//------------------------------// // Chapter 15 - Hope for the Hopeless // Story: Synchrony // by Fangren //------------------------------// Fluttershy had been silent for a good fifteen minutes. She had set herself up on a pedestal of redemption for Mr. Discord, no matter how long and frustrating it would be, and it had been kicked out from under her by the police. It was all very upsetting, and in a peculiar way – she both did and did not want to cry. Normally it was firmly one or the other with her; she knew for sure that if it had been someone like, say, Rainbow Dash who had gotten taken away for questioning by the cops she'd be practically sobbing by now. But this... She suspected it was because Mr. Discord wasn't exactly a nice person, but then she felt bad because didn't everyone deserve someone to cry for their sake in times like this? At least, that's what she'd always believed. Then again, she'd never met someone quite like Mr. Discord before in her life. But it wasn't like she wasn't certain she wanted to redeem him, or that he was innocent in that bank robbery the police had mentioned. She absolutely, positively, definitely was! She just... didn't know what to do about it all on her own, with nobody supporting her. Fluttershy had never been very good in those types of situations. A whimper got her attention, and made her realize that she'd been standing in place staring at the floor since she'd retreated to the kennel room. The dogs that Mr. Discord had taken for a walk had mostly not returned to their cages, and several were looking at her with concern. “It's alright, little ones,” she said, crouching down and giving the closest pair a good scratch under the chin. “Just because Mr. Discord got taken away by the police, doesn't mean he's done anything wrong.” She stood up, her body going through the usual motions of animal care while her mind drifted back towards worry. “Oh, but they did seem to be convinced he'd done something wrong,” she murmured, grabbing a box of treats and handing one out to each dog – many took them happily, some only gave them a cursory sniff before looking back up at Fluttershy. “I suppose he might not have been telling me the whole truth about what happened earlier,” she continued, distracted, putting the treats away. She turned around, facing the dogs but not looking at them. “But what if he was? Then he might get put in jail for something he didn't do!” Oblivious to a few whines, she began leading the dogs back to their cages – even picking up the smaller ones to facilitate things a bit. “Ohh, I wish I could help him, but how? It's not like I was there!” Another whimper, loud enough that it nearly became a howl. A few dogs licked her legs and got under foot as well, and halfway through stepping over them she finally took notice. “Oh! But I suppose you all were there, weren't you?” she asked the dogs, receiving several happy tail wags and a couple of barks in reply. Fluttershy put a hand on her pendant, and willed its magic to activate. “So, what did happen on your walk exactly?” She was bombarded with a salvo of long, rambling, enthusiastic descriptions of the walk and what each dog had smelled and done and even seen. “O-okay now, I get that you all had fun,” Fluttershy said, laughing even as their eagerness threatened to overwhelm her. “But I was really thinking more about what happened near the end. Umm, you didn't happen to see my friend Rainbow Dash, did you?” The dogs paused and conferred amongst themselves for a few moments, before deciding that they had, in fact, encountered Rainbow Dash within a crowd of interesting and mostly unfamiliar smells. A single scruffy tan terrier pushed its way closer to the center of the group and barked at Fluttershy. “Hmm? What's that, Bravo? You know what happened?” she asked, growing concerned. Bravo the terrier barked again, then launched into a growling, whining, butt-waggling tale of bravery and adventure. “Uh-huh. Uh-huh,” Fluttershy said, nodding along with great interest. “And then what happened?” Bravo barked. Fluttershy gasped. “Oh my! So Mr. Discord didn't do anything, but somebody did take something from the bags that were on the ground?” Another bark, another gasp. “The other girl that was there took it? That...” She frowned, bringing a crooked finger to her lip. “Why, that must've been the Mare-Do-Well, right? If I remember what Mr. Discord said, that is.” She bit her lip and stood up straight, sending a far-off look in the direction of the Center's front door where she'd seen Mr. Discord leave not too long ago. She spent several quiet moments just staring, enough that Bravo and the other dogs whimpered and took anxious steps towards her. “I need to tell them,” Fluttershy decided. “If I know the truth, then I ought to share it. Ohh, I just hope they believe me...” Bravo barked, a sentiment that was echoed by the other dogs. Fluttershy looked at them, resolve bolstered, and nodded. “You're right. I should be more confident in myself. Especially because I'm bringing an eyewitness to help me.” This temporarily confused the dogs, but they came to the quick consensus that it meant another round of walkies for them and acted accordingly. “N-no! I-I just meant...” Fluttershy tried to say as she was assaulted by the horde of wet noses, slobbery licks, and warm furry bodies of a bunch of overeager dogs. It took nearly half an hour for Fluttershy to get the dogs calmed down, explain to them that she'd only be taking Bravo with her, get the other dogs calmed down again, and then get them all back in their cages. And once she'd finally gotten Bravo re-leashed, she took a deep breath to steel herself before heading over to Dr. Rescue's office. She found the door open, as she thought she should have expected, and had to pause earlier than she had wanted to in order to rebuild her confidence one more time. It was Bravo who pulled her into the open, pulling the good doctor's attention away from the paperwork she'd been doing. “Fluttershy, what are you doing?” she asked, brow furrowed with concern. “Bravo just had a walk.” “Umm... yes... but...” Fluttershy said, trying once more to work up her fleeting courage now that the confrontation was happening. “I... I talked with Bravo and the other doggies about what happened, and they said that Mr. Discord was innocent, umm, maybe not in those words exactly, but...” Her explanation growing quieter and more rambling by the second, Dr. Rescue was left to give her no response except a stern, brow-raised look. Fluttershy cleared her throat and tried again. “I think I can clear Mr. Discord's name with Bravo's help. I know you don't, umm, like him, but it's the right thing to do. So...” A sigh from Dr. Rescue cut her off. “You've got a kind heart, Fluttershy. Probably kinder than most people's. But sometimes I think you're too kind for your own good. That man isn't worth sticking your neck out for; all it'll lead to is him trying to take advantage of you. If he's innocent, fine. But it's not our job to figure that out. The police can handle it on their own.” Under the weight of disapproval, it was all Fluttershy could do to just stand her ground. Gaze averted, she clutched the end of Bravo's leash and took a few trembling breaths. As she tried to find the strength to keep going and assert herself, she saw the terrier looking up at her. He wanted her to keep going. So did the other dogs. She remembered her talk with the Crusaders earlier that morning, and she knew all her other friends would encourage her as well. “Umm... I know Mr. Discord might not be grateful for it,” she finally said, “but I'm still going to do it. The sooner this gets cleared up, the better it'll be for everyone.” Finally working up the courage to look Dr. Rescue in the eyes again, Fluttershy was momentarily taken aback by the stare she was being fixed with. But after what felt like forever, Dr. Rescue relented. “Fine. I'll allow it, so long as you bring Bravo back the moment you're done. You're only a volunteer, so ultimately I am the one responsible for his health and well-being. The less time he spends in high-stress environments, the better.” Fluttershy nodded. “I understand. We'll go down to the station, clear things up, and then come right back here.” The matter sorted, Dr. Rescue gave Fluttershy directions to the nearest police station – it wasn't the only one in Canterlot, not by far, but it was the one Dr. Rescue expected that Mr. Discord had been taken to. The route wasn't exactly one that Fluttershy was pleased to take, as it skirted a few of the scarier parts of town, but as the bus didn't allow non-helper animals and Dr. Rescue couldn't leave the Center, she was forced to go it on foot. She quickly found herself torn between psyching herself up as she walked, or trying to just relax and enjoy the pleasant afternoon. Bravo, for his part, just seemed to be content to go on another walk and more than once ended up pulling Fluttershy along. A few people she knew from school or animal friends from around town greeted her as they passed by; each one drew her focus little by little away from her purpose, allowing her to relax even for a moment. But each intersection they came upon, each person who asked how she was or if she was headed anywhere in particular, just caused her thoughts to drift back to Mr. Discord. She replayed the scene of him getting taken away from the cops, trying to imagine what he must have been thinking and feeling as it happened. She didn't get very far. She also tried to imagine what she could have done to prevent it, if only she'd thought to ask the dogs at that time, but even then she failed every time. It was enough to make her sigh. And then a car honked, and she realized she was still in the middle of the street. Giving the driver a very meek “Sorry!” she hustled out of the way. A little while after that, she finally thought to check her phone to see how long she'd been gone, and saw that she'd gotten a text some time ago. “Oh my,” she said to herself, stopping immediately to read it. She repeated the sentiment when she saw what it had to say. At a quizzical look from Bravo, she explained. “Umm, my friends saw someone suspicious and they want my help finding her. But, umm, I really can't right now, so...” Bravo tilted his head, and Fluttershy took that as a cue to stop talking. She quickly tapped out an apologetic response and promised to let them know if she saw the girl they were looking for, then resumed walking. The reply came a few minutes later as a simple “Thanks”, and Fluttershy wasn't entirely certain what to make of it. But Bravo whined impatiently, and she decided that it was probably nothing. Or at least, Twilight was probably too busy doing other things to say more. “I wonder if they found her?” Fluttershy mused, resuming the walk once more. “That would be nice. Although in that case, Twilight might not have appreciated my text! Ohh, I hope I wasn't too late sending it...” Bravo barked. “You're probably right,” Fluttershy told him with a small smile, thankful that nobody was around to see her talking to a dog. “She must've just been too busy, like I thought. I can't imagine it's easy to find a single person in the big city.” She turned a corner shortly after, and so did not see the purple-skinned girl her friends were seeking scamper out from an alley she'd passed and head in the opposite direction. Eventually, Fluttershy found herself standing outside the Canterlot Police Department. Or at least the 40th Precinct of it, anyway. Stone lions flanked either side of the stairs up, and though the building was only three stories tall it was an imposing edifice of reflective glass and cold concrete. Safe to say that Fluttershy was feeling mighty intimidated. Enough that she didn't even notice most of the people coming and going from the building, mostly cops but a few well-dressed civilians as well. Many of them gave her odd looks that were noticed only by Bravo, who out of nothing but canine curiosity darted this way and that at any person that so much as looked his way. Until, inevitably, he reached the end of his leash. Unaware of how much it had gotten wrapped around Fluttershy's legs the dog simply kept pulling in vain; this in turn caught Fluttershy's notice. She took one look at the terrier's leash, and failed to realize the significance before she tried to take a step to the side. She failed miserably, and fell to the pavement with a shriek. Bravo turned a concerned look her way, and quickly scampered over to lick her and whine as helpfully as he could. “Oh jeez, are you alright?” asked a male voice, and Fluttershy forced herself to look up and see who it was – a blue-skinned police officer, who was offering her a hand up. “Umm... thanks...,” she murmured, accepting it only enough to get herself into a crouching position. “Sorry... I guess Bravo got a little too excited and I didn't realize it...,” she explained, eyes and hands preoccupied with disentangling herself while the dog in question contented itself to stay seated, occasionally trying to snatch any part of the leash that was absentmindedly passed in front of him. “That's fine, that's fine,” the officer laughed. Fluttershy gave Bravo a scratch on the head and stood up, prompting the officer to put a hand to his chin. “Huh, so it really is you.” Momentarily confused, Fluttershy looked more closely at him and gasped. “Oh my! You're the one who took away Mr. Discord!” Which earned an awkward laugh. “Yup, guilty as charged. I'm Detective Deputy Sleuth,” he said, offering his hand again for a shake. “I... take it you're not here just by coincidence?” Faced with the prospect of having to explain herself with a level of preparation she now realized was incredibly inadequate, Fluttershy's body went into overdrive. Blood rushed to her cheeks as her heart began pounding, and countless competing thoughts and impulses competed for control of her hands, feet, eyes, and mouth. “Nn-n-n-no! N-not at all! I mean, um, err, I am! Just, uh, taking a walk, and, I mean, umm...” Detective Sleuth raised a brow. “Oooo...kay, if you say so I guess. If you need help with anything, we're right inside.” He turned and started walking back up the steps, leaving Fluttershy to stare dumbfounded and Bravo to look between the two and whine. All at once Fluttershy was hit with the realization that she may have just let her best and least-stressful opportunity to explain herself slip through her fingers, and felt a resurgence of panic. This time, at least, it was productive. “Wait!” she called, hurrying after Detective Sleuth with Bravo eagerly following suit. Detective Sleuth stopped just as he was reaching out for a door handle, and looked back over his shoulder with a small smile. “I take it you've changed your mind?” he asked as Fluttershy ran up, then stopped to catch her breath. “Umm... yes...,” she said, flushing in embarrassment but forcing herself to smile anyways. It didn't last long. “Sorry. It's just... I know Mr. Discord has done a lot of bad things in his life,” she explained to the man's shoes, “but I think I can prove that he didn't do anything wrong today, and even if nobody believes me I still think I should tell somebody because that's the right thing to do, and—” “Hold on,” Detective Sleuth interrupted, looking at her critically, “you said you can prove Mr. Discord did nothing wrong? What do you mean by that?” “Oh! Umm, well,” Fluttershy said, briefly looking up at the detective before averting her gaze to the terrier at the end of her leash. He was currently sniffing a dried-up wad of gum that was on one of the steps. “You see, umm, Bravo here was on the walk with Mr. Discord, in fact he was the dog that broke away and ran into the crowd, and he says that Mr. Discord didn't take anything from the crime scene, so—” “Wait, wait, hold on,” the detective said, pinching the bridge of his nose. “You said Bravo saw what happened?” He pointed at the terrier in question, who looked their way and cocked an ear. “Uh-huh,” Fluttershy nodded. “The dog.” Fluttershy paused. She had known she'd hit this snag sooner or later, but she had a plan. “I can talk to him?” she explained, putting on her most convincing smile. It didn't seem to work. Detective Sleuth sighed. “Look, Miss...” “Fluttershy,” she helpfully supplied. “Miss Fluttershy,” he repeated. “I'm not doubting your claim that the dog was at the scene of the crime. Maybe he even technically saw what happened. But I can't accept testimony from a dog just because you claim you can talk to him.” “But, uhh, I can prove it!” Fluttershy said quickly, one hand automatically reaching for her necklace. “Ask me anything about what he might have seen, and I'll get his answer for you.” He face-palmed. “I still can't accept that. For all I know, you could just be repeating what someone else told you.” “Oh...,” Fluttershy said, hanging her head and trying not to let the disappointment get to her too much. Another thought occurred to her, though, and she clung to it as though it were the only thing keeping her from plummeting to the ground below. “Well... what if I prove it some other way?” Detective Sleuth sighed. “What other way?” “Well...,” she began, taking a moment to compose her thoughts again. “What if... you told Bravo something without me knowing, and then Bravo told me? That would prove I can understand him, right?” The two stared at each other for some time, and eventually Fluttershy's puppy-dog eyes won out. “Fine,” the detective said after another, longer sigh. “Guess I don't exactly have anything to lose by doing this... Can your dog read?” he asked, rifling around in the pockets of his pants. “I... don't think so,” Fluttershy said uncertainly, before adding, “Oh, but he can recognize shapes and images! And he's very good with smells!” Detective Sleuth stared at her for another moment, then muttered, “I should've figured.” Removing his left hand from his pants, he pointed towards one of the stone lions. “Go behind the statue, close your eyes and cover your ears. And your nose too, for that matter. Tell me when you've done so, and I'll show something to your dog. Then I'll put it away and come get you. That okay with you?” “Umm...” Fluttershy said, looking hard between the end of the leash she was holding and the statue – she wouldn't be able to hold onto it while she was hiding, and she didn't like the thought of Bravo being out of sight and out of reach while she was responsible for him. But, she decided, she could probably trust a police officer not to let him get hurt, right? So, with great reluctance, she handed over the leash. “You be good now, Bravo,” she told her furry friend, giving him a pat on the head. He barked happily, and she walked away – slowly, looking back every few steps as though he'd disappear if she didn't. But eventually she got behind the lion statue, closed her eyes, and after a bit of awkwardness managed to get her nose and ears covered at the same time by crossing her arms. Then she shouted out a muffled “Ready!” through her arms. She wasn't sure how much time passed as she sat curled up with her back to the statue, left with only the echo chamber of her own worried mind. She felt like she must have gone over every thing that had happened that day a hundred times in her head by the time she finally heard Detective Sleuth call for her. The unexpected but welcome sensation of a wet tongue on her bare arm sealed the deal, and she released her self-imposed deprivation with a giggle. Fluttershy looked up to see the detective standing over her, leash in his outstretched hand and an amused smile on his face. She briefly flushed again, standing up like a bolt and swiping the lead back into the safety of her grasp, then dawdled for a moment before she recalled what she needed to do next. Immediately crouching back down to Bravo's level, she patted his head with one hand while touching her geode with the other. “Good boy, Bravo. Now, what did the nice man show you?” Bravo tilted his head for a moment as if thinking, then barked. Fluttershy frowned. “Really? Are you sure? He barked again. “So? What did he say?” Detective Sleuth asked, still cracking an amused smile. “Umm, well, he says that your hand was empty,” Fluttershy said, too focused on Bravo to notice the detective's smile disappear. “But that seems strange, because you said you were going to show him something.” Another bark. “Oh!” Fluttershy said, finally looking back up at Detective Sleuth. “He also says that you had a pastrami sandwich with extra mustard for lunch. Was that right at least?” Detective Sleuth looked almost miserable as he stared off into the distance. “...yeah,” he finally admitted. “All of it was.” The 40th Precinct was intimidating in how busy it seemed to Fluttershy; there were people everywhere, taking calls and doing paperwork and milling around and even a few that were escorting criminals! She stayed close to Detective Sleuth as he led her through the building, Bravo squirming in her arms the whole time. They had gotten more than a few odd looks since coming in, and Detective Sleuth had already been stopped several times and questioned about why there was a teenage girl and, more importantly, a dog in the building. “I know, I know,” he said, trying to wave it off to yet another indirect superior. “She and the dog have some kind of statement to give regarding the bank robbery, I just need to question them and they'll be out of here.” Each time it happened Fluttershy felt certain that it was going to be the end of the line for them, and she'd have to leave without explaining what Bravo had seen. And yet each time they were allowed to pass, and once or twice Detective Sleuth even requested that someone or another be present for her questioning. She didn't recognize any of the names, not that she felt she had reason to, but she got the feeling that at least some of them were important. Eventually, she found herself sequestered into a small room that looked exactly like something out of a TV show – dark walls, bare floors, furnished with two chairs and a table and lit only by a single hanging lightbulb. If she hadn't had Bravo there with her, Fluttershy felt she would have dissolved into an anxious mess. Detective Sleuth sighed and closed the door. “Sorry about all this. Proper procedures, and... yeah. With any luck, it won't take long to convince the Captain that you're telling the truth and this'll all go smoothly.” Fluttershy didn't know what to say to that, so she just looked back down at Bravo and scratched him behind the ears. He seemed calm, at least, which Fluttershy took comfort in. A bit more time passed in awkward silence, Detective Sleuth standing by the door and occasionally glancing over his shoulder at it. “They, uh, they should just be a minute.” Not long after that was there a cursory knock on the door, which was opened before Detective Sleuth had even the time to respond. To Fluttershy's surprise, three officers stepped inside. The first was a white-skinned man with blue hair; he gave Fluttershy an odd look, but said nothing and quickly stepped to the side. In contrast, the next two people were talking as they entered – or rather, one of them was. “But Captain Stone,” said the man, brown-skinned with a tangle of mess yellow hair, “we know he was there. We know he had the opportunity. Why not just arrest him and get this over with!” The other was an older and severe-looking woman, dull bronze skin, steel gray hair kept in a short, tight ponytail. Hands clasped behind her back, she gave the man a stern glare. “Because, Shoes, we are thorough. We do not jump to conclusions, no matter how obvious they may seem.” With Officer Shoes successfully silenced, she cast a stony glance at Fluttershy and Bravo before turning to Detective Sleuth. “Detective Sleuth, why, pray tell, did you call Sergeant Armor and I in here to supervise a routine witness interview?” The detective, who had stiffened and saluted upon Captain Stone's entrance, finally relaxed. “My full apologies, sir,” he told her, “but I felt the unusual circumstances demanded your immediate attention. And yours as well, Sergeant Armor,” he added, nodding at the white-skinned man who was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. “Unusual circumstances?” Captain Stone asked, brow raised and tone firm. “It's, uh, the dog, sir,” said Detective Sleuth, his eyes darting towards Bravo. “It's the witness. It was at the crime scene.” Captain Stone's brow remain raised as she turned her look to Bravo, who cocked his head and looked back. Then she turned fully around to face Officer Shoes, who was still lurking in the open doorway. “Shoes, you were there. Do you recognize this terrier?” Startled by the sudden attention, Officer Shoes nevertheless shuffled forward and leaned in to get a better look at Bravo. Bravo stared back. After half a minute of hemming and hawwing, Officer Shoes turned back to Captain Stone. “I believe so, sir. In fact, if I'm not mistaken, this might just be the dog that helped him!” That made all three of the other officers in the room become tense, which in turn caused Fluttershy to clutch Bravo more closely to herself. “I see,” said Captain Stone, stepping forward to take the seat across from Fluttershy. “Well then, young lady, I believe introductions are in order. I am Captain Phantasmagorica Stone.” Fluttershy gulped, despite herself. She was beginning to seriously question her decision to come inside. “I'm, umm, Fluttershy,” she managed to say. “And this is Bravo. He's, umm, one of the dogs in the care of the Canterlot Rescue Center where I volunteer. Umm, Mr. Discord volunteers there too.” “I see,” said Captain Stone, expression suiting her name. “Tell me, Fluttershy. How exactly is...,” she glanced down at Bravo, “Bravo a witness to this particular incident?” “Oh, well,” Fluttershy replied, glancing briefly at Officer Shoes but reflexively shrinking under his scrutinizing gaze. She forced herself to recover quickly, and continued. “Mr. Discord took him and several other of the Center's dogs for a walk this morning and ended up coming across the, um, bank robbery. Or, umm, more like the crowd that had gathered after it was stopped?” She gulped, knowing what was coming next and fighting a losing battle inside herself against her anxiety at having to explain such a ridiculous-sounding situation to someone with such an unforgiving expression. “Anyway... Bravo smelled, umm, one of my friends and managed to pull himself free of Mr. Discord's hold so he could go say hi. And he says—” “Mr. Discord says?” Captain Stone interrupted. Fluttershy gulped again and shook her head. “No, sir. Bravo said that—” “The dog said,” Captain Stone repeated, her otherwise neutral tone and stern expression edging just slightly into disbelief. “Yes, sir,” Fluttershy told her. But before she could explain more, Captain Stone's head whipped around towards Detective Sleuth. “Is this what you meant when you said the dog was the witness?” she asked, her tone making it clear she did not approve. Fluttershy wished she could be as composed as Detective Sleuth when he replied. “I know it sounds absurd, sir, but I've already tested the claim and it does seem like Fluttershy can communicate with Bravo. I don't think we have anything to lose from hearing her out.” “I disagree, Detective Sleuth,” said Captain Stone, her voice taking on even more of an edge. “Any testimony gained through such methods will be highly suspect, and I will not have this investigation proceed by relying on what is tantamount to a supernatural explanation. Do I make myself clear?” The detective looked frazzled; a beseeching look towards Sergeant Armor was met with quiet neutrality, and Fluttershy felt that Sleuth was going to cave. But then he gulped and she saw him clench his fists, and he gave his reply. “But sir, with all due respect, given the circumstances of the investigation I believe this approach is entirely warranted!” Captain Stone stood. “The answer is still—” “Oh, let him do it, Phanny!” The new voice took all four officers off-guard, leaving Fluttershy to wonder how they'd missed the elderly woman in a wheelchair appearing in the doorway. Her skin a wrinkled brown and her dark green hair streaked with gray, even the Captain silently stepped aside to allow her to be pushed into the increasingly-cramped room by a younger woman with pale white skin and black hair. Their crisp suits marked them as civilians, but the older was smiling mischievously as she surveyed the room, while the younger had simply turned an unnervingly emotionless gaze onto Fluttershy. “Ah. Judge Oathmaker. I wasn't aware you were here,” said Captain Stone, her face carefully neutral despite greeting the old woman through clenched teeth. The judge barked out a laugh, but it was the younger woman who answered. “I informed Judge Oathmaker as soon as I became aware that Mr. Discord had been brought in for questioning,” she explained in a voice as emotionless as her face. “She insisted on coming down here as soon as possible in order to meet with him.” “I see,” said Captain Stone, locking eyes with the older woman. “Well then, Judge? If you wish to meet with Mr. Discord, I doubt anyone will stop you. And yet, I cannot help but notice that you've intruded on the questioning of a potential witness.” “Oh, well, I happened to catch word of it as my daughter and I were passing by,” Judge Oathmaker said with a twinkle in her eye, “and I thought I'd stop by to see what all the hubbub was about.” Fluttershy got the impression that Captain Stone wasn't at all pleased as she stepped aside to give the old judge access to the table, but it was hard to focus on her. Leaning forward with her elbows on the table and her fingers laced together, Judge Oathmaker's stare was long and piercing yet Fluttershy couldn't find the strength to look away from it. “So. Fluttershy, was it?” she asked suddenly, her voice every bit as hard as Captain Stone's. “Incoming senior at CHS?” “Y-yes ma'am,” Fluttershy answered, and after a moment she realized she had clutched Bravo a little too tightly in the process. “And you say you can talk to that dog of yours?” “Y-yes ma'am,” Fluttershy repeated. Then she gulped, and added, “And, umm, other animals too. I... I can show you, if it'd help.” Judge Oathmaker only stared deep into her eyes for a good minute, before finally cracking a smile. “No need for that.” She sat up in her chair and wheeled around to face Captain Stone. “Alright, Stone, I’m vouching for this young lady. You let the detectives on this case hear her out, got it? No matter what kind of truth her testimony leads to.” Fluttershy couldn't begin to guess what sort of meaning laid behind the old woman's words. As far as she was concerned, they were being way more dramatic than they needed to be considering all she was going to do was prove Mr. Discord innocent. In fact, the mere thought of their inevitable disappointment when they finally listened to what she had to say was making her anxious again. She was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she didn't even notice the old judge and her daughter leaving. It was the feeling of four pairs of eyes on her that finally got her attention. “Well, Fluttershy?” asked Detective Sleuth, now sitting in the seat across from her, voice calm and patient. “What did Bravo see?” In that moment, she wanted nothing more than to disappear and call the whole thing off. But the hard wooden back of the chair and the two people between her and the only exit forced her to accept that she was trapped. She tried to clear her throat, but only gulped nervously. She glanced down at the terrier in her arms, who looked up at her with clear support in his eyes. “U-umm... Well... he said there were some bags on the ground in the middle of the crowd. He sniffed them, but thought they weren't interesting so he left them alone.” She gulped again, squeezing her eyes shut as she forced herself to proceed with the main point. “And, umm, he said Mr. Discord never really got near them, at least not enough to touch them.” When she finally opened them again she quickly noticed the looks of shock on the three men's faces, which were milder than she was expecting. Only Officer Shoes' mouth was really open at all, and Sergeant Armor only barely had his brow raised. Captain Stone had crossed her arms and was staring at Fluttershy, looking distinctly skeptical and probably mad, too, so Fluttershy didn't look at her for too long. After a moment, Detective Sleuth seemed to find his words again. “Ah, sorry. Are you absolutely sure of this?” Fluttershy looked him in the eyes, and nodded. Detective Sleuth just stared for another moment before taking a long, deep breath. “Well, okay then.” He looked to Captain Stone, but she was already walking towards the exit past a gaping Officer Shoes. He looked back at Fluttershy. “I don't suppose you happen to know anything else, do you?” “Oh! Yes! I do!” Fluttershy said after taking a moment to recall what she'd heard from Bravo earlier. The officers perked up with interest, and out of the corner of her eye she thought she saw even Captain Stone pause just outside the door. “Umm,” she looked down at Bravo, “I'm pretty sure he said something about the girl he didn't recognize that was in the center of the crowd taking something from the bags? I think that must have been that Mare-Do-Well person.” And just as they were starting to recover from her first announcement, suddenly all the cops were on edge again – Detective Sleuth even halfway standing up out of his chair. “Are you sure of this?” he asked, hands firmly on the table. “I-I think so?” Fluttershy stuttered, flinching at the force in his voice. She gulped, then looked down at Bravo and touched her geode. “Umm, Bravo? You remember the person who took something from the bag, right?” Bravo cocked his head and just looked at her for a moment, then barked. “Good boy!” She tried to smile. “Umm... Can you describe her for me? Umm, what she looked like, I mean.” Again Bravo cocked his head, but this time he held the pose for much longer. Eventually, he answered with a series of whimpers, growls, and barks. Fluttershy looked up into the expectant eyes of Detective Sleuth. “Umm... he didn't really pay much attention to what she looked like, I'm afraid. All he remembers is that she looked really weird and he almost wasn't sure she was human at first. But since he knows Rainbow Dash, that means it was the Mare-Do-Well, right? Or was there some other girl there that Mr. Discord didn't tell me about?” Detective Sleuth, who had sat back in his seat, now had a small frown on his face. “Err, no,” he eventually answered. He straightened his posture and leaned forward, asking, “Exactly what did Mr. Discord tell you about what happened?” “Umm... not much, I don't think,” Fluttershy answered, blinking and thinking. “Let's see,” she said, putting a finger on her lip, “he was out walking the dogs... came upon the bank robbery, but it was already over and there was a crowd. Bravo got loose and ran into the crowd, and he followed him and saw two teenage girls standing in the center. He didn't know who either of them was, but I recognized Rainbow Dash based on his description and since he said the other one was mysterious and purple, I just assumed he meant the Mare-Do-Well. Was I wrong? I'm so sorry if I was wrong, I don't want you to get the wrong idea because of me.” The detective sat back, crossing his arms and closing his eyes. “No, it was the Mare-Do-Well,” he told her. Then he sighed. “Well, if you and Bravo are telling the truth, and I believe you are, then this case just got a whole lot simpler, but at the same time a whole lot more difficult.” “Oh my, did I do something wrong?” Fluttershy asked. She didn't think she had, but the mood in the room had soured just enough to make her worried. “No, you've been a lot of help,” Detective Sleuth said, shaking his head. “Would you be willing to give us your contact information? We may need to get in touch with you for further assistance once we end up bringing the Mare-Do-Well to justice.” “Umm... I guess I could do that,” Fluttershy answered. In truth she dearly hoped she wouldn't have to actually do anything; the idea of her having to go up on stand to testify on Bravo's behalf in front of an entire court room was practically terrifying, no matter what sort of cause it was for. But at the same time she knew she couldn't turn them down either, not if she wanted to do the right thing. “Thank you,” Detective Sleuth said with a smile, taking a pen and pad of sticky notes out of his pocket and passing them across the table to her. As she wrote down her contact information – name, address, home and cell numbers, and after a moment of thought the address and phone number of the Rescue Center as well – the detective kept talking. “Once you're done, you'll be free to leave. I expect we'll be done speaking with Mr. Discord shortly after as well, but I can't guarantee it.” Fluttershy nodded and finished up, but paused as she stood up from her seat. “Umm, sorry if this is asking too much, but I was wondering if it would be alright if I talked to Mr. Discord before I leave?” Detective Sleuth looked surprised by the question, and ended up looking back over his shoulder at Sergeant Armor. And to Fluttershy's surprise, it was the Sergeant who answered. “Sorry, but I can't allow it,” he said, shaking his head. “You're welcome to wait in the lobby or outside until we've finished questioning him, though.” It sounded reasonable on the surface, but the fact that that elderly woman had been allowed to talk to him but she wasn't didn't make Fluttershy very happy. She guessed it was because the elderly woman had been a judge while she was just a teenage nobody, but that wasn't enough to wipe the small frown from her face. “Umm... okay then,” she said softly, finally standing up all the way. “I suppose I'll wait in the lobby for now.” “Again, thank you for coming forward, Fluttershy,” said Detective Sleuth, already moving for the door. “The 40th Precinct thanks you. Now if you'll come with me, I'll escort you back to the front of the building.” Fluttershy nodded and was about to wordlessly follow his lead when Sergeant Armor cleared his throat, giving both pause. “Actually, Detective, why don't you go check on Mr. Discord? I'll escort Miss Fluttershy here back to the lobby.” “Uhh, okay, sir, if you insist,” said Detective Sleuth, sounding hesitant. He then left the room without another word, joining up with Officer Shoes just outside and walking off together further into the building. Fluttershy lingered just at the exit of the questioning room, only stepping out at Sergeant Armor's prompting. They walked back through the precinct in silence, Fluttershy uncertain what, if anything she could say and thus choosing to focus on keeping Bravo from squirming too much after the extended stay in her arms. It wasn't until they were in sight of the station's waiting area that Sergeant Armor finally spoke. “Sorry for prying, but you wouldn't happen to be friends with a girl named Twilight Sparkle, would you?” he asked. Fluttershy stopped in her tracks, brow furrowing as her mind raced through countless possibilities of what the Sergeant could possibly want – most of them not good. “Umm, yes. Why, is she in trouble?” Sergeant Armor smiled and shook his head. “Oh no, nothing like that. I suppose I should introduce myself,” he said, extending a hand. “I'm Shining Armor, Twily's older brother.” Fluttershy blinked, recoiling slightly in sheer surprise. “Her...? I didn't know Twilight had an older brother!” She realized the faux pas immediately, and flushed. “I mean, not to say that she's never mentioned you or anything, in fact I bet she has several times, I probably just wasn't there or wasn't listening, so...” To her surprise yet relief, Sergeant Armor laughed it off. “It's fine, it's fine. I know how my little sis can get sometimes, trust me. To be honest, I was a little skeptical at first when I heard she wanted to transfer out of Crystal Prep. But,” he turned a smile back towards her, “after hearing that she has such a close group of friends now, I think she made the right decision.” Fluttershy smiled and nodded. “It's been a joy getting to know her. She really fit right in to our little group!” And then, abruptly, Sergeant Armor turned his head towards the distance entrance of the station and his smile faded. “I... don't suppose this 'Rainbow Dash' that I've been hearing about is part of your group too, is she?” “Well, yes,” Fluttershy said, frowning as she felt her body tense. “I suppose she can be a bit... difficult at times, but she really is a wonderful person.” He let out a small breath. “I'm sure she is...” “Then why do you sound like you don't like that Twilight is friends with her?” Fluttershy asked before she realized what she was saying; once she did, she flushed and held Bravo tighter. “Umm, if you don't mind me asking, that is...” The sergeant was quiet for a moment before sighing. “Honestly, it isn't that. It's just... hard to know how to feel about my sister being friends with the girl that's been flying around the city all this week like some kind of comic book hero.” In that moment, Fluttershy was keenly aware of the weight that was hanging from her neck. Her mind raced, wondering if Twilight had told her family about her magic, and why or why not, and how Fluttershy herself hadn't exactly told her parents or brother or really anyone aside from the police just now of course, not that she really needed to tell everyone after everything that had happened at school and camp and all, and it wasn't like anyone had ever come up and asked if she had magic or anything, at least not in general... Eventually she realized she'd let her mind wander far away from where it should be, and thankfully hadn't been asked anything by Sergeant Armor. “Umm, well, I suppose it is a little unusual, but I don't think it's that big a deal,” she said, hoping she hadn't missed the timing for a reply. “I mean, umm, everybody needs friends, right?” For quite a few moments Fluttershy was worried that her reply had been too strange, or that the sergeant had already moved on. But once more her luck was good, and he smiled – though not at anything in particular. “You're probably right. Though I do hope she stays safe.” Visions of magical demons and world-threatening attacks swarmed Fluttershy's thoughts, to the point that she nearly didn't notice Sergeant Armor look her way and add, “That goes for you and the rest of your friends too.” It was all Fluttershy could do to laugh it off, and she wasn't very sure it was successful. “Umm, yes, of course! Safety is... what we do!” She was pretty sure her wide smile at the end was convincing, though. “...I'll take your word for it,” Sergeant Armor told her. “And, uh, before you go,” he added just as her feet were about to carry her far, far away, “I just want you to understand that Mr. Discord... might not be as grateful as you expect. From what I've heard from the Captain and Judge Oathmaker, helping him out like this isn't likely to get him to warm up to you. That's just not the kind of person he is.” Frowning, Fluttershy looked down at the terrier in her arms who quietly looked back up at her. “I know,” she told the Sergeant. “Or at least, I've heard a lot to that effect today. But... I think I can handle his reaction, no matter what it is.” Sergeant Armor gave her a good, long look. “Well, if you're sure...” “I am,” she nodded. Bravo licked her cheek, and she giggled. “Well, alright then,” he said with a shake of his head. “He should be out fairly soon. Have a nice day, Fluttershy.” “You too,” she echoed, and the two parted ways. Fluttershy found a seat in the precinct's waiting area, which was thankfully empty of all but a single token guard, and finally let Bravo out of her arms. He promptly stretched and shook his whole body, then started sniffing around the room to Fluttershy's amusement. The ensuing wait was long and mostly uneventful. A few times people came in off the street, some civilian and some police, and nearly all of them asked her if she was allowed to have Bravo indoors. Or at least gave him and her questioning and/or irritated looks. She grew tired of explaining that yes, she had permission, after the second time. But, eventually, after what felt like an age with little to do but watch Bravo and check her phone (no updates from Twilight about that Amethyst girl), Mr. Discord finally appeared at the threshold of the waiting area. And, to Fluttershy's surprise, he was being escorted by the pair of women who had intruded on her questioning earlier. Not that Fluttershy paid them much mind once she saw the dark look Mr. Discord was casting her. Telling herself that she knew he wouldn't be grateful, she stayed strong and stood up. “Hello, Mr. Discord,” she greeted him. “I hope you're feeling alright after everything.” He let loose what she could only describe as a harrumph, his glare unrelenting. “What's your angle, girl?” he asked, storming forward at a steady stride until he was towering over her. It was all Fluttershy could do to keep her knees from knocking. “I don't recall asking for your assistance.” Fluttershy gulped, but did not look away. “No,” she said, “you didn't. But that doesn't matter. It was the right thing to do.” Mr. Discord laughed a single dry, bitter laugh. “Oh? So you believe I'm just a feeble old man who can't handle his own problems, do you? Hah!” Hands on his hips, he drew himself up even taller and tilted his head so that his fake eye seemed to take on a menacing glow. “Well I'll tell you what, little girl, I am T. Z. Discord, and I can get out of anything. In fact,” his entire posture shifted, eyes closed and head turned and chest puffed out with pride, “I was but a hair's breadth away from clearing up the matter entirely before you" — and just as abruptly the darkness returned as he leaned towards her and thrust an accusatory finger her way— “decided to come flouncing in here and start up a pity party.” Bravo began to growl at him, and Fluttershy suddenly found her resolve wavering – not an unfamiliar feeling, but she felt she'd been handling him well up until then. She simply hadn't expected the level of hostility he was displaying; his usual sarcasm and passive-aggressive jibes were one thing, but he seemed legitimately angry at her. She didn't know what to do or how to respond, but luckily she was saved from having to. “Hah! Don't lie to the girl, you old windbag,” said Judge Oathmaker, slapping her hand on the arm of her wheelchair. “When I came in you were almost as desperate as when I booked you decades ago! Practically begged me to believe you had nothing to do with what happened.” Mr. Discord promptly wheeled around on her, and for a moment Fluttershy almost thought she saw a bit of color on his gray cheeks. “Now see here, you old biddy, that was a ruse and you know it! As though a man of my caliber would ever beg; the very thought is laughable! Had it been directed at anyone other than you,” he crossed his arms and looked away, and Fluttershy wondered if she should inch around to get a better look, “it would have worked.” “Unlikely,” said the woman behind the judge, her voice just as emotionless as it had been earlier. “The prevailing opinion of you amongst the precinct's officers, as well as the Canterlot Police Department in general, is overwhelmingly negative. Based on my understanding of the views and motivations of the officers assigned to your case, there is a 0% chance that any of them would have been inclined to believe your story on your word alone. Therefore, the intervention of Miss Fluttershy was the deciding factor in preventing your detention as a suspect.” She blinked slowly. “As I have already explained, of course.” Mr. Discord scowled at her. “Of course.” “Would it kill you to show some gratitude for once in your life?” asked Judge Oathmaker. “Quite possibly, yes,” Mr. Discord answered, crossing his arms again and putting on defiant airs. “And you know very well that I have no intention of dying anytime soon. Not in prison, and certainly not because I let my guard down and allowed myself to become indebted to a child.” She snorted. “'Indebted'? Hah! You've never repaid so much as a cent anyone's ever given you. Don't act like you intend on repaying the girl for saving your hide from being sent back to Tartarus.” “Hmph,” Mr. Discord replied, arms out at his sides and his nose in the air. “If that's how you think I work then I have nothing more to say to you. I would say good day, but I wouldn't mean it.” Chest puffed up, his spun around on his heel and marched right out the door. “Umm...” Fluttershy said, trying to extend a hand to call him back, but it was already too late. She sighed. “Well, that went about as well as I expected,” Judge Oathmaker said, her voice dry as she was wheeled over to Fluttershy. “...not as well as I did...” Fluttershy murmured a second later, staring at the door as it finally swung closed. “Don't take it personally. That's just how he is.” “He didn't even tell me where he was going...” “Should he have? It's not like you're responsible for him or anything.” Fluttershy said nothing to this, knowing the old judge was right. She felt foolish for expecting Mr. Discord to have at least told her he was going back to the Rescue Center. “Besides, I expect he's having trouble just figuring out what to say to you,” Judge Oathmaker continued. “People don't just help him out of the goodness of their hearts; they only do it if they think they can get something from him or if he's manipulated them into doing so. But that hasn't happened since...” She trailed off, and shook her head. “Doesn't matter. Point is, Mr. Discord is probably going to be pretty uncomfortable around you for the foreseeable future. He thinks you've outplayed him, and he doesn't like it.” “Oh,” was all Fluttershy could think of to say for a good long while. “Well,” she finally added, “even if he's mad at me for helping him, I don't regret doing it.” She'd said it without even fully thinking it through, but decided she meant it. Judge Oathmaker sighed. “Yes, I suppose you shouldn't. As much as I'd like to see the man back behind bars, getting him for a minor crime he didn't even commit wouldn't be justice. Not really.” There was a weight to the woman's voice that Fluttershy didn't understand, and after a bit of thinking she decided it had probably been there during their first meeting as well. And, after even more thought, she realized it reminded her of when Dr. Rescue and Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna had been talking about Mr. Discord. “He's really hurt a lot of people, hasn't he?” Fluttershy asked, finally turning around to face the other women. The Judge let out another long sigh. “Yes, he has. And I'd prefer it if he never hurt another person ever again. I do hope you've already talked to Celestia and Luna about this.” “...Celestia and Luna?” Fluttershy repeated, confusion rising even after she recognized the names without their familiar titles. “I... I mean yes, they came to the Rescue Center this morning to talk to me, but how do you know about it?” She smiled. “Well, those two and I go way back. The name's Oathmaker, by the way,” she said, extending her hand. Fluttershy took it after passing the end of Bravo's leash to her other. “I'm a judge now, but back in the day I was practically the Queen of Canterlot PD.” A far-off look and nostalgic smile appeared on her face as she spoke, hand withdrawing to her lap after the shake. “Made a name for myself cleaning up the city. And, more importantly, I'm the one who arrested Mr. Discord all those years ago.” “Oh! Oh my,” Fluttershy said, eyes widening. Oathmaker chuckled. “Yeah, as you saw earlier he's still a little sore about it. But that's beside the point; right now I expect he's got a lot of frustration and wounded pride building up, and you're the most likely target for him to vent it out on. I won't pretend I know what he's like working at the Center with you, but you should be prepared for him to get a lot worse. It isn't fair, and you don't deserve it, but unfortunately that's how this world can be sometimes.” Fluttershy was quiet for some time, trying to imagine how bad Mr. Discord could really get. But that train of thought quickly headed down several frightening paths, even ones she knew were unlikely considering her talk with the Principal and Vice-Principal, and so she decided to stop. “Well... I guess I'll just have to find some way to deal with it, then,” she said, looking at the floor and getting the distinct feeling that she'd said or thought the same thing several times that day. “Good luck, then,” Oathmaker said. She reached into the pocket of her pants and produced a small business card, and handed it to Fluttershy. “Here, call me if you need some help keeping him in line. Or just threaten to in front of him, that'll probably work just as well.” “Oh, thank you,” Fluttershy replied, looking the card over: in addition to her contact information, it bore an image of two hands, one black and one white, clasped together in oath. “And this is my daughter, Cold Reason, by the way,” Oathmaker said, motioning to the woman behind her. “I apologize for not formally introducing myself,” said Cold with a slight bow. “I never saw an opportunity to do so. As my mother said, my name is Cold Reason; I am a prosecuting attorney for the City of Canterlot, though I do not expect that information to be of considerable use to you.” “That's alright,” Fluttershy smiled. “It was still nice meeting you.” Cold nodded. “It was nice to meet you as well.” “Same here,” said Oathmaker, an amused smile on her face. “Now, I expect you and your little dog have places to be, so we won't keep you any longer.” Fluttershy stared blankly for a moment, then checked the time on her phone and gasped. “Oh my! I hadn't realized it was already past three! I have to get Bravo back to the Center.” She turned and hurried towards the building's front door, Bravo barking happily at her heels. “Goodbye!” she called to the old judge and the room in general, before finally leaving the 40th Precinct. All things considered, Fluttershy thought she was making good time on her trip back to the Rescue Center. She had managed to maintain a brisk walking pace for several blocks now, partially helped by Bravo eagerly pulling her along to check up on all the smells outside, partially hindered by Bravo's reluctance to leave any smell left unsmelled. Reversing the route she had taken to get there wasn't as easy as she would have liked, especially since she hadn't been comfortable with the route in the first place. More than once Fluttershy found herself unsure of where she was, and had to stop to review the written directions she'd gotten from Dr. Rescue in order to find the right path again. For a little while, anyway. “Oh no,” Fluttershy groaned, stopping at a corner in a deserted old business district. “Did we take another wrong turn? I don't recognize any of these streets.” She looked all around her, and even in her worry noticed something odd. “Come to think of it, I don't even see any street signs! Let's go back, Bravo.” She turned around and made for the way she'd come, but only got a few feet before noticing a distinct resistance on her leash. She turned around, expecting to see that the little terrier had found another piece of trash to play with, but instead saw him sniffing the ground. “Is something wrong, Bravo?” she asked out of habit, her magic inactive. Bravo replied by whining and pulling at his leash, and Fluttershy frowned. “I hope this isn't another poor little rat you're trying to get to,” she said, allowing the dog to lead her forward. And once he realized his leash was slack he quickened his pace to bounding, Fluttershy barely able to keep up all down the street. He stopped at the entrance of an alleyway, and as Fluttershy looked down it she felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. But there was nobody around, so Fluttershy assumed that she had just seen something in the shadows that wasn't there. The alley was, she quickly decided, fairly creepy and not at all a place that she wanted to be in. Yet Bravo pulled her onwards, so Fluttershy took a quick and nervous glance along the pavement to see what he could possibly be so interested in. She soon spotted something purple piled on the ground, something that looked almost like it could be somebody's clothes. It sparked a single thought that was quickly dismissed as unlikely, and yet didn't go away. Almost unconsciously Fluttershy felt her hand reach up to her geode, and activate its magic. Bravo stopped a few feet away from the pile, which she could now see were definitely clothes of some sort, and growled. His meaning was crystal clear to Fluttershy's ears. “Her.” “Oh my,” Fluttershy said, eyes wide. “It couldn't possibly be... could it?” Her mind raced, her body left paralyzed with indecision. On one hand, if she and Bravo had indeed found the Mare-Do-Well's costume, then she needed to let someone know. The police, or Judge Oathmaker since Fluttershy really wasn't sure what number she should call to report a tip since she didn't think this was really an emergency and so didn't want to call 911 and risk tying up a line someone else needed more. She should also let Rainbow Dash know, she realized seconds later. But on the other hand, the strange feeling she was getting hadn't gone away. Plus there was always the chance that whoever owned the costume would come back for it, and see Fluttershy and Bravo, and do something drastic to keep them from talking. She swallowed despite her mouth suddenly feeling rather dry. Fluttershy was scared. But she didn't want to be. Fluttershy had been told, repeatedly throughout the day, to stay safe. And she wanted to. Fluttershy also wanted to do the right thing. Just like she had done with Mr. Discord. And the right thing seemed so easy. Just pick up the costume to see if that's what it really was, then make a phone call. That was all. That was safe. Right? “You can do this,” she told herself, softly. Fists clenched, she took a deep breath and looked around again. Still nobody but her and Bravo. She began to inch forward. “Nothing bad will happen.” Step. “It's just a costume.” By step. “It's not the real Mare-Do-Well.” Bravo stood in place, torn between watching dear friend and possible enemy. “So, there's nothing to be afraid of!” A forced smile as she stopped right next to the piled-up costume. The air felt strangely cool but her geode felt strangely warm. She didn't know what to make of it, so she ignored it. She crouched down. Reached out. Grabbed the costume by what she could now tell was its wide-brimmed hat. A jolt passed through her, and to her shock and horror the costume lifted its head and looked up at her with glowing white eyes. She screamed and stood and tried to fling it away, but its arms – its empty, flattened, gloved arms – had already wrapped around hers. She couldn't break free. She couldn't look away from its eyes. Bravo barked and growled, and Fluttershy dropped the end of his leash and tried to yell at him to run, but could not find her voice. The costume's cape, billowing outward in the horrid stillness of the alley, twisted around her and knocked Bravo back as he made a valiant charge. It wrapped around Fluttershy like a cocoon, and her world went dark.