//------------------------------// // Hauntings of the Past // Story: Clear Truth: Ace Attorney - The Timed Turnabout // by Dapper Guy //------------------------------// Each member of the gallery within the Canterlot Courtroom all stared in awe at Waltz said. The prosecutor on the other hoof remained collected, contrary to his now disheveled appearance. Gruff Guard stood still, eyeing Waltz with a skeptic eye as he felt his hooves turned to lead weights. “What are you playing at, Waltz?” accused Truth, unintentionally slamming down a hoof on his desk. The silence of the courtroom popped like a balloon as the gallery collectively regained their voices. Waltz merely continued to sit idly by as Truth continued to stare him down. “Whatever could you possibly mean?” Waltz replied casually. “Thanks to your efforts, we’ve gotten an innocent pony free from the hangmare’s noose and caught the true criminal.” Bright Aspect slumped forward over the witness stand, her mane falling over her face like a mask. “First you were against Bright testifying, and now you want to arrest her? You’re not making any sense, Waltz,” shouted Truth. Out of the corner of his eye, Truth could see Spike backing away from him with fear. Guess I’m acting a little intimidating right now. I feel like a monster. Waltz merely smiled as he pulled out a comb from inside one of his pockets and began straightening his mane. “Funny thing, how everything works out in the end, isn’t it Truth?” Waltz said between brush strokes. “Would you like to hear as to why I think our dear Bright Aspect is the murderess?” Truth could hear the timbers of the gallery railing groan in protest as everypony began to hodgepodge together in the front row. With a final stroke, Waltz returned to his former, dapper appearance. “First, let’s think back as to how small a window of time the murder had to have happened. Ten minutes, I believe,” stated Waltz as he levitated the autopsy report up again. “That isn’t exactly enough time to get rid of a body, now is it? Of course she probably had already planned to have it moved elsewhere but she didn’t know what time Fizz Pop would be arriving?” “Bright Aspect already stated in her testimony when Fizz Pop was going to arrive,” interjected Truth. “If she was the murderer, then why would she kill him if somepony was supposed to meet with him?” Waltz tapped on the side of his head, pausing to think. Casting an eye up at the judge, who still remained quite since he shifted his accusation to Bright Aspect. “Premeditated,” he said with finality. Truth recoiled in shock as those words left Waltz’s lips. “You’ve got to be kidding me. Do you honestly believe this mare,” pointing a hoof at the exhausted looking peach unicorn, “is capable of murder?” Truth watched as Waltz sneered back at him with an all knowing smile. “No, I believe she is much more capable than you give her credit for,” spat Waltz. Waltz raised up his forelegs in a dramatic fashion. “I shall play the final part of my song with a fortissimo so that the beauty of my words will be truly understood.” Oh good grief, Does this plothead ever run out of musical quips? Truth thought bleakly. “A certain incident over a year ago caught the public eye in Canterlot,” began Waltz. Ponies began to whisper amongst themselves in their seats as Truth felt a phantom hoof dig into his shoulders. “Normally, I wouldn’t bother bringing this up however the pony in question was our own victim, Clear Aspect.” Truth thought. “Waltz, what does an incident from over a year ago have to with this case?” “Patience, Mr. Truth. As all good things in life, they must be presented with a certain flair,” Waltz calmly answered. “Clear Aspect was thrown into prison for a week for being drunk in public. “ “Mr. Waltz, please. Don’t bring that up!” pleaded Bright. The unicorns eyes were pouring out tears a she leaned over the side of the witness stand. “Your honor, Waltz is deliberately upsetting the witness. I demand we end this line of questioning,” interrupted Truth. I don’t care who you think you are, Waltz. I’m not going to let you drag this mare’s husbands name through the mud. “I’m merely trying to build up the appropriate amount of anticipation for the show,” Waltz replied with an innocent smile. “Prosecutor Waltz, I’m going to have to agree with Mr. Truth on this.” The judge gave a intense stare at Waltz, “Please tell us where you’re going with or I will cease any further questioning on your part. Is this understood?” Truth watched with masked jubilation as Waltz looked as if the judge had spit in his face. “My most heartfelt apologies to you, your honor.” Waltz turned his gaze at Bright who looked even more disheveled a few minutes ago. “Mrs. Aspect, your husband went out that day to drink away his troubles. Something that day drove him to recklessly guzzle down cider like water.” Bright forced herself to stand up, yet a small sag in her posture could still be seen. “Yes,” she uttered out. Tugging at the ends of his cuffs, Waltz “Do you remember what he was being accused of on that day?” Truth stood by, his legs bent almost if he was ready to spring into action. I need to stop this before it gets any worse. “Waltz, I think you’ve said more than enough.” “That’s not for you to decide, Truth,” Waltz reprimanded with steel in his voice. “Bright Aspect husband on that day had been accused of using underhoofed methods within his business that wouldn’t only shame his name but also destroy their very lives. The exact details were never made public but I have ears throughout Equestria. One undeniable truth has come to my attention. A certain pony’s name would always surface during each of the investigations of these illegitimate business dealings.” Truth waited with bated breath as Waltz’ words began to sink in. “And what was this pony’s name?” Waltz smiled. “Fizz Pop.” The gallery roared to life, louder than ever before. Accusations were being shouted, turning the courtroom into a raging madhouse. WHAM! WHAM! WHAM! “I have had more than enough for today! Bailiff, Gruff Guard, clear this courtroom immediatly if you value your jobs!” Both ponies snapped to attention and began to escort ponies out. Gruff threw two ponies over his back after a vehement dispute broke out between the noble and the detective. Little by little, the courtroom was empty save for the six remaining ponies and one drakeling. “Now that everypony has been removed, we may continue. Prosecutor Waltz?” asked the judge. Waltz gave him a bored, lazy eyed look. “I believe you, in your own way, told us of a possible motive for why you believe Bright Aspect’s hoof in the motive, correct?” “Yes, your honor,” affirmed Waltz. The grey coated unicorn stretched himself out like a cat napping in a sunbeam. “Mrs. Aspect, I believe you knew that as soon as you heard Fizz Pop was coming over you assumed the worse. Fearing a repeat of what happened before, you decided to act.” “No, you’re wrong.” Bright looked up pleadingly at the judge, however he merely shook his head. “Your honor, I couldn’t do that. I wouldn’t do that…” Her voice trailed off into small unrecognizable whispers. “Waltz.” Truth felt the fire inside of him beginning to grow as he watched Bright's weakening form spur him forward. “Unless you can prove evidence of anything you’ve said, it’s nothing but baseless conjecture,” he stated carefully. “Do you really think that Waltz has something, Truth?” asked Spike. The young dragon was tapping his chin in thought as he readjusted the straps on the bag on his scaly back. Truth gave him a reassuring smile as he nodded to him. Poor colt, he hasn’t said much since earlier. Maybe I should take him out for ice cream later. Waltz, however, remained unfazed by Truth’s question. Furrowing his eyes, Waltz’s horn began to light up, the tip of his horn starting to shine. Lowering his head, a white line trailed from the end of Waltz’s horn, like a chalk line in the middle of the air. The line began to wriggle and dance like a snake until splitting apart. Inside of the hole, a blue light shone inside of it, sparkling like a sapphire. Sticking his hoof through, Waltz fished around inside until finally pulling out a newspaper clipping. “This is my proof,” Waltz announced, waving around the large clipping. “A young and upcoming journalist made the scoop of a lifetime when he caught Clear Aspect smashed off his plot in public. Care to take a guess where he was drinking at?” “The Jeweled Juice Bar,” Truth grudgingly responded. “Doesn’t it seem a bit farfetched that these two events could be related?” Truth scanned over the clipping, his eyes drawn instantly to the picture on the top right corner of the page. Bright Aspect was out in front, of what he assumed to be Fizz Pop’s bar, a tankard in hand with an unbuttoned, dirtied collared shirt. The headline of the article read ‘Bright or Dull? A banker who holds your bits can’t hold his liquor.’ Newspaper Clipping Scandalous article on Clear Aspect. Published last year. Waltz’s waved a hoof as if he was dismissing Truth’s words. “If you read that article in its entirety, Truth, you would see that Clear Aspect had been accused of a serious crime. Allegedly, he was squandering away money somewhere. Charges were pressed but eventually dropped after no concrete evidence was found. Now, we find ourselves here, with two ponies doing business that not only had a severe blow to their respective companies but also their very lives? I can honestly say why wouldn’t this be the final note on the sheet music?” Waltz slammed down his hooves, drawing all of the remaining eyes in the court to him. “We can’t pass any of this off as mere coincidence.” A tiny but audible bang could be heard as Spike heaved himself up onto Truth’s desktop. “We still don’t know something,” Spike said, his voice taking on a deeper tone. “Young colt, I believe I made myself clear as to what would happen if you were to misbehave,” the judge said firmly. Spike met the judge’s eyes, his small claws balled up into small fists. “We forgot the murder weapon.” The judge looked blown away as Waltz’s confident composure shattered like hot glass. “That’s right,” Truth spoke out, gaining steam from Spike’s interruption. “If you’re theory is that Bright Aspect is the true killer, she obviously wouldn’t have used Fizz Pop’s knife to kill her husband. That means we're missing a crucial piece of evidence. What was used as the murder weapon in this case?” Truth breathed a sigh of relief, thanking Celestia, literally, that Spike had decided to speak up at that moment. Waltz began to chew on his hoof as the rest of the room waited for his response. “I’m afraid I have no answer for that question,” Waltz said dejectedly. “Need I remind everypony that the murder occurred in the home of the defendant? Procuring a knife wouldn’t be a difficult task.” Wham! “It would seem that neither side can prove or disprove who the murderer is at this time.” The judge took a quick look around the courtroom to ensure everypony was listening to his words. “Mrs. Aspect, I would like for you to please cooperate with the police. You will be put under watch from this moment forward until this court has gathered sufficient evidence.” The old earth pony heaved out a long sigh. “Know I don’t usually condone this course of action, however due to the severity of this case, nothing must be left to chance.” “I understand your honor.” Bright remained calm, her face blank of any emotion. The court bailiff escorted Bright out of the room, his eyes holding a small tinge of sympathy within them. “Mr. Truth,” started the judge. The judge’s deadpan expression curled Truth’s stomach as he began to speak. “You have cleared an innocent pony’s name today, yet in an odd twist of fate, somepony else has taken his place instead.” Fizz Pop stood at the back of the room, his wings twitching slight, his pinions standing on end. “As for you, Mr. Pop, You have been cleared of all charges. Though, from what Prosecutor Waltz has presented to us, is there anything you wish to add?” The green pegasus stood idly by, silently contemplating the old earth pony’s words. “No, your honor. In fact I’ve tried my best to forget about that little incident,” he replied earnestly. Waltz’s desk creaked as he leaned forward but nonetheless kept quiet. “Very well. We will continue from here tomorrow, and hopefully some new light will be shed on this case. Court is adjourned.” Wham! The final slamming of the gavel was sweet music to Truth’s ears. Waltz whistled over to Gruff, making the large earth pony stumble his way over to the prosecutor. Several snappish remarks could be heard, until finally the earth pony walked slowly out of the room, his muzzle scrapping against the stone floor. “Well done.” Truth felt his focus return to Waltz who was walking over towards him. Despite just meeting him a few hours ago, Truth hadn’t realized how much taller Waltz was then him. The unicorn stood a few inches higher, not including the tip of his horn. An unusually feminine fragrance exuded from his body, almost as if it was perfume. “You’ve honestly exceeded my expectations, Mister Truth,” complimented Waltz. Offering up his hoof, Truth shook it with honest gratitude. “But by tomorrow, I predict this trial to be wrapped up in five minutes. No more, no less.” And here I thought you were honestly trying to be decent for once. A sudden thought burst into Truth’s head. “There is one thing that I’ve wanted to ask you, Waltz.” Clasping the knot on his tie, Truth cleared his head of any stray thoughts. “Why did you take this case?” Waltz looked abashed by the abruptness of the defense attorney’s question. “I believe I’ve already answered that question earlier. I was personally asked to take this case, there’s nothing more to it.” A black fog began to form, while the sound of iron grating against iron rung out in Truth’s ears. Two ethereal chains crossed in front of Waltz, who seemed perplexed by Truth’s unusual expression. A single red, square lock formed in the air and and ensnared the chains. Only one lock? I was sure there was going to be more. Truth released his grasp on his tie, causing the phantom lock and chains to disappear like a dream. “Don’t be so sure, Waltz. The truth sets everypony free.” Waltz snorted with disgust at Truth’s words. “You’re right, that’s why I know I’ll win tomorrow,” he declared before walking out of the room. -Lobby, Canterlot Royal Courts- -11:05 A.M.- “So what do we do now?” Spike walked along Truth, his stubby legs moving faster than usual to keep up with the stallion’s longer strides. “We went through all that trouble to get Fizz Pop a not guilty.” Truth remained silent but heartily agreed with the young dragon. “We need to look at the crime scene first, Spike,” Truth answered to his assistant’s first question. “Then hopefully we’ll be able to get ahold of Bright Aspect. She may give us some leads, maybe even help prove she has an.” “So, let’s go talk to her already,” Spike said, as if it was an obvious choice. “I doubt the guard will be already done talking with her. They’re probably going to question every trivial detail they can.” Truth paused for a moment to flip open his notepad. “There’s also the case about the murder weapon. If Fizz Pop’s knife wasn’t used, then what was and where did it go?” Spike pulled himself up on a small, wooden bench beside Truth. “Yeah, but even Waltz said that this happened at Clear’s mansion. They probably have knives in the kitchen,” countered Spike. Much as I hate to admit it, Waltz’s theory does hold water. This is the worst possible thing ever. Putting away the notepad, Truth began walking again, causing Spike to hop down onto the floor and jog to his side. “It may sound solid Spike, but Waltz can’t make a solid claim either.” “Excuse me, Mr. Truth?” called out a voice from behind the pair. The court bailiff, in his usual courtroom attire walked up to the lawyer and ragon. “Mr. Truth, I was asked to relay this message to you and your assistant. Mr. Fizz Pop is now being released by the police. He’s asked us to let you know that he wants you to meet with him at his bar.” The bailiff pulled out a small hoofnote from his pocket, the ink slightly smeared at the end. Truth, Come see me at my bar and bring Spike too. It’ll be drinks on me. -F.P. “Thanks.” Putting away the note in his pocket, Truth started to leave before a small question entered his mind. “Bailiff, do you know when the guards will be done with Mrs. Aspect?” The bailiff tugged on the ends of his light blue uniform’s collar. “Hard to say,” he answered politely. “So far, she hasn't uttered a word since they'’ve sat her down.” Can’t say I blame her, she’s become the prime suspect in her husband’s murder, Truth thought. “Is there any possible time for us to visit her when she won’t be under the guard’s watch?” Despite his professional appearance, the bailiff's stony outward display faltered for a second. “Come back around two o’ clock,” said the bailiff. “Around that time, Bright will be given some time to rest. It’ll be good as any other chance to meet with her,” deduced the bailiff. “Now then, gentlecolts, I have other courtrooms to survey. Good day.” “Well Spike, looks like we’d better go and investigate the crime scene then,” Truth decided. “We can visit Fizz Pop afterwards. Maybe somepony in town will point us in the right direction.” Spike smirked, showing off his snaggletooth, “No need, I already know how to get there.” Well, at least there’s somepony, drake I should say, that I can rely on, Truth happily thought. “Hey Spike, jump on my back. It’ll be faster to get there this way.” Truth inwardly thought he didn’t want to keep stopping for Spike to catch up with him. It wasn’t the complete truth but I’d rather not hurt the little colt’s feelings. Lowering himself to the floor, Spike swung his little leg over Truth’s back, his sharp scales pinching his sides. All right, now I gotta go and find the truth to this murder. The defense attorney opened the courtroom’s front doors and walked ou into the open world, ready to find the answers he would need.