Episode 47: (Cozy Glow Arc) Diversion
Scene 47.0: Ponyville District Court – Defendant's Lobby No. 4, 9:15 AM, Day 87 of 365
As Luster & Blaze go through all of the evidence and testimony they have to defend Cozy & Diamond Tiara, especially the Depowered Black Heart Crystal given to them by the Dazzlings which they are keeping hidden from everycreature including Shadow as they don't know if this is going to help Cozy or actually hurt her. The reason for this suspicion is because Shadow never once mentioned meeting the Dazzlings or as their names are right now in Equestria: "Serena", "Melody" and "Sonia", all the while Shadow is tending to both Diamond Tiara and more so Cozy Glow as he fears what will happen to her during or after the trial as predicted by Granny Goodshoes and Maya.
Luster:
Shadow? Can I ask you a question I couldn't ask last night?
Shadow:
What is it?
Luster:
Do you know a trio of sisters named Serena, Melody and Sonia?
Shadow:
No, doesn't ring a bell. Who are they?
Blaze:
We don't know either, but they claim they know you…You and Trixie.
Shadow:
Did they mentioned how they met me?
Blaze:
No, but by the sound of their voices…they sound like…they are emotionally attached to you. And the way they mentioned Trixie's name…it sounded they have a great level of respect for her too.
Shadow:
Did you asked Lady Trixie if she knew them?
Luster:
No, we were too busy trying to get all of this evidence and testimony sorted out. That's why we couldn't ask you about this last night.
Shadow:
Makes sense. Lady Shadow might appear in a few moments in order to help you with an advice on how you should proceed.
Luster:
Good, I'll need all the help I can get with this 2 Page Court Record.
Shadow:
True. Usually a Court Record is double or even triple that or more. The only witnesses for this are Cozy Glow, Diamond Tiara and whoever issued the indictment.
Lady Shadow:
(Appears Through Portal Of Darkness)
It was Goldnon's Assistant and Secretary, Coastal Garden. If you thought Goldnon was a monster, his assistant is the epitome of immorality.
Shadow:
My Lady. What do you mean by that?
Lady Shadow:
I assume Cozy Glow and Diamond Tiara told you of Goldnon's insane obsession with your mother.
Shadow:
They told me this morning. I never thought my mother was being stalked by that creep.
Lady Shadow:
You knew Goldnon?
Shadow:
Never met him personally, but I knew he was not a good pony.
Lady Shadow:
Good, I dread to think if you did meet him, but I am glad you knew that he was a villain.
Luster:
So how should we deal with Coastal?
Lady Shadow:
She's a very prideful mare, believing that every little thing she does is divine and none is allowed to tell her otherwise. In order to acquit Cozy Glow and Diamond Tiara you have to make Coastal Garden realize that the world does not revolves around her.
Luster:
So I need to break her ego.
Lady Shadow:
Not just that. You need to discredit her in a many number of ways. For example…
(Summons Files, Gives Files To Luster & Blaze)
These are files on Coastal Garden. They used to belong to Goldnon himself. It seems the Governor needed something to keep her in check if she decided to betray him. There are a lot of illegal activities in her record. If this were to be made public, it could ruin her in more ways than one. The original files were already destroyed, but I managed to make a copy of it before that came to be.
Luster:
(Looks At File, Shocked)
This data…!!!
Blaze:
(Shocked)
I don't believe it! Everything in this file would easily give anycreature a Guaranteed Death Penalty! The amount of crimes here…
Luster:
This will also incriminate Goldnon even though he's already in Hades. If he were to release this when he was alive, it would have destroyed him too.
Blaze:
I'm guessing this was his "Last Resort" Trump Card. I'm guessing Goldnon was like every villain there is and was – The "If I Go Down, I'm Taking You With Me" Type.
Luster:
Those are the most dangerous types. Willing to destroy the world because they no longer have a ghost of a chance to get it. No pun intended. I'm guessing Coastal destroyed the original files.
Lady Shadow:
Indeed.
Shadow:
If you don't mind me asking, why you have this, my lady?
Lady Shadow:
Keep Your Friends Close, But Your Enemies Even Closer Still. What Goldnon has done has affected us Ancients in a lot of ways, we needed to have a means to hold him and Coastal Garden accountable for their crimes. Fortunately we have eyes on them at all times, so we got to the files as soon as Goldnon met his end.
Luster:
(Grateful Smile)
Thank You, My Lady! These Files Will Be A Great Help!
{Goldnon Files Added To The Court Record}
Krystal:
You do this all the time for Aniki, My Lady?
Lady Shadow:
(Proud Smile, Blushing)
Indeed, my dear! Since Shadow is our hope, we always do our best to help him when something is too difficult to do on his own. But since he's unable to do this trial himself, we are extending our help to you as well.
Krystal:
(Happy Smiles)
That's great to hear you say that.
Lady Shadow:
If you ever need anything from us my dear, do not be afraid to ask. You are just as precious to us as Shadow.
Krystal:
(Surprised)
You mean that?
Lady Shadow:
But of course. Just between us in this room, allow me to reveal a very special secret.
Shadow:
(Worried)
?
Krystal:
What is it?
Lady Shadow:
You, just like Shadow are a Child of the Ancients. Same goes for you, Young Blaze.
Krystal:
(Surprised Gasp)
Blaze:
(Surprised)
So me and Krystal calling Shadow our "Brother" isn't far off the mark.
Lady Shadow:
Indeed. The potential Shadow possesses, you posses as well.
Blaze:
But neither of us wield Chaos Magic.
Lady Shadow:
Your Magic is not Chaos Magic, but it is a magic on the same level as both Chaos & Harmony Magic and it is just as prevalent & potent. You could say it's power is tied to the Element of Life. I wish I could tell you more, but you will find out all about it in due time. As for you Krystal…your connection to Shadow is far deeper than you realize as you can wield the same power he can to a certain extent. When the time arrives, you will understand who you truly are and when that happens…
(Warm Smile)
…Me and my Brethren will welcome you as our own just like Shadow before you.
Krystal:
(Warm Smile)
Thank you.
Lady Shadow:
I will be watching everything from the gallery. Good Luck, Luster Dawn.
Luster:
Thank you for your help, my lady. With this, Blaze and me will turn all of this around and get Cozy & Dia acquitted. So who is the presiding judge?
Shadow:
Chancellor Neighsay.
Luster:
(Annoyed Sigh)
Please don't tell me he'll be wrapped around Fraulein's Claw Fingers again.
Shadow:
(Sneering)
Better you than me!
(Laughing)
Annoyed by that remark, Luster gives a strong hoof to Shadow over the head which everycreature sigh in shame. Meanwhile outside the room, somecreature eavesdropped on all that they spoke and the shape of this creature is similar to Fraulein as it sneers on the information it heard.
Scene 47.1: Ponyville District Court – Courtroom No. 3, 10:00 AM
As everycreature sits in the gallery, Luster takes a deep breath upon seeing Fraulein sneering at her as Luster feels that this will be far harder than before due to the small amount of evidence as she is aware that Fraulein won cases with little evidence and especially that she knows this trial will end before nightfall. Judge Neighsay sits in his bench and hits his gavel on it.
Judge Neighsay:
Court is now in session for the Trial of Cozy Glow and Diamond Tiara. Is the Defense and Prosecution ready?
Luster:
The Defense is ready, your honor.
Fraulein:
(Stoic Expression)
...…
Judge Neighsay:
The Prosecution is also ready it seems.
Luster:
(Furious, Hard Whispering)
SHE'S DOING IT AGAIN, BLAZE!!!
Blaze:
(Sighs, Whispering)
Oh, dear…All that is left is for him to do the opening statement like before.
Fraulein:
May I begin my opening statement, your honor?
Judge Neighsay:
(Surprised)
B-but of course, Prosecutor Fraulein.
Blaze:
Looks like we were off the mark on this one.
Luster:
I'm waiting for her to pull a fast one soon enough.
Blaze:
I'm more worried about Neighsay. I think he might still have a grudge on Cozy from the time she took over Princess Twilight's School of Friendship.
Luster:
(Surprised)
You're right! I hope this doesn't causes us to lose the trial.
Fraulein:
2 days ago on Applewood, Coltifornia; Cozy Glow and Diamond Tiara arrived there around 4 PM. They were sighted entering the Coltifornia Maximum Prison to supposedly meet Cozy Glow's Foster Guardian, Grim Apex. Hours later after Cozy Glow and Diamond Tiara left, Grim Apex disappeared from his cell. Then it happened, after midnight before 1 AM, Cozy Glow with the help of Grim Apex and Diamond Tiara…Brutally Murdered Governor Goldnon and his Bodyguards. But their assassination did not go unscathed as Grim Apex lost his life in the process. Your honor! The Prosecution believes that Cozy Glow and Diamond Tiara assisted Grim Apex escape his prison in exchange to murder the governor. The motive behind the murder was Revenge for the Death of her Parents.
Luster:
(Out Loud)
– OBJECTION!! –
Prosecutor Fraulein. Need I remind you that Cozy Glow was a newborn when that happened. She was never aware of the circumstances behind her parents deaths.
Fraulein:
– OBJECTION!! –
(Wiggles Her Index Finger Claw Condescendingly, Evil Smile)
Remember that her guardian was Grim Apex. At one moment in time he must have told her the truth of that day.
Luster:
– OBJECTION!! –
Cozy Glow has stated that she never knew that to be the case and only found out when she went to Coltifornia to see him.
Fraulein:
(Glowing Red Eyes, Serious Expression)
All the more reason for it, Luster Dawn. Maybe her plan was to confront him about her parents murder and depending on what he told her, she would either exact revenge on him or the one responsible. We all know how it ended.
Luster:
(Serious Expression)
But all of that is pure conjecture. We can't make assumptions like that so willy-nilly. We need the testimony of both Cozy Glow and Diamond Tiara to know the truth. We also need the testimony from the accuser in order to find the truth of what happened.
Judge Neighsay:
Luster Dawn is right. These are the Halls of Truth and Justice. Conjecture has no place here, Prosecutor Fraulein.
Fraulein:
Then let us follow Luster Dawn's Suggestion and call Cozy Glow & Diamond Tiara to the Witness Stand. After their testimony, I'll call my witness.
Judge Neighsay:
Very well. May both of the defendants take the Witness Stand.
Blaze:
It looks like things are proceeding normally and that's not normal.
Luster:
(Whispering)
I'd choose this than the normal you are used to, Blaze.
Blaze:
Careful. It might look normal now, but that can change later.
Luster:
(Annoyed Sigh, Face-Hoof)
Please don't jinx this for me, Blaze.
Blaze:
(Thinking)
Too late. I already did.
At the witness stand, Cozy Glow and Diamond Tiara look miserable that Luster feels sorry them, but she can't show any weakness or Fraulein will use that against her in the middle of the trial. Speaking of Fraulein, she is unusually sympathetic to both the defendants which is very out of character for her as she is acting like a True Professional Prosecutor and not being antagonistic towards Cozy Glow or Diamond Tiara. The only one she is being antagonistic towards to is Luster.
Fraulein:
Please state your names and occupation to the court.
Diamond Tiara:
Diamond Tiara. Heiress to Rich's Barnyard Bargains, Businesspony and Member of the School Board.
Cozy Glow:
Cozy Glow. Former Villain and Formerly a Student at the School of Friendship. I'm currently undergoing social reform.
Fraulein:
Would you kindly tell us about the moment you arrived in Coltifornia up to the time after the incident?
Cozy Glow:
Alright.
Luster:
(Whispering)
Is it just me or Fraulein is not being her usual brutal self?
Blaze:
(Whispering)
Towards everycreature, No. Towards you, Yes.
Luster:
(Annoyed)
Why only me!?
(Thinking)
Still…I hope Cozy and Dia stick to the story Shadow asked for them to say.
Witness Testimony & Cross-Examination
Cozy Glow:
I've been having a lot of nightmares ever since I was set free from my statue prison.
The nightmares were related to my parents.
Diamond Tiara:
So I thought we should look for her guardian to shed some light to the situation.
We only met him in the detention center which was under heavy watch.
Cozy Glow:
After we left, a group of suits jumped us.
I woke before Dia because they used smelling salt.
They proceeded to torture me.
Diamond Tiara:
When I woke up, I saw them torturing her.
I pleaded them to stop, but instead they tortured me too.
Cozy Glow:
Then Grim broke through the roof and saved us, but it cost him his life…
Luster:
(Thinking)
Technically they are not lying, even though it's not the full story.
Fraulein:
Luster Dawn. Your Witness.
Luster:
(Out Loud)
You have no questions, Prosecutor Fraulein?
Fraulein:
Not at the moment. I will however take notes of the Cross-Examination.
Luster:
(Thinking)
What are you really up to, Ananas? I hope she isn't setting a trap for me. Now from what we talked before with Shadow…all I have to do is press on each testimony and make sure Fraulein can't use it against us.
(Out Loud)
If you don't mind, can you tell us what the nightmares were like, Cozy?
Cozy Glow:
It's too horrible. But…all I can say is that at first they look normal, but then…they end up looking like zombies…
Fraulein:
(Furious Stare)
Are you deliberately trying to traumatize the filly, Luster Dawn?
Judge Neighsay:
(Furious Stare)
If so, you should be ashamed of yourself, Luster Dawn.
Luster:
(Shocked)
But I—
Blaze:
(Ashamed)
Looks like Fraulein successfully made you the villain here, Luster. Now I wish I wasn't your Judicial Assistant in today's trial.
Luster:
(Annoyed)
Whose Side Are You On Here!? You know what, forget it. I need a Cross-Examination to go through. Diamond Tiara? What were your impressions of Grim Apex?
Diamond Tiara:
He looked like a stallion that went through a lot, but I could tell he really loved Cozy and was willing to help her in anyway he could so long as it was legal.
Luster:
And he was under heavy guard, which means nothing could escape the guards' notice.
Diamond Tiara:
That's right. It would have been impossible to say, do or give anything to Grim Apex without catching their attention.
Luster:
But did you manage to get the answers you wanted from him?
Diamond Tiara:
Not everything, but enough to understand on what truly happened to Cozy's Parents.
Luster:
So you were jumped by suits? Goldnon's Private Security if I'm not mistaken.
Cozy Glow:
Yes. They didn't say anything, they just nabbed us.
Luster:
And they tortured you. My condolences. Why were they like that towards you?
Cozy Glow:
Something about my parents stealing something from Goldnon. I don't know what he meant by that, but he didn't care and…
Luster:
(Thinking)
I better stop pressing here or Fraulein will make me into the villain again.
(Out Loud)
So you tried to convince them to stop, but didn't work, Diamond Tiara?
Diamond Tiara:
Yeah. They were merciless and didn't care if we were in the verge of death.
Luster:
So Grim Apex came to your rescue by dealing with your tormentors.
Cozy Glow:
Yes…
Luster:
Do you know how he got there? He was locked up in a Maximum Security Prison and under heavy watch. So how did he get out?
Fraulein:
From what the warden of the prison told me, Grim Apex used some kind of weird magical item to bust out of the prison. The Forensic Team at the governor's home determined that the entire house was full of that magic. None could tell what that magic was. It was something that was never encountered.
Blaze:
(Whispering)
Are you thinking what I'm thinking, Luster?
Luster:
(Whispering)
Yeah. Time to present this evidence we got from Serena, Melody and Sonia.
(Out Loud)
Your honor. The Defense would like to present the following evidence to the court that can explain this unknown magic that Grim Apex used that night.
Judge Neighsay:
(Surprised)
You are in possession the item in question!?
Luster:
Not an active one since the item in question is far too dangerous if it was at 100%. Luckily there is no danger if I present it.
Fraulein:
The Prosecution has no objections. Present your evidence.
Luster:
(Presents Depowered Black Heart Crystal)
– TAKE THAT!! –
This the magical artifact.
Judge Neighsay:
That looks like an Element of Harmony, but also a smaller version of the Crystal Heart from the Crystal Empire. However the color is far darker.
Luster:
Indeed, your honor. This is known as a Black Heart Crystal. Just like the Crystal Heart from the Crystal Empire, this artifact is empowered by powerful emotions, but unlike the one we all know that is in possession of Princess Cadance and Prince Shinning Armor which is empowered with the light of love, this Crystal empowers the darkness of one's heart.
Fraulein:
From what I have heard from a very reliable source – The Crystal Heart of the Crystal Empire is an artifact created by an Ancient to honor the Stallion she loved meanwhile the Stallion created the antithesis to it – The Black Heart Crystal. The reason he created the Black Heart Crystal was because he was struck with grief when his beloved sacrificed herself to save the world. The order of events were as follows – The Ancient Mare sacrifices herself, the Ancient Stallion creates the Black Heart Crystal; eons later the mare is reincarnated as the founder of the Crystal Empire and created the Crystal Heart.
Judge Neighsay:
(Surprised)
Interesting! How do you know this, Prosecutor Fraulein?
Fraulein:
Platinum Shadow told me about it when we were children.
Luster:
I can confirm it myself as Shadow told me about it too.
Judge Neighsay:
So this crystal is what helped Grim Apex. Are you certain it is nonfunctional?
Luster:
Yes, your honor. I double checked it myself. It is harmless.
===========================
Elric:
(Spooked, Panicking, Sweating, Thinking)
NO, IT'S NOT!!! A Black Heart Crystal doesn't lose it's effect just because it ran out of juice! If there's someone here with a pitch-black heart, that crystal will reactivate!!! Those 3 just made things really bad by giving Luster that crystal! Let's hope there isn't anyone here with a dark heart, because if there is, all Tartarus will break loose. If not, I'll try to swipe it when no one is looking. After this, I will have to tell Adagio and her sisters not to do this again!
===========================
Judge Neighsay:
Please submit the crystal to the court, Luster Dawn.
Luster:
Yes, you honor.
(Depowered Black Heart Crystal Submitted To The Court)
Your honor. The Defense would like to state that Maximum Security Prisons have a very strict code when it comes to giving items to the prisoners which would be considered contraband. There are no records that Cozy Glow and Diamond Tiara tried to give anything to Grim Apex.
Fraulein:
Indeed. None of the guards saw them give Grim Apex anything. But the Prosecution believes he may have gotten access to the crystal at some point after the visit and before Grim Apex arrived at Governor Goldnon's Home.
Judge Neighsay:
That is a possibility. But is there evidence that it were the Defendants who gave him the crystal?
Fraulein:
Unfortunately decisive evidence on that does not exist. But…
(Evil Smile)
…We have a witness that could shed some light on the matter.
Judge Neighsay:
Very well. The Prosecution may call its witness. Cozy Glow and Diamond Tiara may step down from the stand.
Luster:
(Whispering)
Looks like were about to enter the final act.
Blaze:
(Whispering)
Remember what Lady Shadow told us. Coastal Garden is one of the many enemies the Ancients have a bone to pick and she earned their contempt for a reason.
Luster:
If she's really that nasty, we might turn the tables on her and sway attention away from Cozy and Dia.
Blaze:
Careful, Luster. One wrong move and it can backfire in a very bad way.
Luster:
You're right. I'll try to be careful and not put my hoof in my mouth.
Blaze:
Whatever you say…High Winds.
Upon hearing that, Luster is furious as she knows that High Winds, one of Rainbow Dash's Teammates from the Wonderbolts is known as Hoof-In-Mouth because she happens to be known to talk a little too much. But Luster will try to be careful and do her best to acquit both Cozy Glow and Diamond Tiara. The witness, Coastal Garden takes the stand and is a refined looking, mature healthy mare with brunette curly mane, light brown coat and dark eyes as she pets her cat which she brought with her which is a Siamese Cat.
Fraulein:
Please state your name and occupation to the court.
Coastal Garden:
Coastal Garden. Secretary and Assistant for the Governor's Office.
Fraulein:
So you were not working exclusively just for Goldnon, but your services are extended to every governor that enters the office and takes the position.
Coastal Garden:
Yes. I also worked for Goldnon's predecessor.
Fraulein:
And it seems you will be working with the next governor as well.
Coastal Garden:
(Saddened)
No. I'm retiring. After Goldnon's Death…I don't feel like working there anymore.
Fraulein:
Understandable. A murder happening in the administration you are working on is a scary thought. A Mass Murder is worse since that was what happened that night.
Coastal Garden:
Yes, it was. Seeing all that blood and creatures getting brutalized was too much for me to bear. Even my dear Mr. Bee-Boo is too hurt seeing that.
Luster:
(Whispering)
Mr. Bee-Boo? Give me a break. What a dumb name.
Blaze:
(Whispering)
Do you have a better name?
Luster:
Mr. Fluffykins.
Blaze:
You're not as good as naming as you think either, Luster. Even Uncle Spike wouldn't come up with a name that bad.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
??? (Anthropomorphic Black Male Alicorn [Ancient Alicorn Of Chaos]):
Actually Blaze he really did came up with that name at one point in his life.
(Evil Smile)
Yes, Dear Readers. This is your Random 4th Wall Break of the Arc again. Now back to your regular scheduled program!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Fraulein:
So you witnessed the event. Please, tell the court of what you saw.
Coastal Garden:
I'll do my best.
Witness Testimony & Cross-Examination
Coastal Garden:
I was working with Governor Goldnon all day.
We visited the Maximum Security Prison, City Hall and lastly his home.
We spend the entire day there and doing our duties.
However, what the defendants says is a lie.
We did not kidnapped or torture them, they crashed the Governor's Home and started causing trouble.
We were left no choice but to retaliate in order to defend ourselves.
Not soon after, that brute Grim Apex burst in from the roof and started killing everycreature.
It was a miracle that me and Mr. Bee-Boo made it out alive.
Luster:
(Whispering, Caressing Eyes)
I still think that's a stupid name.
Fraulein:
Your witness.
Luster:
(Surprised, Out Loud)
Don't you have questions for the witness yourself, Prosecutor Fraulein?
Fraulein:
None. The testimony itself answered all of the questions I was planning on asking.
Blaze:
It seems we are in luck.
Luster:
I'm not so sure, Blaze. But looks like I have no choice but to move forward. So you were with the Governor all day? What exactly did you do with him?
Coastal Garden:
Same thing all Government Assistants has done, help the Governor with his schedule, give him his reminders and hold his documents.
Luster:
Why did you visit the Maximum Security Prison?
Coastal Garden:
Governor Goldnon still considered Grim Apex a friend, even though I strongly advised him to cut ties with the brute as he never considered the governor his friend.
Luster:
Did Governor Goldnon give something to Grim Apex?
Coastal Garden:
He did.
Luster:
What was it?
Coastal Garden:
Advice on how to be a better pony.
Luster:
(Annoyed)
That's it? Nothing else?
Coastal Garden:
(Amused Chuckle)
Even if he's the Governor, he's not allowed to do contraband.
Luster:
(Thinking)
Actually the majority of politicians are known to be criminals and from what Cozy, Dia and Lady Shadow told us, Goldnon is the worst of the worst.
(Out Loud)
Have you met somecreature odd while moving between location?
Coastal Garden:
It's Coltifornia. There is always weird creatures around.
Luster:
Then let me be specific.
(Presents Depowered Black Heart Crystal)
– TAKE THAT!! –
When I say somecreature odd, I meant to say somecreature giving Goldnon an item similar to this.
Coastal Garden:
(Surprised Then Briefly Looks Away)
I cannot say since the governor met with many throughout the day. Even as his assistant, I tend to lose track of all who met him.
Blaze:
(Whispering, Serious Expression)
You noticed that, Luster?
Luster:
(Whispering)
Yeah. She's hiding something. As soon as she saw the crystal, she knew what it was. She knows something she's not willing to say.
Blaze:
I hope we have something we can use to drag it out.
Luster:
I could use the file Lady Shadow gave us, but it's too soon for that. I still think there's something in her testimony that can help us before presenting it to the court.
Blaze:
(Smiling)
Agreed. You got this, Luster.
Luster:
(Out Loud)
Let's continue the Cross-Examination. Do you have proof that the governor did not order the kidnapping of the defendants?
Coastal Garden:
There is none. The only ones in his office were him, myself and a hoof-full of his bodyguards.
Luster:
And they went to his home on their own? How did they get inside?
Coastal Garden:
Like I said, Governor Goldnon considered Grim Apex as his friend, so the filly that brute raised is also considered a friend. He invited them both into home without question and you already know what happened afterward.
Luster:
Did they have something on them?
Coastal Garden:
That crystal you showed me. They were planning on using it, but it appears the governor knew what it was and used it himself, transforming himself into a beast.
Luster:
(Thinking)
Did he now?
(Out Loud)
Your honor! That information is very important. The Defense request that it is added to the testimony.
Judge Neighsay:
Very well. Will the witness amend her testimony?
Coastal Garden:
As you wish your, honor.
I was working with Governor Goldnon all day.
We visited the Maximum Security Prison, City Hall and lastly his home.
We spend the entire day there and doing our duties.
However, what the defendants says is a lie.
We did not kidnapped or torture them, they crashed the Governor's Home and started causing trouble.
We were left no choice but to retaliate in order to defend ourselves.
– That crystal you showed me. They were planning on using it, but it appears the governor knew what it was and used it himself, transforming himself into a beast. –
Not soon after, that brute Grim Apex burst in from the roof and started killing everycreature.
It was a miracle that me and Mr. Bee-Boo made it out alive.
Luster:
– OBJECTION!! –
Ms. Garden. Need I remind you that you are under oath and perjury is illegal.
Coastal Garden:
Where in my testimony did I lie on?
Luster:
The part you claim that my clients had access to the crystal, but I have evidence that they had no access to it whatsoever. Actually…I also have witnesses that can confirm that the defendants have no means to get a hold of the crystal in question, no matter what.
Coastal Garden:
(Serious Stare)
You're bluffing.
Luster:
No, I'm not for I am one of the witnesses as well as a certain organization that works under the princess.
Judge Neighsay:
(Surprised)
Certain Organization!? You don't mean—
Luster:
Yes, your honor. I speak of none other than S.M.I.L.E. From what an agent told me, there is an illegal smuggling racket involving these crystals. Not only that, but Cozy Glow is under constant surveillance, so the chances of her getting a crystal is beyond the realm of possibility. Even Diamond Tiara would not gain access to it either because she was by Cozy Glow's side at all time.
Coastal Garden:
You lie!
Luster:
Actually, It's September. But that's neither here nor there. My point is that neither Cozy Glow nor Diamond Tiara could get a hold of it, so I ask – How and When in Tartarus did they get one?
Fraulein:
I might be able to answer that question.
Luster:
(Surprised)
You can!?
(Thinking, Furious)
I knew she had something up her sleeve!
Fraulein:
You are correct, Luster Dawn – It is impossible for the defendants to get a crystal…but not for one creature in this room today.
Luster:
I don't like where this is going.
(Out Loud)
And that would be?
Fraulein:
(Glare)
The very witness in the stand – Coastal Garden!
Luster:
(Confused)
Wait, what?
Coastal Garden:
(Furious)
Are you insane!? Aside from the late governor and his bodyguards, I'm the victim here!
Fraulein:
Not necessarily. I have been investigating you and Governor Goldnon's activities as I got an inside tip that you are involved in some illegal business dealings, especially that Goldnon belonged to a Very Powerful Crime Family in Coltifornia. So if you worked for him, then that means you are not only aware of his criminal activities, but also have committed crimes of your own using his resources.
Coastal Garden:
What is your evidence? I highly doubt you have any.
Fraulein:
Unfortunately I do not. But do not get me wrong…the evidence does exist.
Coastal Garden:
(Evil Smile & Laughter)
So you admit you are grasping. I'll make sure you lose your license for this, Prosecutor.
Luster:
(Thinking)
I don't believe this! Was this what Fraulein really after? This trial wasn't about Cozy or Dia…it was about Coastal Garden! Well…I will help Fraulein out, if only it will keep Cozy and Dia safe.
(Out Loud)
Actually there is evidence.
Coastal Garden:
Now I definitely know you're bluffing!
Coastal Garden's Cat:
(Hiss At Luster)
Luster:
I have it right here. Your honor! With your permission, I will present the evidence to the court now.
Judge Neighsay:
Very well. You may present it, Luster Dawn.
Coastal Garden:
I object!
Fraulein:
You have no power here.
(Smug Smile)
Now do us a favor and remain silent for the time being.
Luster presents the file Lady Shadow gave her to the court which makes Coastal Garden snap and breaks down as Luster reads out loud the witness' criminal history. The amount of dark energy emanating from her is so great, the Depowered Black Heart Crystal to regain its lost energy and just like Elric predicted, the Restored Black Heart Crystal flew out of the evidence and attached itself to Coastal Garden, turning her into a monster as she fuses with her cat. Shadow quickly jumps in and destroys the crystal in Coastal Garden's Body, stopping her before going on a rampage, returning her and her cat back to normal. Upon seeing this, Judge Neighsay gives his "Not Guilty" verdict as the courtroom is in disarray from the chaos that occurred as Shadow glares at the destroyed crystal as it deteriorates into the ether. Meanwhile Cozy, seeing the abominable form of Coastal Garden, she fears of becoming like that if Minerva takes over her body. But her Id sneers as upon seeing this and knowing how Cozy feels, she comes up with a plan…
To Be Continued...