Starburst in Wonderland

Starburst sat in a massive courtroom within the castle with her hooves and wings shackled with thick, heavy chains. Among the spectators were the dukes and duchesses while the royal guard ponies/playing cards stood at attention all along the corners of the hall. Starburst looked around nervously and hopelessly until her eyes fell upon the jury box. To her surprise the jury was mostly made up of the animals she encountered when she first entered the strange world. Among the jury were the two hoofcolts that looked like Echo and Pixel Bit. To Starburst’s surprise she also recognized Bill the Lizard who bore a strong resemblance to Hot Head, Anthea’s friend at the orphanage. From Starburst’s understanding, Bill/Hothead was to serve as the jury forestallion, or in this case the forelizard. Her eyes met Bill/Hot Head’s eyes and he looked at her with utter contempt. Starburst looked back at Bill/Hot Head nervously and wondered if he was still angry at her for kicking him out of the chimney when she was abnormally big and for punching him in the eye when she shrunk abnormally small. Starburst’s eyes then fell upon Nightlight/Rabbit. She found out that the purple rabbit would serve as “Head Bailiff” and his responsibility was to ensure the security within the court. Starburst momentarily wondered how Nightlight/Rabbit could possibly ensure security when she did not know him to be the combative type. Starburst then quickly reminded herself that it was not the real Nightlight. She then looked over to her right and at the desk there was a female griffon with white feathers, light grey fur and wearing a type of business suit and a creature who they called “The Mock Turtle”. Starburst recognized the griffon. The female griffon’s name was Genevieve. Genevieve’s father was Gallus, a griffon and a former student at Princess Twilight’s School of Friendship and her mother was Gabby, a griffon who was friends with Spike, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. The Mock Turtle, to Starburst’s surprise, was not a turtle at all. Instead, he was a male dragon whom Starburst was familiar with. The young dragon who had a turtle’s shell and who was also wearing a business suit was Soot. Soot was a former resident of Princess Ember’s Dragon Kingdom who now resided in Canterlot. Despite the thuggish sounding name, Soot was rather sophisticated and dignified in how he carried about himself. From what Starburst heard, Genevieve and Soot/Mock Turtle were to serve as prosecutors for this crazy trial. Starburst then looked around and realized that she was seated at an empty table. “All rise!” announced Nightlight/Rabbit. At those words all the spectators, the prosecutors and jurors rose from their seats. However, Starburst remained in her seat partly because her shackles were quite heavy. At the corner her eye she saw a royal guard/playing card march towards her. She turned towards him and sunk in her chair when she saw the stern expression he had. “You’re supposed to rise, peasant!” he said through gritted teeth.

“Peasant?” said Starburst giving him a stern look. “I’m a princess!”

“A princess?” said the royal guard/playing card with a skeptical expression. “Never heard of you. Rise!”

The royal guard/playing poked Starburst slightly in the shoulder with his heart-shaped spear. Starburst flinched and glared at him. She then slowly rose from her chair straining with her shackles. Just then The Queen of Hearts/Claire slowly trotted in being flanked by a handful of guards on all sides. She wore a long black robe that was usually worn by judges. Behind her was The King of Hearts/Fletcher still wearing his royal garments. The Queen of Hearts/Claire then took her seat in an elevated chair at an elevated desk. “Presenting the presiding judge, The Most Honorable, Her Majesty, Her Excellency, Her Most Royal Highness, The Queen of Hearts!” announced Nightlight/Rabbit. The King of Hearts/Fletcher then tapped Nightlight/Rabbit on the shoulder. Nightlight/Rabbit then gave an exasperated look. “And The King,” he deadpanned.

After The Queen of Hearts/Claire took her seat all the spectators took their seats. “Are all sides ready?” asked The Queen of Hearts/Claire sternly.

“The prosecution is ready, Your Highness,” replied Genevieve.

“Great,” said The Queen of Hearts/Claire with a wicked grin. “Now, it’s time for the sentence.”

“Wait!” protested Starburst as she sprang to her hooves. “Shouldn’t we have the trial first?”

“SENTENCE FIRST!” roared The Queen of Hearts/Claire.

“But you have to have the trial and then let the jury deliberate for a verdict first,” said Starburst as she struggled to stay on her hooves with her shackles.

“SENTENCE FIRST!” screamed The Queen of Hearts/Claire as she pounded her front hooves on her desk.

“But I don’t even know what I’m being put on trial for!” protested Starburst. “You can’t just sentence me! That’s not the way it works!”

“IN THIS KINGDOM ALL WAYS ARE…!” began The Queen of Hearts/Claire.

“Your ways,” interrupted Starburst in a tone that was equally nervous and defeated. “Yes, Your Majesty.” Slowly Starburst sunk in her chair, her heart racing a mile a minute over an inevitable sentence. The Queen of Hearts/Claire let out an evil chuckle. “The condemned is hereby sentenced to death!” she announced. A look of absolute horror appeared on Starburst’s face. “Now,” began The Queen of Hearts/Claire “OFF WITH HER…!”

“Please consider, Dear,” said The King of Hearts/Fletcher cutting her off. “We haven’t heard both sides plead their cases yet. Let them present their cases and call their witnesses.”

“Fine!” groaned The Queen of Hearts/Claire.

“That’s a dear,” said The King of Hearts/Fletcher with a smile. He then kissed The Queen of Hearts/Claire on her forehead which elicited a smile from her. As much as Starburst was thankful that The King of Hearts/Fletcher bought her more time she was sorely tempted to fly towards The Queen of Hearts/Claire and pound her face in for getting too cuddly with her coltfriend even though it was not real Fletcher. The only thing that was preventing Starburst from committing aggravated assault was her shackles. “The prosecution will now present their opening statements!” announced The Queen of Hearts/Claire.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” said Genevieve. The female griffon stood in the midst of the court while glaring at Starburst. “Your Highness, distinguished guests, members of the jury,” began Genevieve. “The case we present today will plainly show that the defendant seated before you maliciously and with forethought enticed our beloved queen into a game of croquet.”

“I didn’t entice her,” protested Starburst. “She was the one who asked me to play!”

“ORDER IN THE COURT!” roared The Queen of Hearts/Claire as she pounded a gavel.

“The defendant then began to engage in teasing, tormenting and annoying Her Royal Highness,” continued Genevieve. “But that’s not the worst of the defendant’s crimes. The defendant proceeded to assault our beloved queen thus causing Her Highness to lose her temper!”

“It wasn’t me!” said Starburst cutting off Genevieve. “I swear!”

“ORDER IN THE COURT!” demanded The Queen of Hearts as she pounded her gavel. She then glared at Starburst. “I’m warning you, little filly!” The Queen of Hearts/Claire said. “YOU’RE A HAIR’S BREADTH AWAY FROM LOSING YOUR HEAD!”

“I’m not a little filly!” said Starburst glaring at The Queen of Heart/Claire. “I’M SEVENTEEN, FOR CELESTIA’S SAKE!”

“THAT’S IT!” roared The Queen of Hearts/Claire. “OFF WITH HER…!”

“Calm down, Dear,” said The King of Hearts/Fletcher cutting her off. “The prosecution hasn’t presented their case yet. Let them convince the jury and you can prove that the death penalty is warranted.”

The Queen of Hearts/Claire did not say a word. All she did was huff and lean against her desk. The Royal Guard/playing guard then stomped towards Starburst giving her a deathly glare. “I’d keep that trap of yours shut if I were you, little filly!” he said sternly as he pointed his spear at Starburst’s neck. A trickle of sweat then ran down the young pegsus’s head and she swallowed hard. Genevieve then cleared her throat loudly. “If the defendant’s gnarly scar is anything to go by,” she continued as she pointed at Starburst while walking over to the jury box “You will all see that she’s nothing but an out-of-control juvenile delinquent bent on being a menace to our kingdom!” The young griffon’s words made Starburst tremble with anger. She tried so hard to convince herself that it was not the real Genevieve, but Starburst looked at her with rage and betrayal over having her name dragged through the mud. “Splendid opening statements,” said The Queen of Hearts/Claire with a smile. “The prosecution may now summon their first witness.”

“The prosecution summons The Dodo to the stand, Your Highness,” announced The Mock Turtle/Soot.

“The Dodo?” Starburst said to herself with a look of surprise. The twin doors of the court opened behind the spectators revealing the purple Dodo bird that bore a strong physical resemblance to Anthea’s friend Lucky Star. He confidently walked towards the witness bench and took his seat while Starburst looked on with a hanging jaw. “Witness, state your name and occupation for the record,” said The Mock Turtle/Soot.

“I’m just the Dodo,” said Dodo/Lucky Star nonchalantly. “I don’t really have an occupation by the queen’s orders because according to her I’m extinct so no one will ever acknowledge me.”

“That’s pretty harsh,” Starburst thought silently.

“Do you recognize the defendant seated before you?” said The Mock Turtle/Soot pointing to Starburst.

“Yup,” said Dodo/Lucky Star with a beaming expression. He then began waving at Starburst. “Nice to see you again, little filly,” said Dodo/Lucky Star. “Did you find your little brother?” Instead of returning the gesture Starburst simply glared at Dodo/Lucky Star. “You seem to be quite familiar with her, witness,” said The Mock Turtle/Soot with a cocked eye. “When did you first meet her?”

“At the beach where me and my friends were trying to dry off,” explained Dodo/Lucky Star.

“How would you describe the defendant’s demeanor?” asked The Mock Turtle/Soot.

“She seemed rather frantic and panicky if not annoyed for some reason,” said Dodo/Lucky Star with a shrug. “At first, she started calling me Lucky Star. It sounded like a compliment like she thought I was super lucky or something. After that she started asking me if I’ve seen her brother. Nightlight, was it?”

“Interesting,” said The Mock Turtle/Soot nodding slowly. “Did she give any kind of description of this “Nightlight”?”

“She said that he was a purple rabbit?” said Dodo/Lucky Star looking upwards.

“Sounds to me that the defendant is describing him,” said The Mock Turtle/Soot pointing Nightlight/Rabbit.

“Now that I’ve seen him up close,” began Dodo/Lucky Star “she might have been talking about him. Why would she think he’s her brother though?”

“I see,” said The Mock Turtle/Soot with a sly smile. “No further questions, Your Majesty.”

“Witness, you may leave the stand,” said The Queen of Hearts/Claire.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” said Dodo/Lucky Star. He then vacated his seat and walked down the aisle. “Trust me, little filly,” Dodo/Lucky Star called out to Starburst “The Queen could get someone to help you. Not that I think you’re crazy.” With those words the strange bird version of Lucky Star exited through the doors.

“Will that be all?” asked The Queen of Hearts/Claire as she glared at the members of the prosecution.

“The prosecution now summons The Duchess, Your Majesty,” announced Genevieve.

Starburst’s eyes widened at the announcement. She looked at the massive twin doors as they opened revealing Crème de la Crème who was referred to as The Duchess. As The Duchess/Crème made her way to the witness box she levitated a mirror and a few other makeup utensils with her unicorn magic. When she took her seat, she was still busy looking in the mirror as she sorted out her mane and whatever she deemed out of place. “Witness, state your name and occupation for the record,” said Genevieve.

“You may simply call me The Duchess,” said The Duchess/Crème not looking at Genevieve. Instead, Duchess/Crème was still focused on her mirror.

“Are you familiar with the defendant?” said Genevieve pointing to Starburst.

The Duchess/Crème looked away from her mirror and focused on Starburst. She gave her a blank stare for a few moments while Starburst gave The Duchess/Crème a look of nervousness. The Duchess/Crème then looked back into her mirror. “Yes, she barged into my home babbling some nonsense calling me “Crème”,” she said not looking at Genevieve.

“She barged into your home, you say,” said Genevieve. She then threw a stern look at Starburst who sunk into her seat. “She wouldn’t happen to take anything of value, would she?” said Genevieve still staring Starburst down.

“As a matter of fact, she did!” said The Duchess/Crème looking up at Genevieve. The Duchess/Crème then turned sharply to Starburst staring daggers at the young princess. “She foalnapped my foal!” said The Duchess/Crème pointing a stern hoof at Starburst. “I went to get ready to see The Queen and I couldn’t find my loving daughter for half of the day!”

“I didn’t foalnapped her foal!” protested Starburst. She then shook her head when she caught herself. “I mean, I didn’t foalnapped anyone!” said Starburst desperately. “She threw the foal at me and told me to take care of her! Then she started singing about beating that foal!” Starburst then looked towards the jury box. To her surprise she saw Whirlwind among the jurors. “She was there!” said Starburst gesturing to Whirlwind. “She was throwing plates and stuff making the place dangerous!” Whirlwind stared at Starburst as if the young princess was beyond insane.

“ORDER IN THE COURT!” roared The Queen of Hearts/Claire as she banged her gavel.

“I see,” said Genevieve glaring at Starburst. “No further questions, Your Majesty.”

“Witness, you may leave the stand,” The Queen of Hearts/Claire calmly and sweetly. The Duchess/Crème gracefully left her seat and started to make her way down the aisle keeping her eyes glued to her mirror. Starburst looked at The Duchess/Crème with absolute rage when the squeals of a piglet reverberated in the court. Starburst perked up and turned towards the doors. To her surprise the piglet version of Api Apple rushed through the doors and galloped towards The Duchess/Crème. “See?” said Starburst jumping to her hooves pointing at the piglet version of Api. “I didn’t foalnap her. She’s right there! In fact, she ran away from me!”

“ORDER IN THE COURT!” thundered The Queen of Hearts/Claire as she glared at Starburst and banged her gavel. The Duchess/Crème levitated the little piglet and gently laid her upon her back as she started to make her way to the door. As Starburst looked on the piglet transformed back into a white, brown spotted earth pony filly which bore a strong resemblance to Api. The foal version of Api turned to Starburst, pointed a little hoof at her and started giggling uncontrollably. Baby Api’s giggles echoed throughout the courtroom as she and The Duchess/Crème finally exited through the large doors. Starburst looked on trembling with rage. “And to think that I risked my neck trying to save her,” she thought silently.

“Your Majesty,” Genevieve began “in light of the new revelations, the prosecution recommends that along with the other charges levelled against her, the defendant also be charged with foalnapping.”

“Splendid recommendation,” said The Queen of Hearts/Claire. “The defendant is hereby given an additional charge: foanlnapping in the first degree.” Starburst’s eyes widened and her heart was beating out of her chest. “Now it’s time for the jury to deliberate,” announced The Queen of Hearts/Claire.

“No, wait!” protested Starburst as she sprang to her hooves. “You can’t do this! This is not the way you conduct a court!”

“IN THIS KINGDOM ALL WAYS ARE…!” began The Queen of Hearts/Claire in a thunderous voice.

“NO!” screamed Starburst cutting off The Queen of Hearts/Claire. “The jury can’t deliberate! You didn’t even give me a chance to prove my innocence! I don’t even have a lawyer!”

“GUARDS, RESTRAIN THE DEFENDANT!” roared The Queen of Hearts/Claire. At those words five guards/playing cards started marching towards Starburst, one of them armed with what appeared to be a type of gag made from fabric. “I’m already restrained with these stupid chains!” said Starburst as she started to shift sideways the closer the guards/playing cards came towards her. “I HAVE THE RIGHT TO LEGAL REPRESENTATION!” the young pegasus screamed.

“Please consider, my dear,” said The King of Hearts/Fletcher as he turned to The Queen of Hearts/Claire “legally speaking, the defendant does have a right to plead her case. We should give her a chance to explain herself and that includes appointing a lawyer for her.” The Queen of Hearts/Claire stared daggers at The King of Hearts/Fletcher and growled. She then held up a hoof and the guards/playing cards stopped a few inches away from Starburst. “The defendant is hereby appointed an attorney free of charge,” announced The Queen of Hearts/Claire in a defeated tone. The guards/playing guards started to back away from Starburst and the young Pegasus let out a huge sigh of relief. She momentarily began to wonder if the iteration of Fletcher was as fake as she was initially led to believe.

Her ears then picked up the cracking of the large wooden doors and she turned over to area seeing the doors swing wide open revealing someone that made her eyes go wide. Trotting into the court was a young unicorn mare with a white coat, a short mane made of light and dark blue hair and dressed in a business suit. A huge smile came across Starburst’s face when the familiar looking unicorn mare took her seat next to her. This unicorn mare, at first glance, was none other than Dove. Dove was the daughter of travelling magician Trixie Lulamoon who called herself “The Great and Powerful Trixie”. Before Dove was born Trixie took up residence in Prance where she met Dove’s father, a Prench pegasus. When Dove was born Trixie and Dove’s father would be married for the next sixteen years and Trixie picked up the Prench language. It was also during this time when Dove started to have trouble developing her unicorn skills, oftentimes accidentally hurling objects like projectiles and in some cases accidentally setting fires to areas of the house. Dove started to resent her unicorn heritage and would often run into the nearby forest where she would ram her horn into a tree until it broke. When Dove was sixteen the marriage between her father and Trixie fell apart and they would eventually divorce a year later. Trixie took Dove back to Ponyville and she got reacquainted with an old friend Starlight Glimmer, the headmare of Princess Twilight’s School of Friendship. Both Starlight Glimmer and Princess Twilight became aware of Dove’s issues with her unicorn magic and tried to help her to develop her abilities the best way possible. For a while Dove slowly began to master her unicorn magic soon developing her love of doing magic tricks just like her mother. Dove established her own title: “Dove the Extraordinary”. As “Dove the Extraordinary” Dove began doing her own magic shows infusing actual doves in her acts. During her lessons with Princess Twilight, Dove and Starburst became close friends with both referring to each other as the sister they each never had. Starburst made it easy for Dove to pick up the Ponish language while Dove made it easy for Starburst to pick up Prench. All their friendly conversations would be a mixture of both Prench and Ponish.

Dove gracefully took her seat next to Starburst and turned to the young pegasus. “Good morning, little filly,” said Dove in her adorable Prench accent.

“DOVE!” exclaimed Starburst. She wanted to throw her hooves around Dove, but her shackles made it impossible. “C'est si bon de vous revoir! (It’s so good to see you again!)” said Starburst in Prench.

“I’m sorry,” said Dove with a confused expression. “What in the world are you saying?”

Starburst’s heart sank. She soon reminded herself that she was in the wrong world. “Oh, sorry,” said Starburst sadly. “You just remind me of someone I know.”

“Anyway,” began Dove after clearing her throat. “The court has appointed me to be your attorney.”

“How long have you been a defense attorney?” asked Starburst.

“Only last night!” replied Dove/Defense Attorney in an excited manner that Starburst found reminiscent of Pinkie Pie. “Passed the bar with flying colors!”

Starburst looked at the young unicorn mare with absolute horror. She then momentarily thought that perhaps The Queen of Hearts/Claire rigged this situation in a way that would make it easier for Starburst to get a conviction. “You mean to tell me you’ve never defended anyone before?” said Starburst incredulously. “How are you so sure that you’re gonna get me off?”

“Well, if I wasn’t ready surely law school would’ve said so,” said Dove seemingly unaware of the shocked expression on the young pegasus’s face. “Now, to have any chance of getting an acquittal, you must summarize your whereabouts on the day in question. I doubt that Her Highness will give us enough time to build a case, so to the best of your ability try to sum up all the day’s events as short and sweet as you can.”

Starburst let out a heavy, exasperated sigh. Surely, she did not want to go over all the madness she had been through. “Well, first I fell down a rabbit hole trying to follow him,” explained Starburst gesturing to the Rabbit/Nightlight.

“I see,” said Dove/Defense Attorney nodding her head and looking at Starburst as if the young pegasus was strange.

“After that I came across a group of idiots calling themselves Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum,” continued Starburst. “That rabbit then dragged me into his house to look for his gloves or whatever and that’s where I drank some water, and I grew freakishly big. I was able to shrink down to a tiny size after a group of animals started throwing cake at me. I got lost in some grass where I came across some talking flowers and I was able to get back to my normal size after eating some mushrooms. I went into a house where the Duchess lived but she was treating her foal really horrible and started singing about beating her foal. The Duchess threw the foal at me and that foal turned into a pig. I lost the pig and met this talking cat who sent me to a house where the Mad Hatter and the March Hare lives. And then after that I met this stallion called the White Knight who told me how to find this place. And that’s how I ended up here.”

“Okay,” said Dove/Defense Attorney continuing to nod her head while displaying a worried expression.

“Does the defense council wish to make an opening statement?” snapped The Queen of Hearts/Claire. “Or do they wish to carry on idle chatter with that brat of a filly?”

Starburst turned sharply to The Queen of Hearts/Claire giving the queen a deathly glare. “I do wish to make an opening statement, Your Highness,” said Dove/Defense Attorney. Dove/Defense Attorney then rose from her seat, trotted to the front of the court and cleared her throat. “Your Highnesses, distinguished guests, members of the jury,” she began. “You’ve brought my client in this trial as one who has absolutely no regard for the law or those in authority. But I plan to show you that she doesn’t deserve to be treated as a common criminal.”

“Thank you very much,” Starburst thought silently after letting out a relieved sigh.

“In my short conversation with my client it’s very clear to me that she’s not all there mentally,” continued Dove/Defense Attorney.

“WHAT!?!” screamed a baffled Starburst jumping to her hooves. The Royal Guards/Playing Cards then rushed to her side pointing their spears at her.

“ORDER IN THE COURT!” shouted The Queen of Hearts/Claire banging her gavel.

“The case I intend to present today will plainly show the court that my client should be referred to the most highly skilled psychiatrists and psychologists that our kingdom has to offer,” Dove/Defense Attorney continued further. “If anything, she should at least be given probation. My client is rather young. Fillies her age tend to get into situations that cause unintended consequences for those around them. We should all be understanding. You know how we were when we were preteens.”

“That’s your case?” said Starburst glaring at her defense attorney. “And I’m not a preteen! I’M SEVENTEEN!”

“ORDER IN THE COURT!” roared The Queen of Hearts/Claire as she banged her gavel. “The defense council will control their client, or I will!”

Dove/Defense Attorney rushed to Starburst and started glaring at her. “Calm down!” scolded Dove/Defense Attorney. “Do you want to ruin our case?”

“You call that a case?” said Starburst through gritted teeth. “Basically, telling everyone that I’m crazy?”

“Not crazy,” assured Dove/Defense Attorney putting up her hoof. “The technical term is legally insane.”

“THAT’S THE SAME THING!” screamed an incredulous Starburst.

“Look,” began Dove/Defense Attorney giving her client a stern look “if I could convince Her Majesty that you didn’t mean for her to lose her temper because you had a momentary mental lapse, she and the prosecution wouldn’t have anything against you. The jury would declare that you didn’t know right from wrong and from there you could stay at one of our mental hospitals with your head still intact.”

Starburst began to stutter. It was just too much for the young pegasus. She then became lost in thought. Slowly she started to consider Dove/Defense Attorney’s case eventually concluding that perhaps an insanity defense could help her escape the death penalty. “These creatures are already so dumb,” she thought silently while nodding her head. “If I do get sent to the loony bin I could bust out and find my way back home. I hope Mom and the others aren’t starting to get worried about me.”

“Does the defense wish to bring forth any witnesses?” barked an impatient Queen of Hearts/Claire.

“I do, Your Majesty,” replied Dove/Defense Attorney calmly. She then rose to her hooves and puffed out her chest. “The defense calls the March Hare to the stand,” announced Dove/Defense Attorney. Starburst’s eyes widened at Dove/Defense Attorney’s announcement. At that very moment the large wooden doors to the court cracked open revealing The March Hare/Sugar Rush. She hopped towards the witness box and took her seat. As she took her seat, she reached into her coat and pulled out a tea pot and cup. She poured herself some tea and casually took a sip. “Witness, please state your name and occupation for the record,” said Dove/Defense Attorney.

“The March Hare, party organizing extraordinaire,” said an excited March Hare/Sugar Rush.

“Kinda like Mrs. Pinkie Pie,” Starburst thought silently.

“Could you explain to the court your whereabouts for the day?” asked Dove/Defense Attorney.

“Just home with The Mad Hatter and Door Mouse enjoying tea,” said The March Hare/Sugar Rush.

“And what do you know about the crime that my client is being accused of?” said Dove/Defense Attorney moving closer to The March Hare/Sugar Rush.

“Nothing whatsoever,” said The March Hare/Defense Attorney casually.

“Nothing whatsoever?” repeated Dove/Defense Attorney with astonishment.

“NOTHING WHATSOVER!” The March Hare/Sugar Rush shouted.

“That’s the most important information!” said a beaming Dove/Defense Attorney turning to the court.

“That is the most important information!” said an astonished Queen of Hearts/Claire. She then turned to the stenographer. “WRITE THAT DOWN!” roared The Queen of Hearts/Claire. At that the stenographer quickly started typing away.

“No further questions, Your Majesty,” announced Dove/Defense Attorney. She then took her seat as Starburst gave her a baffled look. “She didn’t help our case!” said Starburst glaring Dove/Defense Attorney.

“Just sit back and let me work my magic,” assured Dove/Defense Attorney.

“The Dove I know is a much better magician than you!” Starburst thought silently.

“THE PROSECUTION WILL BEGAN THEIR CROSS-EXAMINATION!” roared The Queen of Hearts/Claire.

“Scream louder, will you?” thought Starburst as she glared at The Queen of Hearts/Claire. “I wanna see you lose your voice!”

The Mock Turtle/Soot walked towards the witness box as The March Hare/Sugar Rush continued to casually sip tea. “Witness,” began The Mock Turtle/Soot “you say you have no knowledge of the crimes that the defendant’s being charged with. But you are familiar with the defendant, correct?”

“I am,” said The March Hare/Sugar Rush.

“How exactly did you meet the defendant?” continued The Mock Turtle/Soot. “Did you invite her to your house? Did you meet her on the streets, or did she just enter your house without permission?”

“I could remember her trotting into our yard,” said The March Hare/Sugar Rush as she stopped sipping her tea and looked up to the ceiling.

“Wouldn’t you agree that a random stranger simply trotting onto another stranger’s property is unbecoming of someone if they really respected boundaries?”

“Maybe,” said The March Hare/Sugar Rush with a shrug.

“So, you do agree that barging into someone’s premises without permission is unlawful?”

“At least she didn’t steal anything.”

“Be that as it may, you are aware that entering a house that isn’t yours is against the law, right?”

“Of course I know entering someone’s house without permission is against the law,” said The March Hare/Sugar Rush giving The Mock Turtle/Soot an incredulous look. “I’m not a filly, you know.”

“Yes, you are!” Starburst mentally screamed. The Mock Turtle/Soot let out a mischievous chuckle. “Nothing further, Your Majesty,” he announced.

“Witness, you may leave the stand,” said The Queen of Hearts/Claire. At those words The March Hare/Sugar Rush placed her teacup and tray upon the witness box and exited the witness box making her way out of the court.

The moment The March Hare/Sugar Rush exited the courtroom Genevieve marched towards the front. “Your Majesty,” she began “in light of new revelations, the prosecution recommends that along with the other charges that the defendant also be charged with breaking and entering.”

“And I completely agree,” said The Queen of Hearts/Claire looking at Genevieve with a mischievous grin.

“WHAT!?!” shouted a baffled Starburst.

“THE DEFENDANT IS HEREBY CHARGED WITH BREAKING AND ENTERING!” announced The Queen of Hearts/Claire.

“YOU CAN’T DO THAT!” screamed Starburst as she struggled to her feet.

“ORDER IN COURT!” roared The Queen of Hearts/Claire pounding her gavel. “The defense council will control the witness or it’s OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!”

A look of horror appeared on Dove/Defense Attorney’s face. She then put both front hooves on Starburst’s shoulders and yanked her down on her seat. “See what you’ve done?” said Dove/Defense Attorney glaring at Starburst. “Now my head is on the line! Calm yourself down, for crying out loud!” Starburst could only respond with a growl. “Does the defense have further witnesses?” demanded The Queen of Hearts/Claire.

“I do, Your Majesty,” said Dove/Defense Attorney. The unicorn mare walked to the front of the court with a look of confidence. “The defense calls The Door Mouse to the stand,” announced Dove/Defense Attorney. Starburst’s eyes went wide, and she struggled to her hooves. She then opened her mouth to protest but before she could get a word out, Dove/Defense Attorney shot a glare at her. Starburst closed her mouth and slowly sank to her chair. As much as she wanted to state that Dove/Defense Attorney’s choice of witness would absolutely sink what case they had, Starburst did not want Dove/Defense Attorney’s head to be on the chopping block. The courtroom doors opened revealing The March Hare/Sugar Rush once again. This time she was hopping on her hind legs carrying a large teapot. Once she arrived at the witness box, she carefully laid the teapot on the chair. Dove/Defense Attorney then trotted over to the witness box and cleared her throat. “Witness,” she began “state your…”

“SHHH!” went The March Hare/Sugar Rush putting an index paw to her mouth.

“Oh!” said Dove/Defense Attorney catching herself. She cleared her throat once again. “Witness,” she repeated in a whisper “state your name and occupation for the record.” To everyone’s surprise all the unicorn mare got in response was soft snoring.

“Is the witness sleeping?” inquired a confused Queen of Hearts/Claire.

“SHHH!” went Dove/Defense Attorney and The March Hare/Sugar Rush glaring at The Queen of Hearts/Claire.

“Sorry,” said The Queen of Hearts/Claire with a sheepish look.

“Witness, what do you know about the crimes my client has been charged with?” continued Dove/Defense Attorney softly.

“Twinkle, twinkle, little bat,” slurred the Door Mouse/Cloudy Skies as she slowly rose from the teapot with sleepy eyes. “How I wonder where you’re at. Up above the skies you fly. Like an alicorn in the sky.” With those last words Door Mouse/Cloudy Skies slowly sank back into the teapot and began snoring. “That’s the most important piece of evidence the court has heard today,” said a beaming Dove/Defense Attorney.

“That is the most important piece of evidence the court has heard today,” said an astonished Queen of Hearts/Claire. She then turned to the stenographer with a glare. “WRITE THAT DOWN!” she demanded. At that the stenographer hastily started typing. “The prosecution will begin their cross-examination,” announced The Queen of Hearts/Claire.

“Your Majesty,” began Genevieve “in light of the current situation, the prosecution has decided that we cannot properly conduct a cross-examination if the witness is in no condition to answer our questions.”

Starburst’s eyes went wide at that announcement. A tiny sense of relief washed over her at that exact moment. “Well then,” began a baffled Queen of Hearts/Claire “The witness may leave the stand.” At those words The March Hare/Sugar Rush gently took the teapot containing the sleeping Door Mouse/Cloudy Skies and made her way among the spectators. Dove/Defense Attorney then trotted over to her. “See?” she began with a smile. “Just put your faith in me and the prosecution and Queen will have nothing against you.”

“Maybe, just maybe I owe her an apology,” Starburst thought silently.

“Any other witnesses?” asked The Queen of Hearts/Claire.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” replied Dove/Defense Attorney. She once again made her way to the front of the courtroom. “The defense calls The Mad Hatter to the stand,” announced Dove/Defense Attorney. As she made her way back to her seat Starburst stared at her with wide eyes. “Do you know them or something?” asked Starburst.

“Of course!” said an excited Dove/Defense Attorney. “I visit The Mad Hatter, The March Hare and Door Mouse every weekend. They throw the best parties.”

“How in the hay is that supposed to help our case?” demanded an incredulous Starburst.

“Just sit back and watch,” assured Dove/Defense Attorney.

““Sit back and watch” she says,” grumbled Starburst.

The doors to the court opened and in stepped The Mad Hatter/Cotton Candy. She hopped as she made her way to the witness stand in a manner Starburst also found reminiscent of Mrs. Pinkie Pie. As The Mad Hatter/Cotton Candy took her seat Dove/Defense Attorney trotted to the witness stand and cleared her throat. “Witness, please state your name and occupation,”

“The Mad Hatter, Party Extraordinaire and Tea Aficionado!” said an excited Mad Hatter/Cotton Candy.

“A lot like The March Hare,” said Dove/Defense Attorney with a giggle. “Have you witnessed this alleged crime my client is accused of?”

“Of course not,” replied The Mad Hatter/Cotton Candy. She then reached into her big top hat and pulled out a tea pot and teacup. To Starburst’s astonishment The Mad Hatter/Cotton Candy sprayed the teapot like a spay gun spraying tea into the teacup. The Mad Hatter/Cotton Candy then sipped from her teacup. “I was getting ready to visit The Queen,” she continued. “Before that I was celebrating my Un-Birthday.” Her eyes then went wide as she let out a huge gasp. “That reminds me,” said The Mad Hatter/Cotton Candy with a broad smile gesturing to the spectators “today is everyone’s Un-Birthday!”

“Really?” said an excited Dove/Defence Attorney. “Then that means today’s also my Un-Birthday!”

“It is!” replied a beaming Mad Hatter/Cotton Candy.

“That means today’s also your Un-Birthday, my dear!” said The King of Hearts/Fletcher turning to The Queen of Hearts/Claire with a wide smile.

“It is?” said an ecstatic Queen of Hearts/Claire.

“It is!” said The Mad Hatter/Cotton Candy and March Hare/Sugar Rush in unison.

The spectators and royal guards let out a mighty cheer and out of nowhere confetti started to rain all over the courtroom. “Oh no!” groaned an exasperated Starburst. “Somepony chop off my head already.” The Queen of Hearts/Claire dismounted from her desk and took a seat at the prosecution’s desk as The Mad Hatter/Cotton Candy and The March Hare/Sugar Rush wheeled in a massive, triple layer cake laden with icing and multiple birthday candles. The Mad Hatter/Cotton Candy and The March Hare/Sugar Rush then laid the cake in front of an excited Queen of Hearts/Claire. “Now, blow the candles out, Your Majesty!” urged a beaming Mad Hatter/Cotton Candy. Without hesitation The Queen of Hearts/Claire blew the candles out in one blow and the birthday cake exploded like a firecracker. When the smoke cleared, lying before The Queen of Hearts/Claire was a large gift box complete with a large bow. She tore off the wrapping and removed the lid. The Queen of Hearts/Claire let out a huge gasp when she discovered the gift box’s contents. Using her magic, she levitated a large, luxurious hat from out of the gift box. “What I’ve always wanted!” exclaimed The Queen of Hearts/Claire with a huge smile. She removed her crown and placed her birthday gift on top of her head. She then trotted to the front of the court with her hat and struck a pose. Once again, the entire courtroom cheered. Starburst meanwhile just shook her head in disgust. As Starburst looked on, she noticed that The Queen of Heart/Claire’s hat was starting to change shape. To Starburst’s surprise the hat completely transformed into the feline version of Anthea. The Cheshire Cat/Anthea then turned to Starburst, gave a warm smile and waved a paw. “Look, it’s The Cheshire Cat!” exclaimed Starburst pointing with her shackled hoof. “She’s right on top of your head!”

A look of horror appeared on The Queen of Heart/Claire’s face. “A cat?” she said. The Queen of Heart/Claire reached for her head and at that exact moment The Cheshire Cat/Anthea vanished into thin air. “CAT!?!” shrieked The Door Mouse/Cloudy Skies as she shot out of her tea pot. She then began frantically running all over the courtroom, between furniture, between the hooves of the spectators and Royal Guards/Playing Cards. “Grab her!” exclaimed The Mad Hatter/Cotton Candy. She then made a mighty leap and grabbed onto The Door Mouse/Cloudy Skies’ tail. The March Hare/Sugar Rush in turn grabbed onto The Mad Hatter/Cotton Candy’s tail and they were both dragged all over the courtroom. “Get the jam!” said The Mad Hatter/Cotton Candy frantically.

“I left it home!” said an equally frantic March Hare/Sugar Rush.

“You left it home!?!” exclaimed an incredulous Mad Hatter/Cotton Candy.

In the chaos The Queen of Hearts/Claire was suddenly tangled in the drapes that once adorned the prosecutor’s bench. For his part, The King of Hearts/Fletcher pulled out a huge wooden mallet and tried to smash The Door Mouse/Cloudy Skies, missing with every strike he made. With every ground The Door Mouse/Cloudy Skies covered, The Mad Hatter/Cotton Candy and March Hare/Sugar Rush collided into furniture, spectators, jurors and Royal Guards/Playing Cards leaving everyone in crumpled messes. All Starburst could do was look on in horror. The Door Mouse/Cloudy Skies, Mad Hatter/Cotton Candy and March Hare/Sugar Rush then made their way towards The Queen of Hearts/Claire who was still trying to get out of the heavy drapes that cascaded over her. All three ran over her with The King of Hearts/Fletcher hot on their tails. At that very moment The King of Hearts/Fletcher made a mighty swing of his mallet hitting The Queen of Hearts/Claire right on top of her head.

Suddenly the courtroom went dead silent. They all looked at the drapes in mounting horror. Everyone, including Starburst, began to wonder if The Queen of Hearts/Claire was knocked out cold or worse, dead. Slowly, she sat up under the drapes. “SOMEONE’S HEAD IS GOING TO ROLL FOR THIS!!!” thundered the voice of The Queen of Hearts/Claire. All the courtroom’s occupants started to engage in terrified chatter. For her part, Starburst started to break out in a cold sweat. In a panic her eyes darted all over. A sense of calm then took over her when she suddenly remembered that she still had those two pieces of pink mushrooms that helped her regain her normal size. With some effort she reached for the mushrooms in her possession quickly shoved them into her mouth. At that exact same moment, the drapes that covered The Queen of Hearts/Claire caught fire. The drapes completely burned off revealing The Queen of Hearts/Claire breathing blue fire which was reminiscent of Spike the Dragon breathing green fire. Her entire face was as red as a cherry. She then gave Starburst the deathliest of glares and pointed a claw at her that trembled with rage. “YOURS!!!” bellowed The Queen of Hearts/Claire. As Starburst stared in horror at The Queen of Hearts/Claire, the little pegasus started to grow at a rapid rate faster than the eye could blink with her shackles breaking off her hooves and wings, thus freeing her. “OFF WITH…!” began The Queen of Hearts/Claire. However, before she could finish Starburst had grown to a massive size towering over everyone in the courtroom. Starburst looked at herself all over and a broad smile appeared on her face. “For once I actually like being freakishly big!” said Starburst with a cocky grin.

Starburst took one step towards The Queen of Hearts/Claire causing the entire courtroom to tremble as if an earthquake had struck. The Queen of Hearts/Claire looked at the giant-sized pegasus mare in absolute horror. “GUARDS, AFTER HER!!!” ordered The Queen of Hearts/Claire in a loud, yet trembling voice. A handful of Royal Guards/Playing Cards rushed towards Starburst’s giant hooves and started poking her with their spears. Instead of piercing her flesh, the tips of their spears broke upon impact. To Starburst it felt as if she was being poked by cotton swabs. “I’m not scared of you,” she said in a cocky manner. “You’re just a bunch of worthless playing cards!” Starburst then took a deep breath and made a mighty blow at the Royal Guards/Playing Cards sending them flying across the courtroom as if they were caught in a mighty hurricane. “Now,” began Starburst turning her attention to a now helpless Queen of Hearts/Claire. Starburst flared her massive wings, which were now in her giant form a hundred times its normal size causing the above windows to smash open. At that exact moment the entire courtroom gasped in horror and The Queen of Hearts/Claire dropped to her haunches trembling like a leaf. “You were saying?” continued Starburst staring down The Queen of Hearts/Claire.

“I…I…I…” stuttered The Queen of Hearts/Claire.

“Yeah, not so tough now, are you?” taunted Starburst.

“Rule 42,” announced The King of Hearts/Fletcher in a trembling voice while reading from a scroll. “All spectators a mile high must leave the court immediately!”

“A mile high?” said Starburst in feigned surprise. “I was hoping I was a hundred miles high. And besides, I’m not going anywhere!” Starburst made a mighty stomp with her hoof causing the entire courtroom to quake throwing everyone off their balance. “All of you can do so much better than her for a royal,” said Starburst pointing at The Queen of Hearts/Claire while addressing the entire courtroom. “All she does is piss and moan and abuse the justice system,” continued Starburst. “Where I come from royals don’t act like divas and treat their subjects as if they’re a waste of space. Well, expect for one mare I know. But for the most part, where I come from, royals rule with grace, patience, kindness and understanding. We don’t order executions over silliness. In fact, we don’t even have a death penalty. We listen to others when it’s necessary, especially if those we have to listen to don’t think the same way we do. We even take entire days off to spend time with our families.” Starburst then remembered the time when she rejected her mother’s offer to spend the day with her. “Even if those in our family might blow us off,” she said sadly. “The point is,” Starburst continued firmly “the royals in my world would do a much better job than this hag!” There was a collective gasp that reverberated throughout the courtroom at the utterance of the word “hag”. “Yeah, I said it!” said a smug Starburst. “Your so-called “Queen” is a HAG! And there’s nothing she could do to stop me from saying that to her face!” Starburst bowed her head and gave The Queen of Hearts/Claire a menacing glance making The Queen of Hearts/Claire move backwards on her haunches and let out a frightened whimper. “There’s somepony I know who would make a much better ruler than her,” continued Starburst addressing the court “and that’s the White Knight!”

“Him!” said The Queen of Hearts/Claire under her breath.

“Your so-called queen does him dirty by deliberately not giving him what he needs to do his job to protect your kingdom,” continued Starburst. “Aren’t you all tired of giving away half of your gold to the Jabberwocky?” The spectators, The Royal Guards/Playing Cards, members of the jury and even the prosecutors started to chatter among themselves. Starburst felt a tinge of satisfaction over the fact that she may have gotten everyone to consider what she’s saying. “If I were you, I’d banish her, throw her in the dungeon or banish her then throw her in a dungeon in the place I banish her to!” said Starburst with a wicked grin. “After that, I’d make The White Knight your king.”

“Yeah! Yeah!” a few spectators clamored.

“I’ve got a few other things I wanna say,” continued Starburst. She then turned to The Mad Hatter/Cotton Candy, March Hare/Sugar Rush and Door Mouse/Cloudy Skies who, by now, had calmed down. “It’s not six o’clock all time and all the time is NOT teatime!” said Starburst with a stern tone. “There’s more to life than tea! Pick up a book or something!” The Mad Hatter/Cotton Candy, March Hare/Sugar Rush and Door Mouse/Cloudy Skies gave each other horrified looks and started muttering among themselves. Starburst turned her attention to Dove/Defense Attorney who trembled like a leaf. “There’s a reason why no one likes court appointed lawyers,” said Starburst as she glared at the unicorn mare. “You’re the type of lawyer who puts forward the worst cases and a lot of clients get convicted because of you, a poor excuse for a lawyer!” Starburst then shot a glare at Genevieve and The Mock Turtle/Soot who clutched onto each other. “You two are everything that’s wrong with the justice system!” she said pointing a stern hoof at the two prosecutors. “Over-zealous prosecutors like you don’t care about justice or uncovering the truth. You over-charge and present superficial and circumstantial evidence. You’d do anything and everything to get a conviction just so you could pat yourselves on the back and kiss up to sleaze-bag media types, pundit-types and self-righteous losers who still live in their parents’ basements!” Starburst turned her attention to The King of Hearts/Fletcher who trembled at his desk. “The fact that you’d marry the likes of her,” she began while gesturing to The Queen of Hearts/Claire “shows me that you’re absolutely nothing like the brave, charming, intelligent Fletcher I know! He’d never have such poor judgement when choosing his ladies!”

“Who’s Fletcher?” said The King of Hearts/Fletcher softly.

“WHICH BRINGS ME BACK TO YOU!” thundered Starburst as she turned sharply to The Queen of Hearts/Claire who now had her back against the base of her desk. Starburst made another stomp with her hoof which elicited terrified shrieks from all those present. “Your Majesty!” said Starburst sarcastically with a mocking bow. “Give me a bucking break!” she continued scornfully. “You’re not only a hag, you’re also a loud-mouthed, pompous, moody, annoying, irritating…”

As Starburst pointed her hoof calling The Queen of Hearts/Claire every insult she could think of, unbeknownst to Starburst, she started to shrink in size. “Snooty, snobby, immature, pushy,” continued Starburst as she shrunk with every insult she laid on the Queen of Hearts/Claire “dumb, stupid, idiotic, big, fat, giant pain in the…” Before she got to the end of her sentence Starburst realized she shrank back to her normal size, much to her horror. The little pegasus looked around finding nothing but deathly glares from all those present, especially from the Queen of Hearts/Claire. “…Flank?” said a nervous Starburst in a soft voice.

The Queen of Hearts/Claire rose to her hooves and stomped towards Starburst with a wicked chuckle. The Queen of Hearts/Claire now towered over Starburst who sank to her haunches. “Would you mind repeating that, little filly?” said The Queen of Hearts/Claire.

“I…I…I…” said Starburst softly as she sweated bullets. Suddenly The Cheshire Cat/Anthea reappeared on top of the Queen of Hearts/Claire’s head. The Queen of Hearts/Claire was completely unaware of the presence of the feline version of the blind unicorn mare. Starburst watched The Cheshire Cat/Anthea who casually liked her paws. “I believe she said that you’re a hag and a loud-mouthed, pompous, moody, annoying, irritating, snooty, snobby, immature, pushy, dumb, stupid, idiotic, big, fat, giant pain in the flank,” said The Cheshire Cat/Anthea with her warm smile. Starburst’s eyes went as wide as dinner plates as the feline version of Anthea repeated the insults verbatim. The Cheshire Cat/Anthea then vanished into thin air. Dove/Defense Attorney wore a disappointed expression as she rose to her hooves. “Your Majesty,” she began as she glared at Starburst “I can no longer represent this client. I can see with my own two eyes that she is beyond rehabilitation. The Defense rests.” Starburst turned sharply to Dove/Defense Attorney with a look of betrayal and horror. "Your Majesty," began Genevieve as she rose to her feet while glaring at Starburst "in light of what just unfolded, the prosecution recommends that along with the other charges she already faces, that the defendant be charged with destruction of property, making terrorist threats, disorderly conduct, contempt of court, reckless endangerment, verbal violence..."

"Aw, come on!" groaned Starburst as she gave Genevieve an incredulous look. ""Verbal violence"? Seriously?"

"And most seriously, treason!" continued Genevieve ignoring Starburst.

"THE DEFENDANT IS HEREBY CHARGED WITH ALL OF THE ADDITIONAL CHARGES!!!" roared The Queen of Hearts/Claire regaining her bravado.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," replied Genevieve with a wicked grin. "The Prosecution rests."

"NOW IT'S TIME FOR THE JURY TO DELIBERATE!" announced The Queen of Hearts/Claire.

"Your Majesty, we don't need to deliberate," announced Bill/Hot Heat as he rose from his seat in the jury box. "We, the jury, find the defendant guilty of all charges!” Starburst’s jaw almost hit the ground at Bill/Hot Head’s announcement. To add insult to injury, the entire court erupted in cheers and applause. “Excellent!” said The Queen of Hearts/Claire grinning from ear to ear. Slowly, Starburst started to back away as The Queen of Hearts/Claire advanced towards her. “Now the sentence can be carried out!” announced The Queen of Hearts/Clarie, her face contorting into an expression of rage. Starburst’s eyes darted all over until they fell up on King of Hearts/Fletcher. She looked at him desperately, hoping that he would object, find some sort of loophole to further the trial, perhaps appoint a new defense attorney for Starburst that was not biased or was influenced somehow from The Queen of Hearts/Claire. Instead, all Starburst received from The King of Hearts/Fletcher was a reproachful look mixed with utter contempt. It had only been one day, and Starburst quickly became familiarized with the consequences of the smallest infraction. The thought of impending death took hold of Starburst like a vice grip and tears began to well in her eyes. “THE CONDEMNED IS HERBY SENTENCE TO DEATH!” thundered The Queen of Hearts/Claire. At those words the entire courtroom once again erupted in cheers and applause. Starburst looked around seeing nothing but applauding spectators and Playing Card/Royal Guards. Something within her hoped that she might see at least one dissenting face. None was to be found. In fact, among the applauding and cheering crowd was Dove/Defense Attorney and The Mad Hatter/Cotton Candy, The March Hare/Sugar Rush and The Door Mouse/Cloudy Skies. Now,” began The Queen of Hearts/Claire. “OFF WITH HER HEAD!!!!” With those words The Queen of Hearts/Clarie produced a massive battle axe that hovered above her head and brought it down at Starburst. Starburst let out a terrified scream and narrowly dodged the axe that effortlessly sliced a desk in half. Starburst then took to the air making her way towards the broken windows above. “AFTER HER!!!” commanded The Queen of Hearts/Claire turning to the Playing Cards/Royal Guards. The pegasus Playing Cards/Royal Guards flew after Starburst while the spectators, The Prosecution, members of the jury, Dove/Defense Attorney, Nightlight/Rabbit, The King of Hearts/Fletcher and the other Playing Cards/Royal Guards ran after The Queen of Hearts/Claire who joined the chase after Starburst. “By order of The Queen,” announced The King of Hearts/Fletcher “the condemned is sentenced to death! OFF WITH HER HEAD!!!”

“We’re through, Fletcher!” shouted Starburst looking over her shoulder. “You hear me? WE’RE FINISHED!!!”

Starburst flew straight through the window with the pegasus Playing Cards/Royal Guards hot on her tail. She looked over her shoulder and her eyes went wide when she saw the pegasus Playing Cards/Royal Guards gaining on her. Starburst looked downwards and saw The Queen of Hearts/Claire and the rest of crowd running across the courtyard shadowing Starburst’s movements. Starburst threw a glance over her shoulder once again and saw one of the pegasus Playing Cards/Royal Guard reaching his hoof to grab her. A look of horror appeared on Starburst’s face, soon she picked up her speed. She then did loop-de-loops in the sky all around the pegasus Playing Cards/Royal Guards that chased after her throwing her pursuers off course. Starburst soared into a maze-like hedge right into the line of vision of The Queen of Hearts/Claire and the entire courtroom that chased after Starburst on hoof. “THERE SHE IS!!!” thundered The Queen of Hearts/Claire pointing an extended claw at Starburst. “OFF WITH HER HEAD!!!” The Queen of Hearts/Claire and her fellow pursuers picked up their speed as they galloped towards Starburst. Starburst flew in all directions of the maze with The Queen of Hearts/Claire and the massive crowd of pursuers hot on her tail. Starburst then made loop-de-loops between the crowd causing the crowd to crash into each other and fall to the ground. Starbursts felt a tinge of satisfaction seeing The Queen of Hearts/Claire and the other pursuers lying on the ground in crumpled messes. Unfortunately, Starburst was so preoccupied with the scene that she did not see the long line of Playing Cards/Guards that she was heading into. She crashed into the Playing Cards/Royal Guards causing them to turn into a type of slide. Starburst was then sent tumbling down the slide until she ended up at the base. To her surprise she found herself back on the same beach flying around the same rock where she met The Dodo/Lucky Star and the other animals. They were all going around in a circle around the rock. As Starburst ran around the rock with the animals, she saw The Queen of Hearts/Claire, Tweedle Dee/Prism Bolt and Tweedle Dum/Icy Storm and the crowd of pursuers also running around the rock. Starburst broke away from the runners and soared over the ground. “DON’T LET HER GET AWAY!!!” roared The Queen of Hearts/Claire breaking away from the runners. “OFF WITH HER HEAD!!!”

As Starburst soared above the ground the ground faded away and reappeared as a large table laden with teapots and saucers. While Starburst gawked at the strange phenomenon, she felt a tug at both of her front hooves. To her surprise she was being stopped by both The Mad Hatter/Cotton Candy and The March Hare/Sugar Rush who held on both of her front hooves. “Oh, we have a new guest!” piped The Mad Hatter/Cotton Candy. “Care for a cup of tea, little filly?”

“Let me go!” growled Starburst through gritted teeth. “I don’t have time for this!”

“Oh, but we insist!” said The March Hare/Sugar Rush excitedly. “You must have a cup of tea!”

Starburst yanked away from the grips of The Mad Hatter/Cotton Candy and The March Hare/Sugar Rush and was sent flying straight into a giant cup of tea. As Starburst fell into the cup of tea, she discovered that she was in a deep ocean and quickly swam towards the surface. She sprang above the surface and shook herself off. “THERE SHE IS!!!” screamed the thunderous voice of The Queen of Hearts/Claire. “OFF WITH HER HEAD!!!” Starburst turned sharply to her left and saw The Queen of Hearts/Claire floating in a teacup towards Starburst’s direction still levitating her massive battle axe. In almost the blink of an eye Starburst took off again in the opposite direction above the sea. As Starburst flew, she bumped into something floating on the surface of the sea. When she adjusted her vision, her eyes went wide when she discovered that a familiar character was floating right in front of her. It was none other than The Caterpillar/Gold Delicious sitting on top of his pink mushroom and casually smoking his hookah. Starburst was both shocked and happy to see him. “Mr. Caterpillar, you gotta help me!” pleaded Starburst frantically. “The Queen’s trying to chop off my head!” The Caterpillar/Gold Delicious slowly turned to the frantic pegaus mare looking at her with lazy eyes and a nonchalant expression. “Who...are...you?” said The Caterpillar/Gold Delicious lazily. With every word that left his mouth huge clouds of smoke from the hookah clouded Starburst’s vision causing her to violently hack and cough. Slowly the clouds of smoke dissipated and Starburst found herself floating in a type of black, void dimension. She looked over her shoulder and found a door floating in the distance. “OFF WITH HER HEAD!!!” screamed the distant cry of The Queen of Hearts/Claire. Starburst perked up and absolute terror took hold of her. She then began flying towards the door. However, the closer Starburst got to the door, the further the door seemed to be floating away. She let out a loud grunt sprang towards the door eventually holding onto the doorknob. She began to turn the doorknob but to her horror, the door would not open. She softly began to sob with every turn she made of the doorknob. “Ow!” went a muffled male voice. Starburst let out a yelp at the sudden sound. She looked around for the source slowly beginning to realize that the sound came from right in front of her. She looked down and sure enough there was the familiar face of her older cousin Valiant Heart whose face was of the doorknob. “You gave me quite a turn there,” said Valiant Heart/Doorknob nonchalantly. He then recognized Starburst and a glare appeared on his face. “Well, well, well,” said Valiant Heart/Doorknob with a reproachful look. “If it isn’t the nose tickler?”

“Look, I’m sorry for tickling your nose,” said a frantic Starburst through pants. “But you gotta let through! The Queen of Hearts is trying to cut off my head!”

“Sorry,” said Valiant Heart/Doorknob turning away. “Still locked, you know.”

“Please!” pleaded Starburst. “Let me through!”

“But you’re already through,” assured Valiant Heart/Doorknob with a smile.

“WHAT THE HAY ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!?!” screamed an incredulous Starburst.

“Don’t believe me?” said Valiant Heart/Doorknob never losing his smile. “See for yourself.”

Valiant Heart/Doorknob then opened his mouth/keyhole wide enough for Starburst to peek through. The young pegasus peeked through the keyhole. To her absolute astonishment, she saw herself on the far end of the other side of the door. The other Starburst was lying flat on her face on the ground at a place that was undoubtedly Sweet Apple Acres. “Hey, that’s me!” said Starburst still gawking at the other version of herself. “I’m asleep at Sweet Apple Acres!” A small sense of relief began to wash over Starburst. “If I’m asleep over there,” she continued with a broad smile “then this is all a dream!” An exasperated expression then appeared on Starburst’s face as she slumped her shoulders. “It also means I passed out again,” groaned Starburst.

“I wouldn’t dwell too much on it if I were you, little filly” said Valiant Heart/Doorknob casually. He then motioned to the back of Starburst. Starburst turned around and her eyes went wide when she saw The Queen of Hearts/Claire and the huge crowd of the familiar characters inching closer and closer towards her direction. Starburst quickly turned her attention back to the keyhole. “STARBURST!” said Starburst screaming through Valiant Heart’s/Doorknob’s mouth/keyhole. “WAKE UP!!! WAKE UP, STARBURST!!! PLEASE, WAKE UP!!! WAKE UP, STARBURST!!!” As Starburst continued to scream at the other version of herself, her view began blurring and her voice slowly began to get quieter. Soon, everything went black and dead silent.