Turnabout Reincarnation

by unleashedtwilight

First published

Zecora is murdered in the Everfree Forest, and the Pony on trial is... FLUTTERSHY!?

Zecora is murdered in the Everfree Forest, and the Pony on trial is... FLUTTERSHY!? Phoenix is sent, once again, into Equestria to defend the unicorn pony's friend. Along with a few of Phoenix's friends helping him on the way.

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Hey guys, this story basically takes place six months after the events in Turnabout Storm. I had this idea in my head and decided to write and alternate sequel to see which of them you like better. Hope you enjoy it.

Prologue

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Golden Oak Library
June 11th, 2:30PM

“How did you manage to get her to come here?” Twilight asked tilting her head.

“Well, Pinkie Pie did, not me…” Phoenix answered.

“Still, her show was a bit more tolerable than it was last time…”

“It may be because I’m still new here, but I thought the magic she did was amazing.” Phoenix smiled.

“I’m not talking about the magic, I mean the name-calling and boasting; she was a little more tolerable than last time she was in Ponyville. I think she may be on the road to a better life-style.” Twilight smiled.

Rarity on the other hand just gave a look of doubt and anger. “What are you talking about, Twilight!? That conceited, ill-mannered, unsavory, degenerate called me Hag-ity! I’m not a hag!” Rarity exclaimed.

“And did you hear what she said to me!?” Applejack added. “She told me to lend myself as a rodeo clown! better life-style my hoof!”

“Baby steps girls, baby steps…” Twilight smiled sheepishly. “By the way, did you ask Trixie the question yet?” Twilight asked turning to Phoenix.

“Yeah. I did…” Phoenix said feeling a little embarrassed.

“So, you saw them…” Twilight turned her head.

“I didn’t see anything.” Phoenix said making Twilight look confused. “I asked the question you told me to ask her, but nothing happened.”

“Nothing?”

“Well… uh… something happened…”

“N-nevermind, nothing happened…” Phoenix said smiling sheepishly himself.

“But I could’ve sworn…”

“Hello.” Princess Celestia said interrupting their conversation.

Whoa! This is the first thing in Equestria that meets me on eye level! Phoenix thought to himself in astonishment.

“Princess!” Twilight said with a bright smile.

“Uh… Princess?” Phoenix said turning back to Celestia.

“Phoenix! Bow!” Twilight said sternly.

“It’s alright Twilight; there’s no need for him to bow.” Celestia responded.

So this is her… Phoenix said staring at the sun goddess. I want an explanation, now! “H-Hey, you!”

“Yes?” Celestia asked tilting her head.

“Twilight told me you told her to bring me here because you knew me!” Phoenix exclaimed. “Then you told her to deceive me!”

“Oh, she did, now?” Celestia said turning to her student.

“I’m sorry, but I had to tell him…” Twilight said looking a little guilty.

There was a short pause before Celestia turned back to Phoenix. “I understand… I really appreciate what you’ve done for my subjects, Phoenix. It’s really an honor meeting you.”

“But Princess, you said you knew him…” Twilight said.

“I’ve NEVER seen you in my life,” Phoenix added. “and you couldn’t have watched any of my trials. You’re not exactly inconspicuous.”

There was another short pause before Celestia spoke. “Why I’m here though, is to deliver your payment. I’d rather deliver it personally, as something seems to be wrong with the mail in Ponyville. I sent out a letter a few days ago and only yesterday did the recipient get it. I wonder what happened…” Celestia said with a confused look on her face.

“Uh- heh heh… yeah… I wonder…” Twilight said smiling sheepishly.

“Wait… you’re paying me?” Phoenix asked a little surprised.

“Of course.” Celestia said with a warm smile. “You didn’t expect to be rewarded for your efforts?”

“It’s just I’m not used to being paid real money for my work…” Phoenix admitted. “Most of my clients pay me with an ‘IOU’...”

“Well, here is a symbol of mine, and everypony’s gratitude…” Celestia said giving Phoenix a big bag of bits. “I thank you again. I don’t think a defense attorney in Equestria would have been able to do what you did. You see, Equestria has been in quite the peaceful state for centuries outside of a few minor crimes, and it turns out it still is, as you proved the crime was nothing more than an accident.”

“Then what’s with the royal escort?” Phoenix asked referring to the guards. “I mean, if it’s so peaceful and all…”

“Even though it’s peaceful, there are still entities who try to disrupt the peace. That’s what the guards are for.” Celestia smiled. “But most of the time, these guards are around for ceremonial reasons.” she giggled. “In fact, these past few days are probably going to be the most excitement they will have for a long time.”

“I see…”

“Oh, right! Phoenix?”

“Yeah?”

“Please give Maya, Pearl, and Edgeworth my regards. It’s a shame I couldn’t meet them as well.”

This time Phoenix was beyond shocked. “B-but… but how…?”

“Goodbye, Phoenix… Or you prefer Nick, don’t you?”

“How do you know all this about me!?”



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Everfree Forest
Date:???, Time:???

Where… where the hell am I…? A strange female earth pony with red hair got from what had looked like a long sleep. What is this place…? “Ah!” she exclaimed in the realization of what happened. “My sister… that traitor!!” The pony exclaimed in anger hitting the ground. But then went into another realization… What the… where are my hands!? she tried to stand on two legs but quickly lost her balance falling over. “Ugh…” the pony groaned as she crawled toward the nearest puddle, only to have a look of complete and utter shock at her own reflection. “What’s happened to me!? Is this supposed to be a punishment!?” she groaned again and tried to stand, only this time on all fours.

“It wasn’t just my sister…” the pony looked down. “It was him… and her!!” she exclaimed in the open forest. “Mia Fey… MIA FEY!!!”

“Who makes this noise?” A voice asked as the red headed earth pony turned to where the voice came from. It was a strange looking zebra.

What the hell is going on here!? Is this supposed to be hell!? Or am I somehow still alive… she thought to herself.

“Who are you?” The zebra asked. “Have you come traveling from Ponyville too?”

“Ponyville…? I’ve never heard of it.” The Zebra raised an eyebrow at the redhead earth pony.

“That is a surprise to me, for Ponyville is just a short distance from my tree.” The zebra paused examining the unknown pony. “May I ask your name?”

The pony paused before answering. “Dahlia… Dahlia Hawthorne.”

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Wright and Co. Law Offices
December 24th, 12:00PM

“Come on Nick!” Maya exclaimed. “We need to get a tree!”

“Maya, for the billionth time, I’m not going to put a Christmas tree inside the office.” Phoenix stated.

“Man, I swear, you get more and more boring by the day!”

“Mr. Nick.” Pearl exclaimed stepping in. “Are you upsetting Mystic Maya again?? You know you shouldn’t be upsetting the person you’re going to spend your life with!”

I seriously don’t need this right now… Phoenix thought to himself. “Alright, you win, you and Pearls can go pick out a tree so we can decorate it.”

“Yes!” Maya exclaimed happily.

“I knew you couldn’t say no!” Pearl exclaimed as well. “You would do anything for Mytica Maya, wouldn’t you?” Phoenix sighed.

“We’ll see you later Nick!” Maya said as she headed out the door.

“Goodbye Mr. Nick!” Pearl added following Maya.

Phoenix just sighed in relief as he went to sit at his desk. Finally some peace and quiet… he thought to himself. Those two girls are tough… especially Pearls. She always expects me to do so much for Maya. I guess it’s understandable considering her past family customs. Plus there aren’t that many men in the village she came from… Kurain Village. The place where both Maya and Pearls came from. I’ve only been there once, and that one time turned out to be a horrible time for Maya. She was accused of another murder because Pearls mother, Morgan Fey basically framed her. Her intention was to originally have Pearls be the next master of the Kurain Channeling technique, but her plan backfired, and she was sent to prison. Phoenix stopped and opened his drawer revealing a very familiar picture. I wonder If I’ll ever be able to see them again… Phoenix just sighed placing the picture back in the drawer, closing it.

“Nick!” Maya exclaimed walking back in. “They said that there aren’t anymore trees for sale! Go chop one down and bring it back here!”

“Do I look like a lumberjack??”

“Please??”

“No!” Phoenix then felt a slap from Pearl. “Ow!”

“You have to do what she says Mr. Nick!” Pearl firmly exclaimed.

Why me…? Phoenix then saw Peal sneak by him and open his drawer. “H-hey!”

“You still have this!?” Pearl asked showing the picture of seven ponies around Phoenix. “What did we say about creepy pictures Mr. Nick!”

Phoenix just snatched the picture out of Pearl’s hand. “It’s not creepy, it’s a momento!”

“Nick, there’s no such thing as magic talking horses.” Maya said with a smug grin on her face.

I knew I should’ve never told them… “They are real.”

“No they aren’t.” Pearl said. “You really need to act your own age Mr. Nick!”

Great, I’m being told I need to act my own age by the nine year old…

Just as Phoenix was about to argue with Pearl, there was a huge flash. “What the!?” Phoenix exclaimed covering his eyes. Eventually the bright flash faded revealing a small figure. “I...it’s you…”

“Phoenix…” the purple unicorn. “I’m so glad I found you here…” she said in tears.

“Huh?” Phoenix said looking at her. “Twilight, what happened? Why are you crying?"

“Phoenix… it’s horrible… there was a murder in Equestria, but this time I’m sure it’s murder.”

“W-what!?” Phoenix exclaimed. “How can you tell!?”

“Because, knives don’t fall from the sky Mr. Wright!” Twilight snapped and slowly looked down. “It killed one of my friends…”

“What!? Who!?”

“Z...Zecora…” Twilight Paused. “She lived in the Everfree forest…” she paused for a second to notice a shocked Maya and Pearl Fey. “I’m… sorry, who might you be?”

Maya and Pearl couldn’t help but stare at the purple colored unicorn. There was a few seconds of silence until Maya broke it. “Y...you’re real??”

“Of course I’m real!” Twilight exclaimed.

“I uh… tried to tell them, but they didn’t believe me.” Phoenix shook his head. “So who’s the one being accused for murder this time?”

Twilight looked down before she answered. “F...Fluttershy…” she choked saying her name.

“WHAT!?” Phoenix exclaimed. “That’s just insane! There’s no way she could’ve done it!”

“I tried telling the police that, but they wouldn’t listen to reason! Please Phoenix, I need your help one last time… I need you to prove my friend innocent.”

Phoenix just looked down. I can’t believe this is happening again… I can’t just leave Fluttershy. She would never do such a thing! “Alright Twilight. I’ll defend her.”

“Hold it!” Maya exclaimed. “Where do you think you’re going!?”

“Maya, I have to do this!”

“Not without us, you’re not!” Maya exclaimed. “We were worried sick about you the last time you disappeared!”

“Yeah!” Pearl added. “You’re taking us with you!”

Phoenix just looked back at Twilight. “Do you mind if they come as well…?”

“Not at all.” Twilight nodded. “I’ll also need to transport the judge as well… hmm…”

“What’s the matter?”

“Well, we’re in need of a prosecutor as well, and Trixie doesn’t want to be the prosecution this time.”

“Don’t worry, I think I may know a prosecutor qualified for the job.” Phoenix then took his phone out of his pocket and dialed a number, waiting for someone to answer.

“Edgeworth? It’s Phoenix…”

Chapter 1

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"Please, my friend. I must insist you do not be here in the end!"

"In the end...? What do you mean?"

"A pony is coming this way, a pony with which I sensed great evil, getting worse day by day."

"But you told me she was a friend!... What has she done to make you think she's evil??"

"Please Fluttershy I must urge you to--"

*THUNK*

...

"You talk way too much..."

"Wh...why!? Why would you do this to her!?"

"...I didn't do this... You did..."

There was a high pitched scream...

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Golden Oak Library
December 24th, 1:45PM

A huge flash engulfed the library frightening the purple dragon. But his fears passed as he saw it was Twilight coming through and...

"Phoenix!!" Spike exclaimed running up to the defense attorney. "You have no idea how awful it is! Fluttershy--!"

"He knows, Spike. I already explained everything to him before we got back." Twilight said to the purple dragon.

Spike then turned his attention to everyone else. "Wait, who are they? I mean, I recognize the judge but everyone else looks different."

"Spike," Phoenix started. "These are my assistants, Maya and Pearls."

"Assistants?"

"Well, more friends than assistants but yeah." Phoenix turned his attention to the man in the red suit. "And this is my friend since I was young, Miles Edgeworth."

"Oh my gosh!" Peal spoke out. "He's so cute!!" She exclaimed hugging the baby dragon.

"C-cute...!?" Spike said in embarrassment.

"Oh he so is!" Maya added hugging the baby dragon as well.

"I must say that it is wonderful to be back in Equestria again! All these ponies are simply marvelous!" The judge said with a grin on his face.

"Wright..." Edgeworth spoke out. "When you told me the situation over the phone, I nearly thought you were going insane... Is everyone in... equestria a talking horse?"

"Hey! What's with humans calling us horses?" The purple unicorn exclaimed. "It's pony. Not horse. PONY!"

"M-my apologies Miss. Sparkler..."

This time Twilight looked like she was about to lose it. "IT'S... SPARKLE!!" She shouted at the top of her lungs. "NOT... SPARKLER!!"

"T-twilight take it easy!" Phoenix said. "It's only his first time here after all!"

"Urg..." Twilight groaned. "I think we should just get on to the investigation."

"Shouldn't we visit the defendant first? Fluttershy?"

"Unfortunately, visiting hours aren't until later in the afternoon. We're going to have to start the investigation first this time."

"I suppose I'll start the investigation..." Edgeworth said walking out the door.

"H-hey!" Phoenix exclaimed. "Don't you think you should investigate with us??"

There was a short pause before he answered. "Regardless the circumstance, I intend to question the defendant with all I have. For that is apart of my creed."

Everyone just looked at Edgeworth in shock... All except Phoenix who had a confident smile on his face. "Then, you better bring it in court. But wait, do you even know where to find the Everfree forest?”

Edgeworth smirked walking out the door. “Don’t worry, Wright. I shouldn’t have too much trouble.”

"Phoenix, I thought you said he was going to help..." Twilight said. "But it looks like all he wants is to see Fluttershy get a guilty verdict...!"

"That's just how he is, Twilight. But don't you worry, I know what I'm doing picking him as prosecutor." Phoenix paused. "We've both helped each other a lot in the past, and I'm sure when the right moment presents itself, he'll help us again."

"If you say so... I'm trusting you Mr. Wright."... "Ah!"

"W-what is it??"

"Your attorney badge! Where is it??"

"Huh?" Maya spoke out. "What do you mean? He's wearing it."

"No! That's not the right badge for Equestria! He was given one by the princess specifically for Equestria's trial!"

"Can't I just get another one??" Phoenix asked.

"Hang on! I have to send a letter to--"

*knock
Knock
Knock*

"Who could that be?" Twilight asked opening the door.

"FEENIE!!" A pink pony ran in hugging the unsuspecting defense attorney. "I'm so happy to see you again!!"

"P-pinkie Pie, that hurts..." Phoenix let out.

"Oops! Sorry about that!" Pinkie got off and quickly got a look at the others. "Ooohhh... Who are they?"

"Hi, I'm Pearl!" Pearl was the first to speak out. "I've never seen a pink talking pony before!"

"WOW! You're small!" Pinkie giggled. "Humans must grow a lot!"

"And I'm Maya!" Maya said with a smile. "Me and Pearly always help Nick with his cases!"

"Who's Nick?"

"Uh... It's their nickname for me..." Phoenix said rubbing the back of his head.

Pinkie Pie just laughed. "But it sounds nothing like your name! I like FEENIE better!"

"Wait a second..." Twilight interrupted. "Didn't Princess Celestia call you that name before you left?"

"Yeah... And she also told me to give Maya, Pearl, and Edgeworth her regards..." Phoenix said. "I still find it strange..."

"How did she know about us...? I think I would've remembered meeting a princess." Maya said.

"I have no idea..." Twilight said. "She can be very secretive at times. Like she knows more than she's letting on a lot." There was another knock on the door. "Huh? Who could that be?" Twilight said opening the door quickly gasping.

"What is it? Who's at the door?" Phoenix asked.

"It's... Princess Luna!"

"Princess Luna??"

Just then, a dark blue alicorn with waving hair walked into the room, holding a letter. She immediately turned to me. "Mr. Wright I presume?"

"Uh... Yeah, that's me." Phoenix said. This one is almost as tall as Celestia!

"I've come to bring you something from my sister, personally." She levitated a pink badge. "She assumed you would've forgotten it."

"Uh..." Phoenix blushed. "She assumed right..." He smiled sheepishly and grabbed the pink heart attorney badge. "So wait, your sister is Princess Celestia?"

"Yes, she is my older sister." Luna paused. "She also sent me to allow you to enter the detention center a little early."

"Well that's great! When should we go?"

"Immediately." Luna said with a stern tone.

"Luna's right. We have to get all the information we can out of Fluttershy." Twilight said.

"Well, alright..." Phoenix said. "Let's go... Wait." Phoenix paused. "Pearls, why don't you stay here with Pinkie Pie, Spike, and the judge?"

"Okay Mr. Nick. I understand." Pearl nodded.

"Alright, let's go."

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Detention Center
December 24th, 1:55PM

“I can’t even imagine how nervous fluttershy must be…” Phoenix sighed.

“She must be terrified…” Twilight added. “Being a pony like her, this must be killing her…”

“H..huh…?” A voice said from the other room in detention. “P-Phoenix…!?”

Phoenix, Maya, and Twilight all turned their attention to Fluttershy, who was still in tears. “Oh my gosh…” Maya let out.

“Phoenix…!” Fluttershy managed to to say in a slightly louder tone. “Oh I'm so happy to see you...! You know I didn’t do it, I would never kill her!”

“I know Fluttershy… I intend to prove that in court.” Phoenix said. “Oh, I suppose I should introduce you… this is my friend, Maya Fey.” He said as Maya slightly bowed.

“I can’t believe this is happening again…” Fluttershy sniffed.

“Are you sure it wasn’t an accident…?”

“I’m positive!” Fluttershy exclaimed surprising everyone. “A knife isn’t a force of nature…” Fluttershy looked down. “And I saw the real killer do it…”

“W…”

“WHAAAT!?” Everyone exclaimed.

“Fluttershy, you didn’t tell us you saw the real killer!” Twilight exclaimed. “How could you leave such important information away from us??”

“Because I don’t want any of you getting hurt!” Fluttershy exclaimed.

“Any of… what does this have to do with us??”

“She told me if I reported her, she would kill one of my closest friends…”

“Do you know the name of this pony…?” Phoenix asked.

“No… I had no idea who she was or why she wanted to kill Zecora…” Fluttershy said trying to hold back tears. “Phoenix it was like looking at a demon from Tartarus… her red hair… that evil grin… the look in her eyes… it’s not pony!”

“Did you see what kind of pony it was??” Phoenix asked.

“She was an earth pony… with a flower for a cutie mark…”

“Are you sure you don’t know the name of this pony?” Phoenix asked holding his hand in his pocket.

“I told you Mr. Phoenix… I don’t know…” Fluttershy turned away…

Just then, a numerous amount of chains and five red locks could be seen around Fluttershy. Just as I thought… she’s hiding something else. But why would she try to hide the pony’s name? Maybe… maybe this killer is craftier than we thought… “Alright, thanks Fluttershy.” Phoenix said. “One more question; what were you doing in the Everfree forest anyways?”

“I went to see Zecora and check if she had any remedies for one of my animals, angel bunny. He’s really sick.” Fluttershy answered.

Hmmm… nothing this time. Guess I can trust her on that. At least it’s not the same thing that happened with Rainbow Dash… “Thank you Fluttershy. We’re going to go investigate the crime scene and--”

“NO!!” Fluttershy screamed. “You can’t go into the forest now!”

“W-why not!?”

“Because the real killer is still in there somewhere!!”

What!?” Phoenix exclaimed. “But Edgeworth just went to investigate the Everfree Forest!”

“Oh my…!” Fluttershy exclaimed.

“I have to go find him!” Phoenix exclaimed and without another word, ran out the door.

“Phoenix wait!” Twilight exclaimed running after him along with Maya.

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Everfree Forest Entrance
December 24th, 2:25PM

“Edgeworth!!” Phoenix called out from the entrance, about to run in until he was stopped by a tackling Maya. “Maya get off!”

“Are you insane!?” Twilight exclaimed. “Fluttershy just said that the killer could still be in there, and you just go running in like a maniac!?”

“I have to find him!”

“Edgeworth will be fine!” Maya exclaimed trying to keep Phoenix down. “You have to have more faith in him!” But without another word, Phoenix pushed himself off and continued running in. “Nick!!”

“I don’t understand, he never acted this way the last time he was in Equestria!” Twilight exclaimed. “Come on!” they were about to bolt until they were stopped by a rainbow maned pegasus.

“Whoa, what the hay is going on!?” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

“Ah!” Maya exclaimed. “P-picture!”

“Huh??” Rainbow looked at Maya. “Who in the hoof are you!?”

“Rainbow Dash, there’s no time for introductions! Phoenix just ran into the Everfree Forest with a killer on the loose!” Twilight exclaimed in a panic.

“WHAT!?” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “Nix is in there with a killer!?” she said getting ready to fly. “Wait here!” She quickly flew into the Everfree Forest!”

“No! Rainbow Dash!!”

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Everfree Forest
December 24th, 2:30PM

“Nix! NIX!!” Rainbow Dash called out flying around the forest aimlessly. “Where are you!?” The Rainbow maned pegasus pony just kept searching until she saw a tall figure. “Nix! there you are!” She flew in at top speeds about to catch up to him, but then stopped when she saw the figure’s face. “Huh??”

“What in the!?” Edgeworth exclaimed turning to Rainbow Dash. “Who are you??”

“I should be asking you that question! Why are you in the Everfree Forest with a killer on the loose!?”

“I’m here investiga--... wait, did you say the killer is in this forest as we speak!?”

“That’s what Twilight told me!”

“Look, I have to find evidence for the trial!”

“Did you not hear what I just said!?”

“I heard you loud and clear, but I have made risks such as this in the past.”

“Who are you anyways?”

“Edgeworth, Miles Edgeworth.” They both seemed to be calm. “How did you know I was in here?”

“I didn’t…” Rainbow Paused. “Twilight said that she saw Phoenix run into the forest!”... “NIX!!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed flying off.

“Wait!” Edgeworth exclaimed only to get ignored. “Urg…” he sighed and continued to look for evidence.

“Hello.” A voice said from behind Edgeworth.

“Huh?” he said looking at where the voice came from. “What…!?” he said in shock. In front of him was a red haired earth pony with a flower for a cutie mark.

“What are you doing in the forest at this time?” The pony asked. “There’s a killer on the loose after all.”

“I came in here looking for evidence… you see I’m the prosecutor for the trial of Fluttershy…”

The Red haired earth pony smiled slightly. “Well, let me tell you that I saw the whole thing happen right before me… I’ll even show you where.”

“You witnessed the murder…?” Edgeworth asked. “You saw Fluttershy kill the victim…?”

“Yes. And like I said I’ll show you where it happened.” Edgeworth just paused staring at the pony, lost in thought. “What’s the matter? Are you afraid of the killer being there as well?”

“N-no, it’s… I feel as though we have met before.”

The pony paused before she responded. “I promise you, we have never met. You are a human after all…”