The Brightsideby DJDemitriChaptersFirst ImpressionBig TroubleThe week on Judge Luna...First Impression"Papers please." A middle age, light blue, stallion grabbed the crumpled paper that was placed on the counter. He adjusted his glasses to read the document making sure to look specifically for the official stamp by the mayors council. He studied the page for a few moments before stamping it himself. "You're free to go miss." Accenting his words with a wave of his hoof, the orange mare grabbed her papers and headed toward the idle train. "Next!" The conductor shouted. A dark red stallion walked up to the counter and pushed his papers onto the desk. The conductor peered at him noticing the dirty feathers and slicked back mane through his prescription glasses, his judgmental stare giving away his distrust of the stallion. "I wouldn't believe that the Mayor would allow somepony like you to leave. Come on kid, who'd you take these from?" The conductor questioned the Stallion. "Everything on that paper is for me." The stallion replied with heavy Stalliongrad accent. The conductor laughed in response "Really? You haven't even lost your ghetto trash accent yet." He looked on the paper. "Sickle? You're just trying to get arrested aren't you?" Sickle retorted with a humph "What is that supposed to mean?" The conductor's smirk left him "Okay this is ridiculous. You know only accepted individuals are allowed to leave, and you don't even sound like you were allowed walk out of the factory." Sickle became frustrated at his racist comments. "Look you old mud grabber, just stamp the paper and let me go!" Conductor just looked at him in disgust. "No!" "Do it!" "You know what? Even if you were telling the truth, I'm not letting you on now. Just go home idiot." The conductor threw the paper back at Sickle and shut the shutters flopping a closed sign in his face. A group of disgruntled ponies behind Sickle swore and kicked dirt as they left the station. The train itself roared to life as coal was shoved into the fire causing it to spew smoke into the air. Sickle didn't understand what just happened, but realized that he did not receive a stamp. They wouldn't let him on that train. He sat for a moment as the conductor made the call for boarding. They wouldn't let him on the conventional way. He needed to get on the train now. He looked at the last car, there were no guards around it which was surprising. He grabbed at his only chance and flew to the car. He locked himself inside and looked at the mountain of baggage. He needed to hide somewhere, if he was caught before they left Stalliongrad he would be arrested and thrown back into the detention center with them. He pulled out a few bags and threw them to the floor. The cupboard looked just big enough to fit is starving frame. He pulled himself into the space nicely. He realized that he was once again alone in a cramped spot with nopony to talk to or to be around. He was hiding from his problems again and leaving everything behind. "Everything will be different when I get to Manehatten. My life will turn around and I can get my sister back." he whispered to himself with a soft smile of the thought of seeing her again. "I don't care what they say, the grass has to be greener on the other side." He wrapped his wings around himself the best he could in the small spot and cooed himself to sleep. "Cappuccino! Where are you?" An older mare called through a small window into the kitchen. "Coming mother!" Cappuccino answered in her best sing song voice. She was finishing adding some cinnamon to one of the lattes. She moved the tray across the marble counter to her own whip cream dispenser. The brown and white mare placed the tray into the window. "Order up!" "Just in time, I have a few more orders for you." The earthpony sighed heavily and looked to the clock with relief. "No can do mom! I promised I would work till four. I got to get ready and go to the train station before it leaves without me." The older mare walked into the kitchen. rubbing her tired eyes. "Darling do you really have to go see him?" Cappuccino took off her apron and tossed it onto the counter. "You know I do." Her mother grabbed her by the hoof. "You don't have too. Ever since he left we have been getting along fine. I would really appreciate the help this weekend, You make the best coffee in all Hoofington, it's a shame that you have to go to him and waste your special talent by building his silly wood houses." "Mother please stop. He's my father and I like to see him every now and again. Besides I like building his birdhouses with him, it gives us quality time together." She walked into the bathroom as she spoke analyzing the damage the days work did to her appearance. She combed her cocoa mane, pieces of sugar falling out, letting the knots undo themselves back into its smooth, flat, appearance. Her mother stepped in the doorway "You are still my little filly and I just don't like you getting disappointed every time he sends you right back here. Besides, you always say that you two don't really talk or that he works the whole time." Cappuccino was finishing brushing out her coat almost making the white fur shine. "I already have my bag packed. I will see you by Hearths Warming Eve." Cappuccino walked past her her mother and up the stairs to her room. It was simple with a bed and a desk with a mirror for the morning. Her saddle bag had a dress and some of her sleepwear, as well as her purse filled with her life earnings of forty bits. "I hope he keeps his promise this time..." "Dear are you ready yet?" Her mother called from the downstairs kitchen Cappuccino put her saddlebags on and headed down the stairs. She kissed he mother on the cheek and worked past the line of ponies that built up in the small shop, waiting on their orders to be fulfilled. She headed out of the door into the stormy day. It wasn't raining just yet, but the pegasi were organizing a big one for Hoofington. Luckily she was leaving. Cappuccino looked to a store clock across the street. "Thirty minutes till the train gets here." she whispered to herself. She trotted down the street. Her mind just trailed off letting her legs auto- walk. It really is nice outside. the cool wind and fresh air really does beat the coffee shop. Especially since mother lets ponies smoke. blech I don't care how much "creative flow" she says it generates, it's always so nasty in the kitchen cause of, *SMACK!* Cappuccino was so lost in thought she didn't notice she was already at the train station... or that a stallion was standing in the right position for her to smack nose first into his rump. "S...sorry..." she stuttered embarrassed. He just shot her a nasty look and turned back around. I guess I should really pay more attention. with a sigh, at least she wasn't late. She waited patiently for her turn which took forever it seemed. "Next!" Cappuccino walked up to the desk. "Ah, hello miss Latte. Going to see your old man again? How is he?" The stallion behind the desk asked as he wrote on a small slip of paper. Cappuccino shifted a little in her hooves, she hadn't seen him in so long it was kind of sad. She still put on her best fake smile for him. "Good, he's good." The stallion handed her her ticket. "Here you go, it is still five bits." She reached into her saddlebag and tossed payment on the table. "Have a nice trip dear." He said with a soft smile. She returned with a nod and boarded the train. On the train it was warm and the seats were comfortable.enough to sleep in. It would be a few hours before the train really got to where she needed to be. She sat in her seat letting her mind wander off... "Ma'm." A stallion called to her snapping her awake. "What!" Cappuccino snapped awake startled. He reeled back "I... I'm sorry I didn't mean to scare you. It's just that... we can't have you keep your luggage with you." "My saddle bag?" She questioned. He nodded "I could take that for you if you want?" Cappuccino was always wary of other ponies. "No that's okay I'll do it." "Are you sure?" He persisted. "Yes." "Very well, it is the last car and if it is locked the keys should be hanging up. Do be careful ma'm" He pointed to the back door. She got up with her bags and moved to to the last cart. There was nothing but baggage laying everywhere and it all seemed like a cluttered mess. She deemed it reasonable to throw her bag on a shelf to keep it at least a little organized. She found a nice empty shelf and slung her bag into it. "OW!" A yelp of pain escaped from an empty shelf startled her enough to send her back on her hunches. "What?! What w-was th-that!" A red stallion stuck his head out and rubbed his eyes "Me..." Big TroubleSickle stretched his cramped legs and aired out his wings. "A little stuffy in there." He shook his body letting a few feathers fall free. Cappuccino just sat still in shock, her heart thumping like a thousand equestrian army's marching in step. Sickle used his hoof to push back his blond mane. "Sorry, I din't mean to scare you miss." He stuck his hoof out to help her up. She pushed it away and backed up against the wall. He shouldn't be in here! Cappuccino vocalized her own thought "W-what are you-ou doing in h-here!" Sickle just looked at her, "I'm going to go to Manehatten. What about you?" Cappuccino started calming down, the initial shock wearing away,but it didn't stop the shaking or tension in her voice. "I-I'm going to s-see my dad." The red stallions warm smile made her feel a little better. Sickle nodded "I am sorry if this comes out rude, but do yo have a stutter? It seems very odd." Cappuccino could hear it too now that she listened for it. "N-no. I-I just-t have a nervous t-t-tick. W-why are you in the luggage and not with everypony else?" Sickle cleared his throat to speak "I... uh... couldn't get on at home, so I snuck on." He gave an obviously forced smile to show his innocence, it wasn't effective. She stood up on shaky legs, "R-right, so your some sort of criminal or s-something? They wouldn't let you on so you snuck on? I'm getting the conductor." "Wait!" The stallion flipped her around and pinned her to the wall. "Please, you can't! I can not go back home! Ever! If you get the conductor I will be sent back to my grave" The tension and fear returned like a boulder in a Daring Doo novel. "L-let go! Let go or I'll... I'll..." Cappuccino was no fighter and years of coffee have been terrible on her nerves making her shake violently and sweat a little. She couldn't bluff or seduce her way out. I can talk! "Let me go or I'll scream!" Nobody ever called her the brightest mare in town. At the mention of screaming Sickle stuck his hoof in her muzzle silencing any response making the already on edge mare feel like she was going to die. "Please, I am not a criminal. If I go back I will be killed but some racist conductor just made fun of me and refused to stamp my pass, so I just kinda stowed away in the luggage car. Please, please, please don't scream." He let go of her muzzle. "Understand? Are we cool?" "Ma'm would you like to file charges against this stallion?" A police pony was questioning Cappuccino at the train station in Ponyville. "No please, it was a mistake. I didn't mean to..." She watched as the red stallion was being carted away with his feet, wings, and muzzle chained up. He was not too happy. "I didn't mean to call for help it was just my nerves I swear!" It was all involuntary, her body never did anything she wanted it too under any stress. Luna banish these wracked nerves! The officer pony looked at her and back down to his notepad "It says they found you "cowering" in a pile of luggage with the red pegasus hovering above you. It took three conductors to tackle him and one of them has already given a full confession of how he was denied in Stalliongrad. This is serious ma'm and we need your full cooperation." he grabbed her by the hoof "You don't have to be scared anymore, we got him locked up." Cappuccino pulled her hoof away from him. "He's not bad he was helping me. I just got a little scared is all and he tried to help before the conductors tackled him." Best lie ever. "So why don't you let him go and we'll call it a day?" Again, nopony ever called her the brightest mare in town. The police pony was unmoved by the lie. "Even if you drop your charges, for whatever reason, he is a stowaway and will have to go to court for sneaking on the train." She was baffled at that. "Court for sneaking on a train?! Isn't that a little harsh? I mean make him pay for a ticket or fine him but to have a princess judge him?" Court in Equestria was very serious. One of the two princesses looked over different crimes. The more serious crimes were handled by Celetia herself due to her thousand years of knowledge. This left her to come to judgment without a jury. Luna however looked after crimes not as serious but still big enough to go to court. Since she had been on the moon for a thousand years, a jury was always advises her, though she had final say regardless. The police pony tucked away his notepad and took off his hat wiping the sweat from under his horn. "You must not be familiar with what is going on in Stalliongrad miss. There was a huge crime problem just last year. Those crazy ponies, in celebration of the night princess returning, let out all the low level prisioners as some sort of freedom day celebration. Rather than celebrate and come to a resolution of becoming better ponies like they were supposed too... crime rings and mass chaos arose causing the city to be sealed off by walls, magic, and a good portion of the equestrian royal guard. Nopony flies or walks away from there, the only way out is a train that only approved ponies may leave on. Although now I am guessing the royal guard will be doing a complete overhaul on the station's security because of this. Nothing will get out of there after this." Cappuccino thought about this. Wow, I had no idea. They really must have kept this on the down low. If it is true I may have been talking to a major crime boss or some sort of drug dealer! On the other hoof, he may just be some scared pony getting away from all that. He said he used to be a criminal but who is to say he still isn't? For some reason I still trust him, I mean, he sounded truthful. He could just be a good liar! But then... why would he tell me anything? The pony was snapped out of her train of thought by the police pony, which was good because she would of been there for hours. He cleared his throat "Well, anyway do you have anymore questions?" She twiddled her hoofs for a second "Just one..." Sickle was bound and chained to the wall. The least he could say was that this was very uncomfortable. "Why am I chained up?" He was directing his question to a red looking farm pony that was easily three times his size. The big galut said nothing, but continued to chew on his hay stalk. "Cause we ain't never had no big city criminal before." A very stern female voice broke the silence. An orange mare in a cowboy hat trotted from the front door with a tray of apple pie and water. "Cause of your riff raff, them police ponies pulled mah brother away from the farm today tuh babysit you. Sayin somtin bout you being strong for a pegasus and they need muscle." Sickle used to have an uncle before the industrial revolution with a farm, he knew it was a hard life and every bit helps, and every loss hurts. "I'm sorry." he was sincere when he spoke, but that comment only made the orange mare put her brother's lunch down and stomp over to the cage. "Ah don need non of yer smarty pants comments today! I have been workin double hard because of you and I ain't gettin nearly as much done." "I wanted to go to Manehatten, just a mare hit me with her bag and yelled." "That is jus sick mister! As far as I'em concerned we are enemies." She was practically fuming with a red face and steam coming out of her ears. Without much to lose he just thought of the only thing that really calmed his sister down "You look pretty today." *Petew* That method was an obvious flop considering that not only did the mare spit in his face, but her anger did not decrease. "You an me ain't friends, I'f that wern't clear enough. I ever see you outside of this cage I'mma buck you so hard in the head you'll be seeing Luna raising the sun!" "Fair enough" Defeated Sickle just stood in place as the farmers exchanged a couple words and a few glances his way. Then the mare left and the Stallion sat with his lunch. Not nearly a minute or so later a Pink bouncy pony hopped her way into the jail. "Hey Big Mac, AJ bring you lunch? I know how good of a sister she is and she ordered a pie this morning, you know, the one you usually get when you come to sugar cube corner. So everything going alright? The big meanie not giving you any trouble? I have to know cause my friend wanted to see him, and I wont let her in if he is a big bully." The words spat out like rain out of a storm cloud. The Red stallion just sort of sat there with an unsure look on his face before answering "uhhh... Eeyup" The pink mare went into another fit of words "Oh so he is being a big bully then I should just tell his one visitor to go home cause she shouldn't hang around ponies like that cause..." Her words were silenced by a hoof by a brown and white mare that Sickle had met on the train. Sickle was the first to speak "Come to criticize the dangerous criminal that you caught? To gloat or to tell me how bad I am?" His words dripping with spite. "W-well I-I am actually here to h-help you." Cappuccino stuttered, the fear and embarrassment showing. Sickle raised an eyebrow "Help me, why? How?" She cleared her throat to try to ease her nerves. "W-well I believed what you said and I don't want you to go back. I-if what you said w-was true I-I can't just-t let somepony die because of m-me." Sickle was confused "You shouted for help. My case is pretty open and shut. Luna may have been gone for a thousand years but she can crack this case pretty easily. How are you going to help?" Her nerves got the best of her, she couldn't speak. Tapping her Pink friend on the shoulder it was her cue to stop bouncing. "C-could-d y-you?" The pink mare turned to Sickle in a serious manner "If by chance the court deems a case of deportation wrong or immoral the party may be allowed to live in another town, on parole of course, under supervision by another pony who has not committed any crimes." Her serious attitude left her and she went back to bouncing and humming to herself. Sickle pondered this "So if I can convince Luna that it is unsafe for me to go back I get to stay with somepony here?" Cappuccino nodded "Who would take me? My accent is so foreign in these parts I sound like an outcast. Plus if anypony feels like that orange mare did nopony will take me regardless!" Cappuccino twiddled her hooves again. "Well I wast thinking since it was my fault... my father could take you." "Why would he do that?" He was more suspicious, but he was never one to bite the hand that feeds. "Cause it is my fault, I mean you would be in Manehatten by now if it wasn't for me. Now you're stuck here and I figure it would be a nice way for me to... get over my social anxiety as well as give my father some help when I'm not here." Suspicion was still evident. "You want me to help you get over your shyness?" "Well yes." She confessed Sickle really had no choice. "Okay, If you help me stay, I will help you get over your nerves." Cappuccino smiled gleefully "Great!" She stuck out her hoof. Sickle looked at her and rattled his chains. Cappuccino retracted her hoof "Oh yea..." The week on Judge Luna..."Court is now in session, now presenting the ruler of the night. Princess Luna." A very formal looking pony rolled up the parchment and moved aside from an empty bench in the center of the courtroom. Sickle was still tied up on the left side of the room with Cappuccino. Pinkie Pie was in the back cheering with a picket fence and a giant D, strange. The conductor that he met in Stallion grad was sitting by a well dressed lawyer mare on the right table. To their right a jury of ponies sat on the jury's bench looking bored as well as annoyed. They had every right to be, they were pulled from work and play to come and judge some outsider that had been here for only a few weeks. "Where is she? Cappuccino asked "You don't think she would skip this would you? You know to do something more important." Her nerves were starting to overreact again. Her the trembling came back in full force. "Calm down." He tried to reassure her. "I heard that Luna has been tasked with re-learning the world as it is. She has no royal duties besides moving the moon, so she is probably just a little late combing her hair or something." He didn't believe his own lie. Cappuccino calmed down a little. "I hope you're right. Pinkie has been teaching me all that legal stuff since you saw her last. I think I really have this thing nailed down. You'll be outta here in no time." She mentally patted herself on the back for focusing on such a boring topic. If Pinkie didn't keep me so interested I would of probably of given up in the first few seconds. With a crack of magic the night princess herself appeared on the bench looking as regal and scary as usual. The only real difference was that she wore a set of reading glasses on the end of her nose. "Everypony may be seated." She commanded. Luna waited as everypony, aside from Sickle, got comfortable and then seated herself. Levitating the document in front of her she read silently to herself before looking down on the accused. "Sickle Lazuli Steel, you have been accused of one account of trespassing, one account of assault, attempted rape, and breaking immigration laws in Stalliongrad. How do you plead?" Her gaze becoming more disdain for the stallion as she read the crimes against him. If it was a scare tactic it was showing up in the defender. Sickle spoke up "Not guilty." As simple and boring as it was it would have to do. The princess placed her reading glasses to the side in a neat manner. "Very well, the prosecutors will give an opening case." The spiffy looking mare on the prosecutors side stood up. "Your highness, this specimen has a history of criminal activity in Stalliongrad that has been documented and handed to us by the mayor's council. He is obviously guilty of these crimes with multiple eye witnesses and evidence. There is no place for him in the outside world with normal, hard working ponies. He must be sent back to Stalliongrad and incarcerated immediately. I rest my case." She gave her case like a true professional and sat down. Even Sickle had to mention she was very convincing with a voice like honey and an angry crowed agreeing with her behind him. Luna nodded "The defense may give their opening statement." Luna looked over a Cappuccino and Sickle. Sickle was not at liberty to give a statement and his partner looked like she would collapse from the gaze of the immortal being of the night. She stood up on shaky hooves "Y-y-your highness. W-w-we do not agree. I-I-I rest my case." She sat back down very quickly. This was not looking good already. "Okay? If that is all may I see evidence of these crimes?" The princess asked. Workers brought in a bag of feathers as well as pictures of the scene, official statements, and a few DNA samples. The prosecuting mare walked over to her display table and gave a wonderful presentation. "I have feathers in the cupboard to prove that the defendant was in fact on the train. I have a letter that the defendant was carrying to prove he was in Stalliongrad. I have been given reports from more than ten ponies saying they saw the Stallion over a cowering mare in a compromising position. I also have the conductor that works the station in Stalliongrad willing to go on the podium and give a full, honest, confession. What more could you possibly need to prove he is guilty your highness?" She gave a huff to end her dramatic performance "That is all." And sat down. Sickle looked to Cappuccino. "Well miss lawyer what are you going to do? They have me whipped here!" He was not calm at all. He was almost as nervous as his caffeine induced friend. She turned to him, "I-I-I have no idea-a what I am doing." He angrily turned to her "I thought you said you knew everything and that this would be a piece of cake!" She turned away "D-Don't yell at me..." *Sniff* Sickle sighed "I am sorry. It's not your fault." As if Luna had heard them she looked at them "I would like to hear the story from Sickle's point of veiw." She wrapped his bindings in her magic aura and released his feet bindings. "Please come up here and take the stand." An official looking pony walked up to the princess. "Ma'm I know it has been some time, but we cannot just let the prisoner go and defend himself..." Luna looked back at him "So what? I am the princess, I still have final say. Or have you become the new pony in charge?" He nervously shook his head, bowed, and trotted to his seat without any question. She looked back to the red stallion "Continue..." Sickle was surprised and relived that his bindings were removed and that he was getting the chance to defend himself. He stretched his tired muscles before walking to the stand. The same official looking pony ran up with a book of creation that Celestia herself wrote about the creation and hardships of Equestria since the first days. He swore the oath and promised that he would tell nothing but the truth. Upon completing his promise Luna enveloped his head in a purple aura and let him speak. He recollected everything from when he got his paper approved by the council to the train incident to his chat with Pinkie in the prison. He explained his case in full detail as the court listened diligently. "And then this same mare helped to defend me today." He finished up. "That is all." "You may return to your seat." Luna looked back at him "Do you have any evidence to present?" He looked over to Cappuccino "I have one witness your majesty." "Bring her up then." Luna said Mustering up her courage, she walked up to the front of the room. It's okay girl just be calm and tell them the truth. Everything is resting on your shoulders. No pressure, just tell them that he didn't do anything but be friendly. It is not that hard. I just have to tell them... all those ponies... watching me and judging me. Cappuccino gulped. She went through the same procedure as Sickle making her vows and promises. Luna asked "What did you see?" Cappuccino's heart pounded and her face flushed. She was having terrible stage fright and couldn't speak. Prosecution used this to their advantage. The lawyer mare stood up "See she is too scared to speak. He obviously is manipulating the witness. They had so much time together he has probably filled her head with lies and folly. She is no good on the stand." Cappuccino got mad "H-hey! Nopony manipulates me! Especially not somepony as nice as him! He scared me and I stumbled back, all he did was try to help me up! He has been truthful and has tried to calm down my anxiety that got us here to begin with!" All of her anger at this one lawyer mare poured into her statement. All of it was true, and she was happy that she could do something right for once. Luna came back from the conference room with the jury of ponies. Everyone took their seat before Luna pulled out the last piece of paper. "Sickle Lazuli Steel, the verdict is in. Of a jury of your own peers and my own personal insight I have reached a verdict. On the accounts of attempted rape and assault you have been found innocent." Sickle was extensively relived about that. Luna continued "However, on the accounts of trespassing and breaking immigration laws in place you have been found guilty. These are serious accounts and will be dealt with solely by me. The guards will escort you to my temporary office when I am ready for you. There we may discuss your punishment. Everyone else is dismissed" Sickle and Cappuccino both stood by the defendant desk. Cappuccino was the first to speak "Well I guess it was a bust. I mean you are still getting sent back." Sickle chuckled "I was worried when you didn't speak at first. You probably got those two charges dropped. Nobody likes a rapist, especially me." He looked to the floor. "Thanks for your help, I might not get to stay here, but I want you to know that I appreciate you. Oh and thank Pinkamena for me too when you get out of here please." Cappuccino looked at him and tapped him on the shoulder with a hoof. "Hey come on now, you can thank Pinkie yourself. You just have to ask her to stay with me. She seemed to be more accepting when we finished she might be a little lenient..." He jumped "No. I can't tell her that." Confusion crossed her face. "What? Why?" Sickle looked away from her "It's a personal matter, the only reason I asked anything of you was to calm you down and because you owed me.." he waved his hoof around the room. "This is what I deserve." The hoof went back to the wooden floor "I mean, princess Luna is my idol, since I was little. Stalliongrad's people always kept her story alive and her images close by. I believe we were the only city to keep them. Now I can't go begging to my idol to give me a break. It is improper and selfish and I don't want her thinking any less of me that she already does." Cappuccino walked to the other side of the desk and looked him in the eye "You mean your pride? That's why you wont ask her for anything?" Sickle just nodded. "That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard! I mean if ponies need help you ask for it, you don't just roll over.' "It isn't as simple as that. We have always frowned on those who do nothing and ask for everything to be handed over on a silver platter. I can't be hypocritical now, especially to Luna!" Sickle spat on the floor to emphasize his feelings on the matter. Cappuccino rolled her eyes. She looked around and spotted the bright yellow cutie mark on the red Stallion. "What is that supposed to be?" She curiously prodded his flank to specify what she was talking about. He jumped in surprise and turned to the oblivious mare. "That is my cutie mark thank you. I would appreciate it if you didn't touch me there." He looked at his rear. "This is a hammer and sickle. My family has been mining, farming, and milling for generations. It is no surprise that I am good at growing plants, breaking rocks, and bending metal. However it also stands for unity of two separate work forces as one whole." Cappuccino just starred at him. "I'm not completely following you there." A guard approached unnoticed until he spoke. "Sickle, Princess Luna has summoned you. Follow me and keep close." Sickle and Cappuccino both started to follow him. The guard noticed her and turned stopping her dead in her tracks. "Sorry miss, this is only for the defendant and the Princess to discuss. She looked at him "I'm his lawyer here." The guard responded "The princess only asked for him, you will have to either wait here or go home." Sickle looked at her. "Please, you've done enough for me today, go home and sleep. Your nerves must be shot by now." The mare opened her mouth to argue with both stallions. She had nothing to say though, Sickle was right and the guard wouldn't let her go anyway. "Fine, I will see you later. Don't think I forgot what you owe me for this." "We will see if I am here long enough to fulfill that." He half heartily laughed back. Author's Note I have been reading fics to get a good idea of how to reorganize the dialog and actions. I believe it looks better. What do you guy's think?
First Impression"Papers please." A middle age, light blue, stallion grabbed the crumpled paper that was placed on the counter. He adjusted his glasses to read the document making sure to look specifically for the official stamp by the mayors council. He studied the page for a few moments before stamping it himself. "You're free to go miss." Accenting his words with a wave of his hoof, the orange mare grabbed her papers and headed toward the idle train. "Next!" The conductor shouted. A dark red stallion walked up to the counter and pushed his papers onto the desk. The conductor peered at him noticing the dirty feathers and slicked back mane through his prescription glasses, his judgmental stare giving away his distrust of the stallion. "I wouldn't believe that the Mayor would allow somepony like you to leave. Come on kid, who'd you take these from?" The conductor questioned the Stallion. "Everything on that paper is for me." The stallion replied with heavy Stalliongrad accent. The conductor laughed in response "Really? You haven't even lost your ghetto trash accent yet." He looked on the paper. "Sickle? You're just trying to get arrested aren't you?" Sickle retorted with a humph "What is that supposed to mean?" The conductor's smirk left him "Okay this is ridiculous. You know only accepted individuals are allowed to leave, and you don't even sound like you were allowed walk out of the factory." Sickle became frustrated at his racist comments. "Look you old mud grabber, just stamp the paper and let me go!" Conductor just looked at him in disgust. "No!" "Do it!" "You know what? Even if you were telling the truth, I'm not letting you on now. Just go home idiot." The conductor threw the paper back at Sickle and shut the shutters flopping a closed sign in his face. A group of disgruntled ponies behind Sickle swore and kicked dirt as they left the station. The train itself roared to life as coal was shoved into the fire causing it to spew smoke into the air. Sickle didn't understand what just happened, but realized that he did not receive a stamp. They wouldn't let him on that train. He sat for a moment as the conductor made the call for boarding. They wouldn't let him on the conventional way. He needed to get on the train now. He looked at the last car, there were no guards around it which was surprising. He grabbed at his only chance and flew to the car. He locked himself inside and looked at the mountain of baggage. He needed to hide somewhere, if he was caught before they left Stalliongrad he would be arrested and thrown back into the detention center with them. He pulled out a few bags and threw them to the floor. The cupboard looked just big enough to fit is starving frame. He pulled himself into the space nicely. He realized that he was once again alone in a cramped spot with nopony to talk to or to be around. He was hiding from his problems again and leaving everything behind. "Everything will be different when I get to Manehatten. My life will turn around and I can get my sister back." he whispered to himself with a soft smile of the thought of seeing her again. "I don't care what they say, the grass has to be greener on the other side." He wrapped his wings around himself the best he could in the small spot and cooed himself to sleep. "Cappuccino! Where are you?" An older mare called through a small window into the kitchen. "Coming mother!" Cappuccino answered in her best sing song voice. She was finishing adding some cinnamon to one of the lattes. She moved the tray across the marble counter to her own whip cream dispenser. The brown and white mare placed the tray into the window. "Order up!" "Just in time, I have a few more orders for you." The earthpony sighed heavily and looked to the clock with relief. "No can do mom! I promised I would work till four. I got to get ready and go to the train station before it leaves without me." The older mare walked into the kitchen. rubbing her tired eyes. "Darling do you really have to go see him?" Cappuccino took off her apron and tossed it onto the counter. "You know I do." Her mother grabbed her by the hoof. "You don't have too. Ever since he left we have been getting along fine. I would really appreciate the help this weekend, You make the best coffee in all Hoofington, it's a shame that you have to go to him and waste your special talent by building his silly wood houses." "Mother please stop. He's my father and I like to see him every now and again. Besides I like building his birdhouses with him, it gives us quality time together." She walked into the bathroom as she spoke analyzing the damage the days work did to her appearance. She combed her cocoa mane, pieces of sugar falling out, letting the knots undo themselves back into its smooth, flat, appearance. Her mother stepped in the doorway "You are still my little filly and I just don't like you getting disappointed every time he sends you right back here. Besides, you always say that you two don't really talk or that he works the whole time." Cappuccino was finishing brushing out her coat almost making the white fur shine. "I already have my bag packed. I will see you by Hearths Warming Eve." Cappuccino walked past her her mother and up the stairs to her room. It was simple with a bed and a desk with a mirror for the morning. Her saddle bag had a dress and some of her sleepwear, as well as her purse filled with her life earnings of forty bits. "I hope he keeps his promise this time..." "Dear are you ready yet?" Her mother called from the downstairs kitchen Cappuccino put her saddlebags on and headed down the stairs. She kissed he mother on the cheek and worked past the line of ponies that built up in the small shop, waiting on their orders to be fulfilled. She headed out of the door into the stormy day. It wasn't raining just yet, but the pegasi were organizing a big one for Hoofington. Luckily she was leaving. Cappuccino looked to a store clock across the street. "Thirty minutes till the train gets here." she whispered to herself. She trotted down the street. Her mind just trailed off letting her legs auto- walk. It really is nice outside. the cool wind and fresh air really does beat the coffee shop. Especially since mother lets ponies smoke. blech I don't care how much "creative flow" she says it generates, it's always so nasty in the kitchen cause of, *SMACK!* Cappuccino was so lost in thought she didn't notice she was already at the train station... or that a stallion was standing in the right position for her to smack nose first into his rump. "S...sorry..." she stuttered embarrassed. He just shot her a nasty look and turned back around. I guess I should really pay more attention. with a sigh, at least she wasn't late. She waited patiently for her turn which took forever it seemed. "Next!" Cappuccino walked up to the desk. "Ah, hello miss Latte. Going to see your old man again? How is he?" The stallion behind the desk asked as he wrote on a small slip of paper. Cappuccino shifted a little in her hooves, she hadn't seen him in so long it was kind of sad. She still put on her best fake smile for him. "Good, he's good." The stallion handed her her ticket. "Here you go, it is still five bits." She reached into her saddlebag and tossed payment on the table. "Have a nice trip dear." He said with a soft smile. She returned with a nod and boarded the train. On the train it was warm and the seats were comfortable.enough to sleep in. It would be a few hours before the train really got to where she needed to be. She sat in her seat letting her mind wander off... "Ma'm." A stallion called to her snapping her awake. "What!" Cappuccino snapped awake startled. He reeled back "I... I'm sorry I didn't mean to scare you. It's just that... we can't have you keep your luggage with you." "My saddle bag?" She questioned. He nodded "I could take that for you if you want?" Cappuccino was always wary of other ponies. "No that's okay I'll do it." "Are you sure?" He persisted. "Yes." "Very well, it is the last car and if it is locked the keys should be hanging up. Do be careful ma'm" He pointed to the back door. She got up with her bags and moved to to the last cart. There was nothing but baggage laying everywhere and it all seemed like a cluttered mess. She deemed it reasonable to throw her bag on a shelf to keep it at least a little organized. She found a nice empty shelf and slung her bag into it. "OW!" A yelp of pain escaped from an empty shelf startled her enough to send her back on her hunches. "What?! What w-was th-that!" A red stallion stuck his head out and rubbed his eyes "Me..."
Big TroubleSickle stretched his cramped legs and aired out his wings. "A little stuffy in there." He shook his body letting a few feathers fall free. Cappuccino just sat still in shock, her heart thumping like a thousand equestrian army's marching in step. Sickle used his hoof to push back his blond mane. "Sorry, I din't mean to scare you miss." He stuck his hoof out to help her up. She pushed it away and backed up against the wall. He shouldn't be in here! Cappuccino vocalized her own thought "W-what are you-ou doing in h-here!" Sickle just looked at her, "I'm going to go to Manehatten. What about you?" Cappuccino started calming down, the initial shock wearing away,but it didn't stop the shaking or tension in her voice. "I-I'm going to s-see my dad." The red stallions warm smile made her feel a little better. Sickle nodded "I am sorry if this comes out rude, but do yo have a stutter? It seems very odd." Cappuccino could hear it too now that she listened for it. "N-no. I-I just-t have a nervous t-t-tick. W-why are you in the luggage and not with everypony else?" Sickle cleared his throat to speak "I... uh... couldn't get on at home, so I snuck on." He gave an obviously forced smile to show his innocence, it wasn't effective. She stood up on shaky legs, "R-right, so your some sort of criminal or s-something? They wouldn't let you on so you snuck on? I'm getting the conductor." "Wait!" The stallion flipped her around and pinned her to the wall. "Please, you can't! I can not go back home! Ever! If you get the conductor I will be sent back to my grave" The tension and fear returned like a boulder in a Daring Doo novel. "L-let go! Let go or I'll... I'll..." Cappuccino was no fighter and years of coffee have been terrible on her nerves making her shake violently and sweat a little. She couldn't bluff or seduce her way out. I can talk! "Let me go or I'll scream!" Nobody ever called her the brightest mare in town. At the mention of screaming Sickle stuck his hoof in her muzzle silencing any response making the already on edge mare feel like she was going to die. "Please, I am not a criminal. If I go back I will be killed but some racist conductor just made fun of me and refused to stamp my pass, so I just kinda stowed away in the luggage car. Please, please, please don't scream." He let go of her muzzle. "Understand? Are we cool?" "Ma'm would you like to file charges against this stallion?" A police pony was questioning Cappuccino at the train station in Ponyville. "No please, it was a mistake. I didn't mean to..." She watched as the red stallion was being carted away with his feet, wings, and muzzle chained up. He was not too happy. "I didn't mean to call for help it was just my nerves I swear!" It was all involuntary, her body never did anything she wanted it too under any stress. Luna banish these wracked nerves! The officer pony looked at her and back down to his notepad "It says they found you "cowering" in a pile of luggage with the red pegasus hovering above you. It took three conductors to tackle him and one of them has already given a full confession of how he was denied in Stalliongrad. This is serious ma'm and we need your full cooperation." he grabbed her by the hoof "You don't have to be scared anymore, we got him locked up." Cappuccino pulled her hoof away from him. "He's not bad he was helping me. I just got a little scared is all and he tried to help before the conductors tackled him." Best lie ever. "So why don't you let him go and we'll call it a day?" Again, nopony ever called her the brightest mare in town. The police pony was unmoved by the lie. "Even if you drop your charges, for whatever reason, he is a stowaway and will have to go to court for sneaking on the train." She was baffled at that. "Court for sneaking on a train?! Isn't that a little harsh? I mean make him pay for a ticket or fine him but to have a princess judge him?" Court in Equestria was very serious. One of the two princesses looked over different crimes. The more serious crimes were handled by Celetia herself due to her thousand years of knowledge. This left her to come to judgment without a jury. Luna however looked after crimes not as serious but still big enough to go to court. Since she had been on the moon for a thousand years, a jury was always advises her, though she had final say regardless. The police pony tucked away his notepad and took off his hat wiping the sweat from under his horn. "You must not be familiar with what is going on in Stalliongrad miss. There was a huge crime problem just last year. Those crazy ponies, in celebration of the night princess returning, let out all the low level prisioners as some sort of freedom day celebration. Rather than celebrate and come to a resolution of becoming better ponies like they were supposed too... crime rings and mass chaos arose causing the city to be sealed off by walls, magic, and a good portion of the equestrian royal guard. Nopony flies or walks away from there, the only way out is a train that only approved ponies may leave on. Although now I am guessing the royal guard will be doing a complete overhaul on the station's security because of this. Nothing will get out of there after this." Cappuccino thought about this. Wow, I had no idea. They really must have kept this on the down low. If it is true I may have been talking to a major crime boss or some sort of drug dealer! On the other hoof, he may just be some scared pony getting away from all that. He said he used to be a criminal but who is to say he still isn't? For some reason I still trust him, I mean, he sounded truthful. He could just be a good liar! But then... why would he tell me anything? The pony was snapped out of her train of thought by the police pony, which was good because she would of been there for hours. He cleared his throat "Well, anyway do you have anymore questions?" She twiddled her hoofs for a second "Just one..." Sickle was bound and chained to the wall. The least he could say was that this was very uncomfortable. "Why am I chained up?" He was directing his question to a red looking farm pony that was easily three times his size. The big galut said nothing, but continued to chew on his hay stalk. "Cause we ain't never had no big city criminal before." A very stern female voice broke the silence. An orange mare in a cowboy hat trotted from the front door with a tray of apple pie and water. "Cause of your riff raff, them police ponies pulled mah brother away from the farm today tuh babysit you. Sayin somtin bout you being strong for a pegasus and they need muscle." Sickle used to have an uncle before the industrial revolution with a farm, he knew it was a hard life and every bit helps, and every loss hurts. "I'm sorry." he was sincere when he spoke, but that comment only made the orange mare put her brother's lunch down and stomp over to the cage. "Ah don need non of yer smarty pants comments today! I have been workin double hard because of you and I ain't gettin nearly as much done." "I wanted to go to Manehatten, just a mare hit me with her bag and yelled." "That is jus sick mister! As far as I'em concerned we are enemies." She was practically fuming with a red face and steam coming out of her ears. Without much to lose he just thought of the only thing that really calmed his sister down "You look pretty today." *Petew* That method was an obvious flop considering that not only did the mare spit in his face, but her anger did not decrease. "You an me ain't friends, I'f that wern't clear enough. I ever see you outside of this cage I'mma buck you so hard in the head you'll be seeing Luna raising the sun!" "Fair enough" Defeated Sickle just stood in place as the farmers exchanged a couple words and a few glances his way. Then the mare left and the Stallion sat with his lunch. Not nearly a minute or so later a Pink bouncy pony hopped her way into the jail. "Hey Big Mac, AJ bring you lunch? I know how good of a sister she is and she ordered a pie this morning, you know, the one you usually get when you come to sugar cube corner. So everything going alright? The big meanie not giving you any trouble? I have to know cause my friend wanted to see him, and I wont let her in if he is a big bully." The words spat out like rain out of a storm cloud. The Red stallion just sort of sat there with an unsure look on his face before answering "uhhh... Eeyup" The pink mare went into another fit of words "Oh so he is being a big bully then I should just tell his one visitor to go home cause she shouldn't hang around ponies like that cause..." Her words were silenced by a hoof by a brown and white mare that Sickle had met on the train. Sickle was the first to speak "Come to criticize the dangerous criminal that you caught? To gloat or to tell me how bad I am?" His words dripping with spite. "W-well I-I am actually here to h-help you." Cappuccino stuttered, the fear and embarrassment showing. Sickle raised an eyebrow "Help me, why? How?" She cleared her throat to try to ease her nerves. "W-well I believed what you said and I don't want you to go back. I-if what you said w-was true I-I can't just-t let somepony die because of m-me." Sickle was confused "You shouted for help. My case is pretty open and shut. Luna may have been gone for a thousand years but she can crack this case pretty easily. How are you going to help?" Her nerves got the best of her, she couldn't speak. Tapping her Pink friend on the shoulder it was her cue to stop bouncing. "C-could-d y-you?" The pink mare turned to Sickle in a serious manner "If by chance the court deems a case of deportation wrong or immoral the party may be allowed to live in another town, on parole of course, under supervision by another pony who has not committed any crimes." Her serious attitude left her and she went back to bouncing and humming to herself. Sickle pondered this "So if I can convince Luna that it is unsafe for me to go back I get to stay with somepony here?" Cappuccino nodded "Who would take me? My accent is so foreign in these parts I sound like an outcast. Plus if anypony feels like that orange mare did nopony will take me regardless!" Cappuccino twiddled her hooves again. "Well I wast thinking since it was my fault... my father could take you." "Why would he do that?" He was more suspicious, but he was never one to bite the hand that feeds. "Cause it is my fault, I mean you would be in Manehatten by now if it wasn't for me. Now you're stuck here and I figure it would be a nice way for me to... get over my social anxiety as well as give my father some help when I'm not here." Suspicion was still evident. "You want me to help you get over your shyness?" "Well yes." She confessed Sickle really had no choice. "Okay, If you help me stay, I will help you get over your nerves." Cappuccino smiled gleefully "Great!" She stuck out her hoof. Sickle looked at her and rattled his chains. Cappuccino retracted her hoof "Oh yea..."
The week on Judge Luna..."Court is now in session, now presenting the ruler of the night. Princess Luna." A very formal looking pony rolled up the parchment and moved aside from an empty bench in the center of the courtroom. Sickle was still tied up on the left side of the room with Cappuccino. Pinkie Pie was in the back cheering with a picket fence and a giant D, strange. The conductor that he met in Stallion grad was sitting by a well dressed lawyer mare on the right table. To their right a jury of ponies sat on the jury's bench looking bored as well as annoyed. They had every right to be, they were pulled from work and play to come and judge some outsider that had been here for only a few weeks. "Where is she? Cappuccino asked "You don't think she would skip this would you? You know to do something more important." Her nerves were starting to overreact again. Her the trembling came back in full force. "Calm down." He tried to reassure her. "I heard that Luna has been tasked with re-learning the world as it is. She has no royal duties besides moving the moon, so she is probably just a little late combing her hair or something." He didn't believe his own lie. Cappuccino calmed down a little. "I hope you're right. Pinkie has been teaching me all that legal stuff since you saw her last. I think I really have this thing nailed down. You'll be outta here in no time." She mentally patted herself on the back for focusing on such a boring topic. If Pinkie didn't keep me so interested I would of probably of given up in the first few seconds. With a crack of magic the night princess herself appeared on the bench looking as regal and scary as usual. The only real difference was that she wore a set of reading glasses on the end of her nose. "Everypony may be seated." She commanded. Luna waited as everypony, aside from Sickle, got comfortable and then seated herself. Levitating the document in front of her she read silently to herself before looking down on the accused. "Sickle Lazuli Steel, you have been accused of one account of trespassing, one account of assault, attempted rape, and breaking immigration laws in Stalliongrad. How do you plead?" Her gaze becoming more disdain for the stallion as she read the crimes against him. If it was a scare tactic it was showing up in the defender. Sickle spoke up "Not guilty." As simple and boring as it was it would have to do. The princess placed her reading glasses to the side in a neat manner. "Very well, the prosecutors will give an opening case." The spiffy looking mare on the prosecutors side stood up. "Your highness, this specimen has a history of criminal activity in Stalliongrad that has been documented and handed to us by the mayor's council. He is obviously guilty of these crimes with multiple eye witnesses and evidence. There is no place for him in the outside world with normal, hard working ponies. He must be sent back to Stalliongrad and incarcerated immediately. I rest my case." She gave her case like a true professional and sat down. Even Sickle had to mention she was very convincing with a voice like honey and an angry crowed agreeing with her behind him. Luna nodded "The defense may give their opening statement." Luna looked over a Cappuccino and Sickle. Sickle was not at liberty to give a statement and his partner looked like she would collapse from the gaze of the immortal being of the night. She stood up on shaky hooves "Y-y-your highness. W-w-we do not agree. I-I-I rest my case." She sat back down very quickly. This was not looking good already. "Okay? If that is all may I see evidence of these crimes?" The princess asked. Workers brought in a bag of feathers as well as pictures of the scene, official statements, and a few DNA samples. The prosecuting mare walked over to her display table and gave a wonderful presentation. "I have feathers in the cupboard to prove that the defendant was in fact on the train. I have a letter that the defendant was carrying to prove he was in Stalliongrad. I have been given reports from more than ten ponies saying they saw the Stallion over a cowering mare in a compromising position. I also have the conductor that works the station in Stalliongrad willing to go on the podium and give a full, honest, confession. What more could you possibly need to prove he is guilty your highness?" She gave a huff to end her dramatic performance "That is all." And sat down. Sickle looked to Cappuccino. "Well miss lawyer what are you going to do? They have me whipped here!" He was not calm at all. He was almost as nervous as his caffeine induced friend. She turned to him, "I-I-I have no idea-a what I am doing." He angrily turned to her "I thought you said you knew everything and that this would be a piece of cake!" She turned away "D-Don't yell at me..." *Sniff* Sickle sighed "I am sorry. It's not your fault." As if Luna had heard them she looked at them "I would like to hear the story from Sickle's point of veiw." She wrapped his bindings in her magic aura and released his feet bindings. "Please come up here and take the stand." An official looking pony walked up to the princess. "Ma'm I know it has been some time, but we cannot just let the prisoner go and defend himself..." Luna looked back at him "So what? I am the princess, I still have final say. Or have you become the new pony in charge?" He nervously shook his head, bowed, and trotted to his seat without any question. She looked back to the red stallion "Continue..." Sickle was surprised and relived that his bindings were removed and that he was getting the chance to defend himself. He stretched his tired muscles before walking to the stand. The same official looking pony ran up with a book of creation that Celestia herself wrote about the creation and hardships of Equestria since the first days. He swore the oath and promised that he would tell nothing but the truth. Upon completing his promise Luna enveloped his head in a purple aura and let him speak. He recollected everything from when he got his paper approved by the council to the train incident to his chat with Pinkie in the prison. He explained his case in full detail as the court listened diligently. "And then this same mare helped to defend me today." He finished up. "That is all." "You may return to your seat." Luna looked back at him "Do you have any evidence to present?" He looked over to Cappuccino "I have one witness your majesty." "Bring her up then." Luna said Mustering up her courage, she walked up to the front of the room. It's okay girl just be calm and tell them the truth. Everything is resting on your shoulders. No pressure, just tell them that he didn't do anything but be friendly. It is not that hard. I just have to tell them... all those ponies... watching me and judging me. Cappuccino gulped. She went through the same procedure as Sickle making her vows and promises. Luna asked "What did you see?" Cappuccino's heart pounded and her face flushed. She was having terrible stage fright and couldn't speak. Prosecution used this to their advantage. The lawyer mare stood up "See she is too scared to speak. He obviously is manipulating the witness. They had so much time together he has probably filled her head with lies and folly. She is no good on the stand." Cappuccino got mad "H-hey! Nopony manipulates me! Especially not somepony as nice as him! He scared me and I stumbled back, all he did was try to help me up! He has been truthful and has tried to calm down my anxiety that got us here to begin with!" All of her anger at this one lawyer mare poured into her statement. All of it was true, and she was happy that she could do something right for once. Luna came back from the conference room with the jury of ponies. Everyone took their seat before Luna pulled out the last piece of paper. "Sickle Lazuli Steel, the verdict is in. Of a jury of your own peers and my own personal insight I have reached a verdict. On the accounts of attempted rape and assault you have been found innocent." Sickle was extensively relived about that. Luna continued "However, on the accounts of trespassing and breaking immigration laws in place you have been found guilty. These are serious accounts and will be dealt with solely by me. The guards will escort you to my temporary office when I am ready for you. There we may discuss your punishment. Everyone else is dismissed" Sickle and Cappuccino both stood by the defendant desk. Cappuccino was the first to speak "Well I guess it was a bust. I mean you are still getting sent back." Sickle chuckled "I was worried when you didn't speak at first. You probably got those two charges dropped. Nobody likes a rapist, especially me." He looked to the floor. "Thanks for your help, I might not get to stay here, but I want you to know that I appreciate you. Oh and thank Pinkamena for me too when you get out of here please." Cappuccino looked at him and tapped him on the shoulder with a hoof. "Hey come on now, you can thank Pinkie yourself. You just have to ask her to stay with me. She seemed to be more accepting when we finished she might be a little lenient..." He jumped "No. I can't tell her that." Confusion crossed her face. "What? Why?" Sickle looked away from her "It's a personal matter, the only reason I asked anything of you was to calm you down and because you owed me.." he waved his hoof around the room. "This is what I deserve." The hoof went back to the wooden floor "I mean, princess Luna is my idol, since I was little. Stalliongrad's people always kept her story alive and her images close by. I believe we were the only city to keep them. Now I can't go begging to my idol to give me a break. It is improper and selfish and I don't want her thinking any less of me that she already does." Cappuccino walked to the other side of the desk and looked him in the eye "You mean your pride? That's why you wont ask her for anything?" Sickle just nodded. "That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard! I mean if ponies need help you ask for it, you don't just roll over.' "It isn't as simple as that. We have always frowned on those who do nothing and ask for everything to be handed over on a silver platter. I can't be hypocritical now, especially to Luna!" Sickle spat on the floor to emphasize his feelings on the matter. Cappuccino rolled her eyes. She looked around and spotted the bright yellow cutie mark on the red Stallion. "What is that supposed to be?" She curiously prodded his flank to specify what she was talking about. He jumped in surprise and turned to the oblivious mare. "That is my cutie mark thank you. I would appreciate it if you didn't touch me there." He looked at his rear. "This is a hammer and sickle. My family has been mining, farming, and milling for generations. It is no surprise that I am good at growing plants, breaking rocks, and bending metal. However it also stands for unity of two separate work forces as one whole." Cappuccino just starred at him. "I'm not completely following you there." A guard approached unnoticed until he spoke. "Sickle, Princess Luna has summoned you. Follow me and keep close." Sickle and Cappuccino both started to follow him. The guard noticed her and turned stopping her dead in her tracks. "Sorry miss, this is only for the defendant and the Princess to discuss. She looked at him "I'm his lawyer here." The guard responded "The princess only asked for him, you will have to either wait here or go home." Sickle looked at her. "Please, you've done enough for me today, go home and sleep. Your nerves must be shot by now." The mare opened her mouth to argue with both stallions. She had nothing to say though, Sickle was right and the guard wouldn't let her go anyway. "Fine, I will see you later. Don't think I forgot what you owe me for this." "We will see if I am here long enough to fulfill that." He half heartily laughed back. Author's Note I have been reading fics to get a good idea of how to reorganize the dialog and actions. I believe it looks better. What do you guy's think?
