After hearing what had happened to them, I felt my tears begin to fall down my face. My heart ached with the injustice that had been given to them. My rage built as I began to contemplate all the things that I wanted to do to the two that had caused such pain and torment. Those… I couldn’t call them people or even ponies right now. They were filth, vile, disgusting filth that didn’t deserve what they had, and I knew that I would make it my ultimate goal to take everything from them.

I would crush them beneath my boot and grind their memories to dust beneath my heel. I looked back to Bright and my resolve hardened further as I saw him hold his wife, even now in death. “I swear to you both. I will give you your vengeance. I will see that they will pay for what they did to you both. I will make them suffer what was done.” Neither of them was in any place to speak right now, so I continued “Give me one weeks time. I will summon you then so that you can finally have Justice.”

Bright and Pear hugged each other before fading away. Letting no more time pass before I made my move, I made my way quickly to the main floor of the Library. Upon finding Spike, I requested that he send a letter to Princess Celestia for me. At first, he wasn’t sure if he should, but after getting down to eye level, I let him know that I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t imperative. After drafting the letter, I only had to wait a few minutes before her reply was given.

______________________________________________
Lt. Schmidt,

Upon receiving your missive, I am making the decision to recall you to Canterlot for a short reprieve. Your day to day needs will be met, so there is no reason to pack. A chariot has already been sent for you and should arrive within the hour. Make haste and board the chariot. We have much to discuss.

Their most Royal Highnesses,
Princess Celestia
Princess Luna

P.S. Be safe my friend. I know that what you need to tell me is for the best of Equestria. You have my total trust.

Celestia and Luna

______________________________________________________

I smiled at the postscript, knowing that I had earned Celestia’s trust with my oath. Turning to Spike I informed him of the situation “Spike, I have a critical job for you. I am being summoned to Canterlot and will be leaving within the Hour. I need you to let Twilight, Rainbow, Pinkie what is going on. It is likely that the Elements will be summoned to Canterlot in about a weeks time. AppleJack’s entire family will also be summoned. And before she freaks out at you. Let her know that I promise that I will see what I can do about taking care of her farm for them while they are there.”

Spike looked concerned about what was going on “Mag… What’s happening? Why are you leaving?” He seemed genuinely upset about what was happening.

Leaning down I placed my hand on his Shoulder and gave it a squeeze “a lot of stuff is about to happen Spike. Some things that never should have happened here did, and I’m going up to Canterlot to make sure that those that were wronged, will receive their justice. Don’t worry, we will all come back.” I stood up and held out my fist. Spike bumped it and grinned with more confidence.

I rushed down to the basement and grabbed a few things that I was going to need. After getting all of my stuff together, I waited outside the front of the Library until my Chariot arrived. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Silver was the one pulling it. Calling out to him “Silver! Is that you? What did you do to have to be pulling a chariot like this?”

I smirked as he came in for a landing. Stopping in front of me I pulled myself into the chariot as he started to run to build up speed before launching us into the air. He finally spoke as we got off the ground “So you think I had to have been in trouble to come and pick up a friend?” He gave me a copy of my own shit-eating grin.

I have to admit that for the month that I was in Canterlot, I had become somewhat close friends with Silver. He was a lot of fun to hang out with. I loved to learn about him and his heritage, and he, in turn, was interested in my life as well. We spent the remainder of the ride up to Canterlot with Idle chit-chat. He let me know that Princess Luna had made great strides toward using the modern vernacular on a regular basis.

Upon landing, I climbed out of the carriage and pulled him in for a quick hug. “Thanks, Silver. I wish I were visiting for pleasure. We should hang out sometime this week.”

He grinned back at me and responded in the affirmative “I would enjoy that Mag. It’s been too quiet here without you around. You’re the only one that can put captain Armor on his flank in a match. I think he might be missing you just as much as I am. We need that challenge.”

I grinned back at him before turning to head toward the throne room, just before I left earshot I shouted back “I was hoping that you just missed my face. At least now I know that you are only interested in a good match.” I could see the teal in his coat tinge a light pink before I left the courtyard and entered the palace proper.

Making my way to the throne room, I stopped outside the door and addressed the guards to stood to bar my path. “Lt. Schmidt reporting as ordered. Princess Celestia called for my return.” I snapped to attention and waited for them to confirm my information.

Once that had been taken care of I was let into the cavernous room. It would appear that the renovations had been finished since my last visit. I approached the thrones, of which only one was filled. Celestia sat on the throne by herself. Next to her was a new mare that I had never met before. She had a pale coat that was the color of the moon. Her mane was black as night, and her eyes were deep forest green. Something about this mare seemed to trigger a response in me, but I couldn’t figure out why. Regardless I was here on a mission, not to guess at one of Celestia’s assistant.

I stood up to the foot of the throne before taking a knee before it. “Princess Celestia, I am afraid that the reason for my coming here is not good news. I understand that you are informed on the lives of the Elements of Harmony, correct?”

I looked at her and received my answer in the form of a slight nod of her head then she spoke “Yes Lt. Schmidt. I have made it a point to learn about the Elements and their families. Why?”

I continued “So you are aware that the Element of Honesty, AppleJack’s parents are dead.”

She gave me a solemn look and confirmed “Yes, I am aware of their loss. It happened many years ago. I was told that It was a nasty accident involving a pack of timber wolves. Why do you bring this up?”

I looked her right in the eyes “Princess I do not mean to insult your intelligence gathering abilities, but you are wrong about the circumstances of their deaths. Bright Mac Apple and his Wife Pear Butter Apple were not the victims of a timber wolf attack. Although that would have been a far kinder fate. No princess, they were murdered.” Her eyes snapped fully open as I said this and before she could speak, I added: “by two of your nobles.”

Her eyes looked as if there were flames that began to leak from the edges “I would suggest that you and I have this conversation in private Magos. What you are saying is extremely troubling, and demands my full attention.” She turned to the guards and issued a command “Guards, the courts are closed for the remainder of the day. I have some critical business to discuss with Magos here. Come along Dittany, I may have need of your Scribe work here.”

My ears perked up at the mare’s name, but I again ignored it. I was here for justice. And that is what I intended to get. After walking to a small tea room, some distance from the throne room Celestia turned to me and pulled me into an embrace. I was too shocked to do anything but reflexively hug her back. Placing her chin, on the top of my head, she spoke “I have missed you, my friend. I wish that you were not here with such grim tidings. Please tell me what you know. I will not suffer one of my nobles to get away with such a disgusting act.”

I was still numbed by the fact that Celestia had pulled me into her arms, but that was slightly overshadowed by the fact that she had drawn my face right into her chest. My mind was still a little fuzzy before I managed to mutter “Vanilla” Celestia must have noticed my tone because she pulled me back and gave me a questioning look. I shook my head to clear my thoughts before continuing forward with my information.

By the end of my report, Celestia was a bizarre combination of sick to her stomach, shocked with horror, and filled with all-consuming rage. Her tone was even, but icy “Mag, I will leave their punishment up to you. If I were the one to give them their judgment, I would likely vaporize them in an instant. Show them the mercy that I cannot.”

I stood ramrod straight and smacked my right fist over my left breast. “I will do so Celestia. I came here to give them justice. If I may, I would like to hold off the trial for one week. I left a message with Spike that we would be summoning all of the Elements as well as the entire Apple Family. I am not sure how long they will be here, but would it be possible to send them some aid from the royal gardeners to keep their farm running while they are here for a few days?”

Celestia smiled at me “of course Mag. I can never give them back what was stolen from them. But I can do this at least.”

I nodded “Good, good. I will also need to bend some rules during the trial as well.” Looking right at her “Celestia, I am going to have to use necromancy at the trial. I intend for Bright Mac and Pear Butter to give their testimony. That is also why I have to have the Apple family there. They will be able to verify that they are real and not illusions.”

Celestia didn’t look thrilled by the idea but conceded, understanding the necessity of it. “Very well. This will be a trial to remember. We will hold it one week from today. I will summon the Elements the day before and provide them with accommodations in the palace.”

Having already been hugged by her I pulled her into another one “Thank you, Tia. For trusting me.” I turned to leave and spoke “I have a lot to do. I took for granted that there has been general peace for so long. But even where there is peace, evil still grows.” Turning my eyes to her “I will search that evil out, and remove its roots from your world.” I left the room without another word.

_______________________________________
Perspective shift - Celestia
_______________________________________

I watched Magos exit the room with purpose, turning my head I looked at the smaller mare for a moment before she shifted in appearance back to that of a woman. “He has a strong sense of justice. You should be proud of him.”

Hecate's eyes were brimmed with tears “I am prouder of him that you will ever be able to imagine. He is so much like his father. Especially the blond hair and that little beard he is growing. They look so much alike. They share their love of justice and strong moral compass.” Hecate turned to Celestia “I love all of my children, but there has always been something about Magos that has stood out. He has gravity to him, just like his father. I don’t know if Magos ever knew this, but he is also the descendant of a powerful human mage as well. His many time's great-grandfathers name was Merlin. Even his father could use magic.” her cheeks grew rosy as she remembered years past. “I don’t even know if Klaus knew that he was using magic, he just thought he was good at tricks.”

Celestia smiled, when she had first encountered Hecate she had been furious that she had encroached on her realm without permission and more so because Magos and specifically requested to be left alone. However since she had been here with Celestia, she had grown to spend time with her and learn what it was that motivated the ancient goddess. Turning to look back at the closed door she smiled and spoke quietly “Magos has yet to give me any reason to doubt him. And I don’t think he ever will.”

_________________________________
Perspective shift - Magos
_________________________________

The past week has been hectic, I have been preparing my speech and how I’m going to present the entire court hearing, as well as planning for the punishment of the accused. But today was the day. The Elements had arrived yesterday and been shown to their rooms. Apparently, Celestia and Granny Smith knew each other back from when Ponyville had been founded. I had made it a point to avoid them all for the last day in preparation. Steeling myself, I made my way to their common room. Standing before the door, I gave it a firm knock.

I heard them talking on the other side before Big Mac opened it. He looked straight across at me and spoke “Mag.” I nodded “Eyup” he stood to the side to let me see into the room.

“It’s good to see all of you. As I expect Spike told you, I was called back to Canterlot for a short visit, now as I am sure you have been curious as to why.” Looking out at them I could see with their nods that I was correct “Very well if you would all follow me, I will let you all know what reason you have been called here for.” Turning to Granny Smith, I added “I know that you can make it yourself Mam, but I would be remiss if I didn’t offer to fetch you a wheelchair and push you to our destination. It is quite a bit of a walk from here.”

The old green mare shook her head “Don’t you worry about it youngun. Mac there already has me covered. Thank you kindly for your concern tho.” I smiled at the kindly old mare. At the same time, I knew that I was about to open old wounds.

We made our way to the castle throne room. As we got closer Twilight tugged on my arm “Mag, Why are we going to the throne room? What’s going on?”

I looked at her with sad eyes “you will find out in a moment. There is some long-awaited justice that needs to be given. You have been brought here to witness it.” I turned away and threw open the doors. Both Luna and Celestia sat on their thrones in front of a crowd of nobles and guard. I ignored them all as my gaze locked on the two pieces of filth that were chained to the defendant table, Jet Set and Upper Crust.

I walked right up to the raised platform between the princesses after directing my friends to the side in front. Once I reached the platform, I dropped down to one knee and bowed to the Solar and Lunar Goddess. I noticed that mare Dinitty was here again as well. She must be Celestia’s newest right-hand assistant.

Celestia’s voice broke through the murmuring of the crowd “Rise Sir Magos” My head shot up and looked her right in the eyes as I mouthed the word ‘sir?’ she winked, and I just said 'Fuck it' in my head.

Rising up, I turned and walked to the side out of the way as I waited for them to continue the court session. Luna spoke first “My little ponies, we have gathered you here today for a grave matter. Before you sit Jet Set and Upper Crust. Two nobles who are the last of their line, which stretches back to the founding of Equestria.”

Celestia continued “they sit here accused of some of the vilest acts possible of my little ponies.” he eyes hardened and looked right the pair, even now, bound in chains they looked like they expected this to be pushed under the rug and made to disappear. “They have been accused of Ponynapping, assault, battery” Her voice seemed to crack “R-rape, and m-murder.”
She looked as if she were going to spit the vile words from her mouth as if they left a foul taste. “How do you plead against these charges.”

The two of them looked furious at the charges Jet Set spoke for him and his wife “THIS IS COMPLETELY OUTLANDISH, AND I REFUSE TO BE TREATED THIS WAY! YOU HAVE NO PROOF OF ANY OF THIS. I DEMAND THAT MY WIFE, AND I BE RELEASED THIS INSTANT AND THAT THIS EXCUSE OF A GUARD BE STRIPPED OF HIS TITLE AND REMOVED FROM CANTERLOT. THIS FREAK HAD NO PLACE AMONG US!!!!”

Celestia’s eyes seemed to drill into the stallion's mind as he flinched away from her gaze “you would do well to hold your tongue when speaking to your princesses and their knight. I take it from that rather inappropriate outburst that you refute the charges against you?” He seemed to gain a little nerve and nodded. “Very well, Sir Magos, you may begin.”

I took a deep breath before approaching “To begin with I would like to request that miss. AppleJack Apple comes up to the stand.” The entire group were stunned by my request, but AppleJack came forward, turning to her I asked “Miss. Apple, you know who I am.” She nodded “if you were asked to describe our relationship would you call us close friends? Remember we need fully honest answers. No one will be upset with your answer.”

She rubbed the back of her head before answering “Well Mag, I can’t say that we are really close friends. I mean we really only have known each other for just over a week now.”

Inside I smiled, that was exactly what I wanted her to say. I expected that opinion of me to change in time, but for now, it was exactly what I needed. “Taking that into account, seeing as I am not what you would call a close friend, it would be safe to say that I know very little about your home life. Would that be accurate?” She nodded “So to confirm, you would not have told me about your parents or what happened to them, would you.” I looked her right in the eyes as I asked that.

Her face contorted with anger “Magos, that is none of your business, and it ain’t right for you to talk about that. But for the sake of the question, no I have never talked to you about any of that kind of information.”

I could tell she was furious, and rightly so “thank you AppleJack, that was all I needed.” I mouthed ‘I’m sorry’ to her as she walked down from the stand. Turning back to the crowd I continued “as you have just heard. I have never been given any information on who the Apple parents were, nor how they passed. However today we are sitting at the trial of Jet Set and Upper Crust. The reason for the relevance of my line of questions to AppleJack is because the charges levied against this noble couple. Are for the ponynapping, assault, battery, “my eyes hardened as I said the last two” Rape and murder of both Bright Mac Apple and his wife, Pear Butter Apple.”

The entire room went silent for a moment before Jet Set shouted “This is ridiculous your highnesses, This” he gestured to me “thing has no basis in fact. His allocations are purely false, and I will not stand for it.”

I turned to him, having made him dig his own grave “so you are saying that if I presented proof, you would be unable to refute these charges?” he scoffed, “Very well, then I call to the stand Bright Mac Apple and Pear Butter Apple.”

The entire courtroom grew silent once more, no one dared speak. I turned to the princesses and bowed “With your permission your highnesses. I would like to summon them.”

The room seemed to wait for their answer before Celestia gave a slight nod, Jet Set shouted again “what this thing speaks of is necromancy. Princess Celestia, you banned its practice hundreds of years ago. To perform it is to commit treason.”

She looked back at them both with hate in her eyes “I know what laws that I have put into place. You seem to be all too fearful of what testimony from them would bring. Do you still refute the charges? If you do so now, you will be shown mercy.”

I was personally hoping that he would keep digging his own grave, and I was not disappointed. Seeing that he would not accept the charges I looked back at Celestia as she gave me the go ahead. I stomped my foot down on the ground to tear open a rift though reality, that made it look as if a thick fissure had opened in the floor. I didn’t need to stomp to do this, but I had a flair for the dramatic, plus it made me feel like a badass earth bender when I did it. Reaching into my breast pocket, I pulled out a flask of Nectar. Unscrewing the lid, I dropped a single drop into the fissure before speaking.

________________________________________________
Perspective shift - Celestia
________________________________________________

I nodded to Magos, indicating to let him continue. He stomped down on the ground as a rift though reality opened. His once blond hair had begun to darken to a deep black, his eyes shifted from their bright green to black, even the whites of his eyes changed as he channeled his magic. I noticed him take a flask out before letting a single drop of Nectar fall into the pit.

His voice rumbled quite a bit deeper than was normal as he spoke “RISE FROM DEATH, AND SPEAK ONCE MORE TO THE LIVING. RISE AND CLAIM THE JUSTICE THAT HAS BEEN KEPT FROM YOU FOR FAR TO LONG. RISE AND LET YOUR SOULS FIND PEACE.”

Two forms began to solidify next to him. A large stallion with dark red hair and a light cream coat. He wore a checkered patterned shirt and blue jeans. His hair made it look like he usually would wear a hat. The mare next to him had bright orange hair with a softer orange coat. After they came entirely into view, Magos' hair lightened back to blonde again, and his eyes took on their prior green.

Magos turned to them before speaking “if you would be so kind. Please address your family with something that only you would be able to know. To validate that you are truly who I say you are.”

Bright turned to look at Big Mac, tears in his eyes as he looked at his son again “Mac, you’ve grown up so much. I guess you finally figured out that sometimes you can say a lot more, by saying a little less.” Bit Mac’s eyes grew from suspension to one of shock and awe “AppleJack… thank you for taking care of my hat. It fits you quite well now. Keep in in the family, and know that you will always be my little Apple Butter.” AppleJack began to cry as she brought her hand up to her mouth to hold back her sobs. Finally Bright looked at AppleBloom who was the most confused by all this “My little AppleBloom, I wish I had been around longer to see you grow up into the mare you have become. Just know that I have been watching over you all your life and we couldn’t be prouder of you if we tired.”

Looking at their three children, Pear spoke for the first time “Eyup.”

I cracked a grin, now knowing where Big Mac got his stoic nature from. Bright then turned to his mother. “Granny… Ma I’m sorry that you had to bury me so soon after having to burry Pa. A mother should never have to bury her own children.” Granny broke down and began to sob holding onto Big Mac’s arm.

I spoke to the two lost souls “Bright Mac Apple, Pear Butter Apple. Are the charges levied against these two true.”

Bright looked at the two noble unicorns with disgust and hatred in his eyes. “I wish I could say it was false princess. Because if it were, I would be sitting at home with my children enjoying this fine day of yours. They murdered and raped my wife and I. After they got through with beating us to the point we couldn’t fight back.”

_________________________________________
Perspective shift - Magos
_________________________________________

I walked up behind Bright and placed my hand on his shoulder “thank you Bright, That is all we needed.” As I was about to pass him, I whispered to him “I charged this spell with 24 hours of time before you and your wife will fade, hopefully, to move on and find peace. Until then, go spend time with your children and mother. Give them a real goodbye.” Bright pulled me into a hug before I could go anywhere.

“Thank you, for all that you’ve done.” He let go of me before he pulled his wife over to their children. As they approached Pear stepped forward to look up at Big Mac.

Looking up to her son’s face Pear spoke again “Mac.”

Mac looked down with tears in his eyes “M-ma” She nodded, and Big Mac, the giant of Ponyville, fell to his knees and pulled his mother into a bone-crushing hug that she returned. His sobs echoed off the walls as he held his mother again. AppleJack ran to her Father and tried to tackle him. AppleBloom just stood next to Granny who had managed to collect herself not sure what to do. I turned my head away from the heart warming scene to look back at the filth.

Glaring at them I spoke, “tell me something, do you know what it means to be truly noble?” Jet tried to open his mouth before I slapped him “that was a rhetorical question you piece of filth. You have never known what it was to be noble. To be noble is to hold yourself to a higher standard. To judge yourself more harshly than anyone else. To be better than the average pony.” Turning my gaze to the entire room “from what little I have seen of this place, That is the noblest family I have ever encountered to date.” I pointed at the Apples.

With venom in my voice, I continued “your fates were already decided before you entered this palace. And your punishments have been left to me. For the crimes of Ponynapping, assault, battery, rape, murder, and Treason you will be stripped of your titles and possessions. Not a single bit will be given to you. Both you and your wife will have your horns removed and your faces branded with the mark of a traitor and murderer. You will be placed under a geas that will compel you to continue living by finding food and shelter. You will be unable to harm another intelligent being unless your lives are endangered, and you will be forced to tell any who meet you what you have done and what you are. Everything that you have will be given to this family, your home, your lands, your titles and your finances.”

The apple family had halted their reunion and stared at me with slack jaws “Your names will be stricken from any and all records. You have become a blite on this land and its ponies. I will see you erased from history. The Apple family are now and will be from this day forward Nobles in title, to match their nobility in nature. And on the day that you both finally pass into the next realm” My eyes dropped back to black “I have connections in the underworld that will make your stay there considerably more difficult than it already would have been.”

The two had been shocked to silence already so I just waved my hand to the guards “take this filth away from me, to breath the same air as them makes me ill.” I turned to the Princesses that still sat in their thrones. “I have completed what I set out to do your highnesses, I have given Justice to those that deserve it. I am yours to command.”

Celestia and Luna rose to stand before me, I heard a light pop and felt a shiver as the broadside of two swords lay against my shoulders, guess they are doing this now. Celestia spoke “Do you swear to continue to bring Justice to my little ponies. To serve as long as you are able.”

Luna continued “do you so swear to keep the laws of this land and use your power for the betterment of our Ponies, to protect and guide them toward the light, and if needs be, dealing with those that stray too far into the dark.”

I looked up at them from my kneeling position “I so swear.”

They lifted the bladed from my shoulders and spoke in unison “then Rise Sir Magos. Knight of Justice.”

I rose and looked back at the gathered crowd. I spoke slowly “I can honestly say that I did not expect this to happen today. I discovered a wrong that had been committed and felt it was my duty to correct this heinous act. Know this, I will work diligently to protect you all.” My gaze harder as I looked at the noble gathered, some of which didn’t look happy with the outcome of the trial “even if I must first remove those that have strayed too far down the path of darkness.” I summoned my bronze blade and placed the tip against the floor “The piercing light of the Sun and Moon will dig out darkness in any heart, and I will deal with it.” Dismissing my blade, I turned to find AppleJack standing there waiting for me.

I sighed and walked to her. As I expected she slapped me “Don’t you ever do anything like that again.” she then wrapped me into tight hug “and thank you for giving me some peace of mind about what happened to them. My pa told me that you gave them a day.” She pulled back and looked up at me with tears in her eyes “I don’t know how I can ever repay you for what you have done for mah family.”

I placed my hands gently on her shoulders and pulled her forward to kiss her forehead “Don’t worry about it AJ. Now go spend some time with your parents. As I told your Pa, I was only able to give them one day. Give this time to your family. Not me”

AJ choked back a sob before she nodded and ran back to hug her mother and father again. I ambled out of the Throne room back to my room. I didn’t notice that I was being followed by three mares.

___________________________________________________
Perspective shift - Celestia
___________________________________________________

A few hours have passed since the trial. Magos had been harsh in his punishments, but at the same time, he had left them alive. Even if they would live the rest of their lives in misery. A flash next to me told me that Hecate had let herself into my chambers. “How can I help you Hecate?”

The shorter woman bowed to me “did you notice the strange magic that concentrated on Magos’ shoulders during the trial?”

I smiled at the question “Of course I did. It would appear that his history has finally caught up with him.” Hecate was looking confused before I spoke again “you likely don’t know this, but Merlin wasn’t born on earth. He was born here, under the name Star Swirl. Later in his life, he took the title of Star Swirl the Bearded. He had an insatiable lust for knowledge that lead him to your world, more than a thousand years ago.”

Hecate was speechless “you mean to say that…”

I smirked at her “yes, It would appear that Magos has earned…”

I was cut off when I heard a shout that sounded throughout the entire palace.

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN I HAVE A FUCKING CUTIE MARK!!!!!”

Author's Notes:

Did anyone get some feels during that? I know I did. Again thank you for all of your support with this story.