//------------------------------// // Turnabout Sorcery: Trial ~ Day 1-1 // Story: Never Too Clever // by Zennistrad //------------------------------// Von Ego ~ Sterling Silver Moonlight The courtroom was awash with a sea of murmuring and chattering. None of the deer in the audience could seem to decide on what to think of the masked prosecutor that had taken the bench across from Clover and his assistant. Clover, for that matter, couldn’t decide what to make of her either. “Oh ho ho ho,” she chuckled, “whatever is ze matter, Herr Clover? Has ze Almighty von Ego amazed you so thoroughly that you’re at a loss for words?” The only response Clover could bring himself to give was a very long, drawn-out “Uhhhhhhh...” Kluge leaned a foreleg against her bench, her face curled into what was possibly the most self-satisfied grin Clover had seen in his life. “Now, now, there’s no need to be so modest. Ze Almighty von Ego knows you are no doubt impressed beyond all measure. Feel free to bestow upon von Ego as many lavish praises as you would like.” “Clover!” Rubedo hissed. “What is going on? Just who is this stuck-up jerk? And why is she always referring to herself in the third deer?” “Third pony,” Clover gently corrected. “And I think you just answered your own question.” The Judge’s gavel tapped lightly against his bench. “Order! Order, I say!” At once, the background noise of the courtroom quieted to nothing. “M-miss von Ego, was it? Are you... a unicorn?” “That is correct, Your Magistry,” said Kluge. The Judge’s eyes went wide. “But... why? Is the Gray Wanderer not considered among the greatest heroes of your kind? Why prosecute him?” Kluge harumphed. “A foolish question,” she said, “one that would only make sense to ze most foolhardy fools in all of fooldom. Ze so-called Gray Wanderer has committed a crime that must not go unanswered.” Her horn flared with cyan light, and a tiny, crackling display of multicolored fireworks filled the space behind her. “And I, ze Almighty Kluge von Ego, am a child of karma! I was put on this world for one purpose, and that is to deliver unto ze guilty their divinely ordained punishment! If anything, you should all be thanking your deities for ze Almighty von Ego’s presence!” “Well, I guess you can’t fault her lack of theatrics,” Rubedo commented. “Yeah,” said Clover. “But this court runs on theatrics, doesn’t it? We could be in a lot of trouble here if that’s the level of ham we’re going up against.” Another smirk crossed Kluge’s face. She sat up and reached outwards, gesturing her hoof towards Clover in a beckoning motion. “There is no doubt in my mind that Herr Clover ze Foolish understands ze weight of his master’s atrocities. If ze defense insists on fighting a hopeless battle, then ze Almighty von Ego wishes to spare him ze pain of a prolonged trial. Your Magistry, if you please?” “R-right, of course,” said the Judge. “In that case, the prosecution may begin its opening statement.” “You are too kind, Your Magistry,” said Kluge, giving a short little bow. “Now then... yesterday, as you all are more than aware, His Majesty King Cedarborn was found dead in ze courtyard of his royal palace with a hole burned straight through his chest. Ze investigators quickly concluded foul play. Ze only suspect? None other than Star Swirl himself! Not only were ze fabled Gray Wanderer’s hoofprints found at ze scene, we have also found trace amounts of thaumic charge lingering in the air, ze likes of which only a unicorn’s spell could create.” “Huh?” said Rubedo. “Thaumic charge? Clover, why didn’t you tell me that?” “Don’t worry, it’s not what it seems like,” Clover replied. “Master said he’d teleported away before the murder took place. That’s probably where the spell residue came from.” Rubedo bit her lower lip. “But you haven’t figured out how to prove that yet, have you?” “Um... well, no. But—” “A-heh-hem!” Kluge said, very loudly clearing her throat. “If ze defense is done muttering foolishly to themselves, ze Almighty von Ego would like to continue. As ze prosecution was saying, we have evidence linking Star Swirl to ze crime. In addition, we also have a motive. We know for a fact that ze bearded fool was making advances on Her Majesty Queen Gladeroot mere hours before.” The courtroom once again broke out into a wave of chattering, the sounds of voices echoing across the wooden walls. “Order, Order!” the Judge called out. The pound of his gavel resounded sharply and clearly, instantly silencing the chorus of voices. “A-attempting to court the Queen!? But that’s... even if it’s not strictly illegal, that alone would be cause to make the Gray Wanderer a pariah in our lands!” “Indeed,” said Kluge. “And apparently His Majesty agreed. For he met with Star Swirl in ze courtyard that night, no doubt to confront him for his lechery. It was there that an argument broke out and...” Her horn flared to light once again, and the sound of a firecracker rang out. A cyan star suddenly burst out and crackled in the center of the courtroom, leaving trails of glittering motes that fell to the floor as they vanished. “...just like that, His Majesty was dead. In conclusion, Star Swirl is without a doubt, without question, guilty of all charges.” “Hooooom... yes, according to your version of events, it would most certainly seem so,” said the Judge. “OBJECTION!” Clover shouted. He forcefully slammed his front hooves against the bench, meeting the Judge with an intense stare. “Your Magistry, you can’t say that just yet! The defense has yet to cross-examine any witnesses that may have been involved!” The Judge gave a sagely nod. “That is also true. We cannot reach a conclusion to this trial based on hasty judgements. Well, Miss von Ego? Does the prosecution have any witnesses prepared to testify?” “Do you even need to ask?” Kluge boasted. “Behold! For ze Almighty von Ego’s first trick, ze prosecution will call its first witness to ze stand!” Another flash of light erupted from Kluge’s horn, and a thick cloud of smoke materialized on the witness stand with a loud puff! When the smoke cleared, a very broad-shouldered, very familiar stag had appeared just behind it. Eucalyptus’s eyes darted back and forth, scanning the courtroom. “Huh? Hey, what’s going on, pal? How the heck did I get here?” “Witness,” said Kluge, “for ze sake of ze record, state your name and occupation.” Eucalyptus jolted, nearly jumping off his hooves. “Yah! Y-you! I-I mean, yes, sir! M-my name is Eucalyptus, and I’m a detective!” “Detective?” said the Judge. “But I thought you performed investigations for the constabulary. Did you perhaps pursue a change of careers?” “No, Your Magistry,” said Eucalyptus. “It’s just another word for the same thing I’ve always done. ‘Detective’ just rolls off the tongue a lot better, doesn’t it?” The Judge’s eyes went wide, struck with the glow of sudden realization “Ah...! You’re right, it does! Perhaps I should come up with a new title for myself!” “That will not be necessary at this moment, Your Magistry,” said Kluge. “Hoooom... Yes, you’re right. I should give a new title some time to consider, I suppose. Witness, you may begin your testimony.” “Er.. y-yes, Your Magistry!” said Eucalyptus. “Right away, sir!” Here it is, thought Clover. The first testimony. Let’s see what we can find out. Witness Testimony ~ The Night of the Murder “Late last night, there was a... shall we say, ‘incident’ in the courtyard. “We received an anonymous tip that the Gray Wanderer had met with His Majesty during that time. Later eyewitness reports corroborated this. “Our investigation found his hoofprints at the scene of the murder, so we know for a fact he’d been there. “And... zap! That’s when the murder happened! With a single lightning bolt, His Majesty was struck dead!” As the testimony was finished, a silence hung over the courtroom. Kluge closed her eyes and frowned. “Witness.” “Yeah?” said Eucalyptus. “I cannot, officially, object to your current testimony. That said, I would highly advise you to be cautious with your words in the future.” “Ah!” Eucalyptus cried out, immediately flinching away from the prosecutor’s words. “R-r-right! Sorry sir, it won’t happen again!” Kluge gave a broad smirk, one that Clover could swear was leeching directly off all other positive feelings in the courtroom. “Good,” she said. “Your Magistry, I believe it is time for ze cross-examination. It won’t matter, obviously, but I’ll be courteous and allow it to happen.” Allow it? thought Clover. Just who is supposed to be running this trial here? “Hooooom... I must say, your behavior is most unorthodox, Miss von Ego,” said the Judge. “But I suppose you’re right about the defense. Mister Clover, you may begin your cross-examination.” Rubedo turned to look at Clover, frowning. “What are you going to do? Eucalyptus’s story sounds pretty airtight.” “I wouldn’t say that,” Clover replied. “I can already think of one major thing wrong with it.” “Oh!” said Rubedo, perking up. “You mean a contradiction? Something he said isn’t in line with the evidence, right?” “Yeah. But I’d like to play it safe for now, and press him where I can,” said Clover with a nod. “Detective, if you would, please repeat your testimony.” “You got it, pal!” said Eucalyptus. Cross-Examination ~ Adagio 3378 “Late last night, there was a... shall we say, ‘incident’ in the courtyard.” “HOLD IT!” Clover shouted. “By ‘incident’, I assume you’re referring to the murder, correct?” “Huh? Er... yeah. What else would I have been referring to?” “Well—” Crack-POP! The sound of a brief explosion slammed against Clover’s eardrums, and his sight and thaumic sens were both blotted out by a burst of bright, sizzling magic. When he came to, he saw Kluge scowling across from him, a thin wisp of smoke protruding from tip of her horn. “Herr Clover, may ze Almighty von Ego remind you that ze point of cross-examination is to establish relevant information? If you are only going to waste this court’s time with facts we already know, then you should keep your mouth shut!” “Er... okay?” said Clover. “Rubedo,” he whispered, “what in Tartarus just happened?” “I, um, think she just used her magic to launch a firecracker at you,” Rubedo replied. “What!? There’s no way that can be allowed!” Rubedo grimaced. “You’d be surprised with how much prosecutors can get away with around here,” she said. “Best watch your back, or you’ll be feeling it in the morning.” Great, Clover bemoaned internally. It’s not enough I have to defend a seemingly impossible case, I have to deal with magic explosives being lobbed at me. The Judge’s gavel fell sharply against his bench. “The prosecution has a point. I can see no reason to pursue this line of questioning further. Now, tell us what happened next.” “Right away, sir!” said Eucalyptus. “We received an anonymous tip that the Gray Wanderer had met with His Majesty during that time. Later eyewitness reports corroborated this.” ”HOLD IT!” Clover slammed both of his forehooves against the bench. “Witness, who was it that gave you this tip? This could be a very important detail!” ”OBJECTION!” Kluge called out. “Did you not hear ze witness’s testimony? He said it was ‘anonymous!’ That can only mean we do not know who it is.” “Mister Clover!” said the Judge. “Do you mean to tell me you don’t know what the word ‘anonymous’ means? Perhaps you should have done your research before the trial!” “As for ze eyewitnesses, they will both be testifying in this very courtroom,” said Kluge. “You will simply have to wait to hear from them.” The Judge gave a nod. “Indeed,” he said, his eyebrows narrowing with the weight of a thousand oak trees. “Mister Clover, I will say that your hastiness in this trial is not a good look for you.” Several drops of sweat began to form at the base of Clover’s horn. What? What did I do!? “Wow!” said Rubedo. “That von Ego sure shot you down quick, huh?” “Not helping!” Clover replied. After you received the reports, what did your investigation find?” said the Judge “Well...” “Our investigation found his hoofprints at the scene of the murder, so we know for a fact he’d been there.” “HOLD IT!” Clover shouted. “You found his hoofprints? Did you find any others, by chance?” “Sorry, pal,” said Eucalyptus. “We checked and double-checked. His hoofprints were the only ones there we could find.” Clover tapped a hoof to his chin. “I see. But deer don’t leave hoofprints, do they? Is there any chance a deer could have been at the scene of the murder?” “OBJECTION!” shouted Kluge. “Don’t think you can foolishly pull ze wool over this courtroom’s eyes, fool! I know exactly what you are trying to do, and it won’t work! Ze victim, His Majesty, was killed by a magical projectile! No one but a unicorn has access to that kind of spell! Therefore, only Star Swirl could have been at ze courtyard to commit ze murder!” Hmm... Magical projectile, huh? “What is it, Clover?” said Rubedo. “You look like you’ve got something on your mind.” “Yeah, I do,” Clover replied with a grin. “What von Ego said about a magical projectile... it confirms what we already know about the case.” Rubedo’s face scrunched up, confusion apparent in her eyes. “...Huh? But why exactly is that important?” “Because it also contains a critical contradiction,” said Clover. “And I think I know what she was chastising our good detective about earlier.” “R-really?” said Rubedo. “Really really,” said Clover. “No further questions at this time, witness. Continue.” A smirk crossed his face. As he looked into Kluge’s eyes, he could see the domineering resolve behind them begin to falter. This is my chance to turn things around, von Ego knows it! “And... zap! That’s when the murder happened! With a single lightning bolt, His Majesty was struck dead!” “OBJECTION!” As his shout echoed across the courtroom, Clover felt invigoration flow through his body, and everything else, from the ambient sounds to the very air itself, seemed to fall silent in its wake. “Detective,” said Clover. “You said that King Cedarborn was killed by a lightning bolt, correct?” “Yeah. That’s correct, pal!” Eucalyptus answered, a silly grin plastered across his face. “Weird,” said Clover. “Because that’s not what the autopsy report you gave me says.” “Huh? Whaddaya mean, pal?” “Take a look here,” said Clover. His horn lit up, and the autopsy report was pulled out of its pocket dimension. Holding it in his telekinetic grip, he opened the leaf-woven envelope, and pulled out the parchment contained within. “It says, according to this, that His Majesty was killed by a magical projectile!” “Huh?” said Eucalyptus. “Aaaaaaah! Y-y-you’re right! It did say that!” “Well, detective?” Clover’s hooves slammed against the bench almost reflexively. “How do you explain this discrepancy with your testimony?” Crack-POP! Kluge’s lips curled into a scowl, her horn still smoking from the explosive outburst. “You probably think you’re clever, don’t you, Herr Clover?” Clover rubbed his hoof against the side of his face, soothing the lingering pain. “Well, yeah. It’s literally my na—” Crack-POP! “Yowch! Okay, okay! Just get to the point!” Kluge flashed the courtroom a smirk. “The Almighty von Ego thought so. Now that you’re finished foolishly making a foolhardy fool of yourself, there is one thing von Ego would like to bring to ze court’s attention.” “Oh?” said the Judge. “And what is that?” “Simple,” Kluge replied. She reached out with her magic, and a pulled a leafy folder from beneath the bench, one nigh-identical to the one Clover held. “Ze autopsy report shown to you here by Clover ze Foolhardy... is outdated!” Clover blinked rapidly. “Um... I’m sorry, what?” The Judge slammed his gavel against the bench, silencing the sudden noise that had erupted from the gallery. “Miss von Ego, what is this meaning of this!?” “It is quite simple, Your Magistry,” said Kluge. “Herr Clover must have simply received a preliminary report, before ze true cause of death was known. In this updated autopsy report, you can quite clearly see that His majesty was killed lightning bolt, just as this idiot detective testified!” “Idiot?” said Eucalyptus. “Hey now...” Crack-POP! Eucalyptus let a high-pitched yelp that carried even beyond the explosion of the firecracker. Kluge looked him in the eye and scowled. “Would you prefer ze insults, or ze fireworks?” “I-I-I’ll just stick with the insults, thanks!” said Eucalyptus. “You can verbally degrade me all you want, sir!” “Now is not the time for such things, I’m afraid,” said the Judge. “Miss von Ego, if you would show us this updated autopsy report, the court will accept it into evidence.” Autopsy Report updated in Court Record An autopsy report of King Cedarborn. The cause of death was a lightning bolt through his chest. “Psst!” Rubedo whispered to the side. “Hey, Clover. Is it just me, or does this ‘updated’ autopsy report seem... older?” “Older?” said Clover. “Yeah. The leaves making up the envelope don’t look as fresh. Maybe a pony wouldn’t notice these things, but any deer worth their salt would see that these leaves have aged a bit more. This ‘updated’ autopsy report von Ego gave us... I have a feeling it’s actually the original version.” “The original version!? But then, that would mean...” Clover paused, allowing his thoughts to catch up to him. When the epiphany dawned on him, his muscles tensed in a sudden flash of anger. “...von Ego. She’s been tampering with the report.” Rubedo let out a tiny gasp. “Huh!? T-t-tampering!? Are you serious!?” “Well, I trust you enough to think you’re telling the truth,” said Clover. “And if what you’re saying is true, this is the most plausible explanation. The report Eucalyptus gave us was part of her plan to find Star Swirl guilty.” And she does seem to have a grudge against my master... “But then... why would she go back on that!?” said Rubedo. “Why throw away a plan like that so quickly?” “Simple,” said Clover. “Our good detective here couldn’t stop himself from blabbing about the lightning strike on the witness stand. Luckily, that’s all that I need to turn this case around.” “Wow! So you’ve already got this? That’s amazing!” “All in a day’s work,” said Clover with a smirk. Turning back to the courtroom, he slammed his front hooves against the bench. “Your Magistry! If this updated report is true, then the prosecution’s entire case is an utter sham! There’s no way you can pronounce a guilty verdict off of this!” “What!?” Kluge exclaimed. “Excuse me!? What sort of arrogant nonsense is this!?” “You’re not one to talk about arrogant nonsense, von Ego! For didn’t you remember?” Clover locked his eyes with Kluge, their gazes meeting with an electrifying intensity. “This city is located in the Everfree Forest, the largest wild zone in Equestria! The weather all throughout the woods isn’t under the control of any pony, let alone any creature at all! If King Cedarborn was killed by a lightning bolt, you couldn’t possibly conclude it was murder! This was a freak occurrence of nature, and nothing more!” “...” “......” “.........” “............” All of a sudden, a thick carpet of sweat began to form on Clover’s forehead. “U-um... Rubedo? Why is every creature in the courtroom staring at me like that?” “This would be ze point where ze Almighty von Ego slaps you with a much-needed firecracker,” said Kluge, sneering. “But to do so on such a pathetic and pusillanimous pinhead of a pony would be a waste of effort! To call you a fool would be an insult to ze most foolishly foolhardy of fools!” Rubedo cringed, looking like she’d just been slapped across the face. “I guess we should have studied things other than just law, huh?” “What?” said Clover. “What’s going on? What did I do?” The Judge pounded his gavel onto his bench, glaring at Clover though fierce, uncompromising eyes. “Mister Clover, had you done even the slightest amount of research on Thicket, you would know that our city is shielded from inclement weather by alchemical wards. Because of this, natural winds will not move any cloud that bears lightning into the city’s threshold.” “Wha... WHAAAAAAAT!?” “Mister Clover,” said the Judge, “I will say that the fact that you didn’t know this most basic detail does not bode well for your case... or your law career, for that matter. If I’m to be frank, you’ll be lucky if I don’t throw your case out immediately.” “W-wait!” Clover called out. “Your Magistry, j-just... hear me out, please! We still have yet to hear from any of the other witnesses! There are still more cross-examinations to go through, aren’t there?” “Hoooom... Yes, that is true. Though I have little faith in the defense at this point, they do have a right to cross-examination. Miss von Ego, has the prosecution prepared its first witness?” “Hmmph,” said Kluge. “There is no point in it, given ze defense’s obvious incompetence. But...” Her lips cracked open revealing a smile that far more resembled a predator than a pony. “...that said, it is the duty of any prosecutor to present a suitably dazzling show for their audience. So, for ze next trick, ze prosecution will call its second witness! Behold!” Kluge’s horn ignited, and there was another puff! as a cloud of smoke enveloped the witness stand. When it dissipated, Eucalyptus had vanished, and in his place was a chocolate-brown mare with a poofy white mane, a wide grin adorning her face. Puddinghead ~ A Mind That Confounds “Oh! Goodness, me! Isn’t this the most unusual situationism?” “Huh?” said Clover. “Puddinghead? You’re the witness?” “Absotively!” said Puddinghead. “Now, what was this I heard about giving a testimony?” “We will get there when we get there,” said Kluge. “For now, simply state your name and occupation.” “Pudding Tame! Ask me again and I’ll tell you the same!” Puddinghead blinked, her mouth scrunching briefly in confusion. Blank stares were leveled at her from across the courtroom, until finally she spoke again. “...Ah. My mistake. That would be the name of my twin. Growing up, everypony would always get the two of us confused, you see. Sometimes I still forget which of us is which!” “...Uh, I-I’m sorry,” Clover stuttered, “did you say you have a twin?” Puddinghead frowned. “Had, in the posterior tense. His metabolic processes are a matter of interest only to historians, so to speak. ‘Twas truly a tragiculous tale for the ages. When I was but a mere filly, I had taken him out to the wide open fields to frolic in the wildflowers, but little did I know they were actually—” Crack-POP! The firecracker exploded against Puddinghead’s body, causing the chocolate mare to jump back. Kluge stared her in the eyes, teeth gritted tightly together. “Enough prattle! Witness, you will give this court your name and occupation!” When Puddinghead finally came to her senses, she was left only to stare at Kluge, eyes wide and bright. “Were those... fireworks? For me?” “There are plenty more where that came from,” said Kluge. Her horn lit up in demonstration and the air around her sparkled and popped with little bursts of light. “Now do what I say! Give us your name and occupation!” “Hmm... I don’t know about that,” said Puddinghead. Slowly, a grin began to work its way onto her muzzle. “How about you treat me to a few more fireworks first? It’s been a while time since I’ve had the pleasure. I’m a very busy mare, don’t you know.” An audible snarl forced itself past Kluge’s throat. Eyes burning, she slammed her hoof forcefully against the prosecutor’s besk. ”Witness! Name! Occupation! NOW!” “No need to yell, madame prosecutor,” said Puddinghead. “I am known as Puddinghead. And as for my occupation... I believe I am currently occupying this bench, within this very courtroom.” Kluge clenched her teeth, sucking in air between them. “...You know what? Fine. Let it be known that ze witness is Supreme Chancellor of the Earthen Territories, and serving member of ze Equestrian Council of Three. Now, witness, can you confirm that you had seen Star Swirl on ze night of ze murder?” “Indeed, I did!” Puddinghead replied. “And I must say, I’m quite enflattered that you’re all so interested in hearing it. I have so many other great stories to share, too!” The Judge tapped his gavel, getting the attention of the court. “You can save the other stories for after the trial, witness. For now, please testify about what you saw the night of the murder.” Witness Testimony ~ Gazing at the Sunset “Last night, I spent the hours looking out the window and gazing at the sunset. “At 8:17 PM, I heard hoofsteps coming from the common room. I peeked out my door, and saw Star Swirl descending the stairs. “Then, at 8:35 PM, my perceptoral faculties were struck by a terrible light and sound! “That must have been when Star Swirl shot the lightning that killed King Cedarborn!” “Hoooom... Interesting,” said the Judge. “If you don’t mind me asking, what is this ‘pee-em’ of which you speak?” “It’s part of the Equestrian timekeeping system, Your Magistry,” said Kluge. “Our nation controls ze sun and moon on a strict schedule, so it is in our interest to measure time precisely.” Hold on a moment, though, thought Clover. Something about that doesn’t quite make sense. “Puddinghead, how exactly were you able to recall the time with such great accuracy?” “Simple!” said Puddinghead. She held up her foreleg in front of her, and pointed to a small wooden device strapped around her fetlock. “I kept track of it with this. Do remind Smart Cookie to remind me to thank that clockmaker for it, would you?” Clockmaker. So it really was him, Clover mused. He must have known that the time would be important to this trial. Rubedo turned to Clover and pouted. “Clover! Why didn’t you tell me someone else was making inventions for your friends? Is my work not good enough for you?” “Hmm? No, that’s not true,” said Clover. He was only half paying attention to Rubedo’s comments, still lost within his own thoughts. He doesn’t have any divination magic, but that stallion always acts like he knows everything about the future. I’d just like to know where he has it all written down. “I don’t know a whole lot about inventions, to be honest. But if the defense and prosecution have accepted this timekeeping system, the court shall accept it as well.” The Judge tapped his gavel against the bench. “Mister Clover, you may begin your cross-examination.” Cross-Examination ~ Moderato 3378 “Last night, I spent the hours looking out the window and gazing at the sunset.” ”HOLD IT!” Clover shouted. “Gazing at the sunset? So this was during the twilight hours, correct?” “But of course, my good friend,” Puddinghead replied. “The sunset and the twilight pair very well together, wouldn’t you agree?” “I suppose you can’t have one without the other,” said Clover. “But, uh... just to be clear, you weren’t staring directly at the sun, right?” “Of course I was,” said Puddinghead. “I stare directly at the sun every evening! How else would I get a chance to witness the exquisatory beauty of the sunset?” “You what!?” Clover blurted out. “But that’s impossible! How in Tartarus are your eyes even still working!?” “Well, why wouldn’t my eyes work?” said Puddinghead. “I can see everything just fine as it is. For example, I can see that right now, you have a single booger hanging from your left nostril.” “She’s right, you do,” said Rubedo. “I noticed it earlier, but I thought it’d be rude to mention it.” “Hey!” Clover protested. “Now hold on a minute!” “Herr Clover ze Filthy can worry about his poor hygiene later,” said Kluge. “For now, only one question remains. Can ze defense find any problems with ze witness’s eyesight?” “...No, not really,” Clover admitted. If there’s one pony on this plane of existence that can stare at the sun every day without hurting her eyes, it’s Puddinghead. “Good,” said Kluge. “Witness, continue your testimony.” “At 8:17 PM, I heard hoofsteps coming from the common room. I peeked out my door, and saw Star Swirl descending the stairs.” “HOLD IT!” Clover shouted. “Are you absolutely sure that it was him?” “Of course!” said Puddinghead. “I’d recognize that beard and cloak anywhere!” “Psst,” said Rubedo. “Hey, Clover. Don’t you usually wear a cloak, too? How come you didn’t bring it with you?” “A ratty old burlap sack wouldn’t leave the best impression in a diplomatic meeting. Or a court of law.” That, and I just forgot to bring it with me. “Then, at 8:35 PM, my perceptoral faculties were struck by a terrible light and sound!” “HOLD IT!” Clover shouted. “Could you describe this sound in a bit more detail?” “Well,” said Puddinghead, “I would say the sound went ‘Crack-THOOOOOOM! And the light was... well, I’m afraid there’s no way I know of to give sound effects to lights. Suffuse it to say, it was very bright and very sudden.” “And did the light and sound happen at roughly the same time, or were they farther apart?” said Clover. “Hmm... Simultaneously, I’d say. Moreover or lesser.” So the lightning was close, then, Clover thought. I’m not sure if that’s important, but it’s good to know, at least. “That must have been when Star Swirl shot the lightning that killed King Cedarborn!” “HOLD IT!” Clover shouted. “Can you describe how the lightning struck?” “Hmm... No, I don’t believe so,” said Puddinghead. “But if it was a lightning spell, I imagine he shot it from his horn, correct?” “From his horn?” said Clover, quirking an eyebrow. “You’re sure about that?” “Posilutely!” Puddinghead replied. “We all saw the holes in the tower this morning, didn’t we? That would certainously explain how they got there.” “Do you think you’ve found something here, Clover?” said Rubedo. “I’m not sure where you’re going with this line of questioning.” “No, it’s important. Trust me,” Clover reassured. “Your Magistry, I would like that her answer be added to the testimony!” “Hooom... I’m not sure how this is relevant,” said the Judge. “That said, I don’t see any reason not to.” The Judge’s gavel fell against his bench. “Witness, please amend your testimony.” “Ze Almighty von Ego will tell you now, ze defense is wasting its time.” Holding out a hoof, she gestured to Clover, a thin smirk spread across her muzzle. “But seeing you play this diversionary game will be most amusing. Ze Almighty von Ego looks forward to seeing you squirm.” “We’ll see about that,” said Clover. “That must have been when Star Swirl shot the lightning from his horn. He couldn’t have shot it from anywhere else, right?” “OBJECTION!” The courtroom went silent. With his hoof still held out in an accusatory point, Clover broke out into a self-satisfied grin. “Thank you, Puddinghead. I know you’d be able to help me out.” Crack-POP! Clover senses were momentarily blinded once again by the explosion of fireworks. When he came to, he looked to see Kluge glaring at him. “Bah! You think this changes anything? Her testimony is barely any different from before!” “Not exactly,” said Clover. “In fact, I’d say there’s one critical difference. One that could turn everything about this case around!” “Don’t think you can foolishly fool me by bluffing, fool!” Kluge countered. “Nothing has changed! You have nothing! Nothing!” “But I do have something,” said Clover. His horn glowed, and he pulled several of the pictures he had stashed away, levitating them in his magical grip. “Look at these photographs.” The Judge blinked, his eyes staring wide and blank. “Um... I’m sorry, what’s a photograph?” “It’s an invention of mine!” Rubedo chimed in. “It captures the image of a scene and perfectly recreates it as a picture. Here, let me show you!” She touched the golden attachment of her necklace, and it transformed in an instant into a wooden box. She held it up with one of her forehooves and pointed it at the Judge. “Pose for the camera, Your Magistry!” “Hoom? Now, hold on—” *SNAP!* The camera let out a soft whirr, printing out another photograph. Clover quickly took the picture in his telekinesis and passed it to the Judge, placing it onto his bench. “Take a look for yourself, Your Magistry,” he said. “You’ll find these photos are quite accurate.” The Judge grabbed the photo in his free hand, carefully observing it as he held it out in front of him. “Hooooom... Well, I’m not sure I like how hastily you’ve produced it, but it does appear to be an accurate recreation of my likeness. Does the prosecution have any objections to this strange technology?” Kluge paused for a moment, her brow furrowed in concentration. “...No. The prosecution sees no reason to object,” said Kluge. Her face broke out into a prideful grin. “So long as you take a few pictures of the Beautiful and Captivating von Ego, of course.” Wow, Clover thought, this mare just never lets up with the narcissism, huh? The Judge tapped his gavel against the bench. “Very well. The court accepts this evidence, then. But can you explain its relevance to this trial, Mister Clover?” “Yeah. I’m still a bit confused about what this means,” said Rubedo. “Simple,” said Clover. “Puddinghead, you remember what you said earlier? That Star Swirl had to have shot the lightning bolt from his horn?” “You have my affirmativity,” Puddinghead replied. “Well, these pictures would disagree,” said Clover. “Each of them shows one of the burning holes found in the west tower this morning. And each hole is frayed around the edges, showing the direction of the lightning bolt as it struck through the tower.” “Yes,” said Kluge. “The Almighty von Ego’s investigation found these holes as well. What exactly is your point, Herr Clover?” “You obviously weren’t paying enough attention,” Clover countered. Still holding the photographs in his grip, he levitated them outwards, passing them to the Judge. “Your Magistry, look closely at these photos. If the direction of the frayed edges shows the lightning was moving, then they would have to be moving diagonally downwards.” “Hoooom... Yes, that would appear to be true. What of it, Mister Clover?” “Simple,” said Clover. “It means that Star Swirl couldn’t have shot the projectile from his horn!” Kluge instantly flinched away, clutching her right foreleg. “Whaaaaat!?” “Now you see what I’m getting at,” said Clover. “I’m sure if you investigated the crime scene more closely, you’d find exactly the same thing that I did! Star Swirl couldn’t have been the one to shoot the lightning projectile from where he was standing!” “OBJECTION!” Kluge shouted. “So... so what!? Why does that change anything? Star Swirl is ze most accomplished wizard in all the lands! He could have simply conjured up a storm cloud to do ze deed for him!” “OBJECTION!” Clover shouted back. “And how do you know that? Something else could have easily moved the storm cloud from outside the city!” “OBJECTION! That’s... that’s ridiculous!” Kluge exclaimed. “Did Herr Clover ze Foolish not hear what His Magistry said!? This city is protected from stray storm clouds! They can’t be moved into Thicket’s boundaries!” “Huh?” said Clover. “Er... well yes, but... uh...” Dammit! She’s got me! I was so close! Kluge paused. Slowly, she managed to regain her composure, her lips gradually curving upwards into yet another smirk. “Heh,” she chuckled. “You almost had me worried for a second there, Clover.” Wait. Clover’s internal thoughts nearly tripped over themselves. There was something there, just moments ago, that he had noticed. Did Kluge just drop the third-person thing? And where did her accent go? “OBJECTION!” “...!” “......!” “.........!” “............!” It had taken several moments for Clover to process what he had just heard. He whipped his head to the side, staring at the source of the sudden voice. “Rubedo!?” “Your Magistry,” said Rubedo, “think back to what you said earlier! You only said natural winds can’t move storm clouds into the city!” “Er.... yes. Your point being?” “Our alchemical wards don’t do anything to protect against unnatural cloud movements!” Rubedo continued. “That means some other creature could have easily moved the cloud! I would know, I’ve studied Thicket’s alchemy my whole life!” All at once, the courtroom broke out into a sea of sounds, the many deer in the gallery conversing among themselves. “OBJECTION!” Kluge shouted. “Y-y-you... you can’t be serious! Are you suggesting that somepony else could have killed King Cedarborn? That’s ridiculous!” “It’s your go now, Clover!” Rubedo whispered to the side. “You’ve got this!” Clover let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. “Thanks, Rubedo. You really bailed me out there.” Looking Kluge straight in the eye, Clover slammed both of his front hooves against the bench. “Kluge von Ego! It looks like your so-called dazzling performance has revealed itself for the cheap sleight-of-hoof it truly is! If King Cedarborn was killed by a lightning bolt from above, then you can’t say for certain that my master did it!” “OBJECTION!” Kluge shouted. “Then where is your evidence, Herr Clover!? Only one pony has a motive, and only one pony left evidence of being at ze crime scene! Who else could it have been, if not Star Swirl!?” “Um, well...” Uh-oh. I’d better think fast. “...The real killer, obviously!” “OBJECTION!“ shouted Kluge. “And do you know who this real killer could even be, Herr Clover? If you do not, then still your tongue!” “I, uh...” “OBJECTION!” The next shout had come from the absolute last place the Clover had expected, even less so than Rubedo’s shout before. His eyes turned towards the witness stand to see Puddinghead, barely able to contain her excitement within her wide grin. “Wow!” said Puddinghead. “That was exhilarous! No wonder you lawyer types do it.” The Judge slammed his gavel against the bench. “Order! Order! Witness, contain your outbursts! The objections shall be left to the defense and the prosecution. Is that clear?” “But Your Magistry,” Puddinghead pleaded, “I just rememberated something! While I was gazing out the window last night, I saw something else! Something flying around the tower!” Kluge’s eyes went wide, so wide that they nearly popped her mask off her head. “You what!?” “’Tis quite true,” said Puddinghead. “At 8:30 PM sharp, I had finished watching the sunset, and began gazing at the stars. I saw a figure fly out from the left and around the tower. Mayhaps it was traveling in the direction of the courtyard?” “That’s... that’s...” Kluge gritted her teeth, leaning over and slamming a single hoof against her bench. “Why did you not tell me of this when I spoke with you earlier!?” “Elementarous, my dear prosecutor,” Puddinghead replied with an earnest smile. “You didn’t ask.” “Graaaah! You... you...!” Clover winced. Uh-oh, here come the fireworks. Both literally and figuratively. To Clover’s surprise, however, Kluge quickly managed to sit herself upright. She took a deep breath, and a glow from her horn washed over her, straightening her now-disheveled mane. “Fine. Ze Almighty von Ego has no more need of you. Your Magistry?” “Yes, Miss von Ego?” “Ze prosecution still has one more witness,” said Kluge. “One that will definitively prove Star Swirl’s guilt! But first, ze Almighty von Ego would like to request a recess. This witness does not much like public speaking, and will require some time to prepare.” “Hooom... I supposed that is not too unreasonable. Very well. At the prosecution’s request, this court is now in recess. We will reconvene in thirty minutes. That is all.” The Judge tapped his gavel against the bench three times. Within moments, the gallery began to leave their seats, making their way to the exits of the courtroom. Before long, Clover followed, with Rubedo following not long after. As they entered the Defendant’s Lobby, a new miasma of thoughts weighed down heavily on Clover’s mind. He didn’t have the chance to think about it during the trial, but the more he did, the deeper they dug into his chest. The next witness. I know who she is, and I suspect her testimony is related to that figure Puddinghead saw. So why do I have this sudden knot in my stomach? Rubedo looked up at Clover as she walked beside him, concern evident in her eyes. “Clover? Is something wrong? You’re looking really glum.” “I’m fine,” Clover forced himself to answer. “Don’t worry about me, alright?. You did a good job out there, and I’m sure now we’ll win this trial.” Though Rubedo only looked half-convinced, she’d said nothing more on it. She and Clover spent the remainder of the recess talking to each other, and reviewing the case with Star Swirl, who remained in the custody of the courtroom’s guards. Despite everything going on, one thought persisted, one that he couldn’t get off his mind no matter what else he thought about. I think I know who else could have done it now. I just hope I’m wrong.