My Little Pony: Children of the Night
By Princess Firefly Highmist
Book One

My Little Pony is trademark of Hasbro. Friendship is Magic was created by Lauren Faust. This is a non-profit fanfiction.


Chapter One: The Trial

The library door handle glowed pink for a moment before the door sprang open and a purple unicorn with midnight blue mane and tail with pink and purple highlights walked through. She was wearing a vest of several hues patch-worked together. It was a special vest marking the mare as coordinator. Upon her flank was the mark of a large, pink sparkle surrounded by smaller, white sparkles. Behind her was a small, male, pink baby dragon with green spikes and fins protruding from its cheeks. The Unicorn’s name was Twilight Sparkle and her draconic companion’s name was Spike.
The room that they were in was carved from the inside of an enormous oak tree in which the library was constructed. The shelves carved into the walls of the oak held books on numerous subjects. It was mildly furnished with a rug on the wooden floor where Twilight would normally lay and read.
Twilight‘s horn glowed again causing the vest to magically peal loose from her body and float over to a hook on the wall. She heaved a deep sigh of relief and announced, “Phew! Another successful Winter Wrap-Up!”
Spike dusted off his shoulders and chimed in, “Much better than last year’s I’d say!”
Twilight replied, “Well, it helps that I’m using my talents rather than trying to blindly stumble into things that I have no personal experience in.”
Spike chuckled, “Yeah, you sure made a mess of last year’s Winter Wrap-Up!” He laughed gleefully at Twilight’s mistakes of the previous year.
Twilight’s expression changed into a scowl at Spike’s glee at her mistakes, then sighed, rolled her eyes and shrugged it off. She knew that being a baby male dragon made Spike a little gruff, not sensitive as a female might be. As Spike laughed he began to choke and his cheeks bloated. His eyes widened giving him an overall ridiculous appearance.
Twilight sighed again and gave the dragon an annoyed glare and said in a sharp tone, “It wasn’t that funny, Spike. Certainly not worth getting choked up about!”
Spike pointed at his throat as his pink cheeks turned rosy. Twilight‘s eyes widened as she realized that there might be something wrong with the dragon. She hurried over and gave Spike a firm pat on the back causing him to belch loudly with a green, swirling burst of flame. With it came a scroll wrapped in a red ribbon and a wax seal.
Twilight’s horn glowed levitating the parchment to her, unwrapping it in mid air. Spike collapsed onto the floor with a thud. Twilight did not notice the gasping and wheezing of the dragon as her focus was fixated upon the letter.
Twilight read aloud, “My dearest student, Twilight Sparkle. Your presence is needed in Canterlot immediately!  I will explain more when you arrive. With love, Princess Celestia.”
Twilight gave the letter a confused look musing to herself aloud, “I wonder what this could be about.  What could be so important that she would ask that I come immediately.” 
Spike sat up and placed a hand upon his chest feeling much better. He stood up and walked over to Twilight’s side and interjected, “Maybe something has come up again! Maybe Princess Celestia is in trouble! Maybe all of Equestria is in danger!”
Twilight looked thoughtful for a moment and said, “You’re right Spike. Princess Celestia would have never sent such an urgent message unless it was important.” Determination replaced the thoughtful look upon Twilight’s face as she announced”, Spike, round up the others. We’re going to Canterlot!”

Queue Entro Theme: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/9922007/

Twilight walked the corridors of Celestia’s castle in Canterlot with Spike and five of her closest friends. Applejack was an orange earthpony filly with blond mane and tail. Upon her flank was the mark of three apples. Upon her head she wore a brown Stetson. Her mane and tail were banded into ponytails. From her body language she seemed to be simple, honest, hard working and proud.
Pinkie Pie too was an earthpony who was dark pink with light pink mane and tail which were puffy waves that looked like cotton candy. Pinkie Pie’s mark was that of three party balloons, two blue and one yellow. Her bright smile was befitting her carefree and fun-loving nature.
Rarity was a white unicorn mare with purple mane and tail which were styled carefully into cascading waves of luxurious curls. Her cutie mark was of three blue gems. Her long eyelashes and carefully appearance spoke to her refined and cultured nature. 
Fluttershy was a yellow pegasus mare whose demeanor and body language was befitting her name, meek and timid. Her mane and tail was a soft pink and her mane draped softly over half her face giving her a vale to hide behind. Fluttershy’s mark was of three pink butterflies.
Last but certainly not least was Twilight’s friend, Rainbow Dash, a brazen, outspoken pegasus mare who was confident, daring and bravado in her nature. Her body was electric blue. Her mane and tail weren’t so much styled as they were simply lay in a tom-boyish manor and contained stripes of every color of the rainbow. Her cutie mark was that of a cloud with a rainbow-colored bolt of lightning shooting from it.
The corridor they traveled was pearl walls, floor and ceilings adorned with light blue accents. Stained glass windows lined the outer walls. Guard stallions were posted at crucial entrances clad in elaborate, golden armor and wore stern, distant gazes as they stood in silent vigil. 
Applejack spoke with a thick rural accent, “Ah wonder whut was so dang-nabbit important that Celestia sent you that letter.”
Twilight replied, “I’m not sure, but it must be awfully important.”
Pinkie Pire chimed in as she bounded up and down with every step, “Maybe it’s a party! You know, to celebrate all the good deeds that we’ve done!”
 Rarity added, “Oh wouldn’t that be marvelous, a royal gathering with all the trappings of the court, magnificent gowns, the music and everyone of importance attending!” She let out a soft squeak of delight.
Rainbow Dash broke in, “Nah! It wouldn’t be something as hoity toity as that!” She grinned apologetically as they passed a white unicorn stallion with refined appearance by the same name. Hoity Toity looked un-amused as he turned up his muzzle and walked away allowing Rainbow Dash to continue, “I bet that it is something serious. Something is wrong and I’m betting that Celestia needs us to fly in and save the day!” Dash posed heroically at her final statement.
“Oh my! That would be terrible”, Flutter added meekly. Her voice was barely more than a whisper, “I... I hope that it’s nothing like that. I mean, um... us going into danger again and all. I... I really wouldn’t want to do that again.”
Twilight Sparkle added with an air of determination, “Whatever it is girls I’m sure that we can handle it! We’ve faced Nightmare Moon, Discord, Queen Chrysalis, and King Sombra. Whatever the challenge is I’m sure that we can face it!”
“I’m glad to hear it, My Little Ponies”, came a familiar voce interrupting the conversation. Standing before the six ponies was a regal visage, a tall, alabaster alicorn mare with flowing mane and tail that was not so much hair but mist of pastel colors of the rainbow. Upon her brow she wore a golden and jewel adorned crown matching the necklace around her neck and golden slippers over her hooves. Her cutie mark was that of a blazing sun.
“Princess Celestia”, Twilight shouted excitedly before galloping to the alicorn’s side and nuzzling her foreleg affectionately. 
Celestia craned her long neck down to nuzzle Twilight back lovingly and replied, “It is good to see you too, my prized pupil!”
Twilight stepped back as her enthusiastic gaze slowly melted into one of worry as she asked, “I’m sorry your majesty, but we were wondering what was so important.”
Celestia looked over the ponies and Spike as they all held curious and attentive, wide-eyed gazes. She then began to speak, “I am sorry for the urgency of my message, but we are holding a trial over a known criminal and I need you, Twilight to testify. I did not expect the rest of you, but it is just as well that you came. The court could use your testimony as well.”
“A trial”, Twilight asked curiously.
“Ah known criminal”, Applejack added with a curious tone.
“If this is a known criminal then why not just find them guilty and be done with it”, Dash asked.
Celestia shook her head slowly and replied, “There is no disputing the mare’s crimes. She has already confessed her guilt.”
Rainbow dash looked confused and added, “Then I don’t see the problem.”
Celestia smiled softly, “Finding the mare guilty is not the problem. Its deciding what to do with her. She has offered up an admission of guilt, but is making her case that she is reformed. How reformed she may be is the question. Determining that will decide the severity of her punishment.”
Spike looked perturbed as he crossed his arms, “I don’t see why you couldn’t have mentioned that in the letter instead of leaving us all hanging!”
A small, mischievous grin spread over Celestia’s mouth as her eyes drooped to half-lid and she replied calmly, “Because tension help set up the plot…”
The crowd looked shocked for a moment before Pinkie Pie stamped a hoof, raised her head and yelled, “NO FAIR! It’s MY job to break the fourth wall!”
The other ponies and baby dragon looked back and forth at each other curiously before Twilight asked, “Forgive me, your highness but who is the pony on trial?”


The courtroom matched the rest of the decor of the palace, ivory walls with light blue accents, stained glass windows upon the exterior wall on one side. Inside was the judge’s bench, the witness stand just to the right. Two tables were placed before the bench. To the left was the prosecuting attorney’s table. To the right was the defense attorney’s table. Behind the tables were several benches for ponies to watch the trial, along with a balcony overhead. Along one wall was a gallery for jurors, which were not necessary in this case as it was not a trial of guilt or innocence. 
Guards stood at the main entrance and at the corridor into the judge’s chambers. A bailiff pony which was a strong, muscular unicorn stallion with a heavy jaw line stood to the left of the judges bench. A small, elderly, brown unicorn mare sat in the corner with a stenographer’s typewriter to take down the events of the trial. Her cutie mark was that of a parchment and a quill.
The court was full of ponies waiting to watch the trial. Twilight and her friends were among them. Rarity was wearing a large hat adorned with flowers and jeweled sunglasses over her eyes. Spike was sitting with a large tub of popcorn which he was eating while riveted in excitement to watch the proceedings. The others were as they normally were except Rainbow Dash who scowled with her forelegs crossed wearing a look of extreme agitation.
Twilight looked over to Rainbow Dash and asked, “Dash, are you alright?”
“Alright? Do I look alright! Of all the ponies to have to testify on! GRRRR! I will never forget her trying to prosecute me! Just wait until I get up there and testify!” Rainbow Dash waved one of her fore hooves in the air like a fist.
Twilight gave Rainbow Dash a concerned look and said reassuringly, “Its alright Dash. Phoenix and I proved your innocence.”
Rainbow Dash sulked, “Still, I would love to give that filly a piece of my mind!”
Rarity added in, “Oh yes! How fitting that we be here to testify against that loud-mouthed hooligan! I personally cannot wait to give the court my testimony!”
Twilight attempted to interject, “But girls I think...”
Applejack broke in, “Ah, for once agree with Rarity! Its about time that harlot got her come-upance!”
Twilight tried to interject again, “But I...”
Pinkie Pie broke in, “That’s right! I’ll never forget what she did to me!” She grabbed Twilight with her fore-hooves and proceeded to shake her causing her head to bob wildly upon her shoulders until her eyes crossed and her tongue hung out of her mouth as pinkie ranted, “Do you know how hard it is to keep quiet for an whole episode? DO YOU! All I could do is MUMBLE! It’s worse than that time we all met Zecora and all got cursed by that poison joke and my tongue was all bloated and had purple polka dots and all I could do is...” Pinkie illustrated her point by sticking out her tongue and mumbling and spitting causing droplets of her saliva fly everywhere.
As Twilight sat delirious in Pinkie Pie’s grasp Fluttershy added meekly, “Oh yes. She’s not very nice at all. All the mean things she did and said it just make me so... so... SO...” Fluttershy’s voice rose slowly from a whisper to a booming scream as her face distorted from its usual, gentle gaze to one of rage as she finished her statement, “ANGRY!”
All the other ponies in the crowd leaned away from Fluttershy including her six friends in expressions of concern or worry. The bailiff pony looked unto the six ponies’ and the baby dragon’s direction and demanded, “Be quiet or you will be removed from this courtroom, do you understand?”
The six ponies and their dragon friend squeaked and nodded with wide, embarrassed grins and shrank into their seats. The bailiff pony nodded and said, “Good. Now all rise for the judge and our beloved ruler, Princess Celestia!”
All the ponies of the courtroom rose as Celestia exited the Judge’s chambers. She was wearing black, judge’s robes. Celestia took her seat upon the bench and began to shuffle her papers as she said, “Take your seats.”
All the ponies of the courtroom sat back down. Twilight’s eyes darted downward as she whispers softly to herself, “Princess Celestia never said that she would be the one sitting judge over this trial!”
Rarity added in softly, “Well that’s good! That means we should have an easy time convincing her to put that hooligan away for good!”
Twilight shook her head, “Celestia isn’t like that. She will be unbiased and fair. Though she is our friend she will treat our testimonies the same as any other pony's. Besides I think you guys are maybe being a little...”
Princess Celestia broke in with her announcement, “Now hearing the case of the ponies of Equestria verses Trixie Lulamoon. Let the Trial begin!” Princess Celestia levitated her gavel bringing it pounding down upon her desk.
As Celestia banged her gavel down Trixie hung her head in shame. The words, “The ponies of Equestria verses Trixie Lulamoon” almost seemed to sting the prideful pony. Trixie was a cobalt blue unicorn mare with powder blue mane and tail with slightly darker highlights which were styled into a long, flowing wave. Trixie’s cutie mark was that of a star-tipped wand with a blue piece of cloth shaped like a crescent moon in the background. She was dressed in a black and white prison jumpsuit with a ball and chain attached to one of her hind legs. As Twilight’s friends shared gleeful expressions for Trixie’s predicament Twilight herself looked disheartened and sorry for the mare who proclaimed herself as Twilight’s rival.


Fade out

Fade in


Princess Celestia broke in with her announcement, “Now hearing the case of the ponies of Equestria verses Trixie Lulamoon. Let the Trial begin!” Princess Celestia levitated her gavel bringing it pounding down upon her desk. She then continued, “Prosecution, you may give your opening argument.”
A tan unicorn colt wearing a dark grey suit stood from his table and approached the bench. His mane and tail was blond and well groomed. His mane was slicked back revealing his clear, determined eyes and strong jaw. Upon his flank was the image of the golden scales of justice.
The prosecutor pony looked confidently out over the audience as he began to speak, “Your honor, ponies of the court, we stand in trial today over Miss Lulamoon, who is very appropriately named, Trixie. Why does her name fit her so well? Because lady mares and gentle colts, she is a trickster, a fraud.  By her own admission she is guilty of malicious trickery, fraud, perjury, theft and embezzlement, to name just a few. She has lied, cheated and stole her way through life and endangered the lives and happiness of many of Equestria’s citizens.”
Trixie sank down into her chair as the prosecuting pony’s eyes met her own in a gaze of disapproval. The prosecuting pony then continued his statement, “And now here she is, Miss Lulamoon sitting trial for her many crimes. She would have everypony believe that she is reformed, but look at her. Look at her well, your honor, ponies of the court. This pony has lied, cheated, stole and defrauded other ponies her whole life. Now she hopes to pull her greatest scam ever, tricking this court into thinking that she is reformed. I ask you, are we so gullible? Are we so naive to believe this con artist? I would hope not.”
As the prosecuting pony returned to his seat Rainbow Dash and Applejack hoof-bumped. Likewise Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity looked similarly satisfied by the argument. Twilight however sighed softly and looked over at her rival who was sunk deeper into her seat, her head hung in shame.
Princess Celestia looked over to the prosecuting pony and said, “Compelling opening statement. However, I hope that you would not call the ruler of Equestria gullible or naïve.”
The prosecuting pony blushed inside his tan cheeks and tugged at his shirt collar, “Of course not, your highness. Just making my case.”
Celestia nodded softly and replied, “Understood. Defense, you may make your opening statement.”
The defense attorney pony rose from his seat and approached the bench. He was a bronze unicorn with a short, stubby, black tail with a mane that was also black, but brushed back into sharp spikes giving him the appearance of having a hedgehog resting atop his head. He wore a blue suit and upon his flank was a mark of a phoenix.
Twilight and her friends looked upon the defense pony with a stunned look of recognition, then turned and looked back and forth at each other.
Twilight whispered to the others, “Is... is that... him?”
Rainbow Dash looked at the defense pony again and replied, “Nah, can’t be! Is it?”
The defense attorney pony cleared his throat and began to speak calmly, “Lady mares and gentle colts of the court, your honor, I stand in defense of Miss Trixie Lulamoon...” Trixie smiles faintly as the defense pony gives her a reassuring smile. He then continues his statement, “... one of the most despicable, fraudulent, two-faced liars in all of Equestria!”
Trixie falls out of her seat and into the floor and the prosecuting pony begins laughing. The sentiment is shared throughout the courtroom as the assembly laughs. Trixie climbs back into her seat, her face red and her expression aggravated as she shouts, “You IDIOT! Is that any way to defend sompony? The Great and Powerful Trixie would do better to defend herself!”
Princess Celestia stifled a giggle and levitated her gavel to bang it on her desk before shouting, “That’s enough! Order! Order in the court!” The courtroom eventually quieted down all except Pinkie Pie who had to be tackled and restrained and her mouth covered by her friend’s hooves. Once quiet Celestia addresses the defending pony, “Defense, is that any way to defend your client? You don’t really need to make the prosecution’s case for them.”
The defense pony bows to Princess Celestia and says, “I’m sorry your honor, ponies of the court. The defense is not attempting to hide what Miss Lulamoon has done, or what she was. The defense has issued a plea of guilty. Trixie is prepared to receive the judgment of this court and serve her sentence. Our goal is not to prove her innocence, but to give the court her reasoning and circumstances of her crimes in an attempt to prove Trixie’s change of heart and facilitate her rehabilitation.”
Princess Celestia nodded solemnly and replied, “Understood councilor, but be careful not to damage your client’s case. You may continue.”
The defense pony nodded softly, “Thank you, your honor. Trixie Lulamoon has undoubtedly committed a great many crimes. Some have been for profit, some to further her own power as a unicorn and as an entertainer. However, Miss Lulamoon is not at heart a malicious pony. Her life has been one of hardship and strife, seeking always to gain acceptance and the admiration of her fellow ponies only to find herself an outcast. All Trixie has ever wanted to do is entertain us, amuse and excite us. She is an entertainer at heart. Most of her crimes were committed in an attempt to survive after career failed. Those that were not were done so as an act of vengeance against those who she perceived to be at fault.” The defense pony looked directly at Twilight and her friends with his last statement. He then continued, “For which she is truly and deeply sorry.”
The defense pony returned to his seat beside Trixie, who leaned away from him, still looking quite perturbed. He leaned toward her and whispered to her and gazed upon her with an apologetic smile. Trixie elbowed him in the stomach causing the defense pony to double over and hit his head upon the table. 
Princess Celestia turned her attention back to the prosecution and announced, “Opening statements have been heard. Prosecution, you may call your first witness.”
The prosecuting pony nodded and said, “Thank you your honor. The prosecution calls forth the Mayor of Hoofington.”
A plump, elderly, yellow earthpony male stands and hoofs his way to the stand. His mane and tail were grey and he wore a brown top-hat and red bowtie. The bailiff pony swears him in by asking him to recite with his right hoof over his heart, “I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help me, Celestia.”
The Mayor looks to his right where Princess Celestia herself sat the judge’s seat and with a gulp replies, “Kinda hard not to tell the truth with her sitting right here, but I swear!”
The prosecuting pony approaches the stand and asks the witness, “Please state your name and your occupation.”
The witness clears his throat and replies, “I am Mayor Silvermane. I am the Mayor of Hoofington.”
The prosecuting pony nods and asks, “So you would be aware of any tragic events befalling the fair town of Hoofington?”
Mayor Silvermane nodded, “Yup, that I would!”
The prosecuting pony asked, “Then to your recollection has Hoofington ever suffered an attack by an Ursa Major?”
The Mayor shook his head and replied, “Nope, can’t say that it has.”
The prosecuting pony rubbed his chin thoughtfully, “Then how could Miss Trixie Lulamoon have saved it from an Ursa Major attack?”
“OBJECTION” shouted the defense pony as he sprung up from his seat and extended out a foreleg dramatically. Then the defense began to explain his objection, “We are not here to prove my client’s guilt or innocence or whether she lied or not! We are here to determine whether or not she is repentant!”
Princess Celestia nodded and looked to the prosecuting pony and asked, “Yes. Prosecution, what is the relevance of this witness or your line of questioning?”
The defense pony replied, “Your honor, I hope to show the impact of Trixie’s lies. Whether she is sorry or not her actions still have profound consequences which must be considered. “
Princess Celestia nodded softly and said, “Objection overruled.” The defense pony sank back into his seat and looked deflated.
The prosecution smiled and said, Thank you, your honor.” He turned his attention back to his witness and continued, “Mayor Silvermane, tell me the impact of Trixie’s lie upon the fair town of Hoofington.”
The plump earthpony sighed softly, “Well, the effect was that we suffered a drastic decline in commerce and travel to Hoofington after word spread that we were subject to Ursa Major attacks. The only ponies that would come to Hoofington were thrill seekers. The only way we could salvage our tourist economy was to perpetuate Trixie’s lie.  Many businesses had to convert into novelty stores selling Ursa Major attack memorabilia. When the folks of Ponyville debunked Miss Lulamoon’s lies Hoofington suffered as well. Instead of being the town that suffered an Ursa Major attack we became the town of phonies…”
The courtroom was a murmur of whispers as the prosecuting attorney nodded and said, “Defense, your witness.”
Trixie scowled at her attorney as he rose slowly from his seat to cross-examine the witness. The defense pony reached the bench and asked Mayor Silvermane, “May I ask, what made you go along with Trixie’s lie?”
The Mayor looked down in shame as he replied, “Because we were desperate. Our economy had taken a serious hit and we needed to do something to recover.”
The defense pony nodded and rebutted, “I see. But haven’t you ever heard that two wrongs don’t make a right?”
The mayor answered, “Well, I guess not.”
The defense pony then asked, “Wasn’t it obvious that like Trixie your lies would be uncovered eventually?”
Mayor Silvermane nodded sadly, “Yes, yes it did.”
The defense pony then added, “And did you think it was right to scam visitors to your town with lies?”
The plump Mayor hung his head as a tear rolled down his cheek, “No. No we didn’t.”
“OBJECTION”, The prosecuting pony shouted as he leapt from his seat. He then continued, “The ponies of Hoofington have suffered enough without the defense badgering the witness.
Princess Celestia addressed the defense pony, “Defense, I think I got your point. The ponies of Hoofington only added to their troubles when they decided to compound Trixie’s lies with their own. Is there any further reason to torment this witness?”
 The defense pony shook his head and replied, “No there is not. I’m sorry your honor, Mayor Silvermane. No further questions.” The defense pony returned to his seat where Trixie was sitting with a distant look upon her face. She heaved a soft sigh and gave her attorney a soft smile showing her gratitude and that she had forgiven him.
Princess Celestia turned her attention back to the prosecution and said, “Prosecution, your next witness?”
The prosecuting pony stood and replied, “Yes, your honor. The prosecution calls Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight’s eyes widened as her name was called. 


Fade out

Fade In


Twilight upon the stand places her right hoof over her heart and recited after the bailiff, “I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me Celestia.” She smiled over her right shoulder to Princess Celestia who gave her a warm smile in return.
The prosecuting pony approached the stand and asked, “Please tell us your name and occupation.”
Twilight smiles and replies, I am Twilight Sparkle, Ponyville Librarian and student of magic under Princess Celestia.” The prosecuting attorney looks up at the princess with a suspicious look. Twilight sees this and asks nervously, “Wh... why? Is that bad?”
Princess Celestia smiles and replies, “My connection to this witness will not affect my decision in this case. Besides counselor, she is your witness.”
The prosecuting attorney nods and turns his questioning back upon Twilight Sparkle, “And under what circumstances did you meet the defendant?”
Twilight answered calmly, “We met the first time when she came to Ponyville in her traveling side-show.”
The prosecuting pony then asked, “And is it true that by her actions or indirect result of her lies that Ponyville was nearly destroyed by an Ursa Minor?”
Twilight thought deeply for a moment and then replied, “That was actually the result of a couple of her fans actually, Snails and Snips.”
The prosecuting pony nodded then added, “Yes, but would you say that the actions of these impressionable youths were a result of Trixie’s lies?”
Twilight sank a little and answered, “Yeah, I suppose that would be one way of putting it.”
The Prosecution smiled and then asked, “And what of your last encounter with Trixie?”
Twilight thought carefully, knowing her answer very well may condemn Trixie, but she had sworn to tell the truth. As she hesitated Applejack leaned over to Pinkie Pie and whispered, “Whuts up with Twi’?” Pinkie Pie shrugged.
The prosecuting pony interrupted Twilight’s thoughtful silence by stating, “Miss Sparkle, we’re waiting.”
Twilight looked up and replied, “She returned to Ponyville to challenge me to a magic duel.”
The prosecuting pony stated, “I see. Is it true that she provoked you into said duel by tormenting your friends with spells until you complied?
Twilight nodded slowly, “Yes, it’s true.”
The prosecuting attorney continued, “Is it also true Miss Sparkle that she used the power of the Alicorn Amulet to defeat and banish you from Ponyville?”
Twilight nodded softly and answered sadly, “Yes, it’s true.”
Rarity noticed Twilight’s reluctance and whispered, “What is she doing? It’s almost as if she doesn’t want to testify against Trixie!”
Rainbow Dash huffed and replied in a hushed, but angered tone, “I tell ya what she’s doin’! She’s selling us out!”
The prosecutor then stated as he handed documentation over the bench to Princess Celestia, “The Alicorn Amulet is a powerful, magic enhancing device that corrupts its wearer, your honor.”
Celestia took the papers and looked over them while giving a sage nod, “Yes, I am aware of the amulet and what it does counselor. Thankfully after the incident the amulet was returned to me where it is safely locked away.”
The prosecuting pony nodded and asked Twilight, “Were you aware of the torment that Trixie put your friends through during your exile?”
Twilight nodded and replied shamefully, “Yes. Yes I am.”
The prosecutor nodded and replied, “No further questions. Defense, your witness.”
The defense pony rose from his seat and replied, “The defense is actually hoping to save Miss Sparkle for our last witness.’
Princess Celestia looked surprised and looked down at Twilight, then back over to the prosecuting attorney, “I guess that’s alright by me unless the prosecution has an objection.”
The prosecuting attorney shrugs with a confident air and replied, “The prosecution has no objection.”
Celestia nodded and said to Twilight, “You may return to your seat, dear until the defense is ready.”
Twilight stood and trotted back to her seat. As she passed Trixie she could see that the mare’s once self-important posture had sank into one of total defeat. Sorrow was evident upon her once smug face. This did not give Twilight comfort at all. Once she returned back to her seat to her waiting friends they seemed quite perturbed. Rainbow Dash even commented, “Way to go, traitor!”
Twilight’s expression perked curiously as she asked, “What did I do?”
Rainbow Dash replied, “We all noticed how reluctant you were to testify against Trixie! What’s up?”
Just then Princess Celestia banged her gavel upon the desk and demanded, “Order in the court” as she gave a disappointed look to Twilight and her friends. They all smiled with embarrassment and sank into their seats. Celestia nodded and said, “That’s better. Now, prosecution, your next witness pleases.”
 The prosecutor announced, “The prosecution would like to call Fluttershy to the stand.”
Fluttershy stammered in her usual, soft tone, “M... me? Oh my! No! I mean, I can’t! I... I...”
With coaxing from her friend Fluttershy eventually stepped onto the stand. Each of Twilight’s friends were called in turn to the stand to be questioned by both the prosecution and the defense attorneys, examined and cross examined.
In one outburst from Fluttershy her comment to the prosecuting attorney was, “Oh yes! Trixie is nothing but a big, dumb meanie!” When cross examined by the defense she stood her ground, insisting that Trixie’s treatment of her pony and animal friends was inexcusable. Trixie’s demeanor sank into further regret.
Rarity’s testimony was not much different or beneficial to the defense. Rarity broke down into tears upon the stand for the prosecution, crying about how horrible it was to be given green hair and how certain shades of brown were meant only as accent. On cross examination the prosecution tried downplaying how tragic a “Crime against fashion” really is only to send Rarity into deeper conniptions proving how profound a form of psychological torment it was for her. 
Upon swearing Pinkie Pie in her reply to the oath was the Pinkie Pie Promise, “Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye”, which oddly enough holds up in the Equestrian court of law. Pinkie Pie had to be removed from the stand unfortunately as very little she said made any sense. Even her friends in the audience had to shrug at her nonsensical and long-winded testimony.
Applejack’s testimony proved to be particularly damaging for the defense. The prosecution established that she was in fact the Element of Honesty, making her a particularly reliable witness. Her distain for Trixie was evident throughout her testimony. Upon cross examination Applejack only further served to paint Trixie as in her own words, “… ah cold, heartless con-arteest and worst of all, a liar.”
Besides Twilight the one seemingly with the most cause to despise Trixie was Rainbow Dash due to her own previous legal troubles. The defense attorney seemed particularly uneasy as he cross examined Rainbow Dash, but seemingly due to personal reasons rather than anything pertaining to Trixie’s trial. 
Objections were hurled and counter objections from both legal teams. The defense attorney seemed the fondest of throwing out objections, posing dramatically and pointing out his foreleg with each occurrence. Other witnesses were heard, like one of Trixie’s past employers from whom she had embezzled money, other ponies whom Trixie had scammed and lied to. All the while Trixie’s state grew more and more miserable. Finally the moment came to call Trixie to the stand.
Princess Celestia looked over to Trixie as she approached the witness stand and told her, “You know that you really do not have to do this. In fact it could really damage your case depending on what you have to say.”
Trixie nodded softly and replied, “Trixie understands this, your honor. She will neither lie nor hide from her actions. The only thing to do now is to face them and repent.”
Celestia smiled warmly at Trixie’s reply and said, “Very well. Bailiff, please swear Miss Lulamoon in.”
After Trixie’s swearing in the prosecuting pony approached her for questioning, “Miss Lulamoon I notice that you still insist upon referring to yourself in third pony. Are you really so self absorbed?”
“OBJECTION”, the defense attorney shouted in his usual stance with foreleg outstretched, “is it necessary for the prosecution to insult my client?”
Princess Celestia nodded in agreement and replied, “Prosecution, please rephrase the question. Just because you are prosecuting the defendant does not give you the right to verbally attack her.”
The prosecuting pony nodded and answered, “Yes, your honor. Miss Lulamoon, I am sorry. That was very unprofessional of me. Instead let me ask you, why do you speak of yourself in third pony?”
Trixie hesitated for a moment before replying, “Because The Gre... Trixie feels that...” She sighs softly, “Because I feel that I have so much to offer the world. I feel like I was meant to be somepony special.”
The defense pony nodded again thoughtfully and asked, “More special than any other pony?”
Trixie hung her head at which point Princess Celestia told her, “You can plead the fifth. You do not have to answer any question that is damaging to your own case. Though you are under oath, so if you do answer then you must do so honestly.”
The prosecuting attorney added, “Though by not answering one might take your refusal to do so as a sign of guilt. So long as you’re being honest why not tell us?”
Princess Celestia scowled at the prosecuting pony and said, “Councilor, you are skating on thin ice, I warn you...”
Trixie shook her head, “No your honor, it’s alright. Trixie will answer. Yes, Trixie has always felt to be superior. Trixie has always strived to be the best at everything she does, to be the best period.”
The defense pony placed his head into his hooves as the prosecution smiled. The crowd shook their heads and whispered among one another. Twilight’s friends even looked disgusted by Trixie’s words.
The prosecution pony then asked, “And what would the Great and Powerful Trixie do to be the best? What would she give?” 
Trixie’s eyes burned with hunger as she replied, “Anything in Equestria!”
The courtroom was a roar with mumbles of complaints at Trixie’s confession. Even Twilight who had pitied Trixie throughout the trial couldn’t help but to shake her head at how obsessed Trixie was. Princess Celestia pounded her gavel furiously as she shouted, “ORDER! Order in the court!”
The room slowly grew quiet allowing the prosecuting attorney to say, “Thank you your honor. No further questions.” The prosecuting pony returned to his seat with a smug look of satisfaction upon his face. 
The defense attorney then approached the witness and asked, “Trixie, if you need so badly to be the best then why didn’t you enter Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns?”
Trixie rolled her eyes and replied, “I tried. I failed the entry examination.”
The defense pony quirked an eyebrow and asked, “Oh? What was the test?”
Trixie replied, “It was hatching a stupid dragon egg.”
The attorney nodded while rubbing his chin thoughtfully and asked, “And what stopped you? Didn’t you have the power?”
Trixie rolled her eyes again and answered, “No, Trixie has the power, trust me! I was distracted while trying to cast the spell by some giant burst of rainbow flying over the school. Never did find out what that tacky burst of light was about...” Trixie grumbled as she crossed her arms. Twilight and her friends turn to look at Rainbow Dash who shrugged her shoulders.
“So not being able to attend I would assume that your magic is self taught” The defense pony asked.
“Yes. Trixie studied night and day as she was growing up, reading books and doing all that she could to learn magic” Trixie replied.
The defense pony then asked, “Then after all your hard work how was you received but your viewers?”
Trixie hung her head and answered, “Not very well at all.”
The defense attorney asked, “Would it be fair to say that you were ridiculed and shunned for your performance?”
Trixie nodded softly and whispered, “Yes.”
The defense pony then asked, “Did you ever want to give up?”
Trixie looked up with a look of determination in her eyes, “Never!”
The defense attorney pony paused for a moment before asking, “Trixie, if you had it to do all over again would you have committed any of the crimes that you committed?”
Trixie hung her head for a moment in thought at obviously such a difficult question. As Twilight’s friends rolled their eyes and nodded to one another Twilight herself sat on the edge of her seat awaiting the answer. The courtroom was quiet enough that one could hear a pin drop.
Trixie looked up with a soft, sincere gaze and answered, “No.”
“OBJECTION”, the prosecuting pony shouted. “Please remind the defendant that she is under oath!”
Trixie shook her head, “I’m telling the truth. For all my lies, schemes and cons I have not achieved any of what I wanted! I am no closer to achieving my goal of being the world’s most powerful unicorn! I... I’m not happy with anything that I have done. I... I’m sorry...” Trixie began to sob loudly.
All of the court was silent. Twilight and all of her friends hung their heads. Even Rainbow Dash hung her head remorsefully. Being an over-achiever herself she could not imagine the disappointment of failing so miserably. 
“No further questions your honor”, the defense pony stated as he helped Trixie from the stand. Trixie buried her face into her attorney’s shoulder and continued to weep. Together they returned to their seats.
Princess Celestia grimaced and looked back over to the prosecuting attorney who seemed rather unimpressed by Trixie’s outburst. She asked, “Any other witnesses prosecution?”
The prosecution replied, “No, your honor.”
Princess Celestia nodded and turned her gaze back upon the defense attorney and stated, “You still have one more witness yet to cross examine. Do you wish to call her now?”
The defense attorney looked up from consoling Trixie and answered, “Yes, your honor. The defense would like to call Twilight Sparkle back to the stand.”
Twilight’s friends looked over to her as Applejack said, “Go ahead pumpkin. We’ll support yeh no matter whut yer testimony!”  Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy and Spike echoed Applejack’s sentiment.
Twilight froze for a moment and fixated her eyes upon Rainbow Dash who met her gaze slowly. A smile creped over Rainbow Dash’s mouth as she said, “You’re off the hook. Now go show that snotty prosecutor what for!” Twilight breathed a deep sigh of relief and hurried to the stand feeling relieved and eager to give her testimony.
Princess Celestia smiled as her prized pupil stepped back upon the stand and said, “Twilight, you are still under oath, so remember to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.”
“I understand your highne... I mean your honor. I’m ready” Twilight replied gleefully.
The defense attorney approached the witness stand once more and asked, “Twilight Sparkle, if you would please describe the events that transpired at the end of your last encounter with my client.”
Twilight nodded and spoke, “After we tricked Trixie into removing the Alicorn Amulet and revealed our scheme to her she ran away.”
Trixie looked up at Twilight pleadingly with her tear-filled eyes as the defense attorney nodded and asked, “Was there anything after that?”
Twilight smiled brightly and raised her head high and replied proudly, “Yes. Yes there was.”
The prosecuting attorney looked up with a surprised look upon his previously smug face and shouted, “OBJECTION! The prosecution was not told of this!”
Princess Celestia smiled, “Overruled. You didn’t ask. Please Twilight, continue.”
Twilight nodded and continued as asked, “After it was all over we held a celebration where I performed feats of magic for the citizens of Ponyville. During my grand finale Trixie stepped in and added her own fireworks to enhance my performance. She then apologized for all that she had done.”
The defense attorney smiled, “Given Trixie’s over-confident nature it must have been quite a shock to have her approach you with an apology like that.”
Twilight nodded, “Yeah, it was pretty… amazing.”
The defense pony stroked his chin thoughtfully as he asked, “So, if you were to describe Trixie how would you go about it?’
Twilight looked over at Trixie again who had stopped crying and sat hanging on Twilight’s assessment of her. Twilight replied, “Trixie is a loud-mouth, self-absorbed, egomaniac!” 
Trixie hung her head shamefully once more. Then Twilight continued, “She is also determined, hard working and beneath her snobbish veneer she has a heart of gold. I would be honored to call her my friend.”
Trixie looked up again and gazed upon Twilight Sparkle with a look of total disbelief. Twilight gazes back at Trixie with a soft, warm smile. Trixie’s eyes began to water again as she returned the warm smile.
The defense attorney smiled as he said, “No further questions your honor.”
Princess Celestia smiled warmly and announced, “Then the court will go into twenty minute recess as I am in deliberations.” Princess Celestia levitated her gavel once more and brought it crashing down upon her desk.
 
 
Outside the courtroom in the main hall of the palace Twilight was met by her friends who rushed over to her for a group hug. Rarity was the first one to speak, “Why didn’t you tell us that you had spoke to Trixie again later that night, darling?”
Twilight responded, “Because I didn’t think that any of you would understand after all that she had put you through.”
Applejack replied, “You got that right! If’n you told us that Trixie had apologized t’ ya after that whole fiasco ah’d thought you were plum loco!”
Rainbow dash chuckled, “Yeah, pretty hard to believe. I just hope that this ends well for Trixie at this point.”
Fluttershy chimed in with her usual low, shy tone, “Well, everypony is capable of change. Just because someone starts out a big meanie ol’ meanie doesn’t mean that they’ll always be that way. A lot of the time all anypony needs is understanding and love.”
Pinkie Pie began to bounce up and down excitedly as she blurted out, “Ooh! Ooh! Ooh! You know what we should do once this is all over and Trixie comes out of it alright? We should throw her a big victory party with cake, and cupcakes, and balloons, and party games...”
Twilight grimaces, “IF Trixie comes out of this alright. Remember girls, she is guilty and has entered a plea of such. This trial wasn’t to prove her guilt or innocence. It was to decide on how severe her punishment should be.”
The group falls silent and hangs their heads for a moment before Spike chimed in, “Well, Princess Celestia is very fair and level-headed. I’m sure that her decision will be fair.”
Twilight nodded, “Yes, Celestia will be fair about this, so I’m sure that everything will be alright.”


Moments later ponies file back into the courtroom including Twilight Sparkle and her friends. They take their seats and await Celestia’s return. Finally Celestia steps from the judge’s chambers and approach the bench. The bailiff pony says, “All rise for the honorable Princess Celestia.” Everypony in the room stands.
Princess Celestia takes her seat and announces, “All may be seated” and with that all the ponies in the room sat down. The courtroom was in hush anxiously awaiting the princess’s verdict. Celestia places her forelegs upon her desk top and tents them together to gaze thoughtfully from behind them.
Princess Celestia began slowly, “I cannot say that this was an easy case to rule over. Both sides gave very compelling arguments. For one this was not a trial of guilt or innocence, but one of severity of the crimes. Malicious trickery, fraud, perjury, theft and embezzlement, these are not crimes that a princess would normally preside over. However, by presiding over this trial I hoped to determine for myself if indeed there was any hope of salvaging this talented, young unicorn.”
Twilight Sparkle and her friends look back and forth at one another in shock at Princess Celestia’s words, “salvaging this talented young unicorn” stating that she had personal vested interest in Trixie’s fate.
Princess Celestia continued, “However despite my own feelings and interest I cannot simply ignore the crimes of the defendant. It would not be fair to the prosecution or her victims. Being sorry for one’s actions is a beginning, but does not wash away one’s crimes completely. A guilty plea has been entered and punishment must be carried out.”
Twilight and her friends gasped and whispered their laments for Trixie’s predicament. Trixie spoke, “Trixie understands your honor and is ready to accept any punishment that you deem necessary.”
Princess Celestia nods and replies, “That is very commendable of you, Trixie. My ruling is this…” A hush falls over the court. Fluttershy begins to chew upon her hooves causing fragments to fly everywhere. The others look intensely awaiting Celestia’s next words. 
Princess Luna, Celestia’s sister stepped out from the Judge’s chambers to stand next to Princess Celestia. Celestia regarded her sister with a smile which Luna returned warmly. Princess Luna was a tall, midnight blue alicorn mare standing about two thirds of Celestia’s height. Her mane and tail were patches of star-filled mist which waved in the breeze. Upon her brow rested a black crown matching her moon insignia necklace. Upon her hooves were sparkling, light blue slippers and her cutie mark was that of a crescent moon upon a splotch of black which covered the whole of her flank with droplets of black trailing into the midnight blue of her body.
Princess Celestia then continued, “If it pleases the prosecution I would like to reprimand the defendant, Trixie Lulamoon into the custody of my sister, Princess Luna. Under Luna’s custody the defendant will study under her and hone her talents in magic, that is when not working to repay her debt to her victims and to society. For if anypony is truly capable of understanding the defendant’s determination and needs and is capable of reforming the defendant it is my Sister.”
“Well I’ll be uh monkey’s uncle…”, proclaimed Apple Jack.
“Oh, sweet”, whispered Rainbow Dash.
Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy hugged and began chanting in unison, “Please say yes! Please say yes! Please say yes!”
Rarity snatched up Spike and hugged him tight causing the dragon to melt instantly into bliss.
Twilight just stared in awe at the proposal. Her heart raced thinking of Trixie studying under Princess Luna, basically holding the same position under Luna that Twilight held under Princess Celestia as prized pupil. Slowly Twilight whispered, “Please Mister Prosecutor... say yes...”
Trixie could only gaze in complete shock up at Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Her heart raced at the thought of training under Princess Luna and achieving the power that she had always dreamed of and eventually winning the admiration of other ponies.
The prosecuting attorney sat pondering Princess Celestia’s proposal for a moment before replying, “So long as the damages are paid for and the stolen funds are returned then... “, the prosecuting pony shrugs, “then I suppose that the ponies of Equestria can accept the defendant’s release into Princess Luna’s custody.”
Princess Celestia smiled and then proclaimed, “Then it will be so. The defendant, Trixie Lulamoon will be remanded to the custody of Princess Luna for a sentence of 15 years. The defendant will also reimburse all damages and misappropriated funds to their rightful owners. Court dismissed!” Princess Celestia levitated her gavel and brings it down loudly upon her desk causing the entire courtroom to cheer.

After the proceedings Twilight Sparkle and her friends journey up to the upper levels of the palace to Princess Celestia’s throne room. The throne room matched the other areas of the castle but with tapestries adorning the walls and Celestia’s tall throne at the far end of the room. The stained glass windows here depicted the heroic adventures of Twilight and her friends.
Sitting at the far end of the throne room were princess Celestia, now without the black judge’s robes, Princess Luna and Luna’s new pupil, Trixie. Trixie was no longer dressed in her prison outfit, but in her usual attire of electric blue, pointed wizard hat and matching cape covered in stars. Twilight raced quickly across the throne room to princess Celestia’s side and nuzzled into her foreleg. Celestia wrapped a wing gently around her pupil in a warm embrace. 
“I would like to thank you Twilight and your friends for testifying. I know that it was not an easy task for any of you” Celestia stated.
“It was our pleasure, your highness”, Twilight replied.
“Even if’n some of our testimonies were-en’t so kind to tha defend-ant”, stated Applejack.
“Yeah, sorry that we gave ya such a hard time, Trixie”, Rainbow Dash said apologetically.
“Oh yes, we are so very terribly sorry. We hope that you can forgive us”, Fluttershy added.
Rarity added, “Yes darling, we’re so, so sorry, even though your sense of fashion is appalling!” The pony friends glare at Rarity. Rarity replies, “What? Green hair, brown dresses?” She shutters.
Trixie laughed, “No, it is I, the Great and... Indebted Trixie who should apologize and thank you all! Today is the happiest day in Trixie’s life! After as terrible as Trixie has treated all of you, still you help make this happen!”
Princess Luna stretches her wing out to gently wrap Trixie in its feathery embrace. Trixie blushes and leans into Luna’s foreleg as Luna comments, “Yes, this is a most auspicious occasion, but remember little Trixie that this is not reward, but a second chance to redeem thy self. Thou hast to prove to us that thou are worthy by training hard and mending thou broken ways.”
Trixie opens her eyes and looks up to meet Princess Luna’s gaze and smiles admiringly, “Yes, the Great and Studious Trixie will work hard to redeem herself and gain your trust!”
Spike looks bemused as he comments, “Great, now there are two of them talking in third pony...” All those in attendance laughed at the dragon’s comment.
Rainbow Dash looked around and asked, “By the way, what happened to that screwy defending attorney anyway? I had a few questions for him!”
Twilight Sparkle’s expression perked and added, “Yeah, me too! He seemed so familiar.”
Princess Celestia Grinned and answered, “He’s gone. He had important business elsewhere. Rest assured though that you haven’t seen the last of him.” Twilight and Rainbow Dash sighed softly in unison.
 Trixie looked up upon Twilight Sparkle and said, “Well, Trixie guesses that under Princess Luna’s training that Trixie will become as great a magician as you, perhaps even better! Trixie will be a greater rival to you than ever before!” Celestia’s and Luna’s eyes met in worried gazes at Trixie’s challenge to Twilight Sparkle.
Twilight smiles softly and replies, “Just so long as it’s a friendly rivalry.”
Trixie smiled back warmly and said, “Agreed”. Princess Luna and Princess Celestia breathed a sigh of relief and wing-hugged their pupils warmly.

Queue End Theme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6ZaCY0sToo
