//------------------------------// // Day 1: Sonata // Story: A Prosecutor's Past // by Songbrony //------------------------------// Twilight walked into her library, being careful not to wake Spike. First, I should do more research on that Magatama and what it's side effects are. I wasn't able to see the locks that Phoenix claimed surrounded Princess Celestia. But I was still able to feel the emotions from Trixie. Is it possible that I may not be able to see them, but still feel them? she thought as she looked through her library. Phoenix didn't say anything about what happens after you lose the power, but I don't think he even knows that. she thought. She pulled the book she used the last time she did her research, Mythical Items From Far Away Lands and flipped to page 291. "The Magatama is an instrument who's magic allows the user to tell when an individual is hiding a dark and personal secret. It has been stated that an individual could potentially break the locks if they are presented with facts and evidence and attain the information they were searching for." She skipped a few pages that talked about some cases it was used in. "After it's magic has worn off from the user, they are no longer able to see these locks. Not much is known about the after effects, however, it has been known to cause it's past users to sense strong emotions and personal qualms within another. These senses only are felt if the emotions are targeted or caused by the individual who senses them." she read aloud. Her eyes grew wide as she reread that last passage. "So it is possible for me to feel some of those emotions. And the fact that the book says I'd only be able to feel them if I was the cause of the emotions or if they were directed towards me just makes my suspicion of it being the Ursa grow." she said. She placed the book back to it's place. "But she said I should follow the evidence. The only evidence I know of is that Ursa and this past trial." A thought ran through her mind. "Or maybe it's because of what Sonata said during the trial. It has nothing to do with her last visit as she led many to believe; that was just the icing on the cake. The Trixie we see right now is nothing but a helpless phony taking on this egotistical persona to cover up her pitiful insecurities. she thought. I should go talk to Sonata about that. Maybe she can give me more information on what's making Trixie act like this. Ponyville Detention Center June 11, 4:46 P.M. Twilight walked up to the detention center, hoping Sonata hadn't been transferred yet. As she walked up, the guards at the front stopped her. "Halt! You aren't allowed in." one of them exclaimed. "Please, I just need to speak with Sonata before you take her away." Twilight pleaded. "I'm sorry, Miss Sparkle, but I can not allow you entry into the Detention Center." he said. "Why can't she?" she heard a voice say behind her. She turned around and saw the judge standing there with his gavel in hand. Does he always walk around with that in his hands? she thought. "Orders are that nobody can see her." the guard replied. "But she was the co-counseler to the lawyer that cleared her name for murder. I think she deserves at least one visit with her." he said. "Well..." the guard hesitated as he tried to pull up a reason why she couldn't go in. "As the judge at her trial, I say to let her in." the judge said. "Yes. R-right away." the guard replied. Twilight ran into the Detention Center eagerly. The judge followed her in and sat next to her at the designated glass barrier. "Miss Sparkle, how are you this afternoon?" the judge asked her. "Pretty good! Rainbow Dash was found innocent and nopony got banished. I don't think things could have turned out better." Twilight said happily. "Glad to hear it! You know, I never got to actually thank you for bringing me to this wonderful world!" he exclaimed. "It's absolutely marvelous!" "I'm glad you liked it." she said. "Um, Your Honor, do you mind if I ask you something?" "Please, just call me Judge. What is it you wanted to ask me?" "When you first heard about the trial and the evidence given, how much did you believe in Trixie's stance?" she asked. "Hmm. Well, while I thought that she was very snide and rude, I felt like she had a pretty solid case. I didn't expect you two to pull it off, even with Phoenix's record." he said. "That bad, huh?" she said. "Oh, but it doesn't matter! There was decisive evidence that allowed me to give a proper verdict." "Only after you said she was guilty." Twilight pointed out. "Ehhh, no matter! I think I better be off. I still have a lot of sightseeing I need to go do. Maybe I'll see what this certain green pony's obsession with hands is all about." he said, quickly getting up to leave. "W-wait!" Twilight exclaimed, but he had already left the building. Man he's quicker than I would've thought. "Well hello, Twilight. What are you doing here? I would've thought that you would be saying goodbye to Phoenix." she heard Sonata say behind her. "Oh, hello Sonata. Phoenix and I already said our goodbyes. He's back in his own world now." Twilight said. "Oh. I see. Well, he came by and said goodbye to me. I didn't think he would leave this early though." she said sadly. "It's okay. He's needed elsewhere though." Twilight told her. Sonata smiled. "Yes, I'm sure he is. May I ask why you're here? I'm supposed to be transferred to a cell in Manehattan shortly." "Well, it's about what you said at the trial, about Trixie." "What about her?" Sonata asked. "Well...what did you mean by the Ursa only being the icing on the cake? Everything I know about Trixie points to her resentment starting at the Ursa Minor." Twilight explained. "Ah. That. Well, I don't think I should be the one telling you about it. After all, it's none of my business. I only know everything about her because she was in the same grade as me. In fact, I know a lot about ponies who don't know anything about me. And I don't mean that because of me blackmailing ponies." Sonata said. "When I was in Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns, I stayed in the back, watching what others did and learning from them. Ponies show a lot about themselves when they think nopony is watching them." she said. "Wait, you were in the same class as Trixie?" Twilight asked, surprised. "Yes. And she scored at the top of her class, even above me. Didn't Phoenix tell you about this?" she asked confused. "No. How did he know that?" Twilight asked. "I told him when he broke into my hotel room. I thought he would've let you know." Sonata said. "Well, it doesn't matter. What matters is that you knew her before she came to Ponyville. Was she like that back then?" she asked. "Not at first. It was only after her idol humiliated her in front of the class that she started turning into, well, you saw that for yourself during that Ursa event." she explained. "Her idol? Who was it?" Sonata shook her head. "I'm sorry, but that's all I'm at liberty to say. I can't give another pony's secrets out. Not anymore. Not after what happened..." she said, grimly. Oh, that's right. Ace Swift died because he became angry after Sonata couldn't do the blackmailing anymore. Twilight thought. "I understand. I'm sorry about what happened." "It's okay. Don't worry about it. The important thing is that nopony is going to get hurt now because of what we were doing." she said smiling. "Oh! Have you been able to donate the money to help Cruise Control's sister's condition?" "Not yet. The money is still being transferred. With the amount you're donating, it's going to take a while longer until I'm able to." Twilight said. "But I will as soon as I can." Sonata smiled. "Thanks, Twilight." "Visiting hours are now over. All visitors must leave the Detention Center." a voice said at the door. "Well, I guess this is goodbye for awhile." Sonata said. "You be careful, okay?" Twilight asked. "I will." Sonata said. "And Twilight. Thanks for coming by and talking. It's going to get lonely over the next year." "You're only in for a year? How'd you get that?" "I had some help from the Princess. She was able to convince the council to give me a reduced sentence, based on the fact that I helped give crucial data to a murder investigation." she said. "I'm extremely grateful she did that for me after what I tried to do to your friend." Twilight smiled. "It's her job to look after her subjects. Besides, she know's that you didn't want to do it anymore and that you were troubled by it." "I guess so. Thank you again, Twilight Sparkle. I won't forget what you or Phoenix did for me." She smiled back and was led out of the room. Twilight left the Detention Center and began to walk back to the library. She wanted to send a letter to Princess Celestia. One to say thanks for what she did for Sonata, and two to see if she could come up and visit. She wanted to ask her mentor about Trixie and if she remembered her from her classes all those years ago. Ponyville Library June 11, 5:04 P.M. Twilight entered her home, not trying to be quiet as her mind was elsewhere. She heard Spike groan in the other room. Oops, I forgot he was sleeping. she thought. She walked up to her room and laid on her bed, taking a quill and paper with her. "Dear Princess Celestia. I know I just sent you a letter a little bit ago, but I wanted to thank you for what you did for Sonata. She deserved a little break after what she did for Rainbow Dash, despite knowing the consequences for her actions. But, I also wanted to make a request. Would it be alright if I were to come by and visit tomorrow? I want to ask you a few things face to face regarding Trixie. I know it's short notice, but I really need to ask you for help on this one. She's going to be leaving soon and I don't want her to go before I have a chance to figure out what really happened to make her hate me so much. You're faithful student, Twilight Sparkle." She finished writing her letter as Spike walked up the stairs. "You know, you could be a little more quiet when you're walking in." he said, yawning rather loud. "I'm sorry, Spike. My mind wasn't fully focused on what I was doing when I walked in here." Twilight apologized. "Can you send a letter for me? I know you just woke up, but it's really important." "Yeah, yeah, I guess I can." he said. He took the letter and sent it to the Princess in a ball of magic fire. "There. It's sent." he said. "Good. Hopefully I get a reply soon." she said as she looked out her window towards Canterlot. "Twilight, why is it so important you get a reply back so soon?" he asked. "I'm doing some research on the Magatama and I need the Princess' help." she lied. "Maga-whata?" Twilight giggled. "Just an old mythical artifact. I'm just trying to increase my knowledge." "Typical." Spike said as he slumped on the bed. He burped and a letter appeared in front of them in a ball of fire. Twilight picked up the letter and began to read it. "Dear Twilight Sparkle. I understand your concern regarding her. If you so wish, you may come by tomorrow morning and we can discuss things in private. I have a pretty good feeling Spike is listening to you read this aloud, isn't he?" she said. Twilight looked to Spike and giggled. "Get some rest Spike. I'll be in later to tuck you in." "I don't need to be tucked in. I'm too old for that." he said, jumping down and walking down the stairs. Twilight smiled. "And even if he isn't, I would prefer, just as you do, to speak face to face on the matter. See you tomorrow morning." She sighed. So Trixie was really at the school for Gifted Unicorns. And if Sonata was right about her being at the top of her class, there should be some files of her at the library or in Celestia's private office. She yawned, placing the letter on her desk and walking down the stairs to Spike's room. She walked in and found him laying in bed, his sheets barely staying tuck. She walked over to him and tucked his sheets over him nice and snug with her magic. "Good night Spike." she said to her sleeping friend. She walked out of the room, and closed the door behind her. I'll head off tomorrow morning early. I want to have as much time as possible to figure out all I can on her past.