//------------------------------//
// Chapter 20 (Part 4): "The Truth Revealed." 
// Story: A Pop Star, a Princess, and a Prisoner 
// by Raptormon132 
//------------------------------//

The crowd watched with silent anger, glaring at the dark red unicorn stallion prisoner coming forward before them to speak on stage. They waited to hear what the stallion wanted to say, as he looked at them with a face of genuine remorse.

"Fillies and gentlecolts of Ponyville," He said. "My name is Turncoat. I was the right hoof pony of Armstrong. And I have things I need to tell you."

Caramel and Lucky Clover spoke out. "Well, go on! Speak!"

"Make your taunting last words before you go, and be quick about it!" Lucky Clover shouted.

Celestia raised her hoof to silence them, and anyone else. "Let the prisoner speak." She then turned to Turncoat, and nodded at him to proceed.

"Many of you look at me with the same anger and hate as the others. Assuming that I'm going to taunt you like the others. Well, I assure you that I am not going to." Turncoat sighed. "Many of you, I assume, have even noticed that I'm the only one not wearing a steelectric collar. And I also assume you are wondering why is that. The reason to that is because...I have been given a reduced punishment due to given a reduced sentence." He briefly glanced at Lawful Eye. "The reason I've been given a reduced punishment is because...I was the reason the whole operation of Armstrong, and Blue Ward and Cover-Up ended. I was the one who passed on the information to Investigator detective Lawful Eye."

The crowd blinked with mixed feelings on what Turncoat had just said. Turncoat then turned his attention to one of the three glass jars that was yet to be revealed as he spoke to the crowd.

"That last jar of extracted and contained memories that the princess's have yet to show. Those are my memories. Memories on what I did behind their backs." Turncoat turned to Celestia and Luna. "Would you please show them?"

Luna nodded. "Of course."

Luna levitated the third and last jar, and shot another lightning bolt like magic stream at it. The jar began to glow around the town hall, and a bright, blinding flash of light that engulfed the whole room. The crowd found themselves in the city streets of a city at night time, but in a dark and low area of a city. Soon they see someone walking down the street cautiously, with the light from a lamppost that revealed Lawful Eye. The crowd figured that the city was that of Fillydelphia. Lawful Eye stopped in the street and stayed there, before pulling out a letter. She read the letter to herself.

Dear Investigator detective Lawful Eye,

I have some information in regards to your friend, Abacus Sum, as well as some vital information that I wish to secretly reveal about Hoofstrong Prison Center to you. Come to the low part of the city on the corner of Stable Boulevard and Trot Street near the clock tower at 11:00, and I will meet you there to tell you, and be sure you are alone and not being followed.

A friend.

Lawful Eye looked at the letter, thinking and hoping it was not a hoax, or a trap as she looked at the clock tower that showed that it was exactly 11:00. Her ears perked-up at a sudden sound that came from a dark alleyway, along with her head turning towards it. She prepared herself for anything when she saw a cloaked figure in the shadows.

"Who's there?" Lawful Eye said. "Show yourself!"

The cloaked figure came forward into the light. "Investigator detective Lawful Eye?" 

Lawful Eye glared cautiously. "Who are you? And what do you want?"

"I am here to give you information of regarding to your friend, Abacus Sum. As to who I am..." The figure removed his hood and revealed himself to be a dark red unicorn stallion with a black mane which was Turncoat. "My name is Turncoat. I am the most trusted right hoof pony of Armstrong, the chief warden of Hoofstrong Prison Centre. I'm sorry for arranging to see you like this, but I really needed to see you. You are the only one I can trust. They don't know that I'm meeting you here, so it is vital that you do not let anypony know that I'm here, and that I remain anonymous."

Lawful Eye looked at Turncoat, analyzing him for a few moments through her glasses. She then nodded. "Alright. Start talking."

"Of course." Turncoat said.

Lawful Eye listen as Turncoat explained to her what was going on. Sometime had passed since Turncoat began talking, and Lawful Eye was wide-eyed at what he just told her.

"So Hoofstrong and the Canterlot investigation force have gone rogue and are conspiring together in a blood-thirsty corruption ring?"

Turncoat nodded. "Yes. That is true. This has been happening for nearly a decade, and I've been painfully part of it. Innocent ponies, mare and stallion alike, are being arrested, framed, and sentenced to Hoofstrong for crimes they didn't commit by Canterlot investigation force. And they are all getting tortured, abused, raped, and even killed for they're own enjoyment. You're friend, Abacus Sum, is one of them. Every time a prisoner was killed, they would falsely report that it was either during a riot, or that they simply committed suicide. They are also forcing mares to get pregnant from both forcing stallion victims to impregnate them, and being raped by Armstrong's guards. They would take their babies after they gave birth, and sell them to members of a sex trafficking ring the Canterlot investigation force are secretly partnered with to make extra money. What's more disturbing is that most of the guards are all criminals who were transferred there from the Canterlot investigation force's request, and hire them to work as guards. Nopony visits there because the prison forbids anypony from the outside, and that is the reason for it."

Lawful Eye glared. "So why are you coming forward telling me this?"

"Because I didn't want any part of this," Turncoat said. "There's the threat on my life and the lives of every other innocent ponies in Hoofstrong if I told anypony outside. So I had no choice, but to endure it, and patiently waiting for the right opportunity to finally end it. And when I found out about you, I saw it as my chance to end it. I can't bare the pain of this any longer. The guilt I feel is excruciating. The share of the money of all the victims that I got, I hardly ever spent it because I couldn't spend it knowing how it was from blood. So I want to try and make things right, and help you and everypony else by giving information and helping you raid the prison."

"And how do I know I can trust you?" Lawful Eye asked.

Turncoat sighed. "Because I'm the only chance your friend has. Besides, one of the guards torturing him is somepony who knows you and Abacus, and has vengeance-filled hatred on both of you. His name...is Rotten Eggs."

Lawful Eye's eyes widened in shock. "What?" 

"Yes. He was one of the criminals Armstrong and the Canterlot investigation force hired as a guard. This was the reason why you didn't know about Abacus's arrest, trial, and imprisonment until it was too late. The Canterlot investigation force was secretly intercepting mail being sent to you by Abacus or his mother on Rotten Eggs's request, knowing how you would possibly ruin their plan, and so that he could torture him as an act of revenge on you for arresting him for violently raping those mares here in Fillydelphia. He plans to torture him for about two years, before having him killed."

The shocked expression on Lawful Eye's face was beyond comprehension, as she began to seethe in silent, absolute anger. "That monster! When I get my hooves on him!!"

"That's why I want to help you," Turncoat said. "There's something else I have for you too."

Turncoat horn began to glow, and something levitated out from under his cloak in his magic aura, and presented it to Lawful Eye. Lawful Eye took the object which turned out to be a case file. She then opened it up, and looked at it, until her eyes widened with shock.

"This...this is..." Lawful Eye looked up to Turncoat. "How did you get this?"

"When Armstrong breifly gave it to me, I duplicated it, and teleported it to a secret cellar that only I know of. The case file of your friend that Armstrong destroyed was the duplicate, like all the other files they thought they destroyed." Turncoat sighed. "For the first two years of the syndicate operating, I studied the teleportation, and the duplication spell in secret until I mastered them to a point where I could use them simultaneously without any suspicion. Along with making the secret cellar to store them in secret, and patiently waiting for the right opportunity to finally end it. I maybe too late for the first victims, but not for the rest. Also. Whatever you do, don't present this to the courts. If you do, the Canterlot investigation force will find out, and Abacus will be killed. They do that if somepony ever found something that could clear a wrongly convicted prisoner of any crime. It's to keep their operation completely secret. I know you have doubts about me, but I speak the truth. I want to put a stop to this, and I am the only hope for your friend. I will do whatever I can to prevent him from getting killed, that is a promise. But you'll have to trust me...like I trust you."

Lawful Eye calmed down, and pondered at what Turncoat had said. It was true that Abacus's only chance of surviving was to put her trust into his stallion. I addition to him bringing the real evidence, that he had kept it safe and locked away to the best of his ability. Realizing this, she nodded. "Very well, Turncoat. But I think we should have officials find out about this too. But I need to know all the ones who are linked to the Canterlot investigation force. You need to tell me all you know."

Turncoat sighed. "Very well, but remember to keep me anonymous."

"Of course." Lawful Eye said.

Turncoat glanced at the time shown on the clock tower. His eyes widened with realization as he turned to Lawful Eye. "I have to go now. I'll call back later."

Lawful Eye blinked as Turncoat put his hood back on, and began to return into the ally. "Wait!"

"I'll keep in contact with you." Turncoat said.

Lawful Eye watched as Turncoat went into the dark ally, and disappeared into a flash, for he had teleported using a teleportation spell. The crowd watched as the memory evaporated like smoke, and changed to numerous locations and times. All of them were of how Turncoat would meet Lawful Eye to give her information, keeping her informed of what was going on, and on occasions talk with the FPI investigators that Lawful Eye had teamed up with from Sydneigh in the planned investigation and raid. Until the next memory was inside of an office with herself, Turncoat, and three other pony FPI officials from Sydneigh, two stallions and a mare. There, they were discussing the plan to raid and arrest Armstrong, and his guards, and take over the prison with the help of the Equestria royal guards, in addition to the arrests of members of the Canterlot police investigation force.

Lawful Eye levitated a teapot with her magic. "Some tea?"

"Yes, thanks, love." One stallion FPI investigator said.

Lawful Eye poured the hot tea into a teacup for the investigator, and put the teapot down on the desk. The stallion lifted the teacup with his hooves and took a sip of his tea.

"Well, as I was saying, I managed to get in contact with Sir Top Hat of the security services in Trottingham. They're sending one of their best agents to help. His name is Southern, and they say he is the best pony for the job. In fact, this would be his last mission before he retires." The Sydneigh FPI investigator was interrupted by a knock at the office door. "Ah, that must be Southern now."

The office door opened to reveal a large white pegasus stallion with a light brown mane and tail, and wearing a tuxedo. Southern walked inside towards the desk where everyone was sitting.

"Afternoon." Southern said in a mild British accent.

"Southern. Have a seat. We were just going over the plan." 

Southern took a seat at the office desk, and turned his attention to Lawful Eye. "You must be Lawful Eye? Trottingham briefed me on what's happening, and what you want me to do."

Lawful Eye nodded. "Yes." She turned Southern's attention to Turncoat. "And you'll need Turncoat's help in order to successfully do this."

"It's the only chance we of Task Force River have of ending this," One of the other stallion Sydneigh FPI investigators said. "And one needs to be tough to deal with this type of assignment."

Southern nodded. "Of course. Sir Top Hat shall have to know about this, and he will also be secretly arriving to help go over the plan on his end tomorrow."

The mare Sydneigh FPI investigators nodded at Southern before she turned to Turncoat. "Though, Turncoat, it's only fair to inform you that when this is over, you will still be facing charges for your part in the corruption syndicate, and will be punished accordingly. But as agreed, we will ensure you will be given a much lighter sentence for your assistance in this operation. Do you understand these terms?"

Turncoat nodded. "I understand..."

"Okay." The Sydneigh FPI investigator said. "Now the first thing we need to do is to organise a way to get Southern inside Hoofstrong, and be recruited as a guard. That mean we need to employ deception of our own. And royalty has ordered for this to remain classified."

The memory once again evaporated like smoke, a blinding flash, and the crowd found themselves back inside the town hall once again. The crowd looked back on stage at Turncoat with looks of mix feelings.

Turncoat cleared his throat. "So now you see that I was the one who helped put an end to all this."

"Indeed he did."

From the back of the stage, a white pegasus stallion with a light brown mane and tail, and wearing a tuxedo came out, which was of course the agent, Southern. He was also accompanied by three earth ponies in suits who came up before the crowd.

"Residents of Ponyville. I am Detective Chief Superintendent Open Case of the FPI's Sydneigh office." Detective Chief Superintendent Open Case pointed to the other two ponies. "And these are Detective Inspector Under Cover, and Investigator Tough Job. We are the members of Task Force River, the secret team of investigators formed with Investigator Detective Lawful Eye of Fillydelphia to investigate and uncovering the corrupted, conspiracy ring operating between the Canterlot investigation force, and Hoofstrong Prision Centre."

"When Investigator Detective Lawful Eye came to us, and informed us of these accusations, we were in great disbelief," Detective Inspector Under Cover said. "It was only until she presented the case of Abacus Sum did we begin to get suspicious. So we had the Canterlot investigation force under secret, constant surveillance. When Turncoat presented the real evidence of one of their recent victims of that time to us, it was there our greatest fears was realized that what we had speculated was confirmed. After that, we officially formed Task Force River with Investigator Detective Lawful Eye, and made it our priority to bring them to justice for all their crimes, at royalty confirmation from Princess Luna. We then got in contact with the security services in Trottingham to aid us. "

Investigator Tough Job took over. "The plan was to set up a violent crime, with Southern going undercover as the offender. Since Turncoat informed us on what the Canterlot investigation force would look for in recruiting criminals for Hoofstrong, it was a huge help to end this. When the Canterlot investigation force, arrested and successfully charged their last victim, we immediately and secretly contacted the royal guards to commence the raid on the prison. After the raid of Hoofstrong, and the arrest of Armstrong, his guards, and the Canterlot investigation force, we recovered the eight years worth of case files of all the victims that Turncoat collected in his secret cellar he made and hid in the forest ten kilometres west of Hoofstrong. This was all the evidence to bring all the ones involved in the ring to justice, and to legally exonerate all the victims in court. Though we had to keep the whole thing classified at royal command until royalty ordered otherwise."

Southern walked up next to Turncoat. "If it wasn't for Turncoat, that whole corruption, conspiracy ring would've never have been stopped. After going undercover as violent criminal and being arrested, it was easy for me gain access into Hoofstrong. Though it did took me eight months of harming ponies inside, he hired me as one of his guards, and from then on, I was completely trusted. It gave me time to study Hoofstrong's security to help with the plan. And then it was all a matter of time before Blue Ward and Cover-Up of the Canterlot investigation force would arrest and convict their final victim, and the raid was planned and carried out with Turncoat's help, as well as my own."

Armstrong growled at Southern. "I shouldn't have liked you from the start. If I knew you were a spy, I never would've recruited you!" He turned to Turncoat. "And you! I can't believe I trusted you, Turncoat! You traitor!"

"Among the first lessons in security, Armstrong: don't trust anypony," Southern said. "If only you followed what Blue Ward and Cover-Up had always said in front of you."

Blue Ward and Cover-Up groaned with irritation at the irony of Southern's word being told, as they were the same words they told Abacus on the first day of his time at Hoofstrong.

Turncoat turned to Armstrong. "And how could I be a traitor...when I was never on your side to begin with? I was only pretending to be loyal to you. I was biding my time while secretly stockpiling the real case files, and waiting patiently for the right opportunity to put an end to your evil, sick ring. Your complete trust in me became your downfall."

Armstrong scoffs. "Well, it doesn't matter. If we go down, you go down with us."

"If it means bringing all of you to justice..." Turncoat turned his back on Armstrong and the others. "Then so be it."

"You're pathetic, Turncoat!" Rotten Eggs said.

Blue Ward and Cover-Up glared. "You're scum of Equestria!"

"It doesn't matter if you helped them put us in prison, because you're still scum...like us!" Cover-Up remarked.

"And even if you were ever lucky to ever be released, you'd still be scum!" Armstrong said. "Those who were prisoners are nothing, but scum and trash with no place in this world! So you're nothing, but scum for life! And don't you forget it!"

Turncoat closed his eyes and dropped his head sadly at the other prisoners words with the crowd beginning to feel pity on him, for they now realized how he was just as much of a victim as the innocent prisoners sent to Hoofstrong. Celestia and Luna approached Turncoat, and Celestia put a caring hoof under his chin.

"Pay them no mind," Celestia said. "You are none of those things. You're a good pony deep down, and only a good pony would have the heart to do what you did."

Luna nodded. "That is true, Turncoat. It was a very brave thing you did. Learning how to save the evidence of so many innocent victims, even ones that have tragically didn't make it. Not being able to do anything until you could. And coming forward when the right opportunity presented itself to you. To endure what you were witnessing and doing daily for a whole decade, and coming forward takes a whole lot of courage."

Lock Down called out from the crowd. "Yeah! I know scum when I see it. And you're definitely not scum."

Celestia removed her hoof from under Turncoat's chin. "You will still be punished for your part in the syndicate, but you'll be facing a much lighter punishment than the others."

"It's okay," Turncoat said. "I have done some horrible things, and although I deeply regret them, and that they were all against my true will...I will accept my punishment humbly and without complaint when I face trial. I don't care what punishment I receive, as long as I've done the right thing, that's all that really matters to me. In fact, my share of the money that I had from the victims, I would like to give it back to the victims, and their families. It won't be much, but as long as the money goes to them and not me, it will help ease a bit of my conscience. I don't want to buy any forgiveness, I want to earn it. Would you do that for me, your Majesties?"

"That is very noble." Celestia smiled sympathetically and nodded. "Very well. This request, we will grant. And we will ensure that you will be given a second chance to mend things and make things right sooner or later, as well as protection during your punishment. That is a promise."

Turncoat nodded gratefully. "Thank you, your majesty."

Mayor Mare stepped forward with Lady Justice by her side. "On the subject of punishment, and forgive us for changing the subject, but this needs to be said. It seems we have made great mistake. And to that, we have decided drop all charges that we made against Abacus Sum."

"Here, here."

"The same here!" Coco-Nut said.

Storm Dasher came forward. "Me too!"

"Well, we're not!"

The crowd turned to the back to where the voices called out from, for they were the voices of the Cloudsdale police ponies, Officers Strike Law and Rogue Order.

"He is still going to be charged for assaulting two police officers," Officer Rogue Order said. "And he will be facing up to eighteen years jail time!"

The Main Six, gasped angrily. "What?!"

The Cutie Mark Crusaders growled. "You can't do that!"

Officer Strike Law turned to the Cutie Mark Crusaders and stared them down with a glare. "Yes, we can!"

Storm Dasher and Coco-Nut came over to Strike Law and Rogue Order. "But he's innocent!"

"Besides, you heard what they've revealed," Storm Dasher said. "And you saw the memories of what he went through. He suffered greatly in prison, and he didn't deserve it! If you put him in jail, you'll ruin his life even more, and he'll suffer all over again!"

Officers Strike Law and Rogue Order turned to Storm Dasher and Coco-Nut. "We don't care! We wouldn't be as high in the police force if we showed mercy to every suspect, or ex-prisoner! We always get our pony, no matter what! Even if we have do things dishonest to do it!"

Officers Strike Law snorted. "Besides, you wanted us to put Abacus Scum back behind bars, and that's exactly what we intend to do!"

"I don't think so, Officers Law and Order!"

Officers Strike Law and Rogue Order turned around with surprise at the voice that suddenly spoke out. Standing close by with four other police ponies was a light arctic blue colored pegasus stallion with a white mane and tail, a mustache, and wearing a police uniform. Strike Law and Rogue Order looked in concern for they knew very well who the pony was.

"Chief Cloud Patrol,"Strike Law said. "What are you doing here?!"

"I was given an argent order from their royal highness's to be here secretly..." Chief Cloud Patrol glared at Strike Law and Rogue Order. "And I saw everything, even the memories. Including the memories of what truly happened with your encounter with Abacus Sum! And as chief of police in Cloudsdale, I will decide whether charges will be laid or not!" 

The Cutie Mark Crusaders came up to Cloud Patrol to plead with him. "Police chief. Ya just have ta let Abacus go. He's a real good pony. He wouldn't hurt anypony."

"Yeah," Sweetie Belle said. "Even though I didn't meet him, I could see it too. If Apple Bloom and Scootaloo say he's a good pony, then I believe them."

"And plus, if you really saw the memory, Abacus didn't hit first." Scootaloo glanced angrily at Coco-Nut and Storm Dasher. "It was Coco-Nut and my dad. They hit him first, and those police ponies let them do it."

Apple Bloom nodded. "And besides, ya saw too what he went through in jail?"

"If you arrest Abacus, he'll be put back in jail, he'll get hurt, and suffer all over again." Scootaloo said.

"That would be dreadful. Please, Police chief. Don't send him-"

Chief Cloud Patrol held up a hoof to silence the little fillies. "That'll do, little fillies. I understand your feelings on this..." He sighed and closed his eyes. "But the fact still remains that he still committed assault on two police ponies. And that is a serious offence that could give him nine to eighteen years in prison."

The Cutie Mark Crusaders sadly dropped their heads, and the Main Six, Lawful Eye, Spike, Warden Rehab, and Lock Down felt sad at what they heard. 

Chief Cloud Patrol opened his eyes, and cleared his throat. "However...given the circumstances that Officers Law and Order were in an area both out of their jurisdiction, and without authorization...that they supplied false information on the events, and let two ponies unlawfully assault him...and that I have witnessed the truth in the memories first hoof...I have therefore decided, and it's only fitting, that Mr Abacus Sum shall be let off with a warning, instead of being charged."

The others looked up with joy on their faces, as Chief Cloud Patrol smiled. He then turned his attention back to Strike Law and Rogue Order, where his smile faded, with a look of anger, as Storm Dasher and Coco-Nut then came over to Strike Law and Rogue Order angrily.

"You lied to us," Coco-Nut said. "You told us you had complete authorization from your police chief to make Abacus's arrest the other day!"

Storm Dasher growled. "And I can't believe my brother-in-law, Flare Shaker was friends with rogue cops like you two! We nearly put an innocent pony behind bars again because of you! Just wait until Flare Shaker finds out the truth about you two! You pigs!"

"Indeed. And to that..." Chief Cloud Patrol calmly and angrily walks up to Strike Law and Rogue Order, and rips the police pony badges off their uniforms with one swipe of his hoof. "You're fired!"

Strike Law and Rogue Order were shocked beyond comprehension. "You can't do that!"

"Oh yes, I can! And not only that, you both will be facing charges of assault, insubordination, and perjury! You have been using your police status to your own ends! You two are a disgrace to those badges and to those uniforms, and you'll never work in police work again!" Chief Cloud Patrol turned to the four police ponies behind him. "Get them out of my sight!"

"Yes, Chief." One of them said.

"Hold on!" Lock Down walked towards Strike Law and Rogue Order. "Before you take them into custody, there's just one thing I need to do."

Lock Down stopped in front of Strike Law and Rogue Order. They looked at the large unicorn stallion royal guard, before his eyes glared with anger, and before they realized it, Lock Down threw a punch at each of them, landing squarely on the side of their muzzles, knocking them to the town hall floor. The two former police ponies struggled to get up, and place a hoof on their faces in the area that they were struck, to meet pain, as well as blood drooling from their lips. They soon looked up at Lock Down.

"That's for Abacus!" Lock Down began to grin while still enraged. "And this is for disgracing the police force with those uniforms!"

Lock Down's horn began to glow, and with his magic, took hold of their uniforms. Then with a loud tear, Lock Down ripped Strike Law and Rogue Order's uniforms right off their bodies, leaving them naked. The Cutie Mark Crusaders began to laugh, and soon almost everyone else laughed along with them. Celestia and Luna shared a chuckle, and even Turncoat had a brief chuckle moment. It felt wonderful for Turncoat, for he had not laughed innocently in such a long time, so long that he could not even remember.

The two former police ponies got up from the floor. Both were angered and humiliated from being punched in the face, and stripped of their uniforms in front of so many ponies.

Strike Law growled at Lock Down. "You muscle head! You'll pay for this!"

Rogue Order turned to Chief Cloud Patrol. "That pony assaulted us! Arrest him!"

Chief Cloud Patrol turned away in denial. "We saw nothing. Besides, he's a member of the royal guards. He out ranks us." He turned to the four police ponies behind them. "Cuff'em, lieutenant!"

"Yes, Chief." One of them said.

Two of the police ponies came over to Strike Law and Rogue Order and put handcuffs on their hooves. Blue Ward and Cover-Up smiled at Strike Law and Rogue Order admiringly and called out to them.

"It's too bad we didn't encounter you, Strike Law and Rogue Order." Cover-Up said.

"You two are rogue cops after our hearts. We would've had use for cops like you in our operation."

Everyone glanced at Blue Ward and Cover-Up angrily, before they turned their attention back to Strike Law and Rogue Order.

"Take them away!" Chief Cloud Patrol said to two of the four police ponies.

"Yes, Chief." One of the police ponies turned to Strike Law and Rogue Order. "Come along, you two."

Strike Law and Rogue Order groaned with a mix of anger, humiliation, and sadness before they were escorted away out the town hall door by two of Chief Cloud Patrol police ponies. Lock Down walked back towards the others proudly with Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash chuckling.

"Alright, Lock Down!" Rainbow Dash high fives Lock Down. "That was so awesome!"

"Ah'll say," Applejack said. "That punch ya gave'em. That was a beaut!"

Pinkie Pie laughed. "And ripping their uniforms off! That was so funny!"

Lock Down smiled. "Well, they had that coming. After all, nopony harms my friends, and gets away it. Besides, Chief Cloud Patrol did actually say that they were a disgrace to those uniforms, and I thought it was appropriate to strip them off of them for it. I've always wanted to do that whenever I heard somepony say that. And I won't lie, it felt really good." 

Warden Rehab chuckled. "Lock Down. You're incorrigible."

"Yes," Lock Down said. "I am, aren't I? But in a good way, Rehab?"

Warden Rehab nodded. "Always."

Spike came forward. "You know, Lock Down? I think you would make a pretty good cop."

Lock Down chuckled. "You think so, kiddo?"

Celestia and Luna looked at Blue Ward, Cover-Up, Armstrong, and Rotten Eggs while speaking to the guards on stage. "You may take the prisoners away back to Canterlot now."

"We have no more use for them," Celestia said. "But be gentle with Turncoat, and put him in the solitary wagon as routined."

"Yes, your highness." The royal guard captain turned to the group of the royal guards with the prisoners. "Take them away!"

The royal guards began to escort Blue Ward, Cover-Up, Armstrong, and Rotten Eggs off the stage as the crowd began glaring at them with pure anger and hatred in their eyes. One royal guard on stage came over to Turncoat.

"Okay, Turncoat," The royal guard said. "Come on. Let's go."

Turncoat nodded and complied with the royal guard's command, and began to walk off stage. As they were walking, and getting closer to the other prisoners, Armstrong looked on, seething with anger at Turncoat. Then two ponies in the crowd commented at them.

"Prison's too good for you scum!"

"Yeah! You four are scum of Equestria, and traitors!"

"Scum of Equestria?! Traitor?! There is only one traitor and Scum of Equestria!" Armstrong glares at Turncoat as he get close enough. "And he will be dealt with as one!!"

Armstrong in a rage, raised his chain-bounded hands, and knocked a couple of the royal guards away. He then focused to deliver a crushing blow to Turncoat's head, with Turncoat looking in shock. Right before the enraged minotaur could deliver the fatal blow, his steelectric collar began to glow with yellow sparks of electricity surging around it. Armstrong to yell in great pain that stopped him in his tracks, and made him fall to the ground. The others looked around the room to see which guard was responsible for stopping the minotaur by shocking him, only to find out that the one shocking him was not a royal guard. Twilight Sparkle's horn was glowed as she made Armstrong's steelectric collar shock him into submission for a few moments until she stopped. Armstrong struggled and slowly got up from the ground groaning, and then began to chuckle sadistically.

"So that's what it's like to get shocked by those collars," Armstrong said. "They really are painful. No wonder I enjoyed watching ponies getting shocked." 

The crowd growled at how shamelessly cruel, sadistic, and cold-blooded Armstrong was being, even though he was caught, and captured. They could all see that he was a beast with no conscience, or even the slightest trace of remorse for what he had done. The guards that Armstrong had knocked away got up, and additional guards assisted, with unicorns having their horns at the ready to shock and subdue them again. Blue Ward, Cover-Up, Armstrong, and Rotten Eggs continued down towards the town hall doors with royal guards, and the crowd shouting. 

"You fuckers are sick!"

"Prison's too good for any of you bastards!"

"You deserve to die!"

The crowd watched as the four prisoners were escorted out the door and disappeared out of sight. Turncoat and two of the royal guards escorting him began to continue soon after. The crowd turned their attention to him, but there was no shouted comments, or hatred towards Turncoat. Instead, there was sympathy, and concern for Turncoat's well-being, and for what he bravely went through. Turncoat stopped in front of Twilight and the others, and turned to them as he spoke to Twilight.

"You saved my life," Turncoat said. "Why did you do that?"

Twilight smiled sympathetically. "The same reason you helped Lawful Eye put an end to Armstrong and the Canterlot investigation force. Because it was the right thing to do."

Spike turned to Twilight. "That was amazing how you made Armstrong's steelectric collar shock him."

Twilight sighed. "It's a good thing Lock Down and Rehab showed me how to use that spell earlier."

"You never know when it could come in handy." Spike said.

"I'm grateful to you for doing that, Miss Twilight. Thank you." Turncoat turned to Lawful Eye. "And Lawful Eye. Thank you for saving me too. You've given me a second chance."

"Because you've earned it," Lawful Eye said. "We all can see you're not a bad pony at all. Your true loyalty was not with Armstrong, or the Canterlot investigation force. It was with us. You saved Abacus, and so many lives. And I know the courts will be very merciful to you at your trial for that."

"Thank you." Turncoat sighed. "I just wish that I could've saved more of victims. If only that right opportunity came to me years ago. Then so many innocent victims would've never have suffered."

Twilight placed a caring hoof in Turncoat's shoulder. "At least it's over now."

"...Yes." Turncoat nodded. "...Thank Celestia it's finally over."

The royal guards continued to escort Turncoat until he went out the door and out of sight. Lawful Eye looked on with concern for Turncoat's safety and his well-being.

"Don't worry, Lawful Eye." Southern came over to Lawful Eye, Twilight and the others, with Detective Chief Superintendent Open Case, Detective Inspector Under Cover, and Investigator Tough Job right behind him. "He'll be okay. I have a feeling that fella is going to have a great outcome sooner or later."

"Southern's right," Detective Chief Superintendent Open Case said. "He's still going to help us with the whole Hoofstrong case, even while serving his time. From what I see, Turncoat is a very brave bloke, the bravest bloke I've ever met. He'll be find."

"I guess you're right. Thank you all for what you've done." Lawful Eye turn to Southern. "And thank you, Southern for helping us save Abacus in Hoofstrong, but I'm sorry about your career as a secret agent."

"It's alright," Southern said. "As you're aware, I was planning to retire anyway."

Spike tilted his head. "I don't understand. Why is your secret agent career over, Southern?"

Southern turned to Spike. "Well, my cover's broken now. We secret agents are only able to operate if we remain strictly incognito. That's the sole reason why Sir Top Hat of the security services in Trottingham couldn't make it here, and why we didn't show him in the memories."

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo looked at each other with the look of an idea just popped up. "Hey, guys. Ya think we can try being secret agents to earn our cutie marks?"

"Hey, yeah," Sweetie Belle said. "That's a great idea. We should be secret agents."

Scootaloo smiled. "That would be awesome!"

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. "Yay! Cutie Mark Crusader secret agents!"

Southern turned his attention over to Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. "Now hold on there, little fillies. Being a secret agent isn't all fun and games, you know. In actual fact, in reality it's a tough existence. Never being yourself. Avoiding any and all contact with your family and friends. Always on the run. Somepony like you three, so young and full of life, it just wouldn't be for any of you. You see, we walk with danger as a shadow. Death is a constant companion. No, you three just be what you are - innocent, sweet, little children."

Apple Bloom looked at Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. "Ya know, ah think it wouldn't be a great idea after all. Ah hate ta not be with any of my friends and family."

Scootaloo nodded. "Yeah. It'd be kind of lousy never being yourself."

"And I wouldn't want to walk with danger as a shadow, or death is a constant companion," Sweetie Belle said. "Who'd want to have that as a cutie mark anyway?"

Southern turned back to Lawful Eye with a look of concern. "By the way, speaking of Abacus. You realize that while I was undercover at Hoofstrong, I...I did actually harm and raped Abacus. Poor chap. I just hope you can forgive me."

Lawful Eye adjusted her glasses. "I know it was part of your cover, you had no choice. But at least it's all over."

Southern nodded. "Indeed. Though I hope Abacus will understand and forgive me too when I go to see him soon." He cleared his throat. "Well, I best be off. I've got to report back to Trottingham to be relieved."

"What will you do next, after that?" Twilight asked.

"I don't know." Southern shrugged. "But we'll see what comes about when opportunity might present itself."

Rarity approached Southern. "Oh, Southern? Before you go, I want to say just for the record: I think you're a very dashing stallion."

Southern smiled. "And just for the record: I admire a mare who speaks from the heart, Miss...uh..."

"Rarity." Rarity corrected.

"Rarity." Southern took Rarity's hoof, and kissed it. "That's a lovely name, for a lovely lady."

Rarity blushed and giggled. "Flatter."

"Well, best be off," Southern said. "Cheerio!"

Southern walked out the door and left the town hall. Detective Chief Superintendent Open Case, Detective Inspector Under Cover, and Investigator Tough Job soon made their way towards the entrance, before stopping and turning to Lawful Eye.

"Well, it's time we were on our way too," Investigator Tough Job said. "We must report back to Sydneigh FPI headquarters to continue with cleaning up the huge mess left by Hoofstong Prison, and the former Canterlot investigation force under Task Force River. In addition to finding the remainder of the illegal sex trafficking ring that has all the children of the victims."

Detective Inspector Under Cover took over. "With Turncoat's help, it will cut down so much time. Though we may need to come to you for help with Task Force River from time to time, and when this is taken to supreme court soon. But after that, we can take care of the rest of this case."

Detective Chief Superintendent Open Case turned to Mayor Mare and Chief Cloud Patrol. "Miss Mayor, Chief. I trust that you both, and the whole town will make sure that this classified information of this case is not told to anypony else, until such time this is brought to Equestria supreme court in some weeks time?"

Mayor Mare nodded and adjusted her glasses. "Yes... Of course."

"You have my guarantee, sir." Chief Cloud Patrol said.

Detective Chief Superintendent Open Case nodded in understanding at them both before turning back to Lawful Eye. "It was nice to have you working with us on this, Investigator Detective Lawful Eye." He extended his hoof to Lawful Eye, and they shook hooves. "If you should ever us again, you know where we are. And I'm sure we shall see each other again after this is all over." They finished shaking hooves with one another. "Until then: Hooroo."

"Thank you, Open Case," Lawful Eye said. "Thank you all."

Detective Chief Superintendent Open Case smiled and nodded. "You're welcome."

Detective Chief Superintendent Open Case, Detective Inspector Under Cover, and Investigator Tough Job walked out of the entrance to the town hall and left.

Celestia and Luna who were still standing on stage coughed to get the attention of the whole town inside and spoke out. "Well, now that you know the whole truth, what do you have to say about Abacus Sum now?" 

The crowd inside looked at one another at Celestia's question, thinking of what they had been shown. The confessions of the prisoners they presented before them, and the verification by members of Task Force River, until they spoke out.

"So Abacus was innocent?"

"Poor Abacus. We had him all wrong."

"And we thought he was a murderer, and after all he and Tiger Lily did for us before."

"Well, I now believe he's not a murderer."

"So do I."

"I believe."

"I believe him too."

"Me too."

The crowd began to speak out at once, giving their thoughts of them now believing Abacus was innocent, and started to regain their love and respect to him that they threw away over two years ago.

"SHUT UP!!!!!"

The crowd silenced at the sound of an angry voice shouting almost as loud as Luna's royal Canterlot voice. But the one who shouted was neither Luna or Celestia, let alone at the front of the crowd. This shout came from a certain dark grey unicorn mare at the back of the crowd.


Continues on part 5...