Drops of water echoed through the cells of the dungeon, and Trixie listened with patience. Cells like this weren’t new to her. In her travels, there was always a cop or city council member that wanted a few more bits. Trixie always refused to pay for anything more than the permits required for her show. That led to her laying down in prison cells. Not many, but enough that she had since gotten used to noises.
This cell, however, was different. Deep in the mountain upon which Canterlot sat was a dungeon, and Trixie found herself here. She couldn’t see much other than the dimly lit hall to her cell. The atmosphere screamed despair, but it failed to affect Trixie.
In her heart, she knew. She did the right thing. She followed her instincts and stood true to her morals. A smirk found its way to her lips as she realized the dungeons failure.
“You won’t get me,” Trixie whispered.
She closed her eyes and continued her water drop tally when a new sound came to her ears.
Hoofsteps.
Trixie rose to a seated position and waited. The hoofsteps paused and resumed echoing louder as they approached.
This brought Trixie to her hooves. The guards patrolled regularly, but never have they walked down this hall. It would appear that the guard...
No. Guards. There were multiple ponies walking down the hall. Perhaps whoever they are will be taking her away.
She calmed her breathing and sat as still as she could. They would be here soon, and she would be waiting.
After a few moments, a guard entered her view.
“On your hooves.”
Trixie rose and faced the guard.
“There,” she said, “Are we happy now?”
“Yes, we are,” a new voice said.
The guard took a step to the side and bowed.
Trixie tilted her head in confusion that only lasted for the moment it took her to recognize Princess Luna.
She quickly bowed her head and said, “Your Highness.”
“You may go,” Princess Luna said.
“Of course,” the guard replied and quickly made her way back down the hall.
Trixie only heard the fading sounds of the guard’s echoing hoofsteps along with her own nervous breathing.
“You may rise,” Luna said eventually.
Trixie did as instructed and looked into Luna’s eyes.
The pools of darkness pulled at Trixie, and, try as she might, she couldn’t look away. She had seen Princess Celestia once before and her eyes felt warm, as warm as her sun, but not Princess Luna’s.
No. Princess Luna’s eyes felt like an abyss. Cold and infinite. There was no cruelty in those eyes, but Trixie felt a sense of unspoken wisdom. Perhaps wisdom unspoken because it would simply be too much for a pony’s mind to bear without becoming wholly lost in that abyss.
All of this passed through Trixie’s mind in the span of moments, and if Luna noticed it at all, she never showed it.
Luna looked at Trixie through the bars of the cell.
“I would like to have a word with you.”
Trixie swallowed and asked, “What would you want with me?”
Luna looked at Trixie closer and asked, “Have you been resting?”
“There isn’t much else to do,” Trixie replied.
Luna straightened and said, “I see. Well, I would like to ask you some questions.”
“May I sit down,” Trixie asked.
Luna nodded and Trixie sat down on her cot.
The sound of dripping water returned and Trixie felt herself become more at ease.
“What happened at Manehattan General,” Trixie asked.
Luna stared at Trixie blankly before asking, “What do you mean?”
“I was there,” Trixie said, “I know that a squad of guards was sent to prevent a murder. Have you heard anything?”
“And why should I tell you that?”
Trixie turned to face Luna, and, once again, she felt herself pulled into the abyss of those eyes.
“I will answer anything you want to know,” Trixie said.
A small smile crept onto Luna’s lips, “But you will have to answer my questions regardless.”
Trixie shook her head, “I’m a prisoner. There are still laws that protect-”
“That only applies to regular offenses,” Luna said, “The charges levied against you are against the Kingdom of Equestria. That alone denies you the normal courtesies.”
“Please,” Trixie said, “Just tell me. I have to know.”
Luna let the smile fade and said, “Very well. I will tell you what I heard.”
---
“How reliable is that Trixie?”
Rainbow was knocked out of her daze and turned to Sapphire Breeze.
“I trust her,” she said.
Sapphire Breeze shook her head, “I need more than just that.”
She raised a hoof to prevent any protest and continued, “I understand that you are Bearers, but I still need proof.”
“You certainly took her at her word,” Rarity said, “Otherwise, we wouldn’t be headed toward Manehattan General.”
Sapphire Breeze looked out the window, “I don’t like conspiracies. This feels too deliberate. Too well planned.”
“You think they expected to get caught,” Rainbow asked.
“No,” Sapphire Breeze said, “It just doesn’t feel right. How could they create a spell so powerful that it can kill a princess?”
“That is something for others to worry about,” Rarity said.
“You’re right,” Sapphire Breeze said.
She made her way to the front of the carriage where the driver sat.
“What’s our ETA,” she asked.
“We will be there in about fifteen minutes,” he replied.
“Good,” she said and headed back to the small squad.
“Everypony get ready,” she shouted, “We will land on the roof of the hospital and begin our sweep.”
She turned to Rainbow Dash and Rarity.
“If you two would like to join us, you will be welcome, but you answer to me. Now, it there anything that can help us?”
Rainbow began to shake her head when she remembered something.
“I think they might hurt somepony that Trixie knew.”
“What makes you think so,” Sapphire Breeze asked.
Rainbow shook her head, “I don’t know, but those ponies back there held Trixie captive. They probably wanted to hurt her.”
“And what better way to hurt her than going after somepony close to her,” Sapphire Breeze asked.
“I think so,” Rainbow said.
Sapphire Breeze nodded and sat back down. Her eyes grew hard as she stared at the carriage floor. Her breaths became slower and more controlled.
Rainbow Dash leaned toward Rarity and said, “She means business.”
“I agree,” Rarity whispered, “I can see why Shining Armor made her his Lieutenant.”
The minutes ticked away in their silent way as the carriage flew toward its destination.
Rainbow Dash began to nod off, but she sprang awake when Sapphire Breeze jumped to her hooves.
“We’re nearly there,” she shouted, “Everypony get ready. We disembark in five.”
She walked to the carriage’s exit and stood ready.
“She’s going to be the first one off,” Rainbow said, “Gotta hand it to her.”
“Indeed,” Rarity said, “I suppose it would be best for us to stay out of the way.”
Rainbow let out a grumble but nodded anyway.
“Yeah,” she said, “I still want to go with them.”
“Of course, Rainbow. I will join you as well. Perhaps we might be of assistance as well.”
Before the conversation could continue, the carriage jerked and the guards all stood in unison. With a precision, that could be terrifying, they formed a single file line at the carriage exit.
“I believe that is our cue,” Rarity said.
Rainbow stood and the two made their way to the back of the line.
Sapphire Breeze threw the carriage door open and jumped onto the roof. The remaining guards followed suit and soon only Rainbow and Rarity stood at the door.
“Let’s do it,” Rainbow said with a giddy grin.
She jumped off the carriage and made her way to the guards.
“It’s not that far down,” Rarity said and jumped off.
She landed with a pained thud and let out a cry of pain.
“Are you okay,” a guard asked.
“I’ll be fine,” Rarity said, “At the very least, I’m in a good place to get hurt.”
The guard returned to his squad, and Rarity saw them enter the hospital. Only Sapphire Breeze remained.
She walked up to Rainbow and Rarity.
“Where do you think the victim may be?”
Rainbow Dash scratched the back of her neck, “I’m not sure. It feels like it’s been six or seven years since we were here.”
Rarity gave her a confused glance which caused Rainbow to give her a sheepish grin.
“Regardless,” Sapphire Breeze said, “Is there anything that stands out?”
Rainbow looked down for a bit and suddenly remembered something.
“It could be that girl Trixie wanted her to talk to.”
“What was her name?”
Rainbow shook her head, “I don’t know, but I remember where her room was.”
Sapphire Breeze nodded and said, “Good. Lead the way.”
The three made their way down the stairs and exited the Foal’s Ward.
“She was down this way,” Rainbow whispered.
“Why are you whispering,” Sapphire Breeze asked.
Another sheepish grin.
Sapphire Breeze shook her head and continued following Rainbow Dash.
Before long, they arrived at the room.
“Is this the room,” Sapphire Breeze asked.
“Yeah,” Rainbow said.
“Okay, stay behind me.”
Rainbow and Rarity nodded, and Sapphire Breeze opened the door.
---
Smoky Thunder sat in a nearby chair. He heard that a squad form the Royal Guard was on its way to the hospital, and he felt a great weight lift off of him.
He smiled at the sleeping Lily content knowing that he never went through with it. A shudder crept up his spine as he thought about the package.
The pony that gave him the package said that it would be a horrible way to die.
Total paralysis followed by massive internal bleeding.
His eyes fell on Lily again. That would have been her, but he couldn’t do that. Not even to save his own life.
He heard some hoofsteps stop right outside the door followed by whispering.
“They’re here,” he whispered.
---
Sapphire Breeze pushed the door open and carefully entered the room. It took her eyes a moment to adjust to the darkness, but she soon found who she was looking for.
“Exit the room right now,” she said to the figure.
“Whatever you say,” the voice said.
“Keep it down,” a soft voice said, “I’m trying to sleep.”
“I’m sorry Lily,” the voice said, “I’ll be right outside.”
Sapphire Breeze backed out of the room and saw that the pony was a guard.
“You won’t have any trouble with me,” the guard said.
“We’ll see,” Sapphire Breeze said and motioned for the pony to sit down in a nearby chair.
He did so and tensed slightly when a small voice called out from the room.
“Smoky, are you there?”
He glanced up at Sapphire Breeze but said nothing.
Rainbow Dash began to walk up to the door, but Sapphire Breeze stopped her.
“Just wait here,” she said and closed the door.
“But she,” Rainbow began.
“She is safe,” Sapphire Breeze said, “That’s what matters.”
She turned to Smoky, “Was that your intended victim?”
The pony nodded but said nothing.
“Very well. You are under arrest. You will be transferred to Canterlot prison where you will be processed and your rights will be explained fully. You will not be asked any further questions, and do not volunteer any information as your rights have not been explained to you. Do you understand?”
Again the nod.
Sapphire Breeze nodded and turned back to Rainbow Dash.
“Thank you. You helped save a life tonight.”
A guard found the group and Sapphire Breeze explained the situation. Smoky Thunder was led away without protest. In fact, he appeared to be content with what was happening to him.
When they were gone, Sapphire Breeze said, “I wouldn’t be surprised if he were put in the same situation as Trixie.”
“Just how far do you think this goes,” Rarity asked.
“I don’t know,” Sapphire Breeze said, “but I suspect it might have ended with this pony.”
Rainbow Dash furrowed her brow, “How do you know?”
Sapphire Breeze shook her head, “I don’t. But it seems that this pony was put in place as a means to punish Trixie should she not go through with Storm Ring’s plan. I suspect that a hired thug would be called in to deal with this pony should he not do his task.”
“I see,” Rarity said, “Well, not that all this is over, I would like to see how Applejack is faring.”
Rainbow nodded, “Yeah, I wanna go too.”
Sapphire Breeze smiled and said, “Understandable. I’ll have the carriage take you to the hospital right after we stop at the prison.”
The three left the hospital but Rainbow Dash glanced back to the door. She felt a pang of guilt. The girl in the room would never know just how close she was to losing her life.
---
Trixie stared at the floor of her cell. Smoky was the threat. She had no idea. Her mind flashed with memories of him. He seemed to enjoy his work, and he was one of the few ponies, with the exception of Trixie, who could calm a panicked foal down. Learning of his involvement hurt her far more than she thought possible.
“Thank you,” she said weakly, “I’m glad that Lily is safe.”
Silence fell and the steady drip returned. Trixie felt herself retreating into that sound. It calmed her and kept all she just learned out.
“I shall let you rest,” Luna said after a while.
She turned and before she began walking down the hall she said, “I shall return to visit you again. There is something I wish to discuss with you, but it can wait. Rest well.”
Trixie watched the princess leave and rested her head on her pillow. She needed time to process what she learned. To understand the feeling of betrayal that she felt in spite of the possibility Smoky was coerced just as she was.
She closed her eyes and sleep soon took her.
---
Rainbow Dash paced along the chairs. She didn’t, or couldn’t, acknowledge her friends.
“Please sit down,” Rarity said.
Pinkie Pie decided to take a more direct route. She stood in Rainbow’s way.
Rainbow walked right into her and fell to the floor.
“What,” she asked finally recognizing Pinkie, the pink pony’s coat and mane beginning to regain its rightful color and volume, and asked, “What’s going on?”
“Wait,” Rainbow said as she jumped to her hooves, “Can we see her now?”
Pinkie shook her head, “Sorry, Dashie, but you gotta sit down. I wanna see Jackie too, but not yet.”
Rainbow sat down next to Rarity.
She stared at the white sterile walls and said, “It’s been two days. Why can’t we see her?”
When no answer came, she turned to Twilight and said, “This is the part where you tell us.”
“What?”
Twilight Sparkle stared at her friends. Each one lost and seeking answers. Answers that she didn’t have.
She took a deep breath, “It’s to keep everypony safe.”
“Safe from what,” Rainbow asked.
Rarity gently rubbed Twilight’s shoulder.
After a moment, Twilight said, “You don’t understand. She was basically dead in that basement.”
She wiped her eyes with a hoof, “And we lost her again. Just after we got her here.”
“But you brought her back,” Rainbow said.
Twilight nodded, “Yeah, but there was more. Her body contained too much magical energy. The doctors decided that she needed to be quarantined.”
She closed her eyes and said with a ragged breath, “They’re not sure if she’ll survive.”
The group fell silent and the clock continued its steady ticking. Each pony trying to process what Trixie told them. They didn’t have much time to think when they heard steady hoofsteps walk down the hall.
The four looked up in unison and gave weak smiles at the doctor.
“How is she,” Rainbow Dash asked jumping from her chair.
The doctor stopped in his tracks. His exhaustion was compounded by the knowledge that one of the Elements of Harmony was in his care and the fact that he had no good news to deliver.
“Rainbow, dear,” Rarity said, “Please give the good doctor a chance to speak.”
She gently led Rainbow back to her seat and gave the doctor an affirmative nod.
The doctor gave Rarity a grateful smile and sat down in a nearby chair. He cleared his throat and said, “I am sorry to say that I have no good news to deliver. In fact, all I have is bad news.”
He glanced over to Twilight and said, “I overheard what you said, and you are mostly correct.”
Twilight nodded but stayed quiet.
The doctor shuffled his notes and continued, “The main concern is the sheer amount of magical energy still trapped within her body.”
“Trapped,” Twilight asked, “How much energy is still there?”
The doctor closed his eyes and said, “Please let me finish.”
Twilight blinked in surprise, “I have studied under Princess Celestia. I am merely asking what you know so I can decide the best course of action to take?”
Silence fell like a wet blanket and all ponies stared at Twilight.
“Excuse me,” the doctor asked.
Twilight shook her head, “I’m trying to help. There are countless ways to reduce an excess of magical energy. If I don’t have all the information, how am I supposed to do anything?”
The doctor stood and said, “I believe that you are confused. I am not asking you for assistance, nor am I seeking your expertise.”
His eyes narrowed to slits as he said, “You have no idea what we are dealing with here. The amount of energy coursing through her body has never been seen before. I highly doubt that your studies would provide anything substantial.”
Twilight jumped to her hooves and shouted, “I just told you that I need information to-”
“No,” the doctor said firmly, “You are not going to interfere. We have it under control and we don’t need your approval. I merely came here to inform you on her progress. Nothing more.”
“You are seriously refusing my help,” Twilight asked, “I brought her here. I was the one who informed you of her condition-”
“And we are grateful,” the doctor said, “But now it is our turn to help her. You need to wait and we shall see.”
As the two ponies argued, both Pinkie Pie and Rarity remained stunned. Rainbow Dash, however, was beginning to boil with annoyance, and she soon found herself lashing out.
“I am going in, and you can’t stop me,” Twilight shouted.
She strode past the doctor and soon found herself on the floor.
Rainbow Dash stood over her and she was shooting daggers with her eyes.
“Will you shut up,” Rainbow shouted at her, “Let him do his job. AJ’s dying and all you care about is being the hero.”
She turned back to the doctor and said, “Let us know if anything changes, will you?”
“Of course I will,” the doctor said and walked out of the waiting room.
Once he was gone, Rainbow Dash got off of Twilight.
“What was that for,” Twilight asked, “I am trying to help.”
“No you’re not,” Rainbow Dash said, “You’re trying to be the hero. Let the doctor’s do theirjob. They know what’s best.”
She walked back to Rarity and sat down. Her eyes had softened and she said, “I hate waiting around doing nothing too, but we have to. AJ’s in good hooves. I just know that she’ll pull through.”
Twilight remained seated for a long time, her head down. She couldn’t bear to look at them. It wasn’t shame exactly. It was closer to disappointment. Eventually, she did look up. She smiled as all of them had concern in their eyes. Sure Rarity looked more annoyed than the others, but she’d gotten used to that by now. Still, she smiled and said, “I’m sorry. I hate feeling so helpless.”
“It’s okay,” Pinkie Pie said, “We’re all worried, but Dashie’s right. Applejack will be okay.”
The rest agreed and soon settled into a peaceful, if etched with a sense of panicked worry, silence.
Rainbow Dash broke the silence, “I hate to do this to you girls, but I have to go.”
“Why,” Rarity asked, “What’s wrong?”
Rainbow smiled warmly at Rarity, “I want to be there for Fluttershy. You girls stay here. I’m going to go to the courthouse.”
Her smile faded and she looked away.
“I have to,” she whispered.
She didn’t rise from her seat for a long while. Her eyes kept glancing at the exit.
Rarity smiled and placed a hoof on her shoulder.
When Rainbow looked at her Rarity said, “Go. We will be here, and you should be with your oldest friend.”
She pulled Rainbow Dash into an embrace and whispered, “You have done all you can. Forgive yourself and we will be there for you every step of the way.”
Rainbow Dash pulled away from Rarity and smiled.
“Yeah I know,” she whispered and hopped off the chair. She walked to the exit and turned back when she got to the door.
Everypony smiled at her and she gave the group an affirmative nod. She took a deep breath and exited the waiting room.
Pinkie Pie stood and moved between Rarity and Twilight. When the ponies gave her a confused glance, she simply said, “Just in case. We’re in a hospital, so we have to behave.”
She punctuated the final part with a glance to Twilight.
Twilight looked away and said, “I just want to help.”
Rarity began to speak but Pinkie placed a hoof over her mouth.
“That goes for you too,” Pinkie said.
She turned back to Twilight, “There’s nothing we can do right now.”
“Except wait,” Twilight said.
Rarity took a deep breath and said, “Pinkie would you be a dear and give us some privacy.”
Pinkie turned back to Rarity, “Are you sure?”
“I am,” Rarity said.
She stood and walked to Twilight. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes as she gently placed a hoof on Twilight’s knee.
Twilight shook her head, “I don’t think that’s a good idea. I’m still too worked up.”
Rarity smiled and said, “It’s too important.”
She took a deep breath, “We may still lose Applejack, and we have no idea how poor Fluttershy will fare through her trial. Two of my dearest friends are on the brink, and I can’t bear the thought of losing a third.”
She rubbed her eyes with her free leg and said, “Our friendship means too much to me.”
“I know,” Twilight said, “I want us to talk through this-”
“There’s no better time than the present,” Rarity said sheepishly.
Twilight smiled and turned to Pinkie.
“We’ll be okay. Go and take Spike to the guest room and get some sleep.”
Pinkie stood but didn’t say anything. Instead, she put the young dragon on her back and began to walk toward the exit. Just like Rainbow Dash, she turned back to the remaining ponies.
“We’ll behave,” Twilight said.
Pinkie Pie looked unconvinced but still left the room.
Once they were alone, the only sound was the clock. Neither wanted to speak first, fearing the words would be the spark to the kindling that was their remaining friendship.
The minutes ticked by before Rarity took the first bold move.
“I hated you,” she said in a voice that was just above a whisper.
“What,” Twilight asked.
Rarity shook her head, “It was never true hatred, but all I could see was Fluttershy...”
She trailed off but managed to continue, “All I knew was that Fluttershy was in peril and you were her executioner.”
Twilight tried to speak but Rarity stopped her.
“I let my fear of losing her drive me to do things I deeply regret. I hurt you and I still let that fear control me.”
She stared into Twilight’s eyes, “I almost killed a pony tonight because I thought it would benefit Fluttershy somehow. I knew that it wouldn’t, but I still hoped.”
Her voice gave way to sobs and she rested her head on the nearby seat.
Twilight still held Rarity’s hoof and gently stroked it with her other hoof as she thought about what Rarity said. She also thought about what Celestia taught her. That she should never rush to judgment but, rather, gather as much information as possible before drawing a conclusion.
She tried to process everything that happened within that past few weeks and found that she couldn’t. It was just that too much happened over such a short period of time. Instead of trying to dig through all of that information, she decided to focus on her own actions. She still believed that she did the right thing but now she felt that her methods were far too flawed.
“I understand,” Twilight said, “I’ve been too eager to return things to normal that I didn’t-”
She stopped herself because she knew that she was about to lie. It wasn’t a return to normalcy that she wanted.
“I guess I got so used to being the one that takes the lead that I couldn’t handle being challenged. It was wrong of me to lash out at you like that.”
Rarity looked up, her eyes red from her tears, “I attacked you first.”
Twilight gave her a soft smile, “Yes, but I refused to listen. Spike tried to help us see reason, but I didn’t listen. I poked at you until you lashed out. If only I explained instead of trying to assert some ridiculous authority.”
Rarity rose and took a seat next to Twilight and whispered, “I don’t know if I would have listened.”
“I don’t know,” Twilight said, “Even when you’re most upset you still want to talk. Maybe if I told you a little of what I planned and promised to explain fully the next day we wouldn’t be in this situation.”
“Perhaps,” Rarity said, “But I suppose it does little good to worry about what might have happened and instead we should try and fix what we’ve done.”
Twilight’s smile broadened, “I’d love that.”
The two embraced and wept as a heavy burden began to fall from their shoulders.
---
Ponies moved throughout the courthouse halls, and Fluttershy stared at all of them. The constant stream of traffic, all headed to unknown places with a purpose, comforted her. She allowed herself a moment to reflect on the past.
“You shouldn’t do that.”
Fluttershy glanced back toward Dexter and asked, “Do what?”
The lawyer didn’t look up from his papers, “Get lost in your head. You have enough to worry about without worrying about the past.”
He looked up and added, “Focus on the trial. That’s the best use of your time.”
Fluttershy nodded, “I’ll try.”
“Good.”
A clock ticked the time away with measured rhythm and the sound dominated the small room. Fluttershy listened as the clock mingled with the rustling of Dexter’s papers, and she began to drift off when somepony banged on the door.
The room suddenly felt cold and sterile.
“Must be time,” Dexter said as he made his way to the door.
Fluttershy couldn’t understand what Dexter said to the pony. Both spoke in whispers.
Dexter closed the door and took a deep breath.
“Is everything okay,” Fluttershy asked.
“Yeah,” Dexter said, “We’re up. Let’s get ready.”
Fluttershy moved to the door and watched Dexter pack up all the documents into his case.
Once he finished, he looked at her and gave her a confident nod. He walked to a door at the back of the room and knocked on it.
A guard opened the door and Dexter turned back to Fluttershy.
“Okay,” he said, “It’s time.”
Fluttershy nodded and walked to the door. She still limped as she walked, but her injuries had healed quickly.
The guard looked at Fluttershy and said, “You will follow your lawyer. Do not go anywhere else. Is that understood?”
“Yes,” Fluttershy said.
“Good.”
The guard turned and made his way down the hall. Dexter followed him, and Fluttershy followed Dexter.
This hallway didn’t feel the same as the one she studied earlier. It was narrow, almost to the point of claustrophobia, and the few ponies she saw didn’t appear to be as confident as the ponies streaming down the other hallway.
Again, the sound of papers rustling dominated the hallway. The only sound that seemed to offer any challenge was the steady hoofsteps of the three marching ponies.
The guard stopped at a door and opened it.
“Wait here until you’re called.”
Dexter nodded and led Fluttershy inside the room.
The guard closed the door and Fluttershy studied the room.
This room felt alien to her. The walls were painted with an off-white color that felt lifeless. In the center of the room sat a table a bit too big for the room. It made the room feel smaller.
“I don’t like this room,” Fluttershy whispered.
Dexter laughed, “Yeah, I can see how these rooms can seem uninviting, but I spend so much time in rooms like these that I kind of like them.”
“Really?”
“Yeah,” Dexter said as he set his briefcase on the table, “I like to think of these rooms as if they're that grumpy old grandfather we all have. They’re always surly and annoyed about something, but you can’t help but stay close to them.”
Fluttershy nodded and made her way to a chair.
“Try and relax,” Dexter said, “I know that seems like an impossible task seeing as why we’re here, but trust me. If the jury sees you nervous, they might think you’re feeling guilty.”
“I’ll try,” Fluttershy said.
She’d begun to dislike those two words. It seemed that they were the only words she knew.
“Good,” Dexter said, “I’ll keep going through the paperwork.”
Fluttershy took a deep breath. In spite of Dexter’s advice, she thought back on the past. All of the events flew through her mind, starting with her killing Grey Ring.
“I did the right thing,” Fluttershy said.
“What was that?”
She looked to Dexter and said, “I did the right thing. I saved my best friend.”
A smile formed on Dexter’s lips, “That’s good to hear. Hang on to that confidence. It’ll be a big help.”
Fluttershy nodded and rested her head on the table. She focused her attention on the steady vibrations of the ponies walking in the hallway that filtered through the table.
She must have fallen asleep because she found herself startled by Dexter gently shaking her.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” she whispered.
“Don’t worry about it. We’re up.”
Dexter studied her for a moment, “Want some water?”
Fluttershy nodded, “Yes, please.”
He passed her a glass and she drank. She still poured herself a second glass before getting up from the table.
“I, I’m ready.”
“Good. Let’s go.”
Dexter walked to the door and knocked. There was the sound of muffled hoofsteps and then the door unlocking. The door swung open and a guard stood waiting.
The pony had no expression on his face. It appeared that he was more concerned about what he was having for lunch instead of escorting a prisoner to trial.
“In we go,” Dexter said.
Fluttershy followed and kept her head down. She heard the sounds of ponies working but kept her eyes locked to the floor.
“Wait here,” the guard said.
He entered a room and soon Fluttershy found herself standing herself before Judge Bloodhoof.
The judge looked as expressionless as the guard, but when he looked at Fluttershy there was something in his eyes, as though he had a secret that he couldn’t share.
Soon the prosecutor, Parker, entered the room. He gave Fluttershy a pitying smile and sat down at his table.
Judge Bloodhoof cleared his throat, “Will the defendant please rise?”
Fluttershy rose to her hooves.
Judge Bloodhoof nodded and asked, “You are aware that this is a pretrial hearing, correct?”
Fluttershy nodded, “Um, yes sir.”
“Good. Now to get everything started how do you plead?”
“To what,” Fluttershy asked meekly.
Had a pony such as Trixie or Rarity been in the room, they would have noticed the flicker of a smile on Bloodhoof’s face. Sadly, it slipped the notice of everypony present.
Bloodhoof looked at his notes, “The charges of Premeditated Murder in the first degree.”
Fluttershy took a deep breath and said, “Not Guilty.”
Bloodhoof nodded, “The court has noted the plea. Now we will move onto bail.”
“The Ponies demand that bail be denied. As I said previously, the defendant is a definite flight risk,” Parker said rising to his hooves.
Dexter rose as well and said, “If we are, to be honest, being a court of law, after all, I would like to mention that the accused is a Bearer. The Element of Kindness I believe.”
Parker let out a laugh, “Your Honor, even if that were the case, we cannot allow a murderer to walk free.”
Bloodhoof struck his gavel and said, “I can understand both sides, but I must agree with the plaintiff. Bail is denied, and the defendant will be returned to Canterlot Prison in order to await the trial proper.”
He cast his gaze over the lawyers, “Are you still satisfied with the jury selection?”
Both ponies nodded.
“Very good,” Bloodhoof said, “Now that we have the plea entered and the matter of bail settled, we shall adjourn for the day and reconvene tomorrow morning. I trust counsel will be fully prepared?”
Again both ponies nodded.
“Very well,” Bloodhoof said and rose.
“All rise,” the bailiff said.
Fluttershy rose to her hooves, along with everypony else in the room, and watched the judge leave.
“That was a little scary,” she whispered.
Dexter smirked, “You think that’s scary. Just wait till tomorrow. That pony Parker is just waiting to tear into you.”
Fluttershy shrank a bit and asked, “Why is he so mad at me?”
“Don’t take it personally,” Dexter said with a laugh, “He’s just doing his job. He’s been given the evidence that says you are guilty, and he has to trust that evidence. He’s not the bad guy.”
He glanced over to Parker and whispered, “Even if he’s being a bit of a mule in the process.”
Fluttershy gasped and glared at Dexter.
“What,” Dexter asked innocently, “He is. Anyway, we need to get ready for tomorrow. I’m going to ride with you back to the prison.”
Fluttershy nodded, “Okay, that’s a good idea. I hope...”
She trailed off when she thought of her.
“What’s wrong,” Dexter asked.
“I’m worried about Applejack.”
Dexter smiled, “Why? She’s a tough pony, and I bet she’s doing just fine now.”
Fluttershy shook her head.
“Fine,” Dexter said sighing, “Once we get to the prison, I’ll make a call to check up on her.”
“Thank you.”
“Don’t worry about it. Now let’s get going.”
The two ponies made their way down the hall they walked earlier in the day. The day was winding down, so the ponies working were hurrying to finish their assignments before leaving for the day. Fluttershy could almost feel their pent-up relief that the day was nearly over.
Guards opened doors but none paid attention to Fluttershy. She desperately wanted to hide behind her mane, but, with the way Trixie cut it, she found herself staring out at the world whether she wanted to or not. There wasn’t a pink hair in sight.
The two kept walking. They found themselves outside of the courthouse and made their way to the waiting carriage. Once aboard, and once the carriage was in the air, Dexter let out a sigh of relief.
“Okay,” he said, “Let’s get down to business.”
Fluttershy nodded but knew to stay quiet.
“We need to come up with a strategy for your trial. Now what I’m gonna suggest is risky, but-”
Fluttershy’s eyes grew cold and hard in an instant. She didn’t like where he was going with this.
“Hold on a second,” Dexter said, “I’m not going to suggest using your friend.”
“At least, not anymore,” he added in a whisper.
He cleared his throat and said, “I’m suggesting that you admit to killing Grey Ring.”
Fluttershy stared at Dexter. She couldn’t have heard him properly. She had just pleaded, “not guilty,” and now Dexter was asking that she admit to what she did.
“But I said that I didn’t,” Fluttershy asked with genuine confusion.
Dexter shook his head, “No, the charge is murder in the first degree. That means that you planned to kill Grey ahead of time and acted with the sole intention of murder. You didn’t do that. What you did was something else. Crime of passion is the common term, but the important thing is that you didn’t plan on killing Grey Ring at all.”
Fluttershy stared at her lawyer for a while. She was processing what he was saying but was having trouble. Nopony would ever accuse her of being a genius, but she could grasp complex concepts with time. She gave her mind time and then said, “Do you want to use the precedent Twilight found?”
Dexter grinned a grin that would make Pinkie Pie grin such a grin that only the grins of legend would be able to compete.
“Exactly,” he said, “I want to present a case that shows that, yes, you did kill Grey Ring, but that was never your intention. You were only thinking of protecting your friend and nothing more.”
Fluttershy felt herself shake in her hooves. This was a tremendous risk. The jury could simply hear that Fluttershy killed Grey and make their minds up with just that.
“Are you sure you can convince them?”
Dexter stared at Fluttershy. The shy pony had surprised him yet again.
“It won’t be easy,” Dexter said, “But I’m certain that we can sway the jury. What we need to do is cause doubt. That’s the biggest problem for the prosecution. Old Parker needs to prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you planned it all along. That’s a hard road for him. I have to sew the doubt that maybe it’s not as simple as that.”
“It still sounds risky.”
Dexter nodded, “It is, but I think it’s your best bet.”
The carriage landed and all aboard disembarked. Fluttershy followed the guard down the hall to her cell, but she fell backward when the guard stopped suddenly.
“Sorry,” Fluttershy whispered.
The guard paid her no notice and turned to the left.
Fluttershy looked back to Dexter who nodded.
She continued to follow the guard and noticed the cells. Or, more accurately, noticed how different they were. These were not bars with swinging doors on them. These were heavy solid metal doors.
The guard eventually stopped and opened the door. He was a large pony, and he showed clear exertion opening it. Dexter noticed as well.
“Might need to oil them up,” he said.
The guard glared at him and said, “They’re designed this way. Made to keep unicorns from using their magic.”
“Then why am I here,” Fluttershy asked.
“Request of your lawyer,” the guard said, “Something about safety.”
Dexter glanced around the hall and smiled when he spotted the phone.
“Does that phone make outside calls?”
The guard nodded, “Yeah, but let the operator know who you are, so the call won’t be recorded.”
Dexter nodded and lifted the receiver in his mouth. Once he was comfortable, he dialed the number to Canterlot Hospital. He hummed a little song under his breath as he waited.
“Hello? Yes, this is Dexter Hoofstrom calling from Canterlot Prison. I am asking, on behalf of a client, on the condition of a patient. Yes? I understand. My client’s name is Fluttershy and the pony in question is Applejack. Okay. Yes, I’ll wait.”
He continued his song and stopped abruptly.
“The operator doesn’t like my singing,” he told the guard and began to hum louder.
Fluttershy struggled to keep her giggles to herself and almost lost the fight. Her concern for Applejack won out.
Dexter’s eye regained focus and he stood up straighter, “Yes? I’m still here. Okay. I see. How’s the outcome looking? No, no I understand. Thank you.”
He hung up the phone and made his way back to Fluttershy.
“I’ll take it from here,” he told the guard.
The guard moved about twenty feet away and said, “This is as far as I go. I still need to be the one to secure the prisoner.”
“Fair enough,” Dexter said and turned back to Fluttershy.
“It’s not good. I know we heard that Applejack was injured, but it looks like her injuries are far more severe than we thought. The doctors are hopeful, but they are doubtful that she’ll make it through the night.”
Fluttershy felt her stomach drop.
She thought of their first date. Both dates. The night Rainbow Dash read her story and the night they went to the restaurant. She also remembered the confused panic on Applejack’s face when she discovered what Fluttershy did. Then she remembered how she ended the relationship with Applejack.
“Hey,” Dexter said shaking her gently, “Come on back.”
Fluttershy snapped out of her thoughts and said, “What? Oh, thank you for telling me.”
“Listen. The doctors said that if she makes it through the night, then she’ll be through the worst of it. She’s tough, so you know she’ll make it, right?”
“I know she’ll fight hard,” Fluttershy said. She wanted to sound optimistic but felt empty. She turned and stepped into the cell.
The interior was barren. Only a bed, a toilet, and a sink occupied the cell.
“It wouldn’t do well for a crazed killer to be wandering the general population,” Dexter said with a wink.
He motioned for Fluttershy to sit on the bed, which she did, and said, “Okay, rest up. Try not to get too stressed, and I will see you tomorrow.”
Fluttershy nodded and closed her eyes. She flinched as she heard the heavy door slowly closed and jumped slightly when it closed. She laid down on the bed and stared up at the ceiling. There was nothing she could do. She was stuck here in this cell about to fight for her life in a court, while her-
She sat up. She still wanted to think of Applejack as her girlfriend. The thought brought a smile to her face, and she knew that Applejack was a tough fighter. Fluttershy didn’t know what Applejack was fighting, but she knew that Applejack would fight with everything she had. Fluttershy had to do the same.
She rested her head on the pillow and began to drift off to sleep.
“I’ll fight as hard as you do, Applejack,” Fluttershy said and fell asleep.
---
Rainbow Dash stood outside of the hospital. Her delay wasn’t due to not knowing the way to the courthouse. She stood there because she was torn. Part of her said for her to stay and wait for Applejack to get better, but another part, perhaps deep down a much stronger part, told her that she needed to be there for Fluttershy.
So she stood.
The hospital door slid open and Rainbow Dash stepped to the side without thinking and leaned against the cool brick wall.
“Why’re you still here, Dashie,” Pinkie Pie asked.
“I’m just thinking,” Rainbow said, “I want to go support Fluttershy, but-”
“But you also want to be here when Jackie wakes up,” Pinkie said.
Rainbow nodded, “Yeah, I don’t know what’s the right thing to do.”
Pinkie nuzzled Rainbow’s cheek gently and said, “You should go. We’re all here, and Flutters doesn’t have anypony.”
Rainbow smiled, “Yeah you’re right.”
She looked up at the sky and realized just how late the in the day it was.
“I’ll head out in the morning,” Rainbow said after a while.
Pinkie nodded, “Good idea. I just put Spike to bed in the guest room they gave us, maybe we can play something until we get sleepy.”
“That’ll work,” Rainbow said, “It’ll give me a chance to work off some of this nervous energy.”
The two ponies looked up at the sunset for a while before going back inside.
---
It took a while, but Rarity and Twilight Sparkle managed to stop crying. Now the waiting room was filled with idle gossip and the occasional giggle.
“I knew that Sweetie Belle could sing, but do you really think that she’s figuring out that it could be her special talent?”
Rarity nodded, “I do. She’s been going on and on. Singing different songs.”
She gave Twilight a playful wink, “And there’s something else that tells me she’s on her way to her cutie mark.”
Twilight tilted her head and asked, “Just what would that be?”
“She’s playing.”
Twilight leaned backward as though she caught a bad smell, “What?”
Rarity let out a high pitched giggle, “She’s not simply content to sing songs that she knows, but she’s making songs up. Singing old songs in different styles, and she even started, or at least attempted, to write music.”
“That’s wonderful,” Twilight said, “She will be an amazing singer.”
Rarity nodded, “Indeed, but it’s so difficult for me.”
Twilight rolled her eyes though her smile never left her face, “And how is that?”
“Well,” Rarity said, “I have to keep silent as she goes through this. I want so desperately to take her over to the Music University here in Canterlot and show her off to all the professors. She would be among the best of them all.”
Twilight tapped her chin with a hoof, and, after a while, said, “That school is very expensive, and they don’t give out scholarships except for extreme cases. How would you be able to afford it?”
Rarity had a twinkle in her eye that seemed to set Twilight’s mind at ease. Still, Rarity explained.
“My business is quite profitable. I may not be among the richest ponies in the land, but I do have sense enough to save as much as I can. Fashion can be generous, but it is also quite fickle. I may ride the proverbial wave one month and crash into the breakwater the next.”
Twilight nodded, “Well said. But I heard that you donate a considerable amount of bits to charity.”
Rarity nodded, “I give what I can. Ponies have been good to me, so, at the very least, I should be good right back.”
“Element of Generosity all the way,” Twilight said with a giggle.
Rarity blushed, “Perhaps, but it’s what feels natural to me.”
Twilight yawned and rested her head on Rarity’s shoulder. She felt so much better since the two let out what they felt, but she still felt anger. It was so much smaller, more of a sense of aggravation than actual anger, but the feeling bothered her.
“Rarity,” Twilight whispered fearing this newfound peace was little more than an armistice.
Rarity seemed to have understood her fears.
“Shh, I feel the same way. There’s still anger there. We still need to talk, and hug, and cry some more before it’s truly gone, but it’s much smaller than it was before. You are my friend and I love you dearly.”
Rarity punctuated the point by nuzzling the top of Twilight’s head gently.
Twilight’s smile broadened and began to nod off.
This was short lived as the doors leading deeper into the hospital swung open. A young mare in sky blue scrubs trotted out toward them.
“Is something that matter,” Rarity asked.
The mare stopped and said, “I have some news from the doctor.”
Twilight sprang upright and asked, “What is it?”
The mare looked hesitantly at Twilight and said, “Well, the doctor said that the patient appears to be stabilizing for the moment.”
“But,” Twilight asked.
“But, he’s doubtful of her waking.”
Twilight took a deep breath, “I understand. I know that he’s doing all he can.”
The mare smiled, “Of course he is. He hasn’t slept since you brought her in.”
“But that was almost two days ago,” Rarity said, “He needs rest.”
“He won’t have it,” the mare said laughing, “He’s as stubborn as a mule...”
She quickly glanced around embarrassed before continuing, “But he’s working. He even got a new machine designed to draw energy from leylines.”
“In order to draw the excess energy from Applejack’s body without actually harming her,” Twilight said, “That’s brilliant.”
The mare smiled, “He told me you were really smart, but I must get back. Excuse me.”
She turned to leave but Twilight stopped her.
“Can you do me a favor,” she asked.
The mare smiled, “Don’t worry he’s already forgiven you.”
She turned and left the room.
“Is everypony a mind reader now,” Twilight asked slightly annoyed.
Rarity giggled and said, “Oh Twilight, dear. You are as easy to read as a book. She knew how sorry you were.”
“I guess so,” Twilight said, “Anyway, we should get some sleep.”
Rarity glanced up at the clock, “Oh my. I had no idea it was so late. Yes, let us rest.”
“That’s a good idea,” Twilight said and rose from her seat.
Just then, a pony entered the room and headed straight for her.
“Are you,” he began looking at a clipboard, “Twilights Bangle?”
“Um, what,” Twilight asked, “No that’s not me.”
The courier mumbled something about bad writing and asked, “I guess it could be Twilight Spankle?”
“Sparkle,” Rarity asked barely able to contain her giggles.
The courier smiled, “That’s it. Sparkle. Sorry about that, but when a letter is sent out urgently ponies tend to forget how to write clearly.”
Twilight nodded, “I understand, and, yes, I’m Twilight Sparkle. Do I need to sign?”
“Yes please,” the courier said as he held the clipboard for her.
Twilight took the quill pen with her magic and signed her name.
“Looks good,” the courier said, “And here is your letter. Thank you and have a good night.”
He gave her a quick bow and left the room.
“I wonder what it could be,” Rarity asked.
“It’s from Fluttershy’s lawyer,” Twilight said and opened the letter.
She read the letter quickly and nodded, “That’s a good idea.”
Before Rarity could ask, Twilight said, “He wants us to go testify as character witnesses for Fluttershy. We need to be there tomorrow afternoon.”
“Then there we shall be,” Rarity said, “It pains me to say so, but we certainly not doing much good waiting here.”
“I agree,” Twilight said, “On the stand, we might be able to help Fluttershy.”
Rarity smiled, “Then let’s be off to bed. We have a big day tomorrow.”
They left the waiting room and made their way to the large guest room. When they stepped inside, they laughed at the sight of Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash playing a board game.
“How do you keep winning,” Rainbow asked annoyed.
“Get good, Dashieface,” Pinkie said sticking her tongue out.
Rainbow let out a growl before turning her attention to Twilight and Rarity.
“Hey you two. Hitting the hay?”
“Yes,” Rarity said, “But I thought you would be at the courthouse.”
Rainbow nodded, “That was the plan, but it’s too late. I’ll head over there first thing. Any word on AJ?”
Twilight nodded, “The doctor said that she’s stabilizing and they’re working to remove the excess energy from her body.”
“That’s good. She can’t quit now. She’s too close.”
“Close to what,” Pinkie asked.
Rainbow looked embarrassed and said, “I dunno. Making things right with Fluttershy?”
Pinkie leaned back and let out a sigh, “Boy that sure was a long time ago.”
“Not that long,” Rainbow said.
“But it sure feels like it was.”
Twilight nodded, “A lot of things have happened in such a short period of time.”
Pinkie gave her a sly smile and said, “Yeah, that’s what I meant.”
Rainbow rolled her eyes and said, “Anyway, I think we’ve played long enough. Let’s get some sleep.”
“Before we do,” Twilight said, “We got a letter from Fluttershy’s lawyer.”
Rainbow tilted her head and asked, “What did it say?”
“That he wants us to be at the courthouse tomorrow to testify on Fluttershy’s behalf.”
Pinkie jumped up and down, “That way we can tell everypony just how wonderful Fluttershy really is.”
“Exactly,” Rarity said.
“Okay,” Rainbow said, “Then, for real this time, let’s go to bed.”
The group nodded and they went to their beds. If the night before sleep was troubled, tonight’s sleep was filled with renewed hope.
---
Fluttershy stirred and let out a scream when she heard a loud clanging sound. The heavy door, when closed looked more wall than the door, slowly began to swing open. She smiled when she saw Dexter standing in the hall.
“I guess it does get a bit loud in there,” he said as he motioned for her to exit the cell.
“First order of business is breakfast and then you get ready for court.”
Fluttershy nodded and asked, “May I take a shower first?”
Dexter glanced at the guard, “How about it?”
The guard nodded, “That’s fine. Follow me.”
Fluttershy followed the guard to a room that had shower stalls. She looked around and saw a small flimsy basket containing small toiletries. She picked it up and walked to a nearby shower. The water was frigid at first but eventually warmed up. Fluttershy missed her stream. She would bathe and play with her animal friends before getting their meals ready.
“Hurry up,” the guard shouted.
Fluttershy washed up quickly and began to look for a towel. Before she could ask the guard shouted, “Drying stall is over there.”
She saw the empty stall and noticed the holes in the stall’s walls. She walked inside and felt a momentary panic when her body sunk slightly and heard a metallic click.
There was no time to prepare herself as she was suddenly blasted with hot air. After a minute, she felt dry enough and left the stall. Still, she glanced back at it.
She shook her head and, for the first time, was grateful for her mane being as short as it currently was.
Dexter smiled at her and said, “Okay, now that we have that out of the way, let’s get you fed.”
They walked back toward her cell, and Fluttershy gasped at the sight of the food tray. She turned back to Dexter who smiled broadly.
“Like I said, can’t have a crazed killer running around, can we?”
“Thank you,” Fluttershy said and sat down to eat.
She ate quickly and then brushed her teeth. It wasn’t long before she was, once again, following the guard to the waiting carriage.
Fluttershy wanted to ask Dexter about his plan but knew that it would be best to wait until she was in the courthouse. She instead chose to continue walking in silence. It gave her a chance to continue processing what Dexter told her yesterday.
First off, Applejack was hurt far worse than she thought, and she might not survive.
Fluttershy shook her head in an attempt to chase the thought from her mind. It worked, but she knew that it would return. Still, she was glad to be rid of it for the time being.
She wondered how she could find out more, but she also knew that the information available to her would be limited. Hopefully one of her friends would be visiting to tell her more.
A warm smile lit up her face as she thought of her friends being there for her. She knew that taking care of Applejack was more important and she was fine with that. She just knew that they would be there for her once they were able.
“Still with us,” Dexter asked.
“What?”
Dexter laughed and said, “We’ve been in the air for a while, and you’ve been on another world.”
“Sorry.”
“Don’t be. It can be good to zone out, but make sure that you’re not dwelling on things you can’t control.”
Fluttershy looked up and asked, “What else is there to worry about?”
“Good point,” Dexter said with a laugh.
The carriage fell into silence and Fluttershy stared out the window. It didn’t take long for the carriage to arrive at the courthouse. She and Dexter disembarked and made their way to the room they occupied yesterday.
“Okay,” Dexter said once they were settled in, “Let’s go over the plan again.”
Fluttershy nodded, “I, I mean, you are going to say that I did kill Grey Ring but I didn’t plan it. It was...”
“I wouldn’t worry about labeling it. The prosecution will do that for you. The main thing is to stick with the story. I sent a letter to the hospital for your friend, Twilight Sparkle.”
“What for,” Fluttershy asked.
“I’m calling her and the rest of your friends to act as character witnesses. Maybe having Celestia’s famous personal student speak on your behalf will sway the jury further.”
Fluttershy chewed on her bottom lip for a bit, “I hope so, but she’ll have to be honest.”
“Will that be a problem?”
“I don’t know,” Fluttershy said, “But she wanted me to turn myself in immediately.”
Dexter leaned back, “Seems like she has a good head on her shoulders. That would have saved you a lot of headaches, but I can imagine that you weren’t in much of a mood to be reasonable, were you?”
Fluttershy shook her head, “I was scared. I didn’t know what to do.”
“Well, in that case, we’ll just hope for the best. I trust that she won’t try to hurt your case, and I imagine that the rest of your friends will be just as eager to help you.”
“I know they will,” Fluttershy said smiling, “They are wonderful.”
“Good,” Dexter said, “I hope to have them on the stand tomorrow, so that gives us today to set up your defense. First, I need to plant that little seed of doubt. Then, I need to continue working on making you the victim that has spent years trying to get her life back together.”
“Okay,” Fluttershy said. She wanted to say more, but her mind failed her. She simply fell back on the standard method of playing along.
“It’ll have to do,” Dexter said.
He turned to the door when the guard knocked.
“Looks like it’s time. Let’s go.”
Fluttershy rose and followed Dexter to the courtroom. It took all of her willpower to run away when she entered the courtroom.
Yesterday, the large room was empty. Today it was full of curious ponies. To her left, twelve ponies sat. They all stared at her with emotionless faces. To her right, the judge’s chair sat empty. Bloodhoof would be in shortly to begin her trial.
All of this felt disconnected to her. She was walking, she knew that much, but it felt as though somepony else was doing the walking. The world felt heavier as well. She stared forward and the world came back into focus.
“All rise,” the bailiff bellowed, “The honorable Judge Bloodhoof presiding.”
All the ponies rose and Judge Bloodhoof entered the courtroom. He made his way to his seat with determined steps and sat down.
“Be seated,” he said and looked at his notes.
“We are here for the trial of the Ponies versus Fluttershy in the matter of the death of one Grey Ring. The charge is murder in the first degree, and let the record show that a plea of not guilty has been made.”
He looked at Dexter, “Would the defense like to change that plea?”
Dexter rose to his hooves, “No your honor.”
Bloodhoof nodded and Dexter sat back down.
“We will begin with opening statements,” Bloodhoof said, “Beginning with the prosecution.”
Parker rose from his table and made his way toward the center of the courtroom. He smiled warmly at the jury, but that smile turned icy when his eyes met Fluttershy’s.
“Thank you, your honor.”
He turned to the jury again and said, “Good afternoon members of the jury. We are here to for a grave matter. A pony’s life was taken in a brazen act of cowardice and greed. You will hear from key witnesses that the defendant was well aware of the victim’s wealth and saw an opportunity to raise her own station. We will prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that she stalked the victim and executed her plan while the victim was vulnerable.”
His eyes moved from each and every juror as he spoke, staying only long enough for the pony to feel slightly uncomfortable before moving on to the next pony. He then turned to Fluttershy, his eyes still cold, and said, “The defendant will appear timid and weak, and in many ways she is. But don’t forget that a great pony was murdered by her hooves. The evidence is clear.”
He straightened himself and turned back to the jury, “We understand, and wish to make it clear, that the death penalty is not an option for punishment.”
A few gasps escaped the members of the jury, but Parker continued.
“We do ask that, once this is all over, that you have delivered the harshest punishment possible.”
He gave the jury a firm nod and walked back to his table.
“And for the defense,” Bloodhoof asked.
Dexter gave Fluttershy a warm smile and rose. He too walked toward the center of the courtroom and smiled warmly at the jury.
“Good afternoon. My name is Dexter, and I am defending the accused. Now I won’t claim that none of you have heard of Grey Ring’s murder prior to being summoned here, so I won’t waste your time with what the newspapers have to say on the subject. I will, however, present you with an alternative to what you may have heard. Yes, a pony was killed, and yes, it was the defendant that took his life. However, this was nothing more than an unfortunate incident. I have presented a precedent in which a pony who was aware of the danger she was in took the life of an abuser in order to save another. This is what transpired on that fateful day. I hope you are able to see that and set a pony who has suffered long enough free.”
When he finished, Dexter gave the jury a quick bow of his head and walked back to Fluttershy.
“That was nice,” Fluttershy said.
Dexter’s perfect smile faltered as he whispered, “I was never good at the opening stuff, but don’t worry. I’ll nail ‘em with the rest.”
Fluttershy smiled, “I’m not worried.”
“You’re still a lousy liar,” Dexter said smirking.
The sound of the gavel caused them to face the judge.
“I would like to inform everypony here that this is a particularly difficult case.”
He cast his gaze toward the jury, “You will be given the power over the life of another pony. Whether you condemn her or free her will be based solely upon the evidence presented within this trial. Is that clear?”
The jury nodded in agreement.
“Very well. Now let us begin with the prosecution’s first witness.”
Parker rose and said, “The Ponies call Detective Smoke to the stand.”
A soft murmur rose from the gallery as the large doors at the entrance of the courtroom opened.
In walked Detective Smoke. He wore a decent dark suit, but kept his well-worn, and quite filthy, trench coat over it. He walked past Fluttershy and didn’t acknowledge her. Instead, he kept his gaze fixed on the bailiff.
The bailiff cleared his throat and said, “Detective Smoke, do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?”
“I do.”
The bailiff nodded and stepped to the side, allowing Smoke a chance to get to the witness stand.
Parker wasted no time, “Detective Smoke, how long have you been a detective for the Canterlot Police Force?”
“I have been an officer of the law for twenty-six years.”
“That’s quite a long time,” Parker said, “Have you ever considered retiring?”
“No.”
Parker clearly wanted to pace throughout the courtroom while the detective gave his answer. The reply gave him quite a shock.
“Are you sure,” Parker asked, “Twenty-six years is a long time to serve your community.”
Smoke nodded, “Yes, and patience is for young ponies. Can we please get to questions that pertain to this case?”
Parker narrowed his eyes and said, “If you wish. You were the pony charged with bringing Fluttershy into custody. Why was that?”
“I volunteered.”
“Yes, but why did you volunteer?”
“Because the Captain asked for volunteers.”
Parker let out an irritated sigh and asked, “What is your relationship with the accused?”
“There is no relationship.”
Dexter rose and said, “Objection, your honor, as much as I’m enjoying this show, can we please get on with it?”
Bloodhoof nodded, “Sustained, and I will thank the defense to adhere to proper procedure.”
“Yes, your honor. I apologize.”
Dexter sat down and smiled at Parker.
Parker cleared throat and said, “You were tasked with apprehending the defendant. Would you describe her as a flight risk?”
“Odd choice of words to describe a pegasus, isn’t it?”
“It’s just an expression.”
“I know,” Smoke said, “She panicked. Nothing more. I believe that, had she been in a more rational frame of mind, there would have been no incident.”
Parker nodded, “But there was a chase, wasn’t there?”
“There was.”
“Is there anything else,” Parker asked.
“There’s a lot more, but I cannot speak on an ongoing investigation.”
Parker nodded and said, “That’s all I have for now.”
“Does the defense have any questions for the witness?”
Dexter rose and said, “Yes your honor.”
He walked to Smoke and said, “First off, I would like to thank you for your many years of service.”
Smoke smirked and said, “My jurisdiction doesn’t extend to Manehattan.”
Dexter laughed, “I do suppose that it sounded like an empty platitude, but I meant it. You do Equestria a service and I thank you.”
“Very well.”
“Now,” Dexter said, “I understand that you cannot speak about an ongoing investigation, but is there something that you can say?”
“Objection,” Parker shouted as he rose to his hooves, “The court cannot risk tainting an investigation.”
“Overruled,” Bloodhoof said, “I’ll leave that distinction to the officer in question.”
He turned to Dexter, “Proceed.”
“Thank you, your honor.”
Dexter turned back to Smoke, “If you will?”
Smoke cleared his throat, “I cannot give specifics, but the defendant was attacked by an officer. It was in that instant when she took flight.”
“Figuratively,” Dexter asked.
“Both. She gave chase through Cloudsdale before being captured.”
Dexter nodded, “I understand that she actually saved the pursuing officer’s life, is that correct?”
His smile broadened as the murmur coursed through the courtroom.
Bloodhoof struck his gavel and said, “Order. Let’s have order here.”
The court quieted and Dexter waited for Smoke’s answer.
“Yes,” Smoke said, “The officer who pursued the defendant was fairly young and eager to impress. I suppose it was that eagerness that resulted in his injury.”
“Objection,” Parker said, this time remaining seated, “How does the witness know that it wasn’t the defendant that injured him in the first place? Was he there?”
“Sustained,” Bloodhoof said, “Witness will answer.”
Smoke nodded, “I questioned the officer and he confirmed that he struck a building resulting in his being rendered unconscious. He then informed me that the defendant treated his injuries before he woke.”
Dexter smiled, “That’s awfully nice of her. Is there any chance that the officer would lie to save some pride?”
Smoke shook his head, “No. That kind of pride is more for old ponies. The young officers are more concerned about being honest than looking strong.”
He paused and added, “He also felt a need to show off the building he struck.”
“This I have to hear,” Dexter said, “Just how hard did he strike that building?”
“Let’s just say that there are some who believe that it was machinery that struck and not a pegasus.”
Dexter let out a whistle, “I can see how that would be the kind of story a young stallion would want to share. Thank you, detective.”
He looked up and said, “That is all.”
Bloodhoof nodded and said to Smoke, “The witness can step down.”
Smoke nodded and did as instructed. He walked down the center of the courtroom and exited.
“Bailiff,” Bloodhoof asked, “What time is it?”
“A quarter past noon, your honor,” the bailiff answered.
“Very well, we shall break for an hour-long recess for lunch. We shall resume then.”
“All rise,” the bailiff shouted.
The courtroom rose and Bloodhoof exited the courtroom.
“Good,” Dexter said, “I’m hungry.”
Fluttershy smiled, “I think you did a wonderful job.”
“I’m not finished yet,” Dexter said, “But yeah, you saving that officer is going to make you look less like a mindless killer to the jury.”
“I suppose,” Fluttershy said and got to her hooves.
Dexter led her back to the room and she rested her head on the table.
“I’ll be back with some food,” Dexter said.
“Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it.”
Fluttershy heard the door close, and she closed her eyes. She didn’t fall asleep, but she did give her mind a chance to rest. Her breathing became more steady and she barely noticed the door open.
“That smells delicious,” she said.
“Well, it looks horrible,” a voice said.
“Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy squeaked as she lifted her head.
Rainbow smiled warmly at Fluttershy and set the tray she was balancing on her back on the table.
“What did I miss,” she asked.
“Not now,” Dexter said, “We’re here for good food and good company.”
He glanced at his tray and said, “Well, at least we have good company.”
Rainbow laughed and said, “Well, we have that.”
She gave Fluttershy a hug and all three began to eat. The food, while quite bland, was made even tastier by the shared company. Fluttershy couldn’t hide her happiness as she ate her food with her oldest friend.
“How have you been holding up,” Rainbow asked.
“I’ve been doing well,” Fluttershy said, “I’m worried about Applejack.”
Rainbow nodded and said, “She’s in bad shape, but she’s fighting. Don’t worry about her.”
Fluttershy nodded, “Thank you.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Rainbow said, “Eat up. You’ll need your strength.”
Dexter laughed, “If you can stomach this, then nothing in that courtroom will shake you.”
“Exactly,” Rainbow said.
“It’s good that you are here,” Dexter said to Rainbow Dash.
“What’s up?”
“I sent a letter to your friend, Twilight Sparkle, asking for all of you to appear as character witnesses.”
Rainbow nodded, “We got the letter last night.”
She smiled at Fluttershy, “They’re all waiting to back you up.”
“Excellent,” Dexter said, “How about you? Are you in?”
“Heck yeah,” Rainbow shouted, “I’m not about to leave her hanging.”
“Good. I hope to have your friends take the stand as soon as possible.”
“Why the rush,” Rainbow asked with food still in her mouth.
“Chew your food,” Fluttershy gently scolded.
Rainbow grumbled but kept looking at Dexter.
“I’m thinking that the judge will want to avoid dragging this trial out.”
“Can they do that,” Rainbow asked, “Doesn’t seem right.”
“It’s not as uncommon as you think. It keeps the courts from getting overly bogged down.”
Rainbow took a sip of her juice and said, “But that means that some information could be missed.”
Dexter nodded, “Yes, but it could also work in our favor. If we make the jury doubt whether Fluttershy planned Grey’s murder, the better the odds are of her being found not guilty.”
“Sounds like too much of a risk,” Rainbow said.
“Maybe, but that’s how it looks like it’s playing out.”
Dexter stretched and said, “It’s almost time. I hope you’ll be in the gallery.”
“Where,” Rainbow asked.
“In the courtroom. Your friend could use the moral support.”
Rainbow nodded, “Oh, I’ll be there.”
“Wonderful,” Fluttershy said.
The three cleaned up the table and made their way to the exit. Fluttershy stopped Rainbow Dash and embraced her.
“Thank you,” she said, “For being here for me.”
Rainbow returned the hug, “Hey, I’m not leaving you hanging. I’ll be right by your side.”
“I know.”
Fluttershy let go, nodded to Dexter, and they left the room.
Ponies were slowly returning to the courtroom, and the murmur became a cacophony.
Fluttershy made her way to the table and sat down. Dexter was digging through his notes as he waited for the court resumed.
“We found some good seats,” a voice whispered behind Fluttershy.
She let out a squeak and turned around.
“Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy exclaimed as she saw her friends smiling at her, “Oh, it’s wonderful to see you all here.”
“Good to see you,” Dexter said, “It’ll do this one some good.”
“Hey,” Rainbow said, “She’s gonna be awesome.”
Twilight, Pinkie, and Rarity all nodded in agreement.
“All rise,” the bailiff shouted.
Silence fell over the courtroom, except for the shuffling sounds of hooves. Everypony rose and Bloodhoof entered the room.
“Be seated,” Bloodhoof said, “I trust everypony had a pleasant meal.”
A quiet murmur of agreement washed over the gallery.
“Very well. I have approved the defense’s request to present his character witnesses, and counsel understands that the prosecution can cross-examine as he chooses.”
“Of course,” Dexter said.
“Very well, you may call your first witness.”
Dexter rose and said, “I would like to call to the stand, Twilight Sparkle.”