//------------------------------// // Chapter 8-1: Class debate // Story: Yo-Kai Watch: The mystery of Springdale // by Tythen //------------------------------// It had been quite some time that the Yo-Kai filled adventures of the siblings occurred at their own school once again. In the comfy areas of the school library, the young foal First Base surrounded himself with stacks of books relating to Yo-Kai and various creatures of Neighponese Mythology. Though some seemed very similar to the very much alive creatures they had in Equestria, he dived deeper, hoping to see those that could resemble powerful and strong Yo-Kai allies. Once formed by curiosity, he looked through every unique and creepy depictions of each ghostly beast before them out of desperation. "Huh, I never knew how creepy and scary Yo-Kai look when compared to their Neighponese depictions." "Yo-Kai are meant to be feared by Ponies, and we are meant to haunt them." Whisper replied, "In fact, we still sort of do these things! We're just more... Tame looking." "You know, now that I look through the monsters yet again..." First turned a picture to the lion-dog beasts and statues, "I'm starting to learn more about the origins of our Yo-Kai buddies. I mean, the Komainu look a lot scarier, but they bear a similar resemblance to the Koma brothers." "You are correct! Komasan and Komajiro are both based on the Komainu! Great guardians of various temples and shrines!" "Yeah, I heard that straight from Komasan." First replied, "say... Do you think Komainu statues would look good in front of our house?" "Yo-Kai research first, house decoration later!" Whisper snapped, "don't you want to save your home!?" "Okay okay!!!" First chuckled,a cocky grin upon his face. "Man... I wish we could actually work with Yo-Kai this time..." "How about that Yo-Kai?" Jibanyan showed the two a book he was reading, the brush painting of various humanoid figures: Some with long noses, some with bird-beaks, flying high in the sky and whipping up multitudes of violent winds, which artistic impressions gives it that each single wind has the force of a giant tornado. "Tengus!" Whisper exclaimed, "these are extremely powerful beings that control the wind!" "Any others?" First asked, Jibanyan flipped to another page, bookmarked by his hand. This picture displayed a giant and gallant dragon roaring upon his dark, yet fearful opponents. This dragon was unlike one they see around Equestria. Instead of the big belly and body of the usual dragon, it had a long, slippery, serpent like body that was devoid of lower legs and limbs. A beautiful orb adorned with golden decorations nestled firmly within the Dragon's claw, shining as bright as the sun, as the image implies. "This is the mighty Dragon..." Whisper gasped in awe, "this is the great dragon that can bring fortune, luck and victory! The highest of the Celestial Beasts of the World!" "Look, all these Yo-Kai are extremely powerful, but a greater problem involves us finding them, as well as the hopes that we can befriend them. I don't think we have a lot of time for that." First reasoned, "Well, I always have the Yo-Kai Pad! If you need information on a specific Yo-Kai like the Tengu... I've got about four of them!" Whisper added, "Wow!" First scrolled through the four images of the Tengu. Two were bird-like creatures while the other two had long noses and very bushy and spiky hair. Each and everyone were adorned with traditional neighponese clothes, high-wooden slippers, and a fan made entirely of leaves and stems. "Tengloom, Nird, Tengu, and Flengu!!! Wait... Nird?" "I believe Nird's description of his Inspiriting powers makes anypony a bibliophile, driving them to read a book or twenty for the hope of knowledge or just for the fun of it!" "Well, I guess we know the reason why Princess Twilight loves reading so much!" First laughed, In the familiar classroom of 5-2, the flightless filly was busy doing her role for Venoct's mission: Finding the son of Lord Enma. "So Eddie, Bear. Since you two are really interested in School Mysteries and stories, can you tell me anything about Lord Enma? Ruler of Yo-Kai?" "Lord Enma??? Well..." A new look of bewilderment and puzzles spread across the brainiac's face, "that's a tough one... All the mysteries I've heard about are those that I've decided to solve and debunk. A spirit lord on the other hand... I'm likely on the fact that a being that doesn't exist is something that I'm not really interested in looking into. That, and I have no idea who he is at all." "Oh I see... Well thanks anyway." Scootaloo sighed with disappointment. The final pony friend that she hoped could have an inkling or two on the history, and she received nothing, just like every other pony she asked. "This is bad..." Scootaloo grumbled as she pulled out a notebook and scribbled Eddie's comments on her never-ending list of failed clues and interviews: Meg idea about spirits was only related to idol culture. To be specific, idols that had some concerts or shows that had them dressed as the monsters of folklore and legend. Alex was never brought up with supernatural stories, Nate's knowledge of Yo-Kai was only through experience with adventures with the siblings, Katie's only knowledge about Spirits or Yo-Kai are somehow and for some reason, limited to Tree Spirits, Bear had no flipping idea at all, And Lucas wasn't fond on talking about ghosts and spirits. "Is Yo-Kai too small a topic for discussion nowadays!?" Scootaloo grumbled, as she threw her book into the air, "this is such a pain..." "Scootaloo?" A new voice spoke from behind, "I-I think you threw this book at me..." "Sorry about that..." Scootaloo sighed as she turned to face a dark-blue maned unicorn filly, with a lighter dark-blue colour. Her mane was designed in a way that it covered her eyes with its shadow, giving off an mysterious and creepy look. "You must be... Lina right?" "That's right." Lina replied, levitating Scootaloo's notes. "Say... You've got quite the penmanship and word structure. Almost as if you were taking the notes and evidence to solve a case!" "Actually--" "A mystery!" An earth pony yanked it from Lina's magic, and began flipping through the neatly scribbled pages, "what's it about?" "Oi! Don't take things from others!" Scootaloo hastily turned to the thief: An earth filly with thin-framed glasses upon her face, a colour of light blue, and a mane of dull brown. Recognising the face and features, she turned to her memories of the class roll call, and matched the features of the pony responding to her name: Zoey. "How interesting..." The filly flipped through the pages, "You've been asking everypony about the origins of Lord Enma? The ruler of all Yo-Kai?" "Oh my!" Lina giggled in delight, "that is certainly an interesting tale that I haven't heard for quite a time now..." "Wait... You know about Lord Enma?" Scootaloo paused, "It's rare to hear about it nowadays, since we're in Equestria." Lina giggled, "but the history of such a being is quite interesting to look into, especially if such a being exists. I mean, if he does, we can pretty much control the entire world if we win his favour..." "Sounds evil... Please don't do that..." Scootaloo gulped, or at least she played along. "Sorry about that." Zoey replied, "Lina's rather... Mysterious, creepy and suspicious in her own way. Like she's a ghost herself..." "So yeah, what do you know about Lord Enma? And out of curiosity, why?" "We'll answer the second question first..." Lina eerily explained, "Zoey and I, are a part of a club that we created on our own, the Ghost Club. We love to learn all about the supernatural, and explore various mysteries that echo around our school or around Springdale. We even sneak out at night to learn more about ghosts, because nopony is around to tell us otherwise, and ghosts appear more at night!" "I... See... Are you sure you don't get nightmares by doing it?" Scootaloo asked, "you know... When you disobey your parents?" "We do actually." Zoey replied, "In fact, a lot of foals and fillies said that they had same the dream of a giant red oni chasing them, that is, those who've escaped... Parents use these sorts of tales to scare their kids to behave." "But..." Lina replied, "we don't know exactly know why and how we all seem to get that same terrifying nightmare... It just happens when we make a grave breach of rules made by older ponies. But we got used to it, we can outsmart the beast once or twice. Except for the time when I saw a blue one..." "A giant BLUE oni!?!?" Scootaloo yelled in horror, "you mean there's more of those things!?" "It could be... I mean, I don't remember it entirely..." "Okay then..." Scootaloo panicked, "let's hope I don't see it." "Now for your first question." Zoey adjusted her glasses with a secretive devious grin. "We have more than an inkling regarding Lord Enma. And just recently to boot too! It's great what you can find when you sneak into school at night." "You guys are so bad!!!" "Well hey, it's not bad when nopony finds out!" Lina evilly chuckled, "Well, now that I know you've got something about it, can you tell me about what you know of then? It really is important." "It's an honour, to hear that somepony's interested..." Zoey grinned again, "tell you what. Why don't you join our club? We can share any form of topic regarding supernatural and urban mysteries happening around town. What do you say?" "Well, I've got nothing to lose either way." Scootaloo replied, "So why not? I'll join!" "Wonderful!" Lina clapped with glee, "It looks like we now have our third member in our ever-growing club Zoey! We're going to have lots of fun, are we?" "Of course!" Zoey laughed, a sadistic grin upon her face "so much fun!" "I'm beginning to have second thoughts..." Scootaloo whimpered, "I think these two can qualify as supernatural themselves!" "So, Ms New Member," Zoey grabbed Scootaloo by the shoulder, "do you know any mysterious stories relating to ghosts or urban legends?" "Well..." Scootaloo opened her mouth, a force of peer pressure choking her throat and head, rendering her speechless with embarrassment. "Have... Have you..." "Well come on!" Lina ushered, "don't keep us waiting...!" "H-Have you heard about the Snow Woman?" Scootaloo tossed up, "Already know that." Zoey sighed, "maybe something new?" "What about what happens after?" Scootaloo countered, "like, the story of how the Snow Woman has decided to change her life?" "There's a story about that?" Lina gasped, "colour me interested then..." "Or if you want really something different... Have you ever heard of the story regarding the giant sacred tree in Mount Wildwood?" Scootaloo added, improvising like no tomorrow. "Ooh!" Zoey gasped in delight, "It's the one behind the shrine right? I've heard it's been there for thousands of years!" "Then you got to know that there's something... Spiritual behind it. Scary even!" Scootaloo started, speaking in a spooky and mysterious tone. The two fillies sat clenched upon the seats, mesmerised in awe by the alluring tale of the Mysterious Capsule Machine upon the Sacred Tree: Anecdotal-tuned events that Scootaloo and First themselves, experienced. "Oh I hope this works..." She thought to herself, "Hey guys, can I be blunt here?" First asked, "What is it?" Whisper asked, "The more I look through these extra-powerful Yo-Kai, the more depressed I become on how difficult our job's going to be." "It's very stressful isn't it?" Whisper replied, "but hey, once you find and befriend one, you'll feel great within! Don't give up!" "Actually, I'm doing the opposite. I will give up!" First replied, "WHAT!?" Whisper ricocheted around the library in shock, "What do you mean GIVE UP!? You just stared yesterday!" "I don't want to do this anymore. This research is getting us nowhere. It only describes what they are, and not where. And even if we find one, my life is on the line if we want to befriend it. I'm not going to be burned by fire, frozen and shattered, crushed by rocks, or fall victim to various nasty ways to die!" "Are you inspirited by D'Wanna?" Jibanyan asked politely, "He's got nothing to do with this!" First snapped, "I just don't know where to start! Looking at 'strong Yo-Kai' is a broad and general topic, and there's so much more to look in between the lines!" "But that is what research is about." Whisper casually replied, "you have to keep on looking and looking till you find a definitive answer. Plus... The Yo-Kai Pad can also show where they have last been seen by other Yo-Kai. See?" As an example, Whisper selected the data of the dark-blue bird-faced Tengloom, and provided a map area of Springdale with a distinct blue pin firmly placed on an abandoned hospital near Shopper's Row. "Oh." First calmed down, "I... I didn't know..." "First, I am your Yo-Kai butler." Whisper sighed, "and if you need certain things done, it shall be done, especially if it's Yo-Kai related!" "Sorry Whisper." First replied in apology, "I guess I really am stressed. I'll try and look harder to make up for it!" "Actually, it's not how much you need to look, but WHERE you need to look." Whisper added, "working hard is different to working smart. Like you said, if you don't know what to look for, the information you dig up can get you nowhere!" "Hey First, why is Scyoots being dragged into the library by two unknyown fillies?" Jibanyan asked, "Scoots? She said that she would be around class asking about Lord Enma-hhhhhh... I have no idea." Zoey and Lina ecstatically trotted across the room with a very confused and embarrassed filly in tow. One that resembled First's sister. "First!" Scootaloo mouthed "help me!" First replied with a simple wave of his hoof and the most 'innocent' smile ever. "Do something!!!" Scootaloo glared, "you too Whisper and Jibanyan!" "What can I do?" First mouthed back, "These two..." Scootaloo gestured at her captors frantically searching the library shelves about Yo-Kai, "Can't leave me alone! I've told them about..." She then pointed to Whisper, "a story formed from how we met! And now, they're trying to find books about it!" "Isn't the machine still up on the tree though?" Whisper asked, "I mean, if they want, they can just go insert a bit and pull what Yo-Kai they find!" "Fair point." First spoke, "Hey Zoey," Lina asked, "what happened to all the Yo-Kai books? It seems like somepony's taken them all!" "But nopony is allowed to borrow that many, unless..." Zoey gasped, "they've been thrown away!" "Actually," First spoke up, waving to the ponies "they're all here! This stack over here are all the books I've finished reading, so go ahead and take a gander!" "Why thank you!" Lina replied as she grabbed a book with her magic, "say... You look familiar. Aren't you Scoots little brother?" "That's a-me!" First replied, "I see you're busy... Dragging my sister around! Something interesting going on?" "Hmm..." Zoey squinted with suspicion. "I'm not sure about that..." "Why not?" Lina asked, "look at him and how much he read! He's just as interested in the supernatural like we are!" "Keen eye." First replied, "I'll admit that I was interested in what my sister was doing, and after looking through it. I developed an interest myself!" "Oh Scoots," Zoey laughed, "why didn't you tell us this when you introduced yourselves last month? We could have been best friends way earlier!" "I dunno." Scootaloo replied with a laugh, "must have slipped my mind!" In the glimpse of a shadow, a face of wrath appeared on the flightless filly's face, grudgingly eyeing her brother. "I will get you for this!" "What did she say?" Whisper asked, "I couldn't get the mouthing." "None of your concern. Her anger is focused towards me." First shrugged as he nonchalantly hid his face with a book whose cover seemed to resemble a traditional painting of Shmoopie. "So First," Lina trotted over, "do you know the story about the Sacred Tree in Mount Wildwood?" "But of course!" First answered with confidence, looking at Whisper and his infuriated sister, "Scoots have told me so much about it! Has sis told you that if you actually insert a bit into the capsule machine, you can possibly receive the gift of seeing Yo-Kai!" "I've heard!" Lina replied, "Now I'm actually interested in seeing it with my own eyes!" "Did she also mention a curse about it?" "I don't believe so." "The moment you receive this gift, your look on the world will change, and your life will never be the same. Forever you will be haunted by the ugliest and dangerous of ghosts around!!!" "Oh... Is that so?" Lina gulped, "then... Maybe not." "You owe me." First mouthed to Scootaloo with a wink. Scootaloo merely rolled her eyes as if to say 'whatever'. "So, what are you guys doing here?" First changed the subject, "Well, since your sister joined our Ghost club, we decided to make she knows how we roll every time we meet together! Look through books, uncover mysteries, all for having fun together!" "Correction," Scootaloo butted in, "they're doing all those things, while I've been made errand filly! All for the sake of finding who Lord Enma's son is..." "Sounds fun!" First smiled, "you think I can join in too?" "Sure! Welcome to the Ghost Club!" Zoey replied, "anypony who's interested in ghosts are guaranteed members if they so wish!" "Thanks!" First replied, "so, what makes you say this Big Sis? The two seem like nice fillies!" "Nice and Bossy!" Scootaloo replied, "that's what they are!" "Oh whatever are you talking about?" Zoey and Lina innocently replied, "Now that you mention it." First stared at the happy-go lucky faces of the fillies, "I have a feeling that they're demonically laughing behind their sweet faces. Do you think a--" "There you are!" A sharp voice strutted into the library. "Mr Johnson?" Zoey and Lina gasped, a gulp running down their throats. "You're holding up our class trial." Mr Johnson tapped his watch, "didn't we say that we would cut lunch early to discuss this on a specified day?" "Oh, umm..." "Our Client, Prosecutor, and the entire class is waiting for you two to confess!" "Hold the phone. Class Trial? What's going on Mr Johnson?" First butted in, "Ah, the Sentry siblings. Didn't know you were here." Mr Johnson replied, "two days ago, some of the rooms in the school, the music and science room specifically, have been tampered with as stated by the janitor. I might even say vandalised or trashed, regarding the horrendous mess and damage. Lina and Zoey were accused, and multiple witnesses from our class claimed to have seen the two. As such, we had decided to hold a trial two days from there. I believe that you two at the time, had your hooves tied with assisting the younger graders to reclaim the bunnies that escaped the enclosures." "Oh..." Scootaloo remembered, "speaking of which Mr Johnson, we forgot to tell you the reason why the bunnies did that in the first place." "Somepony caused them to go on a stampede!" First laughed, "I'm not sure if all of you saw, but their legs somehow doubled into four long giraffe legs, and proudly galloped ridiculously without a care in the world! Scoots, did you do something to awaken Lord Discord's mischievous side again?" "Oi! I thought we all agreed that it wasn't the CMC's fault!" "That probably explains the petrified looks of terror of some other teachers and staff." Mr Johnson adjusted his glasses, "But that's in the past. We need the 'Ghost Club' in our classroom right away. I suggest that you two siblings come too, to watch." "But Mr Johnson, we don't have any form of defence to help us! How can we possibly carry out the trial?" Zoey asked, "It should be obvious! You two can fend for yourself! That being said, I would accept it if anypony volunteers to defend you, just like Eddie volunteering to prosecute!" "O-Okay then!" Lina replied, "Can you help us Scoots?" "M-Me?" Scootaloo turned around in surprise, "defend you?" "I didn't stutter... I mean it! Pretty please?" Lina pleaded, a pair of puppy-dog eyes pouted at the flightless filly. "Your eyes are covered with your mane. How can I know if you really mean it?" Scootaloo grumbled, "I promise you!" Lina desperately continued pleading, "we promise to tell you everything regarding what you need! We won't boss you around anymore!" "Argh... But... I'm not sure that I know how to do defend..." "I'll do it then." First spoke up, "I'll volunteer to defend you." "First!?" The pony and Yo-Kai group stared at the sole foal of the group. His hoof extended to the air, and planted a straight face filled with courage, bravery and rage. "I may not know a lot about court trials and all that jazz. But if there's no defence, it's not fair." "Are you sure? It sounds like they're blackmailing you..." "We had no knowledge prior to the case and their crimes, and it was only today that we required something from them, no blackmail." "Very well then, I'll let the class know that you'll be doing it. We may not have enough time for you to go thoroughly prepare though. See you soon." Mr Johnson replied and trotted out of the library. "My goodness. Just how bad was it, that nopony decided to help you or at least let us know what happened for two whole days?" Scootaloo asked, "Thanks First..." Lina sobbed, embracing the young foal. "Thank you so much..." "I know, I know..." First sighed, letting lose his face "now please stop making that face... I can already tell that you two are not guilty." "What!? He can see through that mane of hers!?" Scootaloo wondered in shock, "This is certainly going to be dramatic..." Whisper observed, "First Base. A defender of justice!" "Sounds a lot like Flash..." Jibanyan moaned, scratching his head. As the sun sailed just high above Springdale, Classroom 5-2 was fully packed and fully silent. All the seats and tables were arranged in the form of a court hall. Three tables were stationed in front of the class. Two tables faced each other, with one in the middle facing the back of the class. The rest of the tables and chairs were positioned at the back areas, members of the audience to make themselves comfortable. Mr Johnson sat at his usual teacher's desk, overlooking the entire class. Zoey and Lina, sat in the middle table, with all eyes facing towards them. The glares of the audience, the stern look from the teacher, the piercing gaze of the prosecutor, and the firm but reassuring stare from the defence. First kept his cool as he stood firm, even when the glares of the audience, prosecutor and maybe the teacher, were also fixated on him too. A foal who dared to defend the accused. Well, one way or another, he's going to show them that the Ghost Club was innocent, even if it comes to hoofticuffs. "Say Whisper," Scootaloo whispered to the whispering ghost in the midst of the audience, "shouldn't First have a partner or assistant or something?" "This is not a game young Scoots." Jibanyan replied, "the two sides must have one head each." "Alrighty then," Mr Johnson began, "this is actually the first time that I've been doing this soo, please understand if I make a mista---" Mr Johnson dropped his head in a silent trance. A few seconds later, he raised his head sharply, a fierce look upon his face. "This court is now underway for the trial of the members of the Ghost Club. I am Mr Johnson, and I shall be overlooking this trial. Are both sides ready?" "The Prosecution is ready Mr Johnson." Eddie answered, brimming with confidence. "The Defence is ready Your Honour." First answered, also brimming with confidence. "While I may take this seriously Defence, there is no need to call me that. Just refer to me as Mr Johnson like you always do." "Understood Your Honour." First replied. The entire class groaned with dismay and confusion. "Sorry about that sir." Scootaloo apologised over, "if First's into something, he gets very serious and dramatic about it." "V-Very well, I shall overlook it then." Mr Johnson replied, "You know..." Scootaloo cocked her head in suspicion. "Why is Mr Johnson so serious about this either? At one time, he was unsure of what to do, now it looks like he's learnt something about law or two! Hmm..." "Now Prosecution, may we have the opening statement?" Mr Johnson spoke, "Sure!" Eddie replied, pulling out a script. "Two days ago, just as the janitor was about to leave the school fully clean, a loud brutal noise was heard from the 2nd floor of the School. As a janitor, he went to investigate, and found the doors of the science room opened when it should have been locked, and the interior littered with all sorts of damage. Broken test tubes, beakers, you name it. The next thing he saw was two silhouettes of young foals escaping from the other door of the Science room, and making their way up one floor. Giving pursuit, the janitor then saw the two sneak into the music room and the sound of--" "May I object?" First politely raised his hand, multiple 'huh's?' and murmurs started filling the room. "Found something suspicious already?" Eddie turned to First, "how interesting... Then what's up?" "I'm suspicious on why you must drag the opening statement on." First replied, "I beg your pardon?" "Couldn't you just say: 'Two nights ago, two young foals wrecked the Science and Music room, and the Ghost club was deemed the culprits.' There, twenty words exactly!" First explained, Multiple oohs went up through the class. "Interesting..." Mr Johnson spoke, "you do have a point," "B-But there's a lot we can learn initially from the opening statement." Eddie reasoned, "Yeah, but wouldn't the Janitor come up and speak what he saw? Let him describe. I'm surprised that you had to write up a script that would possibly be repeating the Janitor's testimony." Multiple members of the audience winced in pain, some chuckled with laughter. "That's... True..." Eddie relented, "in that case, let's go over the evidence. All we have here are three photos, they may not give much, but it's enough to give proper closure to Lina and Zoey being culprits. Please see them here..." First began scanning over the evidence before him with his attentive eyes: The Science Room with broken pieces of glassware, the Music Room with tables and chairs dangerously toppled over, and a hallway, where two silhouettes of young ponies can be found galloping across the moonlit floor. He peered closely at the trashed science room. Glancing at the broken beakers, he found something strange within the picture. The only problem was, he can't make it out. From the audience however, a pony of her own is scanning the surrounding area with her own item, taking in the most horrific sights ever. Horrific... Yet typical. "Yo-Kai..." Scootaloo growled, "I knew it... One yellow Oni that looks like Suspicioni and Tantroni, and a golden looking snake..." "I believe his name was Slitheref." Whisper reminded, "he was refereeing the match when we fought Lava Lord." "A referee Yo-Kai..." Scootaloo replied, staring at the teacher, "I like the guy. Doing his job I guess. And the other?" "Contrarioni." Whisper read from his pad, "He would be one that will prolong or extend the time within a debate or conversation by making and dragging on unnecessary statements, and making others constantly disagree with them. He is able to contribute to Family and Domestic Disputes, not to mention debates and parleys between lawyers, and even politicians and members of the royal family!" "Well that's nice to know..." Scootaloo growled, anger coursing through her hooves, "If Yo-Kai are going to come into play, then I might as well! Come on out my--" "Hold Scootaloo!" Mr Johnson announced, "whatever you will do, you shall not breach the rules of this court!" The entire audience turned around in shock to see the orange filly, covered and struck with astonishment. "M-Mr Johnson?" "Outside help is not permitted. If you wanted to assist, you should have volunteered at the beginning." "But..." Scootaloo stammered, "Scoots, if you really think that what is happening is not right. Then you must push!" Whisper encouraged, "this is not Mr Johnson speaking, you know that! It's the judge Slitheref who is speaking. He himself is contradicting his own self!" "Oh... Oh!!! You know Whisper, you really do have your moments to shine as a butler and a companion in my book. Thanks," Scootaloo smiled, looking straight at Whisper's location, acknowledging that everypony in this room was staring at her. "Miss Scootaloo, please look here and tell me that you will not try this sort of thing again." Mr Johnson announced, "Okay then..." Scootaloo replied, turning her face to Mr Johnson, a look of persevering suspicion, "I'll look at you, but what do you think I am trying to do that will badger this trial?" "Attempting to... To..." Mr Johnson's tone began to falter, as he set his eyes upon the Yo-Kai Watch, plain in view. "Like you 'sir', I follow the rules to a T. But... Considering what's happening right now..." She gestured to Mr Johnson, as well as the yellow oni, invisible to everypony but other Yo-Kai, Scootaloo and the inspirited Mr Johnson "wouldn't you say that it is a bit unfair?" "Wh-What's going on?" Nate whispered to the others, "No idea..." Katie replied in confusion. "Eh?" The Yellow Oni turned to face the conversing ponies, shocked to see that he was discovered. "You see, First can't see anything without 'that'... Since it is in my possession. If you can allow -that- to occur in the class... Then why can't I?" "Th-Then in that case..." Slitheref started to look around the room. Wondering what he can do to make this fair enough. He looked to Contrarioni, glaring and bearing his teeth at the group. He looked to First, who was studying very hard on the small tidbit he has gained, but with a lot of anxiety now present through the sweat drops down his face. "I-I don't know what to do... Perhaps you have an idea?" "I have an idea... Whisper?" Scootaloo asked and whispered a thing or two in his ear. Nodding with understanding, he flew over to the golden snake referee and whispered the words into his ear. Slitheref pondered for a moment or two, and nodded in agreement. Regaining his possession on the teacher, he spoke his decree through him. "I see Miss Scoots. Then considering the circumstances, you... You will be allowed to assist your brother." When this sentence was announced, a chaotic uproar began. Multiple bodies stood up in protest, many heads turned in confusion, voices raised crying protests of mis-explanation. For a class trial, it was a very VERY chaotic scene. Mr Johnson simply slammed his hooves firmly to the ground and let out an ear piercing command, "SILENCE!!! This situation is far more than mere ponies including myself can comprehend. For Miss Scoots to assist her brother in this trial will make things fair. Her limit is to only assist via pointing out any... Anomalies within the evidence and the upcoming testimonies. Understood?" "Yes sir." Scootaloo smiled as she proudly trotted to her brother's side with Whisper and Jibanyan in tow. She stood and looked towards the audience, and placed her hoof on her heart, "I solemnly promise by the Princesses of Equestria that I shall carry out my role as an assistant, and will not take advantage or falsify any form of claim or cheat the system. For we are here to discover the truth, no matter if the intention was good, bad, or in the name of our Princesses." "Well said," Mr Johnson replied, "I understand. Now please our audience, do not give looks of malice to your courageous classmate." "Never knew you'd be a stickler for honour," First answered as he sees her sister plop down next to him, "Runs in the family." Scootaloo winked back, "So..." First returned to the situation "I'm assuming there's... Yo-Kai involved... Right?" "Yep," Scootaloo nodded pointing the watch to Slitheref and Contrarioni. "You've seen the snake before, and Contrarioni here is what drags this trial on and on." "Hmm..." First looked through the evidence, "in that case, you think you can help me? There's something I see that's suspicious..." Scootaloo pulled out Suspicioni's medal and smiled as she inserted it into the watch. Calling the ever suspicious Yo-Kai, First felt his influence and inspiritment coursing through his veins. As he began to grow even more suspicious and curious of the picture, he started to observe the picture's surroundings. The mysterious and most suspicious thing he picked out from before was a beaker that was broken in two within the science room. Whereas one half was lying on the table, its other half was... still in the air... "Mr Johnson, Eddie, one of the evidence looks a bit strange..." First presented the science room photograph. "Can you see the broken beaker? Is it me or could it be that... Do you really think when a beaker breaks into two, that one half could have been floating in the air?" "Hmm..." Mr Johnson looked at the image, "that really is interesting... You may be right! But what are you trying to imply with this evidence?" "It doesn't change the fact that it could be Zoey or Lina who could have done that." Eddie replied, "Just a few more questions. Was this picture taken after the crime scene?" "Obviously!!!" Eddie replied, "and if you want more information, the photo was taken by the janitor an hour later after the crashes." "An Hour..." First mentally wrote down, "So Eddie, you're the intelligent science whiz. Think you can tell me how a floating piece of glass can be possible?" "Well, a unicorn can simply levitate it with his or her magic." Eddie answered normally, then looked at the photo again with a shocking revelation, "okay, I think I see what you mean. There is no sign of magical power holding this shard up when this picture was taken. But what are you trying to imply?" "Well, whatever is holding up that thing... Is the actual culprit behind these vandalism incidents!" First declared. An eerie amount of silence fills the room. Each and everypony stared at the orange foal with puzzled and very strange, sarcastic and cynical looks. "First..." Scootaloo spoke up, "I may be your sister, but there are things that I wouldn't speculate so much..." "I believe that there is a term for this in court..." Mr Johnson replied, "bluffing I believe?" "Okay then First," Eddie replied, "let's say we call your bluff. If that force was what was causing these troubles, do you know the motives behind it?" "That's a... very good question." First replied, slowly realising what he just said. "Well... To do that, we need to find the identity of this culprit." "And do you know of this culprit?" "Uhh..." First frantically pulled out the evidence, frantically going through the evidence once more. His supplementary suspicion pushed to the limit. "Help me out here Suspicioni..." First replied, "Is there anything else to see in these photos?" "Look harder!" Suspicioni replied, "for a Yo-Kai to increase his power, the inspirited host must also be focused upon the same emotion and mindset!" "Hmm... You may have a point." First replied, remembering the time of the Massiface rematch. "Okay then, I'll do my best!" First began examining things even further, to the point of using a nearby magnifying glass to pinpoint the tiniest of suspicious information, and making the entire situation overly dramatic, melodramatic too. But it wasn't for boring and awkward show. Upon the pictures, areas began to shift and wiggle, and First was able to spot the once empty area around the floating beaker, warp itself to reveal an unsettling sight. The foal's eyes widened and shivered at the once floating, now bounded piece of glass. Wrapped and strangled by a endless bounds of white strings of thread, with all sizes of dust adhering around it. "Well?" Eddie prompted, "what have you got?" "The perpetrator..." First replied, "may be something very dangerous." First changed photos, hoping to find something suspicious in the picture of the Music Room. Suspicioni's heightened power revealed layers of green goop, sprayed and scattered across the messed tables and chairs, dripping down the dry wood. What's worse, the Piano was covered all around so much, that it looked like a new paint job of horrendous green. "Oh no... Oh dear... Don't tell me its..." First began sweating from fear, his anxiety grew as he looked upon the final picture of the two silhouettes. The two silhouettes were the one that began to warp and change, stretching towards each other until the two shadows touch and began mixing together. The combined shadow grew larger and larger, and shifted itself into the silhouette of a giant beast with two body segments and eight ghastly legs, each protruding from a different section of the body. Its pupiless eyes and sharp fangs dripping with the same green go, glaring vengefully back at the one who looked at it with most suspicious of senses. The picture no longer had two silhouettes of small young foals, but one giant silhouette of one of First's biggest fears and nightmares: A spider. "NO!" First leapt out of his seat, dropping the picture. "First?" Scootaloo spurred her head towards her younger brother's quivering and trembling body. "Are you okay? It looks like you've seen a scary Yo-Kai or worse..." "What else can be worse than a scary Yo-Kai for me?" First replied back, "A spider? A giant spider?" Scootaloo asked, "See!? There's your identity! There's the culprit!" First yelled at the top of his lungs, "Help me out here! Show everypony the true nature of these photos!" "Okay okay! But I'm going to have to rely on your energy too!" Suspicioni yelled back. In compliance, First glowed orange again, the glowing energy flowed through the air and covered Suspicioni from head to toe. Gritting his teeth, Suspcioni began channelling First's power around him, changing from orange to purple, necessary to fuel his power, and in turn, the effect of his inspiritment. "Argh!" With a loud roar, Suspicioni's borrowed power exploded through the room, tearing through the mental minds of all pony and Yo-Kai alike and grasped tightly upon their senses. One by one, each pony in the room gasped and leaned back in horror as the pictures slowly reveal their true identity. The spider webs, the green goo, and the giant spider. "My... Oh my... Dear Celestia..." Eddie squeaked, a sweat-like death came over his face. "I-Is this your culprit First Base?" Mr Johnson asked, "Y-Yes..." First replied, "S-Sorry, I'm really afraid of spiders..." "It's a common fear, alright." Mr Johnson replied. "So... Can you wrap your case up?" "Sure..." Gaining what little confidence he had left, First stood up and addressed the crowd. "Now, I believe all of you can see that these pictures are rather... Strange. But rest assured, even if we may not know anything about the Spider itself, what we do know is that our two accused here are innocent. Unless..." First dramatically turned to the fillies, "are you capable of spinning silk like spiders?" "No?" Lina replied, "though it would be a cool power..." "Are you able to spit out green goop?" "Are you kidding me!? Of course not!!!" Zoey replied offended. "Then what do you think everypony? Think Zoey and Lina could do that? Do they also have eight legs? Or sharp fangs?" First asked, multiple heads shook left and right, while some murmured to each other while others whispered 'no'. "I've heard rumours saying that Lina's teeth was so sharp, that they looked like fangs." A filly whispered, "I heard that! Not true!" Lina growled, bearing her fangs. The audience ducked in awe and horror at the rumour made true. "What do you think Mr Johnson? Eddie?" First turned around, ignoring the situation. "This! This is a monstrosity! I-I don't know how to explain it! How did this spider get so big?" "I understand Science is used to explain the impossible, but when it comes to the ghosts and spirits like Yo-Kai, let's just say that folklore stories can be used as helpful evidence material... I mean, I used some of those 'Neighponese shows' on the TV for that previous Science Homework!" "About that," Mr Johnson remembered, "The Science Teacher showed me your report. I thought usage of that material was ridiculous, but he praised it." "Let's not fall off track here." Scootaloo reminded, "well Mr Johnson? What do you think?" "Yes, I believe I can make my case... It already seems clear to me that the two are not the culprits. How about you audience?" "Not at all sir! We're sorry Zoey and Lina!" The audience chorused. "Quick to forgive," Whisper observed, "how kind! Yo-Kai could learn a thing or two, what with being eternal grudges and all." "Very well then, I shall present my verdict. I hereby announce that Lina and Zoey are No-" "Hold it!" A burly voice interrupted, "you didn't get to testify me!!!" "Oh? Mr Janitor..." Mr Johnson turned around, "I'm sorry. I almost forgot about you... Forgive me for wasting your time." "I've got my things to testify, and I've got things that are worth mentioning!" "Then what do you have to add Mr Janitor?" First asked, "This spider? It's a prank! Those two have brought up a giant costume, and has been terrorising the school!" "WHAT!?" The entire audience roared, "But... We've never picked up a giant spider suit." Eddie replied, "unless you have it." "We wouldn't even know how to get a large spider suit." Zoey replied, "Then what do you think Mr Janitor?" First asked, "what made you think it could be a costume?" "Well... You see, it's because this costume came with bearing fangs, and that within the spider costume is some mechanism that is able to spit out that green goop so it can fool us for being a real spider!" "That really sounds absurd though..." Eddie replied, "You don't believe me? You don't believe me! I'm tellin' the truth here!" "Something tells me he isn't..." Whisper noted, "You think Scoots would pick it up?" Jibanyan asked, "That sounds really absurd... Don't tell me..." Scootaloo looked towards Suspicioni's yellow look-alike. "Grr!" Contrarioni gritted his teeth as he concentrated harder and harder, eager to turn this case from being closed. "He's doing it again..." Scootaloo glared at the Yellow Oni, "he's trying to keep this going on and on..." "Any ideas?" First asked, "What I wanted to do in the first place to stop this stupid case!" Scootaloo replied as she yanked out a mysterious medal. "Tattletell!" "Tell Tell!" Tattletell leapt out of the watch, and bounced around with her long arms in greeting, "The truth and nothing but the truth from the Janitor." Scootaloo asked, "I'll make some Green Tea for you!" "Tell!" Tattletell happily nodded and leapt towards the Janitor with a single mighty push of her arms. The small lady grabbed the Janitor's neck and wrapped her arms around it. By the time that the Janitor was about to release another set of nonsensical testimony, the secret-spilling inspiritment took a hold on the stallion and dropped his face to a sudden, catatonic and upset calmness. "Okay then... To tell you the truth, I'm quite as surprised and shocked as all of you from the spider. I did hear the toppling of tables and chairs, as well as the smashing of glass bottles and beakers and what not, and I did see the two silhouettes of Zoey and Lina. But... The reason why I accused the two fillies was because of a grudge back a few days ago. They were so bossy, telling me to clean up this and tidy that when I first entered the school grounds... When they could actually tidy things up themselves!" "But... Isn't that supposed to be what a Janitor does?" Scootaloo asked, "A janitor, not a personal servant! They ordered me to carry and clean up all the books they read in the library, pick up all the scrap they throw away with their mysteries! I have other things that require cleaning than fulfilling the whims of the two! That's why I had to stay back and clean the rest of the school for that entire night! That's when I heard those sounds... And saw the damages, and even the silhouettes! They looked like Zoey and Lina. I thought I would go straight up to them myself and give a stern talking to, but my devotion to attend to all the scenes must be assessed first, so nopony would get harmed the next morning! So I called the rest of the School Staff and Guard to investigate. I also did manage to snap that picture. I was unable to catch then back then, so I thought I would get them to confess for trashing the place!" "So to summarise it," Mr Johnson read back, "during the day of the incident, you were somehow contracted and bossed around by Zoey and Lina, being their personal cleaner. As consequence, you were unable to do your daily duties, which in turn, had to be done after school, all the way till nightfall." "That's right." The Janitor sighed, "Mr Janitor?" Lina spoke up, "Yeah?" "I'm... I'm sorry that we bossed you around, when you had your own job to fulfill and complete." Lina replied, "Is that so? Then guess what. I'm sorry that I falsely accused you for trashing the place. Once I saw that Spider in the picture, I had a feeling that it wasn't you two. In fact, could it be that if I were to approach 'you two' back then, I don't think I would have been here." The Janitor apologised back, "I am truly happy that we are able to have settled this matter in the terms of apologies." Mr Johnson sighed in relief, "Now, without further ado, I can continue my verdict. I hereby declare Zoey and Lina, Not Guilty!" A round of applause echoed throughout the classroom in celebration of the revealed truth and amended bonds. The siblings bumped hooves for a job well done. "By the way," Eddie added after the commotion, "what about this... Spider?" "I'll make sure to put out a warning to the staff and the school." Mr Johnson replied, "and we'll make sure that the Royal Guard investigates too. And with that, Court is Adjourned!" "Thanks a lot you two." Zoey shook the siblings' hooves. "Thanks for proving us innocent." "I'll be blunt here, it was really uncomfortable and boring. Let's hope we'll never do something like this again." Scootaloo replied, "You can say that again." Zoey laughed, "By the way," Lina added, "I also want to say sorry on behalf of bossing you around like we did to the Janitor that time. Because of that, we owe you aplenty. Can we be friends for starters?" "That's the best idea ever!" First nodded, "You're so sweet First." Lina smiled, First chuckled in response, trying to shrug away his blush. "And secondly," Zoey continued, "we'll be happy to give you the information regarding Lord Enma. Problem is, we're going to have to..." "Sneak in at night?" First finished, "Yeah. Because the thing we found is located in the Teachers Staff room upon one of Mr Johnson's items. Who knows? It could never be there again!" "Then, I guess we have no choice but to go there at night." Scootaloo threw up her hooves, "Don't worry. It will be fine." Lina remarked, "perhaps a few days later? Maybe on the weekends?" "It's a date." First replied, "see you then!" "Yep." Scootaloo sighed as the Ghost club made their leave, "a court case like this was definitely not like the games we've played. It's boring, slow, monotonous, and any type of drama is too melodramatic or ridiculous." She pulled out a small tea cup, some green tea powder, hot water, and a traditional wood mixer. She sighed as she mashed the mixer up and down, swirling the clear water and green powder within. "But it's over. And we're still on the path on what we need to find." "Speaking of which," First turned to two the two Yo-Kai behind them, Slitheref and Contrarioni. "We've got you to deal with." "Us?" The two gulped, "Not you Slitheref, you've been doing your job. So it's fair." "Understandable." Slitheref sighed, "sometimes, matches don't always go 'fair'. Some try to twist the rules in hopes that they will gain happiness or victory from it." "By the way, Slitheref, were there any other Yo-Kai apart from you?" Scootaloo asked as she carefully presented a hard-brewed cup of green tea to Tattletell. "Because I feel like Zoey and Lina's bossiness, as well as the Janitor's personal problems, wasn't... Willing." "You are beginning to be quite perceptive of Yo-Kai without the Watch now." Slitheref replied, "I commend thee. Yes, there are two more Yo-Kai are currently with me. And like the onis you've met, there are two others that look exactly like me, hat and war-fan tail. Only with different colours. They're right next to me, so you might as well introduce yourselves to them." "Sure thing," Scootaloo pulled out the watch and scanned the mentioned surroundings to reveal the palette-swapped snakes of dark scarlet and blue, their faces covered in complete guilt and defeat. "The red one is Copperled." Slitheref introduced, "he's responsible for causing ponies to be bossy." "Nice to meet you." First kindly greeted, "The blue one is Cynake." Slitheref continued, "He's one for making ponies and Yo-Kai upset over every little or big thing, always trying to find fault in themselves or others." "Hey, I felt like I was under that spell too back then at the library... Was I this depressed Whisper?" "You definitely were." Whisper nodded in agreement. "This is the second time that I have watched over a match that involved you two. I must say, I am impressed with your rules and understanding of a fair game. As a just victory, I will give my medal to you. Should you need a fair judge in a bout, you know who to call." "Thanks, we are honoured!" Scootaloo bowed, "and I believe that goes for you three as well." Slitheref replied, "you know yourself, that you had interfered in what was supposed to be a fair trial, and yet you use your Yo-Kai nature to extend this into further problems. What do you have to say?" "Sorry, we'll give you our medals too." Cynake bowed, "Don't worry." Scootaloo forgave, seeing Tattletell off drinking the tea. "Like you said, we were able to end this upon apologies on the matter. We're all cool now. Right First?" "... Oh? Uh... Yeah..." First hastily replied, "Is... Something bothering you?" Jibanyan asked, "Possibly." First replied, "Or rather... Very likely..."