[Canterlot - Twilight's room.]
"I cannot believe this!!!" Rainbow said, bursting through the doors. "How could Starlight side with them!? We're supposed to be her friends! We're the ones who forgave her for making that weird cult and stealing cutie marks!"
"I guess a snake can shed its skin but still look the same," Applejack stated.
"Um, I guess it makes sense," Fluttershy said.
"Whatever do you mean, darling? How does betrayal make sense?" Rarity asked.
"She was only sticking up for her friend. I wasn't there, but I don't think she was treated fairly," Fluttershy said.
"She wasn't treated fairly? She made up lies about how great she is and defeating the Ursa major!"
"But, Rainbow, you can't accuse someone of bragging when you do all the time,"
"Yeah, but guess what? It's not bragging when you can back it up. When Trixie couldn't do it, Twilight did!"
"Trixie wasn't the one to bring the Ursa to town. Snips and Snails did," Pinkie reminded.
"Well, perhaps she should've put a disclaimer to ward foals like Snips and Snails from acting on impulse!' Rarity stated.
"Is Trixie responsible for Snips and Snails? Or are their parent getting a pass now? Would you let Sweetie Belle do what they did?"
"Of course not; Sweetie knows better. It's just that some foals have little sense of danger at that age. They find everything wonderous,"
"So, Trixie should've screened her audience for slow foals?"
"Pinkie Pie!"
"Alright, alright. Let's drop it," Applejack said. "Where's Twilight?"
On cue, Twilight was the last to walk inside. She carried a newspaper in her aura. However, her expression was still one of shock. "...Take a look at this, girls..."
"Newspapers and magazines? Please don't tell you to indulge in Canterlot Prime. Their integrity has been in the gutter for decades," Rarity said, looking down at the others. "W-What!?"
"What the hay?!" Rainbow exclaimed.
"Oh my!" Fluttershy said in shock.
"These are the new prototype headlines the publishers plan to print," Twilight said.
"The Setting Sun: Princess Celestia's age begins to show after millennia-long rule. Princess of Abuse: Twilight Sparkle's long history of child labor. Ponyville: Capital of horrors. Human details traumatic experiences on page eight?! What is this trash?" Rainbow exclaimed.
"That's not all. Look at the magazines. The love bug bit me. The new royal couple. A damaged soul and beautiful Chrysalis. Triumph in love: two creatures topple an empire. Urgh! Do you see why I don't subscribe to tabloids!" Rarity said in disgust.
"They do seem rather close," Fluttershy said.
"Now that ain't right—these news ponies are making stuff sound worse than gabby gums. Can they do this?" Applejack asks.
"Yeah! This is like slander or treason! Twilight, can't you do something?" Rainbow asks.
"Like, what exactly? If I shut down the papers, it will only make me look guilty. Besides, it is free speech," Twilight said.
"Not if it's harmful to our image and reputation! This could be grounds for deformation!" Rarity said.
"Only if they were making this up. All their information is coming from the trial," Twilight said.
"Why are ponies so quick to believe this nonsense? Did they forget everything we did to save their sorry flanks?" Rainbow shouted.
"Or maybe, everyone is getting a better look at what we did," Pinkie said.
"It's easy to twist things when nopony was there for themselves. And, why are you using its words?"
"I want to do better..."
"Pinkie, dear, you didn't--"
Pinkie cuts Rarity off before she can finish. "NO! Don't tell me I didn't do anything wrong. I did. We did,"
"How can you say that, knowing about this weird spell on us!" Rainbow stated.
"Well, are we any closer to breaking it?"
"No. Suppose all four alicorn magic couldn't. I am not sure what can..." Twilight said.
"Discord?" Applejack asks.
Fluttershy shakes her head. "He's still not answering any of my letters,"
"Figures,"
"Perhaps the elements of harmony? If foul magic infects us, then maybe they can clear it," Rarity suggests.
"It's worth a shot," Twilight said as her horn made the elements appear around their necks. "I always wanted to try that spell. Alright, girls. We have to focus on any corruptive or invasive magic within ourselves," The elements began their sequence of powering up. Each Pony hovers in the air for a time as a rainbow aura surrounds each of them. Eventually, the magic of the elements dies down, and everyone returns to the ground. Twilight opens her eyes and frowns. "Nothing. There's still nothing!"
"Could the elements have been tampered with before hoof?" Rarity asks.
"No. The Princess made sure that not even Discord could get through the wards again,"
"Well, since we got them, I say we take the elements to Chrysalis! Stop her plans once and for all!" Rainbow said.
Pinkie stares at her friends before taking her element off and handing it back to Twilight. "Pinkie?? What gives?"
"If that's what you want to use the elements for, count me out," Pinkie said.
"Why not, sugarcube? We're talking about Chrysalis here," Applejack said.
"We can't talk about Chrysalis without talking about Jason! Are we going to use the elements on him too? What about that horn? Do you want to risk losing our magic on the slim chance that they are doing something evil?"
"Come on, Pinkie. Nothing can beat the elements!" Rainbow reassures.
"Oh, I don't think we should do that either. How will we explain this to the judges? It will only look like we are afraid of what they might say," Fluttershy said.
"Oh, come on! When the elements work, it will be clear that those two are guilty!" Rainbow said.
"Well, clearly, you haven't been paying attention!" A new voice called out. The girls turned to the door to see Starlight standing there with a disapproving look.
"What are you doing here!?"
"I came to get my things. Don't mind me. I'll be out of your way in a few seconds," Starlight's horn flares as her luggage appears at her side.
"Is that all you have to say? Are you not even going to explain yourself? How you betrayed us, especially Twilight, for Trixie of all ponies?!" Rarity spat.
"The fact that you still see Trixie in that light enforces my choice. I did not betray any of you. I stuck up for my one true friend!"
"So, that's it? You're not friends with us anymore. I know I handled the Trixie situation poorly. But are you okay with leaving us after everything we've been through? Did everything we did mean nothing? Was it all a lie?" Twilight asks.
Starlight pauses as she stares at Twilight. "Based on what I've seen at the trial and what was said, how do I know you are not lying about everything?"
"...Where's Spike?"
"With your brother. Why? Do you want your servant back?"
"I want to make sure my brother is fine!"
"Well, he's not, thanks to any of you. I don't know what terrible things happened to that Jason character, but even I've noticed Spike getting a raw deal around all of you,"
"...You didn't answer my question,"
"I think the elements answered all our questions about this mysterious spell since it did not break. It's just like the time I tried bottling up my emotions. Eventually, those emotions are set free and infect everything,"
"But, what if you're wrong about us!" Fluttershy stated.
"I want to be wrong, but you're all scared Jason might be right. Either way, I got burned once by a friend. I won't go through that again. Later, girls..."
With that said, Starlight left the room. "Yeah? Well, good riddance!" Rainbow spat.
"The nerve of her judging us like that. Especially after all the things she'd done!" Applejack said.
Rarity places a hoof on Twilight's shoulder. "Don't worry, Twilight. Once we get this awful magic out of us, she'll realize her mistake,"
"Yes, Try your best and not worry," Fluttershy said.
"I can't help but worry. I feel like a failure, with all my deeds coming under scrutiny. Then, there is meeting Jason. I can remember that day so clearly now. I remember the excitement in his tone. I remember the joy in his eyes. I remember the sound of the door slamming in his face. But that's not all. Jason eluded to something at the end of the trial today. Something that I know he couldn't possibly know unless he was there,"
"What does that mean, darling?" Rarity said.
"it means that Jason may know a lot more than he is letting on,"
"Well, if it is more dirty laundry, then perhaps we can use it to our advantage. Are you sure that whatever he knows, it would be impossible to gleam without his presence?" Twilight nods. "And what of Chrysalis? What sparked their unique partnership? If that Gjallarhorn prevents lying on both sides, then I believe it's time for us to utilize it!"
"Yes, you're right, Rarity. If Jason wants this settled in court, we'll settle it there!"
"Finally, time for some payback!" Rainbow said, holding out her hoof.
"Darn tooting!" Applejack said, adding her hoof with Twilight, Fluttershy, and Rarity. Pinkie was the only one who had not joined. "let's complete the set, Pinkie,"
Pinkie stares at the huddle for a time before walking to the door. "Excuse me, girls. I'm going to get something to eat. See you later," Pinkie left the room, leaving an air of confusion and concern.
[Jason's room.]
"Are you sure you want to go in there, Spike?"
"I think it will be okay. I want answers, Shinning,"
"Well, I got your back, little bro," The two were walking down Canterlot hall to the plaintiffs.
Shining Armor saluted the guards as he and Spike walked inside. Scanning the room, Shining and Spike saw that it was currently empty. Unbeknownst to the two, something was slowly descending from the ceiling. The figure touches the ground as a pink hoof emerges from a green flame. Shining Armor felt movement from behind and quickly spun around. Spike became alert before falling into confusion at the familiar Pony in front of them.
"Princess Cadance?"
"Shiny! Spiky. I'm glad I caught you both. Have you two come to see Chrysalis as well? I have some choice words for her!"
"Yeah, and you can drop the act. I just spoke to my wife, and she wouldn't want to see you!" Shining viciously spat.
Cadance smirks as she moves closer, prompting Shining's horn to glow brighter. "Oh, careful dear. The Gjallarhorn effect is still present. I would hate for you to lose your magic. Although, you can use magic against me in another way~,"
"Change back now!"
"Ah, I get it," Green flames surround Cadance as she morphs back to her original form. "You prefer a vintage mature mare. But, think of the scandal. Prince consort has an affair with the plaintiff while his wife presides as judge. Oh, it's delicious,"
"We want to speak to Jason Wright!" Spike said.
"Hmm? And why is that? Are you looking to steal some information? Help the elements with their case? A word of advice: you should leave that sinking ship. No need to let them drag you down further,"
"We're not abandoning my sister!" Shining spat.
"Your sister? Not our? I see mistreatment runs from all branches of the Sparkle household!"
"My family doesn't abuse me!!!" Spike hollers.
"Still in denial, huh?" A voice calls out as Jason comes out of the bathroom in a towel. His scarred body is on full display.
Shining remains on guard as Jason walks to the chair and sits down. "Do you mind getting dressed? It's very uncomfortable,"
"Why? Can't stand the sight of your sister and her friends' handy work? I'm reminded of it every time I take my shirt. Every time I go to shower. Every time I look in the mirror. Every time I close my eyes. These scars will never go away. Telling me to get dressed is telling me to feel shame. And I refuse to do that anymore. Besides, you're naked right now. So's Spike. Why is it an issue when I do it? I'll stay like this because I am comfortable. If you're not, then the doors right there,"
"You're doing it again. You twist things to make everypony look bad," Spike said.
"I don't have to make them look bad. Their actions make them look bad. The thoughtlessness makes them look bad. Now, you're a kid. I never saw you when I was in Ponyville, probably because you were busy doing Twilight's chores. But that's fine. I don't blame you for anything that happened,"
"You can't expect us to believe that Twilight, her friends, and all of Ponyville did this to you," Shining gestures to all of Jason. "If there is a way we can resolve this, just name it,"
Chrysalis holds up her hoof in mock surprise. "Goodness! Are you attempting to bribe us? Ha! So much for the royal guard honor,"
"My honor and duty as a guard have always been for my family and country. Your little revenge scheme is destroying both. Now, what can I do to make you drop this case?"
"But, that's the beauty of all this, Shiny. It's not revenge. It's justice. That's why it's so effective. Your sister and her gaggle of friendship-spewing mouthpieces are the villains here. Besides, I thought you ruled the Crystal Empire. Nepotism at its finest,"
Jason leans in and looks Shining dead in his eyes. The Unicorn stiffens at Jason's blank stare. "What can you do, huh? What can you give me so I'll back off from exposing your sister and her cronies for the monsters that they are? Money? No, that's too common. When you have been around the block like I have, money loses its appeal. Love? I doubt you can pay a mare to be with me, not that I date a pony. Respect? Well, asking for consideration would mean your opinion matters to me somehow. News flash, it doesn't. We're running out of options here,"
"Please. I love Twilight and the girls. Whatever they did, they didn't mean it. I'm sorry that you got hurt, but please stop this!" Spike pleaded.
"You're sorry? I've suffered, but you're sad. I'm hurt, but you ask me to stop. I bled, but you don't want your friends to face accountability. You're selfish, just like them. There comes the point where sorry isn't good enough-- until it's just another excuse. But, you know what; I know what I want from you two,"
"What?" Shining asks.
"I want to sleep without screaming at the top of my lungs. I like the nightmares to stop. Take away every blow dealt to me. Bring me back my happiness. Could you give me back my faith in friendship? Or help me trust ponies again? Can you take away the three years of mental and physical abuse? How about these scars? Will you erase them and allow me to see from my eye again? Do I get justice for those that wrong me? I want the peace stolen from me from ponies I thought were heroes. Can you do that?"
"..." Shining and Spike said nothing.
"Then fuck off,"
Dejected, Spike and Shining Armor leave without a word. But not before Chrysalis could rub more salt on their wounds. "Come back anytime, Shiny. I enjoy our little sessions," Chrysalis made sure to speak as loud as possible into the halls before shutting the door.
[Canterlot Judicial Hall - Third Day of the Trial.]
"Court is now back in session," Luna said.
"Members of the court. It has come to our attention that the plaintiff has not been entirely honest with us!" Rarity proclaims.
"How so?" Queen Novo asks. "So far, the plaintiff's claims are proving compelling,"
"If the plaintiff claims originated from credible characters, then yes. However, little is known of Jason Wright's time in Ponyville. We cannot forget that Chrysalis staged an invasion against Equestria. She is a changeling—a creature whose very nature is deception," Twilight explained.
"Do I honestly have to explain the horns' effects to you again?" Chrysalis asks.
"There's no need. I am suggesting that it's possible to condition a creature to think and commit to a mindset. You said you planted changeling in our society in the beginning. And, throughout this trial, you've access to information that you shouldn't. Where is it coming from? Where did you and Jason meet if he isn't your creation?"
"Ah, so you're arguing that I am not real. And that, since Chrysalis has her hive hidden away, we got our documents illegally. Sorry to burst your bubble, but that's not what happened. The papers I have is freely accessible to the public upon request. There's just never been a need to put your and your friend's actions under a microscope—another poor example of negligence. Or, maybe that is intentional?" Celestia waves her tail angrily at the suggestion. "As for meeting Chrysalis. I wasn't a test tube baby spawned from her cacoons. We met in the Everfree after I got away from her,"
Jason points to Applejack while Twilight continues. "No doubt another carefully crafted tale so the horn doesn't react. What proof can you give us that you are not a golem of Chrysalis design?"
"Hmm, that is a good question. I could call up Celestia's knowledge of the horn. But I have something that I've been saving. The best way to prove that I am honest is to show you something far too intricate for Chrysalis or anyone in this world can come up with at all. So, member of the court, I would like to present to you; My Little Pony Friendship is Magic,"
Jason touches the horn again. This time, an image of a living room displays a little girl pulling him onto the couch. "Come on! It's starting! It's starting!!!"
"I told you I don't want to watch some pony show,"
The little girl pulls Jason onto the sofa as she picks up a remote and points it a the tv. Members of the court were confused as to what they were seeing. "What the matter? Afraid you might like it?"
"Sure, cuz. I'll like a children's cartoon for your age group,"
"Shush. Here it is!"
To say the courtroom was left speechless was a severe understatement. There, right before them and more or less the entire world, the defendants in a singalong at various locations in Ponyville and Canterlot. The locale themselves was accurate to a disturbing degree. The defendants were the most shocked towards the end of the intro as a picture showed everyone they knew in Ponyville. But the real shock came from the episode itself. It showed Twilight Sparkle obsessing over the fact that she had not sent Princess Celestia a letter in a week about friendship. So, she went out to find one. But, Twilight learned that none of her friends had an issue to report. Each failure caused Twilight to become more manic in her efforts until she stood before three familiar fillies. The episode continued with Twilight hypnotizing the town into fighting over her smarty pants doll. It got so bad that Princess Celestia had to intervene. Twilight's friends came to her aid, and the Princess dismissed Twilight's action by requesting a letter from each of the girls on friendship.
"Wow. That was great!"
"So, wait, Twilight doesn't get in trouble for hypnotizing a town?"
"No, that wasn't the point. It's about respecting friends when they are freaking out. Anyway, I told you you would like it. Want to watch another?"
"Alright, Susie,"
"So, was that enough for you?" Jason asks the defendants. "You all just saw an episode of a television program called Lesson Zero. Judging by your reaction, I'd say that memory is spot on. It also raises another question. Princess Celestia? Why is it you allowed Twilight to get off scot-free after messing with the minds of Ponyville? Mind-altering spells are illegal here, and I know I would not be safe with a pony that becomes manic from a messed deadline. That same neurotic mare is now a princess!"
Celestia, however, stammers a response. The reveal of the show threw her completely off balance. "I-I, you--"
"Hold on! Do-Don't try and change the subject! T-That was-- No, it's impossible! That memory. That was exactly how everything went that day to a T!" Twilight exclaimed.
"Which means it could not be fabricated because Chrysalis was not there to see it,"
It took another moment before Rainbow Dash. "Aha! That means you are a spy! How long you've been watching us?"
"Well, the show went on for about nine seasons. So, that's nine years. Susie loved it,"
Several murmurs erupted as Luna called for order. "This is startling news indeed. But, there are some inconsistencies I would like to address. The first is at the beginning. I know Ponyville enjoys a song. But I was not with Celestia when Spike sent that letter, nor did we hear voices,"
"What you saw was the introduction of the show. Back in my world, we have stories like MLP brought to life with moving pictures,"
"Are you trying to say that you kind created our world?!" Rarity exclaimed.
Jason rolled his eyes as he saw the ponies in the gallery begin to panic. "No. To make it easier to understand, Sunset came from the mirror world. We can classify that mirror world as an alternate reality. A world similar to this one, with some differences here and there. Do you know about the multiverse theory?"
"Upon discovering the mirror world, scholars have theorized the existence of multiple dimensions beyond our plane," Celestia stated.
"What does that have to do with humans watching our every move?!" Rarity said.
"What it means, Rarity, is that a pony can exist across infinite universes and timelines. For example, the mirror world has a human version of us. Each world has a set of rules. In Jason's world, it looks like they can view our world," Twilight said.
"I don't get it," Fluttershy said.
"Think of it like when you are reading a book. You are reading and watching another world,"
"So, what? we're just a bunch of made-up characters?" Rainbow said with an air of indignation.
"To a superficial extent, yes. It's a matter of perception. In my world, we can only see specific critical points of this. I don't know Chrysalis's story beyond her invading Equestria multiple times. Until I crossed a portal, I thought you were all fictional characters. Just like I am sure you thought humans were a myth," Jason explains.
"This would also explain how you knew who Jetset and Uppercrust were," Luna summarised.
"That still doesn't change the fact that you were watching us!" Applejack said.
"Yes, I watch the television program with my little cousin as a fan of the show. Honestly, you - the Mane 6 - the elements of harmony are all famous. My Little Pony is a rich and diverse fandom. Everyone, from adults and children, or foals if you prefer, loves you girls and all your adventures. Your lessons about friendship helped real people in need. People love this world so much that they make their own stories and factions about you. People like Rated Ponystar, kildeez, morbiugreen just to name a few. There are millions of stories dedicated to your honor. Some polls vote on who is the best Princess. Princess Luna won that one by a landslide," Despite herself, Luna could not help but smile at that. "If any of you came to my world, you would instantly become a celebrity. You'd be worshiped as gods. Humans love you. I loved you!"
The murmurs all stop as Jason's voice cracks. Rainbow Dash slowly floated back to her seat. "Is that why you came to Equestria? You wanted to meet your idols?" Cadance said.
Jason gives a shallow nod in response. "My cousin, the little girl you saw with me, got me hooked on the show. It was our favorite activity to watch whenever her parents dropped her off at my place. We'd watch the seasons over and over. Then, she got diagnosed with cancer after generation five was announced. She still managed to get excited over your world, even when she was getting weaker. The show helped her past the worse of her disease. She died, but I vowed to stay a fan for our sake. But I got depressed. Watching the episodes was harder without Susie there. Then, I found a sketchy website advertising a way to visit this world. I thought it was for a new theme park. So, I went to the location, found a portal, and went through. Poof, I'm here in the magical land of Equestria..." Jason looks down as he walks to the center. He turns to the defendants with the same blank stare. But, it was more hollow and empty now. "Did you know that Susie believed you were the best pony, Fluttershy?"
"M-Me?" The shy mare said.
"I would always say it was Rainbow Dash or Pinkie Pie. But she always loved how you were so kind. The way you treat animals. How soft-spoken you are. One of her favorite episodes was when you took Iron Hoof's seminar. It shows that you can get tough when you need to, even if you took it a little too far,"
"Oh, my. I-I hope that she did not learn the wrong thing from that," Fluttershy was feeling strangely calm. Jason's features were slowly morphing into a soft smile that felt comforting.
"No, she didn't. She took every lesson you learned to heart. She would always have a doll of you with that same soft smile,"
"Oh, that sounds nice," Fluttershy looks down in thought before speaking again. "I'm sorry for your loss,"
Jason nods again before he sighs and moves to the Gjallaarhorn. "You know, in a way, I am glad she is dead," There were several gasps of shock at the one-eighty turn in Jason's demeanor. "Don't misunderstand. I miss her. I'm just glad she didn't find that same website I did. Because meeting you, Fluttershy would've broken her heart!"
Jason spat as Fluttershy flinched. "W-What?"
Jason places his hand back on the Gjallarhorn. The image displays Fluttershy walking back to her cottage. It was midday, and several woodland critters hovered and scampered around her while humming happily. However, she stops when something calls out. "HELP ME!!!"
"Shut up, freak!"
*WHACK*
"AAAH!!!"
Fluttershy felt compelled to investigate. But, when she bursts into an open clearing, she stops. Jason was in a fetal position, trying to shield himself as three royal guard unicorn stallions wielded batons and beat him down. A brown well, dressed Earth pony stallion swirls his smoking pipe as he watches. Jason's face had welts and bruises. Blood trickled down his nose and the side of his head. Fluttershy saw a black eye and missing teeth. "Mr. Rich doesn't want some ugly monster prowling around his property!" The stallion ended his sentence with another swing against Jason's arm.
"I-I was in the shed. It's the only place I could be warm. Please. I'll work there for free if you--"
"Hit it again! Preferably on those tiny claws. I assume that's how it climbed over my fence. I can't have it trying to sneak into Diamond Tiara's rooms next. Who knows what could happen if it got inside the manor," Filthy Rich said. However, before the order is carried out, Filthy spots Fluttershy frozen in shock. "Oh, stay back, Miss Fluttershy. My butler found this dangerous creature prowling the property. I notified the guards here, and now, I'm making sure it doesn't get that idea again. You're an animal expert. Do you know how to keep pests like these out of our homes properly? I was thinking of getting some Orthros,"
Fluttershy heard the question, but she kept her eyes on Jason's face. Jason finally spots her and reaches out. "Fluttershy, help me, please!"
"Aah!" Fluttershy jumps back despite being the furthest away. "Yes, that will work. See you later, bye!!!"
Filthy watches as Fluttershy runs away. "Thank you, Miss Fluttershy. It's hard to see a sweet mare like her so terrified. Well? Smash those claws and break its hooves. I shudder to leave this thing capable of hurting an element of harmony,"
*CRACK*
"AAAH!!!"
The memory ends with the stallions following through with Mr. Rich's order. Once again, the courtroom fell silent. Some ponies left the room, while others found a nearby trash can to vomit. All eyes were on Fluttershy as the mare could not udder a word except an expression of horror. "Zecora was the one who found me in that clearing with my fingers and legs broken. She was able to nurse me back to health. But, I get these aches and pains in my knees, and it's hard to open and close my hand sometimes," Jason said. "I thank god Susie isn't here to see this. It could've easily been her at the receiving end of your cruelty. It's one of the few solaces I have had since coming here,"
"B-But-but, that was Mr. Rich and his goons. Fluttershy didn't touch you," Rainbow said, still in shock.
"A-And from the sound of it. You were trespassing," Rarity said, only to immediately regret it as Princess Celestia glared down at her and the rest of the courtroom.
"I was trespassing in a shed far away from the riches home. It was beaten and worn down. It looked like no one had used it for days. Remember that no hotel would take me even if I had the bits. The cold nights of Ponyville were unforgiving. I had no choice. But I guess beating someone and breaking bones is standard procedure for the royal guard,"
"N-no. That is not proper conduct!" Celestia denied it, as it was her day guards in the memory acting like hired thugs.
Jason ignores the solar Princess and questions the shy pegasus. "Why? Why did you run away, Fluttershy?"
"N-no, I didn't--" Fluttershy stammers, unable to form a sentence. Jason moves closer to her, his expression turning more aggressive.
"You saw me. You looked me dead in my eyes and ran! You even gave Filthy Rich advice to abuse me further!!!"
"I-I didn't mean to--"
"You could've told them to stop. They would've listened. You're a national hero! I thought you were supposed to be kind!"
Fluttershy trembles as she shoots up with tears in her eyes. "I am! I am kind!" Just then, the Gjallarhorn sends out another pulse. A burst of magic leaves Fluttershy as it did for Celestia and Twilight. She stumbles briefly before she looks at Jason in recognition and horror. "I remember. I-I did see you. I've seen you so many times in Ponyville. I saw you hurt, beaten, and bloody, but I never helped you..." Fluttershy shrank at her admittance. She curls into a ball, similar to Jason's, and openly cries. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry!!!"
"Where have I heard that before?" Jason asks, looking at Spike and Shining Armor. Both of them could not meet his gaze.
"P-Please. I am kind. I am a good pony!"
"Do you know my people have a saying that fits all the times you left me to suffer ideally? It goes like this: evil wins when good people - good ponies - do nothing. It bothers me that you didn't offer me any of that kindness you are known for all over Equestria. You did for a pony-eating manticore,"
"I'm sorry," FLuttershy's voice started to crack.
"You do it for all the dangerous animals in your cottage!"
"Please!"
"You did for the parasites that nearly devoured all of Ponyville!"
"S-Stop!"
"You give it to Discord! The same guy that ruled over Equestria in pure chaos while making ponies' life miserable. The same guy that corrupted you and your friends. Hell, he forcefully changed you personally. What else? Oh, yeah. He betrayed everyone, teamed up with Tirek, and helped him steal all the magic in Equestria. But, some fucking how, I was not worth the effort? Tell me something; if I came to your cottage on all fours while barking at a lost puppy, would you have shown me kindness then?"
"STOP!!!"
Fluttershy hollers while her eyes go wide. Jason knew what was happening instantly. It was the stare in full effect. Backing Fluttershy in a corner made her use it subconsciously. However, as Fluttershy glares intently into Jason's eyes, she sees everything. Jason's time o Earth. The times when he and Susie watch MLP. The moment he came to Equestria and the last time he ever smiled. Then, she saw Jason's time in Ponyville. She saw everything the citizens did to him. She saw everything her friends did to him. She saw every time she cowed in fear of him. She saw Jason standing in a tree with a noose around his neck before he jumped. It was too much. Fluttershy's eyes went blank white, her pupils fading out to show unconsciousness. Her body would give subtle little twitches before she began to wobble. Finally, with a soft thud, Fluttershy passes out on the defense bench.
"Fluttershy!!!" The elements, and Celestia exclaims.
"Medical! Get the medical ponies in here right now!!!" Luna commands.
Meanwhile, as a commotion begins to erupt, Jason rubs his eyes. There was a slight stinging sensation in them. He blinks away the tears in time to see the medical ponies looking over Fluttershy. He turns to the Gjallarhorn, noticing a soft glow before it fades. He looks at the scene again. Fluttershy's cutie marks were gone. He turns to the judges and speaks in the dead uncaring tone he can muster. "Hmm, no further questions,"
A tone that Rainbow Dash catches instantly. "That's it!!!" She zips into the air and charges toward Jason.
"Dashie, no!!!"
*SMACK*
Oh....Things are getting more serious now. If Flutters lost her mark-- then it meant she's not of Kindness anymore....oooooh the implications there.
11507226
also it seems like rainbow is next. i wonder if the others would feel fluttershys missing? i mean their marks are connected and drew them to become the elements users so its not impossible that fluttershy loosing her magic could effect the others.
I'm hoping that smack at the end was Jason bitch slapping her out of the air.
Oh boy, dash has fucked up.
11507256
Same.
I cant wait until march!!! Thanks for the update!!!
Now we wait to see who smacked who at the end?... For some reason, besides some obvious choices, I ended up thinking Starlight smacking RD down to floor.
The crowd looks upon Rainbow Dash in shock, that she so quickly resorted to violence against the human, who stumbled slightly after the strike. Though, having forgotten the effects of the Gjallarhorn, it was Rainbow who suffered the damage of her own blatant assault against the plaintiff, being launched into a wall with a broken jaw, several missing teeth, and her magic stolen by the Horn. Having no magic to protect her from the impact, she cracked open her skull. Barely clinging to consciousness, she looked up at Jason with equal amounts of hate, confusion, and...
Fear.
"Not a lot of fun on the receiving end, is it??!!" Jason shouted.
"Behold, the true colors of the Element of Loyalty, and the complete and utter recklessness of its Bearer! This kind of damage in one punch back home would be what one would expect from a professional boxer, whose fists would be legally considered deadly weapons."
"Now just think, I was protected by the Horn, but unlike with Jet Set, it activated immediately instead of after I took damage. She intentionally did something that she should've known could've killed me. But humans by default, aren't as strong or durable as ponies. If by the off chance I didn't die to her attack itself, which the calculation of force; mass multiplied by velocity, would've caved in my skull, if not decapitated me, the wall impact definitely would have, she will have only proven my point."
"But it's not the first time she's done this either, she's struck me with lightning many times, which is deadly to humans. And she laughed. Every. Single. Time. As I writhed in agony, fearful that Death had finally come for me. But we'll get to that later." Jason looked down on her with satisfaction, kneeling down to whisper in her ear.
"I was saving you for last, but I guess we can put you up next, if you can form coherent sentences by then. I didn't want blood unlike you, but just for that, I might take those wings at the end of this. For now though, you can definitely say goodbye to your career as a Wonderbolt, and any hope of a defense you had, not that it would accomplish anything."
"Everything that's happening to you and your friends, it's all on you. The only thing I'm guilty of is proving your guilt, everything else is nothing more than a consequence of your actions."
11507293
The Horn I think would activate regardless, unless there are ways around it.
Dash suffers the damage Jason would've suffered, though it might operate like it did with Jet Set as well and he still takes some or full damage.
Jason defends himself, but we don't know if the Horn differentiates between assault and defense.
Chrysalis might have swooped in and taken the hit or grabbed her with magic and slammed her to the ground.
Or Twilight might have reacted fast enough to hold her back.
11507326
All are very good options.
11507256
That or to everyone's surprise... it is PINKIE PIE who smacked Dash out of the air.
11507226
Cutie Marks appear when one finds their special talent. Fluttershy's talent was taking care of animals. She would help even the most ugly and vicious of animals, and yet she wouldn't help Jason. If could be the Gjallarhorn saw this and punished Fluttershy by taking away her Cutie Mark, the symbol of her talent. Or perhaps she no longer believes that taking care of animals is her talent, and the loss of her Cutie Mark is a reflection of her mental state, her doubt in herself or her talent.
Though I am eager to see Rainbow get what she deserves, I will wait. I hope you have a great time. I am also curious to how Fluttershy will feel after waking, considering she saw his memories.
Also digging the author drop during the tale.
It's so easy to forget that the stare can be used as an attack. But nobody saw this coming.
So there's still no telling how many other witnesses there will be. Or rather which ones are allied to jason, and who's watching this trial and ready to come forward.
BTW: seeing how the school of friendship was almost opened and then Jason appeared... Should we be worried about Cozy Glow running around unchecked? She must be wanting to stop writing letters to Tirek, and start writing to Jason at this point.
Lastly, as this is about gritty realism: wil we find out if this is one of those universes where Chrysalis in the form of Cadence, got it on with Twilight's brother while he was hypnotized? The horn might not take too kindly to that...
Holy shit... didn't expect Fluttershy to lose her Cutie Mark at the end, there! This story is intense!
Wait, if this is after Tirek, how come they have the elements with them, they shouldn't be in the Tree of harmony?
Aw man! You can't leave us on a cliffhanger like that for 2 weeks! I MUST KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!!!
11507346
I think you might be on to something with the Horn being reason as to why her mark is gone.... it registered her Stare as an attack about to make Jason submit, or what ever her Stare would have done to him, so it did it's REVERSE UNO-CARD thing, cause Fluttershy to get a full dose of her own medicine, and removed her mark as a result.
Pops out of thin air
“Hello, there!”
I’m flattered by the name drop! Thanks!
Please tell me she hit him in a spot that renderers her unable to fly!
11507414
You're welcome. It only makes sense since you are in the universe too.
This is getting good, if Rainbow Dash hits Jason then she only digging her own grave, in front of everyone! Then he could slap her back in self-defence, you know it's going to be 10x harder, KO!!!
(And she was horrified. As she should be. But even with what's seen, the horror of the Mane Six never seems to outweigh the nepotism, the justification, the denial. Lacking memory is one thing, but these reactions? They are still theirs. And that is what condemns them beyond all else. And it seems like Dash is up next. Good. She's played the part of the thug for long enough, I'm eager to see her be on the receiving end.
Also, PRETTY sure at least one of those newspaper columns is going to remember the whole 'brainwashed a town and suffered no consequences' thing. Illegal mind-control, publicly admitted to even.
Yeah... that, and Celestia's failure to do anything to punish that, are probably going to be of particular interest not only to the common populace, but also to various law enforcement groups. And it didn't have a thing to do with Jason Wright.)
11507424
It'd be funny if a memory is shown of Jason reading one of our fics!
11507432
Yeah, I can see that. Idea!
11507440
Niiice. Have fun with that and enjoy your trip.
They thought they were a step ahead. Naw, it don't work like that. This guy came in wielding the truth like a hammer, and everyone's a nail.
I'd feel pity for Dashie if she didn't have the next chapter coming. Oh well, sucks to suck.
Since we're placing bets on who smacked Rainbow, my money is on Pinkie.
And now the Royal Guard is under scrutiny for excessive force on a sapient creature.
Thanks for the chapter 🙂
Resorting to mental and physical violence, are we, girls? Oh, dear! Well, that's a sign the debate's going well!
11507241
Yes, but I’m actually wondering if the horn will give her mark back or…something more concerning.
11507346
Possible. But, why did we get downvotes?
11507482
i think that since the horn was created for justice it will be up to Jason and perhaps the horn would in the name of justice heal him and have his abusers take on his damage. Would be the way to go in my opinion for twilight and the others to gain the damage jason suffered and loose what made them able to do so
11507482
The wielder of the Gjallarhorn has the choice of returning a creature's magic.
What Rainbow Dash will see a few seconds later:
11507516
i was thinking more like
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGC_YOfyVlY
11507535
MOOORREEE
expect next Month
FFFFUUUUUC-
All right I'm going to shoot for the moon here I believe it was lightning dust that smacked rainbow think about it who would smack rainbow out of the air I think pinky would have just like tackled her but it's resounding smack either rainbow hit him or someone fast enough to stop her from doing that and I think lightning dust is just Petty enough to smack rainbow out of the way so that she could get her words in on rainbow because let's be fair lightning dust was an absolute blowhard but then again so was rainbow that or shining armor cast The shield before she could hit him
So my bet is that this story involves Discord tweeking their minds a bit, while also flaring their egos. Not full on mind control, but allowing them to become increasingly blind to their issues. Everything else before Jason came is just gravy as it points out the special treatment they got before hand. Celestia might need to do some thinking with how she handles her students…. It sounds like she’s creating monsters by enabling bad behavior.
How about the time when Rainbow destroys the weather factory to prevent winter just because she cannot bear to separate from her tortoise due to hibernation?
11507346
But when Tirek stole everyone's magic, their marks disappeared. She lost it because her Stare is a form of magic in this story, and she used it against Jason.
11507647
Another thought though, what if someone put a barrier between them? Lightning Dust could've intercepted with ease, but at the same time, I don't think she has much ground to stand on against anyone legally.
Edit: I responded before reading your whole comment, I didn't notice the barrier part until after I said it.
11507341
Maybe the Gjallarhorn prevented Dash from killing the human by summoning a force capable of stopping a rabid Dashie...
media.tenor.com/KvsRe0TqccUAAAAC/chuck-norris-kick.gif
I wonder how everyone is going to react to how twilight lied to pinkie.
You know that moment where Twilight confronted pinkie asking her to not interact with Jason Wright, so he can "experiance and learn things on his own"
So because of that lie pinkie avoided jason like the plague because she thought she was doing a good thing. I predict that jason wouldn't be mad because, she was manipulated and lied to by Twilight
And even if he doesn't Pinkie would probably be pissed after finding that out, cause she had been feeling so much guilt when in all honesty she didn't know or see anything
Any of you know that scene from :Good Will Hunting"
I kinda wish jason would have that "It's not your fault" moment with spike cause saying those words to someone who has been abused in some way helps chisel away at the defensive wall they put up
Actually you know what, screw it I dont need sleep.
Jason paced around the court room eyeing up the judges, the mane 6, celestia, and luna before his eyes landed on spike in the defense's podium.
"Members of the court, friends, foes and everything in between." Jason stated his eyes unmoving from spike "If it's alright with you, I would like to share a personal story of mine" the judges gave a look of suspicion at such a random request. The ponies in the stands talked quietly amongst themselves, celestia and luna looked at each other, both sharing a look of concern for what might come. Twilight flinched at the idea of jason Wright sharing debating on whether jump in but decided against such a motion.
"I'll take that as a yes"
"Ahem, this story goes on for a while so please bare with me. When I was a kid or foal as you would put it, my father left me and my mother alone when I was barely the age of five" jason stated bluntly, the judges shared a somber look of empathy even ember and grandpa gruff looked saddened by such a statement. But they let jason continue.
"On some nights I would ask my mother when daddy was coming home, and she would always have the same answer, 'Soon honey.' But after a while of my insistent badgering, she eventually lost her composure and yelled at me saying he was never going to come home" Jason's demeanor slumped but he quickly gathered himself. "and because of such an answer I blamed myself, I kept thing that maybe if I did this he would have stayed or if i tried harder he would come back, but he never did."
Jason's rant was suddenly interrupted causing his pace to halt
"I'm sorry to intrude, and I don't mean to sound insensitive to your pain, but I must ask where are you exactly going with this" cadence asked trying to sound as polite as possible.
All eyes in the courtroom returned to Jason Wright. Who took a deep breath before resuming his pacing.
"Well I guess I should get to the point, you see princess cadence, every victim blames themselves for what has happened to them, while it's an unhealthy way to deal with it, it's the victim way to process the abuse inflicted upon them" Jason state giving a subtle icy glare at twilight, one that she picked up quickly causing her panic to grow ever slowly.
"What every victim of abuse needs to know is what their abuser did was their choice, what they experienced was not their fault. Honestly, I wish someone told me that, cause if they did, I would not have spent so many years sulking and wallowing In self pity" Jason admits giving an exasperated sigh.
But then Jason walks up to the defense podium and stares at spike. Though a bit taken aback spike could see that jason wasn't giving him a judgmental stare but one of sympathy.
"Spike, it's not your fault" Jason states bluntly
"W-what?"
Spike surprised stares back at jason confused and stunned by the sudden shift in tone.
Jason's words had always carried malice or venom within them. But these, these carried kindness and sorrow.
"It's not your fault spike" jason repeats, his voice cracking a bit
"I-I don't, what do you-" spike tries to speak but gets interrupted by jason placing his warm hand on the baby dragon's scaly shoulder.
Twilight was about to jump up to demand that Jason take his filthy paws of her brother, but such a motion was immediately put down as celestia noticed her student's attempt, and gave her a glare.
"Spike please, you need to understand, what they did and didn't do to you was not your fault." Jason pleas got louder, every creature had a mixture of concern and confusion at what he was trying to incite or do.
Spike's body began to shrink and shiver. Even though the gjallarhorn emitted no magical shockwave, spike felt all the memories of his days with twilight velvet and night shine began to come flooding back.
No matter what he did, he could never get them to acknowledge his accomplishments or achievements. Anytime he did it was because they were yelling at him because he accidentally set something on fire, or when they tried to distract him with a pointless task or simple busy work while Twilight and Shining, got praised and all the attention upon them.
He could feel all the times he made excuses for that sort of treatment he received,
'I just need to try harder'
'it's because I got in the way, i need to be more careful'
So many excuses so much time wasted.
And finally, spike caved. All the tears he had been holding were not let lose on full display for every creature to see
Spike tried to hide or stop the floodgates but to no avail, then something unexpected happened. Jason reached out and embraced the small drake within his arms, like a mother trying quell her crying babe. He shushed the weeping drake as the whole world around them began to crumble and repeated the same phrase
"It's not your fault"
11507780
You would think that but also remember this in the episode that had them racing against each other spitfire was showering lightning dust with a lot of praise she recognized that lightning dust could have been a very good stunt pony in a group that is meant for racing as well as doing stunts that would have been a good thing all the other ponies that she was putting in danger while doing those stunts would have just been a hazard of the job spitfire was actively encouraging lightning dust to do those stunts the only time spitfire had a problem was when civilians decided to enter into the airspace of their practice zone and it's only when rainbow dash says her friends one of which is Twilight sparkle which are more than sure spitfire knows is princess celestia's prized student did spitfire say that lightning dust was out of line and I know lightning dust eventually put scootaloo in danger that most likely would not have happened if rainbow dash didn't ruin her chances of being in the wonderbolts I'm also sure that the wonderbolts would have you know stopped her from doing more reckless crap that would hurt others
I'd like to see how the population of canterlot is reacting to the information coming from the trial
The rumors, the drama, the potential division of the ponies. All of that is going to be fun to read