My Little Ace Attorney: Elements of Justice/Crusading for a Turnabout - Part 7/Transcript

Part 7

Crusading for a Turnabout
~By Fair Means or Foul~

Defendant Lobby
February 15, 10:45 AM Ponyville District Court - Defendant Lobby No. 5 Apollo: Say what?! Ponies can walk in DREAMS, now?! Trucy: Polly, at some point you're going to have to accept that this is how this world works. Apollo: Easy for you to say. Phoenix: Never mind that part. Athena, you're saying that Luna also wants what we want: to ensure Sweetie Belle gets a non-guilty verdict? Athena: Yeah, and that she thinks the true culprit is either Fair Devotion or Sugar Stamp, possibly both of them. Phoenix: There's certainly strong evidence to suggest at least one was directly involved... But what do you think, Athena? Athena: (What DO I think? Yesterday I was still a bit uncertain, but after having that dream, I think I have a better idea...) Nothing definitive, Boss, but I think that this trial will lead us to the answers we need. Twilight: Still, if Princess Luna believes Sugar Stamp or Fair Devotion are guilty, the defendant being Sweetie Belle puts her in a rather difficult situation. It sounds like she'll be relying on us once again to reveal Sweetie Belle's innocence, like she did with Turning Page and Scootaloo. Athena: Yeah... though, exactly HOW she plans on doing that, we don't know. It's probably best not to dwell on that for now. If last night's dream taught me anything, it's that we are on the same side. (That's not all, though... After last night, something that Luna and Twilight said to each other at the start of yesterday's trial makes a lot more sense...) Luna: Ah, Twilight Sparkle. I heard that you would be assisting the defense today. Twilight: Heard? I think it's more likely that you found out during your nightly stroll, am I right? Athena: (Is that why Twilight was up late the night before? Did Luna speak to her, like with me? What for? And if so, why did Twilight feel the need to hide it? Not to mention... Why would I have detected so much discord over such a small lie? Forget it. I need to concentrate on this case, not this.) Phoenix: I can tell you're a bit calmer today than you were yesterday. Here's hoping you csn take that composure with you into the trial. Athena: Ha ha, I hope so, too, Boss. But, actually... Hey, Twilight. Twilight: Hmm? What is it, Athena? Athena: We've... been through a lot, haven't we? Twilight: Yes... Athena: And... I've hurt you, before, because of a lot of my recent actions. And I— Twilight: Athena, you don't have to apologize again. I already told you, I understand, right? Athena: Y-yeah, but I wasn't going to apologize again. I mean, not that I don't still feel ashamed of what I did, but... After I accused Zecora in the first half of yesterday's trial, you told me that even though I'd opened up some very old wounds, you'd stand with me in court. I... really appreciated that. I didn't get a chance to tell you before, but after we heard yesterday what Mr. Wright did to get disbarred, and how HE felt during THAT trial... I realized that doing everything on my own, or thinking I had to—THAT was what messed things up. I was wrong. But now I'm prepared to make up for it. And... I wanted to, I guess, share the same sentiment you shared with me that day. Twilight: Athena? Athena: You said you'd stand with me in court no matter what. Well... I want to promise that I'll stand with YOU in court, too. Come hell or high water, we'll face it together... That is, if you'll still stand with me today. Twilight: Do you even have to ask? Athena: Well, it would be nice to know... Twilight: Of course I'll stand with you, Athena. You're my friend, after all. And this time, I'm confident that we'll uncover the truth together. Together. Athena: Together. Apollo: Hey, here comes Sweetie Belle. Sweetie Belle: Good morning, everypony. How are you? Athena: W-we're doing all right. How are you, Sweetie Belle? Sweetie: Me? I guess I'm doing all right, too. Twilight: You are? Are you sure? Sweetie: Yeah. Why? Phoenix: It's just... Well, I think we just expected you to be more... nervous. Sweetie: Huh? Oh. I mean... I AM nervous, but not all that much. I know Athena and Twilight are going to do their best to defend me. And considering how they managed to get both Scootaloo and Turning Page declared innocent... Well, then I shouldn't have a whole lot to worry about. Whatever happens, happens, you know? Trucy: That's a mature outlook! Sweetie: Thanks! Athena: (You say that, Sweetie Belle, and your heart's saying you believe that, too. So maybe you AREN'T actually nervous. But... something tells me that's not because you trust Twilight and me.) Private Eye: Pardon me, everypony. Phoenix: P-Private Eye? What are YOU doing here? Private Eye: Hmm? Did Ms. Cykes not tell you? Phoenix: No...? Private Eye: Strange. Well, I was tasked with coming here to help her with something. Twilight: Help with something? Athena: Private Eye, do you have what I asked for? Apollo: What you asked for...? Private Eye: I do, though I must confess, I'm not sure why you needed it. Nevertheless, here it is. Phoenix: Is that... blood? Private Eye: A sample of Royal Order's blood, to be more specific. Athena: Great. And just to confirm, you were able to obtain this secretly, correct? Private Eye: Y-yes. But, why was such secrecy necessary, Ms. Cykes? Athena: ... You'll find out later, detective. Thank you for this. Private Eye: I see. Very well, then. I'm sure that you'll be able to put this to good use in today's trial. Royal Order's Blood Sample Added to the Court Record. Athena: Yeah... I hope so... Private Eye. Private Eye: I know so, Ms. Cykes. Critical thinking is the key to success, after all. Just keep that in mind, and I believe you'll have nothing to worry about. Athena: I will, and I'll do my best to see through EVERYTHING today... detective. Private Eye: Of... course. Now, I had best return to my duties. Take care! Sweetie: I guess I'd better head in, too, right? Athena: Yes, that would be for the best. You go on in, Sweetie Belle. We'll meet you inside shortly. Sweetie: Okay. See you guys soon! Athena: Okay, I know you guys have some questions. Twilight: When did you ask Private Eye to get you that sample? It couldn't have been this morning. Athena: Well, I didn't ask him. Sonata did. Twilight: Sonata? Athena: After Luna visited me in my dream, I couldn't fall asleep afterwards. I had this... feeling... that I needed to follow up on a few things. But... I obviously couldn't do it on my own. So, I decided to leave the castle for a bit and go to Sonata for help. She was happy to assist. That's when I asked her to get Private Eye to obtain this blood sample. That wasn't all, though. Apollo, do you remember that photo you shared with us yesterday, the one with the blood on the trees? Apollo: Yeah. Did you ask Sonata for help with that, then? Athena: Yep. I asked if she could find out whose blood that was. Chances are it's the victim's, but it doesn't hurt to check. And there were two other things I needed her to look into... Trucy: Two more things? Athena: The source of the anonymous tip, and the location of the remaining suit of armor—the one belonging to the victim that died at the statue. Sonata should be out investigating those things right now. Hopefully, she'll be able to get back to us with her findings soon. Phoenix: Excellent work, Athena! I'm glad you're keeping on top of things! Athena: Aw, Boss. Thanks! Twilight: But, why did you ask her to do all of that? Athena: It... It has to do with something I thought of yesterday, after I had my dream. It's nothing definitive, to be honest, and I might be way off the mark here, but... I have a hunch that this blood sample, along with finding out those two things, will be crucial. Not just for landing a not guilty verdict for Sweetie Belle, but also for figuring out the truth behind this whole messy case. Twilight: ... I see. Athena: I know, Twilight. I wish I could tell you something more definitive, but it's going to depend on how the trial goes from here on. I know I'm asking a lot but... Can you trust me on this? Twilight: Yes, I can, Athena. If you say you think this will help... then I think so, too. Athena: Thank you, Twilight. Bailiff #1: If I may have your attention! The trial is about to begin. Counsel for the defense, please enter the courtroom at this time. Athena: That's as good a sign as any, I suppose. Let's get going, Twilight. Twilight: Yep, let's! Phoenix: Good luck, you two! Apollo: Not that you'll need it, I'm sure! Trucy: Together, you're sure to succeed!

Court Begins
February 15, 11:00 AM Ponyville District Court - Courtroom No. 5 Day 2 Court Is Now In Session ALL RISE Judge: Court is now in session for the trial of Ms. Sweetie Belle. Are the prosecution and defense ready? Luna: The prosecution is indeed ready, Your Honor. Athena: The defense is also ready, Your Honor. (And there's Prosecutor Luna again. It's strange... Even though I know her role in all this, I still can't escape this feeling of intimidation. I guess it comes with being one of Equestria's rulers. But... like Twilight, I'm also worried about what she has planned. I know we're on the same side, but that doesn't mean I know exactly how she intends to set Sweetie Belle free.) Judge: Yesterday, I expressed sorrow at the fact that more children were involved with this case. To think we must add yet another to it... The day exacts a heavy toll on us all. Nevertheless, I will reiterate my position as a neutral judge presiding over this trial. Prosecutor Luna, you may begin with your opening statement, if you would please. Luna: Of course, Your Honor. I would like to first begin by recontextualizing the entire case. Yesterday's trial, thanks in large part to the efforts of the defense, revealed several key facts. One was that, on the night of Royal Order's murder... There was not just one victim, but in fact two—the original Royal Order and his clone. The defense postulated that one of them was killed at a clearing in the middle of the Everfree Forest, and was subsequently brought to the bridge. The second one was killed at the Nightmare Moon statue, before being eaten by timberwolves. This trial will provide us insight to the truth behind that second death. The blood tests that Ms. Sonata and Detective Private Eye submitted yesterday proved the statue area bore two ponies' blood. One was Royal Order. But the other... Was the accused—Ms. Sweetie Belle. The prosecution believes she was involved in this second Royal Order's death. Her blood, found at the scene, confirms this. Athena: (But it doesn't confirm she actually killed him, though—only that she was there at the scene when he died. That's what we learned at the Detention Center. Where is Luna going with this? If this was all she had, surely she wouldn't call for this trial if she believed Sweetie was innocent. What's forcing her hoof?) Judge: I see... Prosecutor Luna, do you mean to tell the court that you believe the defendant, Ms. Sweetie Belle, murdered Royal Order? Luna: Not quite, Your Honor. Athena: ?! Twilight: ?! Judge: N-not quite? What do you mean? Luna: To explain that, Your Honor, the prosecution would like to have Private Eye briefly come to the stand. Athena: (Private Eye? Why does she need him?) Judge: Very well. The court grants this request. Luna: Detective Eye, please explain to the court how Royal Order was killed at the statue. Private Eye: At once, Your Highness. While there are still some facts left shrouded in mystery, our current theory attempts to explain the events of that night, at that particular scene. The victim and defendant were at the statue. Some sort of altercation must have occurred, after which Ms. Sweetie Belle was forced to act. Judge: Forced to act? Private Eye: We believe that Royal Order attempted to attack Ms. Sweetie Belle. However, she must have done something in response, which would have led to how he died—impalement at the statue's base. Statue Diagram Added to the Court Record. Judge: D-do you mean to say that the defendant pushed the victim herself? Private Eye: Not at all, My Lord. Ms. Sweetie Belle is a filly and much smaller than the victim. She would not have been able to push him on her own. Judge: Then... How do you propose he ended up impaled? Private Eye: We believe it was because the victim was suffering from weak knees due to the effect of poison joke. When Royal Order attacked Ms. Sweetie Belle, she must have instinctively dove for his hooves, in an attempt to trip him. He would have naturally stumbled forward, resulting in impalement. Luna: Your Honor, it is this theory that the prosecution will pursue in today's trial. As Detective Eye has now revealed, while Ms. Sweetie Belle was indeed involved in Royal Order's death, we do not believe she intentionally murdered him. Rather, we believe this to be a tragic case of an accidental killing. She DID intentionally trip him, but she did NOT mean to impale him. Athena: W-WHAT?! P-P-Prosecutor Luna! H-how can you make that kind of claim?! That is conjecture at best! Luna: Ms. Cykes, are you saying you do not believe Ms. Sweetie Belle was responsible? Athena: O-Of course we are! The defense argues Sweetie Belle WASN'T involved in Royal Order's death in the slightest! Right, Sweetie Belle? W-What? Sweetie Belle, come on! Tell the court your side of the story! Twilight: Sweetie Belle? Why aren't you answering? Private Eye: I believe I can explain that, Princess Twilight. You see, ever since yesterday evening, Ms. Sweetie Belle has decided to exercise her right to remain silent. Twilight: Her right? You mean—she's acknowledging that— Athena: No, I won't accept that! It's not true! I KNOW it isn't! Luna: As resolved as you are, you will need more than mere protests, Golden Pixie. Athena: (Ooh, boy. I totally missed hearing THAT! So, silence again, huh. Is this another thing Luna set up? ...Or maybe... someone else?) Judge: The defense does bring up a fair point, Prosecutor Luna. Though it is an intriguing theory, it is still just that. A theory. Luna: We are aware of that, Your Honor. That is why, in order to substantiate this theory, the prosecution would now like to call two witnesses to the stand. Witnesses who claim to have seen this unfortunate accident occur right before their very eyes. Athena: T-Two witnesses? Again?! (Gah! We've just started, but already I've been blindsided! Rrgh...) Twilight: Don't let it get to you, Athena! Athena: Huh? Twilight: Remember what you said earlier. Princess Luna IS on our side. If she's making this particular accusation, it's because she expects US to be able to show it doesn't hold up to scrutiny. That means we just have to steady ourselves and keep pressing on. Athena: R-right! Judge: Very well, then. Detective, you may leave the stand. The court will now hear from the prosecution's two witnesses. Luna: Witnesses, state your names and occupations for the court record. Sugar Stamp: Sugar Stamp, aaaaaaat your service, Your Hiiiiighness! I'm a mailpony working for the Crown Courier Express! Judge: Wait... she's a male pony? Athena: N-no, Your Honor. She's like a mail carrier. Y'know... letters? Judge: Oh, right... And your name, witness? Fair Devotion: I'm Fair Devotion. I'm a substitute teacher at Ponyville Elementary. Judge: And, as I understand it, the deceased's wife. Fair Devotion: ... Yes, that is correct. Judge: My condolences. Ms. Fair Devotion. I understand that this is a trying time for you. Athena: (You think she'd express more visible sorrow at that... But, her voice is crying out in anguish. That's unmistakable. Just like I thought.) Luna: Witnesses, are you prepared to testify as to what the both of you saw that night? FD & SS: Yes, we are. Luna: Very well. Please begin your testimony.

Testimony 1
Witness Testimony -- What We Both Saw -- Sugar Stamp: That night, I happened to be watching the scene from above. The sound of fighting drew me in. Fair Devotion: I was searching for my husband when I also heard something that sounded like fighting, and went to investigate. Sugar Stamp: What I saw... Oh, it was horrible! That little filly had tripped Royal Order, and when he landed, the statue base impaled him! She ran off in a panic afterwards! Fair Devotion: If only I'd gone after him sooner, instead of waiting behind like he'd asked me to... Then I could have stopped this from happening. Judge: So you two saw the grisly scene unfold before your very eyes? Fair Devotion: Yes. I can still see him lying there... Lifeless... I'm sorry, Your Honor. I'd rather not think much about it. Sugar Stamp: I can't believe it, either. Royal Order's seemed so full of life! I never thought I'd have to live on without him... Judge: In any case, I believe now is the time for the defense to begin their cross-examination. Ms. Cykes, you may proceed. Athena: You got it, Your Honor! (I wasn't expecting things to go exactly like this, but now they're both here. Time to tear down this lie, and see what they're really hiding.) Cross Examination -- What We Both Saw -- Sugar Stamp: That night, I happened to be watching the scene from above. The sound of fighting drew me in. Athena: Where exactly were you both watching from? Sugar Stamp: Well, I was in the treetops. I was in the forest for... something else, and I heard the commotion as I was flying towards Ponyville. Fair Devotion: As for myself, I was standing out of the way, somewhere in the woods where I could watch what happened unseen. Athena: Ms. Devotion, where were you before you arrived at the statue area? Fair Devotion: The crossroads. I'd gone searching for my husband, and so naturally I followed the path from the entrance. I... noticed a blood trail leading down the path towards the statue when I got to the crossroads. I followed it, worried. The sound of fighting is what drove me into hiding as I got close. Athena: I see... And for clarification's sake, what time did the two of you arrive? Fair Devotion: It would have been around 10:30, give or take. Sugar Stamp: Uh, yeah. Same for me, I think. Judge: Could you describe what you did next? Fair Devotion: I was searching for my husband when I also heard something that sounded like fighting, and went to investigate. Athena: Did either of you know that the other was in the woods at the same time? Fair Devotion: No, not in the slightest. I wasn't aware Sugar Stamp had been nearby until later, when I went to give my statement to the police. Sugar Stamp: I didn't see Deva at all that night either. Athena: Ms. Devotion, why were you drawn to the sounds of fighting in the first place? Weren't you concerned about getting hurt? Fair Devotion: My husband was a member of the Royal Guard. He'd gone into the woods, alone, knowing that it was filled with dangerous creatures. The chances of him running into one of those things and having to fight it were high. And from what I heard of that scuffle, one of the ponies involved was most DEFINITELY Royal Order. Not to mention, I had already found blood. I believe NOW you can see why I was more concerned with that than my own safety. Athena: (Yeah, I guess I can. It wouldn't surprise me to know that even from a distance, Fair could detect her husband's voice.) Luna: Continue with your testimony, witnesses. Sugar Stamp: What I saw... Oh, it was horrible! That little filly had tripped Royal Order, and when he landed, the statue base impaled him! She ran off in a panic afterwards! Athena: So you're saying that it was because of Sweetie Belle tripping him that Royal Order was impaled? Sugar Stamp: Yes! As horrific as it is to admit... That's exactly what I saw. Athena: So that explains HOW he was impaled, but what about where? Sugar Stamp: W-where...? Athena: If you were there and saw the exact moment the impalement occurred, you should be able to tell us where the victim was impaled. Sugar Stamp: I... I... Um... How strange, I... I don't really remember. Was it through his body, or... Athena: Fair Devotion? Fair Devotion: Hmm? What is it, Ms. Cykes? Athena: It looked like something occurred to you just now, after Sugar Stamp said she couldn't remember where Royal Order was impaled. Did you have something to add? Fair Devotion: ... Something like that. I remembered how my husband fell. Athena: How your husband fell? Could you explain? Fair Devotion: From what I recall, he fell face first into the base of the statue. Sugar Stamp: !! T-that's right! That's what I saw, too! Fair Devotion: And that means... Sugar Stamp: Royal Order... was impaled directly through his jaw. Twilight: That certainly matches up with what Private Eye laid out earlier. Athena: (Yeah, it does... Rather cleanly, I might add. But... what Fair just did... not say where he was impaled, but letting Sugar Stamp pointed out... It's exactly what Luna was doing with me in the last trial—she's leading her! Which means...) Judge: Witness, please continue your testimony. Fair Devotion: If only I'd gone after him sooner, instead of waiting behind like he'd asked me to... Then I could have stopped this from happening. Athena: Fair Devotion, I want to clarify something. The reason you went into the woods was to chase after your husband, after he'd gone to look for your son? Fair Devotion: Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying.

Athena's Redirect
Athena: (Here's where it all begins to make sense... If what I'm thinking is true, the discord in their voices will tell me everything I need to know.) Really? Somehow, I find it hard to believe that was the ONLY reason. Fair Devotion: What are you talking about? Luna: I am ALSO curious, defense. Surely you don't think the witness is lying about wanting to go after her husband? Athena: Perhaps "lying" is putting it too strongly, but I have reason to believe that Fair Devotion went into the woods for a reason beyond what she's told the court. And it has to do with this piece of evidence. Judge: That's... a travel case, isn't it? Athena: Yes. This travel case belonged to Royal Order, Your Honor. He'd take it with him when he had to make trips to Canterlot, which was quite frequently. But it's not the case itself that the court should be interested in. It's what we found inside. Judge: And what did you find inside? Athena: There are two items of note. The first is this planner. It belonged to Royal Order, and details his movements up until the day he died. The second is this... A love letter to Royal Order, written NOT by his wife, Fair Devotion, but by another pony: Sugar Stamp. Judge: s-sugar stamp?! FD & SS: WHAT?! Judge: Order! Order in the court! Ms. Cykes, are you implying that the victim, Royal Order, was having an illicit affair with one of these witnesses? Athena: I don't need to imply anything, Your Honor. It states so in the letter. Judge: Uh... Y-yes, I... I can see that... Fair Devotion: Sugar Stamp, is this true? Did you write this letter? Sugar Stamp: Deva... Fair Devotion: I can't believe it! After all I've done for you, you'd turn around and stab me in the back like this? I loved my husband— Sugar Stamp: You loved? As if! You were never happy with him being a Royal Guard! You hated how he was always working, always leaving you home alone— Fair Devotion: That was because I thought he WAS spending all of his time working! Not being with... YOU! Sugar Stamp: Well, what can I say? He loved me, and I loved him! The heart wants what it wants! Twilight: If she keeps saying things like that, Ms. Devotion is going to tear HERS out. Athena: Hmm... Twilight: Is something up, Athena? Athena: Maybe. Twilight, do the two of them sound a little... off to you? Twilight: Off? Hmm... not really. I mean, I'd expected them to be surprised. Especially since Fair outright denied the possibility of an affair yesterday, and Sugar probably didn't think Royal would be holding on to that letter. Why do you ask? Did you notice something? Athena: I think so... (Interesting... They ACT surprised and angry, but I'm not hearing any actual shock or rage in their voices. If that's true, then... I'm almost certain I know the reason why.) Fair Devotion: Not to mention—! Judge: Witnesses! You will calm yourselves or be escorted from the courtroom! FD & SS: !!! Judge: Prosecutor Luna, what are your thoughts regarding this... unexpected development? Luna: It's hardly unexpected, Your Honor. We, too, had examined the travel case in question, and found the letter the defense presented. As such, I am more intrigued than surprised by what this opens up. Judge: Er, what do you mean, Prosecutor Luna? Luna: As the defense said, the planner belonged to the victim and details his movements up until he died. I suggest you read the entry for the 12th. Judge: On the 12th? Let's see here... "February 12th. Locate Mirror Pool. Perform cloning spell." My word! The Mirror Pool! That must mean— Luna: Your Honor, yesterday we established that there were TWO versions of the victim on the night of the murder, thanks to that Mirror Pool. It was initially believed he made two of himself to seek out his son, but with the details of this planner now on display, another alarming motive emerges— Royal Order cloned himself so that one version could stay with his wife, Fair Devotion, and the second could be with his other partner, Sugar Stamp. FD & SS: !! Athena: ... Judge: I-Indeed! T-That would appear to be the most logical explanation for this entry! Luna: But that's not all that's revealed by this, Your Honor. This affair cast a shadow over some of what we already heard from these two witnesses. Namely, why Fair Devotion followed her husband. As the defense pointed out, Fair could have had an ulterior motive—one involving the context of this affair. And THAT could change an aspect of this trial. Wouldn't you agree, Ms. Cykes? For that IS what you are arguing, isn't it? Athena: ... Luna: ... Ms. Cykes? Twilight: Athena? Athena: (I know what you're trying to hint at, Prosecutor Leona, and I'm sure you mean well... But I'm afraid I can't follow that path.) Judge: Er, defense? I believe some confirmation is in order as to your stance. Athena: No, Your Honor, I don't believe we need to confirm anything just yet. Or at least, not this. Judge: Y-you don't? Fair Devotion: What...? Athena: Instead, I'd like to focus on another aspect of the planner. Luna: Another aspect...? Athena: Your Honor, if you look at the planner, you'll see that there are actually TWO entries on the 12th. You've already read the first. What does the second one say? Judge: The second? "Meet Sugar Stamp at Everfree Forest clearing - 10:10pm." Athena: As you will recall from their testimony, Fair Devotion and Sugar Stamp arrived at the statue around 10:30. This means that the scheduled meeting with Royal Order would have occurred twenty minutes prior. Luna: ...? Judge: Yes, I can see that, Ms. Cykes. But why does that matter? Athena: It matters because in that time frame, Sugar Stamp was NOT watching the scene as she previously testified. Instead she was elsewhere... Namely, waiting at the clearing to meet with Royal Order! Sugar Stamp: !? Judge: Oh! Y-you're right! Athena: Your Honor, It's important that we account for every witness's movements that night. As such, the defense formally asks to hear further testimony from Sugar Stamp! Luna: W-WHAT?! FD & SS: ! Luna: G-golden Pixie!? Just what are you up to? Sugar Stamp's meeting with Royal Order is irrelevant! Athena: Unfortunately, Prosecutor Luna, that is something neither you nor I can decide... Not without hearing her testify once again. Luna: Gngh! Athena: (Ha! I know I shouldn't take too much satisfaction in throwing Luna a curveball, but can I help but feel a little smug?) More than that, though, I think we will find that what she has to say IS relevant... Due to what she confessed to us in the Detention Center yesterday. Judge: She confessed...? To what? Luna: You don't mean... Athena: Your Honor, we can't forget that on the night in question, there were two Royal Orders and that both of them died. While this initial testimony attempted to shed light on one of those deaths, what Sugar Stamp told us reveals what happened to the other. Namely, that he was killed... By Sugar Stamp herself! Judge: Order! Order in the court! Incredible! Iiff this is true, then I can think of no reason not to permit further testimony! Twilight: Athena! Where are you going with this? How is Sugar Stamp's story going to help us defend Sweetie Belle? Athena: Trust me, Twilight. This will likely be very important for us to hear. Once we get the full story, I think we'll start seeing this case in a whole new light. Twilight: ... O-Okay, Athena. If you're that certain about this, I'll stand by you. Judge: The court accepts the defense's proposal. Ms. Sugar Stamp? Sugar Stamp: Y-yes, Your Honor? Judge: You will now testify to the court as to your actions that night, prior to you running into the defendant. Sugar Stamp: O-okay... Fair Devotion: ...

Testimony 2
Witness Testimony -- Meeting and Killing Royal Order -- Sugar Stamp: I went to meet Royal Order at the time we agreed on, 10:10pm. We talked for a little bit, and he told me his plan of leaving me with a clone of himself. But when I heard that, I... I couldn't think! I... I killed him, then and there, using a letter opener that I carried with me. After he was dead, I removed his armor, then decided to carry the body to the castle ruins by flying it there. Then I flew out of the forest. While flying over the crossroads, I saw Scootaloo crash into the other Royal Order. After she left, I moved the scooter and wagon to further shift the blame. Judge: And this is what you confessed to yesterday, then? Sugar Stamp: Yes, Your Honor. Every last bit of it. Judge: Hrm. I see. Defense, you may begin your cross-examination. Athena: Thank you, Your Honor. (Time to finally put this "confession" to bed.) Cross Examination -- Meeting and Killing Royal Order -- Sugar Stamp: I went to meet Royal Order at the time we agreed on, 10:10pm. We talked for a little bit, and he told me his plan of leaving me with a clone of himself. Athena: Did you have any idea what Royal Order wanted to talk to you about before you went to this meeting? Sugar Stamp: A little bit. He told me he had an idea as to how we could be together. Athena: But... you didn't know it would involve clones, right? Sugar Stamp: No, of course not! I wasn't even sure that clones could exist! I thought for sure he'd choose the easier option and stay with me! Oh, I was so mad! Athena: (So you say... Your heart, on the other hand...) Before you met up with Royal Order, did you happen to see anypony else in the forest? Sugar Stamp: Well, I did see the children while I was flying from the direction of the castle to the clearing. Athena: The children? Oh, you mean Scootaloo and Turning Page? Sugar Stamp: Yeah, and also those two other fillies: Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. They looked like they were talking about something really important. Athena: Around what time did you see them? Sugar Stamp: 10:00pm. It was just before I had landed at the clearing. Twilight: She must have seen the blackmail negotiations before they'd gone downhill. Sugar Stamp? Sugar Stamp: Yes, Princess Twilight? Twilight: After you saw the children, did you see anypony else before you landed at the clearing? Sugar Stamp: No, not until Royal Order arrived. Luna: We know already of why she met with him, so questioning it further won't get us anywhere. Witness, continue your testimony. Sugar Stamp: But when I heard that, I... I couldn't think! I... I killed him, then and there, using a letter opener that I carried with me. Athena: How long after you met and talked with Royal Order did you supposedly kill him? Sugar Stamp: I would say... about five minutes after. So around 10:15pm. Athena: And... how did you kill him, exactly? Was it just us with a single strike? Sugar Stamp: N-no... First I kicked him in the side to get him off-balance. Athena: You kicked him? While he was fully armored? Sugar Stamp: Yes. I had to really put my back into it just to stagger him. It made an awful, loud, metallic sound. Athena: A loud, metallic sound... Like a clang? Sugar Stamp: Y-yes! That's a good word to describe it! I'd give you candy for that answer, but... oh... I don't have any on me... Athena: I-It's all right, Ms. Stamp. Could you tell us what happened next? Sugar Stamp: Well, I had to act quickly before he could recover. So, I... I stabbed him with the letter opener. Through his right temple. It... killed him, instantly. Athena: (That lines up with the autopsy report's initial findings, but...) How do you explain the other stab wounds found around the same area on his head? Sugar Stamp: The... other stab wounds? Athena: The autopsy report states that along with a lethal stab wound to the right temple, several post-mortem stab wounds were found in the same location. Ms. Stamp, did you stab the victim again after he was already dead? Sugar Stamp: ... Yes, I did. Judge: Good grief! But why would you do such a thing? Were you really that angry with him? Sugar Stamp: ... Fair Devotion: I believe I might know why, Your Honor. Athena: !! Judge: You do, Ms. Devotion? Fair Devotion: Indeed. Though it is a bit grisly. Sugar Stamp. Sugar Stamp: Yes, Deva? Fair Devotion: You testified that you decided to move the body after you'd... killed Royal Order. Correct? Sugar Stamp: Yes, that's correct. Fair Devotion: But secretly moving a body that was bleeding from a head wound would have been difficult. You'd have a trail leaking from him constantly. Hence, why you'd need to stab him again. Sugar Stamp: ... ! Y-yes, that's right. Athena: Uhh... Can you run that by me again? Sugar Stamp: It's true... I did stab him again after he'd died. But I only realized he was still bleeding after I got rid of his armor. I had removed the blade to throw it all into the river, you see. and when I came back to the clearing... ...a pool of blood had collected on the ground. So I tried to stick the letter opener into the first wound like a plug. It was my best bet at stopping the bleeding so I could move the body, and it worked. Athena: (And that's her way of explaining those "irregularities" in the victim's wound that Luna mentioned...) Luna: At any rate, I think we've settled that matter. Let's move on. Witness, describe to the court what you did next. Sugar Stamp: After he was dead, I removed his armor, then decided to carry the body to the castle ruins by flying it there. Then I flew out of the forest. Athena: So after you stabbed the victim, you decided to toss the armor in the river, then move the body by flying it away. Did you see anypony else while you were flying? Sugar Stamp: Anypony else? Y-yes, actually. I saw two ponies very clearly. They were actually heading towards each other, though I'm not sure if they knew it. Athena: Who were they? Sugar Stamp: The first was Zecora. She was coming from her hut, I remember. And the other was Turning Page. He'd been coming from the castle. Athena: And that was it? You only saw those two, nopony else? Sugar Stamp: No, nopony else. Twilight: That lines up with what we've already established. Scootaloo would have already passed by the clearing at this point, so Sugar wouldn't have seen her. Athena: Right. And Turning, since he was coming from the castle, would have left there long before Sugar Stamp dropped off Royal Order's body. Twilight: And as Turning Page said in the previous trial, he was the shadow that Zecora saw on her way to the castle. Sugar Stamp's story confirms that, too. I'm not sensing any contradictions in her words just yet, Athena. So far her actions make sense, or at least, can be explained. Athena: Yeah... we'd better move on, then. Before you reached the castle ruins, did you stop off anywhere? Sugar Stamp: No, I didn't. Athena: Really? Not even at a certain zebra's hut, in order to deliver a certain letter? Sugar Stamp: L-letter? Luna: I believe the defense is referring to this one, witness. Sugar Stamp: !! Luna: Obviously the contents of the letter cannot be revealed to the court, but the envelope in which it was delivered should suffice. I would like to resubmit it to the court record, Your Honor. Judge: The court accepts it into evidence. Envelope Letter Updated in the Court Record. Sugar Stamp: Oh, thaaat letter! It slipped my mind until just now. I'm sorry, everypony! Athena: So that means you admit to stopping off at Zecora's at some point, in order to drop off this letter? Sugar Stamp: Yes, that's correct! Athena: And when DID you make that stop, then? Sugar Stamp: It was after I'd placed the body at the ruins. That's also when I removed the letter opener and put it back in my bag. After that, I went to deliver the letter. Athena: I see! Could you add that to the end of your testimony for me, please? Sugar Stamp: O-oh, sure! Luna: Let's move on. Witness, you moved the body and delivered the letter. Did you mean to leave the forest afterwards? Sugar Stamp: Y-yes, I did, but... Sugar Stamp: While flying over the crossroads, I saw Scootaloo crash into the other Royal Order. After she left, I moved the scooter and wagon to further shift the blame. Athena: But why, though? Why go so far to pin the blame on Scootaloo? Sugar Stamp: I... Athena: To be honest, Sugar Stamp, even after everything you told us, I still find it hard to believe that you'd go that far. I mean, I thought you LOVED kids. I don't think you'd do something like that to anypony, let alone Scootaloo. Sugar Stamp: ... It... It doesn't matter what you think. I did it, and I confessed, and that's that. Athena: Then... why did you decide to move the body and scooter to the castle ruins in the first place? Sugar Stamp: It was because of what I saw before I met with Royal Order: the children talking. Athena: The blackmail deal... Sugar Stamp: Knowing that Turning Page and his friend had been at the castle ruins, I knew I could pin the murder on them AND make the ruins look like the real murder scene. It's what Royal Order deserved, after what he did to me. Athena: But— Luna: Defense, while I appreciate your habit of needling into every single minor point in each testimony, my patience is beginning to wear thin. Besides, the witness has already provided a reason for what she did: to get back at Royal Order for choosing to clone himself instead of being with her. As disconcerting as that may sound, THAT is the motive we have been given. Unless you can offer something to refute or change it, I suggest you move on. Athena: Rrgh... Fine. I just have one more question. Sugar Stamp. Sugar Stamp: What is it? Athena: After you'd moved the scooter and wagon to the castle ruins, you must have flown back towards the forest entrance, passing over the crossroads along the way. But the other Royal Order wasn't there, right? Sugar Stamp: No, he wasn't. I went to look for him, and that was when I saw what happened at the statue. Athena: (When she saw Sweetie Belle trip Royal Order, supposedly... That still bothers me, but unless I can prove that that isn't what she saw, this won't get me anywhere. And Luna knows it.) Judge: Let's return to the witness testimony. Sugar Stamp: As for what I did at the castle before I saw the crash, I removed the letter opener and put it in my bag. Then I went to deliver the letter. Athena:

Objection 1
Athena: Ms. Sugar Stamp! You're saying that you removed the letter opener—the one that had been stemming the blood flow from the victim's wound—from the body, and placed it in your bag? And you did this BEFORE you delivered the letter? Sugar Stamp: Y-yes! W-why? Is there something wrong? Athena: You bet there's something wrong with that statement! There's a clear contradiction! Sugar Stamp: A c-contradiction?! Luna: On what grounds, defense? The witness clearly described her actions that night. She killed Royal Order, disposed of his armor, and moved the body—letter opener and all—to the castle, all to pin the crime on Turning Page and Scootaloo. Afterwards, she flew back to Zecora's hut, in order to deliver that letter. I see no contradictions in her movements! Athena: It's not her movements that are contradictory. It's the letter that was in her bag. Or more accurately, the envelope! Judge: The envelope? Athena: Sugar Stamp said she placed the letter opener in her bag after she'd moved the body, and that after doing so, she went to deliver the letter. If that's the case, we can reasonably assume that the letter, or rather, the envelope containing it, was ALSO in her bag. But if THAT'S the case, then we'd expect to see something else— After all, look at the inside of the bag—it's coated in blood from the weapon. Yet, when we look at the envelope... there's not a single trace of blood! Sugar Stamp: AGH! Fair Devotion: !!! Luna: If that's the contradiction, defense, color me not impressed in the slightest! The witness could have simply gotten the time she delivered the letter mixed up! Sugar Stamp: Y-yes! That's it! I must have delivered the letter BEFORE I took out the letter opener from the body! So, before I arrived if the castle ruins! Athena: Sorry, but that just isn't possible! Sugar Stamp: Wah! Luna: Explain, defense! Athena: Do you remember what we uncovered yesterday regarding when the letter was delivered? Athena: First, the fact that we found this letter in the first place tells us that Zecora hadn't yet retrieved it. According to a friend of hers, Zecora would've collected her mail from earlier that day as soon as it was delivered. This tells us that on the day of the murder, this letter wasn't in the mailbox. If it was, Zecora would've collected it when she returned to her hut that night. Luna: Then when, pray tell, was it delivered? Athena: That leads me to my second point, Prosecutor Luna! When we found this letter yesterday, we also found the mail that had been delivered that morning. That mail was in far better condition than this letter. So, this letter must have been delivered BEFORE yesterday's mail, and gotten dirtied as a result. Knowing that, and knowing that it hadn't been in the mailbox when Zecora returned to her hut... We can conclude that this letter arrived on the NIGHT of the murder itself! Judge: Hrm... Why, yes, I actually DO recall that! Athena: (Are you... surprised, or something?) Judge: It was established that the letter could only have arrived that night, and not any time prior, wasn't it? Athena: Right! But if you'll also recall, Zecora testified that she'd waited for Scootaloo and Turning Page to return for about half an hour, from 9:45 to 10:10pm. By 10:15, she had returned to her hut, and was just about to turn in, she heard a clanging sound, so she went out to investigate. Twilight: Furthermore, we also learned yesterday that Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon ALSO heard a clanging sound, at the exact same time: 10:15. Athena: 10:15 was when Sugar Stamp killed Royal Order. She said she did so by kicking him hard in the side to stagger him, then stabbing him in the head. Her kicking him made a loud, metallic sound— Twilight: Which was most likely the claim that Zecora, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon heard! Sugar Stamp: Gnk! Athena: Therefore, the murder occurred RIGHT BEFORE Zecora left her hut. Meaning that the letter could ONLY have been delivered AFTER she'd left—not before! Thus, the letter would have been in the bag with a bloody leather opener, rendering the idea that the envelope got no traces of blood on it IMPOSSIBLE! Luna: Ghk!!! Judge: Oh! I-indeed, but then, why does no blood exist on the envelope? Luna: Defense, you don't mean to say... Athena: I do, Prosecutor Luna. Your Honor, we agree that it's impossible for there to be no blood on this envelope, correct? Judge: Y-yes, I find it a perplexing situation! Athena: True, and one that we can solve if we just consider one other possibility... At the time that the letter was in the bag, the letter opener did NOT have any blood on it at any point. Judge: It didn't have any blood on it...? But how can that be?! Athena: Because of one simple fact: the letter opener was NOT used to kill Royal Order. It's just a fabricated piece of evidence used to support Sugar Stamp's story!!! Judge: W-W-WHAT?! Twilight: !!! A-and if that's the case, t-then, Sugar Stamp's confession, about her killing Royal Order and pinning the blame on the kids... Athena: Exactly. Her confession... is a complete and utter fabrication in and of itself! Sugar Stamp: aaaaaaaaagghhh!!! Judge: O-Order! order in the court! M-Ms. Cykes! T-this is astounding! You mean to say that this witness has been lying to the court this whole time? Athena: I am, Your Honor. Luna: Defense, that is absolutely preposterous of you to claim! Need I remind you that the blood found ON the letter opener matched Royal Order's? It could only have gotten there when the witness stabbed him with it! Athena: That doesn't explain why the envelope has no blood on it! So long as that contradiction exists, we cannot accept the letter opener was the murder weapon! Judge: I'm inclined to agree, Prosecutor Luna. The WHEN is not as important as the WHY, here. Luna: Then perhaps we need to clarify both questions. Athena: H-Huh? Judge: What do you mean? Luna: Your Honor, I believe now would be a good time for us to re-summon the lead detective, Private Eye, to the stand. He should be able to clarify once and for all these details surrounding the letter opener and the blood found on it. Judge: Yes, that would make sense. Very well. Let Private Eye back onto the witness stand, please. Athena: (He looks nervous, as expected.) Private Eye: Forgive me, My Lord, but for what reason have I been summoned? Judge: Prosecutor Luna has requested that you provide testimony. Private Eye: She has? A-About what? Luna: We would like you to testify regarding the forensics surrounding the murder weapon—the letter opener. The Golden Pixie has suggested that it cannot be the murder weapon. You are to demonstrate why it MUST be, detective. Private Eye: I... I see. Very well. If it would please the court...

Testimony 3
Witness Testimony -- The Letter Opener -- Private Eye: Truthfully, it's a rather open-and-shut matter. The blood found on the letter opener belonged to the victim, meaning it MUST be the murder weapon. More than that, though, if you take a look at the head wound, you'll find that it matches the shape of the letter opener. The helmet was found at the river's mouth of Froggy Bottom Bog. It has a hole matching the size of the weapon, further supporting Ms. Sugar Stamp's testimony. If it's all a lie, then the blood, wound, and helmet would all have to be some sort of... fabrication! Luna: You see, Golden Pixie? The facts are irrefutable! No matter how you look at it, that letter opener IS the murder weapon, meaning Sugar Stamp IS the true killer! Athena: I'm not so sure about that, Prosecutor Luna. We've already established her testimony as suspect at best. Wouldn't it be wrong of us to assume ALL the supposed "facts" are irrefutable? Luna: ... So you still intend to go down this route...? Athena: I do. Luna: ... I see... Judge: Thank you for your testimony, detective. Defense, you may begin your cross-examination. Athena: (Both the hole in the helmet and the wound match the letter opener, and the blood matches the victim's. So, if the letter opener is fake evidence... How would all of that be possible? There's only one thing I can think of...) Cross Examination -- The Letter Opener -- Private Eye: Truthfully, it's a rather open-and-shut matter. The blood found on the letter opener belonged to the victim, meaning it MUST be the murder weapon. Athena: How do we know for certain the blood belonged to the victim? Private Eye: Because, Ms. Cykes, several ponies tested it individually—there's no doubting the same consensus being reached by so many. Athena: I, uh... Y-yeah, I guess that's fair... Luna: Surely you knew this already, Golden Pixie. Why are you insisting on this useless prattling? Athena: (It's not useless! It's the tried-and-true method of the Wright Anything Agency!) Ahem! P-Private Eye, the blood may match the victim's, but that alone isn't enough to prove that the letter opener is the murder weapon. Private Eye: I would agree with that, Ms. Cykes. Which is why... Private Eye: More than that, though, if you take a look at the head wound, you'll find that it matches the shape of the letter opener. Athena: So you're saying that the wound's shape matches that of the letter opener's? How can you be so certain? Private Eye: After we found the letter opener in Ms. Sugar Stamp's bag in Canterlot, along with the blood, we conducted two tests. The first was the blood test, which came back positive for Royal Order. The second involved examining the wound itself to look for any notable characteristics which might match a certain weapon. Athena: And what were some of those notable characteristics? Private Eye: One was the presence of track marks found in the victim's head. Athena: Track marks? Private Eye: Yes. These are the marks that a stabbing weapon, such as a knife, might leave when it is thrust into a body. If the weapon has a distinct styling to it, it'll leave trace impressions. Within the wound, we managed to find SEVERAL impressions that match those found on the letter opener in Ms. Sugar Stamp's bag. Along with that, on the outside of the wound, we did not find a hilt impression. The letter opener does not have a hilt, so that is another match. Though, not quite as substantial as the previous one, admittedly. Athena: Gngh! I-I guess that would be... pretty indicative of it being the weapon... (So, that proves the body was actually stabbed WITH the letter opener. No use trying to debunk that. The question is... WHEN did that happen?) Luna: Let's continue. Detective, what else supports Sugar Stamp's confession? Private Eye: The helmet was found at the river's mouth of Froggy Bottom Bog. It has a hole matching the size of the weapon, further supporting Ms. Sugar Stamp's testimony. Athena: But only the helmet itself was found, right? Private Eye: That's correct. Athena: But not the armor. Wouldn't the armor be a stronger contender for supporting her testimony? Private Eye: It would... But, as I understand it, Ms. Sugar Stamp testified that she disposed of the entire armor set in the river. Given that we found the helmet at the mouth of the river, it seems logical to assume the rest flowed out into the bog, and sank. Athena: Which would support Sugar's testimony, but... At the same time, it conveniently removes the need to prove, definitively, that the rest of the armor was there at all, doesn't it? Private Eye: ... The helmet was there, which matches Sugar Stamp's testimony, suggesting it's the truth. And if it isn't... Private Eye: If it's all a lie, then the blood, wound, and helmet would all have to be some sort of... fabrication! Athena: Some sort of fabrication, you say? I assume you don't mean that the HELMET would have to be fake. Private Eye: No, that would be a bit much. I suppose I mean that some other aspect of it would have to be fabricated, if not the helmet itself. Athena: Some other aspect? Like, say, where it was found? Or, perhaps more specifically... How it was BROUGHT to where it was found? Private Eye: I... I suppose that could be o-one way, yes... Luna: Golden Pixie, don't tell me you're suggesting... Athena: So you admit it could be a possibility, detective? Instead of getting there by river, that helmet could've been carried to the scene and placed there? Private Eye: No, that's... quite impossible, Ms. Cykes! Athena: Oh? And why would that be? Private Eye: The bog itself, where the helmet was found, was not considered relevant until the end of the previous trial. It was sealed off once that was determined. For somepony to have brought it there for us to find, they would have had to bypass that seal. An impossibility, I'm afraid. Athena: Is that right... Private Eye, could you amend your testimony and add what you just said? Private Eye: Certainly, Ms. Cykes. Private Eye: No one knew the bog was related to the crime scene until the previous trial, after which it was sealed off. Nopony could have entered to plant the helmet. Athena:

Objection 2
Athena: Private Eye, I'm sorry to say that you're completely wrong about that last statement. Private Eye: I-is that so? Athena: It's true that the bog was sealed off at the end of the previous trial. But it's not true that nopony could have gotten in. ONE pony in particular would have had access to the scene. And, by having access, they would have had the chance to bring the helmet there to plant it, all in order to support Sugar Stamp's testimony. Luna: ! Y-You don't mean— Judge: Ms. Cykes, who could this pony be? Athena: There's only one answer, Your Honor. It's the pony who ordered that the bog be sealed off in the first place. PRIVATE EYE!! Twilight: P-P— Judge: PRIVATE EYE?! Private Eye: GNGH! Judge: Order, order, order! Ms. Cykes, I am starting to get tired of these repeated accusations towards every witness! Luna: As am I, Your Honor! Not only is this a reckless act, it is completely impossible! Athena: Why is that, Prosecutor Luna? Luna: You claimed that the detective brought the helmet to the bog himself? How? His fellow officers were on the scene—they would no doubt have noticed if he'd brought the helmet with him! Athena: That's true—they WOULD have been able to notice. But, what if they had no reason to? No reason to think he was carrying the helmet with him? Luna: What are you blabbering on about, defense? Athena: When Private Eye and his team went to the scene, he had in his possession something that he could've used to conceal the helmet. Judge: The... The victim's travel case?! Athena: Private was the one who brought this case to the scene that day. He ordered that the forest be sealed off, and opened only when he arrived. Meaning, Private Eye could have easily stashed the helmet inside this case prior to arriving at the forest, bringing it along with no one the wiser! Luna: T-This is absurd! Athena: If it's so absurd, then let's ask the witness himself! Private Eye: W-what in Equestria do you want me to say?! Athena: Well, why don't you repeat to the court your actions in the forest that day, including when you had the travel case with you? That should clear everything up. Private Eye: ... Athena: Not going to? That's fine. I think I've got a good enough handle on your movements to describe what you did. You and your team of investigators first went to the bog. You had the travel case with you, because you had taken it from the police station after we requested to see it. Once you got it, you stashed the helmet inside. When you arrived at the bog, and while your team was busy investigating, you planted the helmet at the mouth of the river so that it would be found later. Then, you and your team went into the Mirror Pool cavern. You placed the travel case there, open, on the cave floor, to show us when we arrived! THAT'S how the helmet ended up being planted—and how, as you said, it was a fabrication! And that means that it no longer supports Sugar Stamp's testimony. Which, itself, can now also be considered a complete FABRICATION! Private Eye: Ungh! Luna: N-No! I refuse to accept this, defense! There's still one thing you haven't explained—the one thing that your entire theory is predicated on! Athena: One thing? Luna: The blood on the letter opener! All this time you've claimed that it's not the murder weapon. And now you've claimed that this helmet is also fake! If it IS fake, how do you explain the blood? Athena: ... All right, Prosecutor Luna. I've got the evidence that explains that bloodstain right here! Private Eye: !! T-that's— Luna: Defense, what is that?! Athena: This is a blood sample I requested Private Eye give me while we were waiting in the lobby before today's trial. It contains the blood of the victim, Royal Order. Now, I'd asked Private Eye to get this blood sample in secret. The fact that it's here proves he certainly can conceal his movements. But let me ask this: Where would Private Eye have to go in order to get the blood sample of a deceased murder victim? Twilight: Probably wherever the body had been autopsied... Athena: And where would that be, Prosecutor Luna? Luna: C-Canterlot... Athena: Exactly. Royal Order WAS a member of the royal guard, after all. So Canterlot was where he was undergoing an autopsy. And Canterlot... Twilight: Was also where Private Eye and his team apprehended Sugar Stamp, as well as where they discovered the bloody letter opener. Athena: If he had the helmet with him while in Canterlot and got hold of a letter opener before arresting Sugar Stamp, then it would've been possible for him... Twilight: ...to put the helmet on the body and stab it with a letter opener, leaving the hole in the helmet and a bloody weapon as "proof" that she'd killed Royal Order! Athena: And THAT'S why the scene was sealed off until Private Eye returned from Canterlot! It was so he had all the time he needed to fabricate evidence to support Sugar Stamp's story! Luna: Very elaborate, Golden Pixie! So you say that the entirety of Sugar Stamp's story is a complete lie, one that our dear detective helped to create? Athena: I am, Prosecutor Luna. Luna: Then what of the planner? Doesn't THAT support the fact that Ms. Stamp really DID meet with Royal Order that night? Athena: Well, that's what we've been thinking, at least. But something about that planner has been bugging me. Judge: And what is that? Athena: Your Honor, the defense has just proven that the legitimacy of two pieces of evidence—the helmet and the letter opener—have to be called into question. In large part, that is because of their association with Private Eye. This planner also shares that characteristic. Judge: I-It does? Luna: Ms. Cykes... You mean to say...! But that would mean— Private Eye: And the writing in the journal matches Royal Order's—I checked and double-checked that one personally. Athena: Your Honor, this planner did not undergo testing by an entire forensic team. Instead, it has been tested by only one pony... Private Eye himself. Judge: My word! Athena: Your Honor, at this time I do not think we can trust this witness's words as to the legitimacy of all the pieces of evidence he's handled. As such, the defense requests that the planner be re-tested immediately, and the horn-writing inside be compared to that of both Royal Order and Private Eye. Judge: I agree! That is definitely the best course of action! Prosecutor Luna, do you have any objections? Uh... Prosecutor Luna? Luna: W-what? I mean... The prosecution... has no objections to the defense's request, Your Honor. Judge: Very well. Bailiff, see to it that the planner be re-tested. Judge: Well, then. Prosecutor Luna, have the planner and hornwriting been tested? Luna: They have, Your Honor. Judge: And what are the results? Luna: The horn-writing in the planner... ...does not match that of Royal Order, but rather, that of Private Eye. Private Eye: N-no! Athena: There you have it, Your Honor! Definitive proof that not only did Private Eye tamper with the facts of this case, but also, that Sugar Stamp's story cannot be taken as the truth! Judge: Witness! What do you have to say for yourself?! Private Eye: W-well now... That is... I... Fair Devotion:

Fair Devotion's "Truth"
Athena: F-Fair Devotion?! Fair Devotion: You are as persistent now as you were yesterday, Ms. Cykes. It's almost admirable. Athena: A-Almost? (W-what's with her all of a sudden? She seems colder...) Fair Devotion: Your Honor, I think I can explain, at the very least, why Sugar Stamp's story has so many problems with it. Athena: Y-You can?! Judge: But... How? The defense has just proven that it's all a lie! Fair Devotion: It's not a lie, Your Honor, but... I do believe that it's a story affected by all the events of that night. Judge: A-affected by... Fair Devotion: I'm sure I don't have to point out that seeing the murder was... a traumatic experience, for... all of those involved. Sugar Stamp may not be able to remember all of the details clearly, such as... the actual weapon she used to commit the crime. Sugar Stamp: It's true that my memory of that night is a little fuzzy... But I remember one thing for certain. I killed Royal Order. I KNOW I did. Judge: Y-yes, I suppose that it is reasonable to assume some degree of... memory loss occurred. Fair Devotion: I can also explain the detective's actions, though he'd need to see if I am correct. Private Eye: I would? Fair Devotion: Private Eye must have known of Sugar's guilt, but aside from her confession, he did not have the right amount of evidence to support it. With no way to prove her guilt, he decided he would have to take matters into his own hooves. And that's why... Private Eye: I see... My Lord. Judge: Y-yes, detective? Private Eye: It... pains me to have to admit this, but... what Ms. Devotion has just postulated... Was indeed my thought process. Judge: WHAT?! S-so you're saying... Athena: Y-you're really saying... Private Eye: It's true. Every word. I confess. I planted the helmet, and fabricated the weapon, as the defense stated. This was done for two reasons... To bring justice to Royal Order... And to prove the guilt of the true killer... Sugar Stamp.

Athena's Gambit
Judge: This is... a rather unprecedented series of events, I must admit. But... where does it leave us? Athena: Your Honor, it— Luna: It leaves us nowhere, defense. Athena: Huh? W-what do you mean? Luna: All this while, you have been focusing your efforts on trying to disprove Sugar Stamp's confession. What we've just heard from both Fair Devotion and Private Eye, however, discounts your entire premise. We're back where we started. Athena: But— Luna: More than that, though, we've gone off on a completely SEPARATE tangent thanks to your antics. Need I remind you what this trial is about? Athena: T-this trial... Luna: Sugar Stamp may have indeed confessed to killing Royal Order, but we are not here to determine her guilt on the matter. Today, we are here to determine the guilt of Ms. Sweetie Belle in regards to her OWN crime. You should attempt to focus on that, and not this other matter. Athena: Ngh! Judge: Prosecutor Luna raises a fair point. This trial is about the alleged murder of Royal Order by Ms. Sweetie Belle, and as such, we must focus on that case before diving into another. Athena: (N-no! I know Sugar Stamp's confession is a complete sham! And I know that her previous testimony can't be trusted, especially if it's reliant on her phony confession! B-but how can I demonstrate that definitively if Fair Devotion and Private Eye have now testified in support of what she said?) Luna: ... Defense. Athena: Y-yes, Prosecutor Luna? Luna: You appear to be at a loss. Athena: (Is it really that obvious?) Luna: Perhaps you, and the court, would benefit from a quick refresher. Judge: Proceed, Prosecutor Luna. Luna: Thus far we have heard testimony from two witnesses: Fair Devotion and Sugar Stamp. They claim to have witnessed the defendant accidentally killed Royal Order at the statue. We have also heard the reason why there were two Royal Orders that night—it was because of the affair he was having with Sugar Stamp. Earlier, the defense postulated that this affair may have been part of why Fair Devotion decided to venture into the Everfree Forest after her husband. That matter has not been settled, however, due to the defense attacking Sugar Stamp's confession and questioning its legitimacy. For us to get back on track, then, we should focus on these witnesses' initial testimonies once more. And perhaps more specifically, we should focus on Ms. Fair Devotion's testimony. Does that sound reasonable, defense? Athena: ... Fair Devotion: Oh, I see where this is going. Surely the defense isn't about to name ME a suspect because of this affair... And discredit MY testimony all to save her own client... IS SHE? Athena: ! (It's not just Luna anymore. Now Fair is trying to guide me as well. But... to have me name her a suspect? Why?) Twilight, do you have any idea what we should do? Twilight: W-well, I mean... I-it seems like we need to hear more testimony, in order to back up our claim again. But, we can't hear from Sugar Stamp, since she'll just double down on her confession... And Private Eye's already confessed to planting evidence to support her confession, because he believes it to be true. Athena: In other words, further testimony about what Sugar Stamp supposedly did wouldn't help us. The witnesses or the prosecution could easily back up her confession. Twilight: Right. So... Maybe if we heard testimony about something else that happened that night? From somepony else? Athena: Something from somepony else...? Twilight: Yeah... And, if I understand what Princess Luna's trying to do, she'd want us to hear from Fair Devotion. Athena: Right... Twilight: What's wrong, Athena? I mean, it does make the most amount of sense, doesn't it? Athena: It... does, but... I'm still not sure that's the right step to take. There's still something off about Fair Devotion. I can't place my finger on it, but it's enough to make me hesitant to follow Luna's suggestion. Twilight: Well, what else can we do? This seems like the only course of action we have left. And Princess Luna's trying to grant us as MANY chances as she can to help Sweetie Belle. Athena: Sweetie Belle... (She's the key to all of this, I'm sure of it. More than Fair Devotion or Sugar Stamp... I need to find a way to get her to speak up!) Judge: Defense, the court will have your answer. Will you hear additional testimony from Ms. Fair Devotion? Athena: ... Before I answer that, Your Honor, I'd like to ask the defendant something. Sweetie: ?? Luna: ... Ms. Cykes... Judge: Very well, defense. You may. Athena: Sweetie Belle... Sweetie: ... Athena: After everything we've just heard, is there anything you would like to add? Anything that comes to mind? Sweetie: ... Athena: (Ah... still relying on your right to remain silent. I see.) Very well, then. Your Honor, the defense is ready to declare its next course of action. Judge: You are? Then, that means you'd like to hear more testimony from Fair Devotion? Fair Devotion: I suppose if the defense really requires more from me— Athena: No, Your Honor, we won't. Fair Devotion: !! Twilight: W-wait, what? Judge: Y-you don't? Luna: What game are you playing now, defense? Athena: (Oh, I'm DONE playing games, Luna. Yours, Fair's, Sweetie's; it doesn't matter anymore. I'll force the truth out, no matter what I have to do. No more secrets. It's time we finally heard Sweetie's side of this story, and if she won't cooperate willingly... I'll MAKE her.) Your Honor, at this point, the defense... Would like to step down from defending Sweetie Belle. Twilight: A-Athena—!! Luna: Y-Y-You would— Sweetie: WHAT?!! A-Athena! What are you doing?! Judge: That's what I'd like to know! Ms. Cykes, what ARE you doing?! Luna: Have you lost your mind?! You can't just step down now! Athena: Actually, I can, Prosecutor Luna. I retain the right to decide who I defend, and who I do not. Sweetie: B-But you can't! W-what's gonna happen to me if you don't defend me?! Athena: I'd imagine that you'll be found guilty, thanks to the testimonies of Sugar Stamp and Fair Devotion. Fair Devotion: Ms. Cykes! Don't you think this is a bit rash? Sugar Stamp: Deva's right! You... You can't just quit now! Athena: Fair Devotion, you've already testified to having seen Sweetie Belle accidentally kill Royal Order. The same goes for you too, Sugar Stamp. Neither of you can back out now. FD & SS: !! Luna: Athena! You can't do this to Sweetie Belle! She's just a filly, for goodness' sake! Have you thought this through at ALL? Athena: I have, Prosecutor Luna, believe me. And I can assure you that this is the only way for us to find the truth. The REAL truth. Luna: But abandoning her— Athena: If Sweetie Belle is willing to testify, then I'll remain as her defense. Sweetie: !!! Athena: But I can't help somepony who won't even help themselves. Luna: ... Ms. Cykes... Athena: Please, Prosecutor Luna. I know this seems reckless of me, but I can assure you, I know what I'm doing. I KNOW this is the way forward. The only way. Please? Trust me. Luna: I... I will try, Ms. Cykes. Sweetie: W-what?! E-even you, Princess Luna? Luna: I am sorry, little one. But she raises a fair point. And it appears you must make a decision. Either you testify... or the defense formally steps down, and the prosecution does its duty. Sweetie: N-ngh! P-Princess Twilight! Twilight: !! Sweetie: P-Please! You gotta help me! Don't let Athena do this! Twilight: I... Athena: Twilight... I know what this looks like, but we HAVE to hear from Sweetie Belle somehow. This... This was the only way I could think of. Twilight: ... Yes, you're right. We HAVE to hear from her. Athena: Does that mean... Sweetie: P-Princess Twilight...? Twilight: Your Honor, the co-counsel for the defense agrees with this decision. As such... Unless Sweetie Belle chooses to testify... the defense will step down. Sweetie: N-No, please, no... Judge: Hrm... This is all rather unconventional. Luna: These are unconventional times, Your Honor... And sometimes they call for unconventional methods. Judge: So they do... Very well. The court accepts the defense's decision to step down— Sweetie: !! Athena: ... Sweetie: ... Fine. I'll do it. I'll testify. Judge: Ms. Cykes. I take it this means you will continue on as the defendant's lawyer? Athena: I will, Your Honor. Judge: Duly noted. Now, Prosecutor Luna. Do you have any objections to hearing the defendant testify? Luna: I do not, Your Honor. Judge: Good. In which case, I call for a twenty minutes recess to allow all parties to prepare themselves. When we reconvene, we will hear Sweetie Belle's testimony Sweetie: And hope you don't regret it... Athena: ... Judge: Court is adjourned!

To Be Continued...