One year after the events of Malum Prohibitum's first few cases, he is faced with a plot to rid Canterlot of Changelings, and a new Prosecutor.
My name is Malum Prohibitum. I grew up alone, not knowing my family. My father was killed during a trial, and my mother was a thief who stole more then she bargained for.
One year after I revealed that my mother was the one to end not only her own life, but that of her sisters, a run of killings have occurred. . . and most of the suspects appear to be changelings. Now, I must find the truth behind them, if I am to help Princess Heart and Princess Celestia successfully complete the changeling merge.
Cases included: Turnabout Hotel Turnabout Party Dreams of Turnabout The Royal Turnabout
My name is Malum Prohibitum, I'm a Defense Attorney. One year ago I started my career with a case headed by an element of Harmony. Because of this, I was given the job as the royal attorney, meaning that even one of the Princesses could call on me.
However, I soon learned the truth behind my mother's dissapearance and the secret she died for. I've rested for awhile, letting this soak in and taking a break from my normal career. But my story doesn't end there.
In fact, it begins one year later, in January. I was called in to defend a silly pony by the name of Fast Track.
January 25th, 10:00 PM Canterlot Courthouse Defendant Lobby Number One
I sighed as I stood in the defendant's lobby, waiting to be called into the courtroom. Nearby, a pony was fidgeting. My client.
"I swear I didn't do it!" The pony, a purple coated pegasus with a silk top hat exclaimed.
I sifted through my notes and found his info. His name was Fast Track, he was an illusionist. He is suspected for the murder of his friend, a pony by the name Scribble Swirls, an artist. How she died. . . suffocation in her bed.
"Mr. Track, listen to me. My job, heck, my life is about finding the truth. And I believe that you aren't guilty." I explained to him, helping him to relax a little.
"T-thank you Mr. Prohibitum. . ." He sighed, sitting back in his seat to wait for the doors to open.
"I'm sorry for asking again but, what happened?" I asked Fast as they waited.
"I was on my way to the convention, but I forgot my silk hat. When I opened the door, the hotel maid was there along with Scribble's. . .body. . .and the detective. . ."
"Why did they arrest you?" I wondered.
"I was the last pony to talk to Scribble alive." Fast replied, "And to think, I finally had the courage to ask her out."
I sighed, "That's. . .that's rough. . ."
"Yeah. . ."
I groaned as I went to ask my last question, "Do you know why someone would hurt Scribbler?"
"N-no!" Fast shouted. "No one could have a reason, she wouldn't hurt a fly!"
"I'll find the truth, I promise." I assured Fast
I pulled out my badge and gave it a long look. Rarity, the element of Generosity, gave it to me upon her retiring from defending. I smiled at the memories and slipped the badge away as the bailiff entered the room to collect us.
The trial had begun.
January 25th, 10:30 AM Canterlot Courthouse Courtroom No. 1
The judge smacked his gavel down to get everyone calmed down enough to begin the trial. "Court is now in session for the case of Fast Track. Prosecution, are you ready?"
A smug, grey pegasus chuckled as she continuously flicked her wing tip against her forehead. "Of course, your honor."
Malum shook his head, "A little too confident today, are we?"
The prosecutor chuckled. "If it isn't the famous Prohibitum. I've been looking forward to this for a long while. You mall call me Faux Justicine."
"If we're done chatting," The Judge cleared his throat, "Defense, are you ready?"
Malum nodded, "Yes your honor."
The Judge nodded, "Good. Then the Prosecution may give it's opening statement."
"Early yesterday, a hotel maid found miss Scribble Swirls dead in her hotel room. She shared the room with Fast Track. We believe that they were here for some sort of convention." Justicine stated.
"And the murder weapon?" The Judge asked.
"We believe she was suffocated by a hotel pillow, and today I will provide evidence that it was Fast Track who was holding said pillow." Justicine concluded.
"Well then. The Prosecution may call it's first witness." The Judge stated.
"Of course your honor. I'd like to call the hotel maid." Justicine replied.
"Why not just call the Detective up first?" Malum asked.
"Because he would've said exactly what I just stated." Justicine smirked, "So unless you want to waste our time. . . "
"The Defense may wait until the Cross Examination before shouting." The Judge stated.
"A-alright. . ." Malum groaned.
A few moments later, a white colored pegasus with a striped pink mane took the stand.
"Witness." Justicine grinned, "Please tell the ponies of the court your name and occupation."
"I-I'm Daisy Dreamer. . .I'm a cleaning maid for the High Hoof Hotel. . ." The pegasus timidly stated.
"So you found the body?" The Judge asked.
"I. . . .I did. ." Daisy mumbled.
"The please testify as to how you came across this." The judge asked.
WITNESS TESTIMONY
--How I found the Crime Scene--
I was doing my rounds at the hotel.
I got to their room at noon.
I knocked, but there was no answer.
That's when I used my master key and walked inside.
That's when I saw her body. . .
"Hmm. . . . Miss Dreamer, did you check the body to see if she was still alive?" The Judge asked.
"I-I did your Honor. . .her body was still warm." Dreamer answered.
"Your honor, before I start my cross examination, can we add this statement to her testimony?" Malum asked.
"Ms. Dreamer, would you mind?" The Judge implored.
"O-ok." Dreamer whispered.
"Good luck Attorney." Justicine smirked.
CROSS EXAMINATION
I was doing my rounds at the hotel.
"About what time do you start your rounds?" Malum asked.
"10:00. Most guests are gone for the day by that point, and those that aren't are usually on their way out." Dreamer explained.
"And how long does it take to finish the rounds?" Malum pressed.
"About two and a half hours. . .when I'm by myself. . ." Dreamer whispered.
"Oh dear. . .were you working alone on the day in question?" The Judge asked.
"Yes." Dreamer replied.
"As much fun as learning about the lack of maids at a popular hotel is," Justicine sighed, "I'd like to continue with the testimony today."
"The Prosecution makes a point. Ms. Dreamer, please tell us when you got to their room." The Judge stated.
I got to their room at noon.
"Do you remember if anypony left the room before you started your rounds?" Malum asked.
". . .I think I saw two ponies leave. . .and one came back. . ." Dreamer hummed in though.
"Do you remember what they looked like?" Malum pressed.
". . . only the defendant." Dreamer answered.
"Ms. Dreamer, I'm curious, how did you know to go inside the room?" Justicine wondered.
"Oh, well. . ."
I knocked, but there was no answer.
"So, do you knock on every door?" Malum asked.
"No. There are little door signs for each room. One side tells me it's empty, the other side tells me that someone is inside." Dreamer explained.
"As it stands, the door signs were missing when the witness arrived. We didn't find them in the initial investigation." Justicine explained.
"Because there wasn't a sign, I knocked. It was curious because I knew the room was being used." Dreamer stated.
"What did you do after you knocked, Ms Dreamer?" The Prosection asked.
That's when I used my master key and walked inside.
"You. . .used your master key?" Malum asked, "Tell me, besides you who else has access to a master key?"
"Besides me there's the Front Desk Supervisior who has one. And then the Hotel Manager or his Assistant Manager." Dreamer stated.
"So, at any given point, there's only four master keys?" Malum clarified.
"Yes. . .that's it." Dreamer nodded in affirmation.
I feel like I should ask for something more. . . Malum closed his eyes in thought for a moment before opening them. "Ms. Dreamer, how many copies of room keys do you keep?"
"In total? Only two per room. One is lent to guests while the other is kept safe at the main desk." Dreamer explained.
The Judge slammed his gavel. "I think we've talked long enough on this subject. Ms. Dreamer, what did you find upon entering the room?"
That's when I saw her body. . .
"And the body was still warm right?" Malum asked.
"Yes, she died not long before I got there." Dreamer explained.
". . . ." Malum paused, "Are you sure?"
"Yes. . ."
"Then why haven't you mentioned the defendant?!" Malum accused.
Justicine fluffed her wings before speaking, "Thank you for pointing that out Prohibitum. Ms. Dreamer, I'd like you to tell us what you did after you found the body."
She was waiting for me to notice! Malum silently cursed.
"I thought that testimony was odd. . ." The judge murmured. "Yes, let's hear what happened after the witness found the body!"
WITNESS TESTIMONY
--After I found her--
I was still in shock from finding . . .finding the body
But I decided to see if I could find any clues as to what happened.
That's when I heard the front door open.
And that's when I saw that pony in the defendant's chair, holding the room key!
"So you're saying that he returned to the scene of the crime?" The Judge clarified.
"Yes. He did." Dreamer stated, "I saw it."
I can see the smug grin on Justicine's face. But sadly, I can start to see holes in the testimony. Malum thought to himself.
"If the defense is ready, we will begin with the Cross Examination." The Judge stated.
CROSS EXAMINATION
I was still in shock from finding . . .finding the body
"So. . .did you know the victim?" Malum wondered.
"N-no. . at least, not personally." Dreamer answered.
"Not personally?" Malum repeated.
"Well you see. . " Dreamer began.
"I'm afraid that what the victim did is of no concern to the court." Justicine chuckled.
"Your Honor, we may learn something useful." Malum pressed, hoping the Judge would go along with his plan.
"Hmm. . ." The Judge hummed, "I suppose learning more about the victim could shed light on a motive. Witness, how did you know the victim?"
"She. . .she was one of four ponies selected to be the students of Princess Luna." Dreamer said, causing the court to fall into silence.
"I tried to stop you Malum. But you couldn't resist proving your defendant's motive." Justicine giggled, "He killed her out of jealousy. He wanted to be Luna's student."
"Now, Ms. Dreamer. Tell us what you did next." Justicine commanded. "I'm not ready to end the cross examination."
But I decided to see if I could find any clues as to what happened.
"W-what did you find?" Malum asked.
"I found the room key on the floor, and all but one of the pillows were knocked off of the bed." Dreamer hummed in thought, "Actually, come to think of it. . .the bed itself was rather messy. . ."
"Of course it would be, she was suffocated on that bed after all." Justicine smirked.
I should probably ask about one of the things she found. Malum pondered, "Dreamer, can you tell me more about the key you found? Like maybe where it is this moment?"
"I left it there, on the ground. The police should have it. . " Dreamer explained.
"I can confirm that the police did indeed find this key, and confiscated the key belonging to the defendant." Justicine grinned, "Both are accounted for."
"W-WHAT?!" Malum gasped.
"Hmm, so both keys were accounted for. . ." The Judge hummed, "Ms. Dreamer, can you tell us what happened next?"
That's when I heard the front door open.
And that's when I saw that pony in the defendant's chair, holding the room key!
"Are you absolutely sure this is what happened?!" Malum asked.
"Y-yes. . ." Dreamer replied.
"Something has been bothering me this entire time. . .and it wasn't until I learned about the keys did it start to fall into place." Malum said, "And what you stated makes it impossible for my defendant to have been the killer."
"He was the only one with that room key, it couldn't have been anypony else!" Justicine growled.
"I'm afraid he wasn't the only one with a key. Because Scribble had a visitor, and he left his key behind!" Malum exclaimed.
"B-but. . . no pony else left the room before Ms. Dreamer got there!" Justicine growled.
"Exactly." Malum grinned, "Think about it. The body is still warm, the murder had just happened. Fast Track is a pegasus, he couldn't have teleported away. And if so, why did he come back?"
"W-well. . " Justicine stuttered.
"Also, something else had been bothering me. If it was a suffocation, why was the body still warm?" Malum wondered. "If it was a slow death like suffocation, and the body was still warm, the killer should have still been in there. Slow deaths means the heat leaves faster."
"So, what are you suggesting Mr. Prohibitum?" The Judge asked.
"Either the murder took place a few minutes before the time in which Dreamer assumed it happened and it wasn't a suffocation, or the killer teleported out of the room." Malum explained.
"B. but that means that there was a third pony on the scene of the crime!" Justicine hissed. "But that's ridiculous!"
"Order! Order!" The Judge slammed his gavel, getting the court to calm down. "I'm starting to wonder if we really should have heard from the detective first. But what I really want to know is, who could possibly be able to enter the hotel room that day. Malum, who is your suspect?"
Malum slammed his hooves on his desk. "My suspect? I don't know quite yet. But I'd like to ask the front desk clerk to tell us how the spare room key got in that room."
"Hmm, I'd like to know as well." The Judge agreed, "Alright. While the prosecution finds and ready the witness, we shall have a 30 minute intermission. Court will reconvene then." He then smacked his gavel, and the court room was emptied.
January 25th, 11:30 AM Canterlot Courthouse Defendant's Lobby No. 1
We got back to the lobby not long after the recess was called. Fast Track seemed distracted, and I had a few pieces of evidence to look over.
"M-Malum. . . do you really think someone killed her because of her status?" Fast asked as he fiddled with his hat. "I mean, her and I have never been to Canterlot before. . ."
"You mean, she became Luna's student, but never actually came here?" I wondered, "How?"
"I promised not to tell. . ." Fast mumbled.
"If you won't talk, I'll just guess until I'm right. I'm told I'm good at that." I suggested, watching him sweat a little more in response.
"A-alright. . .I. . .she's. . .a Dreamwalker." Fast said, suddenly growing fiercely serious. "You can't tell anyone about this. It was Luna's announcment. For the event. ."
"Event? You mean the Changeling Merge?" I asked, seemingly remembering reading something like that.
"Yes. The Merge. It's why I came with Scribble. . . why we rented the hotel. . .why I was looking forwards to being with her. . . " Fast mumbled on until he fell quiet.
"Was. . .was Scribbler a. . " I went to ask, before a hoof slapped on my mouth.
"No. Don't even say that. She wasn't one." Fast whispered harshly. I could feel him trembling though, and new he was still hiding something.
I moved his hoof away, "So she was only a half changeling then?"
". . . " Fast didn't speak this time. In fact, he remained quiet for the rest of the recess.
January 25th, 12:00 PM Canterlot Courthouse Courtroom No. 1
A thick silence hung on the courtroom. Justicine was hunched over her desk, sweat pouring from her face. The Judge sat in silent surprise, his eyes wide, and staring at the witness stand. For standing there was Detective Silver Wings, looking a little embarrassed.
"Can uh. . .can somepony tell me why the nice Detective is here?" The Judge finally asked, killing the silence.
"I'm here because a certain Prosecutor didn't ask for the trial to be held for an extra half hour." Silver Wings huffed.
"Can you tell us why we needed to wait?" The Judge asked.
"Sure. The Autopsy wasn't finished, apparently they were looking further into it and found out that a couple other things was. . .off about the body. ." Silver mumbled the last bit.
"Mind showing us the autopsy report?" The Judge asked Silver, his eyebrow now arched.
Silver handed the autopsy report over to the bailiff, who ran it to the Judge. A few moments passed before his face turned red. "Oh. . .oh wow. . ."
"Should I ask the problem your honor?" Malum hesitantly asked.
"Well, according to this report, the death wasn't caused from suffocation. It was a broken neck." The Judge coughed.
"There's something else. . .isn't there?" Malum grimaced, a good guess as to what was on his mind.
"Yes well um. . .it seems she. . .that is to say. . . they found a stallion's. . . .semen in her. . . ." The Judge tried to explain, before his face turned redder and his tongue stopped working.
"She was killed while . . .having sex?" Malum murmured.
The whole court sat in silence for a few more minutes before Silver chuckled. "What a way to go though."
"Detective, please. . ." Malum groaned.
"*ahem* So, Detective. . ." The Judge recovered, "Did you have somepony analyze the. . . . semen?"
"We did, but no matches to any stallion on record." Silver replied.
"Thank you Detective, you are excused now." The Judge explained, much to Silver's joy. "Now, Ms. Justicine."
"Urk!" Justicine gulped, "Yes, your honor?"
"I'm afraid I'm going to have to penalize you. One more mistake and I'll hold you in contempt." The Judge explained, a slightly scary look crossing his face.
"I. . I understand. . ." Justicine gasped through gritted teeth.
"Now, let's continue with the case of Fast Track." The Judge paused, "Did you really. .?"
Fast blushed, "Trust me your Honor. . .I would've loved to, but I was waiting."
"For what?" The Judge wondered.
"I was going to ask her to wed me." Fast replied.
"Wait. . .so you two were. . .dating?" The Judge exclaimed.
Fast nodded, "Yes sir."
"So now we have a new motive." Justicine smiled. "He walked in on Scribble during her session, and was about to attack her 'mate', but he teleported away and so Fast killed the next closest pony."
"I WOULD NEVER!" Fast shouted.
"ORDER!" The Judge hollered. "While I find the prosecution's statement hard to believe, I would ask the defense to keep its client under control."
Malum nodded, "Of course, your honor."
"Now can the prosecution bring up the witness the defense called for?" The Judge asked.
"O-of course your Honor. . " Justicine spoke quickly.
A light brown pony with a blonde mane and blue eyes took the stand.
"Wintess, please state your name and occupation." Justicine asked.
"I'm Hopper Bell. I work the front desk at the High Hoof Hotel." Hopper stated.
"Mr. Bell. Is it true you were working in the hotel on the day of the murder?" The Judge clarified.
"It is." Bell replied.
"The please testify to what you did that day." The Judge asked.
WITNESS TESTIMONY
I got to the desk about 5 in the morning.
Nothing much happened until about 8.
That's when the renters came down to the lobby for breakfast.
Then at 12 I clocked out for lunch and somepony else replaced me for the afternoon shift.
I was gone the rest of the day.
"So. . . you had been at your desk your entire shift?" The Judge asked.
"Yes. That is right." Hopper nodded.
"I see. The defense my begin the cross examination." The Judge stated.
CROSS EXMINATION
I got to the desk about 5 in the morning.
"Why so early?" Malum asked.
"Because, some renters don't show up until that early, and others are leaving at that point." Bell explained.
"I wish I could rise that early. . ." The Judge sighed.
Malum coughed, "Alright, so what did you do next Mr. Bell?"
Nothing much happened until about 8.
"So it wasn't a very busy day?" Malum clarified.
"Nope, not very busy at all. . ." Bell replied.
"The more pressing question is what started at eight." Justicine stated. "Witness?"
"Right, what started at eight. ."
That's when the renters came down to the lobby for breakfast.
"So, the victim would have been alive then, right?" Malum asked.
"I wouldn't know. Didn't even know I was connected to this case. Don't even know how I am yet." Bell rambled.
"The witness does have a point. . .he doesn't seem to be connected to the current case." The Judge hummed.
I better hurry and find a connection fast, or my client is doomed. Malum fretted.
"Witness, is there anything else you did that day?" Justicine asked.
Then at 12 I clocked out for lunch and somepony else replaced me for the afternoon shift.
"Why were you replaced?" Malum wondered.
"I got food sickness and called in sick." Bell replied.
"That's awfully convenient." Malum pressed.
"I hope you aren't suggesting that the witness here is lying about his whereabouts." Justicine scowled.
"Well, are you Malum?" The Judge wondered.
"Er no, just saying that it was pretty convenient is all." Malum gulped.
"Either way, you have to have evidence to show where the witness was. Otherwise his testimony stands." Justicine smirked.
"I'm aware." Malum sighed.
"Anyways, witness, anything else you'd like to say?" Justicine asked with a giggle in her voice.
I was gone the rest of the day.
"Because you were sick?" Malum clarified.
"That is correct." Bell replied.
"Well, that is the end of the cross examination." The Judge announced, "I don't really remember why we had this witness testify in the first place. . ."
"Isn't it obvious your honor? The Defense here was stalling for time." Justicine smirked.
"It seems that your inexperience is showing Justicine. If you remember, we called in this witness to learn if he knew anything about the key we found in the hotel room!" Malum exclaimed.
"Heh, alright. . ." Justicine continued smirking, "Then let's ask. Witness, do you know anything about this key?"
"Hmm, looks like a hotel key. What is it's importance?" Bell asked.
"Mr. Bell, this key is the spare for the room that the victim and defendant are sharing." Malum explained, "And the only time it could have gotten there was during your shift!"
Bell gasped and flinched back. "But. .but that. ."
"Mr. Bell." The Judge spoke, "Can you tell us how the key got there?"
". . ." Bell grit his teeth in silence.
"I guess we have our killer." Malum stated, "The Defense rests."
"Hmm, while we still don't know his motive, it seems clear he's guilty. And in that case, I'm prepared to hand down a verdict." The Judge stated.
"Y-Your Honor!" Justicine stammered, "You can't honestly believe that the front desk clerk could have done this."
"Can you explain why he won't tell us how the key got up to the crime scene?" Malum asked.
"It must have been planted, by the defendant!" Justicine fretted.
"You're forgetting two things: The Defendant already had his key, and he had no way to plant the fake key, leave and return to the crime scene without the maid catching him first." Malum countered.
"U. .URK!" Justicine choked, her eyes filled with rage.
The Judge cleared his throat."If there are no more objections, then it's time for me to hand down a verdict. I find the defendant. . ."
"W-wait. . " Bell sighed, "There's more I have to say."
"W-what?" The Judge stammered.
"I was told to hold my tongue, but I'd rather be fired then found as a murderer." Bell explained.
"Who told you not to speak?" Malum wondered.
"The. . .the Hotel Owner/Manager. . ." Bell grimaced.
"W-what?!" The Judge exclaimed, "Why would he ask you not to speak?"
". . ." Bell paused, "Because I would have been fired. . "
"Please, please tell us everything." Malum asked.
"And if it helps ease your mind," The Judge spoke, "We will have someone collect the manager from the hotel and hold him here in the court."
". . .all right. . .the truth is that just before I could check out, the hotel manager asked for the room key. It wasn't anything new." Bell sighed.
"So, why have you remain silent?" Malum wondered.
"Because. . .I was just asked. I don't know why, honestly!" Bell pleaded.
"Hmm, Malum, what does this mean? What do we do?" The Judge asked.
"Isn't it obvious?" Malum smiled, "The Defense requests to examine the Hotel Manager, and find the truth."
"Hmm, I believe that would be the best course of action." The Judge agreed, "Justicine, find the manager, bring him in."
"O-of course your honor. ." Justicine grumbled.
The time it took to collect this new witness was about half an hour, but finally a larger unicorn stallion with a dingy tan coat and a greasy black mane took the stand.
"So, can somepony explain why I was brought here?" The pony asked.
"Witness, you are here because another witness said you took the spare key to the room the murder happened in." Justicine explained.
"And? Last time I checked, the Hotel Manager can mess with whatever key he wants. It's his hotel, after all." The pony gave a smug grin.
"Will you still state your name and occupation for the record?" Justicine asked.
"Hosteller Season. Proud owner and manager of the High Hoof Hotel." Hosteller answered in his smug voice.
"Mr. Hosteller. . ." The Judge hummed, "Regardless of your status, we still need an explanation as to why you took that key."
"If it pleases you. . .I suppose I can chat." Hosteller chuckled.
"Then will the witness please testify as to what he was doing on the day of the murder." The Judge asked.
"Of course." Hosteller replied.
WITNESS TESTIMONY
--That Key. . .--
"Alright, so about 10 o clock that day I was called to the front desk."
"There I saw the mare, the victim, struggling with the front desk operator."
"I questioned them about what was going on, and found out that she lost her key."
"So I asked for it and escorted her back to her room."
"I guess she must have dropped it inside after I left."
--End--
"Hmm. . .so that's how it wound up there." The Judge hummed.
"You see, Your Honor? Nothing wrong had happened." Hosteller smiled.
"I suppose not. This all seems like a waste of time. . ." The Judge agreed.
"I still have a right to Cross Examine him Your Honor." Malum stated.
"Alright. . .I'll allow it." The Judge sighed.
CROSS EXAMINATION
"Alright, so about 10 o clock that day I was called to the front desk."
"What were you doing before that?" Malum wondered.
"Paperwork." Hosteller stated simply.
". . ." Malum paused.
". . ." Hosteller gazed off in the distance.
"So, Mr. Hosteller. Please tell us what happened afterwords." Justicine sighed.
"There I saw the mare, the victim, struggling with the front desk operator."
"Odd you should say that. Mr. Bell didn't mention that at all!" Malum stated.
"Hmm, he didn't? I don't know about you, but either I'm thinking of a different day or Mr. Bell just didn't want his problem being aired." Hosteller replied, not seeming threatened in the slightest.
"Those both seem the more logical, especially the latter scenario. Objection overruled!" The Judge exclaimed.
"Hey! I didn't get a say in that!" Justicine pouted.
"Oh. . ." The Judge paused. "What were you going to say. . ?"
"Er. . .what the witness just said." Justicine answered.
"Then the objection is double overruled." The Judge stated, smacking his gavel to punctuate his statement.
He refuted my objection like it was nothing. . Malum sighed. "Go on."
"I questioned them about what was going on, and found out that she lost her key."
"You might've gotten out of the last contradiction, but this one is a little more difficult." Malum smiled. "You say she lost her key. But we already know her stallion friend had it. Why would she ask for a second key? Why not just borrow his?!"
Hosteller grimaced and smacked a hoof against the witness stand.
"Perhaps she couldn't find him." Justicine guessed.
"Are you sure you want to propose that? You do know that if he was nowhere to be found that means he'd have a solid alibi." Malum grinned.
"Urk! Why you. . ." Justicine growled.
"So that leaves us with our original question, how did that key get up to the room?" Malum asked.
Hosteller recovered then, and began to chuckle. "Oh, my mistake fair ponies of the court."
"Huh?" Malum gulped.
"The witness will tell us of his mistake." The Judge demanded.
"You see, it wasn't the mare who asked for the key. It was the defendant. He locked the room key inside the room and needed the spare." Hosteller explained.
"Oh. I see." The Judge gave a relieved sigh, "So it was the Defendant who left the spare key in the room."
"He probably forgot about the spare after finding the original copy." Justicine surmised, "And that also fits perfectly with the maid's testimony as well."
"Ack!" Malum grimaced. "No!"
"Well, I think that's the end of that." The Judge stated, "It seems everything has been explained, and this spare key is just a red herring."
"Wait, Your Honor!" Malum hurriedly shouted, "I'd like to call Mr. Bell in here to verify what happened."
"Hmm, I don't think that's really necessary. . ." The Judge hummed in thought. "I'll allow it if the Prosecution agrees to it."
Justicine smiled. "Sure, why not? I have nothing to lose."
"W-wait." Hosteller panted, "You can't call him in. He'll just lie."
"And how do you know?" Malum wondered.
"He lied about me asking for the key didn't he?" Hosteller panicked.
"Come to think of it, he did." Malum agreed, "He lied under your say so."
"Uh. ." Hosteller gasped.
"Mr. Hosteller, you have some explaining to do. Why did you ask the front desk pony to lie?" The Judge reprimanded him.
"I. . .uh. . ." Hosteller continued to panic.
"I can answer that, Your Honor." Malum stated, "But first a question to the prosecution."
"What could I possibly say?" Justicine scoffed.
"Did you ever find out what the victim did that day?" Malum wondered.
"We have witnesses saying she and Fast Track appeared at breakfast. Then Fast Track went off to preform his routine while the victim. . .!" Justicine paused and gasped. "N-no!"
"What is it Prosecution?" The Judge wondered.
"The victim. . .returned to her room. Nopony saw her leave. . ." Justicine sighed.
"Your Honor, with this information, what Hosteller said earlier was a lie." Malum said with a sigh of relief.
"It is? How?" The Judge wondered.
"Think about it. The victim is in her room. The defendant is out doing his routine. Niether needed to ask for the key because somepony was inside of the room the whole time." Malum explained.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Hosteller hollered.
"Order in the court!" The Judge barked. "Now, witness. I want you to tell me the truth this time. Why did you take the key?"
". . . ." Hosteller grumbled a little, but nodded anyways.
That was a close one. I'll have to make sure not to back track now. Malum thought to himself as te
WITNESS TESTIMONY
--That Key part 2--
"Alright, so. . .I asked for the spare key."
"I was told by a resident that something was the matter."
"Upon investigating I found the victim and defendant engaging in. . .questionable activities. . ."
"I was in shock, and must of lost grip on the key."
"That is all, your honor."
--End--
"So. . . you were made aware of the activities of the victim and defendant?" The Judge clarified.
"That is correct." Hosteller answered.
"Well that seems to fit things." The Judge decided.
"Your Honor! Don't forget that I still get to Cross Examine him." Malum pressed.
"How can anyone forget when you won't stop reminding us?" Justicine snorted.
CROSS EXAMINATION
"Alright, so. . .I asked for the spare key."
"Why did you hide this from the court?!" Malum exclaimed.
"Because. . .oh I dunno. . .maybe I was afraid of being accused for murder?!" Hosteller snapped.
"I don't blame the witness for fearing that. Not with Malum's track record." Justicine smirked.
"Alright Hollester, tell us why you took the key." Malum asked.
"I was told by a resident that something was the matter."
"About when were you told?" Malum asked.
"Just before twelve. Like Mr. Bell said. That's when I took the key." Hollester explained.
Alright, now for the coup de gras! Malum thought to himself.
"Well, what were they doing when you got there?" Justicine asked Hollester.
"Upon investigating I found the victim and defendant engaging in. . .questionable activities. . ."
"I was going to say there was a contradiction here." Malum smiled, "But that's wrong, there's actually two!"
"W-what?!" Hollester panicked.
"First, if you really got there at about 12, you would have witnessed the moment of the murder." Malum pointed out, "And second, the maid. She was almost to the room at that time. She would have seen you leave the room."
"I. . .uh. . ." Hollester paused.
Justicine glared at the witness but said nothing.
"Hmm. . .what are the defenses thoughts about this contradiction?" The Judge asked.
"Simple. I think Hollester was telling the truth. He was there at the time of the murder. But I doubt he was there because a guest was complaining." Malum explained.
"Then tell me Attorney. . .why was I there?" Hollester asked.
"I don't know." Malum answered.
"Then why accuse me?!" Hollester huffed.
"I don't know because I never asked Fast." Malum looked over at his client. "Fast Track. Who was in charge of paying the hotel. You or the victim?"
"It. . .it was the vitcim. . " Fast answered.
Malum grinned, "So Hollester, to answer your question. You were there to demand payment."
"Wait, but then the maid should have seen him!" Justicine objected.
"Not if he teleported out after the victim died!" Malum repled.
"Ack!" Justicine gasped.
". . ." Hosteller grit his teeth.
"Hmm," The Judge hummed, "That. . .seems to make sense."
"Your Honor, don't let the Defense fool you. I went there to collect pay? Then why was the victim found dead with a broken neck and covered in semen?" Hosteller asked.
". . ." Justicine's jaw dropped.
". . ." Malum smirked silently.
The Judge blinked a couple of times. "Mr. Hosteller. . .you do realize what you just said. . .don't you?"
Hosteller blinked. "What?"
"Mr. Hosteller." Malum continued to smirk. "We haven't actually said how the victim died since you were brought here. And I know you weren't here when we did."
"Ack!" Hosteller gasped.
"And to answer your question. I bet the victim begged you to let her stay in the hotel. And you used her predicament to get free sexual favors from her." Malum guessed. "Unless you'd like to explain why that maid didn't see you there."
Hosteller gave one final shout before falling over to the ground. The whole court was still in silent awe.
"Well. I do believe we have everything we need." The Judge cleared his throat. "If there's no more objections, I will now hand down my verdict."
"The Defense rests, Your Honor." Malum stated.
"The Prosecution. . .rests. . ." Justicine sighed.
"Then the Court finds the defendant, Fast Track. . ."
N O T G U I L T Y
"Court is now Adjourned." The Judge announced with a smack of his gavel.
January 25th, 2:00 PM Canterlot Courthouse Defendant's Lobby No. 1
"Thank you Malum." Fast Track almost cried, giving me a big hug.
"Hey, it's no big deal. I've had harder cases then this." I assured him. "I am sorry about what happened to your marefriend though. . ."
Fast grew silent for a moment before speaking. "Actually. . .I have a confession. She wasn't the only one who was guilty of being a changeling." With that, Fast transformed before my eyes, revealing a changeling standing before me.
"You. . .you're one of them?" I shook my head, "Did not see that coming. . ."
"Well, it was kind of obvious. Neither of us came from near Canterlot, remember?" Fast chuckled. "Anyways, I guess I'll just head out. Thanks again Malum."
With that, Fast Track left, and I was alone. I spent the next few minutes sorting through evidence and getting rid of everything I no longer needed. I was so absorbed in my work that I didn't notice another pony bounce up to me.
"HeymisterlawyerponymynameisPinkiePieandIwastherewhenyoudefendedTwilightSparkle. Do you remember? Do ya do ya do ya?" An excited pink pony asked me.
"W-what?" I asked, "Wait. . .Twilight. . .I do remember that case. . .you're. . .Pinkie Pie, right?"
Pinkie let out a loud gasp, "You do remember me! YAY!"
"Um. . .can you tell me why you're here Pinkie?" I asked her.
"Oh yeah, that!" Pinkie giggled, "You see Malum, there's this merge thingy, and I was asked to organize a party so big that it would make the Gala seem small! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?! I'M SO NERVOUSCITED!"
"Whoa, calm down Pinkie. And sure, I'd love to go to the party." I replied, unable to keep a straight face for much longer.
"Alright then Mr. Lawyer, follow meeeee!" Pinkie cheered as she took off down the hall.
And little did I know, that as I struggled to keep up with her, this week had only just begun, and with it, a whole ton of cases. Including one that would ruin the biggest party ever. . .
As I caught my breath in the ball room of the palace, I thanked Celestia that the detention center wasn't far from the palace itself.
"You really need to work out!" Pinkie exclaimed. The pink pony bouncing around as if she didn't just speed across a few city blocks.
"Hey!" I shouted. I didn't come here to be insulted!
"Of course you didn't! You came here because I need your help to set up my humongus party!" Pinkie replied.
Did. . .did she just. . . I paused, "Wait, I thought the party was already in progress?"
"Oh, right. The party actually starts at nine o clock tonight." Pinkie informed me, handing me a bright pink envelope. Inside that was a letter stating the details of the party. When and where it's being held, as well as why.
I quickly stuffed it into my pocket with a sigh, "Alright. I don't have anything better to do anyways. What do you need first?"
"First? Hmm. . .what do you know about Changelings?" Pinkie asked me. I paused a moment, collecting my thoughts.
"They are shapeshifters, and they seem more bug like. Recently, Princess Heart and Princess Celestia have been working together to bring about the Merge. Which is, as I understand it, the allowing of Changelings to live in Equestria as equals and have the same rights." I summarized.
"I'm glad you knew that Slick." Pinkie smiled.
"Slick?!" I scoffed.
"Just look at that mane! All greased up and slicked back! If it were spiky I'd call you Prick." Pinkie beamed obliviously.
Thank Celestia for not having spiked hair. I groaned quietly.
"Alright, I think I've procrastinated enough. Let's get this party making party started!" Pinkie cheered after a few moments of silence.
The next few hours would be quite busy for me. But I felt trouble was brewing the entire time.
January 25th, 9:30 PM Canterlot Palace Ball Room
About a half hour after the party started, me and Pinkie found ourselves near the DJ table.
"ISN'T THIS PARTY GREAT?!" Pinkie shouted at me over the loud music.
"IT'S KINDA LOUD ISN'T IT?" I shouted back, hoping that the DJ would switch to a softer song.
"YOU'RE RIGHT!" Pinkie shouted, "IT NEEDS TO BE EVEN LOUDER!"
Before I could correct her, Pinkie bounced off to the DJ's stand. I sighed and started making my way through the crowd to a more secluded corner of the ball room. The music was also harder to hear here, and as such not many ponies were here in this corner.
"Malum?" A familiar mare's voice called out to me. I turned to her, and found it was a pony I knew.
"Mora?" I replied in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
The golden coated unicorn with a darker gold red-streaked mane smiled, "I was invited to be here, got one of these stupid pink things."
"Just be glad you didn't have to help set this up." I chuckled.
"So, you were roped in?" Mora asked me.
"Unfortunately. So where have you been since the last case?" I wondered.
Mora sighed and looked down at her hooves. The case I mentioned delt with her father and mother, as well as my own mother. "On vacation. I needed time to think."
"I see." I hummed. "How is Durum doing?"
"My father is still imprisoned, and all his dealings in the last 20 or so years is being investigated. Even if he didn't kill a pony, he still manipulated crime scenes and conceal evidence." Mora explained.
"I'm sorry to hear that." I sighed. "So, do you think you'll ever come back to prosecute?"
Before Mora could answer me, a loud bang reverberated around the ball room. Mora and I pushed our way through the sea of ponies to find a hole in the wall, with a pony dead on the ground. On the other side of the hole was a very familiar Changeling.
"Velum?!"
January 26th, 9:00 AM Canterlot Detention Center Visitors Room No 1
"So, seems fate finds us back here." Velum sighed from behind the glass divider.
"So, before we talk about what happened, I wanna know what happened to you after the last time we met." I explained to him.
"Hmm, well I moved out of those apartments, got myself my own house here in Canterlot, and as soon as the merge passes I'm going to be proposing to a mare that's been living with me." Velum replied.
"A mare? Tell me more." I asked, genuinely intrigued.
"Where do I begin? She's the loveliest shade of green, bronze colored mane. Her magic is a more yellower gold. . . " Velum sighed whimsically.
So, he's dating another unicorn. . .huh. I shook my head. "Alright, well, can you tell me what happened?"
"Well, the noise was getting to me, so me and my marefriend moved over to another room." Velum answered, "We stayed there and talked for awhile, and then a pony came in and started asking us questions. Before I knew it I was blinded by some ink from his inkwell. When I was finally able to look, that pony was found dead after being shot through the wall with some sort of portable cannon."
"A. . .portable cannon?" I echoed.
"Yeah, it was a small blue cannon. I have no clue how it got there." Velum sighed.
"Hmm. Well Velum, what do you say? Should I defend you again?" I asked him.
"I would've asked if you didn't." Velum smiled.
"Great. Well, I'll go ahead and make my way to the crime scene." I told him before moving towards the door.
"Oh Malum? Do you think you could go talk to Princess Heart for me as well? I wouldn't feel right leaving her in the dark." Velum spoke up before I could leave.
I smiled. "Alright, I will."
January 26th, 9:30 PM Canterlot Palace Meeting room No. 1
Police were swarming the room. No doubt the evidence was already snatched up. I made my way over to the golden mare and the party canon. The hole was still in the wall.
"Can I help you Malum?" Mora Circa asked me as I approached her.
"So, I take it you agreed to Prosecute this case?" I wondered.
"Indeed. I need to see if I got rusty since the last time I saw you." Mora gave a half grin. "Sorry for not being more cheerful. Happy isn't my strong suit."
Note to self, keep her away from Pinkie. I coughed and continued, "What do you know about the defendant?"
"Only that he used to be a client of yours. He was accused once before." Mora answered. "I don't know anything useful."
"Did either the victim or defendant have an invite on them?" I ask, making sure the police can't hear me.
"I don't know. I'll ask the detective later." Mora replied.
"So, what did you find?" I asked her.
"If you must know," Mora sighed, "We haven't found much. Just this ink stain, the cannon, and a hole in the wall."
"Hmm. . .it's a little disconcerting." I sighed. "Is there any clues around the body?"
Mora sighed, "Malum, I know that you and I are cousins, but it isn't really my place to give you the information regarding the case. I can however give you permission to enter the ball room and observe the body."
"Alright Mora, sorry to bother you." I stated before heading to the door.
"Oh Malum, one more thing." Mora spoke up, "You didn't hear this from me, but there's at least two witnesses."
I gave her an appreciative smile before leaving the room.
January 26th, 10:00 AM Canterlot Palace Ball Room
There weren't as many cops in the ball room, as most of them were combing over the crime scene.
"HEY SLICK!" Pinkie exclaimed from right next to me.
"GAH! Pinkie! Please don't sneak up on me like that." I gasped.
"Um, Pinkie, do you not notice the dead pony?" I asked her in disbelief.
"Oh, I noticed him, are you here to ask me what I saw then?" Pinkie wondered.
"What you. . saw?" I echoed, "Are you a witness?"
"Totally!" Pinkie cheered.
Oh Celestia why?! I groaned.
"Is something wrong?" Pinkie asked me, "Did. . .did I do something wrong?"
"No. . no, you're good Pinkie." I sighed, "So, what did you see?"
"Wellll. . ." Pinkie started with a deep breath, "It all began when I went to talk to the DJ, then my Pinkie sense twitched and I made my way for the second meeting room down the hall. That's when I saw the Changeling and my cannon."
"Pinkie. . .that's. . ." I started to say, before another pony interrupted.
"Classified." A blue pegasus with silver hair barked. "I'm afraid that's all you'll hear before the trial Prohibitum."
"Silver Wings, did Mora ask for you?" I wondered, looking at the familiar Detective.
"She did. Said she's back in the Prosecuting game." Silver grinned happily.
"Speaking of Mora, is she alright?" I wondered.
"Mora seems to be fine now. Though the last time you two met in court, she was pretty shook." Silver explained.
"I bet. A lot happened in that case." I stated.
"It sent such a ripple that a certain Prosecutor has been asking around." Silver mentioned.
"Who?" I asked, now a little intrigued.
"I. . .don't know. No one does. He just says he's a prosecutor, and goes about his day. Apparently his cases are so classified that barely anything is revealed to the public, or most of the police for that matter." Silver explained. "All I know is that he's never lost a case."
"Wow. Sounds like he's intimidating." I chuckled.
"A little." Silver agreed.
"So Silver, what do you know about the Merge?" I asked.
"Only that if you fail this case, all the changelings will look at you when their inclusion into the populous is denied. The Merge will fail if Velum is found guilty." Silver explained.
"Why is so much dependent on one changeling?" I wondered.
"Oh right, you probably don't know. And it's not my place to say. I'd ask either Velum or his boss to fill you in."
"I see." I hummed, "Is it alright if I go ahead and look at the body?"
"No, you can't. That body is getting moved out right now." Silver stated.
"But, then what can I do?" I sighed.
"In honor of helping the Durum family, I'll let you have this photo of the body. You can use that to aid your investigation." Silver explained, "Is that good enough?"
"Alright." I smiled, "Thanks Detective."
I studied the picture. The pony was sprawled out on the ground, and a dark liquid around him. I noticed a trail of drops leading away from him, and made note of it. I also scowled because the picture was in black and white. I was about to put the photo away when I noticed something else. A faint line was around his neck, as if he'd been strangled. I made one last note and put the photo away.
With nothing better to do, I made my way to the embassy. It was time to speak to Princess Heart.
January 26th, 10:30 AM Canterlot Embassy Changeling Embassador's Office
I found myself in a familiar office. It was tidy and for the most part empty, aside from a nice painting and a desk. Behind the desk was a Changeling.
"If you're here about the recent murder, go away." She stated in a bored monotone.
"Princess Heart?" I spoke up, stepping forward.
The changeling looked up at me and smiled. "Malum!"
"So, I'm guessing I should just go then?" I asked her in a joking tone.
"No! No, please! I'll talk to you about things. Any time you want to talk." Princess Heart exclaimed, "So I take it you've already seen Velum?"
"Yes." I replied. "Is it true that Velum is a test run to see how well changelings would operate as normal citizens?"
Princess Heart sighed, "Yes, he is. I would have told you the first time, but I didn't want a newbie attorney to feel pressured."
"Well, thanks for that." I smiled, "So, do you know anything about the victim?"
"Yes, his name is Robin King. He was a reporter covering the topic of the changeling merge." Heart explained, "And he was never quiet about his position on it."
"What was his position?" I wondered.
"He was against the cause. If I had to wager a guess, they'll use that as a motive." Heart sighed.
"Hmm. So a dead reporter and a changeling who is rather important. . . " I hummed in thought. "This is turning out to be an interesting case."
"Malum. . do you mind if I act as your co-council again?" Heart asked me.
I studied her for a moment before smiling. "Sure. Vivid isn't around anymore, and I miss having someone next to me in the courtroom."
Heart smiled and nodded. "Thank you Malum. I suppose we should get ready now."
I nodded in agreement. It was time to find out what really happened.
January 26th, 12:00 PM Canterlot Court House Defendant's Lobby No.1
"Well, here we are Malum. Back in the same place we started." Velum stated causually.
For better or for worse. . . I thought quietly to myself. "Don't worry, we'll get to the bottom of this. I promise."
"I'm not worried. I know your skill. You'll pull us through." Velum paused, "It's the witness that worries me. . ."
"You mean Pinkie?" I clarified.
"Yes." Velum replied.
Funny, I was thinking the same thing. . . I hummed in thought.
"The defense and it's co council are to make it's way to the courtroom." A bailiff called.
So Velum and I walked inside the courtroom, ready for what happens next.
January 26th, 12:30 PM Canterlot Courthouse Courtroom No. 1
The jury fell quiet as the judge slammed his gavel down. "Ahem. Court is now in session for the trial of Velum the Changeling." The Judge announced.
"The Defense is ready, Your Honor." Malum stated confidently.
"The Prosecution is prepared." Mora stated, her eyes closed in thought.
"Well then, seems I might finally get a quick trial after all. The Prosecution may give their opening statement." The Judge nodded.
"At about 9:30 last night a loud bang was heard, followed almost immediately by a pony being shot through a wall. Here's an autopsy report detailing the damages." Mora explained, presenting the report.
"Lets see. . .several broken bones, some sort of imprint around the neck. . .and most of the body is covered in brusies. My word, how did this pony manage to smash through a wall like that?" The Judge exclaimed.
"We believe it was this Party Cannon that shot the pony through the wall." Mora explained further.
"Hmm. The court accepts the report and the er. . cannon, as evidence." The Judge announced.
"Your Honor, I'd like to call my first witness." Mora asked, her tone remaining serious as ever.
"Then the Prosecution may. Though, may I ask why you haven't said anything about a motive or connection?" The Judge wondered, the jury murmuring in confusion.
". . . " Mora paused, her face remaining stone still.
"Um, does the defense know what is wrong with Miss Mora?" The Judge asked Malum.
". . ." Malum paused before speaking, "I believe she hasn't found any connection between the victim and defendant. Or any motive."
Mora nodded, "All motives he has is self defeating. This is why I wish to get witnesses testifying sooner rather then later. To figure out a motive from what they witnessed."
"Hmm. Okay." The Judge agreed, "I'll allow it, as the defense and prosecution seems to be in the same mind. You know, I wish more court proceedings were like this."
So the detective Silver Wings took the stand, a confused look on his face.
"Something the matter witness?" The Judge asked him.
"Well uh, you see pal. . ." He scratched the back of his head. "I'm quite baffled myself."
"Witness." Mora spoke, "Name and Occupation."
"Silver Wings, Detective Ma'am." Silver replied.
"Is it true that Velum the Changeling was found in the same room as the party cannon?" Mora asked him.
"I can confirm it." Silver replied, "You can ask the 50 or so ponies who saw him through the hole in the wall."
Mora nodded, "And because he was the only one in the room, that was your reason for arrest?"
"Yup." Silver answered simply.
"Hmm. Detective Silver, I'd like to hear more about your findings. Will you testify?" The Judge wondered.
"Alright." Silver answered.
WITNESS TESTIMONY
"Whatever happened in that room, it sure left a mess. We believe it was a spilled inkpot."
"The pony was found a distance from the room, but had markings that were made from being shoved into that cannon."
"The cannon was found in a small meeting room to the side of the ball room."
"Finally, we found a few other things on the scene of the crime, but only the locket matters."
"Detective, why does the locket matter?" The Judge wondered.
"It had a V on it. V for Velum." Silver explained.
"Hmm. Seems pretty straightforward. Defense, you may cross examine when ready." The Judge announced.
"Of course." Malum answered.
CROSS EXAMINATION
"Whatever happened in that room, it sure left a mess. We believe it was a spilled inkpot."
"This inkpot, did you find it?" Malum wondered.
"I can safely say that no, we did not find this inkpot." Silver wings answered.
"T-then continue. ." Malum grimaced.
"The pony was found a distance from the room, but had markings that were made from being shoved into that cannon."
]
"I wanted to ask about the crime photo." Malum stated.
"Oh yeah, that photo shows what everypony saw." Silver answered happily.
"Except the photo is in black and white." Malum sighed, "So tell the court one thing: is the puddle blood, or something else?"
"The liquid is ink. We believe from an inkpot." Silver answered.
"And did you search the body for this inkpot?" Malum asked.
"Yeah, we did. We couldn't find it." Silver replied.
*Dang it, that won't help anything.* Malum grumbled to himself. "Continue."
"The cannon was found in a small meeting room to the side of the ball room."
"This side room, how often was it used?" Malum wondered
"Malum, please stay on track." Mora scoffed.
"Yes, please stay on track." The Judge agreed. "Witness, is there anything else you'd like to say?"
"Finally, we found a few other things on the scene of the crime, but only the locket matters."
"I'm almost certain that these 'other things' have a purpose too. I demand that they are shown." Malum stated.
"Yes, I'd have to agree. What are these other things?" The Judge asked.
"Well, first is the large ink stain on the couch. We don't know where it came from." Silver explained.
"Malum, we already know that the inkpot is missing." Mora chided, "Detective! Did you find anything else?"
"Yes. We found hoof prints made from the spilled ink." Silver smiled, "They aren't the defendant's so. . ."
"Who did they belong to?" Malum asked hurriedly.
"We. . . .don't know. Could belong to anyone." Silver chuckled.
"Detective, this is no laughing matter." The Judge spoke up, "A murder occurred after all."
"Sorry." Silver sighed.
"Malum." Princess Heart spoke up. "We should ask the detective more about something. I just feel like we can't give up now."
"Hmm. . ." Malum hummed, "Detective, about the locket, was there anything inside?"
". . . ." The Judge paused, ". . .Detective. . .have you not. . .opened the locket yet?"
"Er. . .no, we haven't." Silver sighed. "We were so gung ho about everything else that we just sort of. . .forgot. . ."
"Then maybe I should just forget to fill out your salary evaluation." Mora growled.
"Ack!" The Detective shouted, "Okay, I get it! Here, I'm opening it now!"
The court held it's breath as the locket opened to reveal a picture of Velum.
"The. . .defendant carried a picture of himself?" The Judge asked.
"How vain. ." Mora scoffed.
"That's. . odd. . ." Princess Heart muttered, "Velum was never the type."
"Well, there you have it folks. Only the defendant could have done it." Silver chuckled.
"Malum. What do we do? If this stays like this, Velum will be found guilty for sure!" Princess Heart whispered urgently.
She's right, if I don't object here, it'll be harder down the line to prove his innocence. . . .but what do I object to? Malum wondered.
The court turned their attention to Mora Circa, who was now pointing at Silver Wings.
"Detective, I object to this locket." Mora stated simply, a fierce look in her eyes.
"But, on what grounds?" The Judge asked. "This would surely help your case!"
"I do not believe this belongs to the defendant. I talked to him about the locket, I could tell it wasn't his." Mora explained.
"But, then who does it belong to?" Silver asked.
"Prohibitum." Mora asked, "Do you have any ideas?"
"As a matter of fact, I have more then just that. Thanks to the Prosecution." Malum answered, a smile on his face.
At this statement the court burst out into a roar of confusion.
"What is the prosecutor doing?"
"Isn't the changeling. . .well. . a changeling?"
"Mommy, who's the changeling that's next to the evil stallion?"
Malum grimaced at the last comment as the Judge shouted out.
"ORDER IN THE COURT!" The Judge bellowed. "If anypony in the gallery speaks out of turn again I'll have them held in contempt!"
"What's the idea pal?" Silver barked at Mora. "Helping the defense like that?"
Mora smiled and bowed, "Who said that it'll help the defense?"
Malum slammed a hoof on his desk. "Regardless, I have a theory I'd like to share."
"Then share it Defense. But be prepared, if it doesn't hold water I will consider the locket as a useless piece of evidence." The Judge warned.
Malum nodded. "Thank you, your Honor."
The court sat in silence as Malum begins his theory.
"First, we have the hoof prints, which weren't identified, and then a locket that the Prosecution believes doesn't belong to the victim. My theory is this: That the owner of the locket was there, and therefore is a potential suspect." Malum explained.
"Does the Prosecution have a rebuttal?" The Judge asked, looking to Mora.
"The Prosecution only has one question." Mora hummed, "And that is, who owns this locket? If the defense can prove that, I will accept their theory."
"Well defense? Do you know who the owner of the locket is?" The Judge asked.
"The defense believes that the owner of the locket is. . ."
"Don't listen to him! He's twisting the truth!" Velum yelled, now standing up from his chair. "He'll only lie!"
"Bailiff, restrain the defendant!" The Judge hollered.
"Tsk tsk." Malum chuckled. "I had no proof Velum, not until you objected to me. But now that you have, it's pretty clear that the owner is somepony you are close to. Velum, the owner of the locket is your marefriend, isn't it?"
"Ack! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Velum thrashed madly in the forelegs of the bailiff and another gaurd who rushed over to help hold him down.
"His. . .marefriend?" The Judge pondered for a moment. "Malum, I sure hope you aren't considering her to be a suspect?"
"At this point, I'm not sure if she is suspect or not. But if those hoofprints are hers, then she must be questioned." Malum replied.
"I understand. As such, I believe a recess is in order." The Judge declared. "I want the prints analysed and their owner found. Mora, can you round up the marefriend of the defendant?"
"Those prints aren't hers!" Velum objected, desperately trying to free himself from the bailiff and guard.
"Velum, please, try to understand." Malum begged, "Who else would have that locket. . . .and who else would have been there with you during a party?"
Velum clenched his jaw. "Please Malum. . . .promise me you won't indict her?"
Before Malum could speak, the Judge slammed his gavel down. "That's enough! Court is adjourned for a 30 minute recess."
And with that, Velum no longer looked at Malum.
January 26th, 1:30 PM Canterlot Courthouse Defendant's Lobby No. 1
Princess Heart, Velum and I sat in an awkward silence as we waited for the trial to resume. The only sound coming from a clock ticking on the wall.
After a few minutes, Velum spoke.
"You never answered me. Will you indict her?" Velum almost growled.
I sat in silence for a few minutes longer before replying. "Honestly Velum, I don't know at this point. I know we have to talk to her. Hear her side of the story."
"She's innocent." Velum stated. "She didn't kill that stallion."
"Don't worry Velum. I'll make sure to explore every option thoroughly before accusing her." I assured him.
"Thank you Malum." Velum sighed, before looking up. "But what about Pinkie, isn't she a-"
"She is a witness but. . .something tells me Mora is keeping her for after we question your friend." I explained.
"What if she's never called?" Velum fretted.
"I'll make sure of it." I promised. "If needs be, I can postpone the trial for another day of investigation, but I'd need something really out there for that."
"The defense will now make it's way to the courtroom to resume the trial." A bailiff called out.
I gave Velum a pat on the shoulder before leaving the lobby.
January 26th, 2:00 PM Canterlot Courthouse Courtroom No. 1
"Court is now reconvened for the trial of Velum." The Judge announced once everyone was back in their seats.
"I call Patina to the stand." Mora announced, "I want her to testify."
"Wait." The Judge interrupted, "What about the hoofprints?"
"The hoofprints. . . .aren't hers." Mora announced. "But her locket and relation to the suspect calls her alibi into question."
"Hmm. . " The Judge hummed. "I will allow it then."
"The prosecution calls the defendant's marefriend to clear things up about the events that transpired in meeting room A." Mora announced.
A green coated mare with a bronze colored mane took the stand.
"Witness." Mora spoke softly. "Your name and occupation, please."
"My name is Patina. I work with metals and the effect of magic on metals." Patina replied.
"And you are the defendant's marefriend, right?" The Judge asked.
"That is correct your honor." Patina replied.
"In that case, I'm sorry to ask this but. . . ." The Judge paused. "Please tell the court what you saw in the meeting room."
WITNESS TESTIMONY
--The Meeting--
It's true Velum and I went into the meeting room.
After all, it's hard to avoid being pulled into a meeting during a party.
Velum and I entered the room at about. . . .9:10 PM/
Only one other pony was in the room.
I unfortunately couldn't stay, as I had other things to attend to.
But I will say I didn't see anything unusual before leaving Velum to his meeting.
"Hmm. . . ." The Judge hummed in thought. "So you weren't there for the meeting?"
"I was not, your honor." Patina replied. "I had business elsewhere."
"So you see, mares and gentlecolts, ponies of the jury. . ." Mora spoke. "Velum was indeed alone with the victim at the time of the murder. No one else could have done it."
The Judge nodded. "That does seem to be the case. And although we have no motive, it seems very unlikely that anypony else could have done it."
Malum slammed his hooves on his desk. "Be that as it may, your honor, I have some issues with the current testimony. I'd like to cross examine it."
The Judge nodded in understanding. "Of course, whenever you are ready defense.
"Listen closely." Patina spoke, "I won't repeat myself again."
CROSS EXAMINATION
--The Meeting--
It's true Velum and I went into the meeting room.
"The party that was being held. . . did you originally plan to go to it?" Malum wondered.
"We actually were at the party for a good ten minutes before Robin King found us and took us to the room." Patina explained. "The merge was an important event. It would look rude for Velum to not show up there."
"So, you two went into the meeting room. Why?" Mora asked.
After all, it's hard to avoid being pulled into a meeting during a party.
"Why did Robin want to meet during the party?" Malum pressed.
"According to what I know, it's because Robin couldn't contact Velum anywhere else. Believe it or not, Velum had at least two other ponies who wanted to meet at the same time." Patina answered.
"So you two were pulled aside and asked to enter the meeting room. About when did this happen?" Mora wondered.
Velum and I entered the room at about. . . .9:10 PM/
"So Robin wasted no time in finding you two." Malum stated. "Did he seem unusual at the time?"
"I'd never met him before." Patina admitted. "But he was acting eager. I bet he was looking to find some dirt on my special changeling. . ."
". . ." Mora slowly smiled. "I see. The defendant's motive. Robin must have done just as the witness said. He found something. A dark, terrible secret that could put the merge in jeopardy. So Velum, panicked, did the only thing he could think of!"
"Ack!" Malum gasped, his teeth grinding.
The court room burst into chatter before the sounding of the Judge's gavel calmed them.
"Enough!" He shouted. "Witness, does this sound like something your coltfriend would do?"
". . ." Patina paused. "It doesn't. But he's a changeling. I suppose he. . .he could be hiding things from me as well."
"In light of recent events, I'd say that's almost a certainty." Mora stated.
"Witness." The Judge spoke up. "I'd like to know, what did you see inside the meeting room?"
Only one other pony was in the room.
Malum shook his head, a smirk on his face. "I'm afraid that that isn't possible. We have evidence that a third party was in the meeting room. There's an unidentified set of hoof prints in there."
Patina inhaled sharply and bit at her lower lip.
"Tsk tsk tsk." Mora chuckled. "While the prosecution concedes that somepony else made those hoofprints. . . we challenge the defense with two questions. Can you prove when the prints were made? And, can you prove their relation to the murder?"
Malum smiled. "I can answer both questions at once. With only one piece of evidence."
"Then show us!" Mora exclaimed. "Show us the proof that these prints were made during the murder!"
"Please look to the crime photo." Malum instructed the court. "Notice the puddle around the victim?"
"Ah!" Mora gasped in surprise.
"The puddle around the victim is ink. Why is this important?" The Judge wondered.
"Because, your Honor, those hoof prints. . ." He paused and pointed at Mora, "ARE MADE IN INK!"
"NO!" Mora hissed.
"What if. . ." Patina spoke up. "What if the ink the hoof prints were made of came from somewhere other than the ink the victim was coated in?"
"Well Malum?" The judge asked. "Can you prove the ink in the photo is the same as the ink the hooves made?"
Mora shook her head. "Which means, you can't prove the existence of a third party."
"n-NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Malum shouted, before slamming his head into the desk.
The Judge slammed his gavel down to bring attention back to him. "At this time, I'd like to state my opinion on the facts as they've been presented. According to this witness, only two ponies were in attendence for the meeting. The victim, Robin King, and the Defendant, Velum. There seems to be no way a third party is involved. It seems to me that the defendant's guilt is pretty apparent. If there are no more objections, I will hand down my verdict."
"Your Honor." Malum panicked. "I'm only half done with my cross examination. At least let me finish."
"I suppose you are right. . . ." The Judge sighed. "Alright, I'll let you finish up right quick."
That was too close. Malum gulped. I have to find another contradiction. . .and fast!
"Witness." Mora spoke. "You saw only the victim in the room, what happened next?"
I unfortunately couldn't stay, as I had other things to attend to.
"What things needed your attention?" Malum wondered.
"Well, there was a party full of guests that wanted to talk to me about dating a changeling." Patina explained. "Velum wasn't the only one who ponies wanted to schedule meetings with."
"Either way, what errands she had is of little relevance to the case." Mora interjected. "So, you left the room. Is there anything else you'd like to add?"
But I will say I didn't see anything unusual before leaving Velum to his meeting.
"You saw nothing unusual. Nothing at all?" Malum shook his head again. "I don't buy it."
"W-why not?" Patina stuttered.
"Because, I'd think a party-cannon would stand out to anypony, wouldn't you?" Malum asked.
"Ah!" Patina gasped in alarm as the court began to murmur.
"But. . .but the cannon had to be there, it was used as the murder weapon!" The Judge exclaimed.
"Exactly!" Malum agreed. "Patina! Your testimony is fishy. Too fishy. You claim that you saw nothing out of the ordinary, yet that cannon had to be there. So tell us, why are you lying?!"
". . . ." Patina paused for a moment, before sighing. "Alright fine. You got me. . . .I lied because. . .because I was protecting Velum."
"W-WHAT?!" Malum screeched.
"I thought that if I said I saw nothing, he couldn't be accused of murder. . .I. .I'm sorry. . ." Patina sobbed slightly, a tear coming to the corner of her eye.
"Ah, young love. . .so bittersweet. . ." The Judge mused, before shaking his head. "So, what did you really see then, witness?"
"I. . .I saw Velum, and the victim." Patina started out slowly. "The party cannon was. . ." She paused, before her eyes lit with some idea. "You almost got me to lie Malum. The party cannon really wasn't there before I left."
". . . ." Malum paused. "But, it was there after you left then. How?"
"How should I know? I wasn't there." Patina huffed.
Mora smiled. "The prosecution can answer that. Look at the crime scene diagram. The meeting room has a fake wall that can be removed to combine Meeting Room A with Meeting Room B to make a larger meeting room. If I had to wager a guess, the party cannon was in fact in Meeting Room B first."
Malum slammed his hooves against his desk again. "But how can you prove that? What if Patina is actually lying to us?"
Mora tsked and waved a hoof dismissively at Malum. "Those are your mysteries to solve. . ."
". . ." Malum grimaced and began sweating bullets. He was out of ammo, he had no other plan.
"Malum, I'd like to go back to her statement about leaving the meeting room. . . .there's something fishy about it. . ." Princess Hearts whispered.
"What are you chatting about over there Malum?" The Judge asked.
"Y-Your Honor, I'd like to go back to the second to last statement the witness made." Malum asked.
The Judge hummed. "Why? What do you hope to find?"
Malum gulped. "Anything really."
The courtroom was shrouded in silence for a few seconds, before a sigh cut into it.
"Why not." Patina sighed. "It's not like there's anything wrong with it."
I unfortunately couldn't stay, as I had other things to attend to.
"I object to this testimony!" Malum growled.
"On what grounds?" Mora demanded.
"On the grounds that it's full of holes. Not only did the witness fail to see a party cannon, she had to have stayed longer." Malum insisted.
"Malum. How do you intend to prove that the witness didn't leave the scene of the crime when she said she did?" Mora asked dryly.
"Simple. Patina?" Malum asked, before showing her the locket.
"My. .AH!" She gasped.
"You see? This locket is hers, and it was found on the scene of the crime. She had to have stayed longer, long enough to lose this. Witness, you haven't told the full story. So speak! Tell us what really happened!"
Patina went to speak, but before she even inhaled, she collapsed. The court went into a frenzy and was adjourned. Velum was escorted out, tears in his eyes. Malum and Mora looked at one another, both at a loss of words.
