Not sure what to make of that, Celestia shook her head and went into the dining room for breakfast and asked Apple Crunch to bring her usual. After eating, she headed to the throne room for court.

The throne room, as usual, was full of ponies that needed her help. She settled into her normal routine of listening to the petitions and doing what she could for her little ponies.

After an hour or so of this, one of her guards walked up and told her that Twilight Velvet and Night Light Sparkle had arrived to see her.

“Thank you. Please bring them here.”

The guard bowed and left the room. A few minutes later, he returned with the two of them in tow.

Celestia was about to ask for a short recess when there was a loud noise accompanied by a bright flash of light in the center of the room. Everypony looked to see Cadance and Shining Armor, standing side-by-side with their horns crossed. Cadance also had her wings flared.

“Where are they?” Cadance asked Celestia, not caring about the other ponies in the room.

“Who are you talking about?” asked Celestia

“Who do you think?” demanded Shining Armor “Whoever attacked my sister last night!”

“And tried to kill Uncle Artemis!”

The rest of the ponies in the throne room paused for a moment, in shock.

“WHAT?!”

The shout had come from the room as a whole, including some of her Day Guards.

Celestia sighed and turned to Twilight’s parents “That is why I called you here. Twilight asked me to tell you what happened. I was planning to take the two of you to another room so that I could tell you about what happened, in private. However,-”

“Princess Celestia”

She turned to see that Arctic Breeze was back in her court. Once again, he had decided to speak for the other ponies in the room.

Celestia sighed “You all want answers too, I take it.”

“Of course, Princess!” was the response from the room as a whole.

She tilted her head, in thought. What’s the best way to tell them? She paused That’s right, I still have those!

She looked at the ponies in front of her. “Cadance, Shining Armor, Twilight Velvet, and Night Light Sparkle. Please come to my side. Everypony else, stay where you are. I need to use the space in the center of the room.”

Everypony nodded and quickly did as she asked. Then, they paused, waiting for her. They watched, confused, as she lit her horn and summoned two spheres of pure magic. One was purple and the other was a deep, almost midnight blue.

“Last night, Twilight and my brother brought a pony to this very room. Instead of telling me what happened they each gave me some of their magic that had recorded the events of the night. These recordings are from their memories and as seen through their eyes. First, I will show you the events as seen by Twilight.”

With that, she levitated the purple sphere to the center of the room, enlarged it so that everypony could see and let the memory play.

As soon as it had finished, she collapsed it to its normal size and brought it back in front of her. She then levitated the dark blue one to the middle of the room and enlarged that one.

“Now, the events as seen by Artemis”

Everypony was quiet as she allowed her brother’s memories to play. When they had finished, she collapsed it to its normal size and teleported them both back to her room. That done, she turned to the ponies gathered in front of her.

“What are your questions?”

It took a moment for them to shake themselves out of the shock of what they had just seen. Then, they looked up at her.

Arctic Breeze stepped forward. “Our first question is a reiteration of the one Princess Cadance asked. Where is the pony that committed this crime?”

Celestia nodded, expecting that one. “After questioning him myself, I put him in the Royal Dungeons, awaiting trial. He had been charged with Attempted Murder. Evidence points to Blueblood as being the mastermind of the attack. The appropriate charge has been added to the list of charges already filed against him.”

Ice Blossom walked in, having been standing in the door and watching as Celestia replayed the memories. “Princess Celestia, are you absolutely certain that Prince Artemis and Princess Twilight Sparkle are unharmed?”

Celestia nodded “They both came to see me last night, bringing the pony they had arrested. They were tired, but not injured.”

Arctic Breeze spoke up “That other voice in the memory of Prince Artemis, the one that said they were saving their magic to keep him alive so that Princess Twilight could get there in time, who was that?”

Celestia cleared her throat I was hoping they wouldn’t ask that one. “That was the voice of Night-Terror Knight. He was going to give up his magic, to make sure that Artemis survived.” She paused “Before any of you get upset, I will explain. When Twilight used the Elements of Harmony for the first time, against Night-Terror Knight, she saved my brother by protecting his soul. This meant that the Elements could not send Artemis or Night-Terror Knight back to the moon. Instead, the Elements of Harmony purified them both. Now, Night-Terror Knight has taken it upon himself to be another level of protection for my brother, keeping him safe. He is no longer evil and has no plans, other than protecting my brother.”

Everypony smiled

“Good, that’s a relief.” Arctic Breeze said

Ice Blossom stepped up next to Arctic Breeze “Princess Celestia, it is obvious that simply arresting these ponies is not enough. They must stand trial. I know that we have already asked for the trial of Blueblood to be a public one. I am now asking that we move the date for this trial closer. The sooner we get this done, the sooner we can put this behind us.”

Arctic Breeze nodded “And the safer Prince Artemis will be.”

Celestia nodded “I am already working on that. How soon did you want to have the trial?”

Ice Blossom and Arctic Breeze turned to each other and nodded before looking back to Celestia. “Tomorrow”

Celestia’s eyes widened I thought they were going to say next week.

“I know that Prince Artemis and Princess Twilight are in Ponyville on vacation, as per our petition. However, it is becoming increasingly important that the trial and sentencing is done. Now.” Ice Blossom looked around at the other ponies in the room. “We will move Night Court to Ponyville or cancel it for the month, if we have to. This is far more important.”

Celestia looked at her “I understand, and agree with, your point. However, the logistics of setting up a public trial of this magnitude, so quickly, are difficult, to say the least.”

Cadance stepped forward “I will handle that, Aunt Celestia. I’m also setting up a standard trial for the attacker. That will happen today.” She glared at Celestia “He attacked my uncle and little sister. I will not allow that to slide.”

Shining Armor stepped forward alongside his wife “I will help her, princess. I’m also interrogating that bastard myself. I want to get every piece of information out of him that I can.” He looked up at her “No, I will not touch him and will not be in the room alone with him. I will see to it that all of the laws are followed, but he is not getting away with this.”

Shining Armor paused “Before any of that, can you call them here, princess? I want to see for myself that my sister is alright.”

The rest of the room quickly erupted in shouts of “Yes!”, “Us, too!” and “Great idea!”

Celestia looked at them “They aren’t going to be happy about that. They’re on vacation.” She saw that the ponies present were not deterred in the least and sighed. “Very Well” She summoned a scroll, wrote the letter and sent it to Spike. “I do not know what they have planned for the day, so it may take a while for them to arrive.”

Everypony in the throne room sat down.

Meanwhile, in Ponyville, Twilight and Artemis were just walking out of Ponyville Day Spa.

“That was amazing, Twilight! I should have done this a long time ago!” Artemis said, with a sigh of pleasure, stretching out his wings.

“See, Rainbow? If Artemis likes it, there is no excuse for you!”

Twilight and Artemis looked up to find that the girls and Spike had gathered in front of the spa and were waiting for them.

Before anything else could be said, Spike burped out the letter from Celestia.

Twilight caught it in her magic and opened it. As she read it, she grew confused.

“Twilight?” Artemis asked “Is something wrong?”

“I don’t know,” she replied “she wants the two of us to go to Canterlot, immediately.”

Silver Shadow and Midnight Fang looked at each other and stepped forward. “We’re coming too, my princess. After yesterday, we are not leaving the two of you unprotected.”

Twilight nodded and turned to the girls “I guess we’d better go see what this is about. I’ll ask Celestia to send you a letter later, Spike, with whatever happens. We may have to stay there tonight.”

She paused and turned to Artemis “I can’t teleport all four of us to Canterlot by myself. I’m going to need your help.”

He nodded and stood facing her, lowering his horn to meet hers. Their guards moved to stand on either side of them. A flash of light later, and they were gone.

In the throne room of Canterlot Castle, there was suddenly a flash of light. Everypony turned to see Twilight and Artemis standing in the center of the room, facing each other. They had their eyes closed and horns crossed. There was a pair of Night Guards as well, one on either side of them.

The room erupted in cheers as they opened their eyes and looked around.

“Huh?” asked Twilight as she found herself tackled in a hug by Shining Armor, her mother and father.

“What?” asked Artemis as he also found himself tackled in a hug, in this case, it was Cadance.

Then they switched. Cadance hugged Twilight and Shining Armor, Twilight Velvet and Night Light hugged Artemis, much to the surprise of them both.

“I’m sorry, Twilight, Artemis. I didn’t mean to interrupt your vacation. ” Celestia said as she walked up to them “Everypony here demanded that I call the two of you.”

“Of course we did!” answered Shining Armor “We had to see for ourselves that you are OK.” He paused and nuzzled Twilight “You’re lucky that you are a princess, Twily.”

“What do you mean, Shiny?” she asked as she returned his nuzzle.

“If you weren’t I’d insist on putting you through the Royal Guard Academy. After everything you’ve done, you’re more qualified for it than I was.”

“Um, I don’t think that’s necessary, big brother.” Twilight replied as she blushed “Besides, I’m not cut out for that kind of thing.”

Everypony in the room just stared at her for several moments before they were suddenly distracted by a loud noise. They looked over at Artemis.

He was laughing

“Twilight,” he began as he nuzzled her “I am, quite literally, living evidence to the contrary. You make a very good guard.”

Everypony else nodded

“So, sister, I assume there is another reason you called us here.” Artemis said, turning to Celestia “What is going on?”

Celestia nodded “The ponies present have decided to hold Blueblood’s trial earlier than we initially planned.” She paused at his questioning look “It will be held tomorrow.”

Artemis stared at her, immediately nervous. “What?”

Twilight moved closer to Artemis and nuzzled into his side. He draped a wing over her but did not turn his gaze from his sister.

Arctic Breeze stepped forward “It is apparent to everypony here that these ponies that mean you harm must be stopped. The best way for us to do that is to put the mastermind on trial and convict him of his crimes. Only then can he be sentenced and truly stopped.”

Cadance nuzzled Artemis “Don’t worry, Uncle. He will have to explain to the entire population of Equestria what he has done. He may be able to convince some of his views, but legally, he has no ground to stand on.”

Twilight sucked in a breath, causing Cadance to look at her. “If he is able to convince ponies that Artemis needs to be banished, Celestia can’t do that. She can’t wield the Elements of Harmony anymore. I am the only one that can and they would try to make me.”

Artemis looked at her, eyes wide, as he understood her point and shuddered.

“Let them try” They looked over to see a determined Celestia “I’ll make sure it’s the last thing they ever do.”

Ice Blossom stepped forward to join Arctic Breeze “I understand your fear, Prince Artemis, Princess Twilight. However, that won’t happen. We won’t allow it.”

Twilight looked unconvinced and was clearly still worried.

Cadance spoke up “We have a lot of work to do for the trial tomorrow.”

Arctic Breeze and Ice Blossom nodded and turned to the ponies around them. “Let’s go, ponies! We need to make today count.” Arctic Breeze said as they all filed out of the room.

Artemis blinked as he realized that they were no longer in the throne room. He looked at Celestia and saw the golden glow fade from her horn. She had used a group teleportation to bring her family to her room. Artemis then felt a tingle of magic over him, looked over and found that he and Twilight were surrounded in the light blue glow of Cadance’s magic. She levitated them to Celestia’s bed and gently laid them in the center of it. He stared at her in surprise before he felt Twilight cuddle into his side, putting herself as close to him as possible. Looking down at her, he saw that she was scared, so he curled his body around her and covered her with a wing. The others looked on as he tried to calm her but it was evident in his expression that he was scared as well.

Seeing this, Celestia lit her horn, causing Artemis and Twilight to look up at her. They both started to move as she lowered her head, making sure that her horn touched both of theirs. Before either of them could say anything, they both fell asleep.

Cadance looked at Celestia “A sleeping spell? Why did you do that? Don’t we need their help?”

Celestia shook her head “They’re terrified and I refuse to allow them to suffer.” She paused, wrote and sent a letter to Spike. Then she looked at everypony else in the room. “They will be safe here. Come. We have a lot of work to do.” She turned to the door to her room.

She opened it to find Silver Shadow and Midnight Fang standing there. She smiled “There is no reason to worry, Silver Shadow. They are both here, in my room. I have cast a sleeping spell on them and they are now resting.” She stepped aside, allowing them to see into the room.

As soon as they saw Twilight and Artemis curled up on the bed, the guards both sighed in relief. “My apologies, Princess Celestia.” Silver Shadow said “However, after the events of yesterday, it is imperative that we remain vigilant and ensure the safety of our prince and princess.”

Celestia’s eyes widened, catching the hidden meaning, and she lowered her head to Silver Shadow “Does this mean that they-?” she whispered

Silver Shadow smiled and nodded “They did”

Celestia sighed in relief “Good. Remain here and guard them. The rest of us have work to do.”

In Ponyville, Spike and the girls were sitting in the park. The girls watched as Spike burped out green fire that turned into a letter.

Spike unrolled it and began to read. After a moment he said “That was fast.”

“What was fast?” asked Rainbow

Spike looked at her “Twilight and Artemis are staying in Canterlot today and tonight. Tomorrow, the trial for Blueblood will be held. Apparently, the attack yesterday scared a lot of the ponies in Canterlot and they want Blueblood convicted ASAP.” He paused, looking back at the letter “A chariot will be here to take us to Canterlot tomorrow morning at eight. If we’re not on time, we’re not going.”

“Oh, Ah know Ah’m going.” Said Applejack

“I’ll be there” put in Rainbow

The rest of the girls agreed and went their separate ways to get ready. Spike went to Town Hall to tell Mayor Mare before heading to the castle to get ready for tomorrow.

Celestia, Cadance, Shining Armor, Twilight Velvet and Night Light made their way to the Royal Dungeons. Celestia paused and went over to Blueblood’s cell. She stopped in front of it, causing him to look up at her.

“Your trial is tomorrow, Blueblood.” she told him coldly “You have two hours to decide on your attorney. Once you have done so, I will ensure that whoever you chose arrives today, to help you prepare your case.”

She walked away before he could respond.

That was faster than I thought it would be. He thought with a smile Ponies must have found out about my actions and want me free. This is perfect.

Meanwhile, Cadance was talking to a few other guards about arranging a trial for Blaze. She was just finishing as Celestia walked back over.

Celestia joined her family and they walked to the other side of the Royal Dungeons. There, she told one of the guards to bring Blaze to one of the interrogation rooms.

The guard nodded “Of course, princess” He then walked away. A few minutes later, he walked back over. “He is in interrogation room number one, your highness.”

“Thank you. I will let you know when we are done.”

Blaze was sitting in a simple wooden chair, wondering why he had been brought in here. Princess Celestia already tried to interrogate me last night. I had to give her my name, but that’s all I gave her. He looked up as the door opened and just stared.

In walked Celestia, Cadance, Shining Armor, Twilight Velvet and Night Light Sparkle.

“Good morning, Blaze” Celestia started “I trust you don’t need an introduction?”

Blaze paused “I know who you and Princess Cadance are, princess. Who are the others, and why are they here?”

Shining Armor stepped forward “I am Shining Armor, Prince and co-ruler of the Crystal Empire. The ponies behind me are Twilight Velvet and Night Light Sparkle.”

Blaze sneered “Sparkle? Like that meddling purple princess. She ruined everything.”

Shining Armor glared “That “meddling purple princess” is my little sister!”

Night Light joined his son “And our daughter!”

Blaze blanched “Oh”

Cadance joined her husband “Why did you attack my uncle?”

Blaze turned to her “I don’t have to tell you anything!”

Twilight Velvet stepped forward next to her husband, horn glowing. “I disagree. When you attacked Artemis, you also attacked my daughter. Do not underestimate how protective a mother can get.”

Blaze backed up a bit, staring at her horn. “I was ordered to kill the Prince of the Night if a day passed with no results after Prince Blueblood took his petition to Night Court. I had heard nothing about Prince Artemis stepping down, so I figured out where he was and followed my orders, or at least tried to.”

Celestia stepped forward “Did Blueblood tell you why he wanted this done?”

Blaze paused and shook his head “He just told me that he believed Prince Artemis was in the way of his goals and he wanted me to kill him if he didn’t step down.”

Cadance gave Blaze a look “And you agreed, just like that?”

Blaze shrugged “I’m a hit-pony, princess. As long as I get paid, I don’t care.”

Everypony in room jumped as a knock sounded on the door.

“Yes?” asked Celestia, turning to and opening it to reveal a guard.

“Everything is ready, your highnesses.” He told the room as a whole.

“Good” answered Celestia “Please escort him there.”

“Where are you taking me?” asked a concerned Blaze

Everyone ignored him.

They arrived in a courtroom a few minutes later.

Blaze froze. “You can’t do this to me! You have no evidence and I won’t answer any more questions!”

The judge looked at the ponies walking towards him. He waited as they were shown their seats. The jury was already present and seated off to the side.

“I can honestly say that I never thought I would see charges like this.” He looked over at them. “The Attempted Murder charge, unfortunately, is not the unusual part. It’s the pony’s name that caught my attention. Who, in their right mind, would try to kill Prince Artemis?!”

He shook his head “Well, let’s get this trial started.”

He looked at Blaze “The defendant, Blaze, has been charged with the Attempted Murder of Artemis, Prince of the Night. How do you plead?”

Blaze looked up defiantly “Not Guilty”

Celestia suppressed a snort of amusement as she turned to the judge “I would like to submit the evidence.”

The judge turned to her “Of course, princess.”

“I have three pieces of evidence to present to the court.” She explained “Last night, my brother and Twilight used their magic to give me copies of their memories of the night the attack happened. I can say, with certainty that they have not been tampered with.”

The judge nodded “I am willing to take your word for it, princess. Please proceed.”

Celestia nodded and summoned the spheres that Twilight and Artemis had given her the night before. “The first, covers the events of the night as seen by Princess Twilight.”

With that, she let the memory play. As it ended, she looked up at the bench.

The judge just stared “A-and the memory of Prince Artemis?”

Celestia smiled and played the memory.

As it ended, the judge’s eyes widened and his jaw dropped. “Remind me to never piss her off.”

Everypony, except Blaze, laughed.

The judge shook his head and tried to get back on topic. “You said there was a third piece of evidence, princess?”

Celestia nodded “As I’m sure you are aware, the interrogation rooms in the Royal Dungeons all have recording spells cast on them. This is done to record any interrogation session without worrying about a pony tampering with the spell or providing false information.”

The judge nodded “Of course, princess. That spell has been used to close many cases since you ordered it cast.”

Celestia smiled “The third piece of evidence is the recording of the interrogation session that we just had.”

Blaze paled as Celestia played the recording.

As it finished, the judge shook his head. And he plead Not Guilty? “Is there any other piece of evidence that either side wishes to provide?”

Celestia shook her head and sat down

Blaze shook his head “I have nothing to provide to the court.”

The judge nodded and turned to the jury “I’m fairly certain that I know the verdict that you have come to. However, to ensure this is done correctly, I’ll ask anyway. Has the jury arrived at a verdict?”

As one, they responded “Yes, Your Honor.”

“And how do you find the defendant?”

A Pegasus mare stepped forward slightly “After reviewing the evidence presented to the court, we find the defendant guilty of Attempted Murder.”

The judge nodded “The sentence is life in prison, without the possibility of parole.”

Next Chapter: Chapter 25 Estimated time remaining: 33 Hours, 33 Minutes