Ebony and her friends waited almost two hours before Celestia came to collect them with two guards at her side.

They had been in deep telepathic conversation – though, they’d yet to make any real headway concerning an escape plan – when she arrived, pulled the sceptre erecting the barrier of their prison out of the ground, and hoofed it to one of the guards.

“I’m sorry it took this long,” She apologized, to Ebony’s surprise. “Please follow me and we can resume the trial.”

The command was gentle but also firm; it was the type of tone that a teacher would use. Ebony hadn’t been a student for almost a decade, but she had that nostalgic desire to immediately obey lest she get detention.

‘Which I’m in danger of getting. Sort of.’ She realized as she ventured outside the tent, passed through the crowd, got another tomato to the face, and ended back in the tent/courthouse with everyone watching intensely as Luna teleported in with Nightmare Moon.

Ebony noticed that Twilight and her friends were absent. “Where did those mares get to?”

“Probably planning something, yeah?” Fade murmured. “Stallion, I really don’t like the way those griffons are looking at me.”

“Yeah, like hawks.” Lightning Dust agreed.

“But aren’t they eagles?” Veil wondered.

“Nah, they’re more like falcons; you can see it in the way they move their wings when they dive-bomb,” Fade answered. A second later, he realized they were staring at him. “What? I can know stuff about stuff. Sometimes.”

“I apologize for the interruption,” Celestia said. “Unforeseen developments required our immediate attention.”

“I don’t suppose you’d be willing to share this information?” Haze said, stepping out from their group. “I believe we deserve to know why our trial was cut so suddenly.”

“True,” Celestia relented, much to Ebony’s surprise; she expected a bit more subterfuge than that. “Shortly after we recovered from the effects of the paralysing gas, we sent a message to the Crystal Empire informing them of the situation. We just wanted to keep them in the know, but Shining Armor and Princess Cadance sent supplies and aid to assist in addressing the damage done to the castle. A convoy arrived by train during the trial.”

Haze hummed. “A quick response on their part. Yes, I see why you interrupted the trial now.”

“Also…” Celestia continued with a shrug. “We did not expect for the rulers themselves to be among that convoy.”

“Pardon?”

“Shining Armor and Princess Cadance will attend shortly,” Luna said. “They are ensuring the aid they brought is distributed efficiently.”

“Again, I beg your pardon? A surprise witness may make for an exciting soap opera, but on such short notice in reality-”

Celestia cut Haze off by holding up her hoof. “It is only fair that we hear from all parties involved and affected by Nightmare Moon. The state of things has made acquiring those who will testify difficult. And yes, I realize it is common courtesy and etiquette to have the witnesses already here, but again, the circumstances are extraordinary,” She nodded in Ebony’s direction but kept her eyes focused on Haze. “Of course, you will all have your chance to speak individually, but there are others that have a voice.”

Luna snorted contemptuously. "I do not see the point of having them speak. We already know they will try and say anything to evade their comeuppance like the cowards they are."

"Attacks on character," Haze said. "Rather uncalled for."

"Careful," Luna growled, striking him with a baleful glare. "Lest we go from verbal attacks to physical."

Haze pressed his lips together and nodded with restraint.

Celestia gave her sister a disapproving frown. "Luna, your behaviour isn't appropriate."

"Neither is yours," Luna turned the same cold glare on her. "Have you forgotten that Nightmare Moon is the enemy? After all she has done, you are still content with 'forgive and forget.'"

Celestia recoiled slightly. Everyone else watched the quarrel anxiously, unsure looks and barely-audible words exchanged as the two sisters focused all their attention on the other.

Ebony thought that this might have been a good time to try and escape. Perhaps they could manage it if Nightmare Moon was with them, but a quick and sobering glance told her that Nightmare Moon wasn't even paying the sisters heed; she seemed more engrossed in the dirt beneath her hooves.

Luna continued. "Let us believe that she did have a genuine connection with Vinyl. It did not stop her from physically harming the brave guards that attempted to defend the castle from her coup. It did not stop her from imprisoning innocent mares. It did not stop her from threatening harm to three young fillies."

"I know that," Celestia argued. "But if she's shown to be capable of compassion, then-"

"Bah!"

"-isn't there the possibility, the chance of some form of reflection and change? Didn't it turn out well for Discord?"

"Name one time that Discord killed or harmed anypony," Luna snapped. Celestia faltered and didn't reply. "I thought so. Discord may have caused problems with his wanton and reckless use of his power, but there is a very clear contrast between his actions and Nightmare Moon's. Reflection and change is all well and good, I do not dispute that; however, we must also acknowledge that at times, it is far safer to dispose of a threat rather than wait and hope for something else."

Celestia looked torn, even more so when Twilight spoke up and said, "I agree. It makes the most sense considering what we've heard."

Others agreed. Celestia didn't look too pleased about this, but it seemed that as much power as she had, and however much she was respected, her word would not be the final one in this trial. Whatever Nightmare Moon's fate would be, it would be decided by the majority.

"For the sake of amnesty and order, I am willing to have my disposition toward the demon swayed, hence why I agreed to this trial," Luna grumbled. "So, proceed - try and convince me that there is another path."

Haze pushed out a frustrated breath. "... Back to the topic of witnesses, who should we expect, if I may ask?"

Recovering, Celestia side-glanced at Luna once more before replying, “Two of them were in the Eclipse ranks. Then, there's Fancypants and his wife.”

“Fancypants and Fleur are speaking?” Ebony hadn’t heard from them in a while, not since she stood in for Veil at that meeting about airship maintenance.

“Them and Boss were pretty close, yeah?” Fade subtly gestured. “Look – Boss’ ear flicked. Guess she’s not completely zoned out.”

“And then...” Celestia stopped and looked to the entrance. The mob outside had started to clap and cheer. “Ah, that must be Shining Armor and Cadance now.”

Ebony grimaced. 'Ugh...'

She wasn’t ecstatic to see Shining Armor and Cadance again after they parted on less than amicable terms, but she’d be lying if she said she didn’t feel at least a tiny bit relieved that they entered the tent in good health. She didn’t wish for them, for anyone, to experience that crystal abomination again.

Shining Armor strolled in wearing his ornate battle gear. Cadance was at his side wearing her regalia. Behind them, Twilight and her friends followed while two guards with shining, partially transparent bodies protected the rear.

“I’m sorry we’ve come on such short notice,” Cadance said, her gaze settling on Nightmare Moon and turning hard. “But we had to see the results of this trial.”

Celestia nodded. “Of course – I understand that the Crystal Empire has been affected by Nightmare Moon’s actions, too,” Then, she looked at Twilight. “And the personal involvement is obvious as well.”

Twilight didn’t respond. She and her friends returned to the spot they had earlier and Shining Armor and Cadance joined.

“Clockwork…” Celestia motioned to one of the Royal Guard, a pegasus. “Could you go out and clear the crowd from the entrance? Shining, will your guards be willing to help?” He nodded and gave them the ‘go-ahead.’ “Thank you. Twilight, you’ve brought Shining and Cadance up to speed on what’s been said?”

“I have,” Twilight nodded. “Up to what Nightmare Moon last said.”

“Then if there are no objections, I would like to hear testimony from the witnesses.”

“Actually, I have something to say,” Haze interjected. “Given that the impact of the Empress’ influence has nationwide effects, isn’t it accurate to say that everyone in Equestria can be a potential witness? Are we going to get an account from every soul in the land? That seems like a considerable investment of time and resources.”

“We would have the testimonies of those able to be here and have been personally involved with the accused beyond a mere hailing,” Luna said, then, with a shrug, added, “Of course, if you would prefer that we bring every pony outside this tent to speak…”

Haze grimaced, likely thinking back to the salvo of decomposed produce they received on their way back. “No.”

“I thought not.”

Ebony felt the pressure of Haze’s thoughts at her mind.

“We may be in a spot of bother. Normally, I’d assume they’re getting witnesses to further demonize the Empress-”

“She’s already a demon.” Veil huffed.

“-but I can’t predict what Celestia’s intentions are. She is a wild card, as they say.”

“It seems like she really wants Nightmare Moon to be reformed.” Ebony pondered.

Haze hummed. “I’m not going to make any assumptions until I have irrefutable evidence of that. Until then, let’s see what this crystal prince has to say.”

“Shining Armor – tell us of your first communications with Nightmare Moon.”

They didn’t have any of those stands that the witness sat in, so Shining Armor had to stand in front of the princesses. He didn’t seem all too worried that his back was exposed to Nightmare Moon. Granted, she was being watched by several powerful figures and had a dozen spears pointed at her. Not only that, but it was clear from her downward stare that a surprise attack was the last thing on her mind.

“Well, Princess Celestia…” Shining Armor licked his lips and paused to collect his thoughts. “If I recall correctly, then it was sometime around noon on November 4th, 1055 AD. I received a letter delivered via train that Nightmare Moon had overthrown the Equestrian government and had the princesses and the Element Bearers imprisoned. I didn’t believe it at first, but a scout I sent to Canterlot came back and confirmed it.”

Twilight spoke. “What did you do next?”

“My next action after that was to devise a counter-attack.”

“But you didn’t.”

It wasn’t an accusatory tone, but it was cold; Ebony was shocked she would talk like that to her brother after all she heard about their close relationship. Even Shining Armor seemed taken aback for a second.

“Cadance talked me down. I didn’t like it, but I knew that an attack wouldn’t amount to anything. We’re great at defending against anything trying to come down from the North, but the logistics of sending forces to defend Equestria when the enemy controls the fastest mode of transportation – trains – are dismal at best.”

Twilight nodded. “Did Nightmare Moon demand anything of you?”

“She wanted crystals,” His tail flicked. “We already had a trade deal with the princesses going on, so it wasn’t a big deal at first. I mean, it left a bad taste in my mouth to have to trade with her after what she did, but-”

“If you didn’t like it, then why did you do it?”

Shining Armor flinched. “Well, one reason was because we trade for materials we can’t get from the terrain. It’s kinda hard to mine for metal outside of the Empire’s barrier and we don’t have much space for crops. And the second reason is because Nightmare Moon threatened to hurt you if we didn’t comply with the trade.”

Twilight nodded once. “I see,” A pause. “So, she blackmailed you?”

“I would say so, yes.”

“And was the trade the same? Did you trade the usual amount for what Equestria sends?”

“At first, yeah. But then Nightmare Moon wanted purer crystals; the kind you would use for complicated magic rituals.”

“You never traded those before?”

Shining Armor shook his head. “No, we have, but it was in very small amounts. Three, maybe seven units in each shipment at most – small crystals, too. All of them were requested by Princess Celestia on behalf of the School for Gifted Unicorns. What Nightmare Moon wanted were entire crates – most as big as my hoof.”

“Do you know for what purpose?”

Shining Armor opened and closed his mouth, gaze set on the crystals implanted in his sibling’s body. “I…”

Twilight stared at him. “Please answer the question. You swore on Faust’s name.”

Cadance shifted nervously. “Twilight-”

“He can speak for himself.”

It was a full three seconds before Shining Armor could speak for himself. “For the Resonator. She wanted crystals for the Resonator. From what little I know, it’s a very complicated piece of machinery,” He blinked. “Where is it anyway?”

That was a good question. Ebony had completely forgotten about the only device that allowed them to close Entropic Fractures with everything going on. It was secured behind a robust door and complicated spells, but would it have survived the blast? She hoped it did.

“Back to the question,” Twilight said sharply. “Is that all Nightmare Moon used the crystals for?”

Shining Armor paused yet again. “She used them… for you. Put them in you.”

The silence that followed was almost painful. Ebony couldn’t stop cringing, feeling a dozen eyes glare at her, her friends, and Nightmare Moon.

“Feels like I’m doing one of those stupid school plays…” Fade muttered.

“I hate those.” Miasma agreed.

Twilight carried on after letting the tension thicken. “And to gather these crystals Nightmare Moon wanted, you had to excavate into your deepest mines? The ones that were dug by the Empire’s populace under orders by King Sombra?”

Shining Armor nodded. “Y-yeah.”

“But wouldn’t you have had to do that anyway to gather those crystals for earlier trades?”

“Well, the thing is, if it’s just requests for small loads like what the school orders, then we can mine them from anywhere in the mountains; they’re not as common as regular crystals, but if you know where to look, then you don’t have to go so deep. But with the amount Nightmare Moon wanted, we had no choice but to go into the deepest mines to fulfil her demands.”

“What is so bad about these mines that Sombra had dug?”

“Bad memories. The crystal ponies don’t like going there because it reminds them of Sombra,” Shining Armor’s tail started flicking again. “But if we put feelings aside, then there’s nothing physically wrong with the mines: no dangers of cave-ins – well, no more than any other mine – no poisonous gas – it’s completely safe. At least, that’s what we thought at first.”

Ebony grimaced. She knew where this was going.

Twilight tilted her head. “What happened?”

“The miners were digging in one of the tunnels when they hit a crack in the wall. The whole layer came apart and something came out. It was a monstrosity – a pony encased in crystal yet somehow controlling it. It must have been slumbering since Sombra was still in charge. When it got free, it started infecting everypony, turning them into mindless slaves. We tried to fight it off, but I was forced to evacuate the whole Empire into the castle.”

“What happened to this creature?”

“Eventually, we destroyed it,” He spared a second to glance in Ebony’s direction. “With help. Afterwards, we found a journal in what used to be Sombra's private quarters. From that, we learned that the pony inside might have been involved with him in some way – likely a lover – but we’re still unsure how she came to be like that.”

“Just to clarify, ‘she’ is…”

“The pony in the crystal, yeah. We don't know her name; nothing in the journal, and nopony in the Empire recognizes her. The annals in the library seemed to have been tampered with because whole sections of family bloodlines are missing.”

“Have you had any other trouble like this since then?”

“No. We shut down the mine completely and started excavating elsewhere. It’s hard work in comparison, but it’ll be a cold day in Tartarus before I send anypony down that tunnel again. As for the creature, we burnt all the remains; there’s nothing left.”

Ebony thought back to the small sample she brought back and held her tongue.

“I see. Shining Armor…” Twilight gestured to Nightmare Moon. “Would you say that the reason for the creature’s awakening was a result of the mining?”

“Well, yeah, definitely.”

“And the reason for the mining was because of Nightmare Moon demanding you do so despite your issues?”

“Y-yeah…”

Ebony jumped as Haze scoffed inside her head; it was like a cold wind brushing against the back of her scalp. “She’s seeking to place the blame of what transpired in the Empire on the Empress and make her look bad. Well, she’s got another thing coming when I-”

“But…!” Shining Armor held up his hoof, grimacing like it was physically painful for him to do so. “Can I just say something really quick?” Twilight nodded. “I’ll be the first to say that it was Nightmare Moon’s demands that caused us to start mining in those tunnels in the first place. But… well…”

He sighed.

“She didn’t know about the creature. She didn’t know that what she wanted would make it wake up.”

A palpable silence stretched out as everyone blinked and stared at him in surprise. Even Nightmare Moon lifted her head enough for Ebony to see that one of her eyebrows was cocked quizzically.

“Yo, is he… defending Boss?” Fade asked.

“I believe so.” Haze replied slowly.

Shining Armor continued. “Look, several of my ponies died. Ponies I knew personally. Maybe if Nightmare Moon hadn’t made those demands, then they’d be alive today, but I can’t say that she intended for those deaths to happen. How could she? Literally nopony knew about what was waiting in that tunnel. If we’re putting blame for her ignorance, then I’m just as guilty for telling those miners to their face that the only thing to fear were memories – ghosts of the past.”

Twilight frowned. “I was there when she was talking about the Empire. She ordered me not to speak of it, so I couldn’t say anything until I was out of her control, but the reason she sent help in the first place was because the shipments had stopped.”

“I was there, too, Twilight,” Haze interjected coolly. “Whatever her reasons, your brother might not be alive if it wasn’t for the Empress’ support.”

Twilight’s jaw set and her wings ruffled. “… That’s true.”

Shining Armor gave a weak, apologetic smile. “I don’t know what would have happened if she hadn’t sent some of her guards.”

Twilight closed her eyes and nodded. “I’m just glad that you and Cadance made it through that safely,” When she opened them, they settled on Haze. “I haven’t got any more questions.”

Haze glanced at Shining Armor, then shrugged dismissively. “Hm, no, I’m quite satisfied with what I heard. He can be on his way.”

Celestia gave Shining Armor a comforting smile as he returned to his wife’s side. “Thank you for your account. Would the next witness like to speak?”

Ebony didn’t know what sort of system was used to determine how cycling through witnesses during a trial went. From what she saw, there didn’t seem to be an actual list, nor where they going in any order; it seemed that if you wanted to talk, then you were allowed unless someone said it first, which meant you had to wait for them to finish.

It wasn’t much different from a show-and-tell, but considering the circumstances, there was something she found very pure and civil about waiting for your turn to speak; there was an unspoken rule that, no matter their affiliation, the speaker shan’t be interrupted without good reason.

As the night plodded along, Ebony saw many old and new faces…

“Fancypants, what was your previous experience with Nightmare Moon when she was working under disguise? Alias – Star Secret.”

Fancypants’ horn flickered as he frequently – restlessly – adjusted his monocle. He looked just as handsome and sharp as ever, but Ebony could see the anxiety in his body language.

“Ah, well, if I’m quite honest, then our interactions were very beneficial,” He gave a chuff of mirth. “Why, I wish all undercover villainesses would be such pleasant company.”

Nobody laughed.

Swallowing, he cleared his throat. “At any rate… throughout the years that I knew Nightmare Moon as ‘Star Secret,’ I thought of her as erudite and quick-witted; she cemented herself as a favourite of the hegemony that I and my other associates made. She had a certain magnetism, a sense of purpose that attracted ponies. It didn’t surprise me in the least when she landed that spot on the Royal Court and I daresay that during the time she was on there, it benefited Canterlot immensely.”

“And how do your interactions with Nightmare Moon compare to Star Secret?”

Fancypants rubbed his chin. “Due to changes caused by the shift in power, we haven’t interacted much outside of business. On the rare times we do meet, she has been cordial and straightforward; very much like the mare I used to clink glasses with during outings to the theatre.”

Twilight nodded and slowly paced back and forth, the crystals in her hooves making their own clinks against the ground. “Fancypants, do you regret ever meeting Star Secret when you see the mare she has become?” She gestured to Nightmare Moon.

Fancypants grimaced as he lifted his monocle and stowed it in a pocket on his suit. “I’m afraid I’m not entirely sure how to answer that.”

“Take your time.”

“… Make no mistake, I abhor the actions that have been taken by Nightmare Moon. I feel betrayed, tricked; she lied about who she was for so many years, and the mare that I thought I knew and could trust is gone. I am angered that she would use me. Up until now, I haven’t worked up the nerve to tell her how I feel.”

Nightmare Moon turned her head almost imperceptibly from Fancypants’ direction, and Ebony saw the corner of her mouth twitch.

“But even so…” Fancypants paused and took out a handkerchief to wipe his brow. “Even so, I can’t deny that some part of me isn’t swayed by the vestiges of Star Secret that I see in Nightmare Moon.”

Twilight stopped pacing and cocked her head. “Can you elaborate?”

“Ruthless pragmatism aside, in the few interactions we’ve had, Nightmare Moon exhibits the same dry wit, incredible intellect, and down-to-earth view that I so admired in Star Secret. Furthermore, I can see that she is truly trying to defend this city from the humans.”

He sighed.

“Perhaps my judgement is clouded by nostalgia, but as much as I disagree with Nightmare Moon’s methods, I still feel as if helping her is to help Canterlot. And I think that’s something we all want.”

“… Thank you, Fancypants.”

“Despicable! Unfathomable!” Fleur harrumphed and pointed her muzzle in the air. “My dear Fancypants has too kind a heart for the likes of that beast. I cannot believe she’d have the audacity, the cruelty to overthrow a princess that everypony adores.”

Haze grumbled. “Ma’am, if I could just-”

“She may be working to defend the city from humans, but we could have done that without her help,” She scoffed again. “I have no desire to associate with the mare standing over there.”

“Yes, thank you for sharing that, but that wasn’t my question.”

“She has done nothing but cause strife for my home, my poor husband, and myself.”

“So, she’s done nothing you can look favourably on?”

Fleur faltered. “She… defended the city during that enormous monster’s rampage. I can commend her for that. And…” Her speech softened into inaudible mumbling.

Haze leaned in. “Apologies, but could you repeat that for the sake of everyone else?”

Blotches of pink appeared on Fleur’s cheeks as she murmured in a louder voice, “And also, she stopped me from running off on my wedding day and joining a rock farm.”

Ebony heard Pinkie Pie mutter something in an offended tone.

"But you know...!" Fleur's hoof shot out, as if to emphasize her point, but all she did was nearly clock Twilight in the face. Fleur stumbled out a few apologies before regaining steam. "That doesn't excuse her behaviour in the slightest! Less than the slightest! I trusted that mare, and she lied to me for all these years. I... I shan't forgive you!"

The last part was directed at Nightmare Moon and punctuated with an acidic sneer.

Nightmare Moon just blandly replied, "You shouldn't."

“She kept us in horrible cells. I had no idea the castle even had dungeons,” Rarity looked glamorous as always, but her mane had a few strands sticking out and there were bags under her eyes. Ebony heard that she’d been healing the injured and with few breaks by the look of it. “The guards were simply abhorrent and we didn’t even have access to…” She grimaced. “Proper facilities.”

“And what was the crime you committed to warrant such treatment?”

“Absolutely nothing, my dear Twilight! We were just trying to stop this monster from hurting anypony else like we always do, and she is so immoral that she would use fillies as shields!”

Twilight nodded. “Thank you. That’s all.”

Haze trotted up to the white unicorn as she tried to calm herself. “The cells you were kept in were just temporary, were they not? It wasn’t very long before your living conditions were improved. What was your initial impression when you were escorted to those rooms?”

“Well, I will admit that they were immeasurably more accommodating than the cells. Except the windows and exit were bolted shut and there was a guard keeping watch.”

“But they were better than before, wouldn’t you say? Nightmare Moon presented you with significantly better-”

Rarity’s face went calm like the sea before a typhoon, which caused him to take a step back unconsciously. “I have seen some hideous dresses in my life; ones that are faulty by manufacture. Many designers attempt to assuage this with bedazzling adornments, but as the saying goes and pardon my language, ‘it is like putting diamonds on poop.’ The rooms were aesthetically and functionally pleasing, but they were still prisons – it doesn’t matter how you try to dress it up.”

She lifted her forehoof when he tried to speak.

“And I know a thing or two about dressing up.”

“Wellll, beating up a bunch of ponies, throwing us in prison, and being a plain ol’ meanie doesn’t make me want to throw a party for her anytime soon,” Pinkie grimaced like something foul was rotting in the back of her mouth. “And I really hate to say this, but she’s a total… party-pooper.”

Her friends acted like she had just simultaneously referred to every race in the room by a derogatory term.

Ebony felt like it would be an exercise in futility to try and understand them.

“Buuuut…” Pinkie put her hooves together and cocked her head to the side, eyes rolling like the thoughts in her head. “She did help a bunch of ponies, saved her friend, and she’s super-sad and depressed right now, so I kinda want to throw a party to cheer her up,” She scratched her head. “It’s pretty confusing.”

Haze made a noise of surprise. “So, you sympathize with the Empress despite her committing what you would consider to be…?”

“Mean things.”

“Er, yes, ‘mean things.’”

Pinkie chuckled and shrugged. “Well, yeah. Twilight made most of Ponyville obsessed with her doll, Rainbow Dash helped make a tornado that made us go flying, Fluttershy turned into a bully for a while, Spike destroyed the town, Applejack made the entire town sick, and for a short while I went a little cuckoo. I think only Rarity hasn’t almost destroyed the town or nearly killed someone, but there’s still time for that!”

She giggled.

Everyone leaned back.

“Anyone can do mean things when they’re having a bad day, but that doesn’t mean anything good they do should just immediately be forgotten or ignored, right?”

Haze’s eyebrows went up. “Your appearance and behaviour conceal an admirable amount of insightfulness and wisdom.”

“Aww, I think you’re pretty, too!”

“You were formerly of ensign rank of the Eclipse, weren’t you, Scarlet?”

“Yes, sir.”

“What motivated you to join the Eclipse in the first place?”

Scarlet shifted uncomfortably, likely nervous being under scrutiny of four powerful alicorns. “I wanted to… protect the city, I guess.”

“You guess?”

“Well, what I was thinking before I signed up was ‘Nightmare Moon’s bad, so is the Eclipse,’ but at the same time, you guys were the only defence Canterlot had.”

Haze nodded. “And during your time in the Eclipse, would you say that efforts to protect the city were done?”

“Yeah, definitely,” Tremor gestured to Ebony. “I was with the Captain in the Crystal Empire and during the humans’ last invasion. Not this one, but the one before with that giant bug.”

“It was terrifying to see that monster destroying my home,” Scripture touched the medical eyepatch covering her left eye, her expression grim. “My only thought was to get out of there, but my leg was too messed up. If Nightmare Moon hadn’t flown in and grabbed me, I wouldn’t be here.”

“So, you’re grateful to Nightmare Moon?”

“Absolutely. And I’ve interviewed a lot of other ponies for the newspaper; they’re grateful for how she defended Canterlot, too.”

“Defend the city she took over by force.”

Scripture nodded after a brief pause. “Well, that’s true. But if I’ve learned anything from being a journalist, it’s that there are two sides to every story; you’d be doing a disservice by ignoring one or the other.”

Twilight’s lips made a thin line. “I see. Moving on…”

Ebony listened to every witness that came to say their piece. She was surprised by how many came by to say good things about the Empress. For a while, she dared hope that perhaps it would be enough to sway the opinions of those that were against them.

A foolish thought...

"I'm a simple stallion. I believe in simple processes," Weaver started with hostile tranquility. "Working in the Royal Guard, I believed that if you committed a crime, you had to repay that debt to society. When Nightmare Moon allowed criminals to join her guard in exchange for a pardon, she not only spat on our rules and laws, but she put the populace in danger. These aren't just shoplifters and jaywalkers, some of those in the Eclipse are charged with assault and rape."

Weaver paused to let that sink in, making sure to make Ebony feel worse by glaring at her and her friends. It wasn't like she didn't know that Eclipse was made up of mostly criminals looking to clear their records, but it was necessary to keep a force that could protect Canterlot and stop it from falling into anarchy.

"Speaking of rape, my wife almost became a victim," Weaver bristled with barely-contained rage. "But of course you wouldn't know or care about that, would you?"

Nightmare Moon didn't reply.

"My name's Striker. I used to be in the Royal Guard until..." He grimaced. "Well, you know."

Twilight nodded. "Yes. Please tell us about your personal experience with Nightmare Moon and how her reign has affected you."

"I didn't have much personal experience with Nightmare Moon; I was at the castle gates when the attack started. Her Praetorian Guard..." He gestured with a disgusted scowl. "Smashed through. I got hit with a Paralysis spell and was out for a bit until I recovered and joined my comrades when they were fighting inside the castle. But I was too late; it was all over a little after I arrived."

Twilight nodded again. "And what's it been like living under her rule?"

"Stressful. Between seeing criminals in Eclipse armor, human attacks, and knowing there's a civil war going on between Nightmare Moon, and Celestia and Luna, my wife and I have been up more than one night."

Haze huffed. "The Empress can hardly be blamed for human attacks, can she?"

"I guess not," Striker admitted. "But I'm pretty sure everyone would be in a calmer place from the start if she hadn't overthrown the princesses."

"Speculation," Haze grumbled. "Besides, the opposite could be said."

Striker snorted and chuckled mirthlessly. "Yeah, sure."

"She beat me up, put an obsidian ring on my horn, and forced me to work for her away from my home," Sunset Shimmer blinked, then shrugged. "What more do you want me to say?"

Haze frowned. "Well, the question I asked was-"

"Fuck her."

"My name is Census Stripe. I was formerly the Fourth Representative of the Royal Court until I was-" Census Stripe made a face. "-'relieved' of my duties following Nightmare Moon's takeover."

"And what was the reason for that?" Twilight asked.

"I wouldn't cooperate with her."

"Why not?"

Census Stripe exhaled. "Let's see... She assaulted countless ponies, she lied about her identity, she attacked the princesses, she excused me of my duties for a petty and personal reason, oh, and she inflicted psychological damage on my colleague, Wavelength. He still hasn't recovered from whatever was done to him; still screams at the colour blue," She gave a great sigh. "I suppose you could say we disagreed on many things."

"Not when I was Star Secret, apparently," Nightmare Moon scoffed. "And we all disliked Wavelength, let's not pretend otherwise."

"That doesn't mean he deserved what you did to him!"

"Ah, one more thing we disagree on."

"My homeland has a long and bloody history when it comes to tyrants and dictators," Marquess Aldo said. "Rising to power through violence benefits no one but the instigator. That is why I chose to go against her and help your cause instead." He inclined his head to Celestia.

"We appreciate everything you've done," Celestia replied. "I'm sure it would have been far safer to return to your land rather than get involved in this mess."

"If the griffons weren't willing to fight, we'd still be under tyrannical rule. That is why I suggest that whatever way you choose to deal with Nightmare Moon, make it be a way that ensures something like this can never happen again."

"Zecora, you know more about Nightmare Moon's nature than anyone else here. In your opinion, do you think it's possible for her to be reformed?"

Zecora serenely met Twilight's eyes. "I think not; reformation is, as the saying goes, a 'long-shot.' True - she may have developed a bond with a mare, but was it enough to make her rethink her actions? Was it enough to make her care? I do not wish to speak ill of the dead, but where did Vinyl's friendship get us? Nightmare Moon did not sway, or falter, she did what she wanted, she is still something that we must dread."

"What course of action would you suggest to deal with her?"

"She must be cleansed; it is far too dangerous for anything else, far too dangerous to believe she can make amends."

Twilight hummed. "Just to clarify, 'cleansing' would mean..."

"To destroy her. Completely," Zecora replied. "An outcome I hope most will agree."

'This really isn't going well for us.'

Haze was trying his best, but there were just so many calling out Nightmare Moon's actions that any good she had done - and Ebony admitted there were few of those - was being buried under a mountain of clear and cut cases of assault, blackmail, property damage, and general wrongdoing.

And Nightmare Moon wasn't helping him, either. She made no effort to explain or defend herself; the only time she spoke was to agitate the witness or further condemn herself. It was infuriating to watch; she seemed determined to make everyone hate her as much as possible.

Needless to say, Ebony was filled with dread when Nightmare Moon was called up to officially plead her case. Part of her hoped that perhaps this was all according to Nightmare Moon's ploy to get everyone to lower their guard, so she could launch a surprise attack and-

"It would be in your best interest to have me killed instead of wasting time with this trial."

If there was a podium for her to sit in like a real courthouse, Ebony would have introduced her face to it and wallowed in despair for the rest of the trial. Instead, she, along with her friends, cringed and vocalized their disappointment and frustration in a chorus of sighs and grunts.

"Welp, nice knowing you guys, yeah? Lightning Dust, I'll miss your ass."

"Thanks."

"And you'll miss my...?"

"Thanks."

With little else to do, Ebony watched on. She got a little mirth out of seeing Twilight falter for the first time in what felt like hours and blink several times in astonishment.

"Well, isn't that what you want?" Nightmare Moon pressed, barely raising her voice enough to be heard. "We all know it."

"Please wait until I ask a question," Twilight retorted. "When you-"

“Feh,” Nightmare Moon bristled and bared her pointed teeth, turning to Celestia instead. “Truly, one’s intellect must diminish in proportion to the amount of self-righteousness and blind faith to be this devoted to finding a single grain of goodwill and blowing it out of proportion.”

Twilight's eye twitched. "Excuse me - I'm-"

"Ooh, she's getting angry~" Nightmare Moon tittered with sadistic glee. "Or, perhaps one of those crystals finally pierced her brain."

Twilight's friends and family erupted with outrage; Rainbow Dash was barely held back by Fluttershy's meek pleas and trembling forelegs, and Shining Armor was trying to get Cadance to do some breathing exercise - which he seemed to be doing for his own sake, too.

"Uh, perhaps we can save her testimony for later?" Haze suggested while simultaneously Calling for Nightmare Moon to, "Shut up shut up shut up!"

"Don't worry about it too much," Nightmare Moon continued, grinning maniacally. "Compared to your precious mentor, you still have more than enough common sense and IQ to run Canterlot. You might have to since I truly believe this one is finally reaching the point of senility."

"You see?! She knows no remorse or compassion!" Luna roared, blue energy crackling from her horn. "We should slay her now!"

"NO!!"

Ebony blinked hard and rubbed her ears, willing the high-pitched ring to abate as soon as possible. In the front, Luna snorted and glared at her sister as she reluctantly dimmed her horn.

Celestia fiercely stared down any who even thought about objecting again before closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. "You're playing right into her hooves if you let her words get to you."

Luna scoffed. "What are you speaking of, sister?"

"Isn't it obvious?"

Nightmare Moon snarled and stomped her hoof. "What nonsense are you about to spout now? Why do you waste your breath, and my time with this trial?"

“Nightmare Moon…” Celestia began in a firm tone. “You want to die, don't you?”

Perhaps what took Nightmare Moon back was that it wasn't framed as an implied threat, but as an honest query. The Empress recoiled, and Ebony realized with a sickening pull in her stomach that Celestia had just hit the nail on the head.

"What sort of question is that?" Nightmare Moon frowned. "Of course not – no sane, sentient creature wishes for their demise.”

"So, why are you?" Celestia asked. "Before all these testimonies, you were largely apathetic and numb, but suddenly you're all too happy to antagonize and elicit an emotional reaction out of us."

Nightmare Moon's lips pulled back into her characteristic 'carved pumpkin' sneer as she growled, a noise that simply didn't naturally come from anything equine.

"Clearly, you're trying to get us to strike you down in a heated moment," Celestia shrugged. "And why wouldn't you? You've lost much after all. Even if it was gained through heinous methods, you've lost control over Canterlot. You've lost everything you desired. You've even lost someone close to you, and with it, you've lost even the capacity to 'want' for anything."

Celestia's eyes were like miniature suns.

"As a creature born from unfulfilled desires, isn't that akin to losing your very identity? Maybe that's why, with whatever part of you that still remains 'Nightmare Moon,' you want for death."

Nightmare Moon shook her head. "No."

"A means to escape the pain you feel."

"I would never wish for death, fool!" Nightmare Moon snapped. "But if I have to stand here and listen to one more idiot tell of their experience, then I'd rather accept oblivion."

Celestia's eyes burned brighter as she spread her wings. Ebony exclaimed and covered her face as a wave of hot air blasted her. The ivory feathers of Celestia's plummage seemed to gain a red hue.

"You've existed for Faust knows how many centuries, spent one thousand years on the moon, spent another five years plotting and waiting to strike, survived my strongest attack and being struck by the Elements of Harmony twice, ventured into the human world to save a friend, recovered from a Zebrican concoction that was designed to specifically kill you, forced yourself to move amidst paralyzing gas... but you expect me to believe that you can't handle a few hours of this? That, of all things, this is too much?"

"What do you want from me?" Nightmare Moon cried. "You've won! Stop wasting everyone's time and just kill me already! I have no desire to continue! I..." She grimaced and just barely turned it into a scowl. Through clenched teeth, she hissed, "I have nothing."

Interestingly, Ebony couldn't help but feel indignant about that remark, instead of being immediately concerned. How could the Empress say she had nothing when Ebony and the others were right there?

'Unless we're nothing in her eyes and always have been.'

Ebony bit her bottom lip.

Suddenly, there was a dip in the temperature of the room. Focusing her attention back on the commotion, she first noticed Celestia had stopped radiating heat and was staring forward in shock. Luna was the same. So was Twilight and everyone else who happened to be looking at the entrance to the tent.

Confused, Ebony followed their gazes, and even Nightmare Moon took notice and turned her head, albeit in a sluggish and half-interested manner.

Standing at the entrance was none other than Octavia.

A nervous Clockwork was standing beside her, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head. "Tried to stop her, but she... ah..."

The sound of a pin hitting the ground would have been loud as the whole space went quiet, quiet as a graveyard. Octavia trudged forward, past Nightmare Moon, whose body was primed like a spring. The cellist moved with a weariness like the weight of the world was on her shoulders. Her coat and mane were unkempt, her bow haphazardly tied on like an afterthought, and her eyes were bloodshot and darkened with fatigue; it looked like a strong breeze would topple her.

“Octavia, thank you for coming, but perhaps you should be resting,” Celestia said with gentle care. “You’ve experienced a great shock; you should be using this time to recover and mourn in peace.”

Octavia sat down and started to gesture; her limbs seemed to made of lead.

Twilight shook her head once Octavia finished, appearing distraught for the first time since the trial started. “I’m sorry – I don’t know sign language.”

“I know it,” Celestia gazed at Octavia sympathetically. “She said that she wants to testify no matter what."

Octavia nodded once.

Haze swallowed hard. “I-I see. However, I must point out that Celestia's translation would be biased."

Nightmare Moon turned her head to the side, away from Octavia. "I know sign language, too. I'll translate."

"Hey," Twilight said. "I haven't asked you my questions."

"So what?" Nightmare Moon huffed. "I refuse to answer."

Twilight bristled, but the finality of the reply was immediately apparent. "Fine. We'll hear from Octavia instead. I'm certain she has quite a lot to say."

Haze groaned and face-hooved. "You've truly given up, haven't you?"

Nightmare Moon didn't answer him.

“Octavia,” Twilight began. “How long have you known Nightmare Moon?”

Celestia carefully watched Octavia’s hooves. “Almost five years. Most of them were when she was Star Secret, though.”

Nightmare Moon slowly nodded. “It is as she says.”

“In the time that you knew her as Star Secret, what was your impression of her?”

“I respected her,” Octavia paused for a while, taking deep and measured breaths. “She was smart, witty, eloquent, and not afraid to speak her mind. But we weren’t close, not like she was with Vinyl. I don’t think anypony was.”

“And your impression of her now?”

“When she revealed her true identity, it created a rift between Vinyl and I. We felt betrayed. However, I was furious with Nightmare Moon more on Vinyl’s behalf than mine; she was just so devastated after they first argued. She told me she felt bad over the things she said. She’s such an empathic mare, much as she would refute it vehemently.”

Octavia gave a crooked smile that melted away after a second.

“We had little interaction after that. She and Vinyl eventually reconciled, and they started spending time together, which led to things growing tense in our own relationship. I didn’t want to associate with Nightmare Moon anymore; I thought her cruel and violent,” She paused, then added, “I think what unsettles me most is how much of Star Secret I still see in her. The one that I knew. The one that planned my wedding.”

Although it was Celestia’s voice that Ebony was hearing, it was almost as if she could hear Octavia’s voice emanating from the motions of her hooves; it was a deep and rich contralto, laden with a terrible pain.

Nightmare Moon didn’t seem interested in translating; she barely spoke aside from confirming what Celestia relayed. She stared at Octavia, her expression constrained.

Twilight paced, taking her time with each step, her gaze fixated on some spot on the far end of the tent. “This is difficult to ask… but what did you think of Vinyl’s relationship with Nightmare Moon?”

Octavia took a second to compose herself. “I didn’t approve of it. We… fought at times. I was afraid for her wellbeing.”

“Were you afraid Nightmare Moon would hurt her?”

Octavia shook her head immediately, almost like a knee-jerk response. “No.”

Twilight stopped pacing. “Really?”

“I feared the attention Vinyl received from the populace more than what Nightmare Moon might do to her,” Octavia rubbed at her cheek with the back of her hoof before continuing. “Ponies called her a turncoat, a traitor – they knew Vinyl was friends with Star Secret, so they assumed Vinyl knew she was Nightmare Moon all along and helped her in return for something. Her career and reputation took a significant blow.

“But even with the slander she received, she did not let it get her down,” Octavia smiled, a weak but warm expression. “She did not think twice about going to see her best friend. Vinyl had so much trust in Nightmare Moon. I didn’t understand it myself until the day that immense creature attacked the city. Nightmare Moon, she… she came for me, took me to a safe place. Not only that, I saw with my own eyes how she moved to intercept a piece of debris that might have severely injured or even killed somepony. And then, she went so far as to put her life in jeopardy by travelling to the human world to save Vinyl.”

She stopped, then tried to speak, only to falter again. Octavia’s smile wilted and her eyes started to water.

Twilight looked torn between providing comfort and maintaining cold professionality. “Take your time.”

“S-sorry, I just…” Octavia took a deep breath.. “At that point, I knew that despite everything she had done, she truly valued Vinyl’s company; nopony would go so far and risk so much for somepony they didn’t care about. Let’s be honest – Vinyl is a wonderful musician, but she cannot build airships, she cannot cast powerful spells, she cannot fly, and she is not a killer. A scrapper, perhaps, but not a killer. She has nothing that would further Nightmare Moon’s goals, so the only logical conclusion I can make is that she wanted Vinyl around for personal reasons.”

Twilight made a thoughtful hum in her throat and nodded. “I see. Octavia, do you know much about Nightmare Moon? Not so much her personality and idiosyncrasies but what she actually is?”

Octavia shook her head, and Twilight explained, giving a short but accurate summary about what Nightmare Moon was. Ebony noticed that Haze was frowning and reached out to him.

“Are you okay? Sorry, we’re not really helping that much.”

“You’re doing the best you can; I’m grateful for that, truly,” He replied. “But I fear to inform you that I am at a loss as to how to turn this scenario in our favour. With all the light being shed on Nightmare Moon's actions, Octavia's testimony may be the final nail in the coffin. I simply cannot see the verdict being anything but an execution. As for us? Well, we may just have to wait and pray.”

"Happy days..." Miasma encouraged. Her face did not change in the slightest.

When Twilight was done talking, Octavia asked, “Is what she says true?”

“Yes.” Nightmare Moon answered softly.

“You’re a demon? Or spirit of some sort?”

“If it fits your perception of what those are.”

Twilight gestured to Zecora. “She knows about Nightmare Moon’s kind. They are malicious entities that seek to fulfil their own desires at any cost, whether that be by force or manipulation. By their nature, they’re malicious and cruel.”

Octavia was silent.

“Knowing that, do you still think that what she and Vinyl had-”

“Yes.”

Twilight faltered, and Ebony thought she saw a flash of irritation cross her face. “Really?”

“Nopony who is evil – inherently evil – would go so far for another’s sake. They wouldn’t go into the human’s world, they wouldn’t fuss over… I-I know she’s done horrible things, but I don’t believe she’s completely evil,” Octavia shook her head firmly. “I can’t believe that.”

Nightmare Moon suddenly chuckled; it was a hollow sound, devoid of mirth.

“You came here to say all that even though it was my decision to have Vinyl remain at the castle? Perhaps if she hadn’t been there, then maybe she’d still be alive.”

Octavia whirled around, eyes overflowing with tears. She was signing so fast that Celestia could barely keep up.

“If she was anywhere but the castle, she’d have started running the second she heard the explosion. What do you think would have happened if she ran into the humans and you weren’t around?”

Nightmare Moon didn't answer.

“Vinyl… My wife gave her life to save you,” A sorrowful grimace contorted Octavia’s regal features. “I want so badly for things to be different, but what’s done is done. The least I can do now, for her sake, is to accept it. And the least you can do is appreciate what she did! How dare you give up now! How dare you repay her sacrifice by wallowing in pity feeling sorry for yourself!”

Nightmare Moon's expression shifted to one of utter dismay. Ebony thought she imagined it at first but there was no mistaking that downward-curved grimace, the way her eyebrows furrowed, and the way her voice became stretched and strained.

"I... I don't know what to do," She groaned and covered her face. "Accursed mare, I can't even figure out what I want anymore."

"You can't...?" Octavia paused, trembling hooves held aloft, and then, "Princess Celestia. Princess Luna," Luna straightened attentively. "I-I would like to ask for a favour."

Luna nodded cautiously. "'Tis a rather inopportune time to ask, but if it is within our power..."

Octavia signed. "Please... I know this is a lot to ask, but please, please let Nightmare Moon attend Vinyl's funeral."

Nightmare Moon choked.

Unabated by the sound, Octavia continued. "It will not take too long, I promise. Vinyl wished to be cremated, as per unicorn custom, an-and I have already spoken to somepony that can arrange it swiftly. B-by tomorrow night. No, by this evening! Even if Nightmare Moon can just be there to say goodbye, then-"

Octavia kept signing, but Celestia stopped translating and held her hoof up before turning to her sister with a sympathetic frown. "What do you think?"

Luna did not look happy.

Motioning for Twilight and her friends to come over, plus Shining Armor and Cadance, they all held a quiet but tense discussion. Ebony caught snippets but her mind was elsewhere; she could scarcely believe what had just happened.

Veil contacted her. "Soooo... is the cellist chick on our side?"

"I'm gonna go out on a wing and say maybe," Lightning Dust replied. "This trial's turning into a freaking soap opera. If Nightmare Moon starts crying, I might just start shitting bricks. Like, literally."

The discussion finished as quickly as it had started. Luna looked even less happy as she raised her voice and said, "It is decided that the accused shall be given the opportunity to see to Vinyl Scratch's final rites. In order to expediate the process, I and my sister shall assist in whatever way we can," A strained pause. "I should hope you would be grateful for this, demon."

Nightmare Moon was practically frothing at the mouth. "Why? Why do you stall? Why do you prolong this charade?"

Instead of cowering, Octavia signed something fiercely, but it seemed to be too quick for Celestia to translate. Whatever it was, Nightmare Moon sagged and hung her head in defeat.

"Throwing her death in my face like that... Which of us is the demon?" She swallowed hard. "Fine. I won't resist. It's not as if it will change anything."

That seemed to satisfy Octavia, though she broke down in stifled sobs immediately after; it was likely something she'd been holding back for a while now. Since Twilight had no more questions, and neither did Haze (he mentally explained to Ebony that further pushing a grieving widow won't win them any brownie points) Rarity and Pinkie stepped forward to console Octavia and lead her to a quieter place, promising blankets of divine softness and ‘yummy-‘ummy’ pastries.

"Now..." Luna said with a cold air. "You should also be aware, demon, that this reprieve comes at a price."

"Indeed," Celestia nodded solemnly. "It has been decided..." She glanced at her family and friends. "That there has been enough testimonies and evidence to determine a verdict. Once you have said your goodbyes, and Vinyl's rites are completed, we shall announce what your fate shall be."

Ebony's blood ran colder than usual. To her side, Veil asked, "H-hey, what about us?"

"We'll be holding seperate trials for you after Nightmare Moon has been dealt with."

Ebony Called to Haze desperately. "Can't you say something?"

"Like what?" Came the tired reply. "How can I help Nightmare Moon when she will not help herself? Right now, we must focus on our own wellbeing."

"Yeah," Fade agreed. "Like, what's gonna happen to us if Boss gets killed? Will our powers go away, or are we just gonna die? No powers sucks, but if I had to choose..."

Ebony hung her head in despair. She wanted to help Nightmare Moon, who gave her the chance to be more than what she was born as, but Haze's words rang true - how could she help the Empress when it was refused so vehemently? Nightmare Moon seemed dead-set on charging over a cliff with her wings clipped, and Ebony had no way to stop her.

Luna stared darkly at Nightmare Moon. "Is there anything you wish to say to any of this?"

A scowl. "You're a fool for agreeing to this. Almost as much of one as your sister."

"She is not foolish, simply too kind-hearted at times," Luna retorted. "You should be thankful to have someone that would'st spare you such sentiments."

Nightmare Moon snorted. "And look where it got them."

Celestia sighed sadly. "Let this trial come to an end for now. Next we meet like this, we shall have a decision on what is to be done about the accused."

And with that, there was nothing left for Ebony to do but return to that enchanted prison with a heavy mind and an even heavier heart.

Author's Notes:

Note 1: Of the three races - earth ponies, pegasi, unicorns - funeral rites are largely the same; the deceased is dressed and cleaned, and their loved ones are given the chance to say their farewells and mourn. The differences begin during the final stage when it is time to properly see the remains off.

For earth ponies, the deceased are buried; what comes from the earth, eventually returns to the earth.

For pegasi, the deceased are entombed within a type of cloud referred to as Vhahambus (Vah-hum-bush) and are sent to drift until the cloud vaporizes itself and the body with a surge of lightning; those born to rule the skies shall watch over the living even in death.

For unicorns, the deceased are cremated; the magic of the soul is freed to join the majesty of the universe, in which we are all connected.

It is unknown what rites there are for alicorns as all known instances of alicorns are still alive and healthy.