “My deepest apologies, my queen, but the law clearly states that for a defamation suit to be considered, it has to meet all of many different torts, and there were some that we felt you just didn’t meet.” Kevin stated. “Plus, in their defense, one of them convinced the rest of his fellow changelings that they should follow the law to the letter. He said it would be best that they play by pony rules since our court systems are so different from theirs. ‘We should see what a fair trial looks like from their perspective if we want to know more about ponies,’ he said. He also pointed out that the longer they stay in the room, the longer they have to go without feeding.” Cheerilee explained. “Which one of you fools uttered such wretched nonsense?! I arranged for changelings to be on the jury so you would all support me! When I find out which one of you betrayed me, you will not live long enough to regret it!” Chrysalis snapped. ‘Note to self: Accelerate plans to move to Crystal Empire and try to make friends.’ The jury foreman changeling thought to himself. “Wait, did you just admit to tampering with the jury to get some changelings placed there?” Chief Justice asked. Chrysalis looked momentarily stunned at this. But she quickly regained her composure. “No matter. I will appeal this baseless decision. I will drag this all the way through the highest levels of government if I must!” Chrysalis shouted. “Allow me to save you the trouble.” Everypony gasped as they saw Princess Celestia herself enter the courtroom. Once at the front, she turned and faced Queen Chrysalis. “You wish to appeal this decision, do you not?” Celestia asked. “You bet your plot I do! I will go all the way to the highest court to see that I am given what I am owed for having my name slandered!” “I am the highest court. Or at least a part of it. As princess, I sit at the head of the tribunal that makes up Equestria’s Supreme Court. I have heard and received your writ of certiorari. It will be reviewed at the earliest convenience. But that will likely not be until after the countersuit is finished.” Celestia explained. “Countersuit? What countersuit?!” Chrysalis demanded. “The countersuit against you, of course. All of Equestria is now suing you and your changeling hive. You still committed crimes such as assaulting and impersonating royalty, assaulting countless other ponies, emotional manipulation, foalnapping, attempted violent takeover, attempted coup d'état, and many others. And you never answered for them. What, did you think we forgot all that? That we would just let that pass just because you sued for defamation? I’m confident saying all of that is more serious than having slander brought against you. Even if you’d won this case, we’d still have pressed those charges against you. Whatever you would’ve won here wouldn’t have done you much good behind bars.” “…Maybe it wasn’t the best idea to reveal myself in a court of law. If I’d known I’d have all that hanging over my head…” Chrysalis muttered. “I hope your lawyer is better at defense than he was at prosecuting. Until then, guards, take her away.” Celestia ordered. Author's Note Yeah, I don't know why I wrote this either. Honestly, this was just one of those ideas that just entered my head and wouldn't leave unless I wrote it. I'd bet folding money a lot of stories are like that. The next story I intend on writing is like that, too. Nevertheless, I am excited to get started on that story. It's one I've had in my head even longer. And I have a much more detailed plans for where I want it to go. I hope you enjoy it when I get it out. And I hope you enjoyed this one, too. Before I wrap this story up, I'm going to add something for all the law nerds out there. According to U.S law, in order for a defamation suit to be won, several conditions must be met. The alleged defamatory comments must be: Defamatory. They have to be either written or spoken words that damage someone's name or reputation in some way. False. The plaintiff has to prove that the statements made are false. They can't be true or a matter of opinion. It must an assertion of fact that can be proven incorrect. Identification. A third party must be able to identify who the comments were made against. Be it by name, or a description of the person that leaves little room for assumption that the statement is referring to someone else. Even if no name is ever given. Published. The defamatory statement must reach a third party in some way. A private argument between two people where insults are thrown around is not defamatory. Fault. The plaintiff must prove that the statements were made with fault. That the one who made those statements had at least some comprehension that their statements would have some manner of consequences against the person they made the statement against. Damaging. The plaintiff must prove that they suffered some manner of damage or loss as a result of the statements. Be they financial losses, irreparable damage of reputation, loss of employment or property, or anything of the like. All of these torts must be met in order for a defamation suit to be won. If even one is missing, you lose. Personally, I don't think Chrysalis can meet the damage or false parts. The ponies didn't say anything that was either them playing around, expressing their opinion, or factually incorrect. Plus, the reputation of changelings was bad enough already after the wedding. The ponies' statements didn't really make it any worse. But what do I know? I'm not a law expert. The only reason I know all this is because I had to learn it in relation to another field of study I'm involved in. Anyway, like I said, I hope you enjoyed this story and will stick around for the ones I write in the future. Take care, everyone.
